bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathobiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Dyslipidemia: Focus on the Liver
Authors: Mirrakhimov Aibek E. , Ali Alaa M.
Published: January 2013

Obstructive sleep apnea and dyslipidemia are common medical disorders that independently increase vascular morbidity and mortality. Current animal and human data show that, indeed, obstructive sleep apnea may mediate pathological alterations in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. The mechanisms involved are increased lipolysis, decreased lipoprotein clearance, and enhanced lipid output from the liver. Human evidence shows that the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure leads to an improvement of postprandial hyperlipidemia. However, more studies are needed, to clarify the pathophysiology of the interrelationship between obstructive sleep apnea and dyslipidemia and whether treatment of obstructive sleep apnea will lead to an improvement in the lipid profile and, more importantly, reduce hyperlipidemia-related vascular outcomes.
Negative Symptoms of Psychosis Correlate with Gene Expression of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Peripheral Blood
Authors: Bousman Chad A. , Glatt Stephen J. , Chandler Sharon D. , Lohr James , Kremen William S. , Tsuang Ming T. , Everall Ian P.
Published: January 2013

Genes in the Wnt (wingless)/β-catenin signaling pathway have been implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis. No study has examined this pathway in the broader context of psychosis symptom severity. We investigated the association between symptom severity scores and expression of 25 Wnt pathway genes in blood from 19 psychotic patients. Significant correlations between negative symptom scores and deshivelled 2 (DVL2) (radj=−0.70;P=0.0008) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) (radj=0.48;P=0.039) were observed. No gene expression levels were associated with positive symptoms. Our findings suggest that the Wnt signaling pathway may harbor biomarkers for severity of negative but not positive symptoms.
Dielectric Properties of La2O3 Doped Composite (PbxSr1−x)TiO3 Borosilicate Glass Ceramic
Authors: Gautam C. R. , Kumar Devendra , Parkash Om , Thakur O. P.
Published: January 2013

Ferroelectric (PbxSr1−x)TiO3 (PST) perovskite phase has been crystallized in borosilicate glassy matrix with a suitable choice of composition and heat treatment schedule. La2O3 is a donor dopant for PST and can make it semiconducting. Dispersion of semiconducting perovskite phase in insulating glassy matrix in glass-ceramic samples may lead to the formation of space charge polarization around crystal-glass interface, leading to a high value of effective dielectric constant, εr. Therefore, with the aim of the developing glass ceramics with high dielectric constant, glasses in the system 64[(PbxSr1−x)O·TiO2]-25[2SiO2·B2O3]-5[K2O]-5[BaO]-1[La2O3] have been prepared (0.5≤x≤1). It is found that the addition of La2O3 strongly affected the crystallization and dielectric behavior of glass-ceramic with PST perovskite phase. All glass ceramic samples show a diffuse broad Curie peak in their εr versus T plots. Curie peak temperature, Tc, depends on compositions of the glass-ceramic samples as well as frequency of measurements.
Possibility of NiCuZn Ferrites Composition for Stress Sensor Applications
Authors: Reddy M. Penchal , Madhuri W. , Ramana M. Venkata , Kim I. G. , Yoo D. S. , Reddy N. Ramamanohar , Kumar K. V. Siva , Subbaiah D. V. , Reddy R. Ramakrishna
Published: January 2013

NiCuZn ferrite with composition of (NCu0.10Zn0.60F) (where , 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10) was prepared by the conventional ceramic double sintering technique. The formation of single phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The microstructural features were also studied by electronic microscopy and are reported. Initial permeability measurements on these samples were carried out in the temperature range of 30 to 300°C. The effect of external applied stress on the open magnetic circuit type coil with these ferrite cores was studied by applying uniaxial compressive stress parallel to the magnetizing direction and the change in the inductance was measured. The variation of inductance (ΔL/L)% increases up to certain applied compressive stress and there after it decreases, showing different stress sensitivities for different compositions of ferrites studied in the present work. The variation of ratio of inductance (ΔL/L)% with external applied compressive stress was examined. These results show that the Ni0.42Cu0.10Zn0.60Fe1.76O3.76 and Ni0.44Cu0.10Zn0.60Fe1.72O3.72 samples are found to be suitable for inductive stress sensor applications.
Application of CMAC Neural Network to Solar Energy Heliostat Field Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Pai Neng-Sheng , Yau Her-Terng , Hung Tzu-Hsiang , Hung Chin-Pao
Published: January 2013

Solar energy heliostat fields comprise numerous sun tracking platforms. As a result, fault detection is a highly challenging problem. Accordingly, the present study proposes a cerebellar model arithmetic computer (CMAC) neutral network for automatically diagnosing faults within the heliostat field in accordance with the rotational speed, vibration, and temperature characteristics of the individual heliostat transmission systems. As compared with radial basis function (RBF) neural network and back propagation (BP) neural network in the heliostat field fault diagnosis, the experimental results show that the proposed neural network has a low training time, good robustness, and a reliable diagnostic performance. As a result, it provides an ideal solution for fault diagnosis in modern, large-scale heliostat fields.
Antitumor Effect of Periplocin in TRAIL-Resistant Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Downregulation of IAPs
Authors: Cheng Chieh-Fang , Lu I-Huang , Tseng Hsiang-Wen , Sun Chung-Yuan , Lin Li-Tsen , Kuo Zong-Keng , Pan I-Horng , Ko Ching-Huai
Published: January 2013

Cortex periplocae is the dried root bark ofPeriploca sepiumBge., a traditional Chinese herb medicine. It contains high amounts of cardiac glycosides. Several cardiac glycosides have been reported to inhibit tumor growth or induce tumor cell apoptosis. We extracted and purified cortex periplocae and identified periplocin as the active ingredient that inhibited the growth of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-(TRAIL-) resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The antitumor activity of periplocin was further increased by TRAIL cotreatment. Periplocin sensitized TRAIL-resistant HCC through the following two mechanisms. First, periplocin induced the expression of DR4 and FADD. Second, the cotreatment of TRAIL and periplocin suppressed several inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs). Both mechanisms resulted in the activation of caspase 3, 8, and 9 and led to cell apoptosis. In addition, intraperitoneal injection (IP) of periplocin repressed the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in xenograft tumor model in mice. In summary, periplocin sensitized TRAIL-resistant HCC cells to TRAIL treatment and resulted in tumor cell apoptosis and the repression of tumor growthin vivo.
Testing a Crime Control Model: Does Strategic and Directed Deployment of Police Officers Lead to Lower Crime?
Authors: McElvain James P. , Kposowa Augustine J. , Gray Brian C.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the paper was to investigate whether implementation of a crime control model (based, in part, on the concepts of COMPSTAT) in one southern California city was effective in reducing crime. Time series regression models were fitted to data collected from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, city of Perris, for the years 2000 through 2010. Additional data were collected from three other cities that served as controls. Results showed that the program was effective in reducing crime rates in Perris. The effect remained significant even after taking into account time trends and control cities. Analysis also found that while the program was more effective in lessening total and property crime rates, it was less so for violent crime rates. It was concluded that strategic and directed policing models (e.g., COMPSTAT, hot spot policing, etc.) may be more effective in crime reduction efforts than reactive policing methods.
GSK3β Phosphorylates Newly Identified Site in the Proline-Alanine–Rich Region of Cardiac Myosin–Binding Protein C and Alters Cross-Bridge Cycling Kinetics in Human
Authors: Kuster Diederik W. D. , Sequeira Vasco , Najafi Aref , Boontje Nicky M. , Wijnker Paul J. M. , Witjas-Paalberends E. Rosalie , Marston Steven B. , dos Remedios Cristobal G. , Carrier Lucie , Demmers Jeroen A. A. , Redwood Charles , Sadayappan Sakthivel , van der Velden Jolanda
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Cardiac myosin–binding protein C (cMyBP-C) regulates cross-bridge cycling kinetics and, thereby, fine-tunes the rate of cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation. Its effects on cardiac kinetics are modified by phosphorylation. Three phosphorylation sites (Ser275, Ser284, and Ser304) have been identified in vivo, all located in the cardiac-specific M-domain of cMyBP-C. However, recent work has shown that up to 4 phosphate groups are present in human cMyBP-C.

Objective:

To identify and characterize additional phosphorylation sites in human cMyBP-C.

Methods and Results:

Cardiac MyBP-C was semipurified from human heart tissue. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified a novel phosphorylation site on serine 133 in the proline-alanine–rich linker sequence between the C0 and C1 domains of cMyBP-C. Unlike the known sites, Ser133 was not a target of protein kinase A. In silico kinase prediction revealed glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) as the most likely kinase to phosphorylate Ser133. In vitro incubation of the C0C2 fragment of cMyBP-C with GSK3β showed phosphorylation on Ser133. In addition, GSK3β phosphorylated Ser304, although the degree of phosphorylation was less compared with protein kinase A–induced phosphorylation at Ser304. GSK3β treatment of single membrane–permeabilized human cardiomyocytes significantly enhanced the maximal rate of tension redevelopment.

Conclusions:

GSK3β phosphorylates cMyBP-C on a novel site, which is positioned in the proline-alanine–rich region and increases kinetics of force development, suggesting a noncanonical role for GSK3β at the sarcomere level. Phosphorylation of Ser133 in the linker domain of cMyBP-C may be a novel mechanism to regulate sarcomere kinetics.
Frequency of Myocardial Infarction and Its Relationship to Angiographic Collateral Flow in Territories Supplied by Chronically Occluded Coronary Arteries
Authors: Choi Jin-Ho , Chang Sung-A , Choi Jin-Oh , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo-Yong , Choi Seung Hyuk , Lee Sang-Chol , Lee Sang-Hoon , Oh Jae K. , Choe YeonHyeon , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol
Published: January 2013

Background—

Despite complete interruption of antegrade coronary artery flow in the setting of a chronic total occlusion (CTO), clinical recognition of myocardial infarction is often challenging. Using cardiac MRI, we investigated the frequency and extent of myocardial infarction in patients with CTO, and assessed their relationship with regional systolic function and the extent of angiographic collateral flow.

Methods and Results—

We included 170 consecutive patients (median age, 62 years) with angiographically documented CTO. Regional late gadolinium enhancement and wall motion score index were assessed by cardiac MRI with the use of a 17-segment model. Angiographic collateral flow was assessed by the collateral connection grade and the Rentrop score. Evidence of previous myocardial infarction was found in 25% of patients by ECG Q waves, in 69% by regional wall motion abnormality, and in 86% of patients by late gadolinium enhancement. Increased angiographic collateral flow was associated with a lower frequency of Q waves on ECG, and a lower regional wall motion score index, late gadolinium enhancement volume (%), and degree of late gadolinium enhancement transmurality (all
P
<0.001), as well.

Conclusions—

The frequency of myocardial infarction in territories subtended by CTO is significantly higher than previously recognized. The degree of myocardial injury downstream epicardial CTO is inversely correlated with the degree of angiographic collaterals.
Reduction in First and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events With Ticagrelor Compared With Clopidogrel in the PLATO Study
Authors: Kohli Payal , Wallentin Lars , Reyes Eric , Horrow Jay , Husted Steen , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Ardissino Diego , Maurer Gerald , Morais Joao , Nicolau José C. , Oto Ali , Storey Robert F. , James Stefan K. , Cannon Christopher P.
Published: January 2013

Background—

We sought to evaluate the effect of potent platelet inhibition after acute coronary syndrome on total (ie, first and recurrent) occurrences of any of the primary outcome events (eg, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) as well as on other ischemic events, such as urgent revascularization, (severe) recurrent ischemia, transient ischemic attacks, and arterial thrombotic events.

Methods and Results—

In the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) study, 18 624 patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes randomly received ticagrelor (n=9333) or clopidogrel (n=9291). Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate time to first event and hazard ratios. Total events were compared using a Poisson regression model, and time to second event or death was calculated with the Wei Lin Weissfeld method. Patients randomized to ticagrelor had 1057 total primary end point events versus 1225 for patients on clopidogrel (rate ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.93;
P
=0.003). The number of additional events was numerically lower for ticagrelor (189 versus 205;
P
=0.40), resulting in a hazard for time to second event/death of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.90;
P
<0.001) and a number needed to treat of 54. For cardiovascular death/myocardial infarction/stroke/(severe) recurrent ischemia/transient ischemic attack/arterial thrombotic events, total events were fewer with ticagrelor (2030 versus 2290; rate ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.95;
P
<0.001), with fewer recurrent events with ticagrelor (740 versus 834;
P
=0.01) and a highly significant concurrent reduction in hazard for time to second event or death of 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.91;
P
<0.001). Recurrent PLATO major or Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major non–coronary artery bypass graft bleeding events were infrequent and not different between the two therapies (
P
=0.96 and 0.38, respectively).

Conclusions—

In PLATO, treatment with ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel resulted in a reduction in total events, including first and subsequent recurrent cardiovascular events, when compared with clopidogrel. These types of analyses demonstrate an even greater absolute benefit of ticagrelor over clopidogrel than previously reported.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00391872.
A History of Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack Indicates High Risks of Cardiovascular Event and Hemorrhagic Stroke in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ducrocq Gregory , Amarenco Pierre , Labreuche Julien , Alberts Mark J. , Mas Jean-Louis , Ohman E. Magnus , Goto Shinya , Lavallée Philippa , Bhatt Deepak L. , Steg Ph. Gabriel
Published: January 2013

Background—

Randomized trials of antithrombotics in coronary artery disease have identified previous stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) as a marker of increased intracranial bleeding risk. We aimed to further characterize the risk of ischemic and bleeding events associated with a history of stroke/TIA in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

From the international REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) registry of atherothrombosis, baseline characteristics and 4-year follow-up of 26 389 patients with coronary artery disease, including 4460 patients (16.9%) with a history of stroke/TIA, were analyzed. Patients with previous stroke/TIA had a higher rate of recurrent cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) than patients without (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–1.65;
P
<0.001) and specifically of nonfatal ischemic stroke (adjusted HR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.62–3.57;
P
<0.001) and nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke rates (adjusted HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.00–3.08;
P
=0.05). Excess risk for nonfatal hemorrhagic stroke appeared confined to the 1st year after a stroke/TIA (adjusted HR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.51–6.08 for the first year) and was particularly high in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (adjusted HR, 5.21; 95% CI, 1.24–21.90).

Conclusions—

In patients with coronary artery disease, a history of stroke/TIA is associated with an independent increase in risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (the latter being smaller in absolute terms). This excess risk of hemorrhagic stroke is particularly high in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy and in the 1st year after stroke/TIA. This observation is important for selection of antithrombotic therapy in these patients.
Cost-Effectiveness of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug Eluting Stents Versus Bypass Surgery for Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Farkouh Michael E. , Fuster Valentin , Wang Kaijun , Vilain Katherine , Li Haiyan , Appelwick Jaime , Muratov Victoria , Sleeper Lynn A. , Boineau Robin , Abdallah Mouin , Cohen David J.
Published: January 2013

Background—

Studies from the balloon angioplasty and bare metal stent eras have demonstrated that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is cost-effective compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients undergoing multivessel coronary revascularization—particularly among patients with complex coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus. Whether these results apply in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Between 2005 and 2010, 1900 patients with diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary artery disease were randomized to PCI with DES (DES-PCI; n=953) or CABG (n=947). Costs were assessed from the perspective of the U.S. health care system. Health state utilities were assessed using the EuroQOL 5 dimension 3 level questionnaire. A patient-level microsimulation model based on U.S. life-tables and in-trial results was used to estimate lifetime cost-effectiveness. Although initial procedural costs were lower for CABG, total costs for the index hospitalization were $8622 higher per patient. Over the next 5 years, follow-up costs were higher with PCI, owing to more frequent repeat revascularization and higher outpatient medication costs. Nonetheless, cumulative 5-year costs remained $3641 higher per patient with CABG. Although there were only modest gains in survival with CABG during the trial period, when the in-trial results were extended to a lifetime horizon, CABG was projected to be economically attractive relative to DES-PCI, with substantial gains in both life expectancy and quality-adjusted life expectancy and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios <$10 000 per life-year or quality-adjusted life-year gained across a broad range of assumptions regarding the effect of CABG on post-trial survival and costs.

Conclusions—

Despite higher initial costs, CABG is a highly cost-effective revascularization strategy compared with DES-PCI for patients with diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinical-trials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00086450.
Critical and Acute Limb Ischemia
Authors: Falluji Nezar , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: January 2013

Some patients with peripheral arterial disease may present with critical limb ischemia, a condition associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and effective medical therapy and revascularization are indicated to avoid amputation and reduce mortality. Ideally, a multidisciplinary approach with collaboration between endovascular interventionist, vascular surgeons, podiatrist, infectious disease, and wound care specialist is recommended for these patients.
A Systematic Review of the Juvenile Justice Intervention Literature
Authors: Evans-Chase Michelle , Zhou Huiquan
Published: January 2013

A pool of 141 juvenile justice intervention studies conducted in the United States, utilizing a control group, reporting quantitative outcomes and spanning the years 1996 to 2009 were identified via electronic searches. Study inclusion into the summary of best practices was based on the demonstrated equivalence of study groups (treatment and control) at the start of the study, the equivalence of the study groups at posttest, and the degree to which fidelity to treatment procedures was demonstrated. Of the 141 studies, 120 failed quality review, mostly due to fidelity issues. Of the 21 articles that passed, 76% used a therapeutic approach (vs. behavioral control) to behavioral change, with the treatment group outperforming the control group in 88% of the therapeutic intervention studies.
General Strain Theory As a Basis for the Design of School Interventions
Authors: Moon Byongook , Morash Merry
Published: January 2013

The research described in this article applies general strain theory to identify possible points of intervention for reducing delinquency of students in two middle schools. Data were collected from 296 youths, and separate negative binomial regression analyses were used to identify predictors of violent, property, and status delinquency. Emotional punishment by teachers and youths’ prior victimization are significant predictors of delinquency. Strained youths are especially likely to commit various delinquent behaviors if they associate with delinquent peers, while they are less likely to be involved in violent and property-related delinquency if they report a positive relationship with parents. The findings suggest the need for programmatic attention to youths’ criminal victimization and teachers’ use of emotional punishment as well as youths’ relations with parents and involvement with delinquent peers in the two schools studied.
A Stab in the Dark?
Authors: Tompson Lisa , Bowers Kate
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

Test the influence of darkness in the street robbery crime event alongside temperature.

Methods:

Negative binomial regression models tested darkness and temperature as predictors of street robbery. Units of analysis were four 6-hr time intervals in two U.K. study areas that have different levels of darkness and variations of temperature throughout the year.

Results:

Darkness is a key factor related to robbery events in both study areas. Traversing from full daylight to full darkness increased the predicted volume of robbery by a multiple of 2.6 in London and 1.2 in Glasgow. Temperature was significant only in the London study area. Interaction terms did not enhance the predictive power of the models.

Conclusion:

Darkness is an important driving factor in seasonal variation of street robbery. A further implication of the research is that time of the day patterns are crucial to understanding seasonal trends in crime data.
Selective Exposure in the Age of Social Media
Authors: Messing Solomon , Westwood Sean J.
Published: January 2013

Much of the literature on polarization and selective exposure presumes that the internet exacerbates the fragmentation of the media and the citizenry. Yet this ignores how the widespread use of social media changes news consumption. Social media provide readers a choice of stories from different sources that come recommended from politically heterogeneous individuals, in a context that emphasizes social value over partisan affiliation. Building on existing models of news selectivity to emphasize information utility, we hypothesize that social media’s distinctive feature, social endorsements, trigger several decision heuristics that suggest utility. In two experiments, we demonstrate that stronger social endorsements increase the probability that people select content and that their presence reduces partisan selective exposure to levels indistinguishable from chance.
What a Difference a Day Makes? The Effects of Repetitive and Competitive News Framing Over Time
Authors: Lecheler Sophie , de Vreese Claes H.
Published: January 2013

Based on a “classic” framing experiment ( N = 1,324), this study empirically mimics the dynamic nature of framing effects over time. We integrate (a) multiple frame exposures as well as (b) various tests for duration of framing effects into our study design. Our results show that exposure to repetitive frames does not systematically strengthen effects on opinion formation. However, effects can get stronger when the delay between two exposures is short. Competitive news framing is characterized by recency effects; that is, the latest frame has the strongest impact on opinion formation. Political knowledge functions as a moderator for both effect mechanisms. Participants with higher levels of political knowledge are less prone to recency effects, but show stronger signs of a cumulative framing effect. The results of this study have important methodological and substantive ramifications for framing effects research, as well as for our understanding of the real-life impact of framed media messages on opinions.
Formal/Informal Dialectics and the Self-Transformation of Spatial Planning Systems
Authors: Van Assche Kristof , Beunen Raoul , Duineveld Martijn
Published: January 2013

In this article, we present a perspective on the interaction between formal and informal institutions in spatial planning in which they transform each other continuously, in processes that can be described and analyzed as ongoing reinterpretations. The effects of configurations and dialectics are often ambiguous, only partially observable, different in different domains and at different times. By means of analyses of key concepts in planning theory and practice, this perspective is illustrated and developed. Finally, we analyze transformation options in planning systems, emphasizing the limits of formal institutions in transforming formal/informal configurations, and stressing the importance of judgment and conflict.
Multi-country, cross-national comparison of youth suicide ideation: Findings from Global School-based Health Surveys
Authors: Page Randy M. , Saumweber Jacqueline , Hall P. Cougar , Crookston Benjamin T. , West Joshua H.
Published: January 2013

This study describes the prevalence of suicide ideation in 109 Global School-based Health Surveys (GSHS) conducted from 2003–2010 representing 49 different countries and 266,694 school-attending students aged 13–15 years primarily living in developing areas of the World. Prevalence of suicide ideation varied widely among and between countries, regions, and by gender, with an overall mean prevalence of suicide ideation of 15.3%. When grouped by region, Africa had the highest percentage of participants reporting suicide ideation (19.8%). The wide variability in the prevalence of suicide ideation found in this study confirms that school psychologists and counselors must be prepared to deal with the unique needs and characteristics of the specific populations of youth they serve, as the needs are likely to vary substantially from locality to locality, and country to country.
The continued development and practice of school psychology in Singapore: Using REACH as an Illustration
Authors: Ooi Yoon Phaik , Ang Rebecca P. , Ibrahim Noor Haslinda , Koh Delphine , Lee Poh Yin , Ong Lue Ping , Wong Geraldine , Fung Daniel S. S.
Published: January 2013

School psychology in Singapore gained greater prominence with the development of the National Mental Health Blueprint in 2007 that included a focus on children and adolescents. A partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education was formed to develop a community mental health pilot program called ‘Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health for Students’ (REACH). Disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) are among the most common disorders seen in schools and child psychiatric clinics in Singapore. Children with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) often exhibit deficits in social cognition and behavior, thereby influencing their cognitive appraisal processes and interpersonal problem-solving skills. This in turn affects their processing and interpretation of social cues in ambiguous situations, and mars subsequent production of socially competent behavior. This article describes a potential framework based on the cognitive-behavioral approach for working with children with disruptive behaviors and aggression in the school system. By combining REACH, a national collaborative framework, and evidence-based treatment programs, we provide a promising model of care to support children and their families in Singapore.
Will we be lost without paper maps in the digital age?
Authors: Hurst Paul , Clough Paul
Published: January 2013

Paper has been the format of choice for disseminating geographic information for millennia; however the arrival of the internet and mobile technologies has created new modes of map consumption. This paper investigates the future role of paper mapping in a society where access to online digital mapping is freely available. The research consists of an online survey to investigate how people use and view online/digital and paper maps, together with a task-based user study to investigate the suitability of each map format for a variety of given tasks. Similar to previous research, we categorize participants into two groups (experts and non-experts/novices) based on their level of geographic skill. Results demonstrate that geographic knowledge and the context of use clearly relate to preference of map format. As geographic skill increases, there is a greater preference for paper maps; non-experts prefer online/digital maps. Also, paper is the preferred medium for planning and executing navigation on foot across all groups. Overall, results suggest that paper maps are here to stay for the foreseeable future and remain the preferred choice for some in the digital age.
Sibling Similarities and Sharing the Care of Older Parents
Authors: Tolkacheva Natalia , van Groenou Marjolein Broese , van Tilburg Theo
Published: January 2013

This study examines the degree to which the sharing of parental care, as indicated by the amount of children participating in caregiving and by equality in caregiving intensity, is associated with similarities among sibling characteristics. A selected sample of 186 parents with at least two children was asked to report on the assistance provided by all their children. Results reveal that in most families the care was shared between children. However, there was a large variation in caregiving intensity. Multivariate regression analyses show that similarities in employment status among children predicted a higher chance that the care was shared and a higher degree of equality in caregiving intensity among siblings. Similarities in partner status and emotional support exchanges with parents were associated with the equality among siblings in caregiving intensity. Results from this study suggest that siblings with similar characteristics and opportunities are more likely to share care (equally).
Paradoxes of the Flesh
Authors: Duncan Margaret Carlisle , Klos Lori A.
Published: January 2013

Analyzing women’s fitness/beauty magazines for advice on diet and exercise reveals a range of contradictions, the focus of this research. Contradictory diet and fitness discourses signify our culture’s paradoxical expectations for women’s bodies, ensuring that virtually no woman can measure up. In short, the production of feminine bodies is rigged for failure. Starting with Spitzack’s (1990) initial insights into the “aesthetics of health” and fat as disease, we explicate, through textual analysis, the underlying principles of eight essential contradictions in diet and fitness discourses (e.g., diets are freeing), principles that both necessitate and enable the discursive net in which contemporary women are ensnared. Comparisons are drawn between the themes that Spitzack elaborated and those uncovered by our examination 20 years later. Connections are made to the obesity “epidemic” and implications are discussed. Future research should investigate the actual interpretation and utilization of these contradictory messages among magazine readers.
Retention of idioms following one-time exposure
Authors: Reuterskiöld Christina , Van Lancker Sidtis Diana
Published: January 2013

This study explored retention of idioms and novel (i.e. newly created or grammatically generated) expressions in English-speaking girls following exposure only once during a conversation. Our hypothesis was that idioms, because of their inherent holistic, nonliteral and social characteristics, are acquired differently and more rapidly than novel utterances. Two age groups of typically developing girls, 8–9 and 12–14-year-olds, were exposed to low-frequency idioms and matched novel expressions within a conversational context. Recognition and comprehension of target and nontarget idioms and novel expressions were compared following the exposure period. Ratings were obtained from participants and parents about idiom familiarity. Participants recognized significantly more target idioms than novel expressions following exposure and scored higher on comprehension of target idioms than nontarget idioms. Recognition scores did not differ significantly by age groups, but older children performed significantly better on comprehension of target idioms.
The production of referring expressions in oral narratives of Chinese–English bilingual speakers and monolingual peers
Authors: Chen Liang , Lei Jianghua
Published: January 2013

This study evaluates the extent to which the production of referring expressions such as noun phrases and pronouns to fulfill various discourse functions in narratives of Chinese–English bilingual children matches that of their monolingual peers in each of the two languages. Spoken narratives in English and Chinese were elicited from 30 9-year-old participants from each of the three groups: Chinese–English bilinguals and their monolingual peers in each of the two languages using the wordless picture book Frog, Where Are You? (Mayer, 1969). Narrative analysis focused on the referring expressions that are used to introduce, re-introduce, and maintain reference to story characters in the narratives. Results show that (1) monolingual Chinese and English speakers differed significantly in the preferred referring expressions for the discourse functions; (2) the Chinese–English bilinguals differed from their monolingual peers in the distribution of referring expressions for referent introduction in English and re-introduction in Chinese; and (3) bilinguals resembled their monolingual peers in their differentiated use of referring expressions for referent maintenance in each of the two languages. These results suggest that the patterns of production of referring expressions in discourse by bilingual speakers may be unique, and fall in between those by their monolingual peers in each of the languages.
Diagnosing language impairment in bilinguals: Professional experience and perception
Authors: O’Toole Ciara , Hickey Tina M
Published: January 2013

Diagnosing specific language impairment (SLI) in monolingual children is a complex task, with some controversy regarding criteria. Diagnosis of SLI in bilinguals is made more complex by the lack of standardized assessments and poor understanding of clinical markers in languages other than English. There is an added complexity when one of the languages being acquired is an endangered one, where the domains of use and input are restricted, and where input is affected by convergence with the majority language. This article explores the challenge facing speech and language therapists and psychologists in diagnosing SLI in bilingual children acquiring Irish and English. Six speech and language therapists and four psychologists took part in semi-structured interviews exploring the impact of the bilingual environment, the nature of bilingual language impairment, current practices and the needs of these children. Thematic analysis was carried out and here three of the main themes emerging in the areas of assessment, the bilingual environment and characteristics of language impairment in this population are discussed. For assessment, an overriding theme was the requirement of standardized testing to secure additional educational and therapy resources for these children. However, because there are no standardized tests available in Irish, both professions end up translating existing English-based language and psychological assessments, using the norms provided to achieve standard scores. Both professions expressed strong dissatisfaction with this practice but saw little choice, given the Department of Education’s approach to allocation of supports. Language impairment in Irish was characterized by lexical difficulties, particularly with verbs and prepositions, tense errors, and significant borrowing and code-switching with English. Other themes that emerged were the growing influence of English as the children became older, which affected both attitudes to the minority Irish language as well as the content and structure of the language itself. The implications for service provision for bilingual populations in general are outlined.
Simultaneous bilingual language acquisition: The role of parental input on receptive vocabulary development
Authors: MacLeod Andrea AN , Fabiano-Smith Leah , Boegner-Pagé Sarah , Fontolliet Salomé
Published: January 2013

Parents often turn to educators and healthcare professionals for advice on how to best support their child’s language development. These professionals frequently suggest implementing the ‘one-parent–one-language’ approach to ensure consistent exposure to both languages. The goal of this study was to understand how language exposure influences the receptive vocabulary development of simultaneous bilingual children. To this end, we targeted nine German–French children growing up in bilingual families. Their exposure to each language within and outside the home was measured, as were their receptive vocabulary abilities in German and French. The results indicate that children are receiving imbalanced exposure to each language. This imbalance is leading to a slowed development of the receptive vocabulary in the minority language, while the majority language is keeping pace with monolingual peers. The one-parent–one-language approach does not appear to support the development of both of the child’s languages in the context described in the present study. Bilingual families may need to consider other options for supporting the bilingual language development of their children. As professionals, we need to provide parents with advice that is based on available data and that is flexible with regards to the current and future needs of the child and his family.
Organizational Turnaround and Educational Performance
Authors: Rutherford Amanda
Published: January 2013

How do accountability policies affect failing organizations? Are additional interventions used to improve underperforming agencies effective in raising performance outputs? This article investigates the effectiveness of turnaround policies in organizations that persistently fail to meet accountability standards. Using Performance-Based Monitoring Analysis System data from169 school districts in Texas, this article shows that turnaround interventions have only limited success. While monitoring strategies work for the most salient performance indicator in the short term, improvements quickly dissipate following an intervention. Supporting the notion that management matters, results also show that the type of monitor assigned to a failing school can affect the extent of improvement in performance.
Institutions Trust Institutions Critiques by Artists of the BP/Tate Partnership
Authors: Chong Derrick
Published: January 2013

This article reevaluates the ethics of arts sponsorship by multinational capitalism as one consequence of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico catastrophe. Tate’s partnership with BP is the focus of scrutiny. BP is cast as not being socially responsible, with Tate drawn into a carbon-based economy of cultural institutions that lend weight to Big Oil. Attention is devoted to why and how artists traveling under the flag of institutional critique—Hans Haacke and three collectives of artists know as Platform, Art Not Oil, and Liberate Tate—seized the opportunity of Tate’s 2010 Summer Party to mark two decades of BP support and to challenge this partnership. Hans Magnus Enzensberger’s “consciousness industry” helps to locate current discussions on the privatization and social control of the public domain. An alternative perspective to relationships between business and the arts is offered.
Demographics and the fate of the young scientist
Authors: Arbesman Samuel , Wray K Brad
Published: January 2013

Many have suggested that young scientists are having a more difficult time getting research grants, citing the fact that the average age of recipients of prestigious grants is getting higher. We present a population model that suggests that the reason the average age of grant recipients is now higher is because the growth rate of science has slowed down in the last four decades.
The Neuropsychological Contributors to Psychopathic Personality Traits in Adolescence
Authors: May Joshua S. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: January 2013

Research has consistently revealed that measures of psychopathy and psychopathic personality traits represent some of the most consistent predictors of violent criminal involvement. As a result, there has been a considerable amount of interest in trying to identify the various etiological factors related to psychopathy. The current study builds on this existing body of literature by examining the association between neuropsychological deficits and psychopathic personality traits. Data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care were analyzed. Adolescent psychopathic personality traits were measured with a 15-item scale drawn from the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI), whereas neuropsychological functioning was assessed with a number of standardized tests of cognitive skills. Analyses revealed that neuropsychological deficits were significantly related to psychopathy measures across all four measurement phases. Neuropsychological deficits also predicted scoring in the top 5% of psychopathic personality traits.
Recidivism Among Participants of an Employment Assistance Program for Prisoners and Offenders
Authors: Graffam Joseph , Shinkfield Alison J. , Lavelle Barbara
Published: January 2013

Recidivism outcomes were examined over a 2-year postrelease period for participants of an Australian employment assistance program. The voluntary 12-month program operated from 17 Victorian correctional locations, 7 prisons, and 10 community corrections locations, targeting participants at moderate to high risk of reoffending. Recidivism outcomes included simple rates of reoffending for the whole program ( N = 3,034 registered participants) and analyses of rate and seriousness of reoffending and extent of poly-offending for a random sample of 600 program participants and 600 nonparticipants. Offending among program participants’ pre- and post-registration was also investigated. Results showed a very low rate of reoffending (7.46%) for the entire program participant group while engaged in the program. As well, program participants had significantly lower levels of recidivism than nonparticipants, and postregistration offending was significantly lower than preregistration offending. Findings indicate that long-term postrelease employment support programs provide positive benefits in terms of reduced reoffending.
Relationship between headache and mucosal mast cells in pediatric Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia
Authors: Yeom Jung Sook , Choi Myung Bum , Seo Ji-Hyun , Park Ji Sook , Lim Jae-Young , Park Chan-Hoo , Woo Hyang-Ok , Youn Hee-Shang , Ko Gyung-Hyuck , Baik Seung-Chul , Lee Woo-Kon , Cho Myung-Je , Rhee Kwang-Ho
Published: January 2013

Background

Although many patients with functional dyspepsia experience headache concurrently with dyspeptic symptoms, studies suggesting mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are limited. Herein, we explore the relationship between gastrointestinal inflammatory cells and presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms in children with Helicobacter pylori-negative functional dyspepsia.

Methods

Fifty-six patients with H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia underwent upper endoscopy with biopsy to investigate recurrent epigastric pain or discomfort. Patients were divided into two groups according to self-reported presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms. Inflammatory cells including mast cells, and enteroendocrine cells in the gastroduodenal mucosa were evaluated. Associations between headache presence and cellular changes in the gastroduodenal mucosa were examined.

Results

Headache was not associated with the grade of lymphocytes, neutrophil infiltration, or enteroendocrine cell density in the gastroduedenal mucosa. However, headache was significantly associated with high mast cell density in the body (27.81 ± 8.71 vs. 20.30 ± 8.16, p < 0.01) and duodenum (23.16 ± 10.40 vs. 14.84 ± 5.88, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Presence of headache associated with dyspeptic symptoms is strongly related to mucosal mast cell density in pediatric patients with H. pylori-negative functional dyspepsia. Thus, our results may help clinicians understand and treat headache during dyspeptic symptoms in such pediatric patients.
A Clinical Device for Measuring Internal-External Rotational Laxity of the Knee
Authors: Alam Mahbub , Bull Anthony M.J. , Thomas Rhidian deW , Amis Andrew A.
Published: January 2013

Background:

The dial test can be improved by providing reproducible, accurate measurements to improve diagnosis and treatment comparisons.

Purpose:

Validation of a rotational measurement device (RMD) for measuring knee internal-external rotational laxity.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The RMD consisted of 3 components: a femoral clamp and a tibial splint using paired inclinometers to measure rotations, and a boot to apply tibial internal-external rotation torque. A separate boot inclinometer allowed for foot rotations to be measured independently. The measurements were simultaneously compared with electromagnetic “nest of birds” (NOB) sensors. Sequential paired knee measurements were taken at 4, 6, and 8 N·m of torque at 30° and 90° of flexion in 46 volunteers.

Results:

The correlation coefficient was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89 to 0.94) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.70) between the NOB and RMD and between the NOB and boot inclinometer, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the RMD was on average within 2° (95% CI, 1° to −4°) of NOB readings, whereas the boot overestimated by 34° (95% CI, −9° to −58°). Maximum side-to-side differences measured by the NOB, RMD, and boot were 1°, 3°, and 21°, respectively. The mean +2× standard deviation data gave a range of side-to-side differences of less than 5° for the RMD. The intraobserver intraclass correlation was 0.9 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.97) at both 30° and 90° of flexion, and the 95% CI of the differences between readings taken on 2 occasions, the interobserver repeatability, was 1° or less.

Conclusion:

The novel clinical RMD for measuring rotational laxity of the knee was portable, easy, and comfortable to use in the clinical setting. The RMD showed significant correlation and accuracy compared with sensors of known high accuracy. Side-to-side differences of less than 5° were found in 95% of normal knees, compared with differences of 13° or more for clinical diagnosis of pathological rotational laxity. Measuring knee rotation at the foot showed poor correlation and accuracy.