bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social-emotional adjustment and attachment in children adopted from China: Processes and predictors of change
Authors: Cohen Nancy J. , Farnia Fataneh
Published: August 2010

This study examined the processes and predictors of change in maternal ratings of internalizing and externalizing symptoms and attachment security in 70 infant girls adopted from China at a mean age of 13.5 months. These children’s mental and language development were also directly assessed. The adopted children were assessed within the first month of adoption and again six, 12 and 24 months later. Comparisons were made with 43 girls of similar age and family background. Results indicated that from six months postadoption onward, adopted children exhibited a rapid increase in internalizing symptoms, especially in emotion reactivity. Adopted children initially formed attachment rapidly. Growth in attachment gradually slowed down over time. Individual differences that emerged in the rate of attachment growth from six months postadoption were related to mental ability in both groups. The results point to the effects of potential risk factors on the processes of change, at least in the two years following adoption.
The Nature Nursing Quality of Work Life
Authors: Vagharseyyedin Seyyed Abolfazl , Vanaki Zohreh , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: August 2010

Studies that have examined the nursing quality of work life (QWL) have not been systematically reviewed in the recent years. Thus, the current study was aimed to identify the predictors of the nurses’ QWL and determine the definitions of QWL for nurses. The authors used an integrative review of the literature and identified six themes as the major predictors of the nurses’ QWL: leadership and management style/decision-making latitude, shift working, salary and fringe benefits, relationship with colleagues, demographic characteristics, and workload/job strain. Although different researchers had varied perspectives on the QWL in nursing, most viewed QWL as a subjective phenomenon that is influenced by personal feeling and perceptions. A closer review of definitions of QWL indicated that some authors considered QWL as an “outcome,” whereas others saw it as a “process.” Further research needs to be conducted to determine the relative importance of QWL predictors, and implementation programs to improve the QWL.
Our Brave New World Today
Authors: Stivers Richard
Published: August 2010

Aldous Huxley is perhaps the only author to have written a work of science fiction and a work of nonfiction to ascertain whether fiction had become reality. Both Brave New World (fiction) and Brave New World Revisited (nonfiction) are discussed and compared with Jacques Ellul’s work on technology.
Unbalanced Nature, Unbounded Bodies, and Unlimited Technology: Ecocriticism and Karen Traviss’ Wess’har Series
Authors: Sullivan Heather I.
Published: August 2010

While nature is often claimed to be a space of harmonized balance or an antidote to the chaos of the modern world, we need a more grounded assessment of nature as endlessly changing and much less predictable than we like to assume. In this essay, I explore Karen Traviss’ provocative exploration of unbalanced nature and unbounded bodies in her wess’har series with the guidance of two ecocritics who reject the concept of balanced nature, Dana Phillips and Ursula Heise. Additionally, I turn to the environmental philosopher Val Plumwood for insights regarding Traviss’ spurious yet rather standard vision of an unlimited technological panacea. Traviss’ series portrays how the boundaries and limits that we perceive as solid are often much less so than we believe, yet she also reveals—inadvertently, it seems—how easily we blindly ignore other, more solid limits.
Frankenstein as Science Fiction and Fact
Authors: van der Laan J.M.
Published: August 2010

Often called the first of its kind, Frankenstein paved the way for science fiction writing. Its depiction of a then impossible scientific feat has in our time become possible and is essentially recognizable in what we now refer to as bioengineering, biomedicine, or biotechnology. The fiction of Frankenstein has as it were given way to scientific fact. Of more importance, however, is the challenge Mary Shelley’s novel presents to the ostensibly high-minded and well-intentioned hopes and promises of the scientist/technologist. Finally, the fictional character, Victor Frankenstein, has come to serve as the poster child and whipping boy for all scientific and technological irresponsibility, so much so that thanks to him we are able to free ourselves and our scientists from any real responsibility, since none of us ever would or could be as monstrous as Frankenstein.
The Neoliberal University and Agricultural Biotechnology: Reports From the Field
Authors: Peekhaus Wilhelm
Published: August 2010

Following in the footsteps of a variety of previous research that elaborates on the current state of affairs in academia, this article sets out the argument that neoliberalism and its corresponding iterations of science and technology and research funding policies in this country have implications for the types of knowledge that can be generated within and communicated without contemporary institutions of higher education. Using agricultural biotechnology as the lens through which to focus analysis, the article outlines a number of empirical examples that illustrate how the free flow of knowledge either critical of or not readily appropriated by capital is being impeded.
How the Science Versus Religion Debate Has Missed the Point of Genesis 1 and 2: Jacques Ellul (1912-1994)
Authors: Vanderburg Willem H.
Published: August 2010

From a social and historical perspective, the conflict between science and religion regarding the opening chapters of Genesis in the Jewish and Christian Bibles may have more to do with uncritically reading these texts through our “cultural glasses” than with what these texts actually say. Within the context of his work, Jacques Ellul read these texts as having nothing to do with creation or evolution, but instead with the relations between God, his people, and the land. It includes a polemic against morality and religion as fundamental threats to these relations. This is an excerpt of a larger study of the first three chapters of Genesis, as well as other portions of the Jewish and Christian Bibles.
Exploring the Role of Social Networks in Affective Organizational Commitment: Network Centrality, Strength of Ties, and Structural Holes
Authors: Lee Jooho , Kim Soonhee
Published: August 2010

Although studies in public management have identified personal attributes, job characteristics, and organizational rewards as key factors that influence affective organizational commitment, limited attention has been paid to the influence of social networks on affective commitment. Given that organizational attitudes and behaviors are often socially constructed, this article argues that employees’ affective commitment is influenced by their social networks in an organization. What are the social network configurations that lead to affective organizational commitment? This study attempts to answer this question by focusing on nonlinear relationships between several network dimensions (i.e., network centrality, tie strength, and structural holes) and affective commitment. These relationships are empirically tested by using both social network data and employee survey data collected from two local governments in South Korea. Results of the study show that employees’ network centrality has an inverted U-shaped relationship with affective commitment and structural holes have a U-shaped association with affective commitment, controlling for certain organizational rewards and individual attributes. However, the relationship between a tie strength and affective commitment is not statistically significant. The practical and theoretical implications of the study findings are discussed.
Government Career Commitment and the Shaping of Work Environment Perceptions
Authors: Dong Chul Shim  , Rohrbaugh John
Published: August 2010

This article examines government career commitment and its relation to perceptions of the work environment as well as reports of career decisions and behaviors. The results of a field survey of 385 government employees from 11 state agencies suggested that stronger government career commitment was linked to reports of greater job involvement, more organizational commitment, and lower turnover intention. Results also suggested that government career commitment has a positive relation with perceptions of situational characteristics such as human resource development, performance feedback, variety, challenge, and mission importance. Occupational differences were reviewed to examine whether they influenced the extent to which government career commitment had shaped employees’ perceptions of their jobs, office, and agencies, as well as their reports of job involvement, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. Findings indicated that the government career commitment of professional/technical employees was related to their perceptions of jobs, offices, and agencies, but minimal effects were found in occupational categories of secretarial/clerical or managerial/executive.
Building Ethical Community
Authors: Cooper Terry L.
Published: August 2010

In response to a perceived yearning for community in the modern urbanU.S., a definition of community is advanced, and a distinction is drawn between moral and ethical community. The problems of imposing moral community on diverse urban societies are considered and an argument is advanced for building ethical community. The necessity for a deliberative conversation among members of an ethical community is discussed and some of the current means for conducting it are examined. Following a discussion of the role of experts in these conversations, the implications for academic programs are drawn out. The article concludes with 7 steps toward building ethical community.
Emerging Theoretical Understanding of Pluricentric Coordination in Public Governance
Authors: Reff Pedersen Anne , Sehested Karina , Sørensen Eva
Published: August 2010

Currently, we are witnessing a comprehensive change in the theoretical understandings of how coordination is provided in the pursuit of public governance. Traditional strands of theory took their departure from the presumption that coordination is the outcome of processes within coherent institutionally or functionally demarcated units that follows a specific pregiven rational logic of consequentiality. This view is apparent in public administration theory, organization theory, and planning theory. In recent years, this unitary, rationalist understanding of coordination has been challenged by a more pluricentric understanding of coordination in public governance. Coordination is viewed as a messy and floating process that revolves around interactive arenas that promote communication between a plurality of interpretive logics and situated practises. Although the traditional theories of coordination tended to view vertical and horizontal forms of coordination as radically different modes of coordination, the new theories question the analytical value of this distinction by pointing to the relational, interpretive, interdependent, and interactive aspects of all coordination processes including processes in which public authorities seek to govern their subjects. In the new theories, one of the main questions is how to get a better hold of this new understanding of coordination in processes of public governance. The article aims to do so by bringing together insights from three theoretical strands: public administration theory, organizational theory, and planning theory to show how each of them are currently contributing to the development of what we define as a theory of pluricentric coordination in public governance.
Kate Bush, The Red Shoes, The Line, the Cross and the Curve and the Uses of Symbolic Transformation
Authors: Withers Deborah M.
Published: August 2010

In Kate Bush’s 1993 album, The Red Shoes, and her film, The Line, the Cross and the Curve, she engages with the symbolism of The Red Shoes fairytale as first depicted in Hans Christian Andersen’s 1845 fairy tale and later developed by the Powell and Pressburger film (1948) of the same name. In Bush’s versions of the tale she attempts to find a space of agency for the main female protagonist in a plot structure over-determined by patriarchal narrative and symbolic logic. I will argue that it is through her own use of mystical symbolism — the Line, the Cross and the Curve — mediated through the deployment of ritual magick and kabbalistic ritual — that she breaks the ‘spell’ of the red shoes story where the main female character can escape the gender specific ‘curse’ of the red shoes.
The Fat Jesus: Feminist Explorations in Fleshy Christologies
Authors: Isherwood Lisa
Published: August 2010

This paper takes issue with the Slim for Him programmes which suggest that Christianity has no place for the fleshy, indeed that the devil lurks in ample bodies. It investigates the way in which women have suffered a reducing rhetoric which has had its genesis in certain kinds of theology but has exacted a great price on the flesh of women. The paper therefore offers a fleshy Christology as a counter rhetoric in the hope that women may once again dance in their skins and offer another set of values on their broad hips.
Evangelical and Catholic Masculinities in Two Fatherhood Ministries
Authors: Gelfer Joseph
Published: August 2010

In men’s ministries it is possible to distinguish between evangelical and Catholic masculinities: the former being more traditional, the latter somewhat ‘softer.’ This paper pursues these differing masculine performances within a discourse of fatherhood in two fatherhood ministries: Dad the Family Shepherd and Fathers for Good. On the whole, the fatherhood ministries repeat the evangelical and Catholic masculinities of regular men’s ministries via the treatment of male headship, the politics of gender and sexuality, and the use of sport as a signifier for masculinity.
Realist Evaluation in Wraparound: A New Approach in Social Work Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Kazi Mansoor A. F. , Pagkos Brian , Milch Heidi A.
Published: August 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a realist evaluation paradigm in social work evidence-based practice. Method: Wraparound (at Gateway-Longview Inc., New York) used a reliable outcome measure and an electronic database to systematically collect and analyze data on the interventions, the client demographics and circumstances, and the outcomes. Results: Research designs (e.g., single-system and group) can fall into place naturally and patterns in the data can be investigated using data analysis approaches such as binary logistic regression. Conclusions: Realist evaluation can be performed at regular intervals when an outcome measure is repeated, with the purpose of investigating what interventions work and in what circumstances.
The Nurturant Fathering Scale: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis With an African American Sample of College Students
Authors: Doyle Otima , Pecukonis Edward , Harrington Donna
Published: August 2010

Objective: The objective of this study was to test the factor structure of the Nurturant Fathering Scale (NFS) among an African American sample in the mid-Atlantic region that have neither Caribbean heritage nor immigration experiences but who do have diverse family structures (N = 212). Method: A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in order to evaluate the factor structure of the NFS. Results: A final, 8-item model, with two error covariances yielded the best fit of the NFS in the current sample. These findings suggest that, with some modification, the NFS is a very promising, short measure of perceived father nurturance that is applicable to African American youth from various family structures and who have varying amounts of interaction with their fathers while growing up.
Protest and Democracy in Latin America’s Market Era
Authors: Bellinger Paul T. , Arce Moisés
Published: August 2010

Existing studies hold that Latin America’s market turn has had a demobilizing effect on collective political activity despite the presence of democracy. However, recent work has documented the revival of protest in the region, emphasizing the repoliticization of collective actors in the wake of economic liberalization, especially when democracy is present. This article expands the theoretical scope of the repoliticization perspective, providing the most comprehensive test of the demobilization and repoliticization hypotheses to date. Using time-series data from seventeen Latin American countries, the article confirms the repoliticization view by showing that protest increases with economic liberalization in democratic settings.
Accumulation of Lignin and Malondialdehyde in Relation to Quality Changes of Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) Stored in Modified Atmosphere
Authors: Tianjia Jiang  , Muhammad Muzammil Jahangir  , Qiushuang Wang  , Tiejin Ying
Published: August 2010

Whole fresh button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) were stored in unsealed bags in two types of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), namely, active and passive, at 4 °C. The packaging film was 0.04 mm low-density polyethylene and the gas composition of the active MAP was 12% O2, 2.5% CO2 and 85.5% N 2. Firmness of Mushroom showed a positive correlation with the accumulation of lignin in the tissue. On the other hand, changes of malondialdehyde content with storage time were proportional to the evolution of browning. The button mushrooms in control treatment developed severe browning at the end of the 15-day storage, while the mushrooms of both active and passive MAP treatments browned slightly. MAP treatments could not inhibit phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity; however, it can reduce the lignification process by the inhibition of peroxidase (POD) activity and the accumulation of lignin. Correlation between the cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity and lignin accumulation was not obvious. Our results suggested that an increase in the firmness of mushrooms during senescence may be a consequence of tissue lignification, a process associated with increase in POD activity. Both active and passive MAPs were useful for the conservation of tenderness and whiteness in button mushrooms.
Probing the Electrode-Neuron Interface With Focused Cochlear Implant Stimulation
Authors: Arenberg Bierer Julie
Published: August 2010

Cochlear implants are highly successful neural prostheses for persons with severe or profound hearing loss who gain little benefit from hearing aid amplification. Although implants are capable of providing important spectral and temporal cues for speech perception, performance on speech tests is variable across listeners. Psychophysical measures obtained from individual implant subjects can also be highly variable across implant channels. This review discusses evidence that such variability reflects deviations in the electrode—neuron interface, which refers to an implant channel’s ability to effectively stimulate the auditory nerve. It is proposed that focused electrical stimulation is ideally suited to assess channel-to-channel irregularities in the electrode—neuron interface. In implant listeners, it is demonstrated that channels with relatively high thresholds, as measured with the tripolar configuration, exhibit broader psychophysical tuning curves and smaller dynamic ranges than channels with relatively low thresholds. Broader tuning implies that frequency-specific information intended for one population of neurons in the cochlea may activate more distant neurons, and a compressed dynamic range could make it more difficult to resolve intensity-based information, particularly in the presence of competing noise. Degradation of both types of cues would negatively affect speech perception.
Standard Audiograms for the IEC 60118-15 Measurement Procedure
Authors: Bisgaard Nikolai , Vlaming Marcel S. M. G. , Dahlquist Martin
Published: August 2010

For the characterization of hearing aids, a new test method has been defined in the new International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60118-15. For this characterization, the hearing aid will be set to actual user settings as programmed by standard fitting software from the hearing aid manufacturer. To limit the variation of programming outcomes, 10 standard audiograms, which cover the entire range of audiograms met in clinical practice, have been defined. This article describes how the set of standard audiograms has been developed. This set of standard audiogram has been derived by a vector quantization analysis method on a database of 28,244 audiograms. Using this analysis method, sets of typical audiograms have been obtained of sizes 12 and 60. It turned out that the smaller set could not be used for selecting audiograms as sloping audiograms were absent. Therefore, the larger set has been analyzed to provide seven standard audiograms for flat and moderately sloping hearing loss and three standard audiograms for steep hearing loss.
Designing of a Digital Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid to Meet the World Health Organization Requirements
Authors: Ferreira Bento Ricardo , Pires Penteado Silvio
Published: August 2010

Hearing loss is a common health issue that affects nearly 10% of the world population as indicated by many international studies. The hearing impaired typically experience more frustration, anxiety, irritability, depression, and disorientation than those with normal hearing levels. The standard rehabilitation tool for hearing impairment is an electronic hearing aid whose main components are transducers (microphone and receiver) and a digital signal processor. These electronic components are manufactured by supply chain rather than by hearing aid manufacturers. Manufacturers can use custom-designed components or generic off-the-shelf components. These electronic components are available as application-specific or off-the-shelf products, with the former designed for a specific manufacturer and the latter for a generic approach. The choice of custom or generic components will affect the product specifications, pricing, manufacturing, life cycle, and marketing strategies of the product. The World Health Organization is interested in making available to developing countries hearing aids that are inexpensive to purchase and maintain. The hearing aid presented in this article was developed with these specifications in mind together with additional contemporary features such as four channels with wide dynamic range compression, an adjustable compression rate for each channel, four comfort programs, an adaptive feedback manager, and full volume control. This digital hearing aid is fitted using a personal computer with minimal hardware requirements in intuitive three-step fitting software. A trimmer-adjusted version can be developed where human and material resources are scarce.
Towards a social-relational dialectic for world politics
Authors: Brincat Shannon
Published: August 2010

Dialectics remains an underutilized methodology in contemporary IR theory, which represents a significant limitation to the study of world politics, particularly in under-standing processes of transformation and change — an oversight that this article intends to redress. This article has two primary goals. First, it aims to reconstruct and build upon the small but robust debate concerning the validity of dialectics in IR that has been championed previously by Alker and Biersteker, and Heine and Teschke, respectively. Second, it contrasts dialectical and deterministic approaches to IR, as exemplified in Coxian Critical Theory and neo-realism, as a means to showcase the merits of the former as an approach to the study of social change in world politics. The ultimate aim of the article is to offer the groundwork of a social-relational dialectical approach to world politics that is focused on the intersubjective engagements between human beings, which can be developed in future research. Through such an analytic, the dialectical processes in social life are shown to be open-ended and the article rejects any understanding of ‘inevitable’ progress/regress or teleological end point. On the one hand, this account of dialectics promises greater analytical potential for understanding processes of change in world politics but, on the other, indicates the potential for the irrational toleration of contradiction and antagonism as an accepted feature of social life. Ultimately, the article argues that the skilled dialectician should emphasize human agency and intersubjectivity within a social-relational dialectical approach to world politics.
Influence of polyvascular disease on cardiovascular event rates. Insights from the REACH Registry
Authors: Suárez Carmen , Zeymer Uwe , Limbourg Tobias , Baumgartner Iris , Cacoub Patrice , Poldermans Don , Röther Joachim , Bhatt Deepak L , Steg Ph Gabriel ,   REACH Registry Investigatorsa
Published: August 2010

Cardiovascular event rates have been shown to increase substantially with the number of symptomatic disease locations. We sought to assess the risk profile, management and subsequent event rates of polyvascular disease patients. Consecutive outpatients were assessed for atherosclerotic risk factors and medications in the REACH Registry. A total of 19,117 symptomatic patients in Europe completed a 2-year follow-up: 77.2% with single arterial bed disease (coronary artery or cerebrovascular or peripheral arterial disease) and 22.8% with polyvascular disease (≥ 1 disease location). Polyvascular disease patients were older (68.5 ± 9.4 vs 66.3 ± 9.9 years, p < 0.0001), more often current or former smokers (64.9% vs 58.7%, p < 0.0001), and more often suffered from hypertension (59.5% vs 46.6%, p < 0.0001) and diabetes (34.5% vs 25.9%, p < 0.0001) than single arterial bed disease patients. Despite more intense medical therapy, risk factors (smoking, hypertension, low fasting glucose, and low fasting total cholesterol) were less often controlled in polyvascular disease patients. This was associated with substantially more events over 2 years compared with single arterial bed disease patients (cMACCE [cardiovascular death/non-fatal stroke/non-fatal MI] odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.45—1.83], p < 0.0001). In conclusion, polyvascular disease patients have more cardiovascular risk factors, and the prognosis for these patients is significantly worse than for patients with single arterial bed disease. This suggests a need to improve detection and consequent medical treatment of polyvascular disease.
Delivery of negatively charged liposomes into the atheromas of Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits
Authors: Walton Brian L , Leja Monika , Vickers Kasey C , Estevez-Fernandez Monica , Sanguino Angela , Wang Elizabeth , Clubb Fred J , Morrisett Joel , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel
Published: August 2010

Liposomes have been used as imaging and therapeutic agents in various tissues but only infrequently in the cardiovascular system. We prepared a liposome to target atheromas in a Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit model. Liposomes labeled with rhodamine and nanogold were injected intra-arterially into the descending thoracic aortas of WHHL rabbits. The arterial segments of interest were perfusion-fixed and evaluated with immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, and electron microscopy. Deconvolution microscopy showed that rhodamine label was concentrated in the plaque shoulder regions of advanced-stage atheromas; however, rhodamine label was not found in adjacent, non-atherosclerotic aorta. Transmission electron microscopy revealed liposome remnants and the highest concentration of nanogold label in lipid-laden areas of atheromas. Liposomes were concentrated in areas of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 expression. We conclude that modified liposomes can be delivered to the shoulder regions of advanced atheromas in WHHL rabbits and may be useful therapeutically for targeting metabolically active plaque.
Spontaneous regression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Bellows Patricia H , Anaya-Ayala Javier E , Younes Houssam K , Charlton-Ouw Kristofer M , Bismuth Jean , Davies Mark G , Peden Eric K
Published: August 2010

Spontaneous aneurysmal regression is a rare event, having been observed only in association with arteritides or immunosuppression following solid-organ transplantation. In particular, the spontaneous regression of an aortic aneurysm, to our knowledge, has never been documented. We report a case of a 46-year-old, HIV-positive, African-American man who developed an asymptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, which significantly regressed over a 6-month period in the absence of arteritides or systemic immunosuppressive therapy. This case describes the spontaneous regression of an inflammatory AAA in an HIV-positive patient. Further studies will be required to determine if this was an isolated occurrence or if it occurs with any frequency in specific patient populations.
Health Effects of Residents Exposed to Stachybotrys in Water-damaged Houses in Finland
Authors: Mussalo-Rauhamaa Helena , Nikulin Marjo , Koukila-Kähkölä Pirkko , Hintikka Eeva-Lisa , Malmberg Marjatta , Haahtela Tari
Published: August 2010

This paper describes the medical examination of 26 residents living in Finnish houses with indoor air problems and Stachybotrys contamination. Environmental samples were obtained from patients at the Clinic for Indoor Air Health Problems where special attention was paid to the presence of possible health effects caused by moulds, especially by Stachybotrys chartarum. S. chartarum was isolated and identified in samples collected from the homes or work places of 26 patients admitted for respiratory illness. Most of the isolated S. chartarum strains showed slight toxicity when tested in a cell culture but only two were found to produce satratoxins G and H. Diverse spectra of non-specific symptoms were reported by the 26 patients and irritation of the upper airways and eyes were the most common. Lymphocytosis was found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in 6 of the 10 patients who underwent bronchofibreoscopy. IgG antibodies against S. chartarum were determined in the serum of 20 patients and increased levels were found in 10 of them. The symptoms or the severity of the illnesses were not associated with the IgG level. Patients were followed-up for 1—5 years, with a few patients experiencing persistent health effects such as severe eye irritation. We conclude that some of the symptoms may be caused by Stachybotrys exposure but a causal relationship could not be shown. Lymphocytosis was found in bronchial lavage in half of the patients examined by bronchoscopy suggesting that immunoactivation in lungs may quite often occur from exposure to water-damaged microbes.
On ‘being researched’: why do people engage with qualitative research?
Authors: Clark Tom
Published: August 2010

While there has been some anecdotal discussion that hints at what motivates people to engage with qualitative research, little research has systematically explored the role of research engagement for those who choose to participate: Why do people engage with qualitative research? Using interview data collected from experienced researchers ( n=13), this article seeks to systematically explore this issue by examining how researchers understand the mechanisms that motivate and facilitate research engagement. At an individual level, the supporting mechanisms identified include: subjective interest, enjoyment, curiosity, introspective interest, social comparison, therapeutic interest, material interest and economic interest. At a collective level, however, the mechanisms identified by researchers include: representation, political empowerment, and informing ‘change’. It is argued that a greater appreciation of these supporting mechanisms is likely to be crucial in examining how the research process is shaped by the motivations of those who engage, as well as helping to maintain current levels of research engagement through the development of more positive research relationships.
Everyday risks and professional dilemmas: fieldwork with alcohol-based (sporting) subcultures
Authors: Palmer Catherine , Thompson Kirrilly
Published: August 2010

This article discusses some of the everyday risks and professional dilemmas encountered when conducting participant-observation based research into the use and meaning of alcohol among fans of Australian Rules football. The key risks and dilemmas were those that emerged from female researchers entering into a predominantly male football subculture in which alcohol is routinely (and often excessively) consumed, the negotiation of key gatekeepers, the potential dangers of conducting research with participants who are inebriated and the duty of care to research participants. The article draws on an eighteen-month period of ethnographic fieldwork to highlight the risks and dilemmas negotiated and re-negotiated throughout the research process. The article argues that a failure to attend to these and other risks and dilemmas can threaten the viability of research among drinking-based communities and subcultures.
Home truths: ethical issues in family research
Authors: Gabb Jacqui
Published: August 2010

This article interrogates the shifting ethical contours of research on contemporary childhood and family living. I reflect on increases in ethical regulation and the role of ethics review panels. Drawing on original data from empirical research I examine some of the ethical issues that arise in studies of family life with particular attention to qualitative mixed methods research and the use of psychosocial approaches. I propose that multilayered in-depth approaches require us to consider carefully ethical standpoints, affecting how we thread together individual and/or family case studies. Unsettling stories in research on emotional—social worlds refine our understandings of ‘harm’ and ‘distress’ and reconfigure ideas of ‘responsible knowing’. Qualitative mixed methods research situates ‘messy’, conflicting and unfavourable data as part of ordinary parenthood, reformulating ethical and epistemological dilemmas for researchers of personal lives.
Postpartum Smoking Abstinence and Smoke-Free Environments
Authors: Ashford Kristin , Hahn Ellen , Hall Lynne , Peden Ann R. , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this exploratory study was to describe factors that contribute to successful postpartum smoking abstinence among women who quit smoking during pregnancy. Research questions addressed the primary motivators and lifestyle characteristics of women who do not return to postpartum smoking. Participants were recruited from a feasibility study (N = 16) based on their ability to remain smoke free for at least 6 months following delivery. Individual interviews were analyzed using content analysis strategies. Women’s narratives described the process of postpartum smoking abstinence. Four themes emerged: (a) child’s health as the primary motivator, (b) demanding a smoke-free home or environment, (c) smoking perception changes from one of primarily comfort to one of disgust, and (d) viewing abstinence as a lifelong change. Clinical implications include educating families about the effects of smoke-free environments on the health of their children while redirecting smoking habits with healthy behaviors.
Addressing Sexual Health in Florida Youth
Authors: Howard-Barr Elissa M. , Wiley David , Moore Michele Johnson , Lang Darrel , Zipperer Ksena
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this article is to describe (a) the Finding Common Ground Summits conducted in Florida during 2005-2006 with the objective of improving communication, collaboration, and consensus building among organizations interested in reducing sexual health risk behaviors among youth; (b) the attitudes of Summit participants; and (c) the impact of this exploratory initiative. The 196 participants, invited to participate by the Florida Department of Education, included individuals working in both school and community human sexuality education and promotion programs. Participants completed an initial survey just before the one-day Summits identifying attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality education. They were sent a Web survey approximately 6 months after the Summit to assess outcomes ( n = 64). Frequencies and MANOVAs were conducted to assess differences on the attitude scale items between those identifying as supporters of abstinence-only, abstinence-based, and comprehensive sexuality education. The majority of participants believed sexuality education should be taught, gained an understanding of providers with varying philosophies, and wanted to continue collaborative efforts. This initial pilot project was successful in improving communication, collaboration, and consensus building among sexuality education providers, although future efforts are needed and encouraged as risky sexual behaviors among youth remain high.
Pilot Test of a Peer-Led Small-Group Video Intervention to Promote Mammography Screening Among Chinese American Immigrants
Authors: Maxwell Annette E. , Wang Judy H. , Young Lucy , Crespi Catherine M. , Mistry Ritesh , Sudan Madhuri , Bastani Roshan
Published: August 2010

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effect of a small-group video intervention led by trained Chinese American lay educators who recruited Chinese American women not up to date on mammography screening. Nine lay educators conducted 14 Breast Health Tea Time Workshops in community settings and private homes that started with watching a culturally tailored video promoting screening followed by a question-and-answer session and distribution of print materials. Many group attendees did not have health insurance or a regular doctor, had low levels of income, and were not proficient in English. Forty-four percent of the attendees reported receipt of a mammogram within 6 months after the small-group session, with higher odds of screening among women who had lived in the United States less than 10% of their lifetime. Four of the educators were very interested in conducting another group session in the next 6 months.
Promoting Knowledge of Cancer Prevention and Screening in an Underserved Hispanic Women Population
Authors: Jimenez Edward A. , Xie Yang , Goldsteen Karen , Chalas Eva
Published: August 2010

This article aims to measure the baseline knowledge of cancer prevention, screening, and early detection practices, to understand the barriers to cancer screening and sources of health information; and to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive education program in an underserved Hispanic women population. A total of 180 women participated. Pre- and postsurveys were administered. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze the impact of program on knowledge and to determine factors affecting learning. Results showed Significant overall improvement in knowledge of cancer symptoms (1.85 baseline vs. 3.67 postintervention, p < .001), knowledge of risk-reducing behaviors (2.71 vs. 4.81, p < .001); and effect on planned behavior (89% planned to follow screening guidelines). Higher incomes and younger age are associated with better learning. Major barriers to cancer screening were financial limitations and lack of knowledge. The intervention was effective in promoting awareness and knowledge of cancer screening and prevention. Programs aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality should recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and facilitating access to screening tests.
Context, Black Empowerment, and African American Political Participation
Authors: Spence Lester K. , McClerking Harwood
Published: August 2010

Activists and scholars argue that the election and presence of Black mayors increase Black political engagement; however, later research suggests that this diminishes over time. Furthermore, a body of research suggests that homogenous racial contexts and contextual poverty decrease political participation. In this article, we ask one question: How does demographic context and length of Black mayoral tenure influence Black political participation? Using a national data set of Black respondents, we find that participation increases as cities become “Blacker.” However, simultaneously we find diminishing returns to Black political empowerment, particularly compared with new Black empowerment contexts.
BMI1 collaborates with BCR-ABL in leukemic transformation of human CD34+ cells
Authors: Rizo Aleksandra , Horton Sarah J. , Olthof Sandra , Dontje Bert , Ausema Albertina , van Os Ronald , van den Boom Vincent , Vellenga Edo , de Haan Gerald , Schuringa Jan Jacob
Published: August 2010

The major limitation for the development of curative cancer therapies has been an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression. Human models to study the development and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have not been established. Here, we show that BMI1 collaborates with BCR-ABL in inducing a fatal leukemia in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice transplanted with transduced human CD34+ cells within 4-5 months. The leukemias were transplantable into secondary recipients with a shortened latency of 8-12 weeks. Clonal analysis revealed that similar clones initiated leukemia in primary and secondary mice. In vivo, transformation was biased toward a lymphoid blast crisis, and in vitro, myeloid as well as lymphoid long-term, self-renewing cultures could be established. Retroviral introduction of BMI1 in primary chronic-phase CD34+ cells from CML patients elevated their proliferative capacity and self-renewal properties. Thus, our data identify BMI1 as a potential therapeutic target in CML.
EF1α and RPL13a represent normalization genes suitable for RT-qPCR analysis of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Curtis Kevin M , Gomez Lourdes A , Rios Carmen , Garbayo Elisa , Raval Ami P , Perez-Pinzon Miguel A , Schiller Paul C
Published: August 2010

Background

RT-qPCR analysis is a widely used method for the analysis of mRNA expression throughout the field of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) research. Comparison between MSC studies, both in vitro and in vivo, are challenging due to the varied methods of RT-qPCR data normalization and analysis. Therefore, this study focuses on putative housekeeping genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR data between heterogeneous commercially available human MSC, compared with more homogeneous populations of MSC such as MIAMI and RS-1 cells.

Results

Eight genes including; ACTB, B2M, EF1α, GAPDH, RPL13a, YWHAZ, UBC and HPRT1 were tested as possible housekeeping genes based on their expression level and variability. EF1α and RPL13a were validated for RT-qPCR analysis of MIAMI cells during expansion in varied oxygen tensions, endothelial differentiation, neural precursor enrichment, and during the comparison with RS-1 cells and commercially available MSC. RPL13a and YWHAZ were validated as normalization genes for the cross-species analysis of MIAMI cells in an animal model of focal ischemia. GAPDH, which is one of the most common housekeeping genes used for the normalization of RT-qPCR data in the field of MSC research, was found to have the highest variability and deemed not suitable for normalization of RT-qPCR data.

Conclusions

In order to make comparisons between heterogeneous MSC populations, as well as adult stem cell like MSC which are used in different laboratories throughout the world, it is important to have a standardized, reproducible set of housekeeping genes for RT-qPCR analysis. In this study we demonstrate that EF1α, RPL13a and YWHAZ are suitable genes for the RT-qPCR analysis and comparison of several sources of human MSC during in vitro characterization and differentiation as well as in an ex vivo animal model of global cerebral ischemia. This will allow for the comparative RT-qPCR analysis of multiple MSC populations with the goal of future use in animal models of disease as well as tissue repair.
Confusion after spine injury: cerebral fat embolism after traumatic rupture of a Tarlov cyst: Case report
Authors: Duja Corina M , Berna Christophe , Kremer Stéphane , Géronimus Claude , Kopferschmitt Jacques , Bilbault Pascal
Published: August 2010

Background

Acute low back pain is a very common symptom and reason for many medical consultations. In some unusual circumstances it could be linked to a rare aetiology.

Case presentation

We report a 70-year-old man with an 8-month history of left posterior thigh and leg pain who had sudden confusion after a fall from standing. It was due to cerebral fat embolism suspected by computed tomography scan, later confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A spinal MRI scan was then performed and revealed a sacral fracture which drained into an unknown perineurial cyst (Tarlov cyst). Under medical observation the patient fully recovered within three weeks.

Conclusions

Sacral perineurial cysts are rare, however they remain a potential cause of lumbosacral radiculopathy.
Prospective study of urinary tract infection surveillance after kidney transplantation
Authors: Rivera-Sanchez Roberto , Delgado-Ochoa Dolores , Flores-Paz Rocio R , García-Jiménez Elvia E , Espinosa-Hernández Ramon , Bazan-Borges Andres A , Arriaga-Alba Myriam
Published: August 2010

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) remains one of the main complications after kidney transplantation and it has serious consequences.

Methods

Fifty-two patients with kidney transplantation were evaluated for UTI at 3-145 days (mean 40.0 days) after surgery.. Forty-two received a graft from a live donor and 10 from a deceased donor. There were 22 female and 30 male patients, aged 11-47 years. Microscopic examinations, leukocyte esterase stick, and urinary culture were performed every third day and weekly after hospitalization. A positive culture was consider when patients presented bacterial counts up to 105 counts.

Results

UTI developed in 19/52 (37%) patients at 3-75 days (mean 19.5 days after transplantation. Recurrent infection was observed in 7/52 (13.4%) patients at days 17-65. UTI was more frequent in patients who received deceased grafts compared with live grafts (7/10, 70% vs. 12/42, 28%; p < 0.007). Female patients were more susceptible than male (11/22, 50% vs. 8/22, 36.35%; p < 0.042). Five-year survival rate was 94.5% (49/52 patients). Kidney Graft exit update is 47/52 (90.2%), and there were no significant differences between graft rejection and UTI (p = 0.2518). Isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (31.5%), Candida albicans (21.0%) and Enterococcus spp. (10.5%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella
morganii, Enterobacter cloacae and Micrococcus spp. Secondary infections were produced by (7/19, 36.8%). Enterococcus spp. (57%), E. coli (28%) and Micrococcus spp. (14.2%). Antibiotic resistance was 22% for ciprofloxacin and 33% for ampicillin. Therapeutic alternatives were aztreonam, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, netilmicin and fosfomycin.

Conclusions

Surveillance of UTI for the first 3 months is a good option for improving quality of life of kidney transplantation patients and the exit of graft function especially for female patients and those receiving deceased grafts. Antibiograms provided a good therapeutic alternative to patients who presented with UTIs after receiving a kidney allograft.