bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Multiple Forms of Discrimination, Neighborhood Characteristics, and Depression Among Illicit Drug Users in New York City
Authors: Crawford Natalie D. , White Kellee , Rudolph Abby E. , Jones Kandice C. , Benjamin Ebele O. , Fuller Crystal M.
Published: July 2013

It is plausible that features of the social environment combined with experiences of discrimination may help further explain experiences of depression among illicit drug users. We examined the influence of census tract-level characteristics and multiple forms of individual-level discrimination on lifetime depression among illicit drug users in New York City enrolled in the “Social Ties Associated With Risk of Transition” study. Population average models accounted for clustering of individuals within census tracts. Discrimination based on prior incarceration explained Hispanic/White differences in depression and was independently associated with depression after accounting for neighborhood characteristics. Neighborhood poverty was only marginally related to lifetime depression. These data provide evidence supporting the influence of discrimination on depression among drug users. Research is needed to confirm these findings and highlight specific mechanisms through which discrimination and neighborhood socioeconomic status may operate to influence mental health.
Proceedings of the seventh Northern region paediatric colloquium
Authors: Barkla Xanthe , Kaplan Carole
Published: July 2013

Ethical and legal dilemmas frequently arise in paediatric practice. Given the nature of the speciality, these issues are relevant to both the medical and legal professions. To this end, senior figures from the medical and legal professions in the Northern region have met on a regular basis in order to discuss anonymised case material. We report on the proceedings of the seventh such meeting. Six cases are described and key points arising from the subsequent discussion are presented.
Impact of Tourists’ Intercultural Interactions
Authors: Yu Jiyun , Lee Timothy Jeonglyeol
Published: July 2013

This study examines the structure and effects of intercultural interactions between international tourists and local residents. It develops the variables affecting intercultural relationships, the process and outcomes of interactions, and any resultant attitude changes. An integrated model of intercultural interactions was derived from the shared themes, meanings, and patterns that shaped the participants’ tourism experiences. The model is composed of the structures and the effects of the intercultural interactions. These interactions, through reflective, comparative, and comprehensive experiences, impact international tourists’ attitude toward the local people and their culture. This study overcomes the limitations of the existing contact model by presenting a new approach on intercultural interactions and establishing the developed grounded theory derived from the intercultural interactions in the tourism field.
Quo Vadis Gold Coast? A Case Study Investigation of Strata Titled Tourism Accommodation Densification and Issues Arising
Authors: Warnken Jan , Guilding Chris
Published: July 2013

This destination-wide, longitudinal case analysis provides an examination of the growth of strata titled tourism accommodation (STTA) on Australia’s Gold Coast. The observations signify that the first decade of the 21st century has seen a continuing amplification of the dominance of STTA developments on the Gold Coast. Data supportive of the view that an attempt to consolidate an old STTA complex into a larger rejuvenated tourism complex can become an insurmountable challenge is also provided. Noting the extent to which this challenge can jeopardize the long-term sustainability of a tourism destination core that has a high STTA density, has resulted in the development of a provocative analogy that likens STTA intensification to the growth stages of cancer.
Travelers’ Perceptions of Crisis Preparedness Certification in the United States
Authors: Pennington-Gray Lori , Schroeder Ashley , Wu Betty , Donohoe Holly , Cahyanto Ignatius
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to understand travelers’ perceptions about the benefits of tourism crisis preparedness certification and its potential to positively influence the travelers’ destination decision-making process. A survey of U.S. households revealed that, in general, travelers are neutral or not sure about certification and its relationship to safety, benefits, and future travel. The main predictors of likelihood to travel to a certified tourism prepared destination were as follows: (1) I have a great deal of confidence in such a crisis certification process; (2) I would feel safer when visiting a certified crisis prepared travel destination; (3) A certified crisis prepared destination would be safer to visit than one that is not; and (4) a crisis prepared certification benefits the visitor. The findings imply a need for a clear definition and conceptualization of tourism crisis preparedness certification. By extension, the benefits of certification should be articulated to travelers so they can make informed travel decisions.
The Development of a Model for the Distribution of Merit Pay Increase Monies for Municipal Agencies
Authors: McKinney William R. , Mulvaney Michael A. , Grodsky Richard
Published: July 2013

Merit pay is based on individual performance and is one of the most widely accepted methods to encourage and recognize meritorious job performance. At the core of an agency’s merit pay increase system is the performance appraisal instrument and interview. A recent study discussed the steps involved in creating job-specific performance appraisal instruments that can be used to assess employees’ range of performance and the interview process involved in conducting a well-defined performance appraisal. This article builds on this previous research and focuses on the final steps of a pay-for-performance system to determine how much of a merit increase will be given for different levels of performance. A case study methodology is used to review the literature on the ways in which organizations differentially compensate individuals based on their performance; to implement the recommendations of the literature review to develop a model for the distribution of merit pay increases for the Elmhurst Park District (Elmhurst, Illinois), and to evaluate employees’ attitudes toward the newly developed model in contrast to a previous model. Comparison of employee attitudes toward the original system and the newly developed system found significant mean differences on four of the six items assessing the employees’ overall satisfaction with the system and their perceptions of distributive justice.
Organizational Competence Development in Two Public Agencies in the Netherlands
Authors: van Buuren Arwin , Edelenbos Jurian
Published: July 2013

This article describes the results of a comparative case study of two competence development trajectories within Dutch public administration organizations. These two trajectories are rather different: One can be seen as a more theory-driven training approach whereas the other can be seen as practice-driven coaching. Their theoretical distinctions are elaborated upon, and the ways in which these differences impact upon their contributions to individual and organizational learning processes are analyzed. The article concludes with some observations on the relative value of both approaches as well as some conclusions about the ways in which the two approaches can strengthen each other and enhance individual and organizational learning.
Cultural Racism–Related Stress in Black Caribbean Immigrants
Authors: Case Andrew D. , Hunter Carla D.
Published: July 2013

Scholars maintain that with greater length of residence, the U.S. context adversely affects Black immigrants (e.g., via racism-related stress). Yet, the psychological mechanisms that account for increases in racism-related stress over time are unclear. Racial identity scholarship provides reason to suspect Black immigrants’ racial identities may partially explain these increases. In this study, Black Americans and Black Caribbean immigrants ( N = 171) responded to measures of cultural racism–related stress and the “identity” (importance of racial group membership to the self-concept) component of racial identity. We expected identity importance to (a) positively predict cultural racism–related stress for both populations and (b) mediate the association between length of residence and cultural racism–related stress in Black Caribbean immigrants. Although no significant mean difference in identity importance existed between groups, identity predicted cultural racism–related stress only in Black Americans. In Black Caribbean immigrants, identity was not a mediator, but length of residence positively predicted cultural racism–related stress. Differences in results across the two populations may indicate important distinctions in racial identity function between Black Caribbean immigrants and Black Americans.
Perceptions of love across the lifespan
Authors: Sumter Sindy R. , Valkenburg Patti M. , Peter Jochen
Published: July 2013

This study investigated perceptions of love across the lifespan using Sternberg’s triangular theory of love, which distinguishes between passion, intimacy, and commitment. The study aimed to (a) investigate the psychometric properties of the short Triangular Love Scale (TLS-short) in adolescents and adults (see Appendix), and (b) track age and gender differences in the three love components of the TLS-short in a sample of 12- to 88-year-olds (N = 2791). The three-factor structure of the TLS-short was confirmed in both the adolescent and adult sample. Adolescents (12–17 years) reported lower levels of all love components compared to young adults (18–30 years). Late adults (50+) reported lower levels of passion and intimacy, but similar levels of commitment compared to young (18–30 years) and middle adults (30–50 years). Gender differences in the perceptions of all three love components were present but less sizeable than suggested in popular accounts and earlier academic research.
Popular music pedagogy: Band rehearsals at British universities
Authors: Pulman Mark
Published: July 2013

There has been little published pedagogical research on popular music group rehearsing. This study explores the perceptions of tutors and student pop/rock bands about the rehearsals in which they were involved as a part of their university music course. The participants were 10 tutors and 16 bands from eight British tertiary institutions. Analysis of participants’ interview responses suggested their perceptions could be grouped into three over-arching categories: operational mechanics of rehearsing; rehearsing activities; and group dynamics in the rehearsal. These categories, comprising a master list of 12 themes, are used to provide a basis for establishing 12 pedagogical guidelines for tutors involved in undergraduate pop/rock band rehearsal activities. Abstracted from the research are two illustrative pedagogical models, which are offered as suggestions for practice and further debate.
Language assessment literacy as self-awareness: Understanding the role of interpretation in assessment and in teacher learning
Authors: Scarino Angela
Published: July 2013

The increasing influence of sociocultural theories of learning on assessment practices in second language education necessitates an expansion of the knowledge base that teacher-assessors need to develop (what teachers need to know) and related changes in the processes of language teacher education (how they learn and develop it). Teacher assessors need to acquire concepts from diverse assessment paradigms; they need to learn to use these concepts in developing, using and analysing assessment procedures and results; they need to exercise critical perspectives on their own assessment practices for particular purposes in diverse contexts, especially in seeking to do justice to all in education. In this paper I argue that, to develop language assessment literacy with the dual goals of transforming teacher assessment practices and developing teacher understanding of the phenomenon of assessment itself and themselves as assessors, it is necessary to reconsider both the knowledge base and the complex processes of language teacher education. I draw on projects I have conducted on developing and investigating teacher understanding and practices in second language assessment, to discuss the need to work with the often tacit preconceptions, beliefs, understandings and world-views about assessment that teacher-assessors bring to teacher professional learning programs and that inform their conceptualizations, interpretations, judgments and decisions in assessment. I discuss the need in developing language assessment literacy for processes that develop teacher-assessors’ capability to explore and evaluate their own preconceptions so as to become aware of how they interpret their own assessment practices and their students’ second language learning. Through these processes they develop a deeper understanding of the interpretive nature of assessment and their own self-awareness as assessors.
The essentials of assessment literacy: Contrasts between testers and users
Authors: Malone Margaret E
Published: July 2013

Language assessment literacy refers to language instructors’ familiarity with testing definitions and the application of this knowledge to classroom practices in general and specifically to issues related to assessing language. While it is widely agreed that classroom teachers need to assess student progress, many teachers and other test users have a limited understanding of assessment fundamentals. To help meet this need, a tutorial for foreign language instructors was developed (CAL, 2009) to describe the basics of language assessment and assist with test selection. In this project, group interviews and surveys were used to elicit feedback from two groups of experts, US language instructors ( N = 44) and language testers ( N = 30), on the content of the tutorial. The results of the project revealed the challenges of including the technical information considered essential by testers while meeting the real and practical needs of teachers. This paper investigates efforts to elicit language testers’ beliefs about measurement basics compared with those of language educators and suggests that expert beliefs about what is essential to include in such materials differ depending on the expert perspective.
Developing the assessment literacy of university proficiency test users
Authors: O’Loughlin Kieran
Published: July 2013

The rapidly increasing use of English language proficiency test scores by universities around the world to select international students has resulted in a range of admissions, marketing, academic and teaching support staff interacting with the tests in different ways. To date, there has been little research investigating the assessment literacy needs of these test score users. This article focuses on a study into the nature of these needs, how well they are currently being met and how they might be best addressed in the future. Data about these questions in relation to the most widely accepted test in Australian universities, IELTS (International English Language Testing System), were collected from an online survey completed by 50 members of staff who used the test in their work and from follow-up interviews with 15 of these survey respondents. The results indicated that the participants mostly needed information about IELTS for advising prospective students about English language entry requirements and making admissions decisions. They mainly focused on the minimum test scores required for entry and believed their informational needs were reasonably well met by their institution’s entry regulations and the IELTS official website. The most popular methods for learning about the IELTS test were information sessions and online tutorials. The results and their implications are discussed in detail.
Defining the language assessment literacy gap: Evidence from a parliamentary inquiry
Authors: Pill John , Harding Luke
Published: July 2013

This study identifies a unique context for exploring lay understandings of language testing and, by extension, for characterizing the nature of language assessment literacy among non-practitioners, stemming from data in an inquiry into the registration processes and support for overseas trained doctors by the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing. The data come from Hansard transcripts of public hearings of the inquiry. Sections of the data related to language and language testing (as part of the current registration process for doctors seeking employment in Australia) were identified and coded using a thematic analysis. Findings reveal misconceptions about who is responsible for tests and for decisions based on scores in this context, as well as misconceptions about language testing procedures. Issues also emerge concerning the location of expertise in language and language testing. Discussion of these findings contributes to current debate within the language testing community (e.g., Taylor, 2009) about where responsibility lies for increasing language assessment literacy among non-practitioner stakeholders and how this might best be achieved.
Communicating the theory, practice and principles of language testing to test stakeholders: Some reflections
Authors: Taylor Lynda
Published: July 2013

The 33rd Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), held in June 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, included a conference symposium on the topic of assessment literacy. This event brought together a group of four presenters from different parts of the world, each of whom reported on their recent research in this area. Presentations were followed by a discussant slot that highlighted some thematic threads from across the papers and raised various questions for the professional language testing community to consider together. One point upon which there was general consensus during the discussion was the need for more research to be undertaken and published in this complex and challenging area. It is particularly encouraging, therefore, to see a coherent set of studies on assessment literacy brought together in this special issue of Language Testing and it will undoubtedly make an important contribution to the steadily growing body of literature on this topic, particularly as it concerns the testing of languages. This brief commentary revisits some of the themes originally raised during the LTRC 2011 symposium, considers how these have been explored or developed through the papers in this special issue and reflects on some future directions for our thinking and activity in this important area.
Extracorporeal life support for acute respiratory distress syndrome due to severe Legionella pneumonia
Authors: Bryner B , Miskulin J , Smith C , Cooley E , Grams R , Bartlett R , Annich G , Mychaliska GB
Published: July 2013

Purpose:

Legionella is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and is second only to Pneumococcal pneumonia as a cause of severe CAP that requires treatment in an intensive care unit. We report a case series of patients with severe Legionella pneumonia who developed the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), failed to improve with mechanical ventilation alone and required extracorporeal life support (ECLS).

Methods:

We performed a retrospective study of all patients treated with ECLS at our institution for severe ARDS as a result of Legionella pneumonia from 1994 to 2006.

Results:

A total of twelve patients with a diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia were treated with veno-venous (VV) ECLS over this time period. Nine of these twelve (75%) were successfully treated and weaned off ECLS and 8 patients (67%) survived to hospital discharge. Two (13%) died of multisystem organ failure, one patient (8%) died from global hypoxic encephalopathy and one (8%) was weaned from ECLS, but ultimately died of liver failure. Renal failure requiring some form of continuous dialysis occurred in seven patients (58%) and the survival for this sub-set of patients was 43%.

Conclusions:

Extracorporeal life support for severe ARDS associated with Legionella pneumonia is an effective treatment option when mechanical ventilation fails, especially when introduced early in the course.
Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the management of massive amlodipine overdose
Authors: Weinberg RL , Bouchard NC , Abrams DC , Bacchetta M , Dzierba AL , Burkart KM , Brodie D
Published: July 2013

A 50-year-old man was admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure and shock after suffering a massive overdose of amlodipine, lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. Despite mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, calcium gluconate, hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia therapy, methylene blue and intravenous fat emulsion, the patient’s respiratory and hemodynamic status deteriorated. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initiated to provide cardiopulmonary support in the setting of profound respiratory failure and refractory shock. The patient was placed on ECMO 19 hours after arrival to the hospital, after which vasopressor and ventilatory requirements decreased significantly. The patient was decannulated from ECMO after 8 days and was discharged home after a 56-day hospitalization. Early institution of ECMO should be considered for the management of respiratory failure and refractory shock in the setting of calcium channel blocker overdose when medical therapies are insufficient.
The efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A for spasticity and pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach
Authors: Baker Jennifer A , Pereira Gavin
Published: July 2013

Objectives:

A systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to evaluate Botulinum Toxin Type A efficacy on spasticity and pain in the upper/lower limb in adults.

Data Sources:

Pubmed, Cinahl, Amed, Embase and Cochrane Databases. English language. 1989 to April 2013.

Review methods:

All randomized controlled trials on adults with spasticity of any origin in the upper or lower limb, treated with a single dose of Botulinum Toxin A, with outcome measures for pain or spasticity. Quality was assessed by GRADE, which uses a transparent, structured process for developing and presenting summaries of evidence, including its quality, for systematic reviews.

Results:

A total of 37 studies were reviewed. A meta-analysis was carried out on 10 for pain and 21 for spasticity. Evidence quality was low/very low for pain. No significant effect was found in the upper limb (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.44, confidence interval (CI) –0.02 to 0.90, Z = 1.88, P=0.06), and no effect was found in the lower limb (risk ratio (RR) = 1.01 CI 0.19 to 5.36, Z = 0.02, P=0.99). Evidence quality for spasticity was moderate. Significant effects were found for Botulinum Toxin in the upper limb (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.88, CI 0.63 to 1.14, Z = 6.86, P<0.00001), and the lower limb (RR=2.42, CI 1.60 to 3.65, Z=4.18, P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

The use of Botulinum Toxin A is supported for upper and lower limb spasticity. Further evidence is needed for spasticity-related pain. Evidence quality is reduced by inadequate study design.
Functional and psychosocial effects of either a traditional dancing or a formal exercising training program in patients with chronic heart failure: a comparative randomized controlled study
Authors: Kaltsatou Antonia CH , Kouidi Evangelia I , Anifanti Maria A , Douka Stella I , Deligiannis Asterios P
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To compare the effects of traditional dancing with formal exercise training in terms of functional and cardiovascular benefits and motivation in patients with chronic heart failure.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Sports Medicine Laboratory.

Subjects:

Fifty-one Greek male patients aged 67.1±5.5 years with chronic heart failure of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–III, participated in an eight-month study.

Interventions:

They were randomly assigned to either training with Greek traditional dances (group A, n=18), formal exercise training (group B, n=16) or a sedentary control group (group C, n=17).

Main measures:

At entry and the end of the study all patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, functional ability assessment and quality of life evaluations. The Intrinsic Motivation Inventory was also used to assess participants’ subjective experience.

Results:

After training group A showed increased peak oxygen consumption by 33.8% (19.5 vs. 26.1 ml/kg/min, p<0.05) and B by 32.3% (19.5 vs. 25.8 ml/kg/min, p<0.05), maximal treadmill tolerance by 48.5% ( p<0.05) and by 46.4% ( p<0.05), and a decreased Slope of expired minute ventilation for carbon dioxide output (VE/VCO2) slope by 18% ( p<0.05) and 19.5% ( p<0.05), respectively. Trained patients revealed significant improvement in the quality of life indices. Intrinsic Motivation Inventory was increased only in group A by 26.2% (3.08 vs. 3.87, p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Exercise training in chronic heart failure patients with Greek traditional dances led to functional and cardiovascular benefits similar to formal exercise training and to a higher level of motivation.
Randomized controlled pilot study of customized pamphlets to promote physical activity and symptom self-management in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Plow Matthew , Bethoux Francois , McDaniel Corey , McGlynn Mark , Marcus Bess
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Investigate the feasibility and potential efficacy of a customized print-based intervention to promote physical activity and symptom self-management in women with multiple sclerosis.

Design:

A randomly allocated two-group repeated measures design, with a delayed-treatment contact group serving as the control. Participants were randomized to receive the intervention immediately ( n =14) or receive it at week 12 ( n =16). Outcome measures were administered at weeks 1, 12, and 24.

Setting:

Community-based in metropolitan area.

Subjects:

Thirty women with multiple sclerosis.

Intervention:

Prescribing a home-exercise program and following up with customized pamphlets, which are matched to participants’ stage of readiness to change physical activity behavior and physical activity barriers (e.g. encouraging self-management of symptoms).

Main Measures:

Physical Activity and Disability Survey-revised, Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, SF-12, Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Scale, and 6-minute walk test.

Results:

Intent-to-treat analyses using mixed multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were conducted on (1) physical activity levels and (2) health and function outcomes. The mixed MANOVAs for physical activity levels and health and function outcomes indicated significant improvements in the immediate group compared with the delayed group (i.e. condition by time interaction was significant, Wilks’ λ = 0.59, F2, 27 = 9.31, P = 0.001 and Wilks’ λ = 0.70, F4, 25 = 2.72, P = 0.052, respectively). The intervention had moderate to large effect sizes in improving physical activity levels (d = 0.63 to 0.89), perceptions of physical function (d = 0.63), and 6-minute walk test (d=0.86).

Conclusion:

This pilot study indicates that a customized print-based intervention shows promise in improving physical activity levels and health and function in women with multiple sclerosis.
A systematic review of the effects of NMDA receptor antagonists on oscillatory activity recorded in vivo
Authors: Hunt Mark J , Kasicki Stefan
Published: July 2013

Distinct frequency bands can be differentiated from neuronal ensemble recordings, such as local field potentials or electrocorticogram recordings. Recent years have witnessed a rapid acceleration of research examining how N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists influence fundamental frequency bands in cortical and subcortical brain regions. Herein, we systematically review findings from in vivo studies with a focus on delta, theta, gamma and more recently identified high-frequency oscillations. We also discuss some of the current hypotheses that are considered to account for the actions of NMDAR antagonists on these frequency bands. The data emphasize a close relationship between altered oscillatory activity and NMDAR blockade, with both local and large-scale networks accounting for their effects. These findings may have fundamental implications for the psychotomimetic effects produced by NMDAR antagonists.
Peers’ Perceptions of Gender Nonconformity
Authors: Toomey Russell B. , Card Noel A. , Casper Deborah M.
Published: July 2013

The current study used reports from 318 early adolescents to examine the associations of peer-reported gender nonconformity with peer- and self-reported overt and relational victimization and aggression, and possible sex differences in these associations. Multiple-group structural equation modeling revealed that higher levels of peer-reported gender nonconformity were associated with higher self- and peer-reports of overt and relational victimization and aggression among males and females. The association between peer-reported gender nonconformity and peer-reported overt aggression was moderated by participant sex, such that the association was stronger for females compared to males. Results suggest that perceived gender nonconformity is associated with problematic peer relations, especially among females, in early adolescence and implications of these associations are discussed.
Risk Preferences
Authors: Felder Stefan , Mayrhofer Thomas
Published: July 2013

Risk attitudes include risk aversion as well as higher-order risk preferences such as prudence and temperance. This article analyzes the effects of such preferences on medical test and treatment decisions, represented either by test and treatment thresholds or—when the test result is not given—by optimal cutoff values for diagnostic tests. For a risk-averse decision maker, effective treatment is a risk-reducing strategy since it prevents the low health outcome of forgoing treatment in the sick state. Compared with risk neutrality, risk aversion thus lowers both the test and the treatment threshold and decreases the optimal test cutoff value. Risk vulnerability, which combines risk aversion, prudence, and temperance, is relevant if there is a comorbidity risk: thresholds and optimal cutoff values decrease even more. Since common utility functions imply risk vulnerability, our findings suggest that diagnostics in low prevalence settings (e.g., screening) may be considered more beneficial when risk preferences are taken into account.
Volumetric analysis of lung nodules in computed tomography (CT): comparison of two different segmentation algorithm softwares and two different reconstruction filters on automated volume calculation
Authors: Christe Andreas , Brönnimann Alain , Vock Peter
Published: July 2013

Background

A precise detection of volume change allows for better estimating the biological behavior of the lung nodules. Postprocessing tools with automated detection, segmentation, and volumetric analysis of lung nodules may expedite radiological processes and give additional confidence to the radiologists.

Purpose

To compare two different postprocessing software algorithms (LMS Lung, Median Technologies; LungCARE®, Siemens) in CT volumetric measurement and to analyze the effect of soft (B30) and hard reconstruction filter (B70) on automated volume measurement.

Material and Methods

Between January 2010 and April 2010, 45 patients with a total of 113 pulmonary nodules were included. The CT exam was performed on a 64-row multidetector CT scanner (Somatom Sensation, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with the following parameters: collimation, 24x1.2 mm; pitch, 1.15; voltage, 120 kVp; reference tube current-time, 100 mAs. Automated volumetric measurement of each lung nodule was performed with the two different postprocessing algorithms based on two reconstruction filters (B30 and B70). The average relative volume measurement difference (VME%) and the limits of agreement between two methods were used for comparison.

Results

At soft reconstruction filters the LMS system produced mean nodule volumes that were 34.1% ( P < 0.0001) larger than those by LungCARE® system. The VME% was 42.2% with a limit of agreement between −53.9% and 138.4%.The volume measurement with soft filters (B30) was significantly larger than with hard filters (B70); 11.2% for LMS and 1.6% for LungCARE®, respectively (both with P < 0.05). LMS measured greater volumes with both filters, 13.6% for soft and 3.8% for hard filters, respectively ( P < 0.01 and P > 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a substantial inter-software (LMS/LungCARE®) as well as intra-software variability (B30/B70) in lung nodule volume measurement; therefore, it is mandatory to use the same equipment with the same reconstruction filter for the follow-up of lung nodule volume.
An Examination of the Interrater Reliability Between Practitioners and Researchers on the Static-99
Authors: Quesada Stephen P. , Calkins Cynthia , Jeglic Elizabeth L.
Published: July 2013

Many studies have validated the psychometric properties of the Static-99, the most widely used measure of sexual offender recidivism risk. However much of this research relied on instrument coding completed by well-trained researchers. This study is the first to examine the interrater reliability (IRR) of the Static-99 between practitioners in the field and researchers. Using archival data from a sample of 1,973 formerly incarcerated sex offenders, field raters’ scores on the Static-99 were compared with those of researchers. Overall, clinicians and researchers had excellent IRR on Static-99 total scores, with IRR coefficients ranging from “substantial” to “outstanding” for the individual 10 items of the scale. The most common causes of discrepancies were coding manual errors, followed by item subjectivity, inaccurate item scoring, and calculation errors. These results offer important data with regard to the frequency and perceived nature of scoring errors.
Not My Fault
Authors: DeLisi Matt , Angton Alexia , Vaughn Michael G. , Trulson Chad R. , Caudill Jonathan W. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: July 2013

The association between psychopathy and crime is established, but the specific components of the personality disorders that most contribute to crime are largely unknown. Drawing on data from 723 confined delinquents in Missouri, the present study delved into the eight subscales of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Short Form to empirically assess the specific aspects of the disorder that are most responsible for explaining variation in career delinquency. Blame externalization emerged as the strongest predictor of career delinquency in ordinary least squares regression, logistic regression, and t-test models. Fearlessness and carefree nonplanfulness were also significant in all models. Other features of psychopathy, such as stress immunity, social potency, and coldheartedness were weakly and inconsistently predictive of career delinquency. Implications of these findings for the study of psychopathy and delinquent careers are discussed in this article.
Molecular determination of genotoxic effects of cobalt and nickel on maize (Zea mays L.) by RAPD and protein analyses
Authors: Erturk Filiz Aygun , Ay Hilal , Nardemir Gokce , Agar Guleray
Published: July 2013

Assessment of DNA damages stemming from toxic chemicals is an important issue in terms of genotoxicology. In this study, maize ( Zea mays L.) seedlings were used for screening the genotoxic effects of cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) treatments at various concentrations (5 mM, 10 mM, 20 mM and 40 mM). For this purpose, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to genomic DNA extracted from metal-exposed and unexposed plant materials. Besides, changes in total protein contents were screened by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. For RAPD analysis, 16 RAPD primers were found to produce unique polymorphic band profiles on different concentrations of Co-/Ni-treated maize seedlings. Increased polymorphism resulting from the appearance of new bands or disappearance of normal bands was observed with increasing concentration of Co and Ni treatments. Genomic template stability, a qualitative measurement of changes in RAPD patterns of genomic DNA, decreased with increasing metal concentration. In SDS-PAGE analysis, it was observed that the total soluble protein content decreased by Co treatment, while it increased by Ni treatment. The results obtained from this study revealed that RAPD profiles and total soluble protein levels can be applied to detect genotoxicity, and these analyses can offer useful biomarker assays for the evaluation of genotoxic effects on Co- and Ni-polluted plants.
Biological studies on the effect of estrogen on experimentally induced asthma in mice
Authors: El-Desouki Nabila I , Tabl Ghada A , Elkhodary Yasmin AA
Published: July 2013

This study evaluates the influence of estrogen hormone on the experimentally induced asthma in male mice. The animals were divided into four groups, with 20 mice in each group; group I (control mice) included mice that received no treatment, group II included mice that received intraperitoneal estrogen injection (0.25 mg/kg body weight (bw), twice on day 28 of the experiment), group III (asthmatic mice) included asthmatic mice that received intraperitoneal injection of two doses of ovalbumin (OVA; 2 µg of OVA mixed with 100 µg of aluminum potassium sulfate) on days 1 and 14 of the experiment and then challenged intranasally with a single dose of OVA (50 µg dissolved in 0.05 ml phosphate-buffered saline; PBS) on day 28 of the experiment, and group IV (asthmatic mice treated with estrogen) included asthma model male mice that received the estrogen (0.5 mg/kg bw in 40 ml PBS, twice on the day 28 of the experiment). The immunohistochemical studies observed a marked intensity of CD15 immunoreactivity in the lung tissues of asthma model mice. Physiological results recorded that the total and differential count of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of asthma model mice recorded a significant increase in the number of leukocytes especially in the number of eosinophil cells. The BALF of asthma model mice showed high levels of interleukins 4 and 5 (IL-4 and IL-5), and there was a significant decrease in both the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in BALF of asthma model mice treated with estrogen. In conclusion, the obtained results indicated that the asthma is responsible for certain immunohistochemical and physiological alterations induced in lung tissues of mice. The administration of estrogen to asthmatic male mice could improve these changes. For this reason, the present findings support the possible role of estrogen in modulating the inflammatory effects caused by asthma in male mice and may be helpful to cure many asthmatic progressions.
Ascorbic acid inhibits ferric nitrilotriacetate induction of ornithine decarboxylase, DNA synthesis, oxidative stress, and hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Ansar S , Iqbal M
Published: July 2013

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound with antioxidant properties used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. In this study, the effect of AA on ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats has been examined. Fe-NTA alone enhances ornithine decarboxylase activity to 4.5-fold and tritiated thymidine incorporation in DNA to 3.6-fold in livers compared with the corresponding saline-treated controls. The enhanced ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis showed a reduction to 3.02- and 1.88-fold, respectively, at a higher dose of 2 mg AA per day per animal, compared with the Fe-NTA-treated groups. Fe-NTA treatment also enhanced the hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation to 1.7-fold compared to saline-treated controls. These changes were reversed significantly in animals receiving pretreatment of AA. The present data shows that AA can reciprocate the toxic effects of Fe-NTA and can serve as a potent chemopreventive agent to suppress oxidant-induced tissue injury and hepatotoxicity in rats.
Integrating Time Into Family Business Research
Authors: Allison Thomas H. , McKenny Aaron Francis , Short Jeremy Collin
Published: July 2013

Organizational ambidexterity refers to a firm’s ability to pursue both exploitation and exploration orientations. Despite research that suggests ambidexterity is a critical phenomenon in family firms, few studies directly examine the role of ambidexterity over time in family business. This study examines how family firm ambidexterity changes over time as a result of temporal-, firm-, and industry-level factors. We find that family firm ambidexterity is stable over time, punctuated by dramatic changes. We also find that the level of innovation required to compete in an industry is a predictor of changes in exploration versus exploitation over time among family firms.
Spirituality Measurement in African American Cancer Survivors
Authors: Mollica Michelle , Nemeth Lynne
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Spirituality is a mechanism that supports coping with chronic illnesses such as cancer, and has been frequently used in the African American (AA) population. Measures of spirituality are needed, which are culturally sensitive, appropriate, and psychometrically sound. Design: A critical literature review was performed to identify instruments measuring spirituality as a response to illness. Method: Whittemore and Knafl’s method was used to search pertinent databases for instrumentation assessing spirituality and its applicability in AA cancer survivors. Findings: In all, 13 research articles detailing nine instruments were obtained and included for analysis. Of the nine instruments, only two (Perspectives of Support From God Scale and Connections to God Scale) were psychometrically tested in populations of AAs who had completed primary treatment for their cancer. Cultural validity was tested in only the Perspectives of Support From God Scale, showing a deficit in the assessment of cultural appropriateness of these instruments to the population. Conclusions: Further research is needed to confirm validity of these measures. Cognitive pretesting and assessment of cross-cultural validity can be used to ensure proper understanding of terminology and avoid potential biases. Repeated testing of the instrument in the desired population is necessary to confirm that constructs and items are understood and cognitively processed as intended.
Devolution and the enhancement of scrutiny: A case study of the committees of the National Assembly for Wales
Authors: Cole Michael
Published: July 2013

This article addresses committee scrutiny undertaken at the National Assembly for Wales during the third assembly (2007–2011). The analysis is addressed through a scrutiny framework that considers the substantive issues in terms of three overarching elements – selection, access to information and assistance, and evaluation. The framework is developed through scholarship about the UK House of Commons as well as a wide range of other parliaments and assemblies. This analysis is also used to identify features facilitating effectiveness and specify seven hypotheses concerning explanations for scrutiny characteristics. The analysis is then applied to the Welsh case study, which results from a substantive series of interviews with Assembly Members, witnesses and officials, as well as significant documentary analysis.
The Invisible Gorilla Strikes Again
Authors: Drew Trafton , Võ Melissa L.-H. , Wolfe Jeremy M.
Published: July 2013

Researchers have shown that people often miss the occurrence of an unexpected yet salient event if they are engaged in a different task, a phenomenon known as inattentional blindness. However, demonstrations of inattentional blindness have typically involved naive observers engaged in an unfamiliar task. What about expert searchers who have spent years honing their ability to detect small abnormalities in specific types of images? We asked 24 radiologists to perform a familiar lung-nodule detection task. A gorilla, 48 times the size of the average nodule, was inserted in the last case that was presented. Eighty-three percent of the radiologists did not see the gorilla. Eye tracking revealed that the majority of those who missed the gorilla looked directly at its location. Thus, even expert searchers, operating in their domain of expertise, are vulnerable to inattentional blindness.
Alcohol consumption in sportspeople: The role of social cohesion, identity and happiness
Authors: Zhou Jin , O’Brien Kerry S , Heim Derek
Published: July 2013

Research indicates that those participating in sport consume alcohol more frequently and at higher quantities than their non-sporting peers. The highest levels of alcohol consumption have been found in university student sportspeople; however, the reasons for such elevated alcohol use are unclear and there has been little research in this area outside US institutions. Moreover, research seems to be predominantly problem-focused and may therefore be unlikely to afford a wider understanding of the role alcohol plays in the lives of many sportspeople. There is a particular paucity of research examining the positive social and psychological outcomes of alcohol consumption in sport participants. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by exploring the relationship between social cohesion, identity, self-reported happiness and student sportspeople’s drinking. Questionnaires containing validated measures for alcohol consumption, happiness, importance of sporting identity and drinking for team cohesion were used to collect data from 243 university sportspeople (females =145, 60%). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that age, happiness and team cohesion were significant predictors of alcohol consumption, whereas sporting identity did not contribute significantly to the regression model. Further mediation analyses found that the relationship between happiness and alcohol consumption was mediated by team cohesion.
Acute phase proteins response in hunting dogs
Authors: Casella Stefania , Fazio Francesco , Russo Carmelo , Giudice Elisabetta , Piccione Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells (WBC) were assessed in 20 dogs divided into 2 groups. The dogs of group A were not subjected to hunting exercise (control group), while the dogs of group B were subjected to hunting exercise for 3 hr (experimental group). Blood samples were collected from each animal before hunting (T0), immediately after 3 hr of hunting (T1), and after 1 hr of recovery (T2). The general linear model (GLM) repeated measures procedure showed a significant difference between the 2 groups ( P < 0.0001) and a significant rise ( P < 0.0001) in concentration of Hp, SAA, and CRP after hunting exercise, with a consequent decline during recovery period in group B. These parameters could be considered valid and easily obtainable biomarkers in relation to hunting stress in dogs. Additional studies will continue to elucidate the magnitude and the time of response of other acute phase proteins.