bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation Through Understanding Test-Taking Strategies
Authors: Wu Amery D. , Stone Jake E.
Published: October 2015

This article explores an approach for test score validation that examines test takers’ strategies for taking a reading comprehension test. The authors formulated three working hypotheses about score validity pertaining to three types of test-taking strategy (comprehending meaning, test management, and test-wiseness). These hypotheses were formulated in terms of the use of three types of test-taking strategy and their relationships with performance on specific task types (testlets) and overall test performances. We illustrated the proposed method for validation using example data from the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program-General (CELPIP-General) reading pilot test. The findings were that (a) test takers were engaging more in processing the texts for comprehending meaning, less in test-management skills, and least in test-wiseness; (b) at the task level, task characteristics (e.g., difficulty) had implications on test takers’ engagement with different types of strategies, which, in turn, led to differences in predicting task performances; and (c) at the test level, higher engagement in comprehending meaning led to higher test performance, engagement in test management showed a small negative association with test performance, and higher engagement in test-wiseness led to poorer performance. The high congruence between the working hypotheses and the empirical results offered plausible evidence that supported the validity of CELPIP-General reading scores. Revisions to both hypotheses and research design that might improve the proposed validation method are reviewed in the “Discussion” section.
Predictive modeling of the rail grinding process using a distributed cutting grain approach
Authors: Zhi Shaodan , Li Jianyong , Zarembski Allan M
Published: October 2015

High-density railway lines experience a high rate of deterioration on the running surface of the rails; it can be addressed by rail grinding in order to reduce the frequency of rail replacement. Rail grinding includes additional complex features beyond what is usually considered in conventional grinding. Although extensive empirical experience exists to describe rail grinding, it can still be considered to be an emerging field that is in need of predictive theoretical guidance. This paper presents a newly developed modeling approach that is intended to provide a theoretical understanding of the rail grinding process and allow the prediction of rail grinding behavior and performance. The modeling is a bottom-up approach that starts from individual cutting grains and builds up to the rail grinding train level. First, grain distribution modeling is used to build a uniform template for the grinding simulation, based on the assumption of spherical grains with normally distributed sizes. Second, one representative slice is extracted as a grinding surface with stable grains. Protrusion heights and spacing distances of the cutting grains are analyzed to obtain the features of the grinding surface. Then the spherical grains are transformed into decahedrons with arbitrary poses, so as to closely approximate the actual surface of a grinding wheel. Third, the interactions of the cutting grains are combined into a model of a single grinding wheel and compared to test results from a single-wheel test. This allows for the connection between the utilized grinding parameters and the grinding results to be isolated, which is validated with supporting experiments performed on a single wheel. The individual wheel relationships can be combined into a full multi-wheel grinding pattern for estimating the simulation results of a multi-wheel grinding train. Eventually, the comparison between the simulations and grinding tests is used to show the effectiveness of the predictive rail grinding modeling at the level of a rail grinding train.
Comprehensive analysis of the influence of door width on the passenger flow time on Korean urban railways
Authors: Oh Sukmun , Kim Seongho , Hong Jaisung
Published: October 2015

This paper deals with the effect of door width on the passenger flow time on Korean urban railways using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and regression analysis. All regression coefficients are statistically significant in both analyses. The ANCOVA results show that increasing the door width can be quite useful in reducing passenger flow time. Regression analysis, which controls for other independent variables, also shows a clear relationship between door width and passenger flow time. In an additional regression model, we consider the interaction between door width and the number of boarding passengers. This paper also compares flow times estimated through two different methods: laboratory experiments and live railway observation, and finds no significant difference between the two approaches.
A cross sectional survey of the barriers for implementing rapid HIV testing among French general practitioners
Authors: Fraisse Thibaut , Fourcade Camille , Brazes-Sanz Julie , Koumar Yatrika , Lavigne Jean Philippe , Sotto Albert , Laureillard Didier
Published: October 2015

In France, almost 30,000 people are unaware of their HIV-positive status. Innovative screening strategies are essential to reach this population. The aim of this study was to describe the acceptability of rapid HIV testing (RHT) among French general practitioners (GPs) working in the south of France and barriers for implementing this strategy. We analysed an anonymous questionnaire sent by mail to GPs about demographic data, routine practice, knowledge of RHT and barriers to its use. Between 1 April and 30 September 2013, out of the 165 GPs contacted, 78 returned the questionnaires. The GPs’ mean age was 52 years; 49 were men. Fifty-one GPs reported that their registered patients included at least one HIV-infected person and 70 GPs reported taking care of high-risk patients. Sixty-three percent of GPs reported being interested in using RHT in their daily practice. The main reasons reported by uninterested GPs were: greater confidence in standard HIV testing, difficulties including RHT during the routine consultation, difficulties to screen for other sexually transmitted infections simultaneously, and difficulties to deliver a positive result. French National Authorities for Health propose to screen the population at least once in their lifetime and high-risk people at least once a year. In order to achieve this aim, RHT should be included in the GPs’ arsenal for HIV testing. We showed a high acceptability of RHT by GPs. If specific and adapted training is developed, and if solutions to barriers reported by GPs are found, RHT could be implemented in to their routine activity.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes following syphilis treatment in pregnancy in the UK
Authors: Wallace Harriet E , Isitt Catherine E , Broomhall Harriet M , Perry Alison E , Wilson Janet D
Published: October 2015

Syphilis infection in pregnancy is known to cause a number of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, including second-trimester miscarriage, stillbirth, very pre-term delivery and neonatal death, in addition to congenital syphilis. A retrospective review of women with positive syphilis serology and a pregnancy outcome between 2005 and 2012 in Leeds, UK, was performed. In all, 57 cases of positive syphilis serology in pregnancy were identified: 24 with untreated syphilis treated in the current pregnancy (Group 1); seven with reported but unconfirmed prior treatment who were retreated (Group 2); and 26 adequately treated prior to pregnancy (Group 3). The rate of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes in Group 1 at 21% was significantly higher than the 0% outcome of Group 3 ( p = 0.02). The severe adverse pregnancy outcomes were two second-trimester miscarriages, two pre-term births at 25 and 28 weeks and one stillbirth at 32 weeks. There were no cases of term congenital syphilis or term neonatal death, but we observed high rates of other adverse pregnancy outcomes despite treatment during pregnancy. Rapid referral for treatment is needed before 18 weeks in order to minimise adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Bcl-2 and Fas expression in peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with alcoholic and autoimmune liver disorders
Authors: Zwolak A , Surdacka A , Daniluk J
Published: October 2015

Background:

This article is devoted to the inquiry of three diseases of the liver: alcoholic liver disease (ALD), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The aim of the study was to assess the changes in populations of circulating lymphocytes expressing antiapoptotic bcl-2 molecule and proapoptotic Fas (cluster of differentiation 95(CD95)) receptor in patients with ALD, AIH, and PBC.

Materials and Methods:

The study population consisted of 110 patients with ALD ( n = 50), PBC ( n = 30), and AIH ( n = 30) and age-matched healthy volunteers ( n = 25). Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated, stained with monoclonal antibodies against CD4, CD8, and CD19 antigen; intracellular bcl-2; and surface Fas receptor (CD95) antigens, and estimated using the flow cytometric method.

Results:

Bcl-2 expression was the highest in CD4+ and CD19+ T lymphocytes in ALD; however, only the differences in median/mean fluorescence intensity values of CD4+bcl-2+ lymphocytes between ALD and PBC group and CD19+bcl-2+ between ALD and PBC groups were statistically significant, indicating the different role of B cells in pathology of ALD and PBC. In contrast to that, statistically significant higher percentage of CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ bearing Fas receptor in all groups of patients with liver diseases in comparison with the control subjects were estimated. The highest expression of Fas in CD4+ lymphocytes in ALD and in CD8+ cells of PBC and AIH groups were detected.

Conclusion:

Low expression of bcl-2 molecule and high expression of Fas in peripheral blood lymphocytes indicate significant dysregulation of apoptotic mechanisms not only in the liver but also in peripheral blood lymphocytes in all examined groups, especially in ALD group.
Differential effects of grape juice on gastric emptying and renal function from cisplatin-induced acute adverse toxicity
Authors: Ko J-L , Tsai C-H , Liu T-C , Lin M-Y , Lin H-L , Ou C-C
Published: October 2015

Grape skin and seeds contain large amounts of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, resveratrol, and proanthocyanidins, which possess antioxidant activities. Cisplatin is widely used in the treatment of cancer. High doses of cisplatin have also been known to produce acute adverse effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of antioxidant properties of whole grape juice (with skin and seeds) on cisplatin-induced acute gastrointestinal tract disorders and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Gastric emptying is significantly increased in whole grape juice-pretreated rats when compared to cisplatin treatment alone. The expression of ghrelin mRNA of stomach is increased in rats with whole grape juice. However, pretreatment with whole grape juice did not reduce renal function markers in acute renal toxicity. No significant changes were recorded in the oxidative stress/antioxidant status parameters of any study group. In contrast, pretreatment with whole grape juice slightly improved tubular cell vacuolization, tubular dilatation, and cast formation in renal tubules. These results show that consumption of whole grape juice induces somewhat beneficial effects in preventing cisplatin-mediated dyspepsia but does not offer protection against cisplatin-induced acute renal toxicity.
Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase, myeloperoxidase, and oxidative damage in mesenteric ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Kocael A , Inal BB , Guntas G , Kelten C , Inal H , Topac HI , Kocael P , Simsek O , Karaca G , Salihoglu Z , Uzun H
Published: October 2015

Background:

In this study, we investigated the alterations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), acute inflammation, and oxidative damage in the circulatory system and the intestine in response to mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Methods:

Twenty-one rats were divided randomly into the following three groups ( n = 7 in each group): a sham group (CG), an ischemic group (IG), and an I/R group (I/RG). MMP-9, TIMP-1, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and lipid peroxidation (quantified as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content), ischemia-modified albumin, the prooxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured spectrophotometrically. The degree of intestinal injury was evaluated according to the Chiu scoring system.

Results:

A significant difference between the mean serum TIMP-1 and MMP-9 levels and the alanine transaminase activity was found among the groups. Compared with the I/RG group a significant difference in the mean tissue MMP-9, MPO, and TBARS levels in addition to the PAB and FRAP was found between the CG and IG groups. The level of MMP-9 also demonstrated a strong, positive, and valid correlation with the TBA-RS levels. A significant morphological change was observed in both the IG and the I/RG groups. The degree of intestinal injury was more severe in the I/R group and was characterized by either villous denudation or villous loss.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that MMP-9, TIMP-1, MPO, and oxidative stress may be important in the intestinal injury development that is induced by acute mesenteric I/R in a rat model. MMP-9 overexpression may increase the extent of intestinal villous loss, particularly when MMP-9 is upregulated by the TBARS present in the intestinal injury.
Does rosmarinic acid treatment have protective role against sepsis-induced oxidative damage in Wistar Albino rats?
Authors: Bacanlı M , Aydın S , Taner G , Göktaş HG , Şahin T , Başaran AA , Başaran N
Published: October 2015

Reactive oxygen species are believed to be involved in the development of sepsis. Plant-derived phenolic compounds are thought to be possible therapeutic agents against sepsis because of their antioxidant properties. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic compound commonly found in various plants, which has many biological activities including antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RA on sepsis-induced DNA damage in the lymphocytes and liver and kidney cells of Wistar albino rats by alkaline comet assay with and without formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase protein. The oxidative stress parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and total glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver and kidney tissues and an inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level in plasma were also evaluated. It is found that DNA damage in the lymphocytes, livers, and kidneys of the RA-treated rats was significantly lower than that in the sepsis-induced rats. RA treatment also decreased the MDA levels and increased the GSH levels and SOD and GSH-Px activities in the livers and kidneys of the sepsis-induced rats. Plasma TNF-α level was found to be decreased in the RA-treated rats. It seems that RA might have a role in the attenuation of sepsis-induced oxidative damage not only by decreasing the DNA damage but also by increasing the antioxidant status and DNA repair capacity of the animals.
The Shared Experience Help the Bereavement to Flow
Authors: Henoch Ingela , Berg Christina , Benkel Inger
Published: October 2015

When a family member dies, a bereavement period is taking place for all family members. The death of a parent during childhood is a highly stressful event. This study evaluates families’ experiences of family support groups when a parent has died. Families were participate in groups for children, teenagers, young adults, and parents in seven sessions. The same topic which was discussed in all groups. The support groups were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The participants were satisfied with the groups and experienced that the shared experience facilitated bereavement to proceed. The results indicate that families’ experiences is being more open about feelings in their own family. A support group can be one possibility to help the whole family in the bereavement.
Using Technology to Enhance Feedback to Student Teachers
Authors: Gibson Lenwood , Musti-Rao Shobana
Published: October 2015

The importance of effective and efficient feedback is paramount during the student teaching experience. This experience is a vital component of many teacher preparation programs. During these limited experiences, supervisors deliver performance feedback that is designed to improve the way student teachers implement evidence-based practices and/or adhere to treatment protocol, also known as treatment fidelity. Improving fidelity is very important to the success of preservice teachers and the children in their classrooms. This column outlines and discusses the use of technology in the preservice teacher supervision process. Four separate technologies are described and suggestions for utilizing them to deliver effective feedback are provided.
Teaching Students With Behavior Problems to Take a Break
Authors: Stormont Melissa A. , Rodriguez Billie Jo , Reinke Wendy M.
Published: October 2015

This column presents a strategy for teachers to use with students with challenging behaviors motivated by a desire to escape a setting. Although many detailed strategies are available for students with behavior problems, few provide a structured approach for working with the students motivated by escape or avoidance. To effectively intervene with different types of students it is important to have strategies tailored to their needs. This article presents steps to follow to execute this strategy as well as methods for systematic use, monitoring, and fidelity checks.
Evolving the tactics of play fighting: insights from simulating the “keep away game” in rats
Authors: Bell Heather C , Bell Greg D , Schank Jeffrey A , Pellis Sergio M
Published: October 2015

Play fighting in many animals consists of a complex choreography of somewhat stereotypical behaviors involving attack and defense—typically of particular body areas—that are differentially generated under specific conditions. In most domains where behavior is considered, including the study of social play, the prevailing explanatory theories rest on the assumptions that: (1) behavior is the result of “programs” that can be strictly or loosely specified, located somewhere in the central nervous system, and (2) the behavior an organism produces in a certain circumstance is the result of a choice between all (or many) of the available options, assumed to be arrived at by considering internally generated predictions about the consequences of actions. To test these assumptions, we used sets of parameters generated by our previous work with rats and crickets to create an agent-based model of a game of “keep-away.” We demonstrate that the agents need to possess neither behavioral programs (e.g., fixed or modal action patterns), nor any predictive capacity, in order to reproduce the tactics commonly used when organisms protect an object of interest from conspecifics. The results are presented in terms of the evolution of social play, which can be seen as a variation of the game of keep away.
Vitamin D Status in an Elective Orthopedic Surgical Population
Authors: Michelson James D. , Charlson Mark D.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Adequate vitamin D availability is required for normal bone metabolism. Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent in latitudes above 30 degrees. The goal of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in an unselected population of patients undergoing major ankle or hindfoot arthrodesis in Burlington, Vermont (latitude 44.5° N).

Methods

One hundred eighteen patients undergoing a major ankle, hindfoot, or midfoot arthrodesis between May 2012 and February 2014 were eligible for the study, of which 81 participated. All clinical data, including comorbidities, demographics, and lab values, were obtained from the comprehensive electronic medical record system that encompassed all inpatient and outpatient care. Based on the recommendations published by the Vitamin D Task Force Committee of the Endocrine Society, vitamin D levels above 30 ng/mL were considered normal. Statistical analyses were performed using a significance level of P <.05.

Results

Of 81 patients tested, 54 (67%) had low serum vitamin D. Older patients had lower risk for hypovitaminosis D (RR = 0.953, CI = 0.908, 0.999, P = .046), whereas a Charlson Index ≥3 had increased risk (RR = 16.8, CI = 1.5, 192.3, P = .023). Of the 16 patients retested after vitamin supplementation, only 9 (56%) corrected to normal.

Conclusions:

In an unselected population in Vermont undergoing hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis, there was a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, even in patients without predisposing risk factors. Consequently, routine testing or presumptive high-dose vitamin D replenishment therapy should be considered for all patients scheduled for such surgery, primarily to promote adequate skeletal calcium metabolism.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective study.
Deliberation Makes a Difference
Authors: Zhu Xi , Baloh Jure , Ward Marcia M. , Stewart Greg L.
Published: October 2015

Small and rural hospitals face special challenges to implement and sustain organization-wide quality improvement (QI) initiatives due to limited resources and infrastructures. We studied the implementation of TeamSTEPPS, a national QI initiative, in 14 critical access hospitals. Drawing on QI and organization development theories, we propose five strategic preparation steps for TeamSTEPPS: assess needs, reflect on the context, set goals, develop a shared understanding, and select change agents. We explore how hospitals’ practices correspond to suggested best practices by analyzing qualitative data collected through quarterly interviews with key informants. We find that the level of deliberation was a key factor that differentiated hospitals’ practices. Hospitals that were more deliberate in preparing for the five strategic steps were more likely to experience engagement, perceive efficacy, foresee and manage barriers, and achieve progress during implementation. We discuss potential steps that hospitals may take to better prepare for TeamSTEPPS implementation.
Compatibility of epirubicin-loaded DC bead™ with different non-ionic contrast media
Authors: Sarakbi Iman , Krämer Irene
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the compatibility of epirubicin-loaded DC bead™ with different non-ionic contrast media over a period of seven days when stored light protected under refrigerated conditions.

Methods

DC bead™ (2 ml) (Biocompatibles UK Ltd) of the bead size 70–150 µm ( = DC bead M1) or bead size 100–300 µm were loaded with 75 mg epirubicin powder formulation (Farmorubicin® dissolved in 3 ml water for injection to a concentration of 25 mg/ml) or 76 mg epirubicin injection solution (Epimedac® 2 mg/ml) within 2 h or 6 h, respectively. After removal of the excess solution, the epirubicin-loaded beads were mixed in polypropylene syringes with an equal volume (∼1.5 ml) of contrast media, i.e. Accupaque™ 300 (Nycomed Inc.), Imeron® 300 (Bracco S.p.A), Ultravist® 300 (Bayer Pharma AG), Visipaque™ 320 (GE Healthcare) and agitated in a controlled manner to get a homogenous suspension. Syringes with loaded beads in contrast media were stored protected from light under refrigeration (2–8℃). Compatibility was determined by measuring epirubicin concentrations in the suspensions in triplicate on day 0, 1, and 7. A reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography assay with ultraviolet detection was utilized to analyze the concentration and purity of epirubicin.

Results

Mixing of epirubicin-loaded beads with different non-ionic contrast media released 0.1–0.5% of epirubicin over a period of 24 h, irrespectively, of the DC bead™ size or type of contrast media. No further elution or degradation was observed after seven days when the admixtures were stored protected from light under refrigeration.

Conclusion

Compatibility of epirubicin-loaded DC bead™ with an equal volume of different contrast media in polypropylene syringes is given over a period of seven days. Due to a maximum elution of 0.1–0.5% of epirubicin from loaded DC bead™, admixtures with contrast media can be prepared in advance in centralized cytotoxic preparation units. Microbiological aspects have to be considered when determining the expiration date of the product.
Older Men’s Blueprint for “Being a Man”
Authors: Thompson Edward H. , Langendoerfer Kaitlyn Barnes
Published: October 2015

Does the cultural blueprint for “being a man” direct older men into patterns of conduct and emotions similar to younger men? In the absence of cultural guidelines for aging as a man, this theoretically grounded article discusses the masculinity standards that are likely to influence how older men go about their lives. Framed by Brannon’s mid-1970s conceptualization of masculinity as an ideology, we reexamined existing narrative and interview-based research within ninety-eight prior studies to identify the masculinities voiced by older men. The narratives mirrored Brannon’s four-dimension model of the cultural guidelines for being a man. Masculinity matters, and without unique guidelines for being an older man, men live by and struggle with traditional masculinities that have influenced them across their life course.
Conceptualizing European security cooperation: Competing international political orders and domestic factors
Authors: Michalski Anna , Norman Ludvig
Published: October 2015

It is commonly argued that political elites in Europe are increasingly acting in accordance with shared norms, identities and practices, thus shaping the character of international cooperation in Europe, not least in the field of security. However, in contrast to such expectations, European security cooperation often displays highly irregular and unpredictable patterns. This article offers a conceptual framework that seeks to make sense of these irregular patterns without refuting the assumption that social institutions in the sphere of international security shape cooperation in fundamental ways. Our point of departure is the observation that European states are embedded in international orders that produce norms and practices that sometimes complement and sometimes compete with each other. We contend that a general situational mechanism traceable through a number of domestic-level factors conditions the propensity of European states to coordinate national security policy. The framework, designed to make sense of the often-irregular patterns of European security cooperation, is illustrated by examples from European states’ response to the 2011 crisis in Libya.
Travel motivation-based typology of tourists who visit a shopping festival
Authors: Peter Sangeeta , Anandkumar Victor
Published: October 2015

Shopping festivals are being promoted as tourism products thus attracting large number of tourists who are heterogeneous in their travel motives. Knowledge about tourists’ travel motives would enable destination marketers in meeting their needs. The purpose of this study is to understand the travel motives of tourists who visit the Dubai Shopping Festival and develop a tourist typology based on their motives. Principal component factor analysis was used to identify the motivating factors, following which a cluster analysis was done to classify the tourists into three segments, namely relaxers, multi-motivated seekers and shoppers. Further, Discriminant Analysis was used to identify factors which differentiated the clusters. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are presented.
How Multidimensional Health Locus of Control predicts utilization of emergency and inpatient hospital services
Authors: Mautner Dawn , Peterson Bridget , Cunningham Amy , Ku Bon , Scott Kevin , LaNoue Marianna
Published: October 2015

Health locus of control may be an important predictor of health care utilization. We analyzed associations between health locus of control and frequency of emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and investigated self-rated health as a potential mediator. Overall, 863 patients in an urban emergency department completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control instrument, and self-reported emergency department use and hospital admissions in the last year. We found small but significant associations between Multidimensional Health Locus of Control and utilization, all of which were mediated by self-rated health. We conclude that interventions to shift health locus of control may change patients’ perceptions of their own health, thereby impacting utilization.
Emergence of internal and external motivations to respond without prejudice in White children
Authors: Hughes Julie Milligan , Alo Jeni , Krieger Kirstin , O’Leary Lindsay Maureen
Published: October 2015

This research examined White U.S. children’s internal and external motivations to respond without prejudice (IMS and EMS). Study 1 examined the psychometric properties of IMS and EMS scales adapted from Plant and Devine (1998) in a predominately White sample of children ( N = 123, ages 7–12, Mage = 9.50, SD = 1.66). Among children aged 8 and older, both scales were reliable and correlated with theoretically relevant constructs. Study 2 examined whether IMS and EMS mediate the inverse relation between age and explicit prejudice in a sample of White children ( N = 145, ages 8–10, Mage = 8.98, SD = 0.82). When ethnic labeling was present, EMS mediated the inverse relation between age and explicit ethnic bias. When ethnic labeling was absent, IMS mediated the inverse relation between age and explicit ethnic bias. Results indicate IMS and EMS emerge in childhood and bear implications for theories of ethnic attitude development.
From cyborg feminism to drone feminism: Remembering women’s anti-nuclear activisms
Authors: Feigenbaum Anna
Published: October 2015

By the 1990s the dynamic array of creative direct action tactics used against militarised technologies that emerged from women’s anti-nuclear protest camps in the 1980s became largely eclipsed by cyberfeminism’s focus on digital and online technologies. Yet recently, as robots and algorithms are put forward as the vanguards of new drone execution regimes, some are wondering if now is the time for another Greenham Common. In this article I return to cyborg feminism and anti-nuclear activisms of the 1980s to explore what drone feminism might look like today. I examine how anti-nuclear protesters infused affect and techné, creating innovative images of, and tactics for, material resistance. I argue that Greenham women’s cyborg feminisms arose from their material entanglements with the military base. In their efforts to reveal and undermine the national and imperial myths upon which warfare is based, protesters re-imagined technological possibilities based upon a global accountability for ‘earthly survival’.
Honoring Roots in Multiple Worlds
Authors: Porta Carolyn , Allen Michele L. , Hurtado G. Ali , Padilla Maria , Arboleda Maria , Svetaz Maria Veronica , Balch Rosita , Sieving Renee E.
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To obtain contextualized insights from professionals regarding factors that contribute to or inhibit the healthy development of Latino youth. Method. A community-engaged study in which semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 professionals who work extensively with Latino youth in urban clinics, schools, and other community-based settings. Results. Every key informant expressed opinions regarding factors that contribute to healthy development of Latino youth, ranging from cultural identity and a sense of belonging to family connectedness and adult role models. Contributing and inhibiting factors were characterized by being either intrinsic to the individual (e.g., sense of belonging, hope) or extrinsic (e.g., family support and love, community support). Conclusion. Recognition of and appreciation for the importance of cultural influences in the lives of Latino youth is a critical starting point on which professionals must build to respectfully and successfully encourage healthy youth development. Factors that contribute to the healthy development of Latino youth range from cultural identity and cultural pride to family connectedness, adult role models, and a sense of belonging. In working with Latino young people, professionals must recognize and appreciate cultural influences as foundational to this population’s health and well-being.
Frequency and type of medications and vaccines used during pregnancy
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F , Shields Kristine E
Published: October 2015

Providing safe pharmacotherapy for pregnant women is challenging. Nearly all pregnant women are prescribed or inadvertently receive medication during their pregnancy. We reviewed the scientific literature to identify the specific medications and vaccines that are most often used during pregnancy and described them by category and indication. Our interest was to update the research before the implementation of the recently released FDA labeling rule for pregnancy and lactation that eliminates the use of pregnancy categories in product labels. Our results confirm that most products taken during pregnancy are over-the-counter or in the former FDA pregnancy categories A or B. However, medications taken prior to pregnancy recognition (inadvertent exposures) and those prescribed for chronic illness such as allergies, depression, and pain are of concern. A better understanding of medication and vaccine utilization during pregnancy may help clinicians reduce inadvertent first trimester exposures and improve the safe and effective treatment of pregnant women.
Once Daily Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) Improves Glycemic Control in Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (OHA)–Treated Diabetes
Authors: Harashima Shin-ichi , Nishimura Akiko , Ikeda Kaori , Wang Yu , Liu Yanyan , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: October 2015

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare glycemic control between SMBG-continued and -discontinued subjects with type 2 diabetes in the SMBG-OHA study.

Method:

Of the 96 subjects from the SMBG-OHA study, 59 were recruited for the 24-week, comparison follow-up study. The study outcomes were the differences in change in HbA1c levels at 24 weeks between the 2 groups, and change in SMBG frequency in SMBG-continued subjects.

Results:

Although health insurance does not cover the cost of SMBG, 22.0% of subjects continued SMBG of their own will after the SMBG-OHA study was completed. HbA1c levels were maintained from 6.81 ± 0.55% to 6.64 ± 0.53% in SMBG-continued subjects. Conversely, HbA1c levels were increased from 7.18 ± 0.63% to 7.48 ± 0.84% in SMBG-discontinued subjects. HbA1c levels were significantly different by 0.83 ± 0.25% (95% CI: −1.33 to −0.36). The difference in change in HbA1c between the groups was −0.46% (95% CI: −0.78 to −0.15). SMBG frequency was decreased from 2.02 ± 1.06 to 1.53 ± 0.86 times a day.

Conclusions:

HbA1c levels were maintained in SMBG-continued subjects but increased in SMBG-discontinued subjects. The study implied that almost once daily SMBG is helpful to maintain glycemic control in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.
The clinical characteristics and treatment of cerebral AVM in pregnancy
Authors: Lv Xianli , Li Youxiang
Published: October 2015

Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in pregnancy is a complex situation and there is no agreement on its hemorrhage risk and treatment. Although studies on bleeding risk of cerebral AVMs in pregnancy are very few and there are different results between them, pregnancy will increase the hemorrhagic risk of AVM, and ruptured cerebral AVM in pregnancy should be treated actively. After intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral angiography should be performed for pregnant women shielded correctly. Cerebral angiography could clearly demonstrate the characteristics of cerebral AVM. The results from the literature show that the radiation dose of endovascular and stereotactic radiotherapy for cerebral AVM in pregnancy is below the safety value and is safe. Unruptured AVM in pregnancy, if there is no bleeding factor, such as no coexisting aneurysm, smooth venous drainage, no venous ectasia, or high risk of treatment, should be observed conservatively.
Automatic brain matter segmentation of computed tomography images using a statistical model: A tool to gain working time!
Authors: Bertè Francesco , Lamponi Giuseppe , Bramanti Placido , Calabrò Rocco S
Published: October 2015

Brain computed tomography (CT) is useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of several neurological disorders due to its accuracy, reliability, safety and wide availability. In this field, a potentially interesting research topic is the automatic segmentation and recognition of medical regions of interest (ROIs). Herein, we propose a novel automated method, based on the use of the active appearance model (AAM) for the segmentation of brain matter in CT images to assist radiologists in the evaluation of the images. The method described, that was applied to 54 CT images coming from a sample of outpatients affected by cognitive impairment, enabled us to obtain the generation of a model overlapping with the original image with quite good precision. Since CT neuroimaging is in widespread use for detecting neurological disease, including neurodegenerative conditions, the development of automated tools enabling technicians and physicians to reduce working time and reach a more accurate diagnosis is needed.
Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Some Possible Mechanisms of Antinociceptive Effect of Ferula assa foetida Oleo Gum Resin
Authors: Bagheri Seyyed Majid , Hedesh Sadegh Taghizade , Mirjalili Aghdas , Dashti-R Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2015

Asafetida is well known for its medicinal and therapeutic values in Iranian folk medicine. This study was conducted to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of asafetida. In hot plate test, asafetida exhibited a significant antinociceptive effect at all administered doses and the most effective dose was 10 mg/kg. The highest maximum potent effect was observed 15 minutes after asafetida administration. The antinociceptive effect of asafetida was not reversed by administration of any antagonist used in this study but asafetida showed a remarkable antioxidant and also inhibitory action against lipoxygenase activity. Paw weight was significantly reduced only in treated animals with 2.5 mg/kg asafetida. Results clearly indicate that the asafetida could be a potential source of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. These effects may be due to its effective constituents such as monoterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic components that have antioxidant properties and inhibit lipoxygenase activity.
Evaluating Nonattachment and Decentering as Possible Mediators of the Link Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress in a Nonclinical College Sample
Authors: Bhambhani Yash , Cabral Gail
Published: October 2015

Although increasing evidence shows that mindfulness is positively related to mental health, the nature and mechanisms of this relationship are not fully understood. Based on previous research findings and suggestions, the authors of the current study hypothesized that decentering and nonattachment are 2 variables that mediate the relationship between mindfulness and psychological distress. A nonclinical, non-treatment-seeking sample of 308 students and employees from a middle-class, primarily Caucasian university filled out mindfulness, decentering, nonattachment, and mental distress measures online. Mediational analyses failed to support the hypothesis. Results suggest that mindfulness and nonattachment are independent predictors of nonclinical psychological distress and fully explain the effect of decentering on psychological distress. Results should be interpreted with caution and not generalized to clinical issues. A more comprehensive look into the mechanisms of mindfulness, especially with rigorous experimental, longitudinal studies, is warranted. The authors stress the importance of checking alternative, equivalent models in mediation studies.
Physiopathology of Dementia in Iranian Traditional Medicine
Authors: Ahmadian-Attari Mohammad Mahdi , Shirzad Meysam
Published: October 2015

Recently, an article published in this journal by Dr Seifaddini and colleagues. In that article, the authors tried to connect dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, with a condition mentioned in Iranian traditional medical condition, Raoonat and Homgh. In this condition, intellectual functions of the brain are disturbed and therefore, learning and decision-making abilities are damaged. This condition is not age limited and affects thinking ability but not memory. On the other hand, there is a condition described in Iranian traditional medicine, which completely matches with Alzheimer’s disease. This condition is explained under the title of Nesyan (forgetfulness). Nesyan has 5 subdivisions, one of which is caused by the inclination of the brain normal temperament to more coldness and dryness. By performing animal studies, we have recently shown that this kind of Nesyan is related with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies on the traditional recommendations on treatment of this kind of Nesyan can be useful in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Topical use of Matricaria recutita L (Chamomile) Oil in the Treatment of Monosymptomatic Enuresis in Children
Authors: Sharifi Hosein , Minaie Mohammad Bagher , Qasemzadeh Mohammad Javad , Ataei Nematollah , Gharehbeglou Mohammad , Heydari Mojtaba
Published: October 2015

Aim.

To evaluate the efficacy of topical use of Matricaria recutita L oil in the treatment of enuresis in children.

Methods.

Eighty patients diagnosed as monosymptomatic nocturnal or daytime enuresis were allocated to receive Matricaria recutita L (chamomile) oil or placebo topically for 6 weeks in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with a parallel design. Patients were evaluated prior to and following 8 weeks of the intervention in terms of frequency of enuresis and any observed adverse events.

Results.

The mean frequency of enuresis at the first, second, and third 2 weeks was lower in the intervention group compared with the placebo group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < .001, P = .03, and P < .001, respectively). There was no report of any adverse event in the study groups.

Conclusion.

The findings of this study showed that the topical use of (chamomile) oil can decrease the frequency of nocturia in children with monosymptomatic nocturnal or daytime enuresis.
Surgical Management of Recurrent Musculotendinous Hamstring Injury in Professional Athletes
Authors: Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand , Daggett Matt , Gardon Roland , Pupim Barbara , Clechet Julien , Thaunat Mathieu
Published: October 2015

Background:

Hamstring injury is the most common muscular lesion in athletes. The conservative treatment is well described, and surgical management is often indicated for proximal tendinous avulsions. To our knowledge, no surgical treatment has been proposed for failure of conservative treatment in musculotendinous hamstring lesions.

Purpose:

To describe the surgical management of proximal and distal hamstring musculotendinous junction lesions in professional athletes after failure of conservative treatment.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 10 professional athletes, including 4 soccer players, 4 rugby players, and 2 handball players, underwent surgical intervention between October 2010 and June 2014 for the treatment of recurrent musculotendinous hamstring injuries. All athletes had failed at least 3 months of conservative treatment for a recurrent musculotendinous hamstring injury. Surgical resection of the musculotendinous scar tissue was performed using a longitudinal muscular suture. Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Marx scores were obtained at the 3-month follow-up, and a final phone interview was completed to determine recurrence of hamstring injury and return to previous level of play.

Results:

The mean age at surgery was 25.2 years (range, 19-35 years). The musculotendinous hamstring lesions involved 8 semitendinosus and 2 biceps femoris, with 6 injuries located proximally and 4 distally. Conservative treatment lasted a mean 5.1 months (range, 3-9 months) after last recurrence, and the patients had an average of 2.7 (range, 2-5) separate incidents of injury recurrence before surgical intervention was decided upon. At the 3-month follow-up, all patients had Marx activity scores of 16 and LEFS scores of 80. All 10 patients returned to the same level of play at a mean 3.4 months (range, 2-5 months). At a mean follow-up of 28.7 months, none of the athletes had suffered a recurrence. No surgical complication was encountered.

Conclusion:

In cases of failed conservative treatment of musculotendinous hamstring lesions, surgical intervention may be a viable treatment option in professional athletes and allows the patient to return to the same level of play.
Numerical investigation of electromagnetic pulse welded interfaces between dissimilar metals
Authors: Xu W. , Sun X.
Published: October 2015

The quality of an electromagnetic pulse weld is strongly affected by a variety of interacting physical phenomena including large plastic deformation, materials mixing, localised heating and rapid cooling, and possible localised melting and interfacial cracks and void. In the present study, a thermomechanically coupled dynamic model has been developed to quantitatively resolve the high speed impact joining interface characteristics as well as the process induced interface temperature evolution, defect formation and possible microstructural composition variations. Reasonably good agreement has been obtained between the predicted results and the experimental measurements in terms of interfacial morphology characteristics. The modelling framework is expected to provide further understanding of the hierarchical interfacial features of the non-equilibrium material joining process and the weld formation mechanisms.
Applications of piezoresponse force microscopy in materials research: from inorganic ferroelectrics to biopiezoelectrics and beyond
Authors: Denning D. , Guyonnet J. , Rodriguez B. J.
Published: October 2015

Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) probes the mechanical deformation of a sample in response to an electric field applied with the tip of an atomic force microscope. Originally developed more than two decades ago to study ferroelectric materials, this technique has since been used to probe electromechanical functionality in a wide range of piezoelectric materials including organic and biological systems. Piezoresponse force microscopy has also been demonstrated as a useful tool to detect mechanical strain originating from electrical phenomena in non-piezoelectric materials. Parallelling advances in analytical and numerical modelling, many technical improvements have been made in the last decade: switching spectroscopy PFM allows the polarisation switching properties of ferroelectrics to be resolved in real space with nanometric resolution, while dual ac resonance tracking and band excitation PFM have been used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. In turn, these advances have led to increasingly large multidimensional data sets containing more complete information on the properties of the sample studied. In this review, PFM operation and calibration are described, and recent advances in the characterisation of electromechanical coupling using PFM are presented. The breadth of the systems covered highlights the versatility and wide applicability of PFM in fields as diverse as materials engineering and nanomedicine. In each of these fields, combining PFM with complementary techniques is key to develop future insight into the intrinsic properties of the materials as well as for device applications.