bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of Urease- and Uricase-Containing, Indole- and p-Cresol-Forming and Contraction of Short-Chain Fatty Acid-Producing Intestinal Microbiota in ESRD
Authors: Wong Jakk , Piceno Yvette M. , DeSantis Todd Z. , Pahl Madeleine , Andersen Gary L. , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: March 2014

Background: Intestinal microbiome constitutes a symbiotic ecosystem that is essential for health, and changes in its composition/function cause various illnesses. Biochemical milieu shapes the structure and function of the microbiome. Recently, we found marked differences in the abundance of numerous bacterial taxa between ESRD and healthy individuals. Influx of urea and uric acid and dietary restriction of fruits and vegetables to prevent hyperkalemia alter ESRD patients' intestinal milieu. We hypothesized that relative abundances of bacteria possessing urease, uricase, and p-cresol- and indole-producing enzymes is increased, while abundance of bacteria containing enzymes converting dietary fiber to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) is reduced in ESRD. Methods: Reference sets of bacteria containing genes of interest were compiled to family, and sets of intestinal bacterial families showing differential abundances between 12 healthy and 24 ESRD individuals enrolled in our original study were compiled. Overlap between sets was assessed using hypergeometric distribution tests. Results: Among 19 microbial families that were dominant in ESRD patients, 12 possessed urease, 5 possessed uricase, and 4 possessed indole and p-cresol-forming enzymes. Among 4 microbial families that were diminished in ESRD patients, 2 possessed butyrate-forming enzymes. Probabilities of these overlapping distributions were <0.05. Conclusions: ESRD patients exhibited significant expansion of bacterial families possessing urease, uricase, and indole and p-cresol forming enzymes, and contraction of families possessing butyrate-forming enzymes. Given the deleterious effects of indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol sulfate, and urea-derived ammonia, and beneficial actions of SCFA, these changes in intestinal microbial metabolism contribute to uremic toxicity and inflammation.
Meloidogyne luci n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitising different crops in Brazil, Chile and Iran
Authors: Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Correa Valdir R. , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Correa Valdir R. , Almeida Maria Ritta A. , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Correa Valdir R. , Almeida Maria Ritta A. , Gomes Ana Cristina M.M. , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Correa Valdir R. , Almeida Maria Ritta A. , Gomes Ana Cristina M.M. , Mohammad Deimi Abbas , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Correa Valdir R. , Almeida Maria Ritta A. , Gomes Ana Cristina M.M. , Mohammad Deimi Abbas , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. , Correa Valdir R. , Almeida Maria Ritta A. , Gomes Ana Cristina M.M. , Mohammad Deimi Abbas , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Karssen Gerrit
Published: March 2014

A new root-knot nematode parasitising vegetables, flowers and fruits in Brazil, Iran and Chile, is described as Meloidogyne luci n. sp. The female has an oval to squarish perineal pattern with a low to moderately high dorsal arc and without shoulders, similar to M. ethiopica. The female stylet is robust and 15-16 μm long; the distance from the dorsal pharyngeal gland orifice to the stylet base (DGO) is 3-4 μm. Males have a high, rounded head cap continuous with the body contour. The labial disc is fused with the medial lips to form an elongated lip structure. The head region is not marked by incomplete annulations. Male stylet robust, 20.8-23.0 μm long with rounded knobs; the DGO is 2.5-4.5 μm. The stylet of second-stage juveniles (J2) is 12.0-13.5 μm long and the DGO to the stylet base is 2.3-3.3 μm. The J2 tail is conoid with finely rounded terminus and is 40.0-48.5 μm long. Biochemically, the esterase phenotype L3 (: 1.05, 1.10, 1.25) is unique and is the most useful character to differentiate M. luci n. sp. from all other Meloidogyne species. Reproduction is by mitotic parthenogenesis (2n = 42-46 chromosomes). In a differential host test, the population from Lavandula spica, Caxias do Sul, RS State, Brazil, reproduced on tomato cv. Rutgers, tobacco cv. NC95 and pepper cv. California Wonder. No reproduction occurred on watermelon cv. Charleston Gray, cotton cv. Deltapine 61 or peanut cv. Florunner. In Neighbour-Joining analyses of ITS and D2-D3 rRNA sequences, populations of M. luci n. sp. from Brazil, Chile and Iran clustered together and were clearly separated from other Meloidogyne spp., thus confirming that all three populations are very similar and conspecific.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of several Paratylenchus Micoletzky, 1922 (Tylenchida: Paratylenchidae) species from South Africa and USA, together with some taxonomic notes
Authors: Van den Berg Esther , Van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Van den Berg Esther , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Subbotin Sergei A.
Published: March 2014

Pin nematodes of the genus Paratylenchus are widely distributed across the world and associated with many plant species. Morphological identification of Paratylenchus species is a difficult task because it relies on many characters with a wide range of intraspecific variation. In this study we provide morphological and molecular characterisation of several pin nematodes: Paratylenchus aquaticus, P. dianthus, P. hamatus, P. nanus and P. straeleni, collected in different states of the USA and South Africa. Paratylenchus aquaticus is reported from South Africa and Hawaii and P. nanus is found from South Africa for the first time. Morphological descriptions, morphometrics, light and scanning electron microscopic photos and drawings are given for these species. Molecular characterisation of nematodes using the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA and ITS rRNA gene sequence revealed that samples morphologically identified as P. aquaticus, P. hamatus and P. nanus indeed represent species complexes containing several species. Sequences of the rRNA genes are also provided for several unidentified Paratylenchus. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Paratylenchus are given as inferred from the analyses of the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA and ITS rRNA gene sequences. We present here the most complete phylogenetic analysis of the genus.
Species of the subgenus Cantotrella (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Podoscirtinae: Varitrella) from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: GOROCHOV ANDREJ V. , TAN MING KAI
Published: March 2014

Ten species of the subgenus Cantotrella Gorochov, 2006 belonging to the genus Varitrella Gorochov, 2003 of the tribe Podoscirtini are recorded from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Eight of them are new and described here: V. (C.) orion sp. nov.; V. (C.) trusmadi sp. nov.; V. (C.) striata sp. nov.; V. (C.) robusta sp. nov., V. (C.) sukau sp. nov., V. (C.) tawau sp. nov., V. (C.) amoena sp. nov., V. (C.) manukan sp. nov.
Neither Humans nor Rights
Authors: Alves Jaime Amparo
Published: March 2014

This article examines the challenges of conceptualizing Black existence within the realm of what has been defined as civil society. Rather than entering the Afro-pessimism versus Afro-optimism debate, its aim is to provide ethnographic material to further an understanding of the (im)possibilities for redressing Black injury from racialized categories such as law, justice, and humanity. How might we understand mourning and grieving when the racial alterity of the Black subject positions "it" outside the domains of citizenship and humanity? This double negation—neither human nor citizen—is the basis from which the article provides a critique of the racial terror perpetrated by police-linked death squads in São Paulo, Brazil.
Efficient 3D modeling of damage in composite materials
Authors: El-Sisi Alaa El-Din A , El-Emam Hesham M , Salim Hani A , Sallam Hossam El-Din M
Published: March 2014

Due to the complexity of composite material, numerical methods are generally utilized in their analysis and design. Commercial finite element (FE) codes, such as ANSYS and ABAQUS, allow the implementation of user subroutines in the program, which provides the advantage of using high meshing and solving technologies besides the improvement of materials and/or elements models. Nonlinearities arise for many engineering problems, for example, the progressive damage of a composite element that contains sources of stress concentration or damage localization such as holes, bolts, and/or flaws causes nonlinear material behavior. In order to simulate this nonlinear behavior, especially in 3D, an accurate material constitutive model is required. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to simulate the 3D progressive damage model of composite materials by using simple numerical models. In this paper, ANSYS user subroutine (USERMAT) was used to simulate the progressive damage behavior of a composite plate containing holes using simple models. Three different material models were used: ply discount model (PDM), simple progressive damage model (SPDM) by adding an empirical progressive damage criteria to the PDM, and continuum damage mechanics model (CDMM). Good agreements were observed between SPDM, CDMM, and published experimental results. Furthermore, CDMM showed the least dependence on mesh size. Three different damage evolution laws, linear, quadratic, and degradation laws, were adjusted and tested. It was found that there was no significant difference in the predicted failure load between these selected laws.
Suicide pact by drowning with bound wrists: A case of medico-legal importance
Authors: Behera C , Karthik Krishna , Singh Hansraj , Deepak Prakash , Jhamad Akhilesh R , Bhardwaj DN
Published: March 2014

Suicide pacts are uncommon and mainly committed by male–female pairs in a consortial relationship. The victims frequently choose methods such as hanging, poisoning, using a firearm, etc; however, a case of a suicide pact by drowning is rare in forensic literature. We report a case where a male and a female, both young adults, in a relationship of adopted “brother of convenience” were found drowned in a river. The victims were bound together at their wrists which helped with our conclusion this was a suicide pact. The medico-legal importance of wrist binding in drowning cases is also discussed in this article.
Reductio ad absurdum: Informed consent
Authors: Garfield John
Published: March 2014

Informing of possible or almost impossible risks of operations may reach absurdity as a form of defensive medicine which is not in the patient’s interest and can destroy faith in the surgeon. Its prevention is more a matter for lawyers than for doctors without diminishing the ethic of informed consent. True and hypothetical examples are considered.
Reducing Apprehensions of Adolescent Singers in Choral Classrooms
Authors: Silvey Philip E.
Published: March 2014

Choral music educators can purposefully create a learning environment that helps minimize the anxieties of young singers. According to Parker Palmer, “to teach is to create a space” that possesses three qualities: hospitality, openness, and boundaries. Choral music educators can influence these characteristics by applying five strategies to make singing less unnerving and classrooms more conducive to learning.
Bond graph modeling for fault diagnosis: the continuous stirred tank reactor case study
Authors: El Harabi Rafika , Ould-Bouamama Belkacem , Abdelkrim Mohamed Naceur
Published: March 2014

Supervision of chemical and biochemical processes is difficult due to various factors, for example the evolution of nonlinear state variables, uncertainties in parameters and disturbances, and system operating conditions. The complexities arise out of the energetic couplings in the model. In this work, the bond graph representation, as a unified and multidisciplinary tool, is used for dynamic modeling and diagnosis for process engineering, incorporating the chemical kinetics of an equilibrated reaction, heat and mass transport phenomena. A pseudo bond graph model technique is applied to a pilot reactor fitted with a mono-fluid heating/cooling system. A modeling structure has been implemented through process sub-units and validated through experimental observations. This technique is proposed to indicate physico-chemical failures, for example matter leakage, caloric isolation, or the occurrence of a secondary reaction or temperature runaway when a very exothermic reaction occurs. It provides the computational algorithms to eliminate unknown variables from coupled thermochemical models and thus generate analytical redundancy relations (ARRs) in terms of measurements and parameters for online diagnosis.
Applying the agent-based social impact theory model to the bullying phenomenon in K–12 classrooms
Authors: Tseng Shih-Hsien , Chen Chien-Kuo , Yu Jia-Chen , Wang Ying-Chi
Published: March 2014

Bullying is a widespread phenomenon, occurring in many countries; however, until recently, knowledge of it was limited due to the lack of access to information. Also, most parents of K–12 students failed to see it as an important issue. Now, it is widely agreed upon that bullying is common and detrimental. Use of media outlets to disseminate this message is helping to gradually chip away at this previously ignored problem. Hence, bullying behavior is difficult to detect immediately and prevent. This study uses a simulation model based on the social impact theory to study the changing roles of a class of 40 students during a semester long period. The students in the class were divided into three roles: the bullies, the victims and the bystanders. The model also defines a new criterion, the “bullying index,” designed to shed light on the underlying dynamics of bullying through experimental design. Regression results show that the percentage of students bullied in school lessened significantly when the environment changed. The parental and persuasiveness constants were significant, while the impact of counseling was not, even after intensive counseling. This means that we should separate bullies’, bystanders’ and victims’ education to prevent bullying behaviors.
Pharmacologic Options for Intestinal Rehabilitation in Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: March 2014

A primary goal of intestinal rehabilitation programs is to facilitate intestinal adaptation. Adult patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who are dependent on parenteral nutrition and/or intravenous fluid (PN/IV) support have 2 hormonal pharmacologic treatment options available that may promote intestinal growth: a glucagon‐like peptide 2 analog (teduglutide) and recombinant human growth hormone (somatropin). In two phase III clinical trials (N = 169), 24 weeks of teduglutide administered to outpatients with SBS resulted in significant decreases in PN/IV volume requirements of 2.5–4.4 L/wk. In an extension study of one of these trials, patients with SBS who completed 30 months of teduglutide experienced a mean PN/IV reduction of 7.6 L/wk from baseline. Furthermore, some patients achieved independence from PN/IV support. The most common adverse events associated with teduglutide treatment in clinical trials were gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and nausea. This safety profile is consistent with the associated underlying diseases leading to SBS or the known mechanism of action of teduglutide. A single phase III study (N = 41) evaluated the safety and efficacy of a 4‐week inpatient course of somatropin in combination with a glutamine‐supplemented diet for adults with SBS. Somatropin treatment significantly reduced parenteral support requirements by 1.1 L/d in these patients. The most common adverse events were peripheral edema and musculoskeletal events. Large‐scale, long‐term follow‐up studies of somatropin for SBS have not been conducted. Although treatment for patients with SBS must be individualized, teduglutide and somatropin are positive extensions to existing fluid and nutrient management strategies.
Public sector software and the revolution: digital literacy in communist Kerala
Authors: Thomas Pradip Ninan
Published: March 2014

In the context of cost-cutting and austerity measures, public sector software based on the principles and technologies of free and open source software is increasingly being used by governments in both the developed and developing worlds. The move to adopt non-proprietorial software has been precipitated by a number of factors apart from cost, including the recognition of the effects of vendor lock-in, the consequences of efficiency deficits linked to the lack of inter-operability of software across sectors and departments, the recognition of the failure of existing software policy and its consequences, particularly a heightened comprehension of risk, and the realisation of the need for informational independence. This article explores public sector software as a ‘public good’, with specific reference to the IT@School project in Kerala state, India, that has enabled access and, in that process, empowered local, state-funded secondary school teachers and students to define, shape and create their own informational futures.
Probationer-directed interventions
Authors: Wood David
Published: March 2014

This article is a practitioner response to ‘Structured decisions about Dutch probation service interventions’ by Jacqueline Bosker, Cilia Witteman and Jo Hermanns published in the June 2013 edition of Probation Journal. Bosker et al.’s (2013) article suggested that the next logical step from structured risk assessment would be a more structured form of planning the decision making process for interventions based on the assessed criminogenic need. This response questions the basis of this assumption in relation to the burgeoning probationer engagement and desistance practice agenda.
Apomediated marketplace
Authors: Kwanya Tom , Stilwell Christine , Underwood Peter
Published: March 2014

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play an important role in the socioeconomic development programmes in the developing countries. For instance, donors prefer to channel development funds through CSOs rather than directly to governments. However, the lack of adequate capacity to work with governments, donors and other stakeholders has hampered the ability of local CSOs to deliver effective services. Different approaches, including mentorship and formal training, have been used to try to strengthen the capacity of CSOs, but with little apparent impact. Knowledge needs a facilitative context to be created and shared effectively. The ba concept, originally proposed by Japanese philosopher Kitaro Nishida in 1921, is a shared context in which knowledge is created, shared and utilized. It encompasses physical, virtual and mental spaces where participants interact. The key focus of any ba is not the individuals in it but their interactions, which lead to information creation, sharing and learning. The apomediated marketplace, as a knowledge ba, is a combination of face-to-face events and a digital interface through which CSOs, as buyers, and capacity-building consultants, as vendors, meet directly to develop partnerships, share knowledge and transact business. As opposed to intermediation, which involves ‘standing between’ the parties, or disintermediation, implying ‘standing aloof’, standing by the participants through apomediation increases the level of social interactions, which in turn enhances the quality of knowledge sharing in the ba. This paper unravels and describes the concept of knowledge marketplace and reports instances of its implementation in developing countries. It also analyzes the mediation techniques applied in existing knowledge marketplaces and their effectiveness in creating a ba suitable for sharing and learning. The study was conducted through exploratory survey. Data was collected through literature searching and analysis. The findings indicate that apomediation facilitates the creation of a safer, more versatile and effective knowledge sharing ba than its alternatives.
Political Voice and Civic Attentiveness of Public and Non-Profit Employees
Authors: Ertas Nevbahar
Published: March 2014

The scarcity of citizen involvement in the public sphere is an ongoing concern within the literature on democratic citizenship. This study examines two dimensions of engagement—attentiveness and participation—in several political voice activities, looking at citizens working in the public and non-profit sectors in comparison with private-sector employees. Government employees serve the public interest by providing public services in various ways, but they are also individual citizens with varying values, opinions, and attitudes. How does this dual role shape their civic engagement behaviors and habits of political attentiveness? Are they more politically attentive or more likely to engage in political voice activities than individuals working in other sectors? How do non-profit workers fare? Are they more similar to public workers or private workers with regard to participation in these activities? Using the Current Population Survey (CPS) Special Supplement on civic engagement, the analyses here indicate that both government and non-profit employees are significantly more likely to engage in political voice activities than those working in the private sector. By focusing on political voice activities, knowledge, and media use, the study contributes to the literature by providing a more comprehensive profile of individual participation by sector. The findings generate new questions about what such participation might mean for democratic citizenship.
Standardized cine-loop documentation in renal ultrasound facilitates skill-mix between radiographer and radiologist
Authors: Gaarder Mario , Seierstad Therese , Søreng Robin , Drolsum Anders , Begum Kubra , Dormagen Johann Baptist
Published: March 2014

Background

The radiographers' role in ultrasound (US) has been debated due to the operator-dependent aspect of diagnostic US. With standardized cine-loop ultrasound (SCUS) a reliable diagnosis can be achieved by reading SCUS independently from performing the procedure.

Purpose

To study the correlation between sonographic findings when SCUS is performed and read by a radiologist and when SCUS is performed by a radiographer and read by a radiologist, and to assess the radiologists' confidence when reading SCUS examinations performed by a radiographer.

Material and Methods

Thirty-four patients (64 kidneys) who underwent SCUS of the kidneys were included in this study. All patients underwent two consecutive SCUS examinations, one performed by an experienced radiologist reading his own examination (online), and one performed by a SCUS-trained radiographer, read by an experienced radiologist who was not involved in the examination of the patient (offline). Study reports were made using a structured report form designed for this study. Confidence was measured on a visual analog scale ranging from 0 (no confidence) to 100 (extremely confident). The final diagnosis (the reference standard) was defined as the consensus between two US-experienced radiologists. All personnel were blinded to each other's results.

Results

We found discordance between image findings for online and offline in eight out of 64 kidneys. There was no systematic difference between online and offline reading. There was a good correlation between online and offline, kappa 0.75 (95% CI 0.60–0.90, P < 0.001). Kappa correlation for online and offline compared to reference standard was 0.94 (95% CI 0.86–1.00, P < 0.001) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.66–0.96, P < 0.001), respectively. Radiologists reported a confidence level of 88 (range, 74–94) and 85 (range, 67–92) in the online and offline group, respectively ( P = 0.005).

Conclusion

There is a high degree of correlation between reported findings in radiologist and radiographer performed SCUS examinations.
Transient subsolid nodules in patients with extrapulmonary malignancies: their frequency and differential features
Authors: Choi Won Seok , Park Chang Min , Song Yong Sub , Lee Sang Min , Wi Jae Yeon , Goo Jin Mo
Published: March 2014

Background

For pulmonary subsolid nodules (SSNs) in patients with extrapulmonary malignancies, it is still unclear what proportion of SSNs is transient and how we can more accurately diagnose these transient SSNs.

Purpose

To investigate the frequency of transient SSNs and their differentiating clinical and thin-section computed tomography (CT) features in patients with extrapulmonary malignancies.

Material and Methods

From January 2005 to February 2012, 78 SSNs in 63 individuals (30 men and 33 women; mean age, 55.1 years ± 15.5) with extrapulmonary malignancies were identified. Their clinical and thin-section CT characteristics were reviewed and compared between transient and persistent SSNs. Differentiating factors and their performance were also measured.

Results

Thirty-six of the 78 SSNs (46.2%) were transient. Between transient and persistent SSNs, there were significant differences in patients’ age, sex, detection mode, and the presence of eosinophilia, lesion multiplicity, lesion margin, and pleural retraction ( P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that follow-up detected SSNs (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 38.88), multiple lesions (OR, 7.64), and an ill-defined nodular margin (OR, 11.93) were significant discriminators of transient SSNs ( P < 0.05). Discrimination of transient SSNs was significantly better upon incorporating both clinical and thin-section CT features than using clinical features alone ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Approximately half of the SSNs detected in patients with extrapulmonary malignancies were transient. Transient SSNs in these patients can be very accurately differentiated using their thin-section CT and clinical features.
Materialized Composition of Capital and its Stability in the United States
Authors: Zarembka Paul
Published: March 2014

The materialized composition of capital, a concept needing more attention, helps to correctly understand the value or organic composition that Marx discussed. For theoretical clarity, it is actually preferable. Evidence from frequently utilized data indicates that the materialized composition in the United States has been stable since 1956 at a level around two. Changes in the value or oft-cited organic composition of capital have, therefore, been limited to changes in the rate of surplus value.
Perception and Attitudes
Authors: Mulready-Ward Candace , Hackett Martine
Published: March 2014

Background:

In the United States, 76.9% of women initiate breastfeeding but only 36.0% breastfeed exclusively for 3 months. Lack of support for public breastfeeding may prevent women from breastfeeding in public, which could contribute to low rates of breastfeeding exclusivity and continuation, despite high rates of breastfeeding initiation.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine whether residents of New York City, New York, were supportive of and comfortable with public breastfeeding.

Methods:

A population-based public opinion telephone survey of non-institutionalized New York City residents 18 years and older was conducted by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Results:

Overall, 50.4% of respondents were not supportive of public breastfeeding. In the multivariable analysis, there was significant variation in support by race/ethnicity, age, and education. There were no significant differences in support by sex, receipt of food stamps, nativity, or the presence of children younger than 12 years in the home. One-third (33.2%) of respondents were uncomfortable with women breastfeeding near them in public. There was significant variation by education in the multivariable analysis. Lack of comfort was highest among those with a high school education or less (39.9%) and some college (33.8%).

Conclusion:

New York City residents are conflicted about whether breastfeeding is a private act or one that can be done in public. For women who want to continue with their intention to breastfeed exclusively, the negative opinion of other residents may cause them to breastfeed only in private, thereby limiting the opportunity to breastfeed for the recommended time.
Validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a Screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in African Americans
Authors: Goldstein Felicia C. , Ashley Angela V. , Miller Eric , Alexeeva Olga , Zanders Lavezza , King Veronique
Published: March 2014

The validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia was evaluated in African Americans attending an urban outpatient memory disorders clinic. Eighty one patients ≥50 years old were administered the MoCA and neuropsychological tests. Clinicians, blinded to the MoCA scores, reviewed the neuropsychological findings and reports of instrumental activities of daily living and they assigned a diagnosis of normal cognition (NC; N = 16), MCI (N = 38), or dementia (N = 27). The MoCA scores of the 3 groups were significantly different (NC > MCI > dementia). Using cutoff scores of ≤24 points for MCI and ≤22 points for dementia, the MoCA had .95 sensitivity and .63 specificity for MCI and .96 sensitivity and .88 specificity for dementia. The MoCA is a valid and cost-effective screen for cognitive impairment in African Americans but with a higher likelihood of falsely classifying persons with NC as having MCI.
Information and communication technology use, work intensification and employee strain and distress
Authors: Chesley Noelle
Published: March 2014

Recent scholarship on work suggests that information and communication technology (ICT) use may be significantly altering job conditions in ways that are indicative of work intensification, which, in turn, contributes to employee strain and distress. This article uses structural equation modelling and OLS regression techniques to analyse 2002 survey data drawn from a nationally representative sample of US employees in order to assess the pathways through which ICT use may influence levels of employee strain and distress. It is found that use is linked to higher levels of employee strain and distress via a work intensification process that is indicated by faster-paced work and greater levels of interruptions and multitasking. However, there is also evidence that both work and personal ICT use may mitigate these influences. While the findings do suggest that ICT use can have negative implications for contemporary workers, as a whole the results support a more nuanced view that points to both costs and benefits associated with ICT use.
Asset planning for climate change adaptation: lessons from Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Stein Alfredo , Moser Caroline
Published: March 2014

In studies of climate change vulnerability, an important constraint relates to the uncertainty of the climate projections that local governments need to estimate precisely the risks and impacts climate events have on different parts of a city. In addition, the lack of “downscaled”, or local, climate information makes it very difficult to compare how individual communities and households adapt to severe and extreme weather events and, more importantly, what actions local governments can carry out to increase resilience in poor urban areas. Based on a conceptual and operational framework developed in recent years by the authors in collaboration with partners in the global South, this paper illustrates how “bottom-up” community asset planning for climate change adaptation can help to address this gap and be mainstreamed into “top-down” citywide strategic and operational planning. The paper describes the process by which community members and representatives of local government, the private sector and NGOs working in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, set up a dialogue space that enables them to identify, negotiate and agree climate change adaptation solutions that are legally, financially, socially and technically feasible.
Improved partner notification for genital chlamydia can be achieved by centralisation of the duty to a specially trained team
Authors: Österlund Anders
Published: March 2014

Partner notification is mandatory for Chlamydia trachomatis infections in Sweden. A significant quality improvement of partner notification for genital chlamydia was achieved by increasing the skills and reducing the number of individuals conducting partner notifications. By centralisation of the partner notification to a specially trained team of nurses, an additional 12% of genital chlamydia cases were found. Routine partner notification achieved a score of 3.3 notified partners per index case, and shows how important this activity is for detection of asymptomatic chlamydia infections in the community.
Incorporating chaos and paradox into career development
Authors: Amundson Norman E , Mills Lauri M , Smith Barbara A
Published: March 2014

The complex, unpredictable and globalized nature of the current labor market challenges the assumptions and utility of traditional career development theories, with new approaches needed in order to help workers navigate their career experience. This article highlights the characteristics of globalization and the changing economic, cultural, political and social landscape, and their implications in the world of work. Historical career theories and limitations are detailed, as well as modern approaches that have developed in response to the identified challenges of globalization and subsequent shifts in career development needs. The chaos theory of careers is presented as a comprehensive framework with which to conceptualize career choice and development. Chaos theory embraces the complexity, change and unpredictability that modern workers face, and allows for a more open, flexible, dynamic and creative approach.
Psychological Contracts in a Nontraditional Industry
Authors: O’Leary-Kelly Anne M. , Henderson Kevin E. , Anand Vikas , Ashforth Blake E.
Published: March 2014

This research examined the employment contracts and experiences of information technology contractors working on H-1B visas for bodyshopping firms in the United States. Examination of these nontraditional workers allows for the emergence of insights that promote theory development on psychological contracts (PCs). In a qualitative study of 54 Indian contractors, we identified experiences that both contradict and further develop our currently limited understanding of the PC development process. Specifically, we found evidence of underdeveloped contracts, different PC content, missing PC elements, a high frequency of breach, PCs becoming more transactional over time, and the significant role of context in the PC development process. We discuss the implications of our findings related to these nontraditional workers for research on PCs.
Drug Interactions Between Antiplatelet or Novel Oral Anticoagulant Medications and Antiretroviral Medications
Authors: Egan Gregory , Hughes Christine A. , Ackman Margaret L.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To review potential drug interactions between antiretroviral (ARV) medications and antiplatelets or novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Google Scholar was performed using the search terms (1) clopidogrel or ticagrelor or prasugrel, (2) dabigatran or rivaroxaban or apixaban, and (3) antiretrovirals. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Any English language study or case report describing a drug interaction between an ARV and an antiplatelet or NOAC was included. Additional information was taken from pharmacokinetic studies of individual agents alone or information from similar drug interactions. Results: Two studies were identified through the literature search: one reporting an in vivo interaction between ritonavir and prasugrel and the other an in vitro interaction between efavirenz and clopidogrel. A case report describing a drug interaction between nevirapine and rivaroxaban was also located. Information from pharmacokinetic studies and from similar drug interactions allowed for a comprehensive review of potential drug interactions. Conclusions: There are potential drug interactions between ARVs, antiplatelet agents or NOACs. Management of these interactions may include selecting ARVs with a lower potential for drug interactions or choosing antiplatelet agents or NOACs least likely to interact with ARVs. With protease inhibitors or cobicistat, clopidogrel and dabigatran do not appear to have clinically significant interactions. Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have a low potential for interactions with prasugrel and dabigatran. Clinically significant drug interactions are unlikely to occur between antiplatelet agents or NOACs and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors raltegravir, dolutegravir, or maraviroc.
α-Adrenergic Blockers for the Treatment of Lower-Urinary-Tract Symptoms and Dysfunction in Women
Authors: Boyd Katie , Hilas Olga
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of α-adrenergic blockers in the treatment of female lower-urinary-tract symptoms and dysfunction. Data Sources: Literature searches were conducted using EMBASE (1974 to January 2014), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to January 2014), and MEDLINE (1946 to January 2014) to identify clinical trials evaluating the effects of α-adrenergic blockers in the treatment of women with lower-urinary-tract dysfunction. Bibliographies from relevant research articles were also reviewed for inclusion. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All original research articles available in the English language were identified from the data sources. Primary literature evaluating outcomes related to urinary dysfunction and associated symptoms in women were included in this review. Articles describing the use of α-adrenergic blockers in other medical conditions or in men were excluded. Data Synthesis: A total of 15 clinical studies were identified and evaluated. Many studies showed an improvement in female lower-urinary-tract symptoms and dysfunction using α-adrenergic blockers. Most studies also reported adverse drug events of α-adrenergic blockers such as dizziness and hypotension. However, limitations of the studies conducted to date include small sample sizes, inconsistent study designs, and short duration of therapy. Conclusions: The role of α-adrenergic blockers in the treatment of urinary dysfunction and associated symptoms in women remains unclear. The majority of evidence suggests that these agents may have a place in therapy for female lower-urinary-tract symptoms and/or bladder outlet obstruction; however, data are conflicting. Clinicians should be aware of the potential clinical benefits but also recognize the potential adverse drug effects of α-adrenergic blockers.
Ospemifene in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Authors: Barnes Kylie N. , Pearce Erica F. , Yancey Abigail M. , Forinash Alicia B.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of ospemifene in the management of dyspareunia. Data Sources: Literature was sought using PubMed (1966-January 2014) and EMBASE (1973-January 2014). Search terms included ospemifene, FC-1271a, dyspareunia, vulvovaginal atrophy, and vaginal atrophy. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All studies, including studies on humans, published in English with data assessing the efficacy and safety of ospemifene in the management of dyspareunia were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Ospemifene is a new oral estrogen receptor agonist/antagonist indicated for moderate to severe dyspareunia. Clinical trials evaluating efficacy have shown a significant improvement in superficial cells, parabasal cells, vaginal pH, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia. The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions in the clinical trials included hot flashes, vaginal discharge, muscle spasms, and hyperhidrosis. Similar to systemic estrogen, boxed warnings with ospemifene include risk for thromboembolism and cerebrovascular disease. Additionally, patients with a uterus still need to use a progestogen with ospemifene to reduce the risk of hyperplasia. Conclusions: Ospemifene has been effective in improving symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy when compared with placebo; however, no studies comparing ospemifene with estrogen products exist. Additional clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety in specialty populations, and long-term safety data are needed to assess the potential for serious adverse events. With the risks being similar to that for systemic estrogen therapy, ospemifene appears to be an alternative agent to estrogen therapy but does not have any advantages over estrogen.
Metastasis to the Kidney From a B2 Thymoma
Authors: Natella Valentina , Varone Valeria , Buonerba Carlo , Mascolo Massimo , Insabato Luigi
Published: March 2014

Thymomas are tumors with an indolent behavior and long clinical course, usually confined to the anterior mediastinum. Local recurrence is frequent while distant metastases are extremely rare. We report an unusual case of a B2 thymoma with a single renal metastasis The challenge in this case was the frozen section intraoperative diagnosis because of the clinical suspicion of malignant lymphoma. This report also highlights the role of surgical removal of solitary metastases.
Plane wave propagation in microstretch thermoelastic medium with microtemperatures
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Kaur Mandeep , Rajvanshi SC
Published: March 2014

The present paper is concerned with the propagation of waves in microstretch thermoelastic solid with microtemperatures. The phase velocity, attenuation coefficient, penetration depth and specific loss of longitudinal displacement wave, thermal wave, microstretch wave, longitudinal microtemperature wave, coupled transverse displacement wave, microrotational wave, transverse microtemperature wave are obtained. Microstretch, microtemperatures and microrotational effects on the phase velocity, attenuation coefficient, penetration depth and specific loss have been evaluated numerically and presented graphically. Some special cases of interest are also shown.
Initial imperfection influence on the buckling load of closed elastic isotropic shallow conical shells
Authors: Karasev Alexey G
Published: March 2014

The influence of periodical imperfections on the buckling load value of shallow elastic closed conical shells undergoing external pressure was investigated by numerical analysis. Results are compared with experimental data. It is established that initial imperfections significantly influence the buckling pressure value only for large imperfection amplitude (an order of magnitude more than the shell thickness). The existence is established of the effect of a ‘static resonance’.
The ethics of speech and thought representation in literary journalism
Authors: Mitchell Philip
Published: March 2014

This article applies a discourse analytical approach to the reporting of speech and thought in order to explore the parameters of core ethical quandaries in literary journalism, focusing in particular on the reconstruction or re-imagining of dialogue and thought. It thus focuses on the journalists’ duties, firstly, towards their sources (specifically, to both the propositional content and the verbatim words of their subjects’ truth claims), and, secondly, their perceived obligations towards their readers (regarding narrative accessibility, drama, resolution and lucidity). It then proceeds to discuss recent book-length examples of literary journalism from Spain and France. The article’s central claim is that an alternative approach to such issues is identifiable in Spanish journalist Javier Cercas’s work, in particular in his widely acclaimed re-exploration (2009) of the attempted coup d’etat in Madrid in 1981. Cercas’s text, like many notable examples of literary journalism, is informed by a comprehensive set of interviews and by exhaustive archival research. Cercas goes further, however, in the thoroughness and rigour of the attribution of his reconstructions of speech and thought. The book incorporates, moreover, many explicit or implicit markers of a reported idea’s dubitative or tentative status, a concern which continually shapes the text’s overall representational choices, and which can be seen as a timely response to calls for writers working within a literary journalism tradition to develop a form of implicit ethical contract with their readers.
Making a prison narrative personal: Jonny Steinberg, the gangster and the reader
Authors: Rennie Gillian
Published: March 2014

In his second book, The Number, literary journalist Jonny Steinberg examines prison gangs in a bid to understand the violence which has engulfed post-apartheid South Africa. Steinberg seldom conducts a straightforward relationship with his primary sources/characters and in this book he repeatedly lays on the page a doubtfulness that is personal and professional – narrative acts which, in a genre fundamentally about relationships between people, incur ethical consequences. This article seeks to tease out some of the issues raised by Steinberg’s construction of himself as a reliable narrator in The Number, a work of literary journalism in book form but which features a confessional mode made familiar more recently by digital platforms. This has a particularly South African resonance: the dominant post-apartheid understanding of personal narrative harks back to testimony offered and received at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As such, it becomes difficult to locate the subject of the narrative.
Ethics, trust and the first person in the narration of long-form journalism
Authors: Tulloch John
Published: March 2014

The use of the first-person narrator is one of the rhetorical devices that distinguishes literary journalism with its qualities of immediacy, intimacy and spontaneity in the pursuit of truth-telling. But how do the particular qualities of the narrator’s style relate to specific effects and what are the differences between an ‘implied’ and a ‘dramatised’ narrator? Through the writings of British columnist and author, Ian Jack, and through the work of the late Gitta Sereny, this article explores how these qualities convey different meanings and whether one appears more authentic (and therefore, more ethical) than the other. While Jack employs a witness narrative, reflecting and analysing the impact of the subject upon him, Sereny’s narrator is more distanced, a technique employed to address difficult moral issues. Through these examples, the article asks how writers can avoid the inherent danger that self-revelation will collapse the distinction between the creation and creator.
A Novel Classification and Online Platform for Planning and Documentation of Medical Applications of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tuomi Jukka , Paloheimo Kaija-Stiina , Vehviläinen Juho , Björkstrand Roy , Salmi Mika , Huotilainen Eero , Kontio Risto , Rouse Stephen , Gibson Ian , Mäkitie Antti A.
Published: March 2014

Additive manufacturing technologies are widely used in industrial settings and now increasingly also in several areas of medicine. Various techniques and numerous types of materials are used for these applications. There is a clear need to unify and harmonize the patterns of their use worldwide. We present a 5-class system to aid planning of these applications and related scientific work as well as communication between various actors involved in this field. An online, matrix-based platform and a database were developed for planning and documentation of various solutions. This platform will help the medical community to structurally develop both research innovations and clinical applications of additive manufacturing. The online platform can be accessed through http://www.medicalam.info .