bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney Protection against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Myofibrillogenesis Regulator-1
Authors: Wang Xiaoreng , Tao Tianqi , Ding Rui , Song Dandan , Liu Mi , Xie Yuansheng , Liu Xiuhua
Published: April 2014

Background/Aims: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by cytoskeletal reorganization and loss of polarity in proximal tubule epithelial cells. Previously, we showed that myofibrillogenesis regulator (MR)-1 promoted actin organization in cardiomyocytes. MR-1 is also expressed in the kidney. Methods: In this study, we investigated MR-1 expression in acute renal failure induced by I/R in Sprague-Dawley rats. We determined the MR-1 expression and the ratio of fibrous actin (F-actin) to globular actin (G-actin). HK-2 cells were treated with or without hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and MR-1 levels were increased by adenoviral overexpression or silenced by RNA interference. Results: I/R and H/R resulted in cellular injury and decreases of MR-1, the F-/G-actin ratio, and myosin light chain (MLC)-2. MR-1 overexpression attenuated H/R-induced cell injury and loss of surface membrane polarity of actin. MR-1 overexpression also increased the expression and phosphorylation of MLC-2 and MLC kinase, which were decreased in MR-1-silenced and H/R-treated cells. Conclusion: Together, these data show that MR-1 promoted actin polarity on the membrane surface and protected HK-2 cells from H/R injury. The mechanism might involve the rapid organization of F-actin through the upregulation and phosphorylation of MLC-2.
Clinicopathologic Significance of Nuclear Factor-κB and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Park Keon Woo , Kim Su-Jin , Oh Sung Yong
Published: April 2014

Background: Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The principal objective of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of NF-κB and VEGF expression in gastric cancer. Methods: Tumor tissues of 154 patients with gastric cancer, all of whom underwent potentially curative resection, were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-κB and VEGF. Results: The positivity rates of NF-κB and VEGF staining were 44.2% and 39.6%, respectively. NF-κB expression in tumor tissues was significantly correlated with VEGF expression (p < 0.001). VEGF expression was related to Lauren's classification (p = 0.002), differentiation (p = 0.043), depth of invasion (p = 0.005), carcinoembryonic antigen expression (p = 0.032), and stage (p = 0.026). Univariate analysis demonstrated that NF-κB expression was significantly related to both the 5-year disease-free survival (65.2% vs. 46.4%, p = 0.007) and the 5-year overall survival (60.0% vs. 42.5%, p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-κB was independently associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.082, p = 0.005) and overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.841, p = 0.008). Conclusion: NF-κB expression in tumor tissue is associated with poor survival in gastric cancer patients.
Safety and Efficacy of a Potential Treatment Algorithm by Using Manual Compression Repair and Ultrasound-Guided Thrombin Injection for the Management of Iatrogenic Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Large Patient Cohort
Authors: Dzijan-Horn Marijana , Langwieser Nicolas , Groha Philipp , Bradaric Christian , Linhardt Maryam , Böttiger Corinna , Byrne Robert A. , Steppich Birgit , Koppara Tobias , Gödel Julia , Hadamitzky Martin , Ott Ilka , von Beckerath Nicolas , Kastrati Adnan , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Ibrahim Tareq
Published: April 2014

Background—

Because of the risk of associated complications, femoral pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation implies further treatment. Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection (UGTI) is becoming the accepted gold standard, but manual compression (MC) represents an established treatment option including PSAs not feasible for UGTI. This study aims to assess our experience in PSA treatment using MC or UGTI according to a potential algorithm based on morphological properties in a large patient cohort.

Methods and Results—

Between January 2007 and January 2011, a total of 432 PSAs were diagnosed in 29091 consecutive patients (1.49%) undergoing femoral artery catheterization. When compressible, small PSAs (<20 mm), PSAs without clearly definable neck, PSAs directly adjacent to vessels, and PSAs with concomitant arteriovenous fistula were referred to MC (n=145, 34%). All other PSAs were treated by UGTI (n=287, 66%). Follow-up duplex scans were performed within 12 to 14 hours after manual compression therapy and within 4 to 6 hours after UGTI or by the next morning and were available for 428 patients (99.1%). The overall success rate of our institutional therapeutic approach was 97.2%, which was achieved by 178 MC- and 357 UGTI-procedures, respectively. Procedural complications occurred in 5 cases (1.4%) after UGTI and in 3 cases (1.7%) after MC, respectively. The treatment algorithm was not successful in 12 patients, whereas 2 PSAs (0.5%) were successfully excluded by implantation of a covered stent-graft, and 10 patients necessitated surgical intervention (2.3%), which was associated with a high complication rate (30%).

Conclusions—

The presented treatment algorithm facilitates effective and safe PSA elimination.
Incidence, Trends, and Predictors of Ischemic Stroke 30 Days After an Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kajermo Ulf , Ulvenstam Anders , Modica Angelo , Jernberg Tomas , Mooe Thomas
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

Ischemic stroke is a known complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Treatment of AMI has undergone great changes in recent years. We aimed to investigate whether changes in treatment corresponded to a lower incidence of ischemic stroke and which factors predicted ischemic stroke after AMI.

Methods—

Data were taken from the Swedish Register of Information and Knowledge about Swedish Heart Intensive Care Admissions. Patients with their first registered AMI between 1998 and 2008 were included. To identify ischemic strokes, we used the Swedish national patient register. To study a potential trend in the incidence of ischemic stroke after AMI over time, we divided the patient population into 5 time periods. Event-free survival was studied by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify stroke predictors.

Results—

Of 173 233 patients with AMI, 3571 (2.1%) developed ischemic stroke within 30 days. The incidence of ischemic stroke was significantly lower during the years 2007 to 2008 compared with 1998 to 2000, with respective rates of 2.0% and 2.2% (
P
=0.02). Independent predictors of an increased risk of stroke were age, female sex, prior stroke, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, clinical signs of heart failure in hospital, ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment at discharge. Percutaneous coronary intervention, fibrinolysis, acetylsalicylic acid, statins, and P2Y12 inhibitors were predictors of reduced risk of stroke.

Conclusions—

The incidence of ischemic stroke within 30 days of an AMI has decreased during the period 1998 to 2008. This decrease is associated with increased use of acetylsalicylic acid, P2Y12 inhibitors, statins, and percutaneous coronary intervention.
Two New Species of Neomarica Sprague (Trimezieae-Iridaceae) from Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: GIL ANDRÉ DOS SANTOS BRAGANÇA , BITTRICH VOLKER , AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO ESTANISLAU DO
Published: April 2014

Neomarica eburnea and N. floscella, two new species of Iridaceae (Trimezieae) from Bahia state (Northeastern Brazil) are here described. Illustrations, diagnostic comparisons with morphologically similar species and an identification key for the species of the genus occurring in Bahia state are presented. Neomarica eburnea and N. floscella, two new species of Iridaceae (Trimezieae) from Bahia state (Northeastern Brazil) are here described. Illustrations, diagnostic comparisons with morphologically similar species and an identification key for the species of the genus occurring in Bahia state are presented.
The Chuva Project: How Does Convection Vary across Brazil?
Authors: Machado Luiz A. T. , Silva Dias Maria A. F. , Morales Carlos , Fisch Gilberto , Vila Daniel , Albrecht Rachel , Goodman Steven J. , Calheiros Alan J. P. , Biscaro Thiago , Kummerow Christian , Cohen Julia , Fitzjarrald David , Nascimento Ernani L. , Sakamoto Meiry S. , Cunningham Christopher , Chaboureau Jean-Pierre , Petersen Walter A. , Adams David K. , Baldini Luca , Angelis Carlos F. , Sapucci Luiz F. , Salio Paola , Barbosa Henrique M. J. , Landulfo Eduardo , Souza Rodrigo A. F. , Blakeslee Richard J. , Bailey Jeffrey , Freitas Saulo , Lima Wagner F. A. , Tokay Ali
Published: April 2014

CHUVA, meaning “rain” in Portuguese, is the acronym for the Cloud Processes of the Main Precipitation Systems in Brazil: A Contribution to Cloud-Resolving Modeling and to the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM). The CHUVA project has conducted five field campaigns; the sixth and last campaign will be held in Manaus in 2014. The primary scientific objective of CHUVA is to contribute to the understanding of cloud processes, which represent one of the least understood components of the weather and climate system. The five CHUVA campaigns were designed to investigate specific tropical weather regimes. The first two experiments, in Alcantara and Fortaleza in northeastern Brazil, focused on warm clouds. The third campaign, which was conducted in Belém, was dedicated to tropical squall lines that often form along the sea-breeze front. The fourth campaign was in the Vale do Paraiba of southeastern Brazil, which is a region with intense lightning activity. In addition to contributing to the understanding of cloud process evolution from storms to thunderstorms, this fourth campaign also provided a high-fidelity total lightning proxy dataset for the NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-R program. The fifth campaign was carried out in Santa Maria, in southern Brazil, a region of intense hailstorms associated with frequent mesoscale convective complexes. This campaign employed a multimodel high-resolution ensemble experiment. The data collected from contrasting precipitation regimes in tropical continental regions allow the various cloud processes in diverse environments to be compared. Some examples of these previous experiments are presented to illustrate the variability of convection across the tropics.
Madden–Julian Oscillation and the Winter Rainfall in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Chih-wen , Lin Ho-Jiunn , Hsu Huang-Hsiung
Published: April 2014

This study discusses major impacts of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on the winter (November–April) rainfall in Taiwan. The results show that Taiwan has more rainfall in MJO phases 3 and 4 (MJO convectively active phase in the Indian Ocean and the western part of the Maritime Continent), and less rainfall in phases 7 and 8 (the western Pacific warm pool area). Mechanisms associated with the MJO are suggested as follows. 1) The tropics to midlatitude wave train: when the MJO moves to the middle Indian Ocean, a Matsuno–Gill-type pattern is induced. The feature of this tropical atmospheric response to the MJO diabatic heating is a pair of upper-level anomalous anticyclones symmetric about the equator to the west of the heating. The northern anomalous anticyclone over the Arabian Sea and northern India induces a northeastward-propagating wave train to the midlatitudes. The wave pattern consists of a cyclonic anomaly centered at East Asia that enhances the winter rainfall in Taiwan. 2) Increase of moisture supply from the South China Sea: when the MJO convection approaches Sumatra and Java of the Maritime Continent, the eastward penetration of equatorial convection enhances a low-level southerly flow that transports the moisture northward to Taiwan and southern China. As a consequence, with the increase of moisture supply from the south, more winter monsoon rainfall is observed in Taiwan.
Comparison of Disdrometer and X-Band Mobile Radar Observations in Convective Precipitation
Authors: Kalina Evan A. , Friedrich Katja , Ellis Scott M. , Burgess Donald W.
Published: April 2014

Microphysical data from thunderstorms are sparse, yet they are essential to validate microphysical schemes in numerical models. Mobile, dual-polarization, X-band radars are capable of providing a wealth of data that include radar reflectivity, drop shape, and hydrometeor type. However, X-band radars suffer from beam attenuation in heavy rainfall and hail, which can be partially corrected with attenuation correction schemes. In this research, the authors compare surface disdrometer observations to results from a differential phase-based attenuation correction scheme. This scheme is applied to data recorded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) X-band dual-polarized (NOXP) mobile radar, which was deployed during the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2). Results are presented from five supercell thunderstorms and one squall line (183 min of data). The median disagreement (radar–disdrometer) in attenuation-corrected reflectivity Z and differential reflectivity ZDR is just 1.0 and 0.19 dB, respectively. However, two data subsets reveal much larger discrepancies in Z (ZDR): 5.8 (1.6) dB in a hailstorm and −13 (−0.61) dB when the radar signal quality index (SQI) is less than 0.8. The discrepancies are much smaller when disdrometer and S-band Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) Z are compared, with differences of −1.5 dB (hailstorm) and −0.66 dB (NOXP SQI < 0.8). A comparison of the hydrometeor type retrieved from disdrometer and NOXP radar data is also presented, in which the same class is assigned 63% of the time.
Refsum’s Disease and Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Nogueira Claudia , Meehan Thomasina , O’Donoghue Gerard
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

The objective was to describe a case of bilateral cochlear implantation in a 59-year-old man with hearing and visual impairment due to Refsum’s disease.

Method:

A retrospective case review was performed.

Results:

After cochlear implantation, the patient demonstrated much improved audiometric performance and reported improved sound localization.

Conclusions:

Bilateral cochlear implantation is an important strategy in the improvement of hearing and quality of life in individuals with Refsum’s disease.
Simultaneous Labyrinthectomy With Cochlear Implantation in Patients With Bilateral Ménière’s Disease
Authors: MacKeith Samuel A. C. , Bottrill Ian D. , Ramsden James D.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

The development of second-side Ménière’s disease in the only remaining serviceable ear is difficult to treat. We describe an intervention to control disabling disease combining a labyrinthectomy and cochlear implant to restore hearing.

Methods:

Following a thorough preoperative assessment and consenting process, 2 patients underwent labyrinthectomy of the affected ear with simultaneous cochlear implantation.

Results:

Both patients achieved control of Ménière’s attacks with improved hearing rehabilitation. Oscillopsia was noted by both patients. Both patients were pleased to have undergone the treatment.

Conclusion:

Severe symptomatic second-side Ménière’s disease in the only hearing ear is uncommon. We report the successful treatment of 2 patients in this difficult management scenario, by simultaneous surgical labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation. We propose this as a potential management strategy in this rare but complex group of patients in whom all less destructive measures have failed.
Distal Interstitial Epididymitis in Young Rats
Authors: Hoffmann Guenther , Belote Duane A. , Suttie Andrew W. , Buetow Bernard S. , Muhumuza Luke
Published: April 2014

A sporadic, diffuse, interstitial mixed cell epididymitis of unknown etiology was noted in the epididymal cauda and distal corpus of young control Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Rats from 2 different suppliers were examined as part of routine toxicology studies. The incidence of this finding was 5/5 (study 1), 2/7 (study 2), and 2/7 (study 3). Although 2 of these studies partially overlapped temporally, none of the affected animals from any study was maintained concurrently with affected animals from any of the other 2 studies, and infectious causes, control article toxicity, or autoimmune processes were considered unlikely etiologies. Inflammation similar to that noted in the epididymides of these young rats was not present in other tissues and was not noted in study cohorts sacrificed at ages older than approximately 11 weeks or in rats of similar age from other concurrent studies. Similar findings were noted sporadically in historical control data, and consequently an age-related finding of unknown etiology and occurring in sporadic clusters is reported in SD rats ≤11 weeks old.
Tamponade by an expanding left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: A unique presentation
Authors: Mahesh Balakrishnan , Ong Ping , Kutty Ramesh , Abu-Omar Yasir
Published: April 2014

Left ventricular free wall rupture secondary to myocardial infarction is an uncommon but catastrophic event requiring emergency surgery. We describe a unique presentation of left ventricular free wall rupture as delayed tamponade caused by a gradually expanding pseudoaneurysm compressing the left atrium, leading to pulmonary congestion that required increasing respiratory support to maintain oxygenation, and necessitated emergency surgery. We discuss the options available to treat pseudoaneurysms due to left ventricular free wall rupture.
Randomized cross-over trial to investigate the efficacy of a two-week physiotherapy programme with repetitive exercises of cueing to reduce the severity of freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Fietzek Urban M , Schroeteler Frauke E , Ziegler Kerstin , Zwosta Jens , Ceballos-Baumann Andres O
Published: April 2014

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of a two-week programme of repetitive exercise with cueing and movement strategies upon freezing of gait in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Randomized cross-over trial.

Setting:

Specialist clinic for Parkinson’s disease.

Subjects:

A total of 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease and freezing while other symptoms had favorably responded to dopaminergic treatment.

Intervention:

Patients were randomized into a four-week cross-over trial, and received either treatment (Group 1) or no treatment (Group 2) during Period 1, and switched during Period 2. Treatment consisted of a two-week programme during which the patients exercised cueing, and movement strategies together with a physiotherapist.

Main measure:

The primary outcome measure was a freezing score assessed from blinded and random ratings of video recordings. The secondary outcome measure was a patient-reported freezing questionnaire. Mean differences between the treatment periods (treatment arms) were evaluated for treatment (period) effects. Sums of treatment periods were evaluated for carry-over effects.

Results:

The programme led to a significant treatment effect in the freezing score of 3.0 improvement (95% confidence interval 0.9–5.0; p < 0.01). No carry-over or period effects were detected. The questionnaire revealed a period effect, so groups were compared after Period 1, where a significant difference was found (15.0 vs. 11.7; p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The two-week physiotherapy programme reduced the severity of freezing in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Ginsenoside Rg3 enhances radiosensitization of hypoxic oesophageal cancer cell lines through vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia inducible factor 1α
Authors: Ge Xiaolin , Zhen Fuxi , Yang Baixia , Yang Xi , Cai Jing , Zhang Chi , Zhang Sheng , Cao Yuandong , Ma Jianxin , Cheng Hongyan , Sun Xinchen
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine if the pretreatment of hypoxic human oesophageal carcinoma cell lines (EC109, TE1 and KYSE170) with ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) increases their radiosensitivity to X-rays.

Methods

The growth inhibitory effect of different Rg3 concentrations was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Radiation sensitivity was measured using a clone formation assay and flow cytometry was used to measure the effects of Rg3 on radiation-induced apoptosis. Western blot analysis was used to measure the effects of Rg3 on the levels of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results

Rg3 inhibited EC109, TE1 and KYSE170 cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with 10 µmol/ml Rg3 increased EC109, TE1 and KYSE170 radiosensitivity. Rg3 plus radiation significantly increased the apoptosis rate compared with radiation alone. Rg3 also decreased VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels in EC109 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of Rg3 and radiation increased the fragmentation of double-stranded DNA.

Conclusion

Rg3 enhanced the radiosensitivity of human oesophageal carcinoma cell lines cultured under hypoxic conditions possibly by downregulating VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels.
Pure subdural haematoma caused by rupture of middle cerebral artery aneurysm: Case report and literature review
Authors: Gong Jie , Sun Hu , Shi Xiao-Yong , Liu Wei-Xian , Shen Zheng
Published: April 2014

Pure subdural haematoma (occurring without detectable subarachnoid haemorrhage) caused by intracranial aneurysm rupture is uncommon and is usually associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. We describe the case of a 43-year-old man who presented with ongoing headache. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed subdural haematoma in the left fronto–temporo–parietal region, without subarachnoid haemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography showed an aneurysm measuring ≤5 mm in diameter, arising from the distal region of the left middle cerebral artery. During hospitalization, an acute change in mental status accompanied by slurred speech and narcolepsy prompted an emergency CT scan. This revealed an enlargement of the subdural haematoma. The patient underwent an emergency craniotomy, during which a large amount of bloody fluid was evacuated, and the aneurysm was coagulated and resected. The patient had a good outcome without neurological deficit. The incidence, mechanisms and treatment of this condition are discussed.
Classification of Olecranon Stress Fractures in Baseball Players
Authors: Furushima Kozo , Itoh Yoshiyasu , Iwabu Shohei , Yamamoto Yuzuru , Koga Ryuji , Shimizu Masaki
Published: April 2014

Background:

Although the onset mechanism of an olecranon stress fracture (OSF) due to a throwing disorder is believed to involve valgus extension overload, olecranon posteromedial impingement, or triceps traction force, this issue is still debated in the literature.

Purpose:

To establish a classification system for the different types of OSFs to improve diagnosis and clarify the onset mechanism.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 200 baseball players (198 male, 2 female; mean age, 16.1 years; age range, 13-27 years) who were diagnosed with an OSF from January 1987 to July 2012 were studied. Combined disorders as well as the direction and form of the fracture line were analyzed on plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, the presence or absence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries and avulsion fractures of the lower pole of the medial epicondyle was determined by imaging findings to calculate the combined percentage of OSFs. In addition, the prevalence of OSFs was evaluated among patients who were evaluated between April 2008 and March 2011 for throwing elbow disorders.

Results:

There were 5 types of OSFs identified in the new classification system: physeal, classic, transitional, sclerotic, and distal. The physeal type was further separated into stages 1 to 4 based on severity. The mean age for each type identified was as follows: physeal, 14.1 years; classic, 18.6 years; transitional, 16.9 years; sclerotic, 18.0 years; and distal, 19.6 years. A concomitant UCL injury and/or medial epicondyle avulsion fracture was diagnosed in 71% to 95% of cases, depending on the OSF type. Among baseball-related elbow disorders, the incidence of OSFs was 5.4%.

Conclusion:

This study presents a new classification system for the different types of OSFs based on the origin and direction of the fracture plane. This new system was strongly influenced by the age at symptom onset. Such information is essential for successful open reduction and internal fixation by ensuring that fixation pressure is perpendicular to the fracture plane, which will avoid the recurrence of stress fractures. In addition, the prevalence of UCL injuries suggests that it is a major risk factor for the development of OSFs.
Frontier Jerusalem
Authors: Busbridge Rachel
Published: April 2014

In this essay, I explore the city of Jerusalem, which not only lies at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but is inextricably shaped by its developments. Nominally unified under Israeli sovereignty, Jerusalem nevertheless remains starkly divided between an Israeli west and an occupied Palestinian east and is best understood as a frontier city characterized by long-simmering tensions and quotidian conflict. With its future tied to the future of the conflict, Jerusalem remains caught between two options: the almost global preference for the city’s repartition in accordance with a ‘two-state solution’ and the Israeli desire to maintain the status quo. A closer look at contemporary Jerusalem, however, reveals the untenability of both options. In this essay, I seek to document how the reality of Israeli-Palestinian division sits alongside a dynamic of blurred separation in the city, which has forged an uneasy coexistence of sorts. Re-thinking the frontier as a site of both conflict and coexistence, I argue, is key to imagining future possibilities for the city that do not rest on the desire for ethnically-pure spaces, but are rather guided by a politics of co-presence that recognizes the impossibility of disentangling Arab and Jewish histories, memories and connections to the city.
Imagining cities, others
Authors: Rundell John
Published: April 2014

This paper explores the constellation of fear and the social forces, assumptions and images that construct it. The paper’s underlying presupposition is that there are many locations for fear that run parallel to one another in modernity, one of which will be discussed here – the city. It begins by exploring two images and ideas of the city, around which the social theoretical tradition has revolved, both of which are linked in some way to the ideal of the metropolis and the counter-ideal of the stranger. The stranger invariably accompanies the image of the city, as someone who comes to it from the outside. This co-existence between integration and the experience of being outside generates the inner tension or unease of city life, especially when we are all strangers.
An Exploration of Social Desirability Bias in Measurement of Attitudes toward Breastfeeding in Public
Authors: Lippitt Margaret , Reese Masterson Amelia , Sierra Ana , Davis Amy B. , White Marney A.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Measurement of attitudes toward breastfeeding has been based on self-report, which may be subject to social desirability. Increasing the perceived anonymity of questionnaires may reduce social desirability bias, producing more accurate results.

Objective:

We compare a standard questionnaire (SQ) with the unmatched count technique (UCT) to understand the effect of increased perceived anonymity on self-reported attitudes toward breastfeeding in public.

Methods:

Measures of attitudes toward breastfeeding in public were adapted from existing questionnaires, subjected to expert review, and pilot tested. A web-based survey was then constructed to compare the UCT and the SQ technique. Participants were recruited online and randomly assigned to either the SQ or the UCT condition.

Results:

In the overall sample (N = 1477), the UCT condition had significantly higher endorsement for the statement, “Breastfeeding in some public settings should be against the law” [χ2(1, n = 1455) = 9.58, P = .002]. Women more frequently endorsed that item in the UCT condition (15.6%) than in the SQ condition (7.1%) [χ2(1, n = 1025) = 18.27, P < .001]. In contrast, among men, rates of endorsement did not vary between experimental and control groups for that question.

Conclusion:

Perceived anonymity may have influenced responses to some questions about attitudes toward breastfeeding in public. The effects of perceived anonymity may operate differently within demographic sectors. The direction of the effects was not always consistent with hypotheses, and future research is needed to fully explore the various dimensions of attitudes toward breastfeeding. The UCT method shows promise for improving the accuracy of reporting attitudes toward breastfeeding.
Enacting (real) fiction: Materializing childhoods in a theme park
Authors: Lindgren Anne-Li , Sparrman Anna , Samuelsson Tobias , Cardell David
Published: April 2014

Even though fiction and fantasy are fundamental to how childhoods today are understood, this is a topic that is seldom explored either theoretically or academically. We address the question of how the relationship between material real and fictive real can be understood in new ways in contemporary society. We suggest that fiction can be understood in other ways than the hitherto dichotomized approaches to it, and our aim is to focus on the hybridity that is created through the interconnecting word and, as in fiction and childhood and material real and fictive real. This article explores how fiction can be understood as hybrid and interrelated rather than a pure and separate phenomenon, and in particular how materiality as something real and fiction as real mingle. This article introduces ways to talk about the fictive real as realunreality and highlights the drawbacks that might stem from these concepts since in several ways they re-enact childhood innocence and nostalgia, as well as negative differences between childhood and adulthood, where different childhoods share a subordinate position in society.
Cooperative Tax Compliance
Authors: Kirchler Erich , Kogler Christoph , Muehlbacher Stephan
Published: April 2014

The prevailing neoclassical economic view in tax-behavior research is that trust is good, but control is better. The advice for combating tax evasion is to deter illegal behavior with rigid audits and harsh fines. But control and punishment may have unintended side effects; therefore, psychological variables (e.g., attitudes toward taxation, social norms, and perceived fairness) are receiving increased attention. The slippery-slope framework integrates both economic and psychological perspectives on tax compliance. It assumes that taxpayers abide by the law either because they fear detection and fines (enforced compliance) or because they feel an obligation to honestly contribute their share (voluntary cooperation). Whereas enforced compliance depends on the power of authorities, voluntary cooperation originates from taxpayers’ trust in the authorities. A growing body of empirical research supports this framework’s assumptions. The psychological approach to tax behavior has led to a change in tax authorities’ practices for regulating citizen behavior. Under the labels of “enhanced relationships,” “horizontal monitoring,” and “fair-play initiatives,” several European countries are advancing cooperative strategies with taxpayers.
Piracy Emerging from Somalia: International and Indian Responses
Authors: Rahul Anshuman
Published: April 2014

Since 2008, due to surge in maritime piracy along its coasts, Somalia has attracted considerable international attention. In this context, the article apart from examining the reasons for the outbreak of piracy in the region also attempts to understand the dynamics of Somalia piracy. The dramatic rise in Somalia pirate attacks forced the international community to adopt various counter-piracy measures in which India also played a crucial role. This article reviews the international and Indian responses to curb this menace. However, the limitations associated with the international community in this initiative cannot be ignored.
The Relationship between Piracy and Kidnapping for Ransom
Authors: Schoeman Marelize , Häefele Benjamin
Published: April 2014

The world’s attention on maritime piracy is largely focussed on the root causes, modus operandi, extent and prevention. However, the complexity of the relationship between piracy and kidnapping for ransom are largely overlooked.

In this article it is argued that modern day pirates are sophisticated, well-resourced transnational criminal syndicates that have tapped into the huge economical potential of organised crime at sea. Due to the involvement of insurance companies the negotiation process for the release of vessels and crew has become little more than a business transaction between the owners of the hijacked vessel and the pirates. In the case of uninsured smaller vessels, such as yachts and fishing vessels, non-existing infrastructures to assist with the negotiation process and governmental policy not to negotiate with pirates has resulted in hostages of piracy being alienated and isolated. The ignorance of governments and the economic driven approach of stakeholders in the maritime sector in general to the plight of hostages were one of the key issues acknowledged at the 2011 International Conference on Piracy at Sea in Malmö, Sweden. A South African case study is used to illustrate the challenges faced by families during negotiation for the release of hostages from smaller vessels.
Book Review: Stephen A. Emerson, The Battle for Mozambique: The Frelimo-Renamo Struggle, 1977–1992
Authors: Solomon Hussein
Published: April 2014

Stephen A. Emerson, The Battle for Mozambique: The Frelimo-Renamo Struggle, 1977–1992, 30 Degrees South Publishers, 2013, $23, pp. 256, ISBN 978-1-920143-91-6.
Book Review: Ton Dietz, Kjell Havnevik, Mayke Kaag and Terje Oestigaard (Eds), African Engagements: Africa Negotiating an Emerging Multipolar World
Authors: Haokip Paokholal
Published: April 2014

Ton Dietz, Kjell Havnevik, Mayke Kaag and Terje Oestigaard (Eds), African Engagements: Africa Negotiating an Emerging Multipolar World, Brills NV, Leiden, 2011, pp. 389, $81, ISBN 978-90-04209886.
Evaluation of the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes Scale for Use With Mexican Americans
Authors: Garcia Alexandra A. , Zuniga Julie , Reynolds Raquel , Cairampoma Laura , Sumlin Lisa
Published: April 2014

Purpose: This article evaluates the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes (SKILLD) questionnaire, a measure of essential knowledge for type 2 diabetes self-management, after it was modified for English- and Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans. Method: We collected surveys (SKILLD, demographic, acculturation) and blood for A1C analysis from 72 community-recruited participants to analyze the SKILLD’s internal consistency, interrater reliability, item analysis, and construct validity. Clinical experts evaluated content validity. Results: The SKILLD demonstrated low internal consistency but high interrater reliability and content and construct validity. There were significant correlations in expected directions between SKILLD scores and acculturation, education, and A1C and significant differences in SKILLD scores between and within groups after an educational intervention and between high- and low-acculturated participants. Conclusion/Implications: The SKILLD generates useful information about Mexican Americans’ diabetes knowledge. Lower SKILLD scores suggest less diabetes knowledge, lower health literacy, and participants’ difficulties understanding items. Further modifications should improve use with low-acculturated Mexican Americans.
Cultural Aspects of Healthy BRCA Carriers From Two Ethnocultural Groups
Authors: Navarro de Souza Alicia , Groleau Danielle , Loiselle Carmen G. , Foulkes William D. , Wong Nora
Published: April 2014

We explored the experiences of Ashkenazi Jewish and French Canadian women and meanings attributed to their hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk. We purposively sampled 40 BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA) mutation carriers and conducted theoretically driven semistructured interviews. According to content analysis, participants from these two ethnocultural groups held divergent meanings associated with being a BRCA carrier and different views pertaining to the illness experience and risk awareness. All participants identified a genetic basis; however, the French Canadian women also expressed other causes. The French Canadian women reported not knowing other carriers in their social environment, whereas the Ashkenazi Jewish women emphasized a strong sense of community contributing to their ethnic risk awareness. Based on these findings, we suggest that French Canadian women could benefit from greater awareness of the HBOC genetic risk and that health care providers should consider ethnically related and individual-based experiences and meanings during counseling.
Physical Activity Adoption to Adherence, Lapse, and Dropout
Authors: Kinnafick Florence-Emilie , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Duda Joan L.
Published: April 2014

Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, we aimed to explore and identify key motivational processes involved in the transition from a physically inactive to an active lifestyle, and the processes involved in lapse and dropout behavior within a walking program. We implemented a qualitative, longitudinal case study method, using semistructured interviews and theoretical thematic analyses. Fifteen women were interviewed over 10 months and three profiles were generated: (a) nonadherence, (b) lapse/readoption of physical activity, and (c) adherence. Internalization of walking behavior was key to adherence. Satisfaction of the needs for competence and relatedness were central for participation during exercise at the adoption stages, and autonomy was particularly pertinent in facilitating adherence. Those who lapsed and restarted physical activity experienced feelings of autonomy at the point of readoption. Sources of support were driving forces in the adoption and adherence phases.
Current Mood Symptoms Do Not Affect the Accuracy of Retrospective Self-Ratings of Childhood ADHD Symptoms
Authors: Grogan Katie , Bramham Jessica
Published: April 2014

Objective: Given that the diagnosis of adulthood ADHD depends on the retrospective self-report of childhood ADHD symptoms, this study aimed to establish whether current mood affects the accuracy of retrospective self-ratings of childhood ADHD. Method: Barkley’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale (BAARS) was used to assess the retrospective self- and parent-reports of childhood ADHD symptoms of 160 adults with ADHD and 92 adults without ADHD. Self-rated current mood was also measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Higher BAARS self-ratings correlated with higher HADS self-ratings. Strongest correlations were evident between hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. There was no relationship between current mood and accuracy of self-report. Conclusion: Current mood does not affect the accuracy of retrospective self-ratings of ADHD. Future research should aim to provide new measures of anxiety in ADHD to avoid the double counting of hyperactive/impulsive and anxiety symptoms.
Investigating the Effects of Sensory Integration Therapy in Decreasing Stereotypy
Authors: Sniezyk Carolyn J. , Zane Thomas L.
Published: April 2014

Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a popular treatment for Pervasive Developmental Disorders that involves therapists using various strategies and manipulanda to provide sensory stimulation to improve behavioral dysfunctions. Although SIT is popular, the research literature demonstrates little experimental proof of effectiveness. Many published studies find little to no causal relationship between SIT and improvements in target behaviors. There are numerous internal and external validity threats that preclude confidence in a functional relationship for those studies that report positive changes. The current study attempted to evaluate the impact of different SIT techniques on the behavioral excesses of children diagnosed with autism, while using research designs that adhered to commonly accepted standards for internal and external validity controls. The results showed that there was no causal relationship between the sensory procedures and improvements in the targeted dependent variables. Thus, SIT remains an unproven treatment for autism.
Compassion fatigue and resilience: A qualitative analysis of social work practice
Authors: Kapoulitsas Maryanne , Corcoran Tim
Published: April 2014

Compassion fatigue is a term used to describe behaviour and emotions experienced by those who help people who have experienced trauma. It is viewed as a potential consequence of stress related to such exposure and is understood to be influenced by the practitioner’s empathic response. The aims of this study were to obtain greater understanding of social workers experience of working with distressed clients; examine what develops personal, professional and organisational resilience; and explore ways in which workers can be better protected from compassion fatigue. The research design was qualitative using semi-structured interviews involving six social workers presently working with distressed clients or clients known to have experienced distress. Four major themes were identified using thematic analysis: (i) the complexities of social work, (ii) supportive and unsupportive contexts, (iii) promoting personal well-being/self-protection and (iv) resilience as a changing systemic and complex process. The findings provide important insights into the participants’ experiences of working with distressed clients and, more specifically, their experience of compassion fatigue and stories of resilience. The research provides clear direction for future research at organisational, educational and interpersonal levels.
Winning hearts and minds: Field theory and the three dimensions of strategy
Authors: King Brayden G , Walker Edward T
Published: April 2014

Strategy involves more than seeking to accomplish goals, innovate, and improve financial performance. We offer a field-theoretic perspective that distills three key dimensions of strategy: the need to accrue and mobilize resources, maintain an organization’s status, and achieve greater levels of power and influence. Strategy evolves as actors seek cooperative partners or come into conflict with other actors who hold competing worldviews. Attaining strategic advantages depends greatly on actors’ abilities to shape the perceptions of others. Actors must be able to win the public’s hearts and minds if they are to gain positions of prominence and to influence the rules of the game that shape who wins or loses. Much strategic action evolves from these contests over shaping key audiences’ perceptions. Field theory, in our view, provides a more holistic view of strategy.
Sweden’s abolitionist discourse and law: Effects on the dynamics of Swedish sex work and on the lives of Sweden’s sex workers
Authors: Levy Jay , Jakobsson Pye
Published: April 2014

The Swedish criminalization of the purchase of sex aims to abolish prostitution through targeting the demand, while decriminalizing those selling sex in an ostensible effort to protect sex workers – constructed as passive victims of gendered violence – from criminalization. Drawing from authors’ research and that of others, this article discusses the sex purchase law ( sexköpslagen), exploring some of its impacts on the lives of sex workers and the dynamics of Swedish prostitution.

We argue that the law has failed in its abolitionist ambition to decrease levels of prostitution, since there are no reliable data demonstrating any overall decline in people selling sex. Furthermore, we argue that the law has resulted in increased dangers in some forms of sex work. Dangers are exacerbated by a lack of harm reduction services, which are seen to conflict with Swedish abolitionism. Moreover, discourses and social constructions informing the sexköpslagen have informed the attitudes of service providers. In addition to specific outcomes of the law, we note evictions of sex workers, problems with immigration authorities, child custody and the police, and briefly discuss these themes. Where Sweden continues to attempt to export the sexköpslagen to other parts of the world, these elements should be carefully considered.
Hallucinogens Causing Seizures? A Case Report of the Synthetic Amphetamine 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Chloroamphetamine
Authors: Burish Mark J. , Thoren Katie L. , Madou Maura , Toossi Shahed , Shah Maulik
Published: April 2014

Although traditional hallucinogenic drugs such as marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are not typically associated with seizures, newer synthetic hallucinogenic drugs can provoke seizures. Here, we report the unexpected consequences of taking a street-bought hallucinogenic drug thought to be LSD. Our patient presented with hallucinations and agitation progressing to status epilepticus with a urine toxicology screen positive only for cannabinoids and opioids. Using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry, an additional drug was found: an amphetamine-derived phenylethylamine called 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine. We bring this to the attention of the neurologic community as there are a growing number of hallucinogenic street drugs that are negative on standard urine toxicology and cause effects that are unexpected for both the patient and the neurologist, including seizures.
Location-aware mobile technologies: Historical, social and spatial approaches
Authors: de Souza e Silva Adriana
Published: April 2014

With the popularization of smartphones, location-based services are increasingly part of everyday life. People use their cell phones to find nearby restaurants and friends in the vicinity, and track their children. Although location-based services have received sparse attention from mobile communication scholars to date, the ability to locate people and things with one’s cell phone is not new. Since the removal of GPS signal degradation in 2000, artists and researchers have been exploring how location-awareness influences mobility, spatiality, and sociability. Besides exploring the historical antecedents of today’s location-based services, this article focuses on the main social issues that emerge when location-aware technologies leave the strict domain of art and research and become part of everyday life: locational privacy, sociability, and spatiality. Finally, this article addresses two main topics that future mobile communication research that focuses on location-awareness should take into consideration: a shift in the meaning of location, and the adoption and appropriation of location-aware technologies in the global south.
Mobile media: Coming of age with a big splash
Authors: Wei Ran
Published: April 2014

In a very short period of time, mobile telephony, tablets, and other hand-held devices swept the world. The world’s first cellular network was created in 1977, but the mobile phone has made history as one of the fastest diffusing communication technologies, reaching nearly six billion subscribers by 2011. The time is right to define mobile media in an effort to better understand mobile communication technologies and their broad implications for the fundamental meanings of media, communication, community, social institutions, and especially society. In this article, I argue that the advent of mobile telephony as a wireless telecommunication system and portable platform for human communication has seemingly transformed the classical definition of mass communication. In fact, mobile media-supported communication, such as mobile news and mobile tweets, has accelerated what communication scholars have described as “the end of mass communication.” The article ends with a call for a holistic view of mobile communication research.