bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parachiloglanis bhutanensis, a new species of torrent catfish (Siluriformes:Sisoridae) from Bhutan
Authors: THONI R. J. , GURUNG D. B.
Published: October 2014

Parachiloglanis bhutanensis is a newly discovered species of torrent catfish from eastern Bhutan. With its discovery, the genus Parachiloglanis is no longer monotypic. The species differs from Parachiloglanis hodgarti in meristic, mensural, and coloration characters. Parachiloglanis bhutanensis is confirmed as a member of the genus by the absence of a post-labial grove on the lower lip, which is present in other genera of the subfamily Glyptosterninae (as either complete or incomplete). It is diagnosed within the genus by the presence (versus absence) of a series of 35–40 large white pores along the lateral line, a tall adipose fin (roughly two times the height of the adipose fin in P. hodgarti), a less dorsoventrally flattened body than P. hodgarti, a deeper head, wider mouth, longer inner- and outer-mandibular barbels, a truncate (versus indented to lunate) caudal fin, and the absence (versus presence) of black and white pigmentation on the caudal fin.
Calicnemia fortis sp. nov. from Pakistan (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae)
Authors: DOW RORY A. , ZIA AHMED , NAEEM MUHAMMAD , RAFI MUHAMMAD ATHER
Published: October 2014

Calicnemia fortis sp. nov. is described from Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan and compared with other group 2 species of Calicnemia.
Correcting the “correct” name for the Asian Brown Flycatcher (Aves: Passeriformes, Muscicapidae, Muscicapa)
Authors: DICKINSON EDWARD C. , SCHODDE RICHARD , KULLANDER SVEN , CROCHET PIERRE ANDRÉ , ELLIOTT ANDY , KIRWAN GUY M.
Published: October 2014

Mlíkovský (2012) claimed that Muscicapa latirostris Raffles, 1822 was the correct name for the Asian Brown Flycatcher, and rejected its senior synonym, Muscicapa dauurica Pallas, 1811. Muscicapa dauurica is in equal or greater use today for this flycatcher, to which the references to it in Mlíkovský (2012) testify even though they are far from comprehensive. Other major references using dauurica Pallas are Sibley & Monroe (1990), Inskipp et al. (1996), Kennedy et al. (2000), Dickinson (2003), Rasmussen & Anderton (2005), Clement (2006), Wells (2007) and Mann (2008).
Physical Properties of High-Level Cloud over Land and Ocean from CloudSat–CALIPSO Data
Authors: Huo Juan , Lu Daren
Published: October 2014

Unlike other cloud types, high-level clouds play an important role, often imposing a warming effect, in the earth–atmosphere radiative energy budget. In this paper, macro- and microphysical characteristics of cirrus clouds, such as their occurrence frequency, geometric scale, water content, and particle size, over northern China (land area, herein called the L area) and the Pacific Ocean (ocean area, herein the O area) are analyzed and compared based on CloudSat and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) products from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010. Over both areas, statistical analysis shows that cirrus occurrence approached 33% in summer whereas it was only ~10% in winter, >50% of cirrus cloud thicknesses were in the range of ~(0.25–1.5) km, there were >98% ice particles in high-level clouds, and temperature had a closer linear relationship with ice effective radius (IER) than height. Also, the seasonal difference of this linear relationship is minor over both land and ocean. Comparisons reveal that the mean occurrence frequency, mean cloud thickness, range of cloud-base and cloud-top height, IER, and ice water content of cirrus in summer were generally greater in winter, and greater over the O area than over the L area. However, the relationship between IER and temperature over land is close to that over ocean.
Supercell Low-Level Mesocyclones in Simulations with a Sheared Convective Boundary Layer
Authors: Nowotarski Christopher J. , Markowski Paul M. , Richardson Yvette P. , Bryan George H.
Published: October 2014

Simulations of supercell thunderstorms in a sheared convective boundary layer (CBL), characterized by quasi-two-dimensional rolls, are compared with simulations having horizontally homogeneous environments. The effects of boundary layer convection on the general characteristics and the low-level mesocyclones of the simulated supercells are investigated for rolls oriented either perpendicular or parallel to storm motion, as well as with and without the effects of cloud shading.

Bulk measures of storm strength are not greatly affected by the presence of rolls in the near-storm environment. Though boundary layer convection diminishes with time under the anvil shadow of the supercells when cloud shading is allowed, simulations without cloud shading suggest that rolls affect the morphology and evolution of supercell low-level mesocyclones. Initially, CBL vertical vorticity perturbations are enhanced along the supercell outflow boundary, resulting in nonnegligible near-ground vertical vorticity regardless of roll orientation. At later times, supercells that move perpendicular to the axes of rolls in their environment have low-level mesocyclones with weaker, less persistent circulation compared to those in a similar horizontally homogeneous environment. For storms moving parallel to rolls, the opposite result is found: that is, low-level mesocyclone circulation is often enhanced relative to that in the corresponding horizontally homogeneous environment.
Snow Growth and Transport Patterns in Orographic Storms as Estimated from Airborne Vertical-Plane Dual-Doppler Radar Data
Authors: Geerts Bart , Yang Yang , Rasmussen Roy , Haimov Samuel , Pokharel Binod
Published: October 2014

Airborne vertical-plane dual-Doppler cloud radar data, collected on wind-parallel flight legs over a mountain in Wyoming during 16 winter storms, are used to analyze the growth, transport, and sedimentation of snow. In all storms the wind is rather strong, such that the flow is unblocked. The sampled clouds are mixed phase, shallow, and generally produce snowfall over the mountain only. The 2D scatterers’ mean motion in the vertical along-track plane below flight level is synthesized using one radar antenna pointing to nadir, and one 30° forward of nadir. This yields instantaneous cross-mountain hydrometeor streamlines.

The dynamics of the orographic flow dominate the precipitation patterns across the mountain. Three patterns are distinguished: the first two contain small convective cells, either boundary layer (BL) convection or elevated convection, the latter likely due to the release of potential instability in orographically lifted air. In these patterns the cross-mountain flow is relatively undisturbed. Precipitation from BL convection falls mostly on the windward side but precipitation from elevated convection may fall mostly in the lee. The third pattern is marked by more stratified flow, often with vertically propagating mountain waves, and with strong, plunging flow in the lee, resulting in rapid clearing of the storm across the crest and occasionally a hydraulic jump. In this case, most snow tends to fall upwind of the crest, although a shallow, sublimating snow “foot” is often seen over the leeward slopes.
Public Emergency Room Overcrowding in the Era of Mass Imprisonment
Authors: Lara-Millán Armando
Published: October 2014

Although sociologists have long studied public emergency rooms (ERs) and their service delivery to the urban poor, little is known about how crime control and criminal justice contact affect ER admission decisions—a critical oversight given the documented increase in incarceration rates, intensification of policing, and proliferation of crime control language in public institutions. Using ethnographic methods and a count of ER admission decisions ( N = 1,114), this article describes the continual rushing and delaying of medical resources to patients based on their perceived criminality or actual relationship to the criminal justice system. These dynamics develop through four processes: (1) widespread administration of pain medication, which associates waiting patients with criminal narcotics; (2) deployment of criminal stigma along race and gender lines to select some qualified patients over others; (3) patrolling of waiting rooms by police; and (4) rushing of beds to vast numbers of arrestees, inmates, and witnesses. Key to these findings is that if the urban poor happen to be wards of the criminal justice system, they receive rushed health care resources, but if they enter health care organizations on their own accord they are policed, delayed, and deterred from accessing care.
Community-Based Recovery and Youth Justice
Authors: Sellers Brian G.
Published: October 2014

Four well-known delinquency intervention and prevention programs remain both publicly and politically popular regardless of a large body of evidence-based research revealing their ineffectiveness in promoting a lasting desistance from youth violence and crime. Scared straight programs, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), youth boot camps, and secure large-scale, custodial juvenile correctional facilities overemphasize offender “risk management and maintenance” as opposed to individual, group-based, and/or collective well-being. This article will identify the values that these current and dominant community-centered youth justice initiatives reflect, and it will explain how these values further (or forestall) offender desistance. Viable, evidence-based alternatives consistent with the value orientation of therapeutic and restorative programming will also be evaluated. The article concludes by examining the efficacy of this alternative normative agenda to foster successful desistance from juvenile delinquency and crime.
Treating drug dependence with the aid of ibogaine: A retrospective study
Authors: Schenberg Eduardo Ekman , de Castro Comis Maria Angélica , Chaves Bruno Rasmussen , da Silveira Dartiu Xavier
Published: October 2014

Ibogaine is an alkaloid purported to be an effective drug dependence treatment. However, its efficacy has been hard to evaluate, partly because it is illegal in some countries. In such places, treatments are conducted in underground settings where fatalities have occurred. In Brazil ibogaine is unregulated and a combined approach of psychotherapy and ibogaine is being practiced to treat addiction. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ibogaine, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 75 previous alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and crack users (72% poly-drug users). We observed no serious adverse reactions or fatalities, and found 61% of participants abstinent. Participants treated with ibogaine only once reported abstinence for a median of 5.5 months and those treated multiple times for a median of 8.4 months. This increase was statistically significant ( p < 0.001), and both single or multiple treatments led to longer abstinence periods than before the first ibogaine session ( p < 0.001). These results suggest that the use of ibogaine supervised by a physician and accompanied by psychotherapy can facilitate prolonged periods of abstinence, without the occurrence of fatalities or complications. These results suggest that ibogaine can be a safe and effective treatment for dependence on stimulant and other non-opiate drugs.
Locally advanced rectal cancer: post-chemoradiotherapy ADC histogram analysis for predicting a complete response
Authors: Cho Seung Hyun , Kim Gab Chul , Jang Yun-Jin , Ryeom Hunkyu , Kim Hye Jung , Shin Kyung-Min , Park Jun Seok , Choi Gyu-Seog , Kim See Hyung
Published: October 2014

Background

The value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for reliable differentiation between pathologic complete response (pCR) and residual tumor is still unclear. Recently, a few studies reported that histogram analysis can be helpful to monitor the therapeutic response in various cancer research.

Purpose

To investigate whether post-chemoradiotherapy (CRT) apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis can be helpful to predict a pCR in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Material and Methods

Fifty patients who underwent preoperative CRT followed by surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study, non-pCR ( n = 41) and pCR ( n = 9), respectively. ADC histogram analysis encompassing the whole tumor was performed on two post-CRT ADC600 and ADC1000 (b factors 0, 600 vs. 0, 1000 s/mm2) maps. Mean, minimum, maximum, SD, mode, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th percentile ADCs, skewness, and kurtosis were derived. Diagnostic performance for predicting pCR was evaluated and compared.

Results

On both maps, 10th and 25th ADCs showed better diagnostic performance than that using mean ADC. Tenth percentile ADCs revealed the best diagnostic performance on both ADC600 (AZ 0.841, sensitivity 100%, specificity 70.7%) and ADC1000 (AZ 0.821, sensitivity 77.8%, specificity 87.8%) maps. In comparison between 10th percentile and mean ADC, the specificity was significantly improved on both ADC600 (70.7% vs. 53.7%; P = 0.031) and ADC1000 (87.8% vs. 73.2%; P = 0.039) maps.

Conclusion

Post-CRT ADC histogram analysis is helpful for predicting pCR in LARC, especially, in improving the specificity, compared with mean ADC.
High resolution in vivo 31P-MRS of the liver: potential advantages in the assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jeon Min Jeong , Lee Yunjung , Ahn Sangdoo , Lee Chulhyun , Kim Ok-Hee , Oh Byung-Chul , Yu Ungsik , Kim Hyeonjin
Published: October 2014

Background

Biopsy remains the current gold-standard for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To develop a non-invasive means of assessing the disease, 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) has been explored, but the severe spectral overlaps and low signal-to-noise-ratio in 31P-MRS spectra at clinical field strength are clearly limiting factors.

Purpose

To investigate potential advantages of high resolution in vivo 31P-MRS in assessing NAFLD.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted at 9.4T in control and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. Rats were divided according to histopathologic findings into a control group ( n = 15), a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis group ( n = 17), and a cirrhosis group ( n = 12). Data were presented with different reference peaks that are commonly used for peak normalization such as total phosphorous signal, phosphomonoester + phosphodiester (PME + PDE), and nucleotide triphosphate (NTP). Then, multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

In all spectra PME and PDE were well resolved into phosphoethanolamine (PE) and phosphocholine (PC), and into glycerophosphorylethanolamine (GPE) and glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC), respectively. Those MRS measures quantifiable only in highly resolved spectra had higher correlations with histology than those conventional MRS measures such as PME, PDE, and NTP. The optimized partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model correctly classified 79% (22/28) of the rats in the training set and correctly predicted 69% (11/16) of the rats in the test set.

Conclusion

PE, PC, GPE, GPC, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) that can be separately quantifiable in highly resolved spectra may further improve the potential efficacy of 31P-MRS in the diagnosis of NAFLD.
Life Course, Time and Process
Authors: Bidart Claire , Dupray Arnaud
Published: October 2014

The increasing development of research mobilizing “mixed” quantitative and qualitative methods is associated with the search for more permeability and innovative paths between these approaches. In this double thematic dossier of the BMS, we wish to continue in this direction of decompartmentalizing methods by moving their boundaries of application. Exploratory analyses are using methods of data extraction and processing which “transgress” the traditional correspondence between materials and methods of treatment. The six articles of this double dossier to be published in issues 124 and 125 of the BMS offer original designs combining these qualitative and quantitative dimensions. They are based upon surveys focusing on temporal processes and life courses. They seek to open up new avenues for research methods, without undermining the validity of existing standard methods.
Traitements qualitatifs et quantitatifs de données de questionnaire – Le cas des bifurcations professionnelles
Authors: Dupray Arnaud , Epiphane Dominique
Published: October 2014

Qualitative and Quantitative Questionnaire Data Processing - Professional Bifurcations: We demonstrate here the cross-fertilization of qualitative and quantitative questionnaire data processing in the study vocational bifurcations. As a form of occupational mobility meeting the criteria of unpredictability, radicality and irreversibility, they are particularly well suited for this exercise. A question module of respondents’ assessment of their career transitions helps to identify, at first, with our eligible population. By reexamining job labels or descriptions, we conduct a “qualitative” data analysis to identify individuals experienced a professional bifurcation. Logistic regression is then used to generate configurations of factors that stimulate or restrict such mobility. Finally, a second “qualitative” analysis, making use of these statistical profiles, illustrates them by actual cases, and tends toward quasi-narratives of life course.
Marxism, Anarchism and the Situationists’ Theory of Revolution
Authors: Eagles Julian
Published: October 2014

In recent protest movements, such as those against ‘globalization’, Situationist ideas and practices – which were developed in the late 1950s to the early 1970s − have inspired some of those radicals involved in such dissent. Given this revived interest in the Situationist International, this article takes the opportunity to examine the Situationists’ theory of revolution in relation to both Marxism and anarchism. It argues that while the Situationists’ theory of revolution, in respect of some of its key characteristics, corresponds to Bakunin’s vision of a revolutionary upheaval, the intellectual ancestry of the Situationists’ theory can be traced, chiefly, to the thought of Marx and the ideas of several Marxist thinkers, as well as to the ideas of pre-Situationist avant-garde ‘artists’.
Design and evaluation of a predictive powertrain control system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to improve the fuel economy and the emissions
Authors: Taghavipour Amir , Azad Nasser L , McPhee John
Published: October 2014

In this article, a power management scheme for a plug-in power-split hybrid electric vehicle is designed on the basis of the model predictive control concept of charge depletion plus charge sustenance strategy and the blended-mode strategy. The commands of model predictive control are applied to the powertrain components through appropriate low-level controllers: standard proportional–integral controllers for electric machines, and sliding-mode controllers for engine torque control. Minimization of the engine emissions is a key factor for designing the engine’s low-level controller. Applying this control scheme to a validated high-fidelity model of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, developed in the MapleSim environment with a chemistry-based Lithium-ion battery model, results in considerable improvements in the fuel economy and the emissions performance.
Development of vacuum-tube-based voltage and current probes for automotive ignition systems
Authors: Fryskowski Bernard
Published: October 2014

In this paper, new high-voltage and current contact probes are proposed as development tools for spark energy measurements. The probes are equipped with active electronic components, namely high-voltage vacuum tubes, unlike the other well-known voltage and current probes containing mostly resistors, capacitors, Zener diodes or spark dischargers. The attenuation of the designed high-voltage probe is variable. Furthermore, the impedance of the current probe can be regulated. The voltage and current probes based on vacuum tubes are tolerant of reverse polarity and are polarity sensitive. They can be applied only to ignition systems with double-ended coils and to other systems equipped with multi-electrode-type spark plugs, which need a positive polarity of the central electrode.
Experimental investigation of the evaporation characteristics of the fuel in a direct-injection spark ignition engine subjected to a direct-start process
Authors: Xiao Maoyu , Shi Lei , Deng Kangyao
Published: October 2014

Because stopping an engine in the idling state and quickly restarting the engine can improve the engine’s fuel consumption, this paper studied the direct start of a direct-injection spark ignition engine that does not require a larger electrical starter for the conventional start–stop system. The formation of the fuel–air mixture before the first combustion determines the success of the direct start because the explosion energy acquired from first combustion to move the crankshaft is relatively small. The purpose of this study is to explore the evaporation characteristics of the gasoline in a spray chamber that was designed to simulate the cylinder of a direct-injection spark ignition engine. Fundamental studies were conducted to investigate the evaporation process under direct-start conditions. A numerical study was also conducted using evaporation and wall interaction models. The measurements obtained using a fast-response flame ionization detector hydrocarbon detection system (HFR500) indicated that the evaporation ratio of the gasoline spray increased with increasing temperature and achieved an upper limit of 90% at an ambient temperature of 140 °C. The lower limit of the equivalence ratio for a successful direct start should be 1.4–1.7 when the temperature is less than 100 °C. Suitable ignition timing of the first combustion should be 25 ms after the start of injection. Methanol–gasoline and ethanol–gasoline were tested in this study, and a poor evaporation performance was observed owing to the higher evaporation heat values of these fuels. Consequently, gasoline is preferable to oxygenated fuels for the direct start of direct-injection spark ignition engines.
Macroslip detection for a metal V-belt continuously variable transmission using the period difference
Authors: Ji Jian , Jang Mijeong , Ahn Sunghyun , Kwon Oheun , Chai Minjae , Lee Donghyun , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: October 2014

In this study, a macroslip detection method is proposed for a metal V-belt continuously variable transmission. The macroslip detection method was developed using the instantaneous periods of the primary pulley’s acceleration and the secondary pulley’s acceleration, which can be obtained from the existing speed sensors. To obtain the instantaneous periods of the accelerations of the pulleys in real time, a signal-processing method was developed on the basis of zero-cross detection. Using the instantaneous periods, the period difference is introduced, and a threshold value b is defined to evaluate the slip state. The characteristics of the period difference and b were investigated by a three-dimensional analysis, in which a three-dimensional model of the continuously variable transmission including the blocks, the bands and the pulleys was constructed, and the velocity of each element and the slip rate were obtained. From the simulation results, it was found that the period difference stays below the threshold value b in the microslip region and begins to increase over the threshold value b in the macroslip region. The macroslip detection method proposed in this study was validated by experiments, which showed that the method is effective for detecting the occurrence of macroslip, independently of the input torque and the speed ratio.
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre Endowment Fund
Authors: Bhatti Ayesha , Ashraf Junaid , Akhtar M. Farhan
Published: October 2014

The case looks at issues pertaining to the financial management of the Endowment Fund of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC). The Chairman of SKMCH&RC, Mr Imran Khan, is also the head of the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), the key contender in the general elections of May 2013. One of the key figures of a rival political party PML-N, Mr Khawaja Asif has accused Mr Imran Khan of ‘gambling’ with donated funds leading to significant financial losses of money which should have been used for the treatment and care of the poor cancer patients of the hospital.

The case is intended to be used for Executive Teaching and should be assigned and read together with the Technical Note ‘Understanding Endowment Funds.’ Together the technical note and the case aim to offer a number of learning objectives for managers of nonprofit organizations. The technical note lists the main types of endowment funds and, by considering the endowment funds of Harvard University and Yale University (considered to be two well managed funds), discusses matters related to their financial management and accounting and reporting requirements. After reading this note, students will have acquired some technical understanding of how to address the key questions in the case.
Measuring Workers’ Satisfaction with Grievance-Handling Procedure: Study of a Power Distribution Major in India
Authors: Geetika  , Ghosh Piyali , Rai Alka , Joshi Jagdamba Prasad , Singh Priya
Published: October 2014

Lauded as one of the most significant practices of industrial relations, a grievance-handling procedure is a medium for a worker to file his grievances. Indian organizations usually adhere to the Model Grievance Procedure that ensures speedy and full investigation of a grievance, leading to settlement. This study compares the grievance-handling procedure of a case study firm with the Model and measures its effectiveness by analyzing the satisfaction of the individual worker as a subjective measure. Comparison with qualitative analysis on the basis of dimensions such as time, stakeholders, decision given and structure show that the firm has made special efforts to reduce the levels in the procedure, thereby increasing the speed of grievance settlement, though a lack of provision of arbitration was also observed. Satisfaction has been assessed with constructs such as speed, decision, structure and stakeholders, by applying factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Attitude of supervisors, time taken in giving decision and follow-up mechanism emerge as the most important predictors. This study is expected to add value to the existing literature on grievance handling by making a departure from previous studies on satisfaction measures of grievance procedures, in which the predominant issue has been perceived fairness. The findings may be useful for the improvement of workers’ satisfaction with grievance-handling procedures in any organization.
Modal optimization of doubly clamped base-excited multilayer broadband vibration energy harvesters
Authors: Xiong Xingyu , Oyadiji S Olutunde
Published: October 2014

Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters with doubly clamped base-excited multilayer structures have been developed. The vibration energy harvesters consist of stacked H-shaped configurations including up to three beams and two extra masses. One beam is doubly clamped as a base layer. The extra masses are attached between the base layer and the other two beams to connect them together. By altering mass positions and the thickness of the base layer, the vibration energy harvesters can generate considerable power output in up to five modes of vibrations. An optimization strategy is established for multi-resonance broadband vibration energy harvesters designs. The strategy is based on a modal approach, which can determine the modal performance of vibration energy harvesters using mass ratio and electromechanical coupling coefficient. In particular, mass ratio is used to represent the influence of modal mechanical behaviour on the power density. The design strategy is executed by selecting the multilayer configurations with close resonances and preferred values of mass ratios in multiple modes. These configurations have optimal or near-optimal structural performance for broadband power output. The finite element method and a distributed electromechanical parameter model are used to derive the required modal parameters and power output with resistive loads.
Do PSAs Take a Bite Out of Shark Week? The Effects of Juxtaposing Environmental Messages With Violent Images of Shark Attacks
Authors: Myrick Jessica Gall , Evans Suzannah D.
Published: October 2014

A between-subjects experiment ( N = 531) studied the juxtaposition of programming from the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week with shark conservation public service announcements (PSAs). Cultivation and priming theories provided a conceptual framework for testing how shark-on-human violence paired with different types of PSAs (celebrity endorser present or not) influence audiences’ emotional reactions, threat perceptions, willingness to support conservation, and intentions to seek information. Findings reveal that shark-on-human violence and presence of a PSA influence fear reactions and perceived threat of shark attacks. Findings related to conservation support, information seeking, and the role of previous Shark Week viewing and demographics are also discussed.
A Systematic Review of Strategies to Foster Activity Engagement in Persons With Dementia
Authors: Trahan Maranda A. , Kuo Julie , Carlson Michelle C. , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: October 2014

Dementia is a growing public health issue. Activity, a positive therapeutic modality, has potential to enhance quality of life and reduce behavioral symptoms in persons with dementia—outcomes eluding pharmacological treatments. However, it is unclear how to effectively engage persons with dementia in activities for them to derive desired benefits. We present a systematic review of 28 studies involving 50 tests of different ways of modifying activities to enhance engagement and reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms for this group. Of 50 tests, 22 (44%) evaluated changes to objects and properties (e.g., introducing activities with intrinsic interest), 6 (12%) evaluated changes to space demands (e.g., lighting, noise levels), 8 (16%) evaluated changes to social demands (e.g., prompts, praise), and 14 (28%) combined two or more activity modifications. No modifications were made to the sequence and timing of activities. Although modifications to objects and properties were the most common, outcomes for engagement and behaviors were mixed. Modifications to space and social demands were less frequently tested, but consistently yielded positive outcomes. No modifications resulted in negative behavioral outcomes or decreased engagement. Methodological strengths of studies included direct observation of outcomes and fidelity assessments. Few studies however involved persons with dementia at home. Our review revealed a growing evidentiary base for different modifications to foster engagement in activities and reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms. Future studies should evaluate how contextual factors (e.g., physical environment, activity type) and caregiver ability to employ activity modifications affect engagement.
Developing a Framework and Priorities to Promote Mobility Among Older Adults
Authors: Anderson Lynda A. , Slonim Amy , Yen Irene H. , Jones Dina L. , Allen Peg , Hunter Rebecca H. , Goins R. Turner , Leith Katherine H. , Rosenberg Dori , Satariano William A. , McPhillips-Tangum Carol
Published: October 2014

Mobility, broadly defined as movement in all of its forms from ambulation to transportation, is critical to supporting optimal aging. This article describes two projects to develop a framework and a set of priority actions designed to promote mobility among community-dwelling older adults. Project 1 involved a concept-mapping process to solicit and organize action items into domains from a broad group of stakeholders to create the framework. Concept mapping uses qualitative group processes with multivariate statistical analysis to represent the ideas visually through maps. A snowball technique was used to identify stakeholders ( n = 211). A 12-member steering committee developed a focus prompt, “One specific action that can lead to positive change in mobility for older adults in the United States is . . .” Project 2 included a Delphi technique ( n = 43) with three iterations to prioritize four to six items using results from the concept mapping rating process. Project 1 resulted in 102 items across nine domains (Research to Practice, Independence and Engagement, Built Environment and Safety, Transportation, Policy, Housing and Accessibility, Community Supports, Training, and Coordinated Action). The number of items ranged from 6 to 18 per domain. Project 2 resulted in agreement on four items that reflect the importance of promoting environmental strategies through collaborative initiatives aimed at planning and best practices focusing on environmental enhancements or transit, training of professionals, and integration of mobility into state and local public health plans. These findings can be applied to support coordinated, multidisciplinary research and practice to promote mobility among older adults.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Behaviors in a Population-Based Sample of Older, Foreign-Born, Chinese American Adults Living in New York City
Authors: Wyatt Laura C. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Islam Nadia S. , Kwon Simona C.
Published: October 2014

Although the New York City Chinese population aged ≥65 years increased by 50% between 2000 and 2010, the health needs of this population are poorly understood. Approximately 3,001 Chinese individuals from high-density Asian American New York City areas were included in the REACH U.S. Risk Factor Survey; 805 (26.8%) were aged ≥65 years and foreign-born. Four health-related quality of life and three behavioral risk factor outcome variables were examined. Descriptive statistics were conducted by gender, and logistic regression models assessed sociodemographic and health factors associated with each outcome. Few women were current smokers (1.3% vs. 14.8% of men), 19% of respondents ate fruits and vegetables more than or equal to five times daily, and one-third of individuals received sufficient weekly physical activity. Days of poor health were similar to the national population aged ≥65 years, while self-reported fair or poor health was much greater among our Chinese sample; over 60% of respondents rated their health as fair or poor. Lower education and lower obesity were significantly associated with cigarette smoking among men, and older age was significantly associated with insufficient physical activity overall. Female gender was significantly associated with all poor health days; older age was significantly associated with poor days of physical health, and lower income was significantly associated with poor days of physical health and fair or poor self-reported health. This study provides important health-related information on a rapidly growing older population and highlights future research areas to inform culturally appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies and policies within community-based settings.
National Study of Chronic Disease Self-Management
Authors: Ory Marcia G. , Smith Matthew Lee , Ahn SangNam , Jiang Luohua , Lorig Kate , Whitelaw Nancy
Published: October 2014

Introduction. The adult population is increasingly experiencing one or more chronic illnesses and living with such conditions longer. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) helps participants cope with chronic disease-related symptomatology and improve their health-related quality of life. Nevertheless, the long-term effectiveness of this evidence-based program on older adults as compared to the middle-aged populations has not been examined in a large-scale, national rollout. Method. We identified baseline characteristics of CDSMP participants aged 65 years or older ( n = 687, M = 74.8 years) in the National Study of CDSMP from 2010 to 2012. Comparisons were made to middle-aged participants aged 50 to 64 ( n = 325, M = 58.3 years). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were performed to assess changes in primary and secondary outcomes, controlling the key sociodemographics and number of chronic conditions. Results. All primary outcomes (i.e., social/role activities limitation, depression, communication with doctors) significantly improved in both the older and middle-aged cohorts. Although improvements in illness symptomatology (e.g., fatigue, pain, shortness of breath, and sleep problems) were similar across both cohorts, only the middle-aged cohort benefitted significantly in terms of overall quality of life and unhealthy mental health days. Effect sizes were larger among the middle-aged population who were also more likely to enter the program in poorer health and be from minority backgrounds. Conclusions. The current study documented improved health outcomes but more so among the middle-aged population. Findings suggest the importance of examining how age and interacting life circumstances may affect chronic disease self-management.
Gender, race, religion, faith? Rethinking intersectionality in German feminisms
Authors: Weber Beverly M
Published: October 2014

Despite the recent wave of scholarship on intersectionality, as well as a surge in feminist scholarship on Islam in German feminist studies, feminist research has yet to adequately engage with the role of religion in intersectionality. In this article the author draws on the work of the Aktionsbündnis muslimischer Frauen in Germany to explore the possibility for incorporating religion and faith into intersectional frameworks, which requires attention to women of color theorizing in German feminisms, recognition of ways in which religions and forms of secularism have been racialized, and recognition of affective attachment to faith.
Changing Trends in Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Lo Menzo E. , Szomstein S. , Rosenthal R. J.
Published: October 2014

Background and Aims:

Bariatric surgery is considered the only long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity. Techniques and procedures have changed dramatically. We report on some of the major changes in the field.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed some of the major changes in trends in bariatric surgery based on some landmark paper published in the literature.

Results:

We identified three major phases in the evolution of bariatric surgery. The pioneer phase was mostly characterized by discovery of weight loss procedures serendipitously from procedures done for other purposes. The second phase can be identified with the advent of laparoscopic techniques. This is considered the phase of greatest expansion of bariatric surgery. The metabolic phase derives from the improved understanding of the mechanisms of actions of the bariatric operations at the hormonal and molecular level.

Conclusions:

Bariatric surgery has changed significantly over the years. The safety of the laparoscopic approach, along with the better understanding of the metabolic changes obtained postoperatively, has led to a more individualized approach and also an attempt to expand the indications for these procedures.
In defense of priority (and equality)
Authors: Segall Shlomi
Published: October 2014

In a recent article, Michael Otsuka and Alex Voorhoeve argue that prioritarianism fails to account for the shift in moral significance in gains to individuals in interpersonal as compared to intrapersonal cases. In this article, I show that the priority view escapes this objection but in a way that deprives it of (some of) its anti-egalitarian stance. Despite Otsuka and Voorhoeve, prioritarianism, rightly understood, provides consistent and attractive recommendations in both single- and multi-person cases. Yet prioritarians, the article goes on to show, cannot do so while availing themselves of the leveling down objection (LDO) to egalitarianism. They may not do so because similarly to egalitarianism, prioritarianism also must reject the principle of personal good. That is, egalitarians and prioritarians may sometime recommend certain actions and outcomes even when these are better for no one. Prioritarians may survive the Otsuka–Voorhoeve critique, but to do so they must abandon their anti-egalitarian stance (or at the very least, the LDO).
Rough Justice: Considerations on the Role of Violence, Masculinity, and the Alienation of Young Men in Communities and Peacebuilding Processes in Northern Ireland
Authors: Harland Ken , McCready Sam
Published: October 2014

Statistics reveal that young men from working class communities are over-represented amongst victims of the Northern Ireland Troubles, suicides, crime, school suspensions, expulsions and academic underachievement. Despite a new political context of peacebuilding the relationship between violence and personal safety continues to be critical to marginalized young men’s everyday lives and experiences. Drawing upon primary research from a five year longitudinal study and previous studies carried out by the Centre for Young Men’s Studies, this article provides a critical analysis of young men born after the 1994 ceasefires, capturing their sense of alienation, perceived normality of violence, unwelcomed interactions with paramilitary members and restrictive notions of masculinity. These factors combined with attitudes of suspicion and distrust surrounding the role of the police leaves young men feeling confused about law and youth justice. This article argues the need for a more relevant school curriculum informed by, and aimed specifically at, engaging young men through a youth work methodology addressing the themes of youth justice, violence and masculinity. The authors acknowledge that whilst addressing the behaviour of certain young men can be very challenging, there is a need for those working with young men to more proactively engage young men through a ‘Balanced Approach’ of collaborative working between formal, informal and non-formal education.
The Chinese Verbal Learning Test Specifically Assesses Hippocampal State
Authors: Tsai Richard M. , Leong Josiah K. , Dutt Shubir , Chang Chiung Chih , Lee Allen K. , Chao Steven Z. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Tse Marian , Kramer Joel H. , Miller Bruce L. , Rosen Howard J.
Published: October 2014

Background:

Recently, the Chinese Verbal Learning Test (ChVLT) was developed to assess episodic memory in Chinese speakers. The goal of this analysis was to determine whether memory consolidation as measured by the ChVLT was specifically associated with hippocampal volume in patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods:

We administered the ChVLT to 22 Chinese-speaking patients with mild cognitive impairment and 9 patients with dementia and obtained hippocampal and cortical volumes from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Linear regression revealed that hippocampal volume explained 9.9% of the variance in delayed memory ( P = .018) after controlling for the effects of age, education, immediate recall after the last learning trial, overall level of cognitive impairment, and volumes of other cortical regions.

conclusion:

These results indicate that the ChVLT is specifically correlated with hippocampal volume, supporting its utility for detecting hippocampal disease and monitoring hippocampal state over time.
Hispanic Graduate Students’ Mentoring Themes
Authors: Rudolph Bonnie A. , Castillo Carlos P. , Garcia Vanessa G. , Martinez Alina , Navarro Fernando
Published: October 2014

Male and female focus groups at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) discussed mentoring of Hispanic graduate students. Using Thematic Analysis, investigators identified three main themes: Relationship Initiation and Development, Valued Relationship Qualities, and Context and Barriers. Relationship themes included mentor openness, trust, commitment, availability and grant assistance. Barrier themes subsumed gender roles, financial insecurity, social inequality, and language differences. Females noted one unique theme, and males emphasized work obligations’ negative impact on mentoring.
Patient-Related Risk Factors for Recurrence After Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Burcharth Jakob , Pommergaard Hans-Christian , Bisgaard Thue , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: October 2014

Background. Several factors influence the risk of recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery; however, a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-related risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery has not been performed earlier. Methods. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched in June 2013 for studies evaluating patient-related risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia operation. Observational studies evaluating nontechnical patient-related risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery were included. Outcome variables were grouped under patient demographics, hernia characteristics, connective tissue composition and degradation, habits and social relations, and conditions related to inguinal hernia recurrence. Results. From a total of 5061 records screened, we included 40 observational studies enrolling 720 651 inguinal hernia procedures in 714 917 patients in the systematic review. Of the 40 studies, 14 studies were included in 8 meta-analyses evaluating sex, hernia type, hernia size, re-recurrence, bilaterality, mode of admission, age, and smoking as risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery in a total of 378 824 procedures in 375 620 patients. Conclusions. We found that female sex, direct inguinal hernias at the primary procedure, operation for a recurrent inguinal hernia, and smoking were significant risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery. This knowledge of patient-related risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery could be implemented in clinical practice.
Retrospective Analysis of Dose Titration and Serum Testosterone Level Assessments in Patients Treated With Topical Testosterone
Authors: Muram David , Kaltenboeck Anna , Boytsov Natalie , Hayes-Larson Eleanor , Ivanova Jasmina , Birnbaum Howard G. , Swindle Ralph
Published: October 2014

Patterns of care following topical testosterone agent (TTA) initiation are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize care following TTA initiation and compare results between patients with and without a serum testosterone (T) assay within 30 days before and including TTA initiation. Adult men ( N = 4,146) initiating TTAs from January 1, 2011, to March 31, 2012, were identified from a commercially insured database. Patients were included if they initiated at recommended starting dose (RSD) and had ≥12 and ≥6 months of continuous eligibility preinitiation (baseline) and postinitiation (study period), respectively. Patients were stratified by preinitiation T assay. Maintenance dose attainment month was determined using unadjusted generalized estimating equations regression to compare dose relative to RSD month by month. Outcomes included maintenance dose attainment month, time to stopping of index TTA refills or a claim for nonindex testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and proportion of patients with study period T assay or diagnosis of hypogonadism (HG) or another low testosterone condition, and were compared using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Maintenance dose was attained in Month 4 postinitiation, at 115.2% of RSD. Approximately 46% of patients had a preinitiation T assay; these men were more likely to receive a diagnosis of HG or another low testosterone condition, to have a follow-up T assay, to continue treatment by filling a nonindex TRT, and less likely to stop refilling treatment with their index TTA. Differences in care following TTA initiation suggest that preinitiation T assays (i.e., guideline-based care) may be helpful in ensuring treatment benefits.