bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paraoxonase lactonase activity, inflammation and antioxidant status in plasma of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Savu Octavian , Serafinceanu Cristian , Grajdeanu Ioana Veronica , Iosif Liviu , Gaman Laura , Stoian Irina
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To investigate paraoxonase-1 (PON1) lactonase activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (as a marker of inflammation) and antioxidant status in plasma of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Whole blood and plasma samples were collected from patients with diabetes and healthy control subjects. PON1 lactonase and MPO activities and total antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were determined in plasma. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was quantified in whole blood.

Results

Plasma PON1 lactonase and MPO activities were significantly higher and TEAC was significantly lower in patients with diabetes ( n = 18) compared with healthy control subjects ( n = 20). There were significant positive correlations between PON1 lactonase activity and MPO activity and HbA1c level, and plasma MPO and HbA1c. There were significant negative correlations between PON1 lactonase activity and TEAC, and MPO activity and TEAC.

Conclusions

Increased lactonase activity may inefficiently compensate for the high level of chronic inflammation and low antioxidant capacity in the plasma of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Renal Morphology in Cats With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zini E. , Benali S. , Coppola L. , Guscetti F. , Ackermann M. , Lutz T. A. , Reusch C. E. , Aresu L.
Published: February 2014

In humans, diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important cause of renal damage, with glomerular lesions being predominant. In cats, although diabetes is a common endocrinopathy, it is yet unknown whether it leads to renal damage. The aim of the study was to compare renal histologic features and parameters of renal function in diabetic cats against a control population matched for age, gender, breed, and body weight. Thirty-two diabetic and 20 control cats were included. Kidney sections from paraffin-embedded kidney samples were stained and examined with optical microscopy to identify glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular lesions and to assess their frequency and severity. Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were also compared. Glomerular lesions were observed in 29 cats overall, with mesangial matrix increase being more common (19 cats). Tubulointerstitial lesions were observed in 42 cats, including lymphocytic infiltration (29), fibrosis (22), or tubular necrosis (21). Vascular lesions were observed in 5 cases. The frequency and severity of histologic lesions did not differ between diabetic and control cats; however, among diabetics, those that survived longer after diagnosis had more glomerular and vascular lesions. Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were similar between groups; in diabetic cats median creatinine was 109 μmol/l (range, 51–1200) and urea was 12 mmol/l (range, 4–63), and in controls creatinine was 126 μmol/l (range, 50–875) and urea 11 mmol/l (range, 3–80). The results suggest that DM in cats does not lead to microscopically detectable kidney lesions or clinically relevant renal dysfunction. The authors hypothesize that the short life expectancy of diabetic cats may be the main reason for the difference from human diabetics.
The ‘Slave’ Is the ‘Master’: Jacob's Servile Language to Esau in Genesis 33.1-17
Authors: Bridge Edward J.
Published: February 2014

Jacob's meeting and reconciliation with Esau as narrated in Gen. 33.1-17 has created problems for interpretation, especially given Jacob's use of servile language to Esau, his insistence that Esau accepts his gift, and his apparent lying. An analysis of the dialogue using politeness theory reveals that Jacob uses his language to encourage Esau to grant two requests favourably. These are: first, to encourage Esau to forego his right of revenge for Jacob's stealing of the blessing due to him, narrated in Genesis 27; and second, Jacob desires to remove himself from being with Esau. Neither of these requests is stated openly. Jacob's language is typical of requests in Genesis, but he uses it to portray himself as a social inferior to Esau. This allows Esau to avoid loss of face or feeling he has been coerced if he grants the two requests. This interpretation of Jacob's language matches with some other literary interpretations of the dialogue and gives caution to the appropriateness of the common interpretations that Jacob gives back to Esau the stolen blessing and that Jacob negotiates a treaty with Esau.
The David–Benjaminite Conflict and the Intertextual Field of Psalm 7
Authors: Berger Yitzhak
Published: February 2014

According to its superscription, Psalm 7 was uttered by David in reaction to ‘the words of Cush, a Benjaminite’, a reference that has produced a range of speculation. This study argues that the connection drawn between the psalm and the David story is prompted by similarities between the poem and a wide range of interconnected narratives in Samuel, all of which relate to David's restraint in his dealings with Saul and other Benjaminites. The specific episode involving Cush is best placed in the context of David's flight from Saul when he is hiding in the ‘strongholds’, in light of previously identified similarities to 1 Samuel 24 and newly identified parallels to 1 Chronicles 12. In this connection, a new solution is suggested for the psalm's problematic v. 5b.
The Prophet, the Witch and the Ghost: Understanding the Parody of Saul as a ‘Prophet’ and the Purpose of Endor in the Deuteronomistic History
Authors: Michael Matthew
Published: February 2014

This study engages the ironic representation of Saul as a ‘prophet’ and his later characterization at Endor, noting the subversion of his original prophetic introduction in 1 Samuel 9–10 and the parody of this same representation through his identification with witchcraft/divination in 1 Samuel 28. The parody sabotages the royal aspirations of the Saulides because it associates them with the forbidden practice of witchcraft. The study also shows the underlying importance of Saul's characterization at Endor within the Deuteronomistic history, especially in the quest subtly to associate Saul with the major villains of this same history who are not only connected to these same banned cultic practices but also blamed for the exile. Saul is thus intentionally implicated and further criminalized as the prototype of subsequent kingship's failure, and the Endor incident becomes an ominous sign of doom not only for the Saulides but also for the entire nation of Israel.
'In the Way of Righteousness Is Life': Symbolic Death Transcendence in Proverbs 10–29
Authors: Williamson Robert
Published: February 2014

While the book of Qohelet expresses significant anxiety over the prospect of death, the sages of Proverbs 10–29 scarcely exhibit a trace of death anxiety. Research in experimental social psychology suggests that such psychological equanimity about death is not accidental. Scholars often argue that Proverbs 10–29 envisions death as a ‘universal fate’ that encounters both the righteous and the wicked in the same way, but examining the text through the lens of Robert Lifton's work on symbolic death transcendence shows that a distinction is made between the post-mortem fates of the righteous and the wicked: the wicked are viewed as being utterly terminated by death while the righteous remain connected to life in multiple symbolic ways, primarily in the biological and creative modes. As a result, Proverbs 10–29 appears to function as an effective buffer against death anxiety, providing its adherents with the symbolic resources to face death with equanimity.
Subjectivity and Solidarity – A Rebirth of Humanism
Authors: Cha In-Suk
Published: February 2014

The notion of subjectivity with which the argument will be carried out may be defined as our ability to reflect critically, to think creatively and to act resolutely in our relation to society and nature. Some essential marks of subjectivity are illustrated through an example taken from rescue operation conducted in the fall of 2010 for the miners trapped in deep underground at the San Jose mine site in Chile for 69 days. With the science and technology applied in constructing the drilling rigs and making the capsule which lifted up the trapped miners to freedom, ingenuity, the resilient sense of mission and perseverance of the rescue personnel, and the purposeful solidarity among the trapped miners are among the decisive factors contributing to the successful accomplishment of the rescue undertaking.

At this critical juncture of the current global economic downturn, it is consequential for us to bring ourselves to reflecting on the seriousness of the predicament which all humanity is in. It is indeed time for the intellectuals to rise up to share responsibility in keeping our world sustainable by setting purposive and resolute subjectivity before themselves and coming forward to tenaciously find ways toward renewing ourselves as well as toward the continuing betterment of humanity.
Media Consumption and Support for Capital Punishment
Authors: Britto Sarah , Noga-Styron Krystal E.
Published: February 2014

Theoretically, the media influences public perceptions of crime and criminality and helps shape perceptions of how the crime problem should be managed. Using a 2010 survey in Washington state, this article tests the theoretical connection between watching television (news, crime dramas, and police-reality programs), reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, interacting with the Internet, and support for capital punishment. Research in the area of perceptions of capital punishment shows that support for capital punishment varies depending on its operationalization; therefore, this study includes both a general measure of support for capital punishment and a measure that provides for the availability of life without parole as an alternative option. Variables including race, sex, age, attitudes toward the police, and perceptual variables such as collective efficacy, economic insecurity, and justice concerns are included as controls in the models. Findings indicate that the relationship between media consumption and capital punishment is dependent on both the media form/channel and the operationalization of capital punishment.
Migrant remittances and the onset of civil war
Authors: Regan Patrick M. , Frank Richard W.
Published: February 2014

Civil wars reflect, in part, internal contestation over the provision of resources. A government’s ability to “buy off” rebellion by providing social welfare payments is one mechanism to help ensure social stability. In times of economic distress, however, the government becomes increasingly constrained in its ability to provide social welfare and, absent some form of financial relief, will be subject to increasing pressure from potential rebel groups. Migrant remittances can serve as a smoothing mechanism that provides for social welfare needs outside the formal mechanisms of the state, and therefore acts to reduce the incentive for rebellion. We develop a model of migrant remittances as a vehicle that provides domestic stability in times of economic constraints. We test hypotheses from this model on World Bank remittance data to 152 countries from 1980 to 2005. Our results suggest that a significant increase in migrant remittances during crises can lower the risk of civil war.
The Impact of Changes in State Minimum Acreage Policies on School Siting Practices
Authors: McDonald Noreen C. , Salvesen David A. , Kuhlman H. Renee , Combs Tabitha S.
Published: February 2014

Researchers and advocates have linked state guidelines on minimum acreage for schools to the abandonment of historic schools and increased barriers to walking and biking to school. This study examined how the elimination of minimum acreage standards in four states affected school planning processes and outcomes using mixed methods. We found that states changed school acreage policies because of concerns about sprawl and the rising costs of education facilities. However, changes in state acreage policies have not been accompanied by changes in district-level school planning processes and therefore on-the-ground impacts have been minimal in the years immediately after the policy change.
Exploring Gender Differences
Authors: Lucero Jessica L. , Weisz Arlene N. , Smith-Darden Joanne , Lucero Steven M.
Published: February 2014

This qualitative study explored gender differences in socially interactive technology (SIT) use/abuse among dating teens from Michigan ( N = 23). Focus group transcripts were coded using three categories: (1) type of SIT (e.g., social networking); (2) abusive action (e.g., monitoring); and (3) consequence (e.g., jealousy). Texting and social networking were the most commonly used types of SIT. Spying/monitoring, sexting, and password sharing/account access were the most common abusive actions. Distrust and jealousy were the most frequent consequences. Young men and women differed in their conceptualization of SIT abuse. Most participants agreed that some abusive actions were typical parts of adolescent dating experiences.
Pressure effects on the performance of external gear pumps under cavitation
Authors: del Campo David , Castilla R , Raush GA , Gamez-Montero PJ , Codina E
Published: February 2014

The numerical analysis of an external gear pump with cavitation effects has been validated with experimental data obtained by applying Time-Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry. The effect of inlet and outlet pressure on volumetric efficiency has been studied numerically. First, the Particle Image Velocimetry method was used to analyze the two-dimensional velocity field in the middle plane of the suction chamber of the gear pump. The main improvement, with respect to previous similar analysis is the use of alginate micro particles as tracers. It is seen that the two-dimensional model is able to characterize the flow field of the real pump in the region of the inlet chamber in which cavitation is expected. In a previous study, it was seen that a cavitation cloud acted as a virtual contact point at low pressure, being responsible for an increase on the volumetric efficiency. The first set of simulations represents the pump working with high outlet pressure. Now, the cavitation cloud is not present and cavitation no longer helps to improve the efficiency of the pump. The second set of simulations represents the pump with an inlet loss factor, which implies a mean inlet pressure below atmospheric conditions. This allows cavitation clouds to propagate upstream. Despite the larger cavitation clouds, volumetric efficiency only drops at high operating velocities, when some clouds become trapped between gears and casing and are transported to the pressure side.
Modelling and diagnosis of big-end bearing knock fault in internal combustion engines
Authors: Chen Jian , Randall Robert , Feng Ningsheng , Peeters Bart , Van der Auweraer Herman
Published: February 2014

Big-end bearing knock is considered to be one of the common mechanical faults in internal combustion engines (IC engines). In this paper, a model has been built to simulate the effects of oversized clearance in the big-end bearing of an engine. In order to find a relationship between the acceleration response signal and the oversized clearance, the kinematic/kinetic and lubrication characteristics of the big ending bearing were studied. By adjusting the clearance, the impact forces with different levels of bearing knock fault can be simulated. The acceleration on the surface of the engine block was calculated by multiplying the simulated force spectrum by an experimentally measured frequency response function (FRF) in the frequency domain (and then inverse transforming to the time domain). As for experimentally measured vibration signals from bearing knock faults, the signal processing approach used involved calculating the squared envelopes of the simulated acceleration signals. The comparison to the experimental results demonstrated that the simulation model can correctly simulate vibration signals with different stages of bearing knock faults.
Effect of the friction coefficient for contact pressure of packer rubber
Authors: Ma Weiguo , Qu Baolong , Guan Feng
Published: February 2014

A systematic study of the packer rubber contact pressure under a fixed-displacement load is conducted to gain further insight into the packer seal mechanism. A Y221-114 double rubber packer is investigated using the finite element software ANSYS, where a design of experiments method is utilized to study the effects of the friction coefficient. The results show that the friction coefficient of the packer and the tubing had the greatest effect on contact pressure than other factors. Decreasing the rubber friction coefficient is conducive to forming the double rubber seal and increasing the maximum contact pressure working range. However, there is additionally a slight decrease in the value of maximum contact pressure. The results of the study provide valuable insight into the importance of packer design optimization.
Parametric study of axle box acceleration at squats
Authors: Molodova Maria , Li Zili , Núñez Alfredo , Dollevoet Rolf
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a study of the parameters that influence the detection of squats when using axle box acceleration (ABA) measurements. The analysed parameters include the train speed, the location of the squat in the track relative to the sleeper, and the track design. The study is conducted relying on a validated finite element model. The ABA measurements are found to be highly influenced by train speed. To model this influence, a practical method is proposed to represent the relationship between the train speed and relevant characteristics of ABA (magnitude and frequency) at a given squat. Such practical relationships provide the opportunity to map the ABA signals when it proves impossible to run measuring trains at a constant speed (as is the case with any in-service railway vehicle). The parameter study also indicates that the major frequency characteristics of ABA at squats are strongly related to the natural frequencies of the track. This conclusion is validated by performing hammer tests on the railway track. It is suggested that a proper characterization of the tracks will lead to a better understanding of the ABA signals. Finally, it is claimed that the results presented in this paper can be used as a guideline to calibrate or improve squat detection algorithms based on ABA measurements on a track.
“Hidden” sexually transmitted infections among women in primary care health services, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Rocha Danielle Albuquerque Pires , Filho Roberto Alexandre Alves Barbosa , Mariño Josiane Montanho , Santos Cristina Maria Borborema dos
Published: February 2014

Summary

This study describes the prevalence of infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in a female population in Amazonas, Brazil. We collected cervical samples from 361 women examined at 10 primary care health services in the city of Coari, Amazonas, Brazil. The women were interviewed about socio-economic data, clinical history and sexual behaviour. Pelvic examinations were performed and cervical specimens were collected for detection of pathogens by PCR. The prevalence of infection was: 12.7% for Trichomonas vaginalis, 6.4% for Chlamydia trachomatis and 1.4% for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There were no statistically significant associations between infections by any of the pathogens nor by any pathogen alone with any clinical variable, socio-demographic data or sexual behaviour. This study draws attention to the need for surveillance and possible need for screening for Chlamydia trachomatis, which often progresses asymptomatically. For the significant prevalence found, attention should also be given to asymptomatic infection by Trichomonas vaginalis, since this pathogen has recently been implicated as a risk factor for HIV infection.
Optimal scheduling of post-therapeutic follow-up of patients treated for cancer for early detection of relapses
Authors: Somda Serge MA , Leconte Eve , Boher Jean-Marie , Asselain Bernard , Kramar Andrew , Filleron Thomas
Published: February 2014

Post-therapeutic surveillance is one important component of cancer care. However, there still is no evidence-based strategies to schedule patients’ follow-up examinations. Our approach is based on the modeling of the probability of the onset of relapse at an early asymptotic or preclinical stage and its transition to a clinical stage. For that we consider a multistate homogeneous Markov model, which includes the natural history of relapse. The model also handles separately the different types of possible relapses. The optimal schedule is provided by the calendar visit that maximizes a utility function. The methodology has been applied to laryngeal cancer. The different follow-up strategies revealed to be more efficient than those proposed by different scientific societies.
Korean Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey
Authors: Jo Sun-Jin , Yim Hyeon Woo , Lee Myung-Soo , Jeong Hyunsuk , Lee Won-Chul
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the association between in-school students’ part-time work and 1-year suicide attempts in Korea. The authors analyzed Korean Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data (2008), which included 75 238 samples that represent Korean middle and high school students. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between part-time work and suicide attempt during the past 1 year, controlled by sociodemographic, school-related, lifestyle, and psychological factors. Among high school students, there was no association between part-time work and suicide attempts. However, part-time work was associated with suicide attempts significantly among middle school students (odds ratio = 1.59; 95% confidence interval = 1.37-1.83). Despite the limitation that details of the part-time work were not included in this study, it was found that middle school students’ part-time work may increase suicide attempts, and the circumstances of Korean adolescents’ employment, especially that of younger adolescents, would need to be reconsidered to prevent their suicide attempts.
The Relationship Between Healthy Lifestyle and Hospital Utilization Among Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Li Chia-Lin , Sheu Ji-Tian , Wang Ting-Ann , Wen Yu-Ping , Chao Minston , Chang Hsing-Yi
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate whether adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as engaging in leisure time physical activity (LTPA), adopting recommended dietary patterns, and not smoking, are associated with reduced hospitalizations over 1 year among adults with diabetes. We analyzed data from a national sample of people aged 18 years and above with self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes (n = 664) through linkage to the 2001 National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan and the 2002 National Health Insurance claims data. Multivariate analysis showed that participants reporting greater than 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity activity had a significantly lower chance for hospitalization (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27-0.98), fewer admissions (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.33-1.00), and fewer hospital bed days (IRR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.20-0.92) compared with inactive individuals. Diet control and smoking status did not significantly predict hospital use after controlling for other factors. Our findings indicate that increased LTPA results in reduced hospitalization among adults with diabetes.
Utilization of the Local Government Health Insurance Scheme (JKA) for Maternal Health Services Among Women Living in Underdeveloped Areas of Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Kesuma Zurnila Marli , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: February 2014

Aceh province of Indonesia created its own health coverage scheme called Jaminan Kesehatan Aceh (JKA) to cover Aceh’s populations who were not registered under insurance for the poor ( Jamkesmas). This study aims to compare the utilization rate of maternal health care (MHC) services and contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) before JKA, during the transition period, and after JKA had been established. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted from June 2011 to July 2012. Utilization of MHC services and CPR during the 3 periods was assessed using a questionnaire. The Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test was used to examine the association between period and coverage. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine utilization and type of service, period of service, and type of scheme. Coverage of utilization of skilled birth attendants significantly improved among the JKA holders (odds ratio = 1.84; 95% confidence interval = 1.18-2.89). JKA, thus, has shown its positive impact.
Detection of diisocyanates in nesting material associated with mortality in pigeon chicks
Authors: Mukai Motoko , Woods Leslie W. , Stump Samuel , Ebel Joseph G. , Levitt Ariana S. , Frey Margaret W. , Smith Jeanne , Uzal Francisco A. , Poppenga Robert H. , Puschner Birgit
Published: February 2014

Diisocyanates, commonly used in the production of polyurethane foams, paints, elastomers, varnishes, and coatings, are considered among the most hazardous inhalation toxicants. The present report describes 2 unusual cases of mortality in pigeon chicks associated with nesting material contaminated by diisocyanates. Case 1 was submitted by a racing pigeon breeder who had lost all the hatchlings ( n = 125) following replacement of the nesting material with a different lot. All adult birds appeared healthy, and hatchability was not significantly affected, but hatchlings became lethargic and dyspneic after a day of hatch. At necropsy, dark wet lungs were found in the hatchlings. Case 2 was submitted by a show-roller pigeon breeder. In this case, the owner reported lower hatchability, and all hatchlings (approximately 100) died within 2 days of hatching with clinical signs similar to the first case. Necropsy did not reveal any significant findings. For both cases, nesting materials were screened for toxic compounds using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (approximately 190–290 ppm) and 4,4′-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (unquantified) were detected in the nesting pads. While there is very limited information on toxicosis in birds, there are reports of inhalant exposure of diisocyanates causing pulmonary edema and death in various mammalian species. Although cause–effect relationship of mortality and the nesting material was not established in the present cases, the presence of toxic compounds in the nesting materials is a cause for concern. Further investigation is needed to determine the prevalence and toxicity of diisocyanates-contaminated nesting material in avian species.
“I Used to Care but Things Have Changed”
Authors: Simpson Ace V. , Clegg Stewart , Pitsis Tyrone
Published: February 2014

We explore the use of compassion as a technology of power and subjectivity within organizations. Using a genealogical method, we trace the history of concern with compassion in organizations as a mode of employee discipline. The article applies a perspective developed from Foucault, focused on power/knowledge relations and the role that they play in the formation of the subject in organizations. Organizational compassion has been constantly re-defined and re-evaluated according to changing organizational objectives for shaping employee subjectivity. While one may think of compassion as a “good” phenomenon, we counsel caution against doing so in all contexts as a generic endorsement of a “positive” agenda. As we show, compassion may be a mode of power.
Ballistic impact behavior of 2D plain weave fabric targets with multiple layers: Analytical formulation
Authors: Shaktivesh  , Nair NS , Naik NK
Published: February 2014

An analytical formulation is presented for the prediction of ballistic impact behavior of fabric targets. The formulation is based on stress wave propagation in porous medium and energy balance between the rigid projectile and the fabric target. During the ballistic impact event, energy lost by the projectile is absorbed by the fabric target through various damage and energy absorbing mechanisms such as compression of the fabric target directly below the projectile, compression in the region surrounding the impacted zone, shear plugging, stretching and tensile failure of yarns/layers in the region consisting of primary yarns, tensile deformation of yarns/layers in the region consisting of secondary yarns, conical deformation on the back face of the fabric target, in-plane friction between the warp and fill yarns and through the thickness friction between the moving projectile and the fabric target. The formulation presented considers both shear plugging and tensile failure of yarns during conical deformation and is valid for a wide range of fabric target thicknesses. Solution procedure for the evaluation of ballistic impact performance is presented. Further, experimental results are presented for the validation of analytical predictions. A good match is observed between the analytical predictions and the experimental results.
Anisotropic ductile damage fully coupled with anisotropic plastic flow: Modeling, experimental validation, and application to metal forming simulation
Authors: Rajhi W , Saanouni K , Sidhom H
Published: February 2014

The main goal of this paper is the modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation of the anisotropic ductile damage effects on initially anisotropic plastic flow with mixed (isotropic and kinematic) nonlinear hardening under large plastic strains for metal forming processes simulation. A symmetric second-rank damage tensor together with a symmetrized fourth-rank damage-effect tensor is used to describe the anisotropic ductile damage evolution and its effect on the large plastic flow with hardening. Following the concept of effective state variables in the framework of the total energy equivalence assumption, the “Murakami” fourth-rank damage-effect tensor is chosen to describe the anisotropic damage effect on the elastic-plastic behavior including the mixed hardening. The “Lemaitre” ductile anisotropic damage evolution relationships, where the principal directions of the damage rate tensor are governed by those of the plastic strain rate tensor, are used. As difference with the works cited above, the nonlinear mixed isotropic and kinematic hardening is taken into account considering the full and strong damage effects through the effective state variables deduced from the total energy equivalence assumption initially proposed by Saanouni et al. The non-associative plasticity theory is considered, and the “ Hill 1948 ” quadratic (equivalent) stress norm is used to describe the large plastic anisotropic flow accounting for mixed isotropic and kinematic hardening with anisotropic damage effects. The formulation is performed assuming finite plastic strains and small elastic strains through the so-called rotated frame formulation. The obtained model was implemented into ABAQUS/Explicit® FE software thanks to the user’s developed subroutine VUMAT. The numerical aspects related to the time discretization of the fully coupled anisotropic constitutive equations are carefully described. Finally and for the validation purpose, the model is identified using an appropriate experimental data base concerning the grade 316L stainless steel to simulate numerically some metal forming processes.
Suicidality Among Preadolescent Maltreated Children in Foster Care
Authors: Taussig Heather N. , Harpin Scott B. , Maguire Sabine A.
Published: February 2014

This study sought to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among 515 preadolescent (aged 9–11 years) maltreated children who entered foster care within the prior year. Over a quarter (26.4%) of the children had a history of suicidality according to their own and/or their caregiver’s report, 4.1% of whom were imminently suicidal. In bivariate analyses, children at higher risk of suicidality tended to be younger, non-Hispanic, abused, and to have experienced multiple types of maltreatment, more referrals to child welfare, more household transitions, and a longer length of time in foster care. There were no gender differences. Multiple regression analyses found physical abuse and chronicity of maltreatment to be the most robust predictors of suicidality. It is critically important that these high-risk children are screened for suicidality before adolescence and that caregivers and professionals are informed of their risk status so that they may implement mental health treatment, monitoring, and harm reduction measures.
The Neuropsychological Profile of Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adult ADHD
Authors: Antshel Kevin M. , Biederman Joseph , Spencer Thomas J. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: February 2014

Objective: ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often comorbid yet despite the increased comorbidity between the two disorders, to our knowledge, no data have been published regarding the neuropsychological profile of adults with comorbid ADHD and PTSD. Likewise, previous empirical studies of the neuropsychology of PTSD did not control for ADHD status. We sought to fill this gap in the literature and to assess the extent to which neuropsychological test performance predicted psychosocial functioning, and perceived quality of life. Method: Participants were 201 adults with ADHD attending an outpatient mental health clinic between 1998 and 2003 and 123 controls without ADHD. Participants completed a large battery of self-report measures and psychological tests. Diagnoses were made using data obtained from structured psychiatric interviews (i.e., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Epidemiologic Version). Results: Differences emerged between control participants and participants with ADHD on multiple neuropsychological tests. Across all tests, control participants outperformed participants with ADHD. Differences between the two ADHD groups emerged on seven psychological subtests including multiple Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third edition and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test measures. These test differences did not account for self-reported quality of life differences between groups. Conclusion: The comorbidity with PTSD in adults with ADHD is associated with weaker cognitive performance on several tasks that appear related to spatial/perceptual abilities and fluency. Neuropsychological test performances may share variance with the quality of life variables yet are not mediators of the quality of life ratings.
Piston ring load carrying capacity: Influence of cross-hatching parameters
Authors: Bouassida H , Biboulet N , Sainsot P , Lubrecht AA
Published: February 2014

This work studies the influence of the cross-hatching groove parameters on a model piston ring load carrying capacity. Over 2000 transient calculations were performed varying all parameters (groove depth, groove width, groove angle, and the distance between cross-overs) to obtain the average load carrying capacity.

It is shown that the load carrying capacity results fall close to a single master curve when using the Δ parameter that is a combination of the groove parameters. Finally, the influence of the starvation level on load carrying capacity was analyzed.
Assessing attachment in the school years: The application of the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment to the coding of a child attachment interview with community and looked-after children
Authors: Farnfield Steve
Published: February 2014

Background:

This article reports on the analysis of a Child Attachment Interview using the Dynamic Maturational Model (DMM) of attachment coding system developed by Crittenden for use with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). The aim of the study was to see if the two coders could classify the child interviews using the DMM-AAI approach and produce the range of DMM attachment strategies to be expected from previous research and the literature.

Methods:

Two coders independently classified interviews with 41 children aged between 6 and 13 years with an average age of 9.8 years. In total, 24 of the children were from a local authority middle school (the community children) and 17 were in foster care (looked-after children).

Results:

The full array of DMM strategies was identified, with significant differences between the community and looked-after children in terms of attachment security and lack of resolution of loss and trauma. There was 100% agreement between coders on secure versus insecure attachment patterns, a Kappa of .910 for the full range of DMM attachment strategies and Kappas of between .655 and .773 for unresolved loss, trauma and depression. Discussion focuses on the strengths and deficits of the use of the DMM compared with other published work on child attachment interviews, the use of interviews to assess post-traumatic stress disorder in children and the implications of defensive attachment strategies for services offered to looked-after children.
Attributing heart attack and stroke to “Old Age”: Implications for subsequent health outcomes among older adults
Authors: Stewart Tara L , Chipperfield Judith G , Perry Raymond P , Hamm Jeremy M
Published: February 2014

This study assessed the extent to which older adults attribute a recent heart attack/stroke to “old age,” and examined consequences for subsequent lifestyle behavior and health-care service utilization. Community-dwelling adults ( N = 57, ages 73–98 years) were interviewed about their heart attack/stroke, and an objective health registry provided data on health-care utilization over a 3-year period. Endorsement of “old age” as a cause of heart attack/stroke negatively predicted lifestyle behavior change, and positively predicted frequency of physician visits and likelihood of hospitalization over the subsequent 3 years. Findings suggest the importance of considering “old age” attributions in the context of cardiovascular health events.
How can core self-evaluations influence job burnout? The key roles of organizational commitment and job satisfaction
Authors: Peng Jiaxi , Li Dongdong , Zhang Zhenjiang , Tian Yu , Miao Danmin , Xiao Wei , Zhang Jiaxi
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to explore how core self-evaluations influenced job burnout and mainly focused on the confirmation of the mediator roles of organizational commitment and job satisfaction. A total of 583 female nurses accomplished the Core Self-Evaluation Scale, Organizational Commitment Scale, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey. The results revealed that core self-evaluations, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and job burnout were significantly correlated with each other. Structural equation modeling indicated that core self-evaluations can significantly influence job burnout and are completely mediated by organizational commitment and job satisfaction.
Smoking-related warning messages formulated as questions positively influence short-term smoking behaviour
Authors: Müller Barbara CN , Ritter Simone M , Glock Sabine , Dijksterhuis Ap , Engels Rutger CME , van Baaren Rick B
Published: February 2014

Research demonstrated that by reformulating smoking warnings into questions, defensive responses in smokers are reduced and smoking-related risk perception increases. We explored whether these positive outcomes can be generalised to actual behaviour. Participants saw either a movie presenting subheadings with smoking-related questions or statements. Afterwards, the time was measured until participants lit their first cigarette. Smokers who were presented with questions about the harms of smoking waited longer before lighting up a cigarette than smokers who were presented with statements. Presenting questions instead of the statements seems to be an effective means to prolonging smokers’ abstinence.
Factors influencing Internet usage in older adults (65 years and above) living in rural and urban Sweden
Authors: Berner Jessica , Rennemark Mikael , Jogréus Claes , Anderberg Peter , Sköldunger Anders , Wahlberg Maria , Elmståhl Sölve , Berglund Johan
Published: February 2014

Older adults living in rural and urban areas have shown to distinguish themselves in technology adoption; a clearer profile of their Internet use is important in order to provide better technological and health-care solutions. Older adults’ Internet use was investigated across large to midsize cities and rural Sweden. The sample consisted of 7181 older adults ranging from 59 to 100 years old. Internet use was investigated with age, education, gender, household economy, cognition, living alone/or with someone and rural/urban living. Logistic regression was used. Those living in rural areas used the Internet less than their urban counterparts. Being younger and higher educated influenced Internet use; for older urban adults, these factors as well as living with someone and having good cognitive functioning were influential. Solutions are needed to avoid the exclusion of some older adults by a society that is today being shaped by the Internet.
Qualitative synthesis in practice: some pragmatics of meta-ethnography
Authors: Lee Richard Philip , Hart Ruth Isla , Watson Rose Mary , Rapley Tim
Published: February 2014

Synthesising qualitative research involves working through difficult practical issues. Drawing upon our collective experience of undertaking three meta-ethnographies, we consider the forms of work – the practical action and practical reasoning – comprising this kind of synthesis and the difference they make to a meta-ethnography. We detail the origins and aims of meta-ethnography, and present a review of existing meta-ethnographies with a specific focus on the methods the authors reported as central to the conduct of meta-ethnography. We consider the implications of these methods and the reason for the presence (and absence) of particular practices in reporting on meta-ethnographies. Drawing upon our own experiences of conducting meta-ethnographies we focus on the methods used in two key practices central to meta-ethnography: ‘reading’ and ‘conceptual innovation’. We conclude by discussing how the meta-ethnographic process requires active reading, a recognition of multiplicity, a realistic approach to conceptual innovation and, importantly, collaborative work.
Spanish not spoken here: Accounting for the racialization of the Spanish language in the experiences of Mexican migrants in the United States
Authors: Davis Tiffany Y. , Moore Wendy Leo
Published: February 2014

For Spanish-speaking Latinos in the United States, the Spanish language is a component of identity that is often viewed as fundamental to their human experience. This deep connection between language and identity becomes problematic as a result of what we suggest in this paper is a deeply racialized attack on the use of the Spanish language. Drawing upon ethnographic and qualitative in-depth interview research with first-generation Mexican migrants in the US, we bring together the literatures on race and ethnicity to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the ethnic and racialized processes involved in reaction to and treatment of the use of Spanish in the US. Centering the voices and experiences of first-generation migrants, we are able to explicate their experiences with respect to intersecting mechanisms of ethnocentrism, language oppression, and racism.
Illusory Touch Temporarily Improves Sensation in Areas of Chronic Numbness
Authors: Wand Benedict Martin , Stephens Samantha Eve , Mangharam Effie Ida Marquita , George Pamela Jane , Bulsara Max K. , O’Connell Neil Edward , Moseley G. Lorimer
Published: February 2014

Background. Creating the visual illusion of touch can improve tactile perception in healthy subjects. Objective. We were interested in seeing if creating the illusion of touch in an insensate area could improve sensation in that area. Methods. Fourteen people with chronic numbness participated in a randomized crossover experiment. The 4 conditions were the following: ( a) stimulation over the unaffected limb with mirror visual feedback (experimental condition), ( b) stimulation over the affected limb with mirror visual feedback, ( c) stimulation over the unaffected limb without mirror visual feedback, and ( d) stimulation over the affected limb without mirror visual feedback. Participants were assessed before and after each condition using the Ten-Test and mechanical detection thresholds. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Result. Only the experimental condition produced a change in the Ten-Test (mean difference = −1.1; 95% confidence interval = −1.8 to −0.4; P = .003), corresponding to a 24% improvement in sensation. No differences were observed for any condition in mechanical detection thresholds. Conclusion. Creating the illusion of touch may improve sensory function in areas of chronic numbness. This preliminary finding adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of techniques that directly target cortical function in people with peripheral nerve injury.
Two cases of arteriovenous fistula formation between the external iliac vessels following endovenous laser therapy
Authors: Wheatcroft MD , Lindsay TF , Lossing A
Published: February 2014

Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins is becoming increasingly popular with both patients and physicians. Endovenous laser therapy has been shown to be safe and effective but the rare complication of iatrogenic creation of arteriovenous fistulas has been described. One case of fistulation between the external iliac artery and vein has been published. We report two further cases and describe their management.
Barriers and facilitators to self-care communication during medical appointments in the United States for adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ritholz Marilyn D , Beverly Elizabeth A , Brooks Kelly M , Abrahamson Martin J , Weinger Katie
Published: February 2014

Objective

Diabetes self-care is challenging and requires effective patient–provider communication to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. This study explored perceptions of barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-care communication during medical appointments.

Design

Qualitative study using in-depth interviews with a semistructured interview guide.

Participants

Thirty-four patients with type 2 diabetes and 19 physicians who treat type 2 diabetes.

Results

Physicians described some patients as reluctant to discuss their self-care behaviors primarily because of fear of being judged, guilt, and shame. Similarly, patients described reluctant communication resulting from fear of being judged and shame, particularly shame surrounding food intake and weight. Physicians and patients recommended trust, nonjudgmental acceptance, open/honest communication, and providing patients hope for living with diabetes as important factors for improving self-care communication. Further, patients stressed the clinical benefits of physicians directly addressing poor self-care behaviors while physicians described having few strategies to address these difficulties.

Conclusions

Physician–patient self-care communication barriers included patients’ reluctance to discuss self-care behaviors and physicians’ perceptions of few options to address this reluctance. Treatment recommendations stressed the importance of establishing trusting, nonjudgmental and open patient–provider communication for optimal diabetes treatment. Medical education is needed to improve physicians’ strategies for addressing self-care communication during medical appointments.