bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper and Copper Proteins in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Montes Sergio , Rivera-Mancia Susana , Diaz-Ruiz Araceli , Tristan-Lopez Luis , Rios Camilo
Published: January 2014

Copper is a transition metal that has been linked to pathological and beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson’s disease, free copper is related to increased oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein oligomerization, and Lewy body formation. Decreased copper along with increased iron has been found insubstantia nigraand caudate nucleus of Parkinson’s disease patients. Copper influences iron content in the brain through ferroxidase ceruloplasmin activity; therefore decreased protein-bound copper in brain may enhance iron accumulation and the associated oxidative stress. The function of other copper-binding proteins such as Cu/Zn-SOD and metallothioneins is also beneficial to prevent neurodegeneration. Copper may regulate neurotransmission since it is released after neuronal stimulus and the metal is able to modulate the function of NMDA and GABA A receptors. Some of the proteins involved in copper transport are the transporters CTR1, ATP7A, and ATP7B and the chaperone ATOX1. There is limited information about the role of those biomolecules in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease; for instance, it is known that CTR1 is decreased insubstantia nigra pars compactain Parkinson’s disease and that a mutation in ATP7B could be associated with Parkinson’s disease. Regarding copper-related therapies, copper supplementation can represent a plausible alternative, while copper chelation may even aggravate the pathology.
A Simple Microfluidic Chip Design for Fundamental Bioseparation
Authors: Chan Alan S. , Danquah Michael K. , Agyei Dominic , Hartley Patrick G. , Zhu Yonggang
Published: January 2014

A microchip pressure-driven liquid chromatographic system with a packed column has been designed and fabricated by using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The liquid chromatographic column was packed with mesoporous silica beads of Ia3d space group. Separation of dyes and biopolymers was carried out to verify the performance of the chip. A mixture of dyes (fluorescein and rhodamine B) and a biopolymer mixture (10 kDa Dextran and 66 kDa BSA) were separated and the fluorescence technique was employed to detect the movement of the molecules. Fluorescein molecule was a nonretained species and rhodamine B was attached onto silica surface when dye mixture in deionized water was injected into the microchannel. The retention times for dextran molecule and BSA molecule in biopolymer separation experiment were 45 s and 120 s, respectively. Retention factor was estimated to be 3.3 for dextran and 10.4 for BSA. The selectivity was 3.2 and resolution was 10.7. Good separation of dyes and biopolymers was achieved and the chip design was verified.
Specific Dysphoric Symptoms Are Predicted by Early Maladaptive Schemas
Authors: Trincas Roberta , Ottaviani Cristina , Couyoumdjian Alessandro , Tenore Katia , Spitoni Grazia , Mancini Francesco
Published: January 2014

Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are cognitive patterns resulting from unmet core emotional needs in childhood that have been linked to the development of psychopathology. As depression is a multifaceted phenomenon, we hypothesized that specific dysphoric symptoms would be predicted by different EMSs. Four hundred and fifty-six participants completed a measure of EMSs (Young Schema Questionnaire) and reported on the severity of the symptoms of criterion A for major depression in DSM-IV during the occurrence of a dysphoric episode in the previous 12 months. A series of stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the predictive power of the EMSs for the severity of each specific depressive symptom. When controlling for gender and current levels of depression, specific symptoms were predicted by different EMSs: sadness by Negativity/Pessimism; anhedonia by Failure; self-harm by Emotional Deprivation and Vulnerability to Harm or Illness; worthlessness by Failure and Negativity/Pessimism; psychomotor retardation/restlessness by Vulnerability to Harm or Illness and Entitlement/Grandiosity; and poor concentration by Insufficient Self-Control/Self-Discipline. The more physical symptoms of fatigue, insomnia/hypersomnia, and appetite loss/appetite gain were not predicted by any of the EMSs. Although the cross-sectional design of the study does not allow for conclusions about the direction of effects, results suggest that depression is not a unitary phenomenon and provide a possible explanation for previous inconsistent findings.
Long-Distance Travel Behaviours Accelerate and Aggravate the Large-Scale Spatial Spreading of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Xu Zhijing , Zu Zhenghu , Zheng Tao , Zhang Wendou , Xu Qing , Liu Jinjie
Published: January 2014

The study analyses the role of long-distance travel behaviours on the large-scale spatial spreading of directly transmitted infectious diseases, focusing on two different travel types in terms of the travellers travelling to a specific group or not. For this purpose, we have formulated and analysed a metapopulation model in which the individuals in each subpopulation are organised into a scale-free contact network. The long-distance travellers between the subpopulations will temporarily change the network structure of the destination subpopulation through the “merging effects (MEs),” which indicates that the travellers will be regarded as either connected components or isolated nodes in the contact network. The results show that the presence of the MEs has constantly accelerated the transmission of the diseases and aggravated the outbreaks compared to the scenario in which the diversity of the long-distance travel types is arbitrarily discarded. Sensitivity analyses show that these results are relatively constant regarding a wide range variation of several model parameters. Our study has highlighted several important causes which could significantly affect the spatiotemporal disease dynamics neglected by the present studies.
The Yang-Laplace Transform for Solving the IVPs with Local Fractional Derivative
Authors: Zhao Chun-Guang , Yang Ai-Min , Jafari Hossein , Haghbin Ahmad
Published: January 2014

The IVPs with local fractional derivative are considered in this paper. Analytical solutions for the homogeneous and nonhomogeneous local fractional differential equations are discussed by using the Yang-Laplace transform.
Inhibitory Effect of PlantManilkara subsericeaagainst Biological Activities ofLachesis mutaSnake Venom
Authors: De Oliveira Eduardo Coriolano , Fernandes Caio Pinho , Sanchez Eladio Flores , Rocha Leandro , Fuly André Lopes
Published: January 2014

Snake venom is composed of a mixture of substances that caused in victims a variety of pathophysiological effects. Besides antivenom, literature has described plants able to inhibit injuries and lethal activities induced by snake venoms. This work describes the inhibitory potential of ethanol, hexane, ethyl acetate, or dichloromethane extracts and fractions from stem and leaves ofManilkara subsericeaagainstin vivo(hemorrhagic and edema) andin vitro(clotting, hemolysis, and proteolysis) activities caused byLachesis mutavenom. All the tested activities were totally or at least partially reduced byM. subsericea. However, whenL. mutavenom was injected into mice 15 min first or after the materials, hemorrhage and edema were not inhibited. Thus,M. subsericeacould be used as antivenom in snakebites ofL. muta. And, this work also highlights Brazilian flora as a rich source of molecules with antivenom properties.
Application of Hybrid Functional Groups to Predict ATP Binding Proteins
Authors: Mbah Andreas N.
Published: January 2014

The ATP binding proteins exist as a hybrid of proteins with Walker A motif and universal stress proteins (USPs) having an alternative motif for binding ATP. There is an urgent need to find a reliable and comprehensive hybrid predictor for ATP binding proteins using whole sequence information. In this paper the open source LIBSVM toolbox was used to build a classifier at 10-fold cross-validation. The best hybrid model was the combination of amino acid and dipeptide composition with an accuracy of 84.57% and Mathews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) value of 0.693. This classifier proves to be better than many classical ATP binding protein predictors. The general trend observed is that combinations of descriptors performed better and improved the overall performances of individual descriptors, particularly when combined with amino acid composition. The work developed a comprehensive model for predicting ATP binding proteins irrespective of their functional motifs. This model provides a high probability of success for molecular biologists in predicting and selecting diverse groups of ATP binding proteins irrespective of their functional motifs.
Oral Complications and Management Strategies for Patients Undergoing Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wong Hai Ming
Published: January 2014

With cancer survival rate climbing up over the past three decades, quality of life for cancer patients has become an issue of major concern. Oral health plays an important part in one’s overall quality of life. However, oral health status can be severely hampered by side effects of cancer therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, prevention and treatment of these complications are often overlooked in clinical practice. The present paper aims at drawing health care professionals’ attention to oral complications associated with cancer therapy by giving a comprehensive review. Brief comments on contemporary cancer therapies will be given first, followed by detailed description of oral complications associated with cancer therapy. Finally, a summary of preventive strategies and treatment options for common oral complications including oral mucositis, oral infections, xerostomia, and dysgeusia will be given.
A Novel Harmony Search Algorithm Based on Teaching-Learning Strategies for 0-1 Knapsack Problems
Authors: Tuo Shouheng , Yong Longquan , Deng Fang’an
Published: January 2014

To enhance the performance of harmony search (HS) algorithm on solving the discrete optimization problems, this paper proposes a novel harmony search algorithm based on teaching-learning (HSTL) strategies to solve 0-1 knapsack problems. In the HSTL algorithm, firstly, a method is presented to adjust dimension dynamically for selected harmony vector in optimization procedure. In addition, four strategies (harmony memory consideration, teaching-learning strategy, local pitch adjusting, and random mutation) are employed to improve the performance of HS algorithm. Another improvement in HSTL method is that the dynamic strategies are adopted to change the parameters, which maintains the proper balance effectively between global exploration power and local exploitation power. Finally, simulation experiments with 13 knapsack problems show that the HSTL algorithm can be an efficient alternative for solving 0-1 knapsack problems.
Shear Stress, Energy Losses, and Costs: A Resolved Dilemma of Pulsatile Cardiac Assist Devices
Authors: Nour Sayed , Liu Jia , Dai Gang , Carbognani Daniel , Yang Daya , Wu Guifu , Wang Qinmei , Chachques Juan Carlos
Published: January 2014

Cardiac assist devices (CAD) cause endothelial dysfunction with considerable morbidity. Employment of pulsatile CAD remains controversial due to inadequate perfusion curves and costs. Alternatively, we are proposing a new concept of pulsatile CAD based on a fundamental revision of the entire circulatory system in correspondence with the physiopathology and law of physics. It concerns a double lumen disposable tube device that could be adapted to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and/or CAD, for inducing a homogenous, downstream pulsatile perfusion mode with lower energy losses. In this study, the device’s prototypes were tested in a simulated conventional pediatric CPB circuit for energy losses and as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in ischemic piglets model for endothelial shear stress (ESS) evaluations. In conclusion and according to the study results the pulsatile tube was successfully capable of transforming a conventional CPB and/or CAD steady flow into a pulsatile perfusion mode, with nearly physiologic pulse pressure and lower energy losses. This represents a cost-effective promising method with low mortality and morbidity, especially in fragile cardiac patients.
Statins Do Not Influence Long-Term Rituximab Clinical Efficiency in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Mazilu Diana , Gudu Tania , Ionescu Ruxandra , Opris Daniela
Published: January 2014

Objective. This longitudinal study aims to determine if statins inhibit the response to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.Methods. 41 patients initiating rituximab were included; 17 patients were exposed to the combination of statins and rituximab. The total cholesterol, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. The clinical response was evaluated using Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) response at 6 and 18 months.Results. A tendency of increasing in DAS28 was observed in statin-exposed group but the correlation was very weak (at 18 months:r=0.013,P=0.952). The statin-exposed status was negatively and very weakly correlated with EULAR response at 6 months (r=-0.073,P=0.661) and 18 months (r=-0.197,P=0.244). There was a negative correlation between statin-exposed status and inflammatory markers values (ESR and CRP); however, the correlation was very weak. The use of statin did not influence the cardiovascular risk measured by modified Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (mSCORE).Conclusions. Long-term significant inhibitory effects of statins on rituximab treatment in RA have not been proved using clinical response scores or biologic markers.
Grade 2 and 3 Obesity and Diagnosed Prostate Cancer in Middle-Aged and Elderly Men: An Epidemiologic Study with Stratified Multistage Sampling Design
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Khoury Amal , Longcoy Joshua , Ikekwere Joseph
Published: January 2014

Background. The association of obesity with the odds of diagnosed prostate cancer (DPC) is inconclusive. Whether grade 2 or grade 3 obesity is associated with increased odds of DPC has not been investigated. Design and Methods. Cross-sectional data of 7,974 subjects aged ≥40 years were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2010. Odds ratios (ORs) of DPC associated with grade 2 or grade 3 obesity were estimated by conducting weighted logistic regression models. Results. The unadjusted rates of DPC did not differ significantly over grades of BMI (P=0.7044). After adjustment for different groups of potential confounding factors, grade 2 or grade 3 obesity was not significantly associated with the odds of DPC with ORs changing from 0.62 to 0.69 for grade 2 obesity and from 0.81 to 1.09 for grade 3 obesity. Moreover, morbid obesity (grade 2 and 3 obesity combined) was not linked to the odds of DPC. Conclusion. Grade 2 or grade 3 obesity was not associated with the odds of DPC. Whether they are associated with a substantially increased risk of high-grade DPC needs to be further investigated as accumulating evidence has shown that obesity increases the risk of high-grade disease.
Cervical Cytopathological Findings in Korean Women withChlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma hominis, andUreaplasma urealyticumInfections
Authors: Choi Yuri , Roh Jaesook
Published: January 2014

This is to investigate the cervical cytological abnormalities associated withChlamydia trachomatis,Mycoplasma hominis,Mycoplasma genitalium,andUreaplasma urealyticuminfections on routine screen. A total of 714 subjects who had undergone cervical Pap smears and concomitant analyses for cervical infections were included by a retrospective search. The frequencies of reactive cellular change (RCC) and squamous epithelial abnormalities were significantly higher inChlamydiapositive subjects than in uninfected subjects(P<0.001). Of the 124 subjects tested forM. hominis,M. genitalium, andU. urealyticum, 14 (11%) were positive forM. hominisand 29 (23%) were positive forU. urealyticum. Squamous abnormalities were more frequent in subjects withUreaplasmainfections than in uninfected subjects (24% versus 8%). Taking together these findings,C. trachomatisandU. urealyticummay have a causal role in the development of cervical epithelial changes, including RCC. Thus, extra awareness is warranted in cervical screening of women withChlamydiaorUreaplasmainfections.
The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Oxidative Stress during Pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Cekic Bahanur , Geze Sukran , Ozkan Gulsum , Besir Ahmet , Sonmez Mehmet , Karahan S. Caner , Mentese Ahmet
Published: January 2014

Purpose. This study was intended to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on oxidative stress response in pneumoperitoneum established in rats.Methods. Animals were randomized into three groups, group S: with no pneumoperitoneum, group P: with pneumoperitoneum established, and group D: given 100 mcg intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine 30 min before establishment of pneumoperitoneum. Plasma total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) activity were measured 30 min after conclusion of pneumoperitoneum.Results. The mean TOS level was significantly higher in group P than in the other two groups, and the TOS level was significantly higher in group D than in group S (P<0.05). Plasma TAS level was found to be lower in group P than in the other two groups, and the TAS level was lower in group D than in group S (P<0.05). Consequently, the OSI was significantly higher in group P than in groups D and S (P<0.05).Conclusions. Ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon that occurs during pneumoperitoneum causes oxidative stress and consumption of plasma antioxidants. Dexmedetomidine decreases oxidative stress caused by pneumoperitoneum and strengthens the antioxidant defense system.
Formation Control of Second‐Order Multiagent Systems with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Xia Hong , Huang Ting-Zhu , Shao Jin-Liang , Yu Jun-Yan
Published: January 2014

A formation control problem for second‐order multiagent
systems with time‐varying delays is considered. First, a leader‐following consensus
protocol is proposed for theoretical preparation. With the help of
Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, a sufficient condition under this protocol is
derived for stability of the multiagent systems. Then, the protocol is extended
to the formation control based on a multiple leaders’ architecture. It
is shown that the agents will attain the expected formation. Finally, some
simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of our theoretical
results.
OncogenicPIK3CAMutation and Dysregulation in Human Salivary Duct Carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Wanglong , Tong Guo-Xia , Turk Andrew T. , Close Lanny G. , Caruana Salvatore M. , Su Gloria H.
Published: January 2014

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive malignant tumor with a high mortality, which resembles high-grade breast ductal carcinoma in morphology. The parotid gland is the most common location. Its molecular genetic characteristics remain largely unknown. We have previously reported high incidence ofPIK3CAsomatic mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in pharyngeal cancers. Here we examined thePIK3CAgene expression status and hotspot mutations in six cases of SDC by immunohistochemistry and genomic DNA sequencing. Immunohistochemistry showed thatPIK3CAexpression was elevated in all six patients with SDC. By DNA sequencing, two hotspot mutations of thePIK3CAgene, E545K (exon 9) and H1047R (exon 20), were identified in two of the six cases. Our results support that oncogenicPIK3CAis upregulated and frequently mutated in human SDC, adding evidence thatPIK3CAoncogenic pathway is critical in the tumorigenesis of SDC, and may be a plausible drug target for this rare disease.
Existence of Positive Solutions for Second-Order Neumann Difference System
Authors: Lu Yanqiong , Ma Ruyun
Published: January 2014

This paper studies a class of Neumann difference system which is not cooperative but its linear part is and this makes it possible to establish existence and nonexistence results for nonnegative solutions of the system in terms of the principal eigenvalue of the corresponding linearized system.
Does Urinary Bladder Shape Affect Urinary Flow Rate in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?
Authors: Ateşçi Yusuf Ziya , Aydoğdu Özgü , Karaköse Ayhan , Pekedis Mahmut , Karal Ömer , Şentürk Utku
Published: January 2014

We aimed to investigate the role of urinary bladder shape which may potentially change with advancing age, increased waist circumference, pelvic ischemia, and loosening of the urachus on bladder emptying and UFR. We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 76 men. The patients were divided into two groups according to bladder shapes in MRI scan (cone and spheric shapes). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of IPSS, Qmax, Qave, and waist circumference. A positive correlation has been demonstrated between mean peak urinary flow rate measured with UFM and mean flow rate calculated using the CP. There was a significant difference between mean urinary flow rates calculated with CP of cone and sphere bladder shapes. The change in the bladder shape might be a possible factor for LUTS in men and LUTS may be improved if modifiable factors including increased waist circumference and loosening of the urachus are corrected.
Beta-Catenin and Epithelial Tumors: A Study Based on 374 Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Santoro Angela , Pannone Giuseppe , Papagerakis Silvana , McGuff H. Stan , Cafarelli Barbara , Lepore Silvia , De Maria Salvatore , Rubini Corrado , Mattoni Marilena , Staibano Stefania , Mezza Ernesto , De Rosa Gaetano , Aquino Gabriella , Losito Simona , Loreto Carla , Crimi Salvatore , Bufo Pantaleo , Lo Muzio Lorenzo
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Although altered regulation of the Wnt pathway via beta-catenin is a frequent event in several human cancers, its potential implications in oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC/OPSCC) are largely unexplored. Work purpose was to define association between beta-catenin expression and clinical-pathological parameters in 374 OSCCs/OP-SCCs by immunohistochemistry (IHC).Materials and Methods. Association between IHC detected patterns of protein expression and clinical-pathological parameters was assessed by statistical analysis and survival rates by Kaplan-Meier curves. Beta-catenin expression was also investigated in OSCC cell lines by Real-Time PCR. An additional analysis of the DNA content was performed on 22 representative OSCCs/OPSCCs by DNA-image-cytometric analysis.Results and Discussion. All carcinomas exhibited significant alterations of beta-catenin expression (P<0.05). Beta-catenin protein was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of cancerous cells and only focal nuclear positivity was observed. Higher cytoplasmic expression correlated significantly with poor histological differentiation, advanced stage, and worst patient outcome (P<0.05). By Real-Time PCR significant increase of beta-catenin mRNA was detected in OSCC cell lines and in 45% of surgical specimens. DNA ploidy study demonstrated high levels of aneuploidy in beta-catenin overexpressing carcinomas.Conclusions. This is the largest study reporting significant association between beta-catenin expression and clinical-pathological factors in patients with OSCCs/OPSCCs.
High-Dose Amoxicillin with Clavulanate for the Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Children
Authors: Chu Chia-Huei , Wang Mao-Che , Lin Liang-Yu , Tu Tzong-Yang , Huang Chii-Yuan , Liao Wen-Huei , Ho Ching-Yin , Shiao An-Suey
Published: January 2014

Objective. This study uses the acute otitis media clinical practice guideline proposed in 2004 as a reference to evaluate whether antibiotics doses that are in line with the recommendations lead to better prognosis. The study also attempts to clarify possible factors that influence the outcome.Study Design. Retrospective cohort study.Subjects and Methods. A total of 400 children with acute otitis media were enrolled. The dosage of amoxicillin was considered to be appropriate when in accord with clinical practice guidelines, that is, 80–90 mg/kg/day. The outcome was defined according to the description of tympanic membrane on medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between antibiotic dosage and prognosis after adjusting for baseline factors.Results. The majority of prescriptions were under dosage (89.1%) but it was not noticeably associated with outcome (P=0.41). The correlation between under dosage and poor prognosis was significant in children below 20 kg with bilateral acute otitis media (odds ratio 1.63; 95% CI 1.02–2.59,P=0.04).Conclusion. Treating acute otitis media in children, high-dose amoxicillin with clavulanate as recommended in the clinical practice guideline was superior to conventional doses only in children under 20 kg with bilateral diseases.
Intravitreal Steroids for the Treatment of Retinal Diseases
Authors: Sarao Valentina , Veritti Daniele , Boscia Francesco , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: January 2014

Diabetic macular edema (DME), pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), and uveitis are ocular conditions related to severe visual impairment worldwide. Corticosteroids have been widely used in the treatment of these retinal diseases, due to their well-known antiangiogenic, antiedematous, and anti-inflammatory properties. Intravitreal steroids have emerged as novel and essential tools in the ophthalmologist’s armamentarium, allowing for maximization of drug efficacy and limited risk of systemic side effects. Recent advances in ocular drug delivery methods led to the development of intraocular implants, which help to provide prolonged treatment with controlled drug release. Moreover, they may add some potential advantages over traditional intraocular injections by delivering certain rates of drug directly to the site of action, amplifying the drug’s half-life, contributing in the minimization of peak plasma levels of the drug, and avoiding the side effects associated with repeated intravitreal injections. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the use of intravitreal steroids as a treatment option for a variety of retinal diseases and to review the current literature considering their properties, safety, and adverse events.
Toward College and Career Readiness
Authors: Bragg Debra D. , Taylor Jason L.
Published: January 2014

In 2007, the Illinois General Assembly passed the College and Career Readiness Pilot Act that supported the initial implementation of college readiness programming by community colleges and their high school partners. This study uses mixed-methods research to examine program implementation and student outcomes associated with two of seven college and career readiness (CCR) partnerships in Illinois. Our analysis of the local models is guided by Conley’s four dimensions of CCR, and the results shed light on how different programmatic approaches contribute to short-term student outcomes in mathematics and English. This study has implications for Illinois’ efforts to move CCR forward, including for the state’s new Race to the Top (RttT) grant that is attempting to scale up CCR programming associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
Ethnic Differences in Perceived Benefits and Barriers to HPV Vaccine Acceptance
Authors: Pierre Joseph Natalie , Belizaire Myrdell , Porter Courtney L. , Walsh Jared P. , Esang Michael , Goff Ginette , Perkins Rebecca B.
Published: January 2014

Purpose: To examine the attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young men from African American, Haitian, Caucasian, and Latino backgrounds. Methods: We used in-person surveys at an urban teaching hospital from 2010 to 2012 to examine the racial and ethnic differences in the perceived benefits and barriers to HPV vaccination and vaccine mandate acceptance among 18- to 22-year-old African American, Haitian, Caucasian, and Latino men. Results: A total of 89 men participated (35% African American, 29% Haitian, 20% Latino, and 16% white). Participants from all ethnic groups perceived benefits to HPV vaccination but differed in their perceptions of barriers to vaccination as well as their acceptance of a vaccine mandate. Conclusions: Culturally competent educational messages may overcome ethnic differences in the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding vaccination among college-aged men from an urban population.
Amphibious sociology: Dilemmas and possibilities of public sociology in a multimedia world
Authors: Rodríguez-Garavito César
Published: January 2014

Public sociologists’ deep engagement with non-academic publics tends to give research findings greater empirical accuracy, relevance and influence, as well as provide a powerful source of motivation. However, it also creates constant risks of dispersion, loss of independence, lack of analytical distance and burnout. Based on the author’s experience with research and advocacy about socio-environmental conflicts in Latin America, this article dwells on these opportunities and risks. To take advantage of the former and tackle the latter, it makes a case for ‘amphibious sociology,’ an approach that embraces hybrid styles of writing and uses advances in multimedia technology to engage several audiences, while keeping the enterprise of public sociology afloat.
Worker–intellectual unity: Trans-border sociological intervention in Foxconn
Authors: Ngai Pun , Yuan Shen , Yuhua Guo , Huilin Lu , Chan Jenny , Selden Mark
Published: January 2014

What are the implications for global public sociology and labor studies when more than a score of Foxconn workers jump to their death and when a wave of protests, riots and strikes occur in their wake? This article documents the formation of a cross-border sociological intervention project and illustrates how sociological research fueled regional campaigns that gradually developed into a global campaign. This experience confirms the premise that ‘social science’ should never be separated from ‘politics.’ The authors also shed light on how social and economic injustice was creatively challenged by combining the strengths of workers, researchers and transnational movement activists. The study uses both quantitative (semi-structured questionnaires) and qualitative (in-depth interviews and participation observation) methods to gain insights concerning the experiences, world views and collective agency of Chinese workers who are struggling to make sense of the global production regime they inhabit and to contest the forces that shape their working and social lives.
Communicative Methodology: Successful actions and dialogic democracy
Authors: Flecha Ramon , Soler Marta
Published: January 2014

Framed in a context of questioning of the social sciences by European institutions, this article offers an example of a way of doing organic public sociology for and with civil society. The authors employ the Communicative Methodology, which goes beyond oppositions between descriptive and normative sociology. It does so by using the concept of ‘successful actions,’ which brings scientific knowledge into dialogue with the knowledge of people from the communities and institutions involved. Thanks to Communicative Methodology, the European Parliament approved the successful actions from a study of a Roma neighborhood in extreme poverty, leading to the creation of a successful cooperative with sustainable employment. In sum, this public sociology calls for a dialogic democracy accountable to all voices, in which the successful actions that researchers analyze then get recreated in collaboration with the publics, so that society can implement them to improve people’s living conditions.
Gender’s crooked path: Feminism confronts Russian patriarchy
Authors: Temkina Anna , Zdravomyslova Elena
Published: January 2014

In this article we discuss the uneasy development of gender studies in Russia as one example of public sociology. For empirical evidence we concentrate mainly on our own experience in the Gender Studies Program at the European University in St. Petersburg, but we also refer to the other cases. We observe how the political and academic context of the 1990s created opportunities for academic innovations that ideologically challenged Soviet patriarchy and invoked gendered criticisms of post-Soviet changes. We discuss the effects of the rapid but partial institutionalization of gender studies in the Russian academic context and how gender became the umbrella term for both feminist and anti-feminist standpoints. We claim that since international support for the gender studies diminished in the 2000s, the fashion and economic benefit of doing gender studies has declined, with only a small group of researchers maintaining their commitment to the feminist approach to gender. We focus on the politicization of gender in the last decade of Putin’s Russia and the role of feminist researchers in the analysis of the new conservatism, expressed in gender ideology. We examine the problems of combining public expertise and academic work in the particular realm of gender politics.
Sociology as a vocation: Moral commitment and scientific imagination
Authors: Burawoy Michael
Published: January 2014

Public sociology and the sacrifices it entails, richly described in the case studies in this monograph, are driven by moral commitment. This is one element of sociology as a vocation. The other element is sociology as a science. The case studies are built on an embryonic sociology of commodification, understood in its historical dimensions and its global consequences. This sociology of commodification examines the disasters created by third-wave marketization and the bleak future for human existence, thereby, fueling the original moral commitment of public sociology.
Development of magnesium-graphene nanoplatelets composite
Authors: Rashad Muhammad , Pan Fusheng , Tang Aitao , Asif Muhammad , She Jia , Gou Jun , Mao Jianjun , Hu Huanhuan
Published: January 2014

In recent years, graphene has attracted a great research interest in all fields of sciences due to its unique properties. Its excellent mechanical properties lead it to be used in nanocomposites for strength enhancement. In current work, a new magnesium-graphene nanoplatelets composite is fabricated for the first time using semi-powder metallurgy method. The effect of graphene nanoplatelets addition on the mechanical behaviour of pure magnesium under both tension and hardness is investigated. The results demonstrate that graphene nanoplatelets are distributed homogeneously in the magnesium matrix, therefore act as an effective reinforcing filler to prevent the deformation. Compared to monolithic magnesium, the magnesium/0.3 wt% graphene nanoplatelets composite exhibited improved elastic modulus, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and Vickers hardness. The improvement in elastic modulus, yield strength (0.2%), ultimate tensile strength and Vickers hardness for magnesium/0.3 wt% graphene nanoplatelets composite relative to pure magnesium are up to +10.6%, +5%, +8% and +19.3%, respectively. In addition to tensile and hardness tests for the analysis of mechanical properties of as synthesized composite, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are used to investigate the surface morphology, elemental percentage composition and phase analysis, respectively.
Properties and optimal manufacturing conditions of chicken feathers thermoplastic biocomposites
Authors: Colom X , Rahalli A , Cañavate J , Carrillo F
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was the analysis and characterization of composites based on thermoplastics (ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropilene and high-density polyethylene) and chicken feathers. Several composite samples with a content of 20% v/v of chicken feathers have been studied to determine the optimal manufacturing conditions of temperature, mixing time, and mixing speed to achieve the best tensile properties. The results have shown that the addition of micronized chicken feather (20% v/v) to thermoplastic matrices increases stiffness and provides a more brittle behavior. Ethylene vinyl acetate matrix also shows an ability to participate in second-order intermolecular interactions with chicken feathers, providing better tensile properties (tensile strength and toughness) than polypropilene and high-density polyethylene. Optimal manufacturing conditions were found for a mixing time of around 5 min; a mixing speed of 50 r min−1; and temperature values of 160℃ in case of high-density polyethylene, 120℃ for ethylene vinyl acetate, and 170℃ for polypropilene. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy analysis have been performed in order to provide further understanding of the compatibility and microstructural features that support the tensile properties of the materials.
Neoliberalism and local governance: Radical developments in Latin America
Authors: Geddes Mike
Published: January 2014

In parts of Latin America, new developments in, and struggles over, governance at the local level have emerged as part of political and policy paradigms which to a greater or lesser degree reject neoliberalism. They can be found in a range of contexts, take a variety of different forms, and have experienced differing outcomes. This article critically explores a number of these developments. It argues that, both practically and conceptually, these developments expand the parameters of what is usually thought of as local governance, and may be of increasing relevance as the impact of the post-2008 financial crisis and economic depression creates conditions in parts of the north more comparable to those in which radical alternatives emerged in Latin America.
The Challenge of Regional Tourism Demand Forecasting
Authors: Zhou-Grundy Yvonne , Turner Lindsay W.
Published: January 2014

This study forecasts international arrivals to regional China, using international guest arrival data at accommodation establishments in 31 regional provinces. The research takes tourism forecasting into a new and significant area of study by examining intra country regional forecasting. The objective is to determine whether regional forecasting models can be used, in responding to demand from regional governments and industry in China to accurately forecast international regional tourist arrivals that increasingly underpin the success of tourism development. The study examines whether modern techniques (Basic Structural and Time Varying Parameter Models) can accurately forecast international regional arrivals with regional data. A significant contribution is testing theory for selecting new explanatory variables specific to regional tourism, which are different from those used in national forecasting. The conclusions are that regional forecasting can be accurate though not always using an econometric method, and regional forecasts are a practical management tool.
Clinical supervision in a competency-based era
Authors: Falender Carol A
Published: January 2014

Since clinical supervision has become recognized as a distinct professional practice, competency-based supervision has gained considerable traction internationally. Competency-based supervision enhances accountability and is compatible with evidence-based approaches. Competency-based supervision is defined by supervisor and supervisee collaboratively and explicitly identifying the knowledge, skills and attitudes comprising each clinical competency, determining specific learning strategies, and monitoring and evaluating the development of those. Recommendations for supervision practice are described based on the growing evidence base for practice and responsive to emerging ethical and legal issues.
Competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility examinations: are there solutions to the extensive waiting list?
Authors: Pillay Anthony L
Published: January 2014

The mental health examinations (colloquially referred to as ‘30-day observations’) required to assist the courts in determining competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility are governed by sections 77, 78, and 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. Unfortunately, there is a significant backlog of these cases in South Africa, which puts pressure on mental health facilities and the courts. The article discusses some of the narrow approaches to these enquiries that may be contributing to the problem and raises possible alternatives that need to be examined in addressing the matter. Among these is the practice of hospitalization for examination periods up to 30 days, rather than day-visit examinations. Another barrier is the restriction of the examinations to psychiatrists, even though the legislation provides for the appointment of clinical psychologists to the enquiry panels.
Contextualising sin for cross-cultural evangelism
Authors: Hibbert Richard , Hibbert Evelyn
Published: January 2014

This article explores the miscommunication of the concept of sin and consequently of the gospel due to mismatches between missionaries’ and host people’s understandings of sin. Examples of the miscommunication of sin in several cultural contexts due to gospel communicators’ limited and fixed understanding of sin are given. The Bible’s portrayals of both the multifaceted nature of sin and the corresponding multifaceted nature of the gospel are examined. Based on these, an approach to more effective communication of the concept of sin is outlined, which includes appreciating its multifaceted nature, analysing how the local people view it, and examining how the Bible speaks to the local people’s particular understanding of sin.
Looking Back at Obama’s Campaign in 2008: “True Blue Populist” and Social Production of Empty Signifiers in Political Reporting
Authors: Kumar Anup
Published: January 2014

This paper is about populism as a discursive political practice and the news media. Building on Ernesto Laclau’s (2005) argument of why empty signifiers are important to understand the politics of populism, this paper shows why empty signifiers matter to political reporting. I argue that the emptiness is a valuable social artifact of articulation to understand populist discourse and its manifestation in political reporting. I show how empty signifiers such as change, hope, we and Barack Obama’s identity were fostered in the discourse in the American print media.
The training of music teachers in Colombia: A descriptive analysis
Authors: Nayibe Cárdenas Soler Ruth , Lorenzo Quiles Oswaldo , Hargreaves David J.
Published: January 2014

This study is an evaluative analysis of 13 Music Education programs in Colombia that provide training for secondary school music teachers for 6th to 11th grade in the Colombian education system. The study utilized an analysis matrix from the International Research Project ALFA II-0448-A, which developed a similar study with Latin American and European countries, subsidized by the General Direction for Education and Culture of the European Union between 2004 and 2007. The information from each of the 13 programs was first collected from administrative staff of the 13 university institutions, and then catalogued in two main ways: (1) information about the institution and the program— career—(program name, contact dates, academic unit, student numbers, graduate numbers and program start date); and (2) the main description of the program (program history, distribution of subjects and credits, mission, vision, aims, access qualifications, graduate profile, student assessment, the requirements for graduation, and curriculum assessment procedures). This analysis showed that the relative newness of these programs was a key factor, as were the differences between programs in Faculties of Education on the one hand and Arts on the other.
Probabilistic Priority Assessment of Nurse Calls
Authors: Ongenae Femke , Myny Dries , Dhaene Tom , Defloor Tom , Van Goubergen Dirk , Verhoeve Piet , Decruyenaere Johan , De Turck Filip
Published: January 2014

Current nurse call systems are very static. Call buttons are fixed to the wall, and systems do not account for various factors specific to a situation. We have developed a software platform, the ontology-based Nurse Call System (oNCS), which supports the transition to mobile and wireless nurse call buttons and uses an intelligent algorithm to address nurse calls. This algorithm dynamically adapts to the situation at hand by taking the profile information of staff and patients into account by using an ontology. This article describes a probabilistic extension of the oNCS that supports a more sophisticated nurse call algorithm by dynamically assigning priorities to calls based on the risk factors of the patient and the kind of call. The probabilistic oNCS is evaluated through implementation of a prototype and simulations, based on a detailed dataset obtained from 3 nursing departments of Ghent University Hospital. The arrival times of nurses at the location of a call, the workload distribution of calls among nurses, and the assignment of priorities to calls are compared for the oNCS and the current nurse call system. Additionally, the performance of the system and the parameters of the priority assignment algorithm are explored. The execution time of the nurse call algorithm is on average 50.333 ms. Moreover, the probabilistic oNCS significantly improves the assignment of nurses to calls. Calls generally result in a nurse being present more quickly, the workload distribution among the nurses improves, and the priorities and kinds of calls are taken into account.
The perception of time in childhood migraine
Authors: Vicario Carmelo M , Gulisano Mariangela , Martino Davide , Rizzo Renata
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Migraine is a syndrome rather common in children. Recent results have accounted evidence of altered activity corresponding to the supplemental motor area in this pediatric population. Given the role of this region in the motor timing of supra-second temporal intervals, we hypothesized that time representation is abnormal in childhood migraine.

Subjects and methods

We compared time-processing abilities between 11 children with migraine and 11 age-matched healthy children, employing a time reproduction task in which subjects actively reproduced different supra-second temporal intervals.

Results

We show that children with migraine are less accurate (overestimate) and more variable in reproducing time intervals.

Conclusion

Results are discussed on the basis of the recent evidence about abnormal cortical and neurochemical activity in childhood migraine, but also in relation to a possible alteration of spatial attention mechanisms in this clinical population. The low number of patients examined represents a limit of this study and indicates that further investigation is needed.
A Review of the Provision of Intervention Programs for Female Victims and Survivors of Domestic Abuse in the United Kingdom
Authors: Williamson Emma , Abrahams Hilary
Published: January 2014

This article is concerned with the provision of intervention programs aimed at female victims/survivors of domestic abuse in the United Kingdom. Social workers, and other statutory professionals, are increasingly referring clients who have experienced abuse to these interventions, but there has been little debate about the aims and objectives of them or consideration of their effectiveness. This article includes a discussion of the key elements of the programs and criticisms of these types of interventions.