bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Optimal Hydraulic Design of Centrifugal Impeller Using Genetic Algorithm with BVF
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhang Yongxue , Ji Zhongli , Hou Hucan
Published: August 2014

Derived from idea of combining the advantages of two-dimensional hydraulic design theory, genetic algorithm, and boundary vorticity flux diagnosis, an optimal hydraulic design method of centrifugal pump impeller was developed. Given design parameters, the desired optimal centrifugal impeller can be obtained after several iterations by this method. Another 5 impellers with the same parameters were also designed by using single arc, double arcs, triple arcs, logarithmic spiral, and linear-variable angle spiral as blade profiles to make comparisons. Using Reynolds averaged N-S equations with a RNGk-εtwo-equation turbulence model and log-law wall function to solve 3D turbulent flow field in the flow channel between blades of 6 designed impellers by CFD code FLUENT, the investigation on velocity distributions, pressure distributions, boundary vorticity flux distributions on blade surfaces, and hydraulic performance of impellers was presented and the comparisons of impellers by different design methods were demonstrated. The results showed that the hydraulic performance of impeller designed by this method is much better than the other 5 impellers under design operation condition with almost the same head, higher efficiency, and lower rotating torque, which implied less hydraulic loss and energy consumption.
Helping Hands: A Cost-Effectiveness Study of a Humanitarian Hand Surgery Mission
Authors: Tadisina Kashyap K. , Chopra Karan , Tangredi John , Thomson J. Grant , Singh Devinder P.
Published: August 2014

Purpose. Congenital anomalies and injuries of the hand are often undertreated in low-middle income countries (LMICs). Humanitarian missions to LMICs are commonplace, but few exclusively hand surgery missions have been reported and none have attempted to demonstrate their cost-effectiveness. We present the first study evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a humanitarian hand surgery mission to Honduras as a method of reducing the global burden of surgically treatable disease. Methods. Data were collected from a hand surgery mission to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Costs were estimated for local and volunteer services. The total burden of disease averted from patients receiving surgical reconstruction was derived using the previously described disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) system. Results. After adjusting for likelihood of disability associated with the diagnosis and likelihood of the surgery’s success, DALYs averted totaled 104.6. The total cost for the mission was $45,779 (USD). The cost per DALY averted was calculated to be $437.80 (USD), which is significantly below the accepted threshold of two times the per capita gross national income of Honduras. Conclusions. This hand surgery humanitarian mission trip to Honduras was found to be cost-effective. This model and analysis should help in guiding healthcare professionals to organize future plastic surgery humanitarian missions.
Association of Leukocyte Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number with Colorectal Cancer Risk: Results from the Shanghai Women's Health Study
Authors: Huang Bo , Gao Yu-Tang , Shu Xiao-Ou , Wen Wanqing , Yang Gong , Li Guoliang , Courtney Regina , Ji Bu-Tian , Li Hong-Lan , Purdue Mark P. , Zheng Wei , Cai Qiuyin
Published: August 2014

Background: Mitochondria play an important role in cellular energy metabolism, free radical production, and apoptosis, and thus may be involved in cancer development.

Methods: We evaluated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral leukocytes in relation to colorectal cancer risk in a case–control study of 444 colorectal cancer cases and 1,423 controls nested in the Shanghai Women's Health Study, a population-based, prospective cohort study. Relative mtDNA copy number was determined by a quantitative real-time PCR assay using peripheral leukocyte DNA samples collected at the time of study enrollment, before cancer diagnosis.

Results: We found that baseline mtDNA copy number was lower among women who subsequently developed colorectal cancer [geometric mean, 0.277; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.269–0.285] than among women who remained cancer-free (geometric mean, 0.288; 95% CI, 0.284–0.293; P = 0.0153). Multivariate adjusted ORs were 1.26 (95% CI, 0.93–1.70) and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.06–1.94) for the middle and lower tertiles of mtDNA copy number, respectively, compared with the upper tertile (highest mtDNA copy number; Ptrend = 0.0204). The association varied little by the interval between blood collection and cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that mtDNA copy number measured in peripheral leukocytes may be a potential biomarker useful for colorectal cancer risk assessment.

Impact: If confirmed, mtDNA copy number measured in peripheral leukocytes may be a biomarker useful for colorectal cancer risk assessment. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2357–65. ©2014 AACR.
Annexin 2–CXCL12 Interactions Regulate Metastatic Cell Targeting and Growth in the Bone Marrow
Authors: Jung Younghun , Wang Jingcheng , Lee Eunsohl , McGee Samantha , Berry Janice E. , Yumoto Kenji , Dai Jinlu , Keller Evan T. , Shiozawa Yusuke , Taichman Russell S.
Published: August 2014

Annexin 2 (ANXA2) plays a critical role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) localization to the marrow niche. In part, ANXA2 supports HSCs by serving as an anchor for stromal-derived factor-1 (CXCL12/SDF-1). Recently, it was demonstrated that prostate cancer cells, like HSCs, use ANXA2 to establish metastases in marrow. The present study determined the capacity of ANXA2 expression by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) to facilitate tumor recruitment and growth through ANXA2–CXCL12 interactions. Significantly more CXCL12 was expressed by BMSCAnxa2+/+ than by BMSCAnxa2−/− resulting in more prostate cancer cells migrating and binding to BMSCAnxa2+/+ than BMSCAnxa2−/−, and these activities were reduced when CXCL12 interactions were blocked. To further confirm that BMSC signaling through ANXA2–CXCL12 plays a critical role in tumor growth, immunocompromised SCID mice were subcutaneously implanted with human prostate cancer cells mixed with BMSCAnxa2+/+ or BMSCAnxa2−/−. Significantly larger tumors grew in the mice when the tumors were established with BMSCAnxa2+/+ compared with the tumors established with BMSCAnxa2−/−. In addition, fewer prostate cancer cells underwent apoptosis when cocultured with BMSCAnxa2+/+ compared with BMSCAnxa2−/−, and similar results were obtained in tumors grown in vivo. Finally, significantly more vascular structures were observed in the tumors established with the BMSCAnxa2+/+ compared with the tumors established with BMSCAnxa2−/−. Thus, ANXA2–CXCL12 interactions play a crucial role in the recruitment, growth, and survival of prostate cancer cells in the marrow.

Implications: The tumor microenvironment interaction between ANXA2–CXCL12 is critical for metastatic phenotypes and may impact chemotherapeutic potential. Mol Cancer Res; 13(1); 197–207. ©2014 AACR.
Deafness in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Leite Hugo Fraga Barbosa , Leite Jorge da Cunha Barbosa , Melo Maria Helena de Araújo , Vasconcelos Claudia Cristina Ferreira , Alvarenga Regina Maria de Papais
Published: August 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease and is considered the most debilitating neurological disorder among young adults. Sudden deafness has been reported in MS patients. This article describes cases of sudden deafness related to acute bouts in MS patients. A survey was conducted using 405 records of MS patients attended to at a reference center in the city of Rio de Janeiro between 2011 and 2012 to identify cases of sudden deafness. Seven patients were identified, 6 with a relapsing-remitting course and 1 with progressive disease at onset. Five patients had unilateral deafness and 2 bilateral. The recovery was complete in 4 and partial in 1, and there was no recovery in 2 patients. It was not possible to establish a topographical correlation between deafness and brainstem lesions. Audiometric examinations revealed severe hearing loss during the bout and recovery of hearing in 5 cases after remission.
The Association between Prolactin, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Framingham Risk Score in Menopause
Authors: Ozdemir Elif Didem , Caglar Gamze Sinem , Akgul Ebru , Cengiz Sevim Dincer , Tombak Gamze
Published: August 2014

Aims: To evaluate the association between serum prolactin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women regarding the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Methods: Fifty-eight menopausal women were enrolled into the cross-sectional study. All participants had 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and carotid intima-media thickness measurement. Blood samples were obtained for prolactin, hs-CRP, lipid profile, fasting glucose, and insulin. Results: Among the participants, 67.24% had a FRS <10%, and 32.75% had a FRS ≥10%. Levels of prolactin and hs-CRP did not differ between the FRS groups. In the FRS <10% group, significantly higher levels of prolactin were found. Cases with hypertension have significantly higher levels of hs-CRP. Prolactin and hs-CRP were found to be associated with hypertension in the FRS <10% and ≥10% groups, respectively. Conclusions: Hypertensive postmenopausal women with low risk for cardiovascular diseases have increased levels of prolactin, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The correlation of hs-CRP with systolic blood pressure can be interpreted as a potential effect of hypertensive heart disease reflecting a state of high-risk milieu with elevated inflammatory markers.
Total and Differential Leukocyte Count Percentiles in Healthy Singleton Term Women during the First Stage of Labor
Authors: Lurie Samuel , Weiner Eran , Golan Abraham , Sadan Oscar
Published: August 2014

Aims: To establish leukocyte count and differential percentiles in healthy singleton term laboring women during spontaneous normal vaginal labor following an uncomplicated pregnancy. Methods: An analysis of the records of all women (n = 762) who delivered at our delivery ward during a 2-month period was performed. After exclusion for cesarean delivery, induction of labor, pregnancy complications, preterm labor, multiple pregnancy, fever on admission, and lack of full blood count on admission, 365 parturient women during the 1st stage of labor were included in the final analysis. The total and differential leukocyte counts were determined by standard procedure by an automated cell counter. Results: The leukocyte count range on admission to the delivery ward during the 1st stage of labor in healthy parturient women was between 4.4 × and 21.7 × 103/µl and the 99th percentile limit was 20.06 × 103/µl. The total leukocyte count was not influenced by cervical dilatation, ruptured membranes, or the presence and regularity of uterine contractions. Conclusion: An observed leukocyte count within the 99th percentile limit (20.06 × 103/µl) in an otherwise normal parturient woman is reassuring in the absence of other clinical evidence.
Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells Express Interleukin-10 through Toll-Like Receptor 4-Mediated Epithelial-Macrophage Crosstalk
Authors: Hyun Jinhee , Romero Laura , Riveron Reldy , Flores Claudia , Kanagavelu Saravana , Chung Kristina D. , Alonso Ana , Sotolongo John , Ruiz Jose , Manukyan Armine , Chun Sally , Singh Gaurav , Salas Pedro , Targan Stephan R. , Fukata Masayuki
Published: August 2014

In the intestine, interaction between epithelial cells and macrophages (MΦs) create a unique immunoregulatory microenvironment necessary to maintain local immune and tissue homeostasis. Human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) have been shown to express interleukin (IL)-10, which keeps epithelial integrity. We have demonstrated that bacterial signaling through Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 induces 15-deoxy-Δ-12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) synthesis in intestinal MΦs by cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 expression. Here, we show that TLR4 signaling generates crosstalk between IECs and MΦs that enhances IL-10 expression in IECs. Direct stimulation of TLR4 leads to the expression of IL-10 in IECs, while the presence of MΦs in a Transwell system induces another peak in IL-10 expression in IECs at a later time point. The second peak of the IL-10 expression is two times greater than the first peak. This late induction of IL-10 depends on the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ that is accumulated in IECs by TLR4-mediated inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. TLR4 signaling in MΦs in turn synthesizes 15d-PGJ2 through p38 and ERK activation and Cox-2 induction, which activates PPARγ in IECs. These results suggest that TLR4 signaling maintains IL-10 production in IECs by generating epithelial-MΦs crosstalk, which is an important mechanism in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis mediated through host-bacterial interactions.
Sickle Cell Trait and Incident Ischemic Stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Caughey Melissa C. , Loehr Laura R. , Key Nigel S. , Derebail Vimal K. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Grove Megan L. , Heiss Gerardo
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Numerous case reports describe stroke in individuals with sickle cell trait (SCT) in the absence of traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. To date, no prospective epidemiological studies have investigated this association.

Methods—

A population-based sample of blacks (n=3497; mean age=54 years; female=62%) was followed from 1987 to 2011 in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, contributing a total of 65 371 person-years. Hazard ratios and incidence rate differences for ischemic stroke were estimated, contrasting SCT to homozygous hemoglobin A. Models were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, total cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease.

Results—

SCT was identified in 223 (6.4%) participants. During a median follow-up of 22 years, 401 subjects experienced incident stroke (89% ischemic). Incident ischemic stroke was more frequent among those with SCT (13%) than those with homozygous hemoglobin A (10%). SCT was associated with an ischemic stroke hazard ratio of 1.4 (1.0–2.0) and an incidence rate difference amounting to 1.9 (0.4–3.8) extra strokes per 1000 person-years.

Conclusions—

We observed an increased risk of ischemic stroke in blacks with SCT. Further investigation of the incidence and pathophysiology of stroke in patients with SCT is warranted.
Intervention of Death-Associated Protein Kinase 1–p53 Interaction Exerts the Therapeutic Effects Against Stroke
Authors: Wang Xiaoxi , Pei Lei , Yan Honglin , Wang Zhongping , Wei Na , Wang Shan , Yang Xin , Tian Qing , Lu Youming
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) interacts with the tumor suppressor gene p53 via a direct binding of a death domain of DAPK1 to a DNA-binding motif (DM) of p53 (p53DM) and converges multiple cell death pathways in stroke. The goals of this study are to determine whether disruption of DAPK1–p53 interaction is therapeutically effective against stroke.

Methods—

We synthesized a membrane-permeable p53DM peptide (Tat-p53DM) and tested the therapeutic effects of Tat-p53DM in a mouse model with stroke.

Results—

We showed that Tat-p53DM blocked DAPK1–p53 interaction in brain cells in vivo. When administered 6 hours after stroke onset in adult male mice, Tat-p53DM was still therapeutically effective against brain damages and improved neurological functions.

Conclusions—

DAPK1–p53 interaction is a preferred target for therapeutic intervention of stroke.
Reflections on Transboundary Air Pollution in the Arctic: Limits of Shared Responsibility
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi
Published: August 2014

Air pollution in the Arctic is transboundary by nature and its causes may be attributed to more than one state. An issue thus arises with regard to shared responsibility of multiple states for transboundary air pollution in the Arctic. Transboundary air pollution caused by multiple states clearly differs from traditional bilateral atmospheric pollution as typically shown in the Trail Smelter arbitration. Shared responsibility which is distinct from traditional independent state responsibility is increasingly at issue in international law and the regulation of transboundary air pollution in the Arctic provides an interesting insight into this subject. Thus this article will seek to examine legal issues concerning shared state responsibility for transboundary air pollution in the Arctic.
Thucydides as a Prospect Theorist
Authors: Ober Josiah , Perry Tomer J.
Published: August 2014

Opposing the tendency to read Thucydides as a strong realist, committed to a theory of behaviour that assumes rationality as expected utility maximization, Ned Lebow and Clifford Orwin (among others) emphasize Thucydides’ attentiveness to deviations from rationality by individuals and states. This paper argues that Thucydides grasped the principles underlying contemporary prospect theory, which explains why people over-weight small probabilities and under-weight near certain ones. Thucydides offers salient examples of excessive risk-aversion in the face of probable gains and excessive risk-seeking by decision-makers faced with high probability losses. Thucydides suggests that in a democracy, leaders’ rhetoric can limit or exacerbate the political effects of bias in risk assessment.
Annotated checklist and distribution of the lizards of Iran
Authors: ŠMÍD JIŘÍ , MORAVEC JIŘÍ , KODYM PETR , KRATOCHVÍL LUKÁŠ , YOUSEFKHANI SEYYED SAEED HOSSEINIAN , FRYNTA DANIEL
Published: August 2014

We present a comprehensive summary of the distribution of the lizards of Iran accompanied by an annotated checklist. The updated maps of distribution of all 146 species of 41 genera of 11 families are based on all available bibliographic records, catalogues of museum collections and our own field observations. The final dataset used for the distribution maps contains 8525 georeferenced records and cover 41% of the country when plotted on a grid of 0.25° × 0.25° resolution. The dataset is publicly accessible through GBIF portal (http://www.gbif.org/dataset/7db4f705-61ae-4c6e-9de2-06674e7d46b2). Following the latest biogeographic division of the country, ~53% of the species (76 species) inhabit the Iranian Province, ~41% (60 species) the Western Asian mountain transition zone, ~9% (13 species) the Turanian Province, and ~18% (27 species) the Arabian Province. In addition, ~2% (3 species) reach Iran from the Indo-Malay biogeographic region and ~2% (3 species) are believed to have been introduced to Iran by humans. Endemic species (46) represent ~32% of the known species diversity. The most species-rich family of lizards in Iran is Lacertidae with 47 species, followed by Gekkonidae (41), Agamidae (18), Scincidae (15), Phyllodactylidae (10), Sphaerodactylidae (4), Eublepharidae and Uromastycidae (3), Anguidae and Varanidae (2), and Trogonophidae with one representative.
Socially relevant ethnic groups, ethnic structure, and AMAR
Authors: Birnir Jóhanna K , Wilkenfeld Jonathan , Fearon James D , Laitin David D , Gurr Ted Robert , Brancati Dawn , Saideman Stephen M , Pate Amy , Hultquist Agatha S
Published: August 2014

Protracted conflicts over the status and demands of ethnic and religious groups have caused more instability and loss of human life than any other type of local, regional, and international conflict since the end of World War II. Yet we still have accumulated little in the way of accepted knowledge about the ethnic landscape of the world. In part this is due to empirical reliance on the limited data in the Minorities at Risk (MAR) project, whose selection biases are well known. In this article we tackle the construction of a list of ‘socially relevant’ ethnic groups meeting newly justified criteria in a dataset we call AMAR (A for All). We find that one of the principal difficulties in constructing the list is determining the appropriate level of aggregation for groups. To address this issue, we enumerate subgroups of the commonly recognized groups meeting our criteria so that scholars can use the subgroup list as one reference in the construction of the list of ethnic groups most appropriate for their study. Our conclusion outlines future work on the data using this expanded dataset on ethnic groups.
Marriage and County-level Crime Rates
Authors: Rocque Michael , Posick Chad , Barkan Steven E. , Paternoster Ray
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

To determine whether the relationship between marriage and crime extends beyond the individual level of analysis by examining the relationship between marriage rates and crime rates at the county level.

Methods:

Linear regression analyses of marriage rates on various types of crime, including violent, property, drug, and juvenile crime arrest rates.

Results:

The analyses suggest that marriage rates are inversely related to rates of violent crime, property crime, drug use, and juvenile violence.

Conclusions:

This research note suggests that the relationship between marriage and crime is more far reaching than previous studies have indicated. Final remarks address the implications of the findings for theoretical work on crime causation and for public policy.
Review Article: Partha Chatterjee and Ira Katznelson, (ed.) Anxieties of Democracy: Tocquevillean Reflections on India and the United States
Authors: Sharma Yogesh
Published: August 2014

Partha Chatterjee and Ira Katznelson, (ed.) Anxieties of Democracy: Tocquevillean Reflections on India and the United States, OUP, Delhi, 2012, pp. 311, ₹ 750, ISBN 0-19-807747-5.
Lessons learned from Hispanic mothers in the United States: Recommendations for personnel preparation and research in visual impairment
Authors: Correa-Torres Silvia M , Zebehazy Kim T
Published: August 2014

This study reports the results of interviews conducted with families from Hispanic backgrounds who have children with visual impairments receiving special education services. Families were recruited in two states within the United States. A total of 11 Hispanic mothers participated in the study. The interviews were conducted to learn about family needs and perspectives to inform personnel preparation. Four major themes emerged from the interviews: quantity and quality of services, communication issues, need for resources, and cultural differences. Discussion provides insights learned by the researchers when working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families, including considerations for data gathering, cultural rapport, and recruitment of participants.
Assessment of visual impairment: The relationship between self-reported vision and ‘gold-standard’ measured visual acuity
Authors: Whillans Jennifer , Nazroo James
Published: August 2014

Self-report assessments of health are commonly favoured indicators used in large-scale nationally, representative surveys as they can be readily and cost-effectively collected from large numbers of people; however, subjective assessments have been criticised. Using data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), this article examines the relationship between self-reported vision and measured visual acuity (Logarithm of the Minimal Angle of Resolution [logMAR]). The analysis indicates that normal vision is well captured by a subjective response, but there is a slight over-identification of visual impairment using self-reported vision. These findings are discussed in relation to social patterning of misreporting. Given the simplicity of the self-report assessment to administer and the correspondence between this and measured visual acuity, it is argued to be a suitable indicator of visual impairment in older people.
Conversations about the elections on Twitter: Towards a structural understanding of Twitter’s relation with the political and the media field
Authors: D’heer Evelien , Verdegem Pieter
Published: August 2014

This study uses network analysis to examine Twitter’s level of autonomy from external influences, being the political and the media field. The conceptual framework builds upon Bourdieu’s field theory, appropriated on social media as mediated social spaces. The study investigates conversation patterns on Twitter between political, media and citizen agents during election times in Belgium. Through the comparison of conversational practices with the positions users hold as political, media or citizen agents, we understand how the former is related to the latter. The analysis of conversation patterns (based on replies and mentions) shows a decentralized and loosely knit network, in which primarily citizen agents are present. Nonetheless, the prominence of citizens in the debate, mentions or replies to political and media agents are significantly higher, placing them more centrally in the network. In addition, politicians and media actors are closely connected within the network, and reciprocal communication of these established agents is significantly lower compared to citizen agents. We understand different aspects of autonomy related to the presence, positions and practices of the agents on Twitter and their relative positions as politicians, media or citizens. To conclude, we discuss the promises of Bourdieu’s relational sociology and the limitations of our study. The approach proposed here is an attempt to integrate existing work and evolve towards a systematic understanding of the interrelations between political, media and citizen agents in a networked media environment.
Why did the proton cross the road? Humour and science communication
Authors: Riesch Hauke
Published: August 2014

The use of humour in public discourse about science has grown remarkably over the past few years, and when used in science communication activities is being seen as a great way to bring science to the public through laughter. However, barely any research has been published either on the often-assumed beneficial learning effects of humour in informal science education, or on the wider social functions and effects of humour about science and how humorous public discourse about science can influence the public understanding of science and the science–society relationship. This research note reviews some of the literature on the psychology and sociology of humour and comedy and tries to apply some of its insights to the effects humour might have when used in science communication. Although not intended to be anti-humour, this note attempts at least to start a more critical conversation on the value of humour in the communication of science.
Successful, sexy, popular: Athletic performance and physical attractiveness as determinants of public interest in male and female soccer players
Authors: Mutz Michael , Meier Henk Erik
Published: August 2014

This study examines to what extent the public attention directed at individual male and female players of various national soccer teams is influenced by (a) their athletic performance and (b) their physical attractiveness. The results prove that public interest in athletes depends significantly on performance and attractiveness. However, those athletes who both perform strongly and are attractive by far draw the greatest public attention. Against expectations, gender differences do not figure in this: the attractiveness of male soccer players is equally as important for popularity as it is of female soccer players.
Has the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental illnesses (fifth edition) jumped the shark and is it now time for Australia to reconsider reliance on it?
Authors: Gaughwin Peter
Published: August 2014

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to consider whether, in light of the significant controversy surrounding the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental illnesses (fifth edition) (DSM-5), it may be time for Australia to reconsider the influence of, and its past reliance on, the DSM. Also considered is whether it is now time, with the imminent publication of the The international statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (eleventh edition) (ICD-11), to move to the ICD-11 as the primary instrument for diagnosis and research in Australia.

Conclusion:

That DSM-5 begins its life in an unprecedented plethora of criticism, not only from lay people but also from mental health professionals, which should sound a note of caution for continued reliance on it in Australia.
Nursing Assistants’ Communication Styles in Korean American Older Adults With Dementia
Authors: Kim Haesook , Woods Dianna Lynn , Phillips Linda R. , Ruiz Maria Elena , Salem Benissa , Jeffers-Skrine Kia , Salem Nancy
Published: August 2014

As ethnic diversity increases in the United States with the anticipated increase in dementia, it is critical to understand the implications of dementia and culturally appropriate communication for ethnic minority older adults with dementia. Utilizing the Ethno-Cultural Gerontological Nursing model and the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold model, this article describes the relationship between nursing assistants’ communication style and behavioral symptoms of dementia, focused on Korean American older adults with dementia residing in nursing homes. The discussion includes reviewing currently available studies, nursing implications, and suggestions for future studies.
Factors Related to the Differential Preference for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Between Patients With Terminal Cancer and That of Their Respective Family Caregivers
Authors: Hwang In Cheol , Keam Bhumsuk , Kim Young Ae , Yun Young Ho
Published: August 2014

There is little information regarding concordance between preferences for end-of-life care of terminally ill patients with cancer and those of their family caregivers. A cross-sectional exploration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preference in 361 dyads was conducted. Patients or family caregivers who were willing to approve CPR were compared with dyads who did not support CPR. The patient’s quality of life was more associated with family caregiver’s willingness than patient’s willingness. A patient was more likely to prefer CPR than their caregiver in dyads of females and emotionally stable patients. A family caregiver showed stronger support for CPR if the patient had controlled pain or stable health and the family caregiver had not been counseled for CPR. Communications should be focused on these individuals to improve the planning of end-of-life care.
Knowledge About Hospice
Authors: Cagle John G. , Van Dussen Daniel J. , Culler Krystal L. , Carrion Iraida , Hong Seokho , Guralnik Jack , Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: August 2014

Context:

Poor knowledge and misperceptions about hospice are believed to be common, but there is scant evidence about the public’s understanding of hospice.

Objectives:

To examine hospice knowledge among geographically diverse adults; and describe linkages between knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about hospice care, and demographics.

Methods:

A small cross-sectional telephone survey of adults living in the contiguous US was conducted using randomly selected numbers (cell phone and landline) and over-sampling of minorities. Measures assessed knowledge (23-item test), attitudes (8-item scale), experiences and preferences related to hospice.

Results:

123 participants completed surveys (response rate 46%). 106 (86%) had heard about hospice, 65 (54%) of whom had a personal experience with hospice. Participants had an average hospice knowledge test score of 18 (SD = 3.4) indicating moderate knowledge of hospice. A majority of respondents (62%) did not know that hospice cannot provide concurrent cure-oriented care. Misperceptions about eligibility, coverage of hospice, the provision of hospice in nursing homes or to persons who live alone were not uncommon (missed by >20%). Greater knowledge of hospice was associated with more favorable attitudes about the hospice philosophy of care (r = .22, p = .023) and a greater preference for hospice (p = .049). Respondents who were more educated, worked in the medical field, were non-Hispanic White, and had direct experience with hospice were also more likely to be more knowledgeable about hospice.

Conclusion:

Despite relatively high hospice awareness and favorability, myths and misperceptions about hospice still abound – and may drive ethnic disparities in end-of-life care. Educational interventions and future study are needed.
Storm Surge
Authors: Ernst Ruth , Vallack Jocene
Published: August 2014

This is a story about what happens when an experienced teacher attempts to survive the implementation of a relentless, assessment-driven curriculum. Australian Education systems are now demanding that schools be accountable for student results, and that student outcomes are measured. Philosophically, this may have a certain merit, but in translation, as systemic doctrines are interpreted and implemented independently, school by school, one teacher grieves for the loss of student-centered learning and intrinsic motivation in the classroom. The pedagogy is geared away from engagement and toward statistical endorsement of each school’s teaching and learning. As with most statistical experiments, the individual exceptions are less important than the general trends. Ruth, a teacher in a remote Australian school, sees the system devouring her children.
Parenting Stress as a Correlate of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Responsiveness in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Anxiety
Authors: Weiss Jonathan A. , Viecili Michelle A. , Bohr Yvonne
Published: August 2014

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often show high rates of anxiety, and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is recognized as an emerging evidence-based practice. Eighteen children (8–12 years of age, M = 9.5, SD = 1.34; male: n = 15) with ASD and significant anxiety problems participated in a 12-session group “Coping Cat” intervention together with their parents. Statistically significant reductions were noted across measures of parent-reported child anxiety, with 50% of children demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements using the conservative Reliable Change Index. Significant correlations were found between change in parenting stress and change in child anxiety from pre- to post-treatment. These results are applicable to the community service sector, where the Coping Cat program is commonly utilized. Due to the high prevalence of anxiety disorders in children with ASD, further research is needed to advance capacity building to help meet the significant needs of youth with ASD and anxiety.
The ties that bind? Exploring the basic principles of worker-owned organizations in practice
Authors: Heras-Saizarbitoria Iñaki
Published: August 2014

The Mondragon Cooperative Experience has been one of the worker-owned alternative organizations that has received the most attention in the academic world. Despite its economic success, this experience has also been wrought with its own share of tensions and internal paradoxes. Surprisingly, the perspective of worker–member–owners in the analysis of those inconsistencies in Mondragon has been given very little prominence. Similarly, the equivalence between the formal policies defined in that experience and the day-to-day activity has been widely taken for granted in the literature. This article aims to fill this gap and contribute to the literature by analyzing the extent to which Mondragon’s basic cooperative principles are applied in the daily practice from the perspective of worker–member–owners. To that end, in-depth interviews were conducted with worker–member–owners of Mondragon outside their working environment. An interpretative analysis provides evidence of a decoupling of cooperative principles from the workers’ daily activity. Furthermore, a tacit and non-formal principle frequently surfaces in the interviews: the principle of the primacy of secure membership and guaranteed employment. This seems to be the most solid tie that binds members to their organization, in a context with growing individualization and precarious employment conditions, together with a ubiquitous managerial discourse that encourages shallow forms of workplace participation. This work contributes to the broader field of organizational theory and sheds light on the dissociation process in formal policies of organizations governed by alternative founding principles. It also tries to contribute to the study of the sustainability of such alternative organizations.
Changes in healthcare professional work afforded by technology: The introduction of a national electronic patient record in an English hospital
Authors: Petrakaki Dimitra , Klecun Ela , Cornford Tony
Published: August 2014

This article considers changes in healthcare professional work afforded by technology. It uses the sociology of professionals’ literature together with a theory of affordances to examine how and when technology allows change in healthcare professional work. The study draws from research into the introduction of a national electronic patient record in an English hospital. We argue that electronic patient record affords changes through its materiality as it interacts with healthcare professional practice. Its affordances entail some level of standardisation of healthcare professional conduct and practice, curtailment of professional autonomy, enlargement of nurses’ roles and redistribution of clinical work within and across professional boundaries. The article makes a contribution to the growing literature advocating a cultural approach to the study of technological affordances in organisations and to studies that explore healthcare professional practice in conjunction with the materiality of technology. Two main lines of argument are developed here. First, that technological affordances do not solely lie with the materiality of technology nor with individual perceptions, but are cultivated and nurtured within a broader cultural–institutional context, in our case a professional context of use. Second, that technological affordance of change is realised when healthcare professionals’ (individual and collective) perceptions of technology (and of its materiality) fit with their sense of (professional) self. In this respect, the article shows the extent to which the materiality of technology plays out with professional identity and frames the level and extent to which technology can and cannot afford restructuring of work and redistribution of power across professional groups.
Convergence in election campaigns
Authors: Lin Luc Chia-Shin
Published: August 2014

The domination of mass media is exemplified by candidates’ camps attempting to gain media exposure as a top priority of their campaign strategies; however, the popularity of social media has gradually changed this trend. This article used the 2012 Taiwan presidential election to examine the relationship between social media and mass media. By interviewing campaign staffers, journalists, and scholars, this article developed the concept of the candidate’s frame to distinguish from the media frame and employed frame contest to view the interplay. The findings demonstrate that candidates attempted to view their Facebook pages as the headwaters of mass media and intermediation can be broadened under this situation.
Task-based language learning and teaching: An action-research study
Authors: Calvert Megan , Sheen Younghee
Published: August 2014

The creation, implementation, and evaluation of language learning tasks remain a challenge for many teachers, especially those with limited experience with using tasks in their teaching. This action-research study reports on one teacher’s experience of developing, implementing, critically reflecting on, and modifying a language learning task to better address the needs of her students in an adult refugee English program. Task evaluation involved a response-based comparison of student success in task completion and qualitative student-based results. The results noticeably improved after the task modification and the successful implementation of the modified task led to changes in how the teacher viewed task-based teaching. The study serves as an example of how teachers can create their own tasks and of the importance of evaluating them empirically. The article concludes with the importance of action research as a means by which language teachers can address problems that arise in task-based instruction.
Trust in the Belgian police: The importance of responsiveness
Authors: Van Craen Maarten , Skogan Wesley G.
Published: August 2014

The international literature contains very few empirical tests of Tyler’s (2011) claim that in Europe, as in the United States, procedural justice plays a larger part than police performance in accounting for citizens’ trust in the police. With regard to procedural justice, there has also been little research on the distinct effects of responsiveness and fair treatment. This study is a step towards filling in these gaps. We used quantitative data collected in Belgium to examine to what extent citizens’ trust in the police is determined by being a victim of crime, perceptions of disorder, feelings of insecurity, perceptions of the way the police treat people and perceptions of police responsiveness. The results indicate the relevance of procedural justice for explaining police trustworthiness in European countries. In Belgium, perceived responsiveness seems to be the cornerstone of a strong trust relationship.
Studying the governance of crime and security: Space, time and jurisdiction
Authors: Valverde Mariana
Published: August 2014

That the governance of crime and security often works on and through space is well known by now; but this article argues that temporality and jurisdiction are equally important dimensions of law and governance. These three dimensions are not independent, and the article gives some concrete examples of how temporalization shapes spatialization and in turn interacts with jurisdiction.
Inhibition of leukemia cell engraftment and disease progression in mice by osteoblasts
Authors: Krevvata Maria , Silva Barbara C. , Manavalan John S. , Galan-Diez Marta , Kode Aruna , Matthews Brya Grace , Park David , Zhang Chiyuan A. , Galili Naomi , Nickolas Thomas L. , Dempster David W. , Dougall William , Teruya-Feldstein Julie , Economides Aris N. , Kalajzic Ivo , Raza Azra , Berman Ellin , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Bhagat Govind , Kousteni Stavroula
Published: August 2014

Key Points

Acute myeloid leukemia decreases osteoblast numbers in humans and mice. Reinstatement of osteoblast number and function in leukemic mice by a pharmacologic approach reduces tumor burden in all sites and prolongs survival.
Glucomannan-mediated facile synthesis of gold nanoparticles for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Gao Zhao , Su Rongxin , Huang Renliang , Qi Wei , He Zhimin
Published: August 2014

A facile one-pot approach for synthesis of gold nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and good stability was presented by reducing chloroauric acid with a polysaccharide, konjac glucomannan (KGM) in alkaline solution, which is green and economically viable. Here, KGM served both as reducing agent and stabilizer. The effects of KGM on the formation and stabilization of as-synthesized gold nanoparticles were studied systematically by a combination of UV-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the gold nanoparticles exhibited a notable catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.
Synthesis of AuPd alloyed nanoparticles via room-temperature electron reduction with argon glow discharge as electron source
Authors: Yang Manman , Wang Zongyuan , Wang Wei , Liu Chang-jun
Published: August 2014

Argon glow discharge has been employed as a cheap, environmentally friendly, and convenient electron source for simultaneous reduction of HAuCl4 and PdCl2 on the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate. The thermal imaging confirms that the synthesis is operated at room temperature. The reduction is conducted with a short time (30 min) under the pressure of approximately 100 Pa. This room-temperature electron reduction operates in a dry way and requires neither hydrogen nor extra heating nor chemical reducing agent. The analyses using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirm all the metallic ions have been reduced. The characterization with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) shows that AuPd alloyed nanoparticles are formed. There also exist some highly dispersed Au and Pd monometallic particles that cannot be detected by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) because of their small particle sizes. The observed AuPd alloyed nanoparticles are spherical with an average size of 14 nm. No core-shell structure can be observed. The room-temperature electron reduction can be operated in a larger scale. It is an easy way for the synthesis of AuPd alloyed nanoparticles.
Sex differences in cardiovascular function during submaximal exercise in humans
Authors: Wheatley Courtney M , Snyder Eric M , Johnson Bruce D , Olson Thomas P
Published: August 2014

Differences in cardiovascular function between sexes have been documented at rest and maximal exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine the sex differences in cardiovascular function during submaximal constant-load exercise, which is not well understood.

Thirty-one male and 33 female subjects completed nine minutes moderate and nine minutes vigorous intensity submaximal exercise (40 and 75% of peak watts determined by maximal exercise test). Measurements included: intra-arterial blood pressure (SBP and DBP), cardiac index (QI), heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2) and arterial catecholamines (epinephrine = EPI and norepinephrine = NE), and blood gases. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume index (SVI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), arterial oxygen content (CaO2), arterial to venous O2difference (AVO2) and systemic oxygen transport (SOT) were calculated.

At rest and during submaximal exercise QI, SVI, SBP, MAP, NE, CaO2, and SOT were lower in females compared to males. VO2, AVO2, EPI were lower in females throughout exercise. When corrected for wattage, females had a higher Q, HR, SV, VO2and AVO2despite lower energy expenditure and higher mechanical efficiency.

This study demonstrates sex differences in the cardiovascular response to constant-load submaximal exercise. Specifically, females presented limitations in cardiac performance in which they are unable to compensate for reductions in stroke volume through increases in HR, potentially a consequence of a female’s blunted sympathetic response and higher vasodilatory state. Females demonstrated greater cardiac work needed to meet the same external work demand, and relied on increased peripheral oxygen extraction, lower energy expenditure and improvements in mechanical efficiency as compensatory mechanisms.