bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intimate Partner Violence in Self-Identified Lesbians
Authors: Badenes-Ribera Laura , Bonilla-Campos Amparo , Frias-Navarro Dolores , Pons-Salvador Gemma , Monterde-i-Bort Hector
Published: May 2015

This article presents the first systematic review on intimate partner violence (IPV) in self-identified lesbians in same-sex couples. Studies published from January 1990 to December 2013 were analyzed. Of the 687 studies reviewed, 59 were preselected, of which 14 studies were selected that met the inclusion and methodological quality criteria. A summary is presented of the characteristics of the studies, the participants, the prevalence of IPV victimization and perpetration, and its correlates. All the studies were carried out in the United States and used a nonprobabilistic sampling method. The majority of participants were White with a high educational level. The results indicate that all the forms of violence occur, but the most prevalent is emotional/psychological violence. The correlates positively associated with IPV are certain personality characteristics, fusion, previous IPV experience, a family history of violence, and alcohol consumption. This review finds significant limitations in the analyzed literature. Methodological recommendations are made for future studies.
Fatigue Management in Safety-Critical Operations
Authors: Fletcher Adam , Hooper Brionny , Dunican Ian , Kogi Kazutaka
Published: May 2015

The experience of fatigue is common to all human beings, since fatigue is a naturally occurring state of being. In occupational settings, fatigue can pose a threat to people, equipment, the environment, and corporate reputations. Although significant progress has been made in terms of understanding the causes of, and solutions for, worker fatigue, a great deal of complexity remains. This complexity is partly related to the fact that individuals are different in many ways (e.g., in terms of their genetically determined sleep need) and because of the general biological, psychological, and social components of personal fatigue. This chapter focuses on key fatigue-related principles, terminology, example frameworks, and key issues now and in the foreseeable future. The challenges for industry relate to both opportunities and potential threats, such as automation, fatigue-monitoring technologies, staffing levels, cultural differences within the workforce, and the remote locations of many operations. With evidence-based program development and evaluation, enhanced fatigue management can deliver improvements in safety, compliance, operational flexibility, worker satisfaction, and other relevant metrics.
The Case for Addressing Operator Fatigue
Authors: Duffy Jeanne F. , Zitting Kirsi-Marja , Czeisler Charles A.
Published: May 2015

Sleep deficiency, which can be caused by acute sleep deprivation, chronic insufficient sleep, untreated sleep disorders, disruption of circadian timing, and other factors, is endemic in the United States, including among professional and nonprofessional drivers and operators. Vigilance and attention are critical for safe transportation operations, but fatigue and sleepiness compromise vigilance and attention by slowing reaction times and impairing judgment and decision-making abilities. Research studies, polls, and accident investigations indicate that many Americans drive a motor vehicle or operate an aircraft, train, or marine vessel while drowsy, putting themselves and others at risk for error and accident. In this chapter, we will outline some of the factors that contribute to sleepiness, present evidence from laboratory and field studies demonstrating how sleepiness impacts transportation safety, review how sleepiness is measured in laboratory and field settings, describe what is known about interventions for sleepiness in transportation settings, and summarize what we believe are important gaps in our knowledge of sleepiness and transportation safety.
Fatigue-Inducing Factors in Transportation Operators
Authors: Sallinen Mikael , Hublin Christer
Published: May 2015

Knowledge of the factors that make the operator become fatigued is a founding pillar of fatigue risk management. In this chapter, we introduce a model of the fatigue-inducing factors especially in the context of road transportation. In addition to the person, organization, and industry- and society-related factors that may exacerbate fatigue, we include in the model some pivotal factors that modify the effects and consequences of operator fatigue. Examples of these modifying factors are individual resilience to sleep restriction and organizational resilience to performance errors made by fatigued operators. The main outcome of the analysis of the fatigue-exacerbating factors is that many of them are amenable to change, such as operators’ health status and health-related lifestyle, shift and route scheduling, organizational resilience to operator fatigue, and organizational safety culture. In the key role is organizational safety culture, as it largely determines whether the company’s management and staff try to keep on-the-job-fatigue hidden or take mitigating actions.
Design Standards Considerations and the Effective Prevention of Operator Fatigue
Authors: Comperatore Carlos A. , Ng Pik K. , Carvalhais Antonio B.
Published: May 2015

In this chapter, we explore the need to develop specific guidance, tailored to consumers of fatigue risk management systems, outlining how to verify that program elements effectively control the incidence of operator fatigue. We advance the notion that without independent proof of efficacy, consumers are left to assume that program implementation and sustainment costs actually yield the desired results. Lacking this information perpetuates losses associated with fatigue-related performance degradation, health issues, and mishaps. Inspection and verification protocols require objective evidence, beyond surveys, to demonstrate that fatigue management program elements control the incidence of operator fatigue in the workplace. Scientific and technological advances facilitate the evaluation of fatigue management programs and the use of objective techniques to test circadian rhythm stability and alertness. However, consumers are yet to incorporate these test protocols and technological advances in their safety management system assurance infrastructure. The prevailing assumption has been that scientific tests and methodologies are beyond the reach of the consumer and fall in the purview of scientists and fatigue management professionals. In this chapter, we propose the use of the design basis plan in safety management systems as the assurance infrastructure to associate program inspection elements, fatigue leading indicators, and specific standards with compulsory review and approval activities. These assurance activities not only provide objective means to identify fatigue management program elements that fail to control the incidence of operator fatigue but also enable consumers to proactively implement necessary modifications.
Non-invasive assessment of vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH using C-arm FDCT parenchymal blood volume measurement in the neuro-interventional suite: Technical feasibility
Authors: Kamran Mudassar , Downer Jonathan , Corkill Rufus , Byrne James V
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Cerebral vasospasm is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) surviving the initial ictus. Commonly used techniques for vasospasm assessment are digital subtraction angiography and transcranial Doppler sonography. These techniques can reliably identify only the major vessel spasm and fail to estimate its haemodynamic significance. To overcome these issues and to enable comprehensive non-invasive assessment of vasospasm inside the interventional suite, a novel protocol involving measurement of parenchymal blood volume (PBV) using C-arm flat detector computed tomography (FDCT) was implemented.

Materials and methods

Patients from the neuro-intensive treatment unit (ITU) with suspected vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH were scanned with a biplane C-arm angiography system using an intravenous contrast injection protocol. The PBV maps were generated using prototype software. Contemporaneous clinically indicated MR scan including the diffusion- and perfusion-weighted sequences was performed. C-arm PBV maps were compared against the MR perfusion maps.

Results

Distribution of haemodynamic impairment on C-arm PBV maps closely matched the pattern of abnormality on MR perfusion maps. On visual comparison between the two techniques, the extent of abnormality indicated PBV to be both cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume weighted.

Conclusion

C-arm FDCT PBV measurements allow an objective assessment of the severity and localisation of cerebral hypoperfusion resulting from vasospasm. The technique has proved feasible and useful in very sick patients after aneurysmal SAH. The promise shown in this early study indicates that it deserves further evaluation both for post-SAH vasospasm and in other relevant clinical settings.
The micropolitics of distributed leadership
Authors: Piot Liesbeth , Kelchtermans Geert
Published: May 2015

This study analyses the collaboration between principals within four Flemish school federations (voluntary collaborative networks between either primary or secondary schools). Interview data from principals were analysed using a micropolitical perspective. A central idea in micropolitical theory is that organization members’ actions (and sense-making) are largely driven by their interests. As such this perspective allows to understand how principals’ interests influence how collaborations within federations work out in practice. In three federations, we found an alignment of principals’ interests that stimulated a collaborative dynamic, which eventually contributed to improvement of the federation. Moreover, it also enhanced principals’ professional development. In the fourth case, however, such dynamics were absent due to a conflict of interests between the federation and one member school. Because one school felt the federation threatened its educational identity and mission, it almost completely withdrew from the federation. Thus, we conclude that principals’ balancing of interests plays an important role in the development of collaborative relationships and practices within school federations.
Promoting teachers’ knowledge sharing. The fostering roles of occupational self-efficacy and Human Resources Management
Authors: Runhaar Piety , Sanders Karin
Published: May 2015

Teachers’ professional development is nowadays seen as key in efforts to improve education. Knowledge sharing is a learning activity with which teachers not only professionalize themselves, but contribute to the professional development of their colleagues as well. This paper presents two studies, aimed to explain knowledge sharing by teachers’ occupational self-efficacy and Human Resources Management (HRM). In the first study we examined the impact of HRM from a ‘ content perspective’, and focused on a bundle of Human Resources Management practices, namely, high-commitment Human Resources Management (HC-HRM). Multilevel analyses of survey data from 410 teachers, from 30 teams, in one school, showed that high-commitment Human Resources Management strengthened the relationship between occupational self-efficacy and knowledge sharing. The second study examined the moderating impact of Human Resources Management from a ‘ process perspective’. In this study we focused on ‘distinctive’ Human Resources Management: employees perceptions of a visible Human Resources Management within the school. Multilevel analyses of survey data from 282 teachers, from 47 teams, in four schools, showed that a distinctive Human Resources Management strengthened the relationship between occupational self-efficacy and knowledge sharing. Although the findings are encouraging and enabled us to formulate some practical implications, the study limitations also gave rise to suggestions for further research.
The Study of English National History by Sir Francis Palgrave: The Original Use of the National Records in an Imaginative Historical Narrative
Authors: Stuckey Michael
Published: May 2015

This article reveals how the study of medieval English history, in particular its legal institutions, was remodeled and represented by Sir Francis Palgrave in an imaginative and constructive historical narrative, through the pioneering use of the national records. It demonstrates that, beyond the obvious attributes of an equivocally gothic style, the significance of Palgrave’s work lies in its innovative combination of technique and method. The argument of the article then focuses on the significance of Palgrave’s work: of his methods and theories, and how Palgrave’s interpretation of early English legal history was a vivid and innovative example of drawing conclusions from the analysis of the development of legal principles – specifically, those relating to the influences of the demographic, legal and institutional vestiges of the Roman empire on English law. His interpretation exemplified inventiveness and insightfulness of theory, matched by methodical deployment of the archival evidence to which Palgrave had unprecedented access. In Palgrave we will see the imperial idea of “authority” at its acme, before it was eclipsed by the ideas of the Germanist school and with that a reemphasized credence placed on the Common Law historiographical tradition from Coke, through Hale and culminating in Blackstone. The implications of Palgrave’s work have long been underrated, so in conclusion it is the purpose of this article to re-evaluate and revise that underestimation.
Primary osseous tumours of the elbow: 60 years of registry experience
Authors: Halai Mansur , Gupta Sanjay , Spence Stephanie , Wallace David , Rymaszewski Lech , Mahendra Ashish
Published: May 2015

Background

We present the largest series of surgically treated primary bone tumours of the elbow in the English literature (75 cases). We sought to identify characteristics specific to these lesions and recommend an investigatory protocol.

Methods

The national registry and case notes were reviewed between 1954-2014. Tumours were classified according to Enneking's spectrum.

Results

There were no benign latent cases in this series as these were managed locally. All patients presented with persistent rest pain, with or without swelling. The distal humerus, in contrast to the proximal radius and ulna, was responsible for the majority and the more aggressive cases. Misdiagnosis was evident in 13% of cases; most of which were attributed to simple bone cysts. All patients that were referred required surgical intervention to either establish the diagnosis or for treatment. Benign tumours had a 19% recurrence rate, with giant cell tumour the most aggressive. Malignant tumours carried 39% local recurrence rate and a 5-year mortality of 61%.

Conclusions

The suspicion of a tumour should be raised in the patient with unremitting, unexplained, non-mechanical bony elbow pain. These echo the NICE recommendations and we recommend prompt specialist referral. With high rates of local recurrence, we recommend close postoperative monitoring.
The Power of Influence
Authors: Mazyck Donna , Cellucci Margaret , Largent Piper
Published: May 2015

School nurses have influence, and this influence is ignited with school nurse stories. School nurses must tell school staff, leaders, families, and students what they do to help students access their education. School boards, city councils, and legislators need to know the knowledge, skills, and judgment school nurses use daily. NASN understands that school nurses benefit from a “how to” kit and has developed tools to empower school nurses in advocating for their important role in supporting the health and learning of students. This article provides an overview this newly developed electronic toolkit while at the same time reinforcing the power of influence when sharing your stories.
Musculoskeletal injuries in a resource-constrained environment: comparing diagnostic accuracy of on-the-spot ultrasonography and conventional radiography for bone fracture screening during the Paris–Dakar rally raid
Authors: Dallaudière Benjamin , Larbi Ahmed , Lefere Mathieu , Perozziello Anne , Hauger Olivier , Pommerie Florence , Fraboulet Bénédicte , Jacob Denis
Published: May 2015

Background

Ultrasound (US) is a good first-line alternative for the diagnosis of bone fractures in adults as well as children. Our study shows that, compared to X-ray, in a resource-constrained environment, on-site US has a high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (96%) in the diagnosis of bone fractures.

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of on-the-spot US with conventional radiography in the screening for bone fractures during the Paris–Dakar rally raid.

Material and Methods

Eighty-three patients (81 men, 2 women) with clinically suspected bone fractures were included in 2013 and 2014. They underwent X-ray and US on the spot, blindly interpreted by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Using X-ray as gold standard, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for US, for each anatomic location. The accuracy of US and radiography were also assessed, as were the number of fragments and their degree of displacement (Student’s t-test).

Results

Compared with X-ray, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of on-site US were, respectively, for the presence (or absence) of fractures: 98%, 98%, 100%, and 95%. The accuracy of US was 99%. Only one radial styloid process fracture was misdiagnosed with US. There was no significant difference between US and X-ray ( P > 0.93) concerning the number of fragments and their degree of displacement.

Conclusion

Bedside musculoskeletal ultrasound performed by trained musculoskeletal radiologists is a useful method in determining and assessing bone fractures in a resource constrained environment.
Psychosocial Predictors of Relationship Conflict Styles as Mediated by Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Monteiro Nicole M. , Balogun Shyngle K.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the influence of age, gender, and emotional intelligence (EI) on conflict management styles among dating age adults in Botswana. A mixed survey and quasi-experimental design was used to assess the relationship between age and gender and the mediating influence of EI on participants’ preferred conflict management strategies (avoidance, competition, compromise, accommodation, and collaboration) in response to violent and nonviolent relationship conflict. One hundred fifty-two participants were surveyed before (with the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale) and after (with the Conflict Style Questionnaire) watching video clips of nonviolent and violent relationship conflict. Correlations, t tests, and regression analyses were conducted. Findings revealed that women were more likely than men to report use of collaboration conflict strategies in response to the nonviolent video, and men were more likely than women to report accommodation strategies in response to the violent video. In the regression analysis, gender was a significant predictor of accommodation conflict style in response to the violent video, and EI had a significant independent and partial mediating relationship with compromise in response to the violent situation and collaboration in response to both violent and nonviolent conflict situations. Findings highlight the important role of EI in the use of higher-level relationship conflict strategies. Implications in the way of communication and conflict management for dating age adults and couples are discussed.
Variable content of von Willebrand factor mutant monomer drives the phenotypic variability in a family with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Chen Junmei , Hinckley Jesse D. , Haberichter Sandra , Jacobi Paula , Montgomery Robert , Flood Veronica H. , Wong Randall , Interlandi Gianluca , Chung Dominic W. , López José A. , Di Paola Jorge
Published: May 2015

Key Points

VWD is characterized by variable expressivity, even within families with the same VWF mutation. The content of mutant monomers in the final multimeric structure may explain the observed variability.
Characteristics of the Energetic Igniters Through Integrating B/Ti Nano-Multilayers on TaN Film Bridge
Authors: Yan YiChao , Shi Wei , Jiang HongChuan , Cai XianYao , Deng XinWu , Xiong Jie , Zhang WanLi
Published: May 2015

The energetic igniters through integrating B/Ti nano-multilayers on tantalum nitride (TaN) ignition bridge are designed and fabricated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) results show that nitrogen content has a great influence on the crystalline structure and TCR. TaN films under nitrogen ratio of 0.99 % exhibit a near-zero TCR value of approximately 10 ppm/°C. The scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that the layered structure of the B/Ti multilayer films is clearly visible with sharp and smooth interfaces. The electrical explosion characteristics employing a capacitor discharge firing set at the optimized charging voltage of 45 V reveal an excellent explosion performance by (B/Ti)
n
/TaN integration film bridge with small ignition delay time, high explosion temperature, much more bright flash of light, and much large quantities of the ejected product particles than TaN film bridge.
Comprehensive treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Boot Brendon P
Published: May 2015

Dementia with Lewy bodies is an under-recognized disease; it is responsible for up to 20 % of all dementia cases. Accurate diagnosis is essential because the management of dementia with Lewy bodies is more complex than many neurodegenerative diseases. This is because alpha-synuclein, the pathological protein responsible for dementia with Lewy bodies (and Parkinson’s disease), produces symptoms in multiple domains. By dividing the symptoms into cognitive, neuropsychiatric, movement, autonomic, and sleep categories, a comprehensive treatment strategy can be achieved. Management decisions are complex, since the treatment of one set of symptoms can cause complications in other symptom domains. Nevertheless, a comprehensive treatment program can greatly improve the patient’s quality of life, but does not alter the progression of disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors are effective for cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms; rivastigmine has the widest evidence base. Special care needs to be taken to avoid potentially fatal idiopathic reactions to neuroleptic medications; these should be used for short periods only when absolutely necessary and when alternative treatments have failed. Pimavanserin, a selective serotonin 5-HT2A inverse agonist, holds promise as an alternative therapy for synuclein-associated psychosis. Levodopa/carbidopa treatment of parkinsonism is often limited by dopa-induced exacerbations of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms. Autonomic symptoms are under-recognized complications of synucleinopathy. Constipation, urinary symptoms and postural hypotension respond to standard medications. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is highly specific (98 %) to the synucleinopathies. Nonpharmacological treatments, melatonin and clonazepam are all effective.
Timing for intracoronary administration of bone marrow mononuclear cells after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a pilot study
Authors: Huang Rongchong , Yao Kang , Sun Aijun , Qian Juying , Ge Lei , Zhang Yiqi , Niu Yuhong , Wang Keqiang , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Most studies on intracoronary bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation for acute myocardial infarction involve treatment 3–7 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, the optimal timing is unknown. The present study assessed the therapeutic effect at different times after ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods

The present trial was not blinded. A total of 104 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction and a left ventricular ejection fraction below 50 %, who had PCI of the infarct-related artery, were randomly assigned to receive intracoronary infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells within 24 hours (group A, n = 27), 3 to 7 days after PCI (group B, n = 26), or 7 to 30 days after PCI (group C, n = 26), or to the control group (n = 25), which received saline infusion performed immediately after emergency PCI. All patients in groups A, B and C received an injection of 15 ml cell suspension containing approximately 4.9 × 108 bone marrow mononuclear cells into the infarct-related artery after successful PCI.

Results

Compared to control and group C patients, group A and B patients had a significantly higher absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to 12 months (change: 3.4 ± 5.7 % in control, 7.9 ± 4.9 % in group A, 6.9 ± 3.9 % in group B, 4.7 ± 3.7 % in group C), a greater decrease in left ventricular end-systolic volumes (change: −6.4 ± 15.9 ml in control, −20.5 ± 13.3 ml in group A, −19.6 ± 11.1 ml in group B, −9.4 ± 16.3 ml in group C), and significantly greater myocardial perfusion (change from baseline: −4.7 ± 5.7 % in control, −7.8 ± 4.5 % in group A, −7.5 ± 2.9 % in group B, −5.0 ± 4.0 % in group C). Group A and B patients had similar beneficial effects on cardiac function (p = 0.163) and left ventricular geometry (left ventricular end-distolic volume: p = 0.685; left ventricular end-systolic volume: p = 0.622) assessed by echocardiography, whereas group C showed similar results to those of the control group. Group B showed more expensive care (p < 0.001) and longer hospital stays during the first month after emergency PCI (p < 0.001) than group A, with a similar improvement after repeat cardiac catheterization following emergency PCI.

Conclusion

Cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction patients that is given within 24 hours is similar to 3–7 days after the primary PCI.

Trial registration

NCT02425358, registered 30 April 2015
Patient and Stone Characteristics Associated with Surgical Intervention in Pediatrics
Authors: Jun Esther , Metcalfe Peter , Mandhane Piush J. , Alexander R. Todd
Published: May 2015

Background:

The incidence of kidney stones in children is increasing. While guidelines exist for acute surgical intervention, there is limited data to inform the decision as to when to intervene non-urgently.

Objectives:

To identify patient and stone characteristics predicting stone surgery in children.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada from 1990 to 2013.

Patients:

Sixty-three children aged 0–18 years old who presented with a total of 142 stones.

Measurements:

Patient's surgical history, demographics, metabolic measures, and stone number, type, and location.

Methods:

Univariate and multivariate analysis, controlling for presentation number and individual-level variation by repeated measures analysis were conducted to assess for patient and stone characteristics associated with surgical intervention.

Results:

Sixty-five percent (41/63) required surgery during a mean follow-up of 19 months. Stone characteristics associated with surgical intervention by multivariate analysis included larger stone size (>6 mm), and stone composition of calcium oxalate.

Limitations:

Single center study with a limited sample size and duration of follow up, thereby limiting predictive power. There were some missing data ( i,e. stone type was not always available). Despite this, stone type remained significant in multivariate modeling.

Conclusion:

Stone size > 6mm and composition with calcium oxalate but not patient age or symptoms associated with presentation predicted surgical intervention. These observations can be used to inform decisions as to whether urolithiasis should be surgically managed electively or observed.
Neonatal Estrogen Receptor β Is Important in the Permanent Inhibition of Epithelial Cell Proliferation in the Mouse Uterus
Authors: Nakajima Tadaaki , Tanimoto Yuki , Tanaka Masami , Chambon Pierre , Watanabe Hajime , Iguchi Taisen , Sato Tomomi
Published: May 2015

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a pivotal role in the mouse uterine and vaginal epithelial cell proliferation stimulated by estrogen, whereas ERβ inhibits cell proliferation. ERβ mRNA is expressed in neonatal uteri and vaginae; however, its functions in neonatal tissues have not been ascertained. In this study, we investigated the ontogenic mRNA expression and localization of ERβ, and its roles in cell proliferation in neonatal uteri and vaginae of ERβ knockout (βERKO) mice. ERβ mRNA and protein were abundant in the uterine and vaginal epithelia of 2-day-old mice and decreased with age. In uterine and vaginal epithelia of 2-day-old βERKO mice, cell proliferation was greater than that in wild-type animals and in uterine epithelia of 90- and 365-day-old βERKO mice. In addition, p27 protein, known as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, was decreased in the uteri of 90- and 365-day-old βERKO mice. Inhibition of neonatal ERs by ICI 182780 (an ER antagonist) treatment stimulated cell proliferation and decreased p27 protein in the uterine luminal epithelium of 90-day-old mice but not in the vaginal epithelium. These results suggest that neonatal ERβ is important in the persistent inhibition of epithelial cell proliferation with accumulation of p27 protein in the mouse uterus. Thus, suppression of ERβ function in the uterine epithelium during the neonatal period may be responsible for a risk for proliferative disease in adults.
Moving and handling: medical emergencies in the waiting room
Authors: Kemp Kerry , Webb Steve , Jevon Phil
Published: May 2015

In the third article relating to moving and handling in the dental practice, the authors discuss safe moving and handling techniques that should be followed for medical emergencies that could occur in the waiting room
There's no such thing as a free meal: environmental enrichment for rabbits
Authors: Stapleton Nadene
Published: May 2015

Environmental enrichment is the creation of an environment which encourages the animal to demonstrate natural, species-specific behaviours and enhances opportunities for stimulation. It is a term common in the lexicon of anyone working in zoos, laboratories or other captive animal populations but rarely employed in discussions with pet owners or in veterinary hospitals for domestic animal care. Within the pet population it is particularly important for species other than dogs and cats — which may be given less opportunities for freedom or exercise. The biggest barrier to the adoption of enrichment practices in such pets is a lack of knowledge as to its importance and uncertainty about how to create enrichment opportunities. This article seeks to encourage the reader to think of ways the lives of pet rabbits can be enriched both at home and in a hospital environment.
Does the friends and family test give true feedback for the NHS?
Authors: Bahgat M , Banerjee A , Wright J
Published: May 2015

A look at some factors that might influence patients' objectivity.
On the other side of the curtain
Authors: Hughes Robert
Published: May 2015

A retired consultant joins the ranks of surgeons who misdiagnosed their own surgical problem.
Losing the Monopoly of Violence: The State, a Drug War and the Paramilitarization of Organized Crime in Mexico (2007–10)
Authors: Correa-Cabrera Guadalupe , Keck Michelle , Nava José
Published: May 2015

This article examines the phenomenon of drug-related violence in Mexico and the causal factors that enabled the upsurge in the numbers of drug-related homicides during the period 2007–10 — the first 4 years of the so-called “war on drugs”. The authors explore regional statistics derived from official sources, as well as from both anecdotal and empirical research on the subject, and assess quantitatively the impact of different factors such as deteriorated economic conditions, corruption, a new configuration of organized crime, divisions between criminal organizations and the Mexican government's strategy to fight organized crime. The study finds that the key forces that explain a massive increase in violence in the most recent years are the involvement of the federal forces in the fight against drug trafficking organizations (the State), the splits between criminal syndicates and what is defined here as the “paramilitarization” of organized crime in Mexico. Finally, the present analysis makes use of Max Weber's (1919) “monopoly of violence” framework, and explains how the Mexican State has been losing this monopoly in recent years.
Controlled Cannabis Vaporizer Administration: Blood and Plasma Cannabinoids with and without Alcohol
Authors: Hartman Rebecca L , Brown Timothy L , Milavetz Gary , Spurgin Andrew , Gorelick David A , Gaffney Gary , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Increased medical and legal cannabis intake is accompanied by greater use of cannabis vaporization and more cases of driving under the influence of cannabis. Although simultaneous Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and alcohol use is frequent, potential pharmacokinetic interactions are poorly understood. Here we studied blood and plasma vaporized cannabinoid disposition, with and without simultaneous oral low-dose alcohol.

METHODS

Thirty-two adult cannabis smokers (≥1 time/3 months, ≤3 days/week) drank placebo or low-dose alcohol (target approximately 0.065% peak breath-alcohol concentration) 10 min before inhaling 500 mg placebo, low-dose (2.9%) THC, or high-dose (6.7%) THC vaporized cannabis (6 within-individual alcohol-cannabis combinations). Blood and plasma were obtained before and up to 8.3 h after ingestion.

RESULTS

Nineteen participants completed all sessions. Median (range) maximum blood concentrations (Cmax) for low and high THC doses (no alcohol) were 32.7 (11.4–66.2) and 42.2 (15.2–137) μg/L THC, respectively, and 2.8 (0–9.1) and 5.0 (0–14.2) μg/L 11-OH-THC. With alcohol, low and high dose Cmax values were 35.3 (13.0–71.4) and 67.5 (18.1–210) μg/L THC and 3.7 (1.4–6.0) and 6.0 (0–23.3) μg/L 11-OH-THC, significantly higher than without alcohol. With a THC detection cutoff of ≥1 μg/L, ≥16.7% of participants remained positive 8.3 h postdose, whereas ≤21.1% were positive by 2.3 h with a cutoff of ≥5 μg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaporization is an effective THC delivery route. The significantly higher blood THC and 11-OH-THC Cmax values with alcohol possibly explain increased performance impairment observed from cannabis-alcohol combinations. Chosen driving-related THC cutoffs should be considered carefully to best reflect performance impairment windows. Our results will help facilitate forensic interpretation and inform the debate on drugged driving legislation.
‘Project XXX’: Using multimedia theatre to explore sexual and emotional health issues
Authors: Wiltshire Kim
Published: May 2015

What if when Romeo met Juliet he was already addicted to Internet porn, and wanted to film their first sexual experience and upload it for all the world to see? ‘Project XXX’ was a four year creative project run by Kim Wiltshire and Paul Hine, the aim of which was to create a piece of multimedia theatre that would explore the effect the availability and mainstreaming of Internet porn might be having on the lives of young people. Through a series of participatory workshops material was collated to create the multimedia play which toured the north of England in 2014, supplemented by further workshops and discussions around the subject, using theatre as a public forum for discussion of a sensitive subject that was very much in the public consciousness at the time. This article explores the process for the artists in researching and creating a piece of work on this subject, as well as considering the outcomes and findings from both the initial stages of the research into the issue and the creative issues faced in bringing this piece of work to the professional stage.
AUTOMATED CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSCRIPTOME DATABASES FOR UNCHARACTERISED-GENOME PLANTS, SUCH AS OLIVE TREE
Authors: Claros M.Gonzalo , Seoane Pedro , Carmona Rosario , Zafra Adoración , Castro Antonio J. , Guerrero-Fernández Darío , Castillo-Castillo Trinidad , Medina-García Ana , Aldana-Montes José , Navas-Delgado Ismael , de Dios Alché Juan
Published: May 2015

Transcriptome databases are an important source of structural and functional information about an organism, for example, plants without a sequenced genome. This is the case of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.), one of the most important oil-producing plant species all over the world. In addition, reproductive tissues and seeds are the less studied part of these plant species in spite of their importance in allergies, germination success, plant sterility, as well as being an important source of valuable components for agro-food industries, including seed storage proteins and trialcylglycerides. Therefore, an automated workflow has been developed using our tool AutoFlow to construct an annotated transcriptome from raw reads (Sanger, Illumina or Roche/454 or a combination of them) combining open source software (Bowtie2, CAP2, Euler-SR, MIRA3, Velvet/Oases, AutoFact, MREPS, GigaBayes) with software developed by our group (SeqTrimNext, Full-LengtherNext, Sma3). The resulting transcriptomes were used to build a database ReprOlive (http://reprolive.eez.csic.es) where descriptions, GO terms, InterPro signatures, EC numbers, graphical localization of enzymes in KEGG pathways, ORFs, SSRs, and the corresponding orthologues in Arabidopsis thaliana from TAIR and RefSeq can be browsed. Finally, expression data can be accessed and, in addition to a BLAST search, a the semantic conceptualization using RDF allowing for Linked Data search was implemented to extract the most updated information related to enzymes, interactions, allergens, and structures. The olive tree reproductive transcriptome was constructed from 2,077,309 raw reads (454/Roche Titanium+) and 1,549 Sanger sequences from different stages of pollen and stigma development, resulting in 72,846 contigs, of which 63,965 (87.8%) included at least one functional annotation, and 55,356 (75.9%) had an orthologue. Using different seed stages, 1,425,911 raw reads (454/Roche Titanium+) are in use for obtaining the seed transcriptome. Uses of these transcriptomes can be found in communications by Carmona et al. and JImnez-Quesada et al. in this congress. This work was supported by co-funding from the ERDF and Spanish MINECO and Andalusian PAIDI to the grants BFU2011-22779, TIN2011-25840, TIN2014-58304-R, P10-CVI-6075, P10-AGR-6274, P11-CVI-7487, P11-TIC-7529 and P12-TIC-1519. Authors also acknowledge the use of the SCBI facilities of UMA.
“New speakers” of Gaelic: perceptions of linguistic authenticity and appropriateness
Authors: McLeod Wilson , O’Rourke Bernadette
Published: May 2015

This article considers the experiences and views of “new speakers” of Gaelic, focusing on how they characterise their language production and its relationship to the language of traditional speakers. In contrast to some other European minority languages, a significant population of new Gaelic speakers in Scotland has emerged only recently, particularly with the development of Gaelic-medium education since 1985, provision that increasingly serves children who do not acquire Gaelic in the home. Given the ongoing decline of Gaelic in traditional “heartland” areas, it is apparent that new speakers of Gaelic emerging from urban Scotland will become increasingly important in coming years. This study of 35 new speakers in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow builds on emerging research on new speakers of minority languages across other European contexts (see O’Rourke et al. 2015) where traditional communities of speakers are being eroded as a consequence of increased urbanisation and economic modernisation. This article considers issues involving legitimacy, authority and authenticity amongst new speakers of Gaelic and the extent to which new speakers are producing their own set of contexts of language use and their own standards of performance or conversely, if they continue to reproduce ideals of localism, tradition and linguistic purity. Participants expressed contrasting views on these topics, some of them endeavouring to accommodate what they perceived as native speakers’ perceptions and preferences, others expressing a rather more oppositional viewpoint, rejecting practices or assumptions that they view as impeding the modernisation and normalisation of the language.
“Because here we live in the Netherlands”: Languagecultural politics of belonging in a supermarket
Authors: Thissen Lotte
Published: May 2015

This article unravels how people construct belonging to places through languagecultural practices (Cornips et al. 2012). The tactics of intersubjectivity (Bucholtz and Hall 2004) serve as analytical tools to explain how people justify their belonging through languagecultural ideologies while challenging other people’s belonging. Furthermore, the article scrutinises how nativeness and new speakerness (O’Rourke and Pujolar 2013) manifest themselves within daily practices. Rather than focusing on “old” and “new” speakers, this article perceives nativeness and new speakerness as constructs that can be given meaning by anyone. In this article, I analyse an interaction in a small supermarket that is illustrative of the construction of belonging to places and which in turn exemplifies the dynamicity of new speakerness.
Determination of micelle aggregation numbers
of alkyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium
dodecyl sulfate surfactants using time-resolved
fluorescence quenching
Authors: Pisárčik Martin , Devínsky Ferdinand , Pupák Matúš
Published: May 2015

The time-resolved fluorescence quenching
method was applied to determine the micelle
aggregation number of cationic single-chain
surfactants dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide
(DTAB), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and
anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The
concentration dependence of micelle aggregation number
was found to be linear for all investigated surfactants
in the concentration range 2‒15 × the value of critical
micelle concentration of the respective surfactant. The
values of micelle aggregation number were found in the
range 30‒77. Different trends in the linear concentration
dependence of micelle aggregation number were observed
for cationic surfactants and for the anionic surfactant SDS.
A small slope value was found for cationic surfactants,
while the SDS micelle aggregation number concentration
dependence showed significantly a larger slope value.
The aggregation number increase with the increasing SDS
concentration results in the micellar growth. Results from
a simple analysis based on computer models of cationic
and anionic surfactant molecules with dodecyl chains
supports, the formation of intramicellar hydrogen bonding
between surfactant molecules in SDS micelle shell.
“Biosteel”: an exciting product from nature that is superior to many manmade alternatives
Authors: Majumder Soumyadip , Kaulaskar Mahadev D. , Neogi Sudarsan
Published: May 2015

Biotechnology continues to offer routes for many exciting and unique products. Researchers genetically altered goats with a spider gene. These goats produce milk that contains a protein that can be extracted to produce biosteel fibers for use in bulletproof vests. It is referred to as “biosteel” to highlight its strength comparable to steel. This review paper describes the important aspects of produced dragline spider silk proteins via cell culture techniques using silk genes derived from two species of weaving spiders. These fibers were tested for a number of mechanical properties and compared to natural spider silk. In effect, fibers of biosteel were able to absorb similar amounts of energy as natural spider silk by stretching further. As opposed to most other synthetic fibers, biosteel is ecofriendly both in terms of its composition and production process.
Group Theoretical Analysis and Invariant Solutions for Unsteady Flow of a Fourth-Grade Fluid over an Infinite Plate Undergoing Impulsive Motion in a Darcy Porous Medium
Authors: Aziz Taha , Fatima Aeeman , Aziz Asim , Mahomed Fazal M.
Published: May 2015

In this study, an incompressible time-dependent flow of a fourth-grade fluid in a porous half space is investigated. The flow is generated due to the motion of the flat rigid plate in its own plane with an impulsive velocity. The partial differential equation governing the motion is reduced to ordinary differential equations by means of the Lie group theoretic analysis. A complete group analysis is performed for the governing nonlinear partial differential equation to deduce all possible Lie point symmetries. One-dimensional optimal systems of subalgebras are also obtained, which give all possibilities for classifying meaningful solutions in using the Lie group analysis. The conditional symmetry approach is also utilised to solve the governing model. Various new classes of group-invariant solutions are developed for the model problem. Travelling wave solutions, steady-state solution, and conditional symmetry solutions are obtained as closed-form exponential functions. The influence of pertinent parameters on the fluid motion is graphically underlined and discussed.
Structural, Electronic, Elastic and Thermal Properties of Li2AgSb: First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Li Ji-Hong , Zhu Xu-Hui , Cheng Yan , Ji Guang-Fu
Published: May 2015

Based on the first-principles density functional theory calculations combined with the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the pressure dependencies of the structural, elastic, electronic and thermal properties of Li2AgSb were systematically investigated. The calculated lattice parameters and unit cell volume of Li2AgSb at the ground state were in good agreement with the available experimental data. The obtained elastic constants, the bulk modulus and the shear modulus revealed that Li2AgSb is mechanically stable and behaves in a ductile manner under the applied pressure. The elasticity-relevant properties, the Young’s modulus and the Poisson’s ratio showed that pressure can enhance the stiffness of Li2AgSb and that Li2AgSb is mechanically stable up to 20 GPa. The characteristics of the band structure and the partial density of states of Li2AgSb were analysed, showing that Li2AgSb is a semiconductor with a direct band gap of 217 meV at 0 GPa and that the increasing pressure can make the band structure of Li2AgSb become an indirect one. Studies have shown that, unlike temperature, pressure has little effect on the heat capacity and the thermal expansion coefficient of Li2AgSb.
Anti-inflammatory effect and isolation of phenylethanoid and acylated flavone glycosides from Panzeria alaschanica
Authors: Wang Qing-Hu , Wu Jie-Si , Wu Rong-Jun , Han Na-Ren-Chao-Ke-Tu , Dai Na-Yin-Tai
Published: May 2015

The phytochemical study of the EtOAc extract from Panzeria alaschanica resulted in the isolation of two new acylated flavone glycosides, 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone-7-O-(6″-O-[E]-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside (1) and 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone-7-O-(2″,6″-O-[E]-dicoumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside (2), as well as of a known phenylethanoid (verbascoside, 3). The structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared absorption spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and 1D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and by comparison with those reported in the literature. All compounds were investigated for their effect against inflammation induced by egg albumin and carrageenan in rats.
Dialectology, typology, diachrony, and contact linguistics: a multi-layered perspective in Purepecha
Authors: Chamoreau Claudine
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to explore the relations between four domains dealing with linguistic variation: dialectology, typology, diachrony, and contact linguistics. I will contribute to dialectal research that includes syntactic questions by exploring the typological and geographical variations in the position of the indefinite article in the noun phrase in Purepecha. I show that a syntactic focus in dialectal research reveals the dynamic of Purepecha, displaying diachronic change and synchronic variation and revealing social and historical particularities. This dialectal perspective is dynamic and multi-dimensional, with a multi-layered organization.