bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The UK Lung Screen (UKLS): Demographic Profile of First 88,897 Approaches Provides Recommendations for Population Screening
Authors: McRonald Fiona E. , Yadegarfar Ghasem , Baldwin David R. , Devaraj Anand , Brain Kate E. , Eisen Tim , Holemans John A. , Ledson Martin , Screaton Nicholas , Rintoul Robert C. , Hands Christopher J. , Lifford Kate , Whynes David , Kerr Keith M. , Page Richard , Parmar Mahesh , Wald Nicholas , Weller David , Williamson Paula R. , Myles Jonathan , Hansell David M. , Duffy Stephen W. , Field John K.
Published: January 2014

The UK Lung Cancer Screening trial (UKLS) aims to evaluate low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer population screening in the United Kingdom. In UKLS, a large population sample ages 50 to 75 years is approached with a questionnaire to determine lung cancer risk. Those with an estimated risk of at least 5% of developing lung cancer in the next 5 years (using the Liverpool Lung project risk model) are invited to participate in the trial. Here, we present demographic, risk, and response rate data from the first 88,897 individuals approached. Of note, 23,794 individuals (26.8% of all approached) responded positively to the initial questionnaire; 12% of these were high risk. Higher socioeconomic status correlated positively with response, but inversely with risk (P < 0.001). The 50- to 55-year age group was least likely to participate, and at lowest cancer risk. Only 5% of clinic attendees were ages ≤60 years (compared with 47% of all 88,897 approached); this has implications for cost effectiveness. Among positive responders, there were more ex-smokers than expected from population figures (40% vs. 33%), and fewer current smokers (14% vs. 17.5%). Of note, 32.7% of current smokers and 18.4% of ex-smokers were designated as high risk. Overall, 1,452 of 23,794 positive responders (6.1%) were deemed high risk and attended a recruitment clinic. UKLS is the first LDCT population screening trial, selecting high-risk subjects using a validated individual risk prediction model. Key findings: (i) better recruitment from ex- rather than current smokers, (ii) few clinic attendees ages early 50s, and (iii) representative number of socioeconomically deprived people recruited, despite lower response rates. Cancer Prev Res; 7(3); 362–71. ©2014 AACR.
Class I HDACs Are Mediators of Smoke Carcinogen–Induced Stabilization of DNMT1 and Serve as Promising Targets for Chemoprevention of Lung Cancer
Authors: Brodie Seth A. , Li Ge , El-Kommos Adam , Kang Hyunseok , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Behera Madhusmita , Gandhi Khanjan , Kowalski Jeanne , Sica Gabriel L. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Vertino Paula M. , Brandes Johann C.
Published: January 2014

DNA methylation is an early event in bronchial carcinogenesis and increased DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)1 protein expression is a crucial step in the oncogenic transformation of epithelia. Here, we investigate the role of class I histone deacetylases (HDAC) 1 to 3 in the stabilization of DNMT1 protein and as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer chemoprevention. Long-term exposure of immortalized bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3KT) to low doses of tobacco-related carcinogens led to oncogenic transformation, increased HDAC expression, cell-cycle independent increased DNMT1 stability, and DNA hypermethylation. Overexpression of HDACs was associated with increased DNMT1 stability and knockdown of HDACs reduced DNMT1 protein levels and induced DNMT1 acetylation. This suggests a causal relationship among increased class I HDACs levels, upregulation of DNMT1 protein, and subsequent promoter hypermethylation. Targeting of class I HDACs with valproic acid (VPA) was associated with reduced HDAC expression and a profound reduction of DNMT1 protein level. Treatment of transformed bronchial epithelial cells with VPA resulted in reduced colony formation, demethylation of the aberrantly methylated SFRP2 promoter, and derepression of SFRP2 transcription. These data suggest that inhibition of HDAC activity may reverse or prevent carcinogen-induced transformation. Finally, immunohistochemistry on human lung cancer specimens revealed a significant increase in DNMT1, HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 expression, supporting our hypotheses that class I HDACs are mediators of DNMT1 stability. In summary, our study provides evidence for an important role of class I HDACs in controlling the stability of DNMT1 and suggests that HDAC inhibition could be an attractive approach for lung cancer chemoprevention. Cancer Prev Res; 7(3); 351–61. ©2014 AACR.
Tazarotene: Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, and Open-Label Concurrent Trials for Basal Cell Carcinoma Prevention and Therapy in Patients with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome
Authors: Tang Jean Y. , Chiou Albert S. , Mackay-Wiggan Julian M. , Aszterbaum Michelle , Chanana Anita M. , Lee Wayne , Lindgren Joselyn A. , Raphael Maria Acosta , Thompson Bobbye J. , Bickers David R. , Epstein Ervin H.
Published: January 2014

Sporadic human basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are generally well managed with current surgical modalities. However, in the subset of high-risk patients predisposed to developing large numbers of BCCs, there is an unmet need for effective, low-morbidity chemoprevention. This population includes fair-skinned patients with extensive sun exposure and those with genodermatoses such as the basal cell nevus (Gorlin) syndrome (BCNS). Tazarotene (Tazorac, Allergan) is a topical retinoid with relative specificity for RAR-β and RAR-γ receptors. We previously demonstrated tazarotene's robust anti-BCC efficacy in Ptch1+/− mice, a murine equivalent of BCNS, and others have found it to have some efficacy against sporadic human BCCs. We report here results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in patients with BCNS evaluating the efficacy of topically applied tazarotene for BCC chemoprevention (N = 34 subjects), along with an open-label trial evaluating tazarotene's efficacy for chemotherapy of BCC lesions (N = 36 subjects) for a maximum follow-up period of 3 years. We found that only 6% of patients had a chemopreventive response and that only 6% of treated BCC target lesions were clinically cured. Our studies provide no evidence for either chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic effect of tazarotene against BCCs in patients with BCNS. Cancer Prev Res; 7(3); 292–9. ©2014 AACR.
Chemoprevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: No Time to Lose Momentum
Authors: Wirth Lori J.
Published: January 2014

The prospects for chemoprevention to reduce the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) are great. The tissue at risk for harboring disease is relatively accessible for examination and biopsy. Patients appropriate for study can be easily identified by their risk factors and the presence of premalignant lesions. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of SCCHN is ever increasing, and offers new opportunities to explore strategies for prevention therapies. In this issue of Cancer Prevention Research, Saba and colleagues report on a phase Ib trial of celecoxib plus erlotinib to prevent progression to higher-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma in patients with oral premalignant lesions. The overall response rate was 57%, though by the time of last analysis, 85% of patients relapsed. In this commentary, challenges to the success of chemoprevention clinical trials for SCCHN, such as pitfalls in using surrogate biomarkers and reversal of histologic premalignant changes as study endpoints, are discussed. In addition, strategies to help ensure further development in the field of head and neck cancer prevention are reviewed. These include focusing efforts on tobacco cessation and human papillomavirus vaccination, targeting key molecular drivers of head and neck carcinogenesis, and focusing on combination strategies that have the potential to eradicate premalignant clones, even if some toxicity is encountered. Cancer Prev Res; 7(3); 279–82. ©2014 AACR.
Chemokines in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zernecke Alma , Weber Christian
Published: January 2014

Chemokines play important roles in atherosclerotic vascular disease. Expressed by not only cells of the vessel wall but also emigrated leukocytes, chemokines were initially discovered to direct leukocytes to sites of inflammation. However, chemokines can also exert multiple functions beyond cell recruitment. Here, we discuss novel and recently emerging aspects of chemokines and their involvement in atherosclerosis. While reviewing newly identified roles of chemokines and their receptors in monocyte and neutrophil recruitment during atherogenesis and atheroregression, we also revisit homeostatic functions of chemokines, including their roles in cell homeostasis and foam cell formation. The functional diversity of chemokines in atherosclerosis warrants a clear-cut mechanistic dissection and stage-specific assessment to better appreciate the full scope of their actions in vascular inflammation and to identify pathways that harbor the potential for a therapeutic targeting of chemokines in atherosclerosis.
Antiangiogenic Therapy Inhibits Venous Thrombus Resolution
Authors: Evans Colin E. , Grover Steven P. , Humphries Julia , Saha Prakash , Patel Anant P. , Patel Ashish S. , Lyons Oliver T. , Waltham Matt , Modarai Bijan , Smith Alberto
Published: January 2014

Objective—

Venous thromboembolism is a common complication in patients with cancer, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical studies suggest that the incidence of venous thromboembolic events increased after treatment of these patients with antiangiogenic agents. Thrombi resolve through a process of remodeling, involving the formation of microvascular channels within the thrombus. Our aim was to determine whether inhibiting angiogenesis affects venous thrombus resolution.

Approach and Results—

Thrombus was induced in the inferior vena cava of mice. These mice were treated with axitinib (50 mg/kg per day), 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME, 150 mg/kg per day), or vehicle control. Thrombus size, recanalization, neovascularization, inflammatory cell content, and collagen content were assessed after axitinib (days 3, 10, 17) and 2ME (day 10 only) treatment (n=6/group). Axitinib treatment resulted in reduced thrombus resolution (
P
<0.002) and vein recanalization (
P
<0.001) compared with vehicle-treated controls. This was associated with inhibition of organization as seen through reduced thrombus neovascularization (
P
<0.0001) and collagen (
P
<0.0001) content, as well as reduced macrophage accumulation in the thrombus (
P
<0.001). Treatment with a second antiangiogenic agent, 2ME, mirrored these findings, with a similar order of magnitude of effect of treatment over vehicle control in all of the parameters measured, with the exception of neutrophil content, which was significantly reduced after 2ME treatment but not affected by axitinib.

Conclusions—

Antiangiogenic therapy (using axitinib and 2ME) inhibits the resolution of venous thrombi, which could lead to persistent venous obstruction and the possibility of thrombus extension. This potential prolongation of venous occlusion by antiangiogenic agents should therefore be taken into consideration in trials of these agents and when managing the complications of venous thromboembolic events in patients with cancer.
Hurricane Eyewall Evolution in a Forced Shallow-Water Model
Authors: Hendricks Eric A. , Schubert Wayne H. , Chen Yu-Han , Kuo Hung-Chi , Peng Melinda S.
Published: January 2014

A forced shallow-water model is used to understand the role of diabatic and frictional effects in the generation, maintenance, and breakdown of the hurricane eyewall potential vorticity (PV) ring. Diabatic heating is parameterized as an annular mass sink of variable width and magnitude, and the nonlinear evolution of tropical storm–like vortices is examined under this forcing. Diabatic heating produces a strengthening and thinning PV ring in time due to the combined effects of the mass sink and radial PV advection by the induced divergent circulation. If the forcing makes the ring thin enough, then it can become dynamically unstable and break down into polygonal asymmetries or mesovortices. The onset of barotropic instability is marked by simultaneous drops in both the maximum instantaneous velocity and minimum pressure, consistent with unforced studies. However, in a sensitivity test where the heating is proportional to the relative vorticity, universal intensification occurs during barotropic instability, consistent with a recent observational study. Friction is shown to help stabilize the PV ring by reducing the eyewall PV and the unstable-mode barotropic growth rate. The radial location and structure of the heating is shown to be of critical importance for intensity variability. While it is well known that it is critical to heat in the inertially stable region inside the radius of maximum winds to spin up the hurricane vortex, these results demonstrate the additional importance of having the net heating as close as possible to the center of the storm, partially explaining why tropical cyclones with very small eyes can rapidly intensify to high peak intensities.
Australian workplace health and safety regulatory approaches to prosecution: Hegemonising compliance
Authors: Schofield Toni , Reeve Belinda , McCallum Ron
Published: January 2014

Enforcement of workplace health and safety regulations remains a contentious matter, especially in the context of Australia’s project to harmonise commonwealth, state and territory workplace health and safety legislation. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study investigating policies and practices associated with prosecution and enforcement in two Australian regulatory agencies, prior to harmonisation. The article finds that by 2008, both regulators had taken significant steps to render their enforcement policy and practice, particularly in relation to prosecution, more transparent and accountable to employers and the wider community. They produced detailed and publicly available enforcement policies and prosecution guidelines, reconfigured the work of the general inspectorate (confining it to routine workplace health and safety surveillance and the provision of education and advice to employers) and established a separate administrative unit responsible for investigation and prosecution. Both regulators structured prosecution processes to achieve explicitly technocratic outcomes, namely, enhanced efficiency, objectivity, timeliness, consistency and quality improvement in investigations. These processes went hand in hand with a dramatic decline in the use of prosecution in New South Wales from 2002 to 2010, and an uneven but marginal increase in Victoria for the same period. The article concludes by discussing what these findings might imply for workplace health and safety regulators’ approaches to prosecution and for deterrence under Australia’s new harmonised regime.
Net Shape Nonwoven: a novel technique for porous three-dimensional nonwoven hybrid scaffolds
Authors: Hild Martin , Brünler Ronny , Jäger Maria , Laourine Ezzeding , Scheid Laura , Haupt Danka , Aibibu Dilbar , Cherif Chokri , Hanke Thomas
Published: January 2014

Textile structures made of biocompatible, osteoconductive and resorbable chitosan-filaments provide excellent preconditions as scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering applications. The novel Net Shape Nonwoven (NSN) technique that enables short fibers to be processed into three-dimensional net-shaped nonwoven structures with adjustable pore size distributions is described. NSN scaffolds made of pure chitosan fibers were fabricated. NSN hybrid scaffolds for improved initial cell adhesion were realized by combining the NSN technique with electrospinning and dip-coating with collagen, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and liquid displacement porosimetry revealed an interconnecting open porous scaffold structure. The novel chitosan-hybrid scaffolds provide proper conditions for adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of the seeded human bone marrow stromal cells, proving that they are suitable for usage in hard-tissue regeneration.
Sex Offender Risk Assessment, Sources of Variation, and the Implications of Misuse
Authors: Lanterman Jennifer L. , Boyle Douglas J. , Ragusa-Salerno Laura M.
Published: January 2014

The current study examines whether or not prosecutors in New Jersey are properly using the state’s sex offender risk assessment tool, and the implications of improper implementation. All prosecutors and public defenders who handle Megan’s Law cases in New Jersey participated in two confidential surveys. The results of those surveys were used to score a fact pattern. Results reveal that prosecutors are not consistently implementing risk assessment, that there are several sources of disparities, and that these disparities can result in a substantial variation in risk assessment scores. The implications of these disparities are that offender risk is often over-classified, thereby increasing offender supervision costs and potentially compromising public safety. The authors make recommendations for formal training on the proper use of risk assessment tools, as well as an assessment supervision plan. Although this research was conducted in New Jersey, the findings have implications for risk assessment tools employed by other jurisdictions.
How “It Gets Better”
Authors: Rattan Aneeta , Ambady Nalini
Published: January 2014

What is said when communicating intergroup support to targets of prejudice, and how do targets react? We hypothesized that people not targeted by prejudice reference social connection (e.g., social support) more than social change (e.g., calling for a reduction in prejudice) in their supportive messages. However, we hypothesized that targets of prejudice would be more comforted by social change messages. We content coded naturalistic messages of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning teenagers from youtube.com (Study 1) and college undergraduates’ statements (Study 2a) and found social connection messages more frequent than social change messages. Next, we explored targets’ responses (Studies 2b-4b). Lesbian and gay participants rated social connection messages less comforting than social change messages (Study 3). Study 4 showed that only targets of prejudice distinguish social connection from social change messages in this way, versus non-targets. These results highlight the importance of studying the communication, content, and consequences of positive intergroup attitudes.
Controlling Individuals’ Time Spent on Task in Speeded Performance Measures
Authors: Goldhammer Frank , Kroehne Ulf
Published: January 2014

The speed-ability trade-off becomes a measurement problem if there is between-subject variation in the speed-ability compromise, as this may affect the comparability of ability estimates. To control individual speed differences, the response-signal (RS) paradigm was applied requiring an immediate response as soon as an acoustic signal is presented. A figural discrimination task and a word recognition task were completed both in an untimed condition allowing individual differences in time spent on task and in several timed conditions where the time available for item completion was limited using the RS paradigm. Thus, speed was manipulated by varying the available time between stimulus-onset and RS. A total of N = 205 high school students participated in the study. Results showed that across timed conditions with decreasing time on task, the ability level and ability variance decreased substantially. Ability correlations between timed conditions were high, whereas correlations between untimed and timed conditions were low. This finding suggested that ability differences being inconsistent to those found in the timed condition are due to individual differences in time on task in the untimed condition. To eliminate these differences, two ways were considered. First, untimed responses were recoded using two-tailed posterior time limits. As expected, correlations between timed and untimed conditions were increased. Second, the log-transformed item response times were included in the item response model, which led to even higher correlations between timed and untimed conditions. Validity and generalizability of the proposed testing procedure are discussed.
Traumatic intrathoracic tracheobronchial injuries: A study of 78 cases
Authors: Alassal Mohamed A , Ibrahim Bedir M , Elsadeck Nabil
Published: January 2014

Background:

Tracheobronchial injuries are encountered with increasing frequency because of improvements in pre-hospital care. We reviewed our experience of these injuries to determine how to better recognize them and facilitate their correct management.

Methods:

Patients with traumatic non-iatrogenic intrathoracic tracheobronchial injuries managed in 2 tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia between 2000 and 2012, were studied. Clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, management, and outcome were reviewed.

Results:

78 patients with tracheobronchial injuries were included in this study. They were divided into 2 groups according to the management strategy. Forty-seven patients who were managed conservatively, and 31 underwent surgery. Surgery allowed shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays; otherwise, the results were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Early recognition and expedient appropriate management are essential in these potentially lethal injuries. Operative management can be achieved with acceptable mortality, and conservative treatment should be considered as a valuable alternative to the well-established surgical treatment.
Exploring democracy: Nordic music teachers’ approaches to the development of immigrant students’ musical agency
Authors: Karlsen Sidsel
Published: January 2014

In this article, a multi-sited ethnographic study was taken as a point of departure for exploring how Nordic music teachers, who work in multicultural environments, understand the development of their students’ musical agency. The study was based on theories developed within general sociology and the sociology of music, as well as in previous writings on multicultural music education. The data was collected within three lower secondary school music education practices in the immigrant areas of Helsinki (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden), and Oslo (Norway). The findings show that when the teacher interviewees’ accounts of development of musical agency are understood and analyzed in context, the main themes comprise aspects such as shaping identity, regulating the self, expanding social understanding, creating cohesion, and affirming competence. These themes are considered in relation to theories of pluralism and democracy.
Communicative interaction between a non-speaking child with cerebral palsy and her mother using an iPadTM
Authors: Pinto Maria , Gardner Hilary
Published: January 2014

There is a rapidly increasing range of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems available for children who cannot communicate orally. Finding the best system for any one user is a challenge for the professionals and carers involved. As yet the use of portable, tablet forms of communication aid has been little researched, despite the rapid growth in their popularity. This article seeks to establish how a tablet form of AAC is exploited in day-to-day domestic interactions between a parent and a child where the child has a severe physical disability and complex communication needs. The study utilises conversation analysis (CA) as the methodology and looks in detail at sequential components of the interaction and the salience of certain interactional moves to both adult and child participants. The mother chose when and where the iPad or other forms of AAC were utilised within the day. Extracts were selected from the available data to exemplify the types of typical exchange that occurred and some key features of the iPad enhanced interaction. The analysis describes how turns are designed incorporating the iPad and discusses what is added to the communication toolkit. Asymmetries in this mother–child interaction are observed and discussed. The child typically remains a respondent to initiations by the caregiver, who in this scenario necessarily remains in control of the iPad symbol display. However, the child uses eye-gaze strategies to indicate interests that lie both within and external to those on offer on the iPad. The article reflects on the child’s agency in initiating a possible novel topic in this way.
Toxic Smoke Inhalation in Fire Victim Dogs
Authors: Stern A. W. , Lewis R. J. , Thompson K. S.
Published: January 2014

Fifteen dogs were found dead in a house that was on fire. Several of these dogs were partially burned. Four dogs were submitted for postmortem examination, 2 of which were determined to have died prior to the fire. Of the 2 submitted fire fatalities, only 1 dog had burns on its body (dorsum and right side of body). Internally, both dogs had soot deposits mixed with mucus in the larynx, trachea, and primary bronchi. Microscopically, soot was identified within both airways and alveolar spaces. There were no macroscopic or microscopic indications of vital heat exposure. High levels of carboxyhemoglobin were detected in the 2 dogs tested. The findings in this case support the use of postmortem examination and toxicology testing to allow for determination of vital reaction to heat and fire fumes.
A Systematic Review of Interventions for Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD in Adult Offenders
Authors: Leigh-Hunt Nicholas , Perry Amanda
Published: January 2014

There is a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in offender populations but with no recent systematic review of interventions to identify what is effective. This systematic review was undertaken to identify randomised controlled trials of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in adult offenders in prison or community settings. A search of five databases identified 14 studies meeting inclusion criteria, which considered the impact of psychological interventions, pharmacological agents, or exercise on levels of depression and anxiety. A narrative synthesis was undertaken and Hedges g effect sizes calculated to allow comparison between studies. Effect sizes for depression interventions ranged from 0.17 to 1.41, for anxiety 0.61 to 0.71 and for posttraumatic stress disorder 0 to 1.41. Cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for the reduction of depression and anxiety in adult offenders appear effective in the short term, though a large-scale trial of sufficient duration is needed to confirm this finding.
Nutraceuticals in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine: Evidence-based review and recommendations
Authors: Orr Serena L , Venkateswaran Sunita
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The literature on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is expanding. One of the most common conditions for which CAM is studied in the pediatric population is migraine. Nutraceuticals are a form of CAM that is being used for pediatric migraine prophylaxis.

Methods

A literature search was carried out in order to identify both observational studies and randomized controlled trials on the use of nutraceuticals for the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine. Adult studies on included nutraceuticals were also reviewed.

Review

Thirty studies were reviewed on six different nutraceuticals: butterbur, riboflavin, ginkgolide B, magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Conclusion

Overall, the quality of the evidence for the use of nutraceuticals in pediatric migraine prophylaxis is poor. Further research needs to be done in order to study the efficacy of nutraceuticals for the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine.
Familial hemiplegic migraine treated by sodium valproate and lamotrigine
Authors: Pelzer Nadine , Stam Anine H , Carpay Johannes A , Vries Boukje de , van den Maagdenberg Arn MJM , Ferrari Michel D , Haan Joost , Terwindt Gisela M
Published: January 2014

Background

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare monogenic subtype of migraine with aura that includes motor auras. Prophylactic treatment of FHM often has marginal effects and involves a trial-and-error strategy based on therapeutic guidelines for non-hemiplegic migraine and on case reports in FHM.

Methods

We assessed the response to prophylactic medication in an FHM family and sequenced the FHM2 ATP1A2 gene in all available relatives.

Results

A novel p.Met731Val ATP1A2 mutation was identified. Attack frequency was reduced significantly with sodium valproate monotherapy ( n = 1) and attacks ceased completely with a combination of sodium valproate and lamotrigine ( n = 2).

Conclusions

We report dramatic prophylactic effects of sodium valproate and lamotrigine in an FHM2 family, making these drugs worth considering in the treatment of other FHM patients.
The Relationship between Fathers and Sons in the Twelfth Century
Authors: Cha Yongku
Published: January 2014

Many fathers faced the challenges from their sons in medieval Europe. When fathers represented their entire household including their sons, there were possibilities of father–son conflicts and revolts of sons against their fathers. This article investigates the medieval father–son relationship in a gender-based context. The deepening academic debates about the construction of masculinities will lead to an examination of the ways in which men interacted with each other.
Feasibility and Utility of Experience Sampling to Assess Alcohol Consumption Among Older Adults
Authors: Sacco Paul , Smith Cristan A. , Harrington Donna , Svoboda Deborah V. , Resnick Barbara
Published: January 2014

In the literature on alcohol use and aging, drinking has often been conceptualized as a means of coping with negative feelings, such as stress, yet much of the literature on older adults and drinking has utilized cross-sectional or other data ill-suited for exploring dynamic processes. Experience sampling methods have the ability to measure and analyze dynamic processes in real time, such as relations between alcohol use and mood states. Nonetheless, these approaches are intensive and may burden respondents. Therefore, this study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and validity of a modified daily diary to measure alcohol use and explored alternate methods of collecting diary data. Findings suggest that a modified diary was acceptable and not burdensome. Respondents were reluctant to consider technology (e.g., cellphone)-based means of data collection. Measures of alcohol use showed little within-person variation suggesting that for those who drink at all, drinking is a daily habit.
Activation of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway involved in megakaryocyte proliferation induced by vanadium resembles some aspects of essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Gonzalez-Villalva Adriana , Piñon-Zarate Gabriela , Falcon-Rodriguez Carlos , Lopez-Valdez Nelly , Bizarro-Nevares Patricia , Rojas-Lemus Marcela , Rendon-Huerta Erika , Colin-Barenque Laura , Fortoul Teresa I
Published: January 2014

Vanadium (V) is an air pollutant released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. Also, it has been recently evaluated for their carcinogenic potential to establish permissible limits of exposure at workplaces. We previously reported an increase in the number and size of platelets and their precursor cells and megakaryocytes in bone marrow and spleen. The aim of this study was to identify the involvement of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor, and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (Mpl), in megakaryocyte proliferation induced by this compound. Mice were exposed twice a week to vanadium pentoxide inhalation (0.02 M) and were killed at 4th, 6th, and 8th week of exposure. Phosphorylated JAK2 (JAK2 ph), STAT3 (STAT3 ph), STAT5, and Mpl were identified in mice spleen megakaryocytes by cytofluorometry and immunohistochemistry. An increase in JAK2 ph and STAT3 ph, but a decrease in Mpl at 8-week exposure was identified in our findings. Taking together, we propose that the morphological findings, JAK/STAT activation, and decreased Mpl receptor induced by V leads to a condition comparable to essential thrombocythemia, so the effect on megakaryocytes caused by different mechanisms is similar. We also suggest that the decrease in Mpl is a negative feedback mechanism after the JAK/STAT activation. Since megakaryocytes are platelet precursors, their alteration affects platelet morphology and function, which might have implications in hemostasis as demonstrated previously, so it is important to continue evaluating the effects of toxics and pollutants on megakaryocytes and platelets.
The application of FLUENT in simulating outcomes from chlorine leakage accidents in a typical chemical factory
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Zhang Bin , Tang Sichuang , Tong Ruipeng
Published: January 2014

For improvements in market competitiveness, old brand chemical enterprises did some expansion and reconstruction on the base of original equipment. Because it is the reconstruction on the basis of the existing production equipment, it is bound to raise problems of reutilization existing in pipelines and equipment. A simplified typical chemical factory was established referring the actual workshop layout. Further, trustable accident scenarios were conducted to reveal the diffusion process. In a larger leakage rate, the chlorine leak-affected area in the downwind became larger a bit, also in a relatively shorter time, lethal scope will become larger quickly, resulting in more threats to the lives and properties in the vicinity of the factories. Further, it is not possible that the heavier-than-air effect of the chlorine will inevitably result in a higher concentration for a lower surface than that of higher surface. Actually at a certain height, a relatively higher monitoring surface has a larger diffusion range and a larger concentration than a relatively lower surface. It can be inferred that within a certain height, chlorine diffusion rate closer to the ground would be slower due to existence of turbulence or the relative resistance on the ground.
Cultural Differences in Personality and Aggressive Behavior in Intimate Partner Violence Offenders
Authors: Catalá-Miñana Alba , Walker Kate , Bowen Erica , Lila Marisol
Published: January 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a ubiquitous and serious problem, the prevalence of which varies greatly around the world. Previous research shows that cultural factors interact with personality and that this interaction influences cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors that are related to personal and individual styles of resolving conflicts. In relation to this, the present study has three aims: comparing the self-reported IPV (physical, psychological and sexual) of English and Spanish offenders, comparing the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III (MCMI-III) scores of the two groups, and examining the association between country of origin, psychopathology, and IPV. The sample consists of 147 IPV offenders (80 English and 67 Spanish). The measures used were the MCMI-III and the Conflict Tactics Scale 2. The Mann−Whitney U tests were used to compare the English and Spanish sample, and independent logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between personality patterns, psychopathology and culture, and IPV. Higher frequencies of physical and psychological aggression were found in the English group compared with the Spanish group as well as several differences in personality patterns and psychopathology between the groups. Some MCMI-III subscales also interact with nationality and predict physical and psychological aggression. The relevance of these results for intervention is discussed.
Predicting Treatment Attrition Among Seriously Violent Offenders
Authors: Kroner Daryl G. , Power Jenelle , Takahashi Masaru , Harris Andrew J. R.
Published: January 2014

Treatment completion by violent offenders results in fewer victims and less violence in society. As researchers and members of society, we have a compelling interest in finding ways to keep violent male offenders in effective treatment programs. This study examines file-rated predictors of treatment attrition from an institutionally based program for persistently violent offenders. Each of the three prediction models of institutionally based treatment attrition included the predictors of motivation for assistance and prior treatment dosage: (a) the past criminal behavior model, (b) the recent antisocial behavior model, and (c) the non-antisocial instability model. Recent antisocial behavior did not improve the prediction of treatment attrition over the past criminal behavior model. Motivation for assistance did not make a contribution in the recent antisocial behavior or the non-antisocial instability models while prior treatment dosage consistently contributed to the prediction of attrition across the models. Recent non-antisocial behavior is important to offender treatment attrition.
The Effect of Organizational Characteristics on the Appointment of Nonfamily Managers in Private Family Firms
Authors: Vandekerkhof Pieter , Steijvers Tensie , Hendriks Walter , Voordeckers Wim
Published: January 2014

This article examines the effect of organizational characteristics (firm innovativeness, firm internationalization, firm size) on the appointment of nonfamily managers in private family firms while taking into account the moderating role of socioemotional wealth (SEW). While these organizational characteristics increase the need for expertise, family firms cope with a limited pool of family managers. Therefore, new creative knowledge from nonfamily managers is needed. However, results from a sample of 145 Belgian family firms indicate that the positive effect of organizational characteristics on the integration of nonfamily managers decreases when family-related objectives reflected by SEW become more important for the firm.
The Cultural Relevance of Mindfulness Meditation as a Health Intervention for African Americans
Authors: Woods-Giscombé Cheryl L. , Gaylord Susan A.
Published: January 2014

African Americans experience a disproportionate rate of stress-related health conditions compared to European Americans. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to be effective for managing stress and various stress-related health conditions. This study explored the cultural relevance of mindfulness meditation training for African Americans adults. Fifteen African American adults with past or current experience with mindfulness meditation training were interviewed. Participants felt that mindfulness meditation helped them with enhanced stress management, direct health improvement, and enhanced self-awareness and purposefulness. They felt that they would recommend it and that other African Americans would be open to the practice but suggested that its presentation may need to be adapted. They suggested emphasizing the health benefits, connecting it to familiar spiritual ideology and cultural practices, supplementing the reading material with African American writers, increasing communication (education, instructor availability, “buddy system,” etc.), and including African Americans as instructors and participants. By implementing minor adaptations that enhance cultural relevance, mindfulness meditation can be a beneficial therapeutic intervention for this population.
Voting systems and strategic manipulation: An experimental study
Authors: Bassi Anna
Published: January 2014

This article presents experiments that analyze the strategic behavior of voters under three voting systems: plurality rule, approval voting, and the Borda count. Applying a level- k reasoning model approach, strategic behavior is found to be significantly different under each treatment (voting system). Plurality rule leads voters to play in the most sophisticated (i.e. best response), but not necessarily insincere, manner. Thus, this voting system displays at the same time the highest incidence of best responses and of sincere votes. The opposite holds for the Borda count games, where voters depart from their sincere strategy the most, without playing the best response strategy. Approval voting shows intermediate levels of sophistication and sincere behavior.
Robust control of the A-axis with friction variation and parameters uncertainty in five-axis CNC machine tools
Authors: Zhao Pengbing , Shi Yaoyao
Published: January 2014

A-axis is an essential assembly in the five-axis CNC machine tools, and its positioning precision directly affects the machining accuracy and surface quality of the parts. Considering the influence of parameters perturbation and uncertain cutting force on the control precision of the A-axis, a nonlinear dynamics model of the A-axis system is established, which reveals the relationships among the drive torque, the load torque, the motion direction and the system parameters. Then, two adaptive sliding mode controllers (ASMC) are designed. The first one is based on the bipolar sigmoid function, which can adjust the switching gain and the boundary layer thickness adaptively, then, equilibrium between the tracking error and the chattering can be achieved. The second one is a compound adaptive controller constituted by the traditional sliding mode controller (TSMC) and an internal controller that is based on the hyperbolic tangent function. When the state trajectory comes into the boundary layer, the TSMC will be replaced by the internal controller, thus, the adaptive controller can continuously switch between these two controllers, which can effectively eliminate the high-frequency chattering in the TSMC. Stability of these two controllers is guaranteed by the Lyapunov theory. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed ASMC, which can smooth the input chattering and reduce the tracking error by 16.62% and 21.44%, respectively.
Evaluation of gigacycle fatigue limit and life of high-strength steel with interior inclusion-induced failure
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Ping , Lu Lian-Tao , Sakai Tatsuo
Published: January 2014

The gigacycle fatigue properties with the interior inclusion-induced failure for three kinds of high-strength steels are investigated in this study. Fatigue strength of these steels in the gigacycle regime is highly related to the sizes of inclusions that are present in the effective damage zone under loading condition. The induced stress concentration at the inclusion–matrix interface plays a key role in the small crack growth process within fine granular area, but has little effect on the macroscopic crack growth outside the fine granular area. Considering the effect of stress gradient around the inclusion, new models were developed to evaluate the values of stress intensity factor at the front of the fine granular area and the fish-eye. A nearly constant stress intensity factor value of 4.5[Formula: see text] for the fine granular area can be regarded as the threshold value controlling interior macroscopic crack growth. A method from the viewpoint of small crack growth was proposed to evaluate the fatigue limit/life of high-strength steel with the interior inclusion-induced failure in the gigacycle regime, which reveals the influences of loading condition, inclusion size, and specimen size. In life prediction, this method is mainly based on the relationship between the fine granular area size and the fatigue life. Because of the maximum inclusion sizes used, the partially predicted results may be somewhat conservative, but they are more satisfied with the requirement of safety design.
The Evolution of Transportation Concurrency and Urban Development Pattern in Miami-Dade County, Florida
Authors: Kim Jeongseob , Steiner Ruth L. , Yang Yizhao
Published: January 2014

Florida’s transportation concurrency was introduced with much ambition to coordinate transportation infrastructure with development, but the lack of roadway capacity in urbanized areas and limited financial resource to invest in roads may have resulted in sprawl. Various policy responses to provide flexibility in the implementation of transportation concurrency, including Transportation Concurrency Exception Areas (TCEAs), have been introduced to address this concern. The adoption of the TCEA in Miami-Dade County was partially effective to reduce sprawl and increase urban infill, but the effectiveness may be undermined by locally discretionary implementation of transportation concurrency and inadequate traffic mitigation efforts.
An Integrative Review of the Mental Health of Partners of Veterans With Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Yambo Teresa , Johnson Mary
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to present an integrative review of the mental health of veteran partners living with veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Living with a veteran with PTSD affects the psychological well-being and health outcomes of a veteran partner. Fourteen research articles that focused on the mental health of military partners, which directly influence the psychological well-being of veteran partners, were reviewed. Findings indicate that a range of mental health concerns exist among veteran partners living with veterans with PTSD. The mental well-being of veteran partners is affected by the emotional strain of living and caring for veterans with PTSD. For years, the partner’s presence has been overlooked in the PTSD treatment. However, to promote the comprehensive health of veterans with PTSD, it is paramount to understand the mental health state of veteran partners. Understanding the mental health state of veteran partners will provide a broader perspective to the plight of veteran partners.
A global climate model agent for high spatial and temporal resolution data
Authors: Wood Lynn , Daily Jeff , Henry Michael , Palmer Bruce , Schuchardt Karen , Dazlich Donald , Heikes Ross , Randall David
Published: January 2014

Fine cell granularity in modern climate models can produce terabytes of data in each snapshot, causing significant I/O overhead. To address this issue, a method of reducing the I/O latency of high-resolution climate models by identifying and selectively outputting regions of interest is presented. Working with a global cloud-resolving model and running with up to 10,240 processors on a Cray XE6, this method provides significant I/O bandwidth reduction depending on the frequency of writes and the size of the region of interest. The implementation challenges of determining global parameters in a strictly core-localized model and properly formatting output files that only contain subsections of the global grid are addressed, as well as the overall bandwidth impact and benefits of the method. The gains in I/O throughput provided by this method allow dual output rates for high-resolution climate models: a low-frequency global snapshot as well as a high-frequency regional snapshot when events of particular interest occur.
How to bring your daughter up to be a feminist killjoy: Shame, accountability and the necessity of paranoid reading in Lene Kaaberbøl’s The Shamer Chronicles
Authors: Bissenbakker Mons
Published: January 2014

This article takes The Shamer Chronicles, the teenage fantasy series by the Danish author Lene Kaaberbøl, as an example of a queer feminist affect theoretical thought experiment. It shows how Kaaberbøl’s tetralogy allows us to link shame and paranoid/reparative reading with the figure of the feminist killjoy. The Chronicles can be read as a meditation on shame as a form of accountability and the shaming killjoy as a heroic figure who insists on paranoid vision as the precondition for reparative imagination. The article elaborates postcolonial criticisms of shame theories, showing how racialisation makes a difference in which forms of shame are marked as (un)acceptable. Rather than dismiss shame theories altogether, the article explores how such criticisms can be integrated into, and thus further qualify, a critical shame reading of The Chronicles.