bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Politicization During the 2012 U.S. Presidential Elections
Authors: Turner-Zwinkels Felicity , van Zomeren Martijn , Postmes Tom
Published: January 2015

We investigated U.S. citizens’ politicization (i.e., switching from not self-defining to self-defining as an active political party supporter) during the 2012 U.S. Presidential Elections. We used a novel identity content approach to explore qualitative changes in overlap between personal and politicized identity traits. We collected longitudinal data from a community sample of U.S. citizens ( N = 760), tracking whether and how personal and politicized identity content developed: two months before (T1), immediately before (T2), and 2 months after (T3) the election. We explored a subsample of participants who met inclusion criteria ( n = 115), comparing 87 participants who did not politicize with 28 participants who self-labeled as unpoliticized at T1, but politicized at T2/T3. Results confirmed hypotheses: Only politicizers showed greater integration between their personal and politicized identity content over time; moreover, identity content was a significant positive predictor of politicization and action engagement. We discuss the value of identity content for politicization research.
Ready, Set, Slow: How Aspiration-Relative Product Quality Impacts the Rate of New Product Introduction
Authors: Parker Owen N. , Krause Ryan , Covin Jeffrey G.
Published: January 2015

Performance feedback research addresses how firms respond to performance that diverges from their aspirations. Whereas the majority of research in this vein involves financial performance, we apply this framework to product quality performance, arguing that when performance diverges either below or above aspirations, firms will pursue a slower subsequent product introduction rate, either to identify the cause of the underperformance or to incorporate the successful product characteristics in the case of overperformance. We also investigate whether our predictions hold when two boundary conditions are applied. Since product quality aspirations are derived from the “reputations for quality” of the firm and its peers, we argue that the stability of these reputations will amplify the delaying effects of below- and above-aspiration performance. Consistent with research on firm responses to financial performance, we also predict that greater sales revenues relative to sales aspirations will attenuate the delaying effects of aspiration-relative performance divergence. Our analysis of 1,332 video games released by 48 publishers from 2006 to 2009 is largely consistent with these predictions.
Contextualizing Intergroup Contact
Authors: Sønderskov Kim Mannemar , Thomsen Jens Peter Frølund
Published: January 2015

This article examines intergroup contact effects in different political contexts. We expand on previous efforts of social psychologists by incorporating the messages of political parties as a contextual trigger of group membership awareness in contact situations. We argue that the focus among political parties on us-them categorizations heightens the awareness of group memberships. This focus in turn enhances the positive intergroup contact effect by stimulating majority members to perceive contacted persons as prototypical outgroup members. A multilevel analysis of 22 countries and almost 37,000 individuals confirms that the ability of intergroup contact to reduce antiforeigner sentiment increases when political parties focus intensively on immigration issues and cultural differences. Specifically, both workplace contact and interethnic friendship become more effective in reducing antiforeigner sentiment when intergroup relations are politicized. These findings demonstrate the need for widening the scope of the intergroup contact theory in order to cover macro-political conditions.
Political hermeneutics
Authors: Gordon Joy
Published: January 2015

United Nations Security Council resolutions raise distinctive problems of interpretation, particularly in the context of Chapter VII measures. In disputes of interpretation, the stakes are very high, since Chapter VII measures may explicitly or implicitly authorize military action; may override the target nation’s sovereignty; and may put lives at risk. However, there is no direct, binding judicial review of Security Council measures where questions of interpretation can be resolved. Consequently, interpretive disputes are resolved in a highly politicized process. This article considers three situations where the language of the resolutions was ambiguous. The interpretation of these resolutions was then shaped entirely by the political maneuvering which took place within the Security Council.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Spontaneous Sertoli Cell Clusters in the Seminiferous Tubules of C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Anagawa-Nakamura Akiko , Kakimoto Kochi , Miyajima Katsuhiro , Yasui Yuzo , Kemmochi Yusuke , Toyoda Kaoru , Taniai Eriko , Takahashi Akemi , Shoda Toshiyuki
Published: January 2015

Cell clusters were observed in the seminiferous tubules of C57BL/6J mice as a spontaneous lesion in a 2-week toxicity study, and they were demonstrated to be basically composed of Sertoli cells by immunohistochemistry for claudin-11 and GATA-4 (GATA-binding protein 4), which are both Sertoli cell markers. The clusters were composed of about 5 to 50 cells, which had eosinophilic and occasionally vacuolated cytoplasm with an unclear cell boundary. The cell clusters involved some sperm. No mitotic figures were observed and no immunoreactivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected in the clusters. In most cases, the cell clusters were observed in seminiferous tubules that also showed degenerative changes. In rare instances, cell aggregates immunohistochemically positive for claudin-11 were observed in the lumen of the epididymis, suggesting that some of the Sertoli cell clusters were sloughed off from the seminiferous epithelium into the epididymal ducts. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Sertoli cell clusters in any animal species except for transgenic or surgically altered animals.
Papillary muscle approximation to septum for functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Lohchab Shamsher Singh , Chahal Ashok Kumar , Agrawal Nilesh
Published: January 2015

Current techniques for repair of functional tricuspid regurgitation are associated with a significant degree of residual or recurrent regurgitation. We describe a technique of anterior papillary muscle attachment to the septum to correct residual tricuspid regurgitation persisting after annuloplasty. In our early experience in 15 patients (6 men and 9 women) with a mean age of 32 ± 11 years, who underwent annuloplasty for severe functional tricuspid regurgitation secondary to rheumatic mitral valve disease, this technique effectively eliminated residual tricuspid regurgitation.
A pre-test and post-test study of the physical and psychological effects of out-of-home respite care on caregivers of children with life-threatening conditions
Authors: Remedios Cheryl , Willenberg Lisa , Zordan Rachel , Murphy Andrea , Hessel Gail , Philip Jennifer
Published: January 2015

Background:

Respite services are recommended as an important support for caregivers of children with life-threatening conditions. However, the benefits of respite have not been convincingly demonstrated through quantitative research.

Aim:

To determine the impact of out-of home respite care on levels of fatigue, psychological adjustment, quality of life and relationship satisfaction among caregivers of children with life-threatening conditions.

Design:

A mixed-methods, pre-test and post-test study

Setting/participants:

A consecutive sample of 58 parental caregivers whose children were admitted to a children’s hospice for out-of-home respite over an average of 4 days.

Results:

Caregivers had below-standard levels of quality of life compared to normative populations. Paired t-tests demonstrated that caregivers’ average psychological adjustment scores significantly improved from pre-respite (mean = 13.9, standard error  = 0.71) to post-respite (mean = 10.7, standard error = 1); p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 1.25–5.11). Furthermore, caregivers’ average fatigue scores significantly improved from pre-respite (mean = 14.3, standard error = 0.85) to post-respite (mean = 10.9, standard error = 1.01; p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 1.69–7.94), and caregivers’ average mental health quality of life scores significantly improved from pre-respite (mean = 44.2, standard error = 1.8) to post-respite (mean = 49.1, standard error = 1.6; p < 0.01, 95% confidence interval: −9.56 to 0.36). Qualitative data showed caregivers sought respite for relief from intensive care provision and believed this was essential to their well-being.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate the effectiveness of out-of-home respite care in improving the fatigue and psychological adjustment of caregivers of children with life-threatening conditions. Study outcomes inform service provision and future research efforts in paediatric palliative care.
Family carers providing support to a person dying in the home setting: A narrative literature review
Authors: Morris Sara M , King Claire , Turner Mary , Payne Sheila
Published: January 2015

Background:

This study is based on people dying at home relying on the care of unpaid family carers. There is growing recognition of the central role that family carers play and the burdens that they bear, but knowledge gaps remain around how to best support them.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to review the literature relating to the perspectives of family carers providing support to a person dying at home.

Design:

A narrative literature review was chosen to provide an overview and synthesis of findings. The following search terms were used: caregiver, carer, ‘terminal care’, ‘supportive care’, ‘end of life care’, ‘palliative care’, ‘domiciliary care’ AND home AND death OR dying.

Data sources:

During April–May 2013, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Pubmed, Cochrane Reviews and Citation Indexes were searched. Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, empirical studies and literature reviews, adult carers, perspectives of family carers, articles focusing on family carers providing end-of-life care in the home and those published between 2000 and 2013.

Results:

A total of 28 studies were included. The overarching themes were family carers’ views on the impact of the home as a setting for end-of-life care, support that made a home death possible, family carer’s views on deficits and gaps in support and transformations to the social and emotional space of the home.

Conclusion:

Many studies focus on the support needs of people caring for a dying family member at home, but few studies have considered how the home space is affected. Given the increasing tendency for home deaths, greater understanding of the interplay of factors affecting family carers may help improve community services.
Addition of all-trans-retinoic acid to omeprazole and sucralfate therapy improves the prognosis of gastric dysplasia
Authors: Jin Jianjun , Li Xiaozhen , Xing Luqi , Chang Yongchao , Wu Lijuan , Jin Zhe , Su Xiuli , Bai Yanli , Zheng Yufeng , Jiang Yalin , Zhao Xiao , Lu Lan , Gao Qiang
Published: January 2015

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in human gastric dysplasia.

Methods

In this double-blind study, patients with precancerous gastric dysplasia with or without intestinal metaplasia (IM) received either conventional treatment consisting of omeprazole and sucralfate (control group) or conventional treatment plus ATRA. Gastric mucosal biopsies were performed before and after drug treatment and were analysed histologically; expression of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein and HER2 protein in gastric mucosa were measured using immunohistochemistry.

Results

A total of 122 patients were included in the study, 63 in the ATRA group and 59 in the control group. In the ATRA group, dysplasia was attenuated in 43 out of 63 patients (68%) compared with 22 out of 59 patients (37%) in the control group; however, IM was not affected by treatment in either group. ATRA treatment was associated with significantly increased Rb expression and decreased HER2 expression in gastric mucosa.

Conclusions

The use of conventional therapy plus ATRA for gastric dysplasia was associated with improved efficacy compared with conventional therapy alone. It was also accompanied by increased Rb expression and decreased HER2 expression in gastric mucosa. The addition of ATRA to conventional therapy for gastritis may improve the prognosis of gastric dysplasia.
Military veterans’ use of music-based emotion regulation for managing mental health issues
Authors: Zoteyeva Valeria , Forbes David , Rickard Nikki S
Published: January 2015

Veterans commonly report listening to music as a means of self-managing their mental health, yet no research has systematically explored how veterans use music for the purpose of regulating their emotions. In the current study, surveys were completed by 205 Australian veterans (mean age 59.57, SD 0.83), assessing their affective mental health (depression and stress) and related physical and behavioral problems (self-reported general health, alcohol abuse and negative social interactions). Veterans listened to music more in their everyday life than any other leisure activity reported. Music-listening for emotion-regulation purposes significantly contributed to the prediction of depression, perceived stress and negative social interactions, when gender and positive social interactions were controlled. Veterans with mental health problems listened to music for both emotional and cognitive reasons, and the most predictive emotion-regulation strategies used with music were diversion, discharge, and mental work. Music-listening did not however assist prediction of self-reported general health or alcohol abuse. The current findings demonstrate that veterans with higher levels of affective dysfunction listened to music to manage emotional and cognitive problems. Personal music-listening therefore offers substantial promise as a self-management tool to complement professional treatment of affective disorders in this vulnerable population.
Altered neurochemical coupling in the occipital cortex in migraine with visual aura
Authors: Bridge Holly , Stagg Charlotte J , Near Jamie , Lau Chi-ieong , Zisner Aimee , Cader M. Zameel
Published: January 2015

Background

Visual aura is present in about one-third of migraine patients and triggering by bright or flickering lights is frequently reported.

Method

Using migraine with visual aura patients, we investigated the neurochemical profile of the visual cortex using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Specifically, glutamate/creatine and GABA/creatine ratios were quantified in the occipital cortex of female migraine patients.

Results

GABA levels in the occipital cortex of migraine patients were lower than that of controls. Glutamate levels in migraine patients, but not controls, correlated with the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the primary visual cortex during visual stimulation.

Conclusion

Migraine with visual aura appears to disrupt the excitation-inhibition coupling in the occipital cortex.
Inter- and Intraobserver Reliability in the MRI Measurement of the Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distance and Trochlea Dysplasia
Authors: Skelley Nathan , Friedman Michael , McGinnis Mark , Smith Christopher , Hillen Travis , Matava Matthew
Published: January 2015

Background:

The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and trochlear structure have become important radiographic measurements in the evaluation and management of patients with patellar instability. Many orthopaedic surgeons, however, do not have access to musculoskeletal radiologists and therefore must make such measurements independently.

Purpose:

To determine the intra- and interobserver reliability in the measurement of the TT-TG distance and the determination of the trochlear dysplasia index (TDI) between musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained from 63 patients with the clinical diagnosis of patellar instability (instability group) and from 53 patients without patellar instability (control group). Three radiologists and 2 orthopaedic surgeons blinded to the group assignment independently measured the TT-TG distance and determined the TDI. Each MRI was measured on 2 occasions separated by at least 1 week. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability.

Results:

The instability and control groups were similarly stratified across age, sex, affected knee, athletic level, and body mass index. The mean TT-TG distances were 18.2 ± 5.6 mm and 13.7 ± 5.6 mm for the instability and control groups, respectively ( P < .001). The mean TDI for the instability and control groups was 2.1 ± 1.6 mm and 4.6 ± 1.3 mm, respectively ( P < .001). There was almost perfect intraobserver reliability for both the TT-TG distance and TDI measurements between the 2 time points for all observers (ICCs: ≥0.86 [TT-TG distance], ≥0.88 [TDI]). The interobserver reliability was also almost perfect between the orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists for both the TT-TG distance (ICC, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.82-0.88]) and TDI (ICC, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.79-0.88]).

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that the intra- and interobserver reliability in the MRI measurement of the TT-TG distance and TDI is high for both orthopaedic surgeons and musculoskeletal radiologists. In addition, the TT-TG distance may be lower than previously thought in patients with patellar instability.
Phase Resetting in Duper Hamsters
Authors: Manoogian Emily N. C. , Leise Tanya L. , Bittman Eric L.
Published: January 2015

The duper mutation in Syrian hamsters shortens the free-running period of locomotor activity (τDD) to about 23 h and results in a type 0 phase-response curve (PRC) to 15-min light pulses. To determine whether exaggerated phase shifts are specific to photic cues and/or restricted to subjective night, we subjected hamsters to novel wheel confinements and dark pulses during subjective day. Small phase shifts elicited by the nonphotic cue were comparable in mutant and wild-type (WT) hamsters, but dark pulses triggered larger shifts in dupers. To assess further the effects of the duper mutation on light-dark transitions, we transferred hamsters between constant light (LL) and constant dark (DD) or between DD and LL at various circadian phases. Duper hamsters displayed significantly larger phase shifts than WT hamsters when transferred from LL to DD during subjective day and from DD to LL during subjective night. The variability of phase shifts in response to all light/dark transitions was significantly greater in duper hamsters at all time points. In addition, most duper hamsters, but none of the WTs, displayed transient ultradian wheel-running patterns for 5 to 12 days when transferred from light to dark at CT 18. The χ2 periodogram and autocorrelation analyses indicate that these ultradian patterns differ from the disruption of rhythmicity by SCN lesions or exposure to constant bright light. We conclude that the duper mutation specifically amplifies phase shifts to photic cues and may destabilize coupling of circadian organization upon photic challenge due to weakened coupling among components of the circadian pacemaker. Mathematical modeling of the circadian pacemaker supports this hypothesis.
Evidence-informed healthcare through integration of health research
Authors: Barnes Rebecca O. , Holmes B. J. , Lindstrom R. , Trytten C. , Wale M. C. J.
Published: January 2015

A foundational element of modern healthcare is an evidence-based practice. However, the conduct of research to generate evidence and the subsequent application of research findings are viewed by many Canadian healthcare organizations as separate from healthcare delivery. This mindset impedes effective translation of knowledge into practice. In this article, underlying issues that enable this disintegrated model to persist are described, and strategies to help healthcare organizations achieve integration of research are summarized.
Public health partnerships
Authors: Graham Ross , Sibbald Shannon L. , Patel Pooja
Published: January 2015

Partnerships are commonly identified as a foundational public health strategy. However, despite the prevalence and enthusiasm for partnerships, there are few published evaluations of public health partnerships in the Canadian context, and international literature reports that most partnerships have little to no effect on health outcomes. The contradicting enthusiasm and evidence create a challenging scenario for Canadian public health leaders and practitioners who are encouraged to both engage in partnerships and implement evidence-informed practices.
A Gendered Lifestyle-Routine Activity Approach to Explaining Stalking Victimization in Canada
Authors: Reyns Bradford W. , Henson Billy , Fisher Bonnie S. , Fox Kathleen A. , Nobles Matt R.
Published: January 2015

Research into stalking victimization has proliferated over the last two decades, but several research questions related to victimization risk remain unanswered. Accordingly, the present study utilized a lifestyle-routine activity theoretical perspective to identify risk factors for victimization. Gender-based theoretical models also were estimated to assess the possible moderating effects of gender on the relationship between lifestyle-routine activity concepts and victimization risk. Based on an analysis of a representative sample of more than 15,000 residents of Canada from the Canadian General Social Survey (GSS), results suggested conditional support for lifestyle-routine activity theory and for the hypothesis that predictors of stalking victimization may be gender based.
Health promotion within a sex on premises venue: notes from the field
Authors: Debattista Joseph
Published: January 2015

Despite their historical controversy as perceived public health risks, sex on premises venues (SOPV) such as saunas and sex clubs can afford structured opportunities for on-site sexual health interventions within a supportive, regulated and confidential environment. Building upon previous interventions to deliver on-site clinical and health promotion programmes, an education and referral outreach service was established at one particular SOPV within the inner Brisbane city area. This report outlines the experiences of that on-site education/referral outreach over a five-year period. The service did afford opportunities for a minority of patrons to discuss concerns, resolve misunderstandings, obtain advice and referral, and would suggest that a health promotion presence within such a venue is a useful mechanism for engaging with highly sexually active men.
Incorporating ‘class’ into work–family arrangements: Insights from and for Three Worlds
Authors: Hook Jennifer L
Published: January 2015

In response to feminist critics, Esping-Andersen (1999) added family to the state–market nexus by examining the degree of familialism across regimes. In the absence of the state de-familializing care, however, it is difficult to predict work–family arrangements without reference to the overall level of inequality and a family’s social location within it. Thus, levels of familialism interact with levels of economic inequality. I build on existing categorizations of how two-parent families combine work and care in European countries by adding an explicit consideration of how these patterns vary within countries by education. I utilize hierarchical clustering with data for 16 countries (2004–2010) from the Luxembourg Income Study and the European Social Survey. In some respects, refining country averages by education lends greater support to the tenets of Three Worlds, but also reveals a Southern European pattern distinguished by inequality in work–family arrangements more characteristic of liberal regimes. Findings also illustrate how countries that polarize between dual full-time and male breadwinner families largely polarize by education.
Politics for markets
Authors: Iversen Torben , Soskice David
Published: January 2015

We argue that the welfare state operates very differently in the advanced sectors of modern economies and in the low-skill sectors. Governments are concerned to promote the advanced sectors of their economies in which they have comparative advantage. This is a valence issue not a partisan one. Where companies and employees in advanced sectors co-invest heavily in company-specific skills, then governments will be concerned to maintain insurance infrastructures to underwrite these investments. Hence, in advanced sectors, we see politics for markets in maintaining insurance-based welfare states. In low-skill sectors, redistribution and active labour market policies are partisan issues for legislatures, so here our analysis is in line with Politics against Markets. Effective welfare state policies depend on political coalitions in which the low-skilled are represented. We suggest that those coalitions may be less available just as low-skilled workers are increasingly excluded from post-Fordist collective bargaining coverage.
Leader-follower-based formation control of nonholonomic mobile robots with mismatched uncertainties via integral sliding mode
Authors: Qian Dianwei , Tong Shiwen , Guo Jinrong , Lee SukGyu
Published: January 2015

This article focuses on the control of a group of nonholonomic mobile robots. A leader-follower coordinated control scheme is developed to achieve formation maneuvers of such a multi-robot system. The scheme adopts the methodology of integral sliding mode control to form up and maintain the robots in predefined trajectories. The dynamic equations of the scheme are subject to mismatched uncertainties. The mismatched uncertainties challenge formation stabilization because they cannot be suppressed by the invariance of integral sliding mode control. In light of Lyapunov’s direct method, a sufficient condition is drawn to guarantee the reachability condition of integral sliding mode control in the presence of the mismatched uncertainties. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy, simulation results are illustrated by an uncertain multi-robot system composed of three nonholonomic mobile robots.
Unusual case of tetraparesis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ishchenko A , Malghem J , Banse X , Houssiau F A
Published: January 2015

We describe the case of a 67-year-old Asian female patient suffering from severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis, since the age of 40 who was admitted for tetraparesis. Neurological examination confirmed proximal muscular weakness, hypoesthesia and diminished tendon reflexes. The patient suffered from extremely severe Jaccoud’s arthropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated severe narrowing of the upper spinal canal due to a soft tissue mass surrounding the odontoid process, assumed to be a synovial pannus, causing myelopathy. The patient was treated with three intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone with prompt and full clinical recovery. Follow-up MRI confirmed considerable regression of the pannus. Inflammatory transverse myelopathy is the most common explanation for para/tetraparesis in SLE. However, in this case, the symptoms were caused by atlantoaxial synovitis, which is more typical for rheumatoid arthritis.
Sublimity and beauty
Authors: Siles-González José , Solano-Ruiz Carmen
Published: January 2015

Background:

Several authors have focused on the aesthetics of nursing care from diverse perspectives; however, there are few studies about the sublime and the beautiful in nursing.

Aim:

To identify beautiful and sublime moments in the context of the aesthetics of nursing care.

Methods:

A theoretical reflection has been contemplated about sublime and beautiful values in the context of the aesthetics of nursing care from the cultural history perspective. For that purpose, a revision of this issue has been completed. The terms ‘beautiful’ and ‘sublime’ have been analysed to identify the characteristics of both in the context of nursing care.

Ethical consideration:

We have followed all ethical requirements regarding the sources, conducting research and authorship. There is no conflict of interest in this paper.

Results:

With aesthetic knowledge, the nurse expresses the artistic nature of nursing care by appreciating the act of caring for individuals. The sublime is a complex phenomenon, since apparently contrary feelings are interwoven. Nursing care is an art with an anthropological object-subject on which the ‘artist’ applies their prior knowledge and skills. Feelings and emotions that develop during the clinical nursing practice – especially at times sublime and beautiful, aesthetic – constitute experiences which are professionally significant.
Health Vulnerability of Households in Flooded Communities and Their Adaptation Measures
Authors: Srikuta Phatcharee , Inmuong Uraiwan , Inmuong Yanyong , Bradshaw Peter
Published: January 2015

Floods adversely affect community well-being and health. This study aims to assess the present health vulnerability of households to floods in a rural flood-prone area of northeastern Thailand, as well as their adaptation measures. The participants were the representatives of 312 randomly selected households, and data were collected using an interview questionnaire. Health vulnerability was assessed in terms of flood exposure, flood sensitivity, and flood adaptive capacity. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. The results showed that 47.1% of the households had a low level of health vulnerability to flooding, while in 21.2% the level was high. Households had been adapting themselves to cope with the health impacts from flood. Their coping practices included special arrangements for the protection of property, food management, the provision of water supply and waste disposal, the elimination of sources of vector-borne diseases, family health care, the protection of family livelihood, and communication and transportation.
The Effect of Perceived Parental Rearing Behaviors on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Leukemia
Authors: Kim Dong Hee , Chung Nack-Gyun , Lee Sunhee
Published: January 2015

As the prognosis of childhood leukemia has dramatically improved, clinical interest has been growing in health-related quality of life in adolescents with leukemia. An important factor in adolescent quality of life is their perception of parental rearing behavior. The aim of this study was to explore how perceived parental rearing behaviors related to the quality of life of adolescents with leukemia. A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted among 106 adolescents with leukemia using the Recalled Parental Rearing Behavior and the Minneapolis-Manchester Quality of Life scales. Data were examined using descriptive, correlation, and path analyses. The coefficients of total effect of paternal and maternal emotional warmth on the quality of life of adolescents were 0.36 and 0.45, respectively. We found that paternal rejection/punishment behavior was significantly correlated with maternal rejection/punishment behavior ( P < .00); paternal and maternal control/overprotection behavior were also significantly correlated with each other ( P < .00). We found that perceived parental warmth has a moderate effect on the quality of life of adolescents, that quality of life was related to both paternal and maternal rearing behaviors, and that the mother’s and father’s rearing behaviors were correlated with each other. To improve the quality of life of adolescents with leukemia, the patient’s care plan should aim to enhance positive parental rearing behaviors in both parents.
Ethanol Lock Therapy
Authors: Chhim Rebecca F. , Crill Catherine M. , Collier Hailey K. , Arnold Sandra R. , Pourcyrous Massroor , Meibohm Bernd , Christensen Michael
Published: January 2015

Background: Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has emerged as an effective method for the prevention and treatment of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), but the safety of ELT in infants has not been established. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and evidence of hepatic injury in infants after infusing a small one-time dose of ethanol, equivalent to the volume that would be flushed through the central venous catheter (CVC) after ELT is completed. Methods: This was a prospective pilot study in infants weighing ≤6 kg with and without liver dysfunction who had a CVC. The primary end points were 5-minute and 1-hour BACs after a 0.4-mL dose of 70% ethanol was flushed through the CVC. Acceptable BACs were defined as <0.025% at 5 minutes and <0.01% at 1 hour. The secondary end point was evidence of hepatic injury, defined as a change of greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal of any component in the hepatic panel in patients with a normal baseline panel or doubling of any component in the hepatic panel in patients with an abnormal baseline panel (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, total or direct bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, or alkaline phosphatase). Results: A total of 10 patients were included for analysis, with a mean age and weight of 3.5 ± 2.4 months and 4.5 ± 0.9 kg, respectively. All patients had acceptable BACs and no evidence of hepatic injury. In 8 patients, 5-minute BACs were undetectable; BACs of the other 2 patients were 0.011%. One-hour BACs in all patients were undetectable. Conclusions: Flushing ELT resulted in acceptable BACs and no evidence of hepatic injury in this patient cohort. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of ethanol infusion after ELT in this patient population for the prevention and treatment of CLABSIs.
Risk Characteristics of Venous Thromboembolism in Chinese Patients
Authors: Wang Hua , Ye Jian , Wang Limin , Jin Weizhong
Published: January 2015

Background and objective:

There is little report concerning risk characteristics of Chinese patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The present study was designed to investigate the risk characteristics in Chinese patients with VTE through a retrospective study.

Methods:

A total of 1048 registry patients with VTE in the recent 10 years were analyzed retrospectively with respect to underlying diseases or predisposing factors.

Results:

The incidence of VTE in both male and female has been increasing in the recent 10 years. A total of 885 patients were aged more than 50 years, and the mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 58.8 ± 15.7 years. Main risk factors were a prolonged immobilization and malignant tumors, which were different from Western patients.

Conclusions:

This registry demonstrated the different risk characteristics in Chinese patients compared to Western patients. Our results will be available for establishing the prevention of VTE in China.
Maltreatment-Related Emergency Department Visits Among Children 0 to 3 Years Old in the United States
Authors: King Andrew J. , Farst Karen J. , Jaeger Matthew W. , Onukwube Jennifer I. , Robbins James M.
Published: January 2015

The emergency department (ED) is a vital entry point in the health care system for children who experience maltreatment. This study fills a gap in the maltreatment literature by presenting systematic, national estimates of maltreatment-related ED visits in the United States by children ≤3 years old, from 2006 to 2011, using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). Children who experienced and likely experienced maltreatment were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes. Maltreatment was classified as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or poly-victimization. The clinical and demographic profiles of children who experienced maltreatment were described. Approximately 10,095 children who experienced maltreatment (0.1% of total ED visits) and 129,807 children who likely experienced maltreatment (1.2% of total ED visits) were documented each year. Maltreatment was associated with significantly greater risk of injury, hospitalization, and death in the ED setting. Physical abuse was the most common explicit maltreatment diagnosis (33 ED visits per 100,000 children ≤3 years old) and neglect was the most common likely maltreatment diagnosis (436 ED visits per 100,000 children ≤3 years old). This study established the NEDS as a valuable complement to existing surveillance efforts of child maltreatment from a public health perspective.
Fragmentation in the Twitter Following of News Outlets
Authors: Hahn Kyu S. , Ryu Seungjin , Park Sungjin
Published: January 2015

In recent years, Twitter emerged as an important news driver as most major news organizations now provide newsfeeds via Twitter. We classified 34 South Korean news outlets based on the pattern of co-following among 709,586 Twitter users. We also had a rare opportunity to match their following behavior with individual-level attributes by relying on supplementary survey data on 1,811 members of an online survey panel. Our results reveal that partisan and generational selectivity sharply polarizes news following on Twitter, suggesting that Twitter is likely to reinforce the existing political divisions in society by reducing the likelihood of chance encounters with the disagreeable views.
Comparing venous thromboembolism prophylactic strategies for ambulatory multiple myeloma patients on immunomodulatory drug therapy
Authors: Dede Ruth J , Pruemer Jane M
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Patients with multiple myeloma have an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism. The risk for venous thromboembolism further increases when these patients are placed on immunomodulatory drug therapy. This study aims to determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with multiple myeloma receiving immunomodulatory drug therapy in the ambulatory setting at UC Health and to investigate adherence with guidelines developed by The National Comprehensive Cancer Network for venous thromboembolism prevention in this patient population.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with multiple myeloma initiated on immunomodulatory drug therapy between January 2000 and January 2014 was conducted.

Results

Sixty-two cases met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines were followed in 33.9% of cases. The rate of venous thromboembolism was 4.8% in guideline adherent cases and 12.2% in guideline nonadherent cases (p = 0.65). The overall incidence of venous thromboembolism was 9.7%. No patients on a low-molecular-weight-heparin agent or warfarin developed a venous thromboembolism, 7.9% patients on aspirin therapy developed a venous thromboembolism, and 23.1% patients on no pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis developed a venous thromboembolism (p = 0.26).

Conclusion

Ambulatory patients with multiple myeloma who are considered for immunomodulatory drug therapy should be placed on pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis based on individual venous thromboembolism and bleeding risk factors. This study identified the need for increased adherence to national guidelines for venous thromboembolism prevention in patients with multiple myeloma receiving immunomodulatory drug therapy so as to increase the quality of care provided at UC Health.
A crack with surface effects in a piezoelectric material
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhou Kun
Published: January 2015

We study the contribution of surface piezoelectricity to the anti-plane deformations of a hexagonal piezoelectric material weakened by a crack. The surface piezoelectricity is incorporated by using an extended version of the continuum-based surface/interface model of Gurtin and Murdoch. The original boundary value problem is finally reduced to a system of two coupled first-order Cauchy singular integro-differential equations by considering a distribution of line dislocations and electric-potential-dislocations on the crack. Through a diagonalization strategy, the coupled system can be transformed into two independent singular integro-differential equations, each of which contains only one single unknown function and can be numerically solved by the collocation method. Our solution demonstrates that the stresses, strains, electric displacements and electric displacements exhibit the logarithmic singularity at the crack tips. The obtained solution is further used to predict the size-dependent effective electroelastic properties of a piezoelectric solid containing multiple nanocracks with surface piezoelectricity within the framework of non-interaction approximation.
Freshly characterization and storability of mini head lettuces at optimal and abusive temperatures
Authors: Viacava Gabriela E , Ponce Alejandra G , Goyeneche Rosario , Carrozzi Liliana , Yommi Alejandra , Roura Sara I
Published: January 2015

Selection of lettuce varieties less sensitive to quality deterioration and more tolerant to abusive temperatures during handling, transportation, and storage is essential to minimize economical and quality losses that affect both producers and consumers. This work was focused on the quality changes of four baby head lettuces ( Lactuca sativa L.), two butter (red and green) and two oak-leaf (red and green) types, during storage at 0 ℃ and 10 ℃ for 10 days. Lettuce quality was determined by measuring bioactive content (ascorbic acid, total phenolics), physicochemical (total chlorophyll, browning potential), and microbiological indices. At harvest, red varieties presented lower browning potential and higher bioactive compounds but no differences were observed in microbial populations. During storage, ascorbic acid underwent first order degradation for all varieties, with a degradation rate at 10 ℃ twice faster than at 0 ℃. At 0 ℃, only the red oak-leaf lettuce exhibited chlorophyll degradation, while at 10 ℃ all varieties presented degradation. No changes were observed in total phenolics and browning potential of butter lettuces during storage at both temperatures. Microbial population counts were significant affected by the storage temperature. Red butter baby lettuce presented slightly better bioactive content and microbiological characteristics and then better storability.
Changes of the water-holding capacity and microstructure of panga and tilapia surimi gels using different stabilizers and processing methods
Authors: Filomena-Ambrosio Annamaria , Quintanilla-Carvajal María Ximena , Ana-Puig  , Hernando Isabel , Hernández-Carrión María , Sotelo-Díaz Indira
Published: January 2015

Surimi gel is a food product traditionally manufactured from marine species; it has functional features including a specific texture and a high protein concentration . The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of the ultrasound extraction protein method and different stabilizers on the water-holding capacity (WHC), texture, and microstructure of surimi from panga and tilapia to potentially increase the value of these species. For this purpose, WHC was determined and texture profile analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and texture image analysis were carried out. The results showed that the ultrasound method and the sodium citrate can be used to obtain surimi gels from panga and tilapia with optimal textural properties such as the hardness and chewiness. Moreover, image analysis is recommended as a quantitative and non-invasive technique to evaluate the microstructure and texture image properties of surimis prepared using different processing methods and stabilizers.
Disaster Planning for Home Health Patients and Providers
Authors: Wyte-Lake Tamar , Claver Maria , Dalton Sarah , Dobalian Aram
Published: January 2015

Individuals receiving care in the home are vulnerable during disasters due to high rates of chronic disease, cognitive impairment, functional limitations, and physical disabilities as well as dependence on life-saving treatments and equipment. Increasing disaster preparedness among home health care recipients decreases the likelihood of adverse health outcomes and lessens the burden on community hospitals and emergency responders. A literature review examined existing home health organization policies and procedures, lessons learned in the field, and expert recommendations for improving home-based patient disaster preparedness. This review addressed preparedness on three levels: organization, provider, and patient. The results (1) indicate gaps between established and recommended tools and policies and adopted policies, and (2) demonstrate marked differences in approaches to evaluation, classification, education, and triage between organizations.
Reply to “A Replication of “Meta-analysis of the Effect of Fiscal Policies on Long-run Growth” (European Journal of Political Economy 2004)”
Authors: Nijkamp Peter , Poot Jacques
Published: January 2015

In this reply, we comment on Reed and Sidek’s replication of Nijkamp and Poot. We note that Nijkamp and Poot’s conclusions are robust to, first, trimming their sample of primary studies to improve comparability across studies and, second, greatly expanding the number of observations for meta-analysis by including multiple estimates from each of the trimmed sample of primary studies. We argue that future meta-analyses of this empirical literature would benefit from a narrower focus on specific fiscal policies and from considering institutions and cultural–attitudinal contexts within which primary studies are conducted.
Tracks to Advocacy
Authors: Little Janine
Published: January 2015

This article considers the role of animal rights-based journalism and its connection to teaching media law and ethics to undergraduate students in an Australian university arts faculty. An anecdotal discussion of a reflective practice informing the teaching of an undergraduate course in a journalism major relates questions of ethics and law to broader considerations of the role of advocacy in and around journalism, and media practice. It is argued that animal rights-related stories have a role in training media professionals, and also in inspiring journalists to envision their own work as part of the democratic mechanisms of social and legal reform in Australia.
Evaluating the appropriateness of a new computer-administered measure of adaptive function for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Coster Wendy J , Kramer Jessica M , Tian Feng , Dooley Meghan , Liljenquist Kendra , Kao Ying-Chia , Ni Pengsheng
Published: January 2015

The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test is an alternative method for describing the adaptive function of children and youth with disabilities using a computer-administered assessment. This study evaluated the performance of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test with a national sample of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders aged 3–21 years. Parents ( n = 365) completed an online survey that included demographics, the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test Social/Cognitive, Daily Activities, and Responsibility domains. Item response theory analysis confirmed items in each domain fit a unidimensional model and few items misfit. A large number of items in the Social/Cognitive domain showed differential item functioning, indicating a unique order of item difficulty in this population in this domain. Differences in item difficulty estimates were addressed through a parameter linking (equating) process. Simulations supported the accuracy and precision of the Computer Adaptive Test. Results suggest that the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test, as modified for autism spectrum disorder, is an efficient and sound assessment for this population.