bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Eddy Simulation of a Bluff Body Stabilized Lean Premixed Flame
Authors: Andreini A. , Bianchini C. , Innocenti A.
Published: January 2014

The present study is devoted to verify current capabilities of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) methodology in the modeling of lean premixed flames in the typical turbulent combustion regime of Dry LowNOxgas turbine combustors. A relatively simple reactive test case, presenting all main aspects of turbulent combustion interaction and flame stabilization of gas turbine lean premixed combustors, was chosen as an affordable test to evaluate the feasibility of the technique also in more complex test cases. A comparison between LES and RANS modeling approach is performed in order to discuss modeling requirements, possible gains, and computational overloads associated with the former. Such comparison comprehends a sensitivity study to mesh refinement and combustion model characteristic constants, computational costs, and robustness of the approach. In order to expand the overview on different methods simulations were performed with both commercial and open-source codes switching from quasi-2D to fully 3D computations.
Effects of Empty Sites on Cooperation in the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game Based on Social Diversity
Authors: Liming Wang , Wu Feng
Published: January 2014

We study the effects of empty sites in the prisoner’s dilemma game based on social diversity by introducing some empty sites into a square lattice. The results reveal that the empty sites dramatically enhance the cooperation level for a wide range of temptation to defection values if two types of players coexist. By calculating the chances of different type-combinations of the players located on the square lattice, we find that there is an intermediate region where five social ranks are induced to satisfy the certain rank distributions and the cooperation level is significantly enhanced. Moreover, simulation results also show that the moderate gaps among the social ranks can favor cooperation for a larger occupation density.
Variance‐Constrained Robust Estimation for Discrete‐Time Systems with Communication Constraints
Authors: Wang Baofeng , Guo Ge , Gao Xiue
Published: January 2014

This paper is concerned with a new filtering problem in networked control systems (NCSs) subject to limited communication capacity, which includes measurement quantization, random transmission delay, and packets loss. The measurements are first quantized via a logarithmic quantizer and then transmitted through a digital communication network with random delay and packet loss. The three communication constraints phenomena which can be seen as a class of uncertainties are formulated by a stochastic parameter uncertainty system. The purpose of the paper is to design a linear filter such that, for all the communication constraints, the error state of the filtering process is mean square bounded and the steady‐state variance of the estimation error for each state is not more than the individual prescribed upper bound. It is shown that the desired filtering can effectively be solved if there are positive definite solutions to a couple of algebraic Riccati‐like inequalities or linear matrix inequalities. Finally, an illustrative numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed design approach.
Impact of Legislation on Passive Smoking in Spain
Authors: Jiménez Ruiz Carlos A. , Riesco Miranda Juan A. , Altet Gómez Neus , Costa-Miñana Jaime Signes , Lorza Blasco Jose Javier , Ruiz Manzano Joan , de Lucas Ramos Pilar
Published: January 2014

Background: In 2005, the Spanish government approved Law 28/2005 on health measures against smoking; this was amended in 2010 by Law 42/2010. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of these laws on passive smoking. Methods: Three epidemiological studies were conducted on a representative sample of the population via telephone surveys. The first was conducted prior to the first law coming into force, the second a year after its approval and the third a year after the approval of the second.Results: Six thousand eight hundred people were surveyed in 2005, 3,289 in 2007 and 3,298 in 2011. The first survey showed that 49.5% of nonsmokers were exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) while by 2007, following the introduction of Law 28/2005, this exposure had been reduced to 37.9% (results previously published in 2008). The 2011 survey, conducted following the introduction of Law 42/2010, showed that just 21% of people were exposed. These data indicate that overall exposure to SHS was reduced by 22% between 2005 and 2007 and by a further 16.9% between 2007 and 2011. The overall impact of Law 42/2010 is estimated to be around 44% and Law 28/2005 around 22%. Conclusion: Legislation introduced in Spain has markedly reduced the exposure of nonsmokers to SHS.
Multiple Breath Washout Is Feasible in the Clinical Setting and Detects Abnormal Lung Function in Infants and Young Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Stahl Mirjam , Joachim Cornelia , Blessing Kerstin , Hämmerling Susanne , Sommerburg Olaf , Latzin Philipp , Mall Marcus A.
Published: January 2014

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease starts in the first months of life often before the onset of clinical symptoms. Multiple breath washout (MBW) detects abnormal lung function in infants and young children in the laboratory setting. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of MBW in 0- to 4-year-old children with CF and non-CF controls in the clinical setting. Methods: Fourteen children with CF (mean age 1.3 ± 1.0 years) and 26 age-matched non-CF controls were sedated with chloral hydrate and MBW was performed with sulfur hexafluoride. Results: MBW measurements were successful in 27 of 40 children (67.5%). The mean lung clearance index (LCI) was significantly higher in CF patients compared to non-CF controls (p = 0.006). Further, the frequency of elevated LCI (z-score >1.96) was significantly increased in CF patients compared to controls (p = 0.0003). Conclusions: We conclude that MBW is feasible and sensitive to detect abnormal lung function in infants and young children with CF in the clinical setting.
Early Postnatal Additional High-Dose Oral Vitamin A Supplementation versus Placebo for 28 Days for Preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Death in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Meyer Sascha , Gortner Ludwig ,   NeoVitaA Trial Investigators
Published: January 2014

Background: Prematurity and the associated risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remain a significant threat to extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Vitamin A has been considered a therapeutic alternative in reducing the rate of BPD and mortality. Objectives: To investigate whether early postnatal, additional high-dose oral vitamin A supplementation for 28 days is more efficient in reducing BPD or death in ELBW infants than placebo treatment. Methods: This is a multicenter, double-blind RCT comparing postnatal high-dose oral vitamin A supplementation (5,000 IU vitamin A/kg/day vs. placebo) for 28 days in ELBW neonates requiring mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilatory support or supplemental oxygen at 24 h of age. The primary end point is the proportion of children who died before 36 weeks' gestational age or developed moderate or severe BPD. BPD is defined as the need for supplemental oxygen to maintain SaO2 of ≥92% at rest at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA). Clinical secondary end points include the following: BPD (including mild form), intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, total number of days of mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation, and safety and tolerability of high-dose vitamin A supplementation. Results and Conclusions: The results of the NeoVitaA trial will provide robust data with regard to the efficacy of high-dose oral vitamin A supplementation in reducing the incidence of BPD or death at 36 weeks' PMA in ELBW infants.
Glucose Metabolism in the Primary Auditory Cortex of Postlingually Deaf Patients: An FDG-PET Study
Authors: Okuda Takumi , Nagamachi Shigeki , Ushisako Yasuaki , Tono Tetsuya
Published: January 2014

Background/Purpose: Previous FDG-PET studies have indicated neuroplasticity in the adult auditory cortex in cases of postlingual deafness. In the mature brain, auditory deprivation decreased neuronal activity in primary auditory and auditory-related cortices. In order to reevaluate these issues, we used statistical analytic software, namely a three-dimensional stereotaxic region of interest template (3DSRT), in addition to statistical parametric mapping (SPM; Institute of Neurology, University College of London, UK). MaterialsandMethods:18F-FDG brain PET scans were performed on 7 postlingually deaf patients and 10 healthy volunteers. Significant increases and decreases of regional cerebral glucose metabolism in the patient group were estimated by comparing their PET images with those of healthy volunteers using SPM analysis and 3DSRT. Results: SPM revealed that the glucose metabolism of the deaf patients was lower in the right superior temporal gyrus, both middle temporal gyri, left inferior temporal gyrus, right inferior lobulus parietalis, right posterior cingulate gyrus, and left insular cortex than that of the control subjects. 3DSRT data also revealed significantly decreased glucose metabolism in both primary auditory cortices of the postlingually deaf patients. Conclusion: SPM and 3DSRT analyses indicated that glucose metabolism decreased in the primary auditory cortex of the postlingually deaf patients. The previous results of PET studies were confirmed, and our method involving 3DSRT has proved to be useful.
Olanzapine and Betamethasone Are Effective for the Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting due to Metastatic Brain Tumors of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Suzuki M. , Komuro K. , Ohara K.
Published: January 2014

Brain lesions originating from metastasis of colorectal cancer represent 3-5% of all brain metastases and are relatively rare. Of all distant metastases of colorectal cancer, those to the liver are detected in 22-29% of cases, while those to the lungs are detected in 8-18% of cases. In contrast, brain metastasis is quite rare, with a reported incidence ranging from 0.4 to 1.8%. Treatments for metastatic brain tumors include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and supportive care with steroids, etc. Untreated patients exhibit a median survival of only approximately 1 month. The choice of treatment for brain metastasis depends on the number of lesions, the patient's general condition, nerve findings and presence of other metastatic lesions. We herein report the case of a 78-year-old male who presented with brain metastases originating from rectal carcinoma. He suffered from nausea, vomiting, anorexia and vertigo during body movement. He received antiemetics, glycerol and whole brain radiation therapy; however, these treatments proved ineffective. Olanzapine therapy was started at a dose of 1.25 mg every night. The persistent nausea disappeared the next day, and the frequency of vomiting subsequently decreased. The patient was able to consume solid food. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic that has recently been used as palliative therapy for refractory nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy. We consider that olanzapine was helpful as a means of supportive care for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to brain metastasis.
A Rare Case of Retinal Artery Occlusion in the Context of Mediterranean Spotted Fever
Authors: Beselga Diana , Campos António , Castro Miguel , Mendes Sílvia , Campos Joana , Neves Arminda , Violante Luís , Castro Sousa João Paulo
Published: January 2014

Background: Mediterranean spotted fever is a zoonosis endemic in the Mediterranean region. The microorganism Rickettsia conorii is responsible for the disease due to its angiotropism for endothelial cells. It produces host cell necrosis, thrombosis, and organ dysfunction. Ophthalmologic manifestations are rare. Findings: The authors describe the case of a 55-year-old female with Mediterranean spotted fever who developed localized retinal vasculitis with associated macular edema. Treatment with intravitreal triamcinolone allowed a significant recovery of visual acuity. Conclusion: Ophthalmological symptoms in these patients should be emphasized because there can be severe ocular complications with a potentially irreversible loss of visual acuity.
Effects of Renal Sympathetic Denervation on Exercise Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Capacity in Patients With Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Ewen Sebastian , Mahfoud Felix , Linz Dominik , Pöss Janine , Cremers Bodo , Kindermann Ingrid , Laufs Ulrich , Ukena Christian , Böhm Michael
Published: January 2014

Renal denervation reduces office blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. This study investigated the effects of renal denervation on blood pressure, heart rate, and chronotropic index at rest, during exercise, and at recovery in 60 patients (renal denervation group=50, control group=10) with resistant hypertension using a standardized bicycle exercise test protocol performed 6 and 12 months after renal denervation. After renal denervation, exercise blood pressure at rest was reduced from 158±3/90±2 to 141±3/84±4 mm Hg (
P
<0.001 for systolic blood pressure/
P
=0.007 for diastolic blood pressure) after 6 months and 139±3/83±4 mm Hg (
P
<0.001/
P
=0.022) after 12 months. Exercise blood pressure tended to be lower at all stages of exercise at 6- and 12-month follow-up in patients undergoing renal denervation, although reaching statistical significance only at mild-to-moderate exercise levels (75–100 W). At recovery after 1 minute, blood pressure decreased from 201±4/95±2 to 177±4/88±2 (
P
<0.001/
P
=0.066) and 188±6/86±2 mm Hg (
P
=0.059/
P
=0.01) after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Heart rate was reduced after renal denervation from 71±3 bpm at rest, 128±5 bpm at maximum workload, and 96±5 bpm at recovery after 1 minute to 66±2 (
P
<0.001), 115±5 (
P
=0.107), and 89±3 bpm (
P
=0.008) after 6 months and to 69±3 (
P
=0.092), 122±7 (
P
=0.01), and 93±4 bpm (
P
=0.032) after 12 months. Mean exercise time increased from 6.59±0.33 to 8.4±0.32 (
P
<0.001) and 9.0±0.41 minutes (
P
=0.008), and mean workload increased from 93±2 to 100±2 (
P
<0.001) and 101±3 W (
P
=0.007) at 6- and 12-month follow-up, respectively. No changes were observed in the control group. In conclusion, renal denervation reduced blood pressure and heart rate during exercise, improved mean workload, and increased exercise time without impairing chronotropic competence.
Spironolactone Decreases DOCA–Salt–Induced Organ Damage by Blocking the Activation of T Helper 17 and the Downregulation of Regulatory T Lymphocytes
Authors: Amador Cristián A. , Barrientos Víctor , Peña Juan , Herrada Andrés A. , González Magdalena , Valdés Solange , Carrasco Loreto , Alzamora Rodrigo , Figueroa Fernando , Kalergis Alexis M. , Michea Luis
Published: January 2014

Adaptive immune response has been implicated in inflammation and fibrosis as a result of exposure to mineralocorticoids and a high-salt diet. We hypothesized that in mineralocorticoid-salt–induced hypertension, activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor alters the T-helper 17 lymphocyte (Th17)/regulatory T-lymphocyte/interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway, contributing to cardiac and renal damage. We studied the inflammatory response and tissue damage in rats treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate and high-salt diet (DOCA–salt), with or without mineralocorticoid receptor inhibition by spironolactone. To determine whether Th17 differentiation in DOCA–salt rats is caused by hypertension per se, DOCA–salt rats received antihypertensive therapy. In addition, to evaluate the pathogenic role of IL-17 in hypertension and tissue damage, we studied the effect of IL-17 blockade with a specific antibody (anti–IL-17). We found activation of Th17 cells and downregulation of forkhead box P3 mRNA in peripheral tissues, heart, and kidneys of DOCA–salt–treated rats. Spironolactone treatment prevented Th17 cell activation and increased numbers of forkhead box P3–positive cells relative to DOCA–salt rats. Antihypertensive therapy did not ameliorate Th17 activation in rats. Treatment of DOCA–salt rats with anti–IL-17 significantly reduced arterial hypertension as well as expression of profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators and collagen deposits in the heart and kidney. We conclude that mineralocorticoid receptor activation alters the Th17/regulatory T-lymphocyte/IL-17 pathway in mineralocorticoid-dependent hypertension as part of an inflammatory mechanism contributing to fibrosis.
Aliskiren Reduces Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury by a Bradykinin B
2
Receptor– and Angiotensin AT
2
Receptor–Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Koid Suang Suang , Ziogas James , Campbell Duncan John
Published: January 2014

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin AT
1
receptor blockers reduce myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury via bradykinin B
2
receptor– and angiotensin AT
2
receptor–mediated mechanisms. The renin inhibitor aliskiren increases cardiac tissue kallikrein and bradykinin levels. In the present study, we investigated the effect of aliskiren on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and the roles of B
2
and AT
2
receptors in this effect. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with aliskiren (10 mg/kg per day) and valsartan (30 mg/kg per day), alone or in combination, together with the B
2
receptor antagonist icatibant (0.5 mg/kg per day) or the AT
2
receptor antagonist PD123319 (30 mg/kg per day), for 4 weeks before myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. Aliskiren increased cardiac bradykinin levels and attenuated valsartan-induced increases in plasma angiotensin II levels. In vehicle-treated rats, myocardial infarct size (% area at risk, mean±SEM, n=7–13) was 43±3%. This was reduced to a similar extent by aliskiren, valsartan, and their combination to 24±3%, 25±3%, and 22±2%, respectively. Icatibant reversed the cardioprotective effects of aliskiren and the combination of aliskiren plus valsartan, but not valsartan alone, indicating that valsartan-induced cardioprotection was not mediated by the B
2
receptor. PD123319 reversed the cardioprotective effects of aliskiren, valsartan, and the combination of aliskiren plus valsartan. Aliskiren protects the heart from myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury via a B
2
receptor– and AT
2
receptor–mediated mechanism, whereas cardioprotection by valsartan is mediated via the AT
2
receptor. In addition, aliskiren attenuates valsartan-induced increases in angiotensin II levels, thus preventing AT
2
receptor–mediated cardioprotection by valsartan.
Kagan – A Ruler’s Title in Early Eleventh-Century Kievan Rus’? Ilarion’s “On Law And Grace” as a Historical Source
Authors: Szili Sándor
Published: January 2014

There is no consensus among scholars about whether Ilarion used the term kagan as a title or as praise in his sermon “On Law and Grace.” His work is the only narrative source regarded as contemporary, and it allows some conclusions to be drawn concerning the semantics and functions of the word kagan in eleventh-century Kievan Rus’. Historical methods of criticism do not provide a definitive answer to the question either, but the final conclusion supports the views of those who argue that Vladimir I and Iaroslav the Wise had themselves addressed as kagan. By using this title they conveyed that they surpassed other princes in authority and ruled the country with full powers.
The Frontispiece of Peter the Great’s Simvoly i Emblemata (1705): An Iconographical Analysis
Authors: Sashalmi Endre
Published: January 2014

The reign of Peter the Great witnessed a “revolution in Russian imagery,” to borrow the title of James Cracraft’s book. A crucial role in this revolution was played by a handbook of Western symbolism, Simvoly i Emblemata, published in Amsterdam in 1705 on Peter’s order. While Tsar Peter was on his grand tour of Western Europe in 1697-98, he became fascinated by the emblem book of Daniel de la Feully (Devises et Emblémes), published in Amsterdam in 1691. Peter ordered a Russian translation of the book and a new frontispiece as well. The frontispiece, designed by Joseph Mulder, contained Peter’s Western-style portrait surrounded by eight 8 devices (images and mottos) with bilingual Latin and Russian inscriptions. Until now, there has been no study of the iconography of the frontispiece which aimed to glorify Tsar Peter as a military leader – a new Hercules – in Russia and abroad. Careful study of the frontispiece reveals hidden messages addressed to the enemies of Russia and also shows how Peter was presented as the creator of a new Golden Age of Russia. Iconographical analysis is used here to decode the ideological and propaganda messages conveyed by the frontispiece.
Factor XI deficiency: incidental diagnosis post coronary artery bypass graft
Authors: Lammy Simon , Pessotto Renzo
Published: January 2014

Severe Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is defined when the activated partial thromboplastin time is prolonged and its activation is <1–15 UdL−1 in plasma. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait but can be acquired. In severe deficiency the bleeding diathesis is normally injury related. This particularly occurs during surgical procedures and trauma involving tissues rich in fibrinolytic activators. Cardiopulmonary bypass induces transient abnormalities in haemostasis which can cause a postoperative bleeding diathesis. Once treated, it does not appear to be a contraindication to cardiac procedures. Conversely, acquired deficiencies are more insidious being incidentally diagnosed during routine laboratory investigations and might be triggered by an inhibitory agent. We present a case of an uncomplicated 12-month delayed diagnosis of Factor XI deficiency following coronary artery bypass grafting and sternal rewiring. The potential risks if undiagnosed and the uncharacteristic clinical history of our case are discussed.
Sociology and Neoliberalism: A Missing History
Authors: Gane Nicholas
Published: January 2014

This article argues that neoliberal thought initially positioned itself in relation to classical sociology by developing an economic epistemology in response, on one hand, to Max Weber’s methodological writings, and, on the other, to the positivist sociology of figures such as Auguste Comte. These points of contact between early sociological and neoliberalism are addressed in detail in order to consider the challenges that the latter poses to sociological thought. It is argued that because the neoliberal project developed out of an epistemological and political critique of classical ideas of the ‘social’, this places sociology in a position of strength to advance a critical response to the intellectual basis of neoliberalism.
Quotas and intersectionality: Ethnicity and gender in candidate selection
Authors: Celis Karen , Erzeel Silvia , Mügge Liza , Damstra Alyt
Published: January 2014

Gender equality is not fully realised when it is restricted to ethnic majority men and women. This article examines how gender quotas as a form of equality policy affect ethnic minority groups, in particular, the gender balance among ethnic minority candidates for political office. Our analysis focuses on the selection of ethnic minority candidates in Belgium, where legally binding quotas exist, and in the Netherlands, where they do not. Drawing on 23 interviews with central actors in four main parties in each country, we find that the process of ethnic minority candidate selection is highly gendered: in both countries, ethnic minority women are represented in larger numbers than ethnic minority men. But gender quotas play a lesser role in this than the more general concern for diversity on electoral lists, the institutionalisation of gender/ethnicity within political parties and the strategic choices of party leaders.
Ethnic quotas and ethnic representation worldwide
Authors: Bird Karen
Published: January 2014

This article makes theoretical and empirical contributions towards understanding the form and function of ethnic quotas that are applied in various countries around the world. It advances a classification scheme for sorting through the broad variation in these electoral mechanisms. Initial exploration suggests that variation among ethnic quota schemes corresponds more with regime type, and less with differences in ethnic demography. Nevertheless, particular rules do operate differently in relation to ethnic diversity and inter-group conflict. Different rules also appear to have an impact on representational dynamics, including the capacity of minority ethnic representatives to exercise legislative influence on matters of concern to their community.
Women’s sustainable representation and the spillover effect of electoral gender quotas in South Korea
Authors: Shin Ki-young
Published: January 2014

This article explores the indirect impact of gender quota legislation on the election of women to the South Korean national parliament. Although quotas mainly apply to the proportional representation portion of the mixed electoral system, pressures on parties to comply with quotas for single-member districts has brought about a ‘spillover effect’, whereby women elected via proportional representation quotas are later nominated and re-elected to single-member district seats for which parties do not apply quotas. This effect stems from a ‘no re-election’ norm in the proportional representation system that emerged after electoral reform in the 2000s, combined with the fact that being elected through quotas enhances women’s political experience and thus their chances to run for district seats. While the ‘no re-election’ norm initially exerts a negative impact by preventing women from winning the same seat at the next election, it has a positive prolonged impact on women’s sustainable representation by relocating women incumbents to district seats while also continuing to elect women via quotas.
Electoral quotas and political representation: Comparative perspectives
Authors: Krook Mona Lena , Zetterberg Pär
Published: January 2014

Electoral quotas have emerged as one of the critical political reforms of the last two decades, affecting a wide range of representative processes. However, the evidence is not yet conclusive with regard to what quotas ‘mean’ more broadly, either for politics at large or for the empowerment of group members. Taking up this challenge, this special issue brings together articles that collectively expand the current research agenda to theorise and assess the wider impact of electoral quotas. A unifying theme is the use of comparative research strategies to illuminate dynamics indicating the possibilities and limits of what quotas can achieve. This introductory article reviews the existing literature and then details the research strategies and theoretical and empirical findings of the articles that follow, concluding with directions for future research and implications of this work for connecting central debates within political science.
Ethnic quotas and unintended effects on women’s political representation in Singapore
Authors: Tan Netina
Published: January 2014

This article examines the effects of ethnic quotas on women’s political representation in Singapore. The 1988 electoral reform requires at least one minority ethnic candidate to be fielded in the multimember constituencies based on the party list plurality bloc vote system. Based on elite interviews, party publications and electoral data, this article argues that the increases in the district magnitude of the multimember constituencies have had the unintended effect of improving women’s political participation. More broadly, the article shows the conditions under which electoral rules shape behaviour and focuses on how the ruling party leaders in Singapore act as gatekeepers through centralised candidate selection methods that have a direct impact on legislative diversity.
Quotas for advisory committees, business and politics: Just more of the same?
Authors: Meier Petra
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, we can distinguish gender quotas targeting the political, the social and the economic spheres of society. Taking the Belgian case as an example, this article examines to what extent these different generations or groups of gender quotas differ intrinsically from each other. To this end, it analyses five generic gender quota laws adopted in the period 1990–2011 and the rationales underlying them. The analysis shows that the rules and underlying rationales do not differ fundamentally across the different spheres of society and that existing differences can mainly be explained by a factor of time.
Extending the Job Demands–Resources Model
Authors: Minnotte Krista Lynn
Published: January 2014

This study extended the job demands–resources model to consider how resources and demands stemming from the work domain were related to the perceived parental success of dual-earner mothers and fathers. The analysis was performed using data from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce ( N = 308 dual-earner mothers and 296 dual-earner fathers). Results for mothers indicated that job resources and demands only mattered when the interactions between them were considered, with supervisor support and organizational support moderating how the demand of nonstandard work hours related to perceived parental success. The findings for fathers highlight the importance of direct relationships, with the results showing that nonstandard work hours were related to lower perceived parental success, whereas the work resources of coworker support and supervisor support were both positively related to the dependent variable. These findings suggest that the job demands–resources model can be extended to examine the perceptions held by mothers and fathers regarding their parenting.
Toward a Sociology of Public Demonstrations
Authors: Rosental Claude
Published: January 2014

This paper develops a social-theoretical approach to public demonstrations (e.g., software demos, the performances of “market pitchers,” even street protests). Public demonstrations are often viewed as proofs, persuasion tools, and theatrical performances. I argue that they play a larger set of roles in social life. Depending the spaces of their enactment, they may serve as transactional and coordination devices, cognitive and relational tools, mobilization and competition apparatuses, observatories for demonstrators, and resources for project design, management, and assessment. They constitute an important form of interaction and help to structure social relationships. My argument is based on investigations into the uses of public demonstrations by the European Commission and U.S. scientists and engineers. These studies illustrate how “demo-cracies”—regimes that use public demonstrations for the management of public affairs—have developed in industrial and postindustrial societies.
Use of Mental Health Screening Instruments by Non-Medical Helping Professionals
Authors: Simmons Catherine A. , Whalley Anna , Beck J. Gayle
Published: January 2014

When screening women intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors for mental health concerns, helping professionals must balance the very real concerns that arise with diagnostic labels with the equally real difficulties related to mental health problems. To better understand whether and how mental health screening tools can be more useful in this process, the current study reports findings from an online needs assessment. The nationally representative sample included 325 professionals who work with IPV survivors in United States. Overall, participants have a positive attitude about assessing mental health concerns even though most do not conduct such assessments. From this, the following four areas are highlighted: (a) a need for training, (b) the appropriateness of screening, (c) factors that limit use, and (d) assessment tools. Findings also suggest it may be beneficial to develop instruments and/or protocols that are tailored to the unique needs/experiences of IPV survivors.
Family Efficacy as a Protective Factor Against Immigrant Adolescent Risky Behavior
Authors: Kao Tsui-Sui Annie , Lupiya Chikwekwe Musonda , Clemen-Stone Susan
Published: January 2014

Research suggests that family efficacy—defined as a family’s beliefs in its capability to manage different situations in order to achieve a desired outcome—is linked to a decreased likelihood of adolescents to engage in risky health behaviors. It is not clear, however, if this is true for immigrant families when they are encountering with increased challenges in their host countries. To provide holistic nursing care to immigrant families, it is important to know the sources of family efficacy particularly for immigrant adolescents when they are developing health behavior. This integrative review examined existing literature to learn about the sources of family efficacy among immigrant adolescents and how different domain of family efficacy is related to risky behaviors. We examined 22 studies on the topics of immigration, adaptation, risky adolescent behavior, and family function. Findings showed that multidimensional sources of family efficacies (specifically those in the relational, pragmatic, and value-laden domains) exert significant positive effects on immigrant adolescents’ health behaviors.
Legitimizing Legitimization: Tārā’s Assimilation of Masculine Qualities in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and the Feminist ‘Reclaiming’ of Theological Discourse
Authors: Lam Raymond
Published: January 2014

This essay examines how Tārā ‘reclaims’ the discourse of enlightenment for Buddhist women and feminist theologians. Despite universal concern for the liberation of all beings, Buddhahood in mainstream texts and narratives was confined to male deities and masters, or females that switched their genders in their final rebirth. Furthermore, Tārā’s senior male bodhisattvas, Avalokiteśvara and Mañjuśrî, overwhelmingly monopolized compassion and wisdom as the latters’ embodiments. This study proposes how Tārā’s theology gradually came to distinguish her from her male colleagues and reclaim the state of Buddhahood. Tārā is an unequivocally female Buddha in Vajrayāna Buddhism because she has managed to assimilate these theological virtues that were essentially reserved as masculine, correcting them as genderless qualities without identity. Tārā’s legitimization sets a concrete precedent for the title of ‘Buddha’ to be included amongst the categories of feminine faith and practice.
Searching for ethical leadership in nursing
Authors: Makaroff Kara Schick , Storch Janet , Pauly Bernie , Newton Lorelei
Published: January 2014

Background:

Attention to ethical leadership in nursing has diminished over the past several decades.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to investigate how frontline nurses and formal nurse leaders envision ethical nursing leadership.

Research design:

Meta-ethnography was used to guide our analysis and synthesis of four studies that explored the notion of ethical nursing leadership.

Participants and research context:

These four original studies were conducted from 1999-2008 in Canada with 601 participants.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical approval from the original studies covered future analysis.

Findings:

Using the analytic strategy of lines-of-argument, we found that 1) ethical nursing leadership must be responsive to practitioners and to the contextual system in which they and formal nurse leaders work, and 2) ethical nursing leadership requires receiving and providing support to increase the capacity to practice and discuss ethics in the day-to-day.

Discussion and conclusion:

Formal nurse leaders play a critical, yet often neglected role, in providing ethical leadership and supporting ethical nursing practice at the point of patient care.
Human resource management (HRM) in temporary work agencies: Evidence from the hospitality industry
Authors: Knox Angela
Published: January 2014

Overwhelmingly, research examining temporary work agency (TWA) employment suggests that agencies rely on cost-based HRM, which coincides with substandard outcomes for TWA workers and clients. While contrasting literature indicates that ‘value adding’ HRM may yield more positive outcomes, empirical evidence remains scarce. This case study–based research begins to redress this gap by comparing TWAs reliant on cost-based and ‘value adding’ HRM within the hospitality industry. Findings illustrate that TWA employment and ‘value adding’ HRM are compatible and advantageous, yielding superior outcomes for TWA workers and clients.
Communication About Advance Directives and End-of-Life Care Options Among Internal Medicine Residents
Authors: Rhodes Ramona L. , Tindall Kate , Xuan Lei , Paulk M. Elizabeth , Halm Ethan A.
Published: January 2014

Background:

Despite increasing awareness about the importance of discussing end-of-life (EOL) care options with terminally ill patients and families, many physicians remain uncomfortable with these discussions.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to examine perceptions of and comfort with EOL care discussions among a group of internal medicine residents and the extent to which comfort with these discussions has improved over time.

Methods:

In 2013, internal medicine residents at a large academic medical center were asked to participate in an on-line survey that assessed their attitudes and experiences with discussing EOL care with terminally-ill patients. These results were compared to data from a similar survey residents in the same program completed in 2006.

Results:

Eighty-three (50%) residents completed the 2013 survey. About half (52%) felt strongly that they were able to have open, honest discussions with patients and families, while 71% felt conflicted about whether CPR was in the patient’s best interest. About half (53%) felt strongly that it was okay for them to tell a patient/family member whether or not CPR was a good idea for them. Compared to 2006 respondents, the 2013 cohort felt they had more lectures about EOL communication, and had watched an attending have an EOL discussion more often.

Conclusions:

Modest improvements were made over time in trainees’ exposure to EOL discussions; however, many residents remain uncomfortable and conflicted with having EOL care discussions with their patients. More effective training approaches in EOL communication are needed to train the next generation of internists.
Working Memory Training in College Students With ADHD or LD
Authors: Gropper Rachel J. , Gotlieb Howell , Kronitz Reena , Tannock Rosemary
Published: January 2014

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of working memory (WM) training in college students with ADHD or learning disabilities (LD). Method: A total of 62 students (21 males, 41 females) were randomized to a 5-week intensive WM training program or a wait-list control group. Participants were evaluated before treatment, 3 weeks after completion, and at 2-month follow-up. The criterion measures were standardized tests of auditory-verbal and visual-spatial WM. Near transfer measures included other cognitive tasks; far transfer measures included academic tasks and behavioral rating scales. Results: Intent-to-treat analysis revealed that participants receiving WM training showed significantly greater improvements on the criterion WM measures and self-reported fewer ADHD symptoms and cognitive failures. The follow-up assessment indicated that gains in WM were maintained, as were improvements in cognitive failures. Conclusion: Computerized WM training is a feasible and possibly viable approach for enhancing WM in college students with ADHD or LD.
Fiscal Incidence When Family Structure Matters
Authors: Mou Haizhen , Winer Stanley L.
Published: January 2014

Population aging has led to demands for subsidization of home care for the elderly, and many countries now provide such help. In this article, we investigate analytically and with simulation the fiscal incidence of a cost-sharing price subsidy for home care. Our focus is on incidence and benefit shifting between elderly parents and their children who provide time or money. We first derive incidence indexes on a budgetary and on a welfare basis. We then simulate our indexes using Canadian data in order to understand how incidence actually depends on basic family structure, the nature of altruism, and other key factors. Finally, we simulate the implications for fiscal incidence of a switch from a price subsidy to a lump-sum allowance that allows the family somewhat greater freedom of choice. The article concludes with reflections on the general state of expenditure incidence analysis.
‘To see and be seen’: Ethnographic notes on cultural work in contemporary art in Greece
Authors: Kompatsiaris Panos
Published: January 2014

A key term in discussions on the nature of cultural work is the concept of ‘autonomy’, or ‘relative autonomy’, according to which cultural workers are capable of realizing themselves in the processes of work. This article wishes to problematize this idea by examining the quotidian reality of cultural workers in the field of contemporary art in Greece during the current economic crisis. The analysis is based on ethnographic fieldwork, focusing on how the positive characteristics of cultural work are inscribed in workers’ experiences through their participation in ReMap, a contemporary art event that takes places biannually in Athens and is tightly interwoven with processes of gentrification. I argue that relative autonomy is neither a given nor a state where the cultural worker linearly progresses. Within the context of the larger cultural and economic implications of neoliberalism and its crisis, it is rather an ideal they are striving for, often through highly alienating conditions, in a field dominated by competition, voluntarism, low salaries, precarity and absence of collective bargaining.
Integrated pest management programme in hospital environment
Authors: Cintra-Socolowski P. , Malaspina O. , Cavalcante R. S. , Mondelli A. L. , Bueno O. C.
Published: January 2014

Urban pests are known to infest health service facilities, especially in a warm, wet neotropical climate. In practice, pest control services for health service facilities are generally outsourced and in most cases are not properly monitored. To address this problem, an integrated pest management (IPM) programme was developed at a hospital in the municipality of Botucatu, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, by the infection control committee. The method of control applied used spreadsheet pest reports to monitor the presence of vectors. These reports were forwarded to the committee and used to implement several actions of integrated pest control. In 2011, a total of 183 occurrences were recorded by the infection control committee, 5% lower than the number of incidents recorded in 2010, the first year of integrated pest control. In 2012, the total number of occurrences decreased to 159 events, demonstrating the IPM effects. Three years after the implementation of the programme, the predominant pests in the hospital were scorpions (30%), ants (19%) and spiders (16%), with Tityus serrulatus, Paratrechina longicornis and Loxosceles sp as the predominant species, respectively. The presence of scorpions in a hospital environment is not documented in the literature, although these animals are common in urban ecosystems. These results demonstrate that integrated pest control in hospitals is effective and should be conducted on a continuous basis. We suggest the use of this approach by all health services located in neotropical environments.
Endovascular Repair of an Ductus Arteriosus Aneurysm Causing Ortner Syndrome
Authors: Runge Vivian , Pieper Claus Christian , Schiller Wolfgang , Praeger Adrian James , Probst Christian , Wilhelm Kai E.
Published: January 2014

A ductus arteriosus aneurysm (DAA) is a rare but potentially fatal condition in adults. In the past, open surgery was the only available option for treatment. Nowadays, endovascular repair has emerged as a safe and less invasive treatment option for aortic aneurysms. However, there is little experience with DAA and its anatomic location can complicate endovascular repair. Here, we describe the case of a 69-year-old patient who presented with Ortner syndrome caused by DAA, which was successfully treated using a solely endovascular approach and a standard stent graft.
Primary Repair of a Traumatic Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Ayling Oliver , Martin Allan , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: January 2014

Traumatic superficial temporal artery (STA) pseudoaneurysm is a rare clinical entity that typically presents after a short delay following blunt trauma. Diagnosis should be made primarily upon history and physical examination while duplex ultrasound is an appropriate adjunct for confirmation and preoperative planning. Optimal management of traumatic STA pseudoaneurysm is surgical and may consist of ligation and excision of the aneurysmal artery or, alternatively, primary arterial repair when feasible. Surgical treatment is usually possible under local anesthetic alone and is usually curative while incurring minimal risk of complications.
The impact of gender on personal, health and workplace psychosocial risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Harris-Adamson Carisa , Eisen Ellen A , Dale Ann Marie , Evanoff Bradley , Hegmann Kurt T. , Thiese Matthew S. , Kapellusch Jay , Garg Arun , Burt Susan , Bao Stephen , Silverstein Barbara , Gerr Fred , Merlino Linda , Rempel David
Published: January 2014

Between 2001 and 2010 six research groups conducted coordinated multi-year, prospective studies of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in US workers from various industries and collected detailed subject-level exposure information with follow-up symptom, physical examination, electrophysiological measures, and job changes. Objective. This analysis of the pooled cohort examined the incidence of dominant-hand carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in relation to demographic characteristics and estimated associations with occupational psychosocial factors, adjusting for confounding by personal risk factors. Methods. 3,515 participants, without baseline CTS, were followed up to 7 years. Case criteria included symptoms and an electrodiagnostic study consistent with CTS. Adjusted hazard ratios were estimated in Cox proportional hazard models. Workplace biomechanical factors were collected but not evaluated in this analysis. Results. Females were at elevated, though statistically non-significant, risk for CTS (HR=1.30; 95%CI: 0.98-1.72). The incidence of CTS increased linearly with both age and BMI over most of the observed range. High job strain increased risk (HR=1.86; 95%CI: 1.11-3.14) and social support was protective (HR=0.43; 95%CI: 0.23-0.78). There was no effect modification of gender on age, BMI or high job strain. Conclusions. Personal factors associated with an increased risk of developing CTS were BMI, age and being female, though no effect modification by gender was evident. Workplace risk factors were high job strain while social support was protective.
Male contraception
Authors: Chawathey Kunal
Published: January 2014

There are numerous methods for female contraception, however, when men wish to control their fertility they have to either rely on female compliance with contraceptives or choose between condoms or a vasectomy. Emerging research, however, is opening the doors for novel methods for male contraception. This paper discusses existing male contraception methods and some new techniques that have the potential to provide alternative forms of male contraception in the near future.