bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seropositivity to Toxoplasma infection in sheep samples submitted to Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories between 2005 and 2012
Authors: Hutchinson J. P. , Smith R. P.
Published: April 2015

Ovine serum samples submitted to Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) (formerly the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) – Weybridge regional laboratories in England and Wales for diagnostic and monitoring purposes between 2005 and 2012 were investigated for possible spatial and temporal variations in seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Of the 4354 samples tested by latex agglutination, 2361 (54.2 per cent) were seropositive. No correlation between seropositivity and climatic conditions was identified by mixed‐effects modelling using meteorological data summaries. The proportion of seropositive samples collected during November was found to be significantly lower than those collected during other months and samples from the North West England and North Wales Regions had significantly lower odds of being positive. Spatial cluster analysis identified a significantly higher proportion of seropositive animals in East Anglia and the South, East and Midlands of England. Spatio‐temporal cluster analysis detected a single significant cluster of seropositive animals dating from January 2006 to January 2011, which covered a large proportion of the farm locations. As well as confirming high overall levels of infection within the national flock, these findings also indicate possible temporal and regional variations in exposure of sheep to T. gondii.
Ocular manifestations of canine transmissible venereal tumour: a retrospective study of 25 cases in Greece
Authors: Komnenou A. Th , Thomas A. L. N. , Kyriazis A. P. , Poutahidis T. , Papazoglou L. G.
Published: April 2015

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a sexually transmitted neoplasm that frequently affects dogs of either sex, in tropical and subtropical regions. TVT primarily involves the external genitalia, although extragenital sites have also been reported. This study describes the ocular manifestations of TVT in 25 naturally infected dogs and their response to treatment. Seventeen male and eight female dogs were included in the study. TVT ocular lesions were either unilateral (21 dogs) or bilateral (four dogs). Ocular lesions as the single manifestation of TVT were seen in 22 animals. One dog presented external genitalia involvement while two others were found to have tumours in the oral and nasal mucosa. Variably sized multilobular tumour masses with irregular surface were noticed on the bulbar conjunctiva of the nictitating membrane in 17 dogs, on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid in five dogs and on the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid and adjacent skin in three dogs. Deep ulcerative keratitis was observed in eight animals. TVT diagnosis was based on cytology and histopathology. The large eye masses were surgically excised. All dogs were treated with a single chemotherapeutic agent (vincristine). After four weeks of treatment, complete remission of the tumours was evident in all but one animal. Extragenital primary ophthalmic TVT can be completely eliminated by vincristine chemotherapy, while any further ocular damage is prevented with the combination of the above treatment and surgical excision.
Resistance to weathering and retreatability of composite protective nanostructured coatings applied to Pendelikon marbles
Authors: Stefanidou M. , Matziaris K. , Karagiannis G.
Published: April 2015

The protection of Pendelikon marbles to weathering has been the main aim of numerous and longstanding studies. Latest scientific approaches in the field of conservation include methods for self-cleaning surfaces that mimic natural phenomena. In our research, we have critically studied and implemented by means of nanotechnology, the development of a biomimetic composite, protective, hybrid nanostructured film. The mineral substrates have been coated with a fluorosilanic base matrix and furthermore top-coated with a nanostructured synthesis made from amorphous silicon dioxide, sprayed using the ‘alla prima’ technique. The behaviour of the composite protective coating has been evaluated in terms of wettability, retreatability and resistance to weathering.
Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and sex difference affect the fate of glucose in the human heart
Authors: Peterson Linda R. , Herrero Pilar , Coggan Andrew R. , Kisrieva-Ware Zulia , Saeed Ibrahim , Dence Carmen , Koudelis Deborah , McGill Janet B. , Lyons Matthew R. , Novak Eric , Dávila-Román Víctor G. , Waggoner Alan D. , Gropler Robert J.
Published: April 2015

Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and sex difference affect myocardial glucose uptake and utilization. However, their effect on the intramyocellular fate of glucose in humans has been unknown. How the heart uses glucose is important, because it affects energy production and oxygen efficiency, which in turn affect heart function and adaptability. We hypothesized that type 2 diabetes, sex difference, and obesity affect myocardial glucose oxidation, glycolysis, and glycogen production. In a first-in-human study, we measured intramyocardiocellular glucose metabolism from time-activity curves generated from previously obtained positron emission tomography scans of 110 subjects in 3 groups: nonobese, obese, and diabetes. Group and sex difference interacted in the prediction of all glucose uptake, utilization, and metabolism rates. Group independently predicted fractional glucose uptake and its components: glycolysis, glycogen deposition, and glucose oxidation rates. Sex difference predicted glycolysis rates. However, there were fewer differences in glucose metabolism between diabetic patients and others when plasma glucose levels were included in the modeling. The potentially detrimental effects of obesity and diabetes on myocardial glucose metabolism are more pronounced in men than women. This sex difference dimorphism needs to be taken into account in the design, trials, and application of metabolic modulator therapy. Slightly higher plasma glucose levels improve depressed glucose oxidation and glycogen deposition rates in diabetic patients.
NMDA receptors mediate contractile responses in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Anaparti Vidyanand , Ilarraza Ramses , Orihara Kanami , Stelmack Gerald L. , Ojo Oluwaseun O. , Mahood Thomas H. , Unruh Helmut , Halayko Andrew J. , Moqbel Redwan
Published: April 2015

Human airway smooth muscle (HASM) exhibits enhanced contractility in asthma. Inflammation is associated with airway hypercontractility, but factors that underpin these features are not fully elucidated. Glutamate toxicity associated with increased plasma glutamate concentrations was observed in airway inflammation, suggesting that multisubunit glutamate receptors, N-methyl- d-aspartate receptors (NMDA-R) contribute to airway hyperreactivity. We tested the hypothesis that HASM expresses NMDA-R subunits that can form functional receptors to mediate contractile responses to specific extracellular ligands. In cultured HASM cells, we measured NMDA-R subunit mRNA and protein abundance by quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and epifluorescence immunocytochemistry. We measured mRNA for a number of NMDA-R subunits, including the obligatory NR1 subunit, which we confirmed to be present as a protein. In vitro and ex vivo functional NMDA-R activation in HASM cells was measured using intracellular calcium flux (fura-2 AM), collagen gel contraction assays, and murine thin-cut lung slices (TCLS). NMDA, a pharmacological glutamate analog, induced cytosolic calcium mobilization in cultured HASM cells. We detected three different temporal patterns of calcium response, suggesting the presence of heterogeneous myocyte subpopulations. NMDA-R activation also induced airway contraction in murine TCLS and soft collagen gels seeded with HASM cells. Responses in cells, lung slices, and collagen gels were mediated by NMDA-R, as they could be blocked by (2R)-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate, a specific NMDA-R inhibitor. In summary, we reveal the presence of NMDA-R in HASM that mediate contractile responses via glutamatergic mechanisms. These findings suggest that accumulation of glutamate-like ligands for NMDA-R associated with airway inflammation contributes directly to airway hyperreactivity.
Xanthohumol-Mediated Suppression of Notch1 Signaling Is Associated with Antitumor Activity in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Kunnimalaiyaan Selvi , Trevino Jose , Tsai Susan , Gamblin T. Clark , Kunnimalaiyaan Muthusamy
Published: April 2015

Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. At the time of diagnosis, approximately 80% of these patients present with unresectable tumors caused by either locally advanced lesions or progressive metastatic growth. Therefore, development of novel treatment strategies and new therapeutics is needed. Xanthohumol (XN) has emerged as a potential compound that inhibits various types of cancer, but the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of XN remains unclear. In the present study, we have assessed the efficacy of XN on pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, PANC-1, L3.6pl, MiaPaCa-2, 512, and 651) against cell growth in real time and using colony-forming assays. Treatment with XN resulted in reduction in cellular proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The growth suppression effect of XN in pancreatic cancer cell lines is due to increased apoptosis via the inhibition of the Notch1 signaling pathway, as evidenced by reduction in Notch1, HES-1, and survivin both at mRNA as well as protein levels. Notch1 promoter reporter analysis after XN treatment indicated that XN downregulates Notch promoter activity. Importantly, overexpression of active Notch1 in XN-treated pancreatic cancer cells resulted in negation of growth suppression. Taken together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that the growth suppressive effect of XN in pancreatic cancer cells is mainly mediated by Notch1 reduction. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1395–403. ©2015 AACR.
Polycystin-1 Is a Cardiomyocyte Mechanosensor That Governs L-Type Ca
2+
Channel Protein Stability
Authors: Pedrozo Zully , Criollo Alfredo , Battiprolu Pavan K. , Morales Cyndi R. , Contreras-Ferrat Ariel , Fernández Carolina , Jiang Nan , Luo Xiang , Caplan Michael J. , Somlo Stefan , Rothermel Beverly A. , Gillette Thomas G. , Lavandero Sergio , Hill Joseph A.
Published: April 2015

Background—

L-type calcium channel activity is critical to afterload-induced hypertrophic growth of the heart. However, the mechanisms governing mechanical stress–induced activation of L-type calcium channel activity are obscure. Polycystin-1 (PC-1) is a G protein–coupled receptor–like protein that functions as a mechanosensor in a variety of cell types and is present in cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results—

We subjected neonatal rat ventricular myocytes to mechanical stretch by exposing them to hypo-osmotic medium or cyclic mechanical stretch, triggering cell growth in a manner dependent on L-type calcium channel activity. RNAi-dependent knockdown of PC-1 blocked this hypertrophy. Overexpression of a C-terminal fragment of PC-1 was sufficient to trigger neonatal rat ventricular myocyte hypertrophy. Exposing neonatal rat ventricular myocytes to hypo-osmotic medium resulted in an increase in α1C protein levels, a response that was prevented by PC-1 knockdown. MG132, a proteasomal inhibitor, rescued PC-1 knockdown–dependent declines in α1C protein. To test this in vivo, we engineered mice harboring conditional silencing of PC-1 selectively in cardiomyocytes (PC-1 knockout) and subjected them to mechanical stress in vivo (transverse aortic constriction). At baseline, PC-1 knockout mice manifested decreased cardiac function relative to littermate controls, and α1C L-type calcium channel protein levels were significantly lower in PC-1 knockout hearts. Whereas control mice manifested robust transverse aortic constriction–induced increases in cardiac mass, PC-1 knockout mice showed no significant growth. Likewise, transverse aortic constriction–elicited increases in hypertrophic markers and interstitial fibrosis were blunted in the knockout animals

Conclusion—

PC-1 is a cardiomyocyte mechanosensor that is required for cardiac hypertrophy through a mechanism that involves stabilization of α1C protein.
Implications of the US Cholesterol Guidelines on Eligibility for Statin Therapy in the Community: Comparison of Observed and Predicted Risks in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort
Authors: Andersson Charlotte , Enserro Danielle , Larson Martin G. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Concerns have been raised that the 2013 atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
) risk estimator overpredicts risk in contemporary cohorts. Whether suboptimal calibration will lead to overtreatment with statins is unknown. We investigated the numbers of people eligible for statin treatment in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort, based on the 2013 cholesterol guidelines, and estimated the proportion that may be overtreated as a result of potential miscalibration of the
ASCVD
estimator.

Methods and Results

During a median follow‐up of 10 years, we observed 285
ASCVD
events (8.4%; comprising ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and coronary artery disease death) among 3396 men and 112 events (2.9%) among 3838 women. Hosmer–Lemeshow chi‐square statistics were 16.3 in men (340 predicted versus 285 observed events) and 29.1 in women (166 predicted versus 112 observed events). Overprediction predominantly occurred among women in the highest risk decile and among men in the ≥7th risk deciles, for which observed
ASCVD
event rates were ≥7.5%. In total, 2615 participants (36%; 867 women) were eligible for statins based on the new guidelines. Of these, 171 women (20%) and 154 men (9%) were reclassified downward (as not eligible for statin therapy) using a recalibrated
ASCVD
estimator. In the latter group, 18 women (10.5%; 95% CI 5.9% to 15.2%) and 11 men (7.1%; 95% CI 3.0% to 11.3%) experienced
ASCVD
.

Conclusions

The risk estimator overpredicted
ASCVD
risk but did so mainly among high‐risk participants who would be considered eligible for statin use anyway. Our findings may mitigate concerns regarding the potential impact of miscalibration of the
ASCVD
estimator in contemporary cohorts.
Opportunities for longitudinal data linkage in Scotland
Authors: Hagger-Johnson Gareth
Published: April 2015

Scotland has existing data resources which are competitive internationally and available to researchers from elsewhere. The Scottish Informatics and Linkage Collaboration (SILC) was recently launched, allowing data sets to be linked within and between sectors (e.g. health to non-health). The purpose of this review article is to introduce and define key terms in data linkage, to describe the emerging data linkage resources available in Scotland and to describe the opportunities available in Scotland to researchers internationally. The review is aimed at researchers internationally who are interested in data linkage using Scottish data resources. The review makes particular reference to longitudinal health data but emphasises that linkage to non-health data allows research questions to be considered that were previously not answerable. The review is focused on longitudinal data resources (e.g. cohort studies and repeated measures designs), since they are usually the focus of data linkage research. The review concludes that any intended data linkage for research should be driven by a clear research question. The infrastructure already available and the launch of SILC will accelerate research in Scotland and generate new research questions that previously could not be considered.
Evaluation of containment and mitigation strategies for an influenza A pandemic in China
Authors: Weng Wenguo , Ni Shunjiang
Published: April 2015

The world is still in heightened awareness of the potential threat of another influenza pandemic, although it has been 5 years since the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. Evaluation of the adopted intervention strategies for handling the 2009 H1N1 pandemic is helpful for dealing with future outbreaks. In this paper we developed a hybrid model combining meta-population and agent-based models to evaluate the containment and mitigation strategies (e.g., contact tracing and quarantine of contacts at assembly sites in the early phase, more medical institutions to detect cases and treat serious patients in the developing phase, and rapid vaccines delivered to students first) for an H1N1 pandemic that were adopted in China. We find that the presented model can retrospectively fit relatively well to the spreading progress through comparison of the simulation results with actual infections data, and it can be used for practical application in evaluating the containment and mitigation strategies for an influenza pandemic if model validation and parameter estimation can be conducted by using actual data. The results will contribute to understanding the spread of viruses and the control of infectious diseases, and to helping government officials create policies on handling an influenza pandemic, especially beneficial to a large and diverse country such as the People’s Republic of China.
Clothing in the kitchen: Evaluation of fabric performance for protection against hot surface contact, hot liquid and low-pressure steam burns
Authors: Zhang Han , McQueen Rachel H , Batcheller Jane C , Paskaluk Stephen A , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: April 2015

Kitchen workers sustain one of the highest rates of occupational burn injuries through exposure to the various thermal hazards present in institutional and restaurant kitchens. The jacket of the chefs’ uniform has the potential to act as a protective garment, although the extent of the protection afforded by this clothing has not been examined. This study evaluates a selection of current fabrics used in chefs’ uniform jackets to determine their effectiveness in providing protection against hot surface contact, hot liquids and low-pressure steam burns. Four jacket fabrics and two apron fabrics were tested as single layers and in layered combinations. Results showed that single-layered fabrics offered less protection against hot surface contact burns than double-layered fabrics, as an increase in fabric thickness improved thermal insulation of the system. Fabrics covered with a water-impermeable apron layer afforded the greatest protection against hot water and low-pressure steam, while fabrics covered with a permeable apron layer did not provide additional protection. It was found that the addition of the permeable apron fabric layer stored more thermal energy when exposed to hot water, potentially reducing the protection offered by the layered fabric systems.
Analysis of oxidized cellulose introduced into ramie fiber by oxidation degumming
Authors: Li Zhaoling , Meng Chaoran , Yu Chongwen
Published: April 2015

Oxidized cellulose can be produced from the oxidation reaction of hydrogen peroxide in the degumming process of ramie fibers. In this work, the contents of aldehyde and carboxylate groups in ramie cellulose which occurred during the degumming process were quantitatively determined by the electric conductivity titration method. The morphological changes and chemical components of oxidized cellulose were characterized using SEM, XRD, and FT-IR. Additionally, the relationship between the contents of the oxidized groups and the mechanical properties of the degummed fibers were discussed and analyzed. Results showed that the presence of aldehyde and carboxylate groups in the cellulose contributed significantly to the loss of tenacity, breaking elongation, softness, and degree of polymerization of degummed fibers. When the aldehyde content varied from 20 to 35  µmol/g and the carboxylate content varied from 140 to 180 µmol/g, respectively, raw fibers could achieve desired and reasonable degumming results. This study could offer useful information in obtaining optimal operation parameters for ramie oxidation degumming and better control of fiber quality. The degree of oxidation and content of oxidized cellulose could be used as effective indicating factors to demonstrate oxidation degumming efficiency and fiber properties.
The influence of ultrahigh molecular weight polyacrylonitrile on the copolymerization of acrylonitrile with itaconic acid and on the rheological properties of the resulting polyacrylonitrile solutions
Authors: Jiang Huiyu , Zhou Meihua , Pan Ding , Tan Lianjiang
Published: April 2015

In this study, a series of ultrahigh molecular weight polyacrylonitrile (UHMWPAN)/dimethylsulfoxide dilute solutions were produced and they were used afterwards as reaction medium for the synthesis of copolymers of acrylonitrile with itaconic acid by solution polymerization. The influence of UHMWPAN was investigated on the copolymerization and on the rheological behavior of the copolymer solutions. It was found that the presence of UHMWPAN was greatly influential on the copolymerization and the rheological behavior of the solutions. Compared with the polyacrylonitrile solution without UHMWPAN, Mη and η increased significantly. The results of shear rheological measurements indicated that the existence of UHMWPAN increased the characteristic relaxation time of polyacrylonitrile solutions. What is more, the polyacrylonitrile solutions containing UHMWPAN exhibited much more evident strain-hardening behavior than the solution without UHMWPAN. It was thus determined that polyacrylonitrile solutions containing a small amount of UHMWPAN are suitable for dry-jet wet spinning and can provide enhanced properties in the preparation of high-performance polyacrylonitrile precursor fiber.
The impact of bus transit on employee turnover: Evidence from quasi-experimental samples
Authors: Faulk Dagney , Hicks Michael J
Published: April 2015

This analysis investigates the relationship between fixed-route bus transit and employee turnover using data from quasi-experimental samples. We expect that counties with fixed-route bus transit will have lower turnover rates because transit offers an affordable means of transportation to workers without automobiles, allowing these workers to reach job sites. Panel regression models and county-level data from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from 1998 through 2010 are used to test this hypothesis. We find that the size of the fixed-route bus system (measured as real per capita operating expenditures) is negatively related to employee turnover rates: An increase in bus systems’ per capita operating expenditures is associated with a decrease in employee turnover. Decreases in employee turnover represent cost savings to businesses by reducing the costs associated with training new workers and rebuilding firm-specific knowledge or better employee-employer matches. These results suggest that access to fixed-route bus transit should be a component of the economic development strategy for communities not only for the access to jobs that it provides low-income workers but also for the benefits accruing to businesses that hire these workers.
Housing informality in Buenos Aires: Past, present and future?
Authors: van Gelder Jean-Louis , Cravino Maria Cristina , Ostuni Fernando
Published: April 2015

As in most other Latin American cities, a principal way of accessing housing for the urban poor in Buenos Aires has been through the illegal occupation of land. Over a period of roughly eight decades, this has led to the formation of hundreds of informal settlements in the city. This article traces the historical development of informality in Argentina’s capital. It shows that different phases in this development, each with particular characteristics, can be discerned. Currently, the contours of a new phase, different from all previous ones, are taking shape. It will be argued that without an adequate understanding of the different conditioning factors of this new phase and an integrated approach to address them, informality in the city is bound to persist and even to increase in size, in spite of the country’s impressive recent economic growth and high government expenditure on social housing.
Residential Arrangements and Children’s School Engagement
Authors: Havermans Nele , Sodermans An Katrien , Matthijs Koen
Published: April 2015

The increase in shared residential arrangements is driven by the belief that it is in the best interest of the child. The maintenance of contact between child and parents can mitigate negative consequences of separation. However, selection mechanisms may account for a positive relationship between shared residential arrangements and child outcomes. This study examines the association between children’s residential arrangements and their school engagement, focusing on the parent–child relationship as a mediator and selection mechanisms. Structural equation models are performed on a sample of 973 secondary school pupils with separated parents from the Leuven Adolescents and Families Study (LAFS; 2008-2011). The results suggest that more parental time is related with a better parent–child relationship, and this leads indirectly to higher school engagement. However, shared residence may also have negative consequences for children and is certainly not the only residential arrangement in which children have a good relationship with both parents.
Beyond Text
Authors: Abramson Corey M. , Dohan Daniel
Published: April 2015

Recent methodological debates in sociology have focused on how data and analyses might be made more open and accessible, how the process of theorizing and knowledge production might be made more explicit, and how developing means of visualization can help address these issues. In ethnography, where scholars from various traditions do not necessarily share basic epistemological assumptions about the research enterprise with either their quantitative colleagues or one another, these issues are particularly complex. Nevertheless, ethnographers working within the field of sociology face a set of common pragmatic challenges related to managing, analyzing, and presenting the rich context-dependent data generated during fieldwork. Inspired by both ongoing discussions about how sociological research might be made more transparent, as well as innovations in other data-centered fields, the authors developed an interactive visual approach that provides tools for addressing these shared pragmatic challenges. They label the approach “ethnoarray” analysis. This article introduces this approach and explains how it can help scholars address widely shared logistical and technical complexities, while remaining sensitive to both ethnography’s epistemic diversity and its practitioners shared commitment to depth, context, and interpretation. The authors use data from an ethnographic study of serious illness to construct a model of an ethnoarray and explain how such an array might be linked to data repositories to facilitate new forms of analysis, interpretation, and sharing within scholarly and lay communities. They conclude by discussing some potential implications of the ethnoarray and related approaches for the scope, practice, and forms of ethnography.
No Clinical or Biochemical Evidence for Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency in Home Patients Who Depend on Long‐Term Mixed Olive Oil– and Soybean Oil–Based Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Olthof Evelyn D. , Roelofs Hennie M. J. , Fisk Helena L. , Calder Philip C. , Wanten Geert J. A.
Published: April 2015

Background: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients depend on lipid emulsions as part of their parenteral nutrition regimen to provide essential fatty acids (EFAs). Mixed‐oil sources are used in modern lipid emulsions to decrease the amount of proinflammatory EFAs, mainly linoleic acid, which is present in large amounts in soybean oil. It is unknown whether patients who fully depend on such mixed lipids have adequate EFA supply. We therefore evaluated whether HPN patients who depend on mixed olive oil– and soybean oil–based HPN show clinical or biochemical evidence of EFA deficiency. Materials and Methods: Fatty acid status was assessed in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 30 patients receiving mixed olive oil– and soybean oil–based HPN (>3 months, ≥5 times per week) and 30 healthy controls. Innate immune cell functions were evaluated by assessing expression of surface membrane molecules, and reactive oxygen species, and cytokine production. Results: None of the patients or controls showed clinical evidence (skin rash) or biochemical evidence (increased Holman index [>0.2]) for EFA deficiency. The Holman index in plasma PC (median [25th–75th percentile]) was significantly higher in patients (0.019 [0.015–0.028]) compared with controls (0.015 [0.011–0.017]). No differences were found in innate immune cell functions between groups, except for a 3.6‐fold higher tumor necrosis factor–α production in patients. Conclusion: We found no clinical or biochemical evidence that HPN patients who fully and long‐term depend on mixed olive oil– and soybean oil–based lipids have an increased risk for EFA deficiency.
Severe Hypothyroidism From Iodine Deficiency Associated With Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Golekoh Marjorie C. , Cole Conrad R. , Jones Nana‐Hawa Yayah
Published: April 2015

Parenteral nutrition is crucial for supply of nutrients in children who cannot tolerate a full enteral diet. In the United States, it is not standard of care to give iodine to children dependent on parenteral nutrition, hence iodine is not routinely included in the micronutrient package. Herein, we present a case of a boy with hypothyroidism secondary to iodine deficiency after prolonged exclusive use of parenteral nutrition. Our case highlights the importance of screening for iodine deficiency and administering timely iodine supplementation in these at‐risk children to prevent iatrogenic hypothyroidism.
Ultrasound-Guided Diffuse Optical Tomography for Predicting and Monitoring Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of Breast Cancers
Authors: Xu Chen , Vavadi Hamed , Merkulov Alex , Li Hai , Erfanzadeh Mohsen , Mostafa Atahar , Gong Yanping , Salehi Hassan , Tannenbaum Susan , Zhu Quing
Published: April 2015

In this manuscript, we review the current progress of utilizing ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography (US-guided DOT) for predicting and monitoring neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) outcomes of breast cancer patients. We also report the recent advance on optical tomography systems toward portable and robust clinical use at multiple clinical sites. The first patient who has been closely monitored before NAC, at day 2, day 8, end of first three cycles of NAC, and before surgery is given as an example to demonstrate the potential of US-guided DOT technique.
Individual change and the timing and onset of important life events
Authors: Grimm Kevin , Marcoulides Katerina
Published: April 2015

Researchers are often interested in studying how the timing of a specific event affects concurrent and future development. When faced with such research questions there are multiple statistical models to consider and those models are the focus of this paper as well as their theoretical underpinnings and assumptions regarding the nature of the effect of the event on the developmental process. We discuss three models, all variants of growth models specified within the multilevel modeling framework, which conceptualize the developmental process and the effect of the event in different ways. These models include the growth model with a time-invariant covariate, the growth model with a time-varying covariate, and the spline growth model. After discussing the models in detail, we applied these models to longitudinal data from the Berkeley Growth Study to examine cognitive changes during infancy and the effect of independent sitting on those changes. Results suggest that research conclusions depend on the model chosen and how certain results can be misconstrued unless the model accurately reflects the research questions. Recommendations and additional non-traditional models are discussed.
Use of the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy (AusTOMs-OT) in an early supported discharge programme for stroke patients in Singapore
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Eng Jia Yen
Published: April 2015

Introduction

This short report describes the use of the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy (AusTOMs-OT) in an early supported discharge programme for stroke patients in Singapore.

Method

The Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy was assessed at the start and end of the early supported discharge programme and differences were statistically analysed.

Findings

All Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy scales demonstrated statistically significant change over time. The most commonly used scales were ‘Upper limb use’, ‘Functional walking and mobility’ and ‘Community life, recreation, leisure and play’, reflecting the pertinent types of occupational therapy intervention used in stroke rehabilitation in the home setting.

Conclusion

This study shows that the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapy is a useful outcome measure that can be used to articulate the administered occupational therapy interventions to members of the multi-disciplinary team and support the effectiveness of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
The Mediating Role of Appearance Comparisons in the Relationship Between Media Usage and Self-Objectification in Young Women
Authors: Fardouly Jasmine , Diedrichs Phillippa C. , Vartanian Lenny R. , Halliwell Emma
Published: April 2015

The media’s portrayal of women is often sexually objectifying, and greater exposure to objectifying media is associated with higher levels of self-objectification among young women. One reason why media usage may be associated with self-objectification is because women may be comparing their appearance to others in the media. The present study examined (a) the relationship between the usage of different media types (online social media [Facebook], Internet, television, music videos, and magazines) and self-objectification among young women, (b) whether appearance comparison tendencies in general mediated any observed relationships, and (c) whether appearance comparisons to specific types of women on Facebook (self, family, close friends, distant peers, and celebrities) mediated any relationship between Facebook usage and self-objectification. Female participants ( N = 150) aged 17–25 years completed questionnaires about their media usage, appearance comparison tendency in general, appearance comparisons to specific target groups on Facebook, and self-objectification. Results showed that Facebook usage and magazine usage were positively correlated with self-objectification and that these relationships were mediated by appearance comparisons in general. In addition, the relationship between Facebook usage and self-objectification was mediated by comparisons to one’s peers on Facebook. These findings suggest that appearance comparisons can play an important role in self-objectification among young women.
The Anterolateral Ligament
Authors: Kennedy Mitchell I. , Claes Steven , Fuso Fernando Augusto Freitas , Williams Brady T. , Goldsmith Mary T. , Turnbull Travis Lee , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: April 2015

Background:

Recent publications have described significant variability in the femoral attachment and overall anatomy of the anterolateral ligament (ALL). Additionally, there is a paucity of data describing its structural properties.

Purpose:

Quantitative data characterizing the anatomic and radiographic locations and the structural properties of the ALL may be used to guide graft selection and placement and to facilitate the future development of an evidence-based approach to ALL reconstructions.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Identification of the ALL was performed by a combined outside-in and inside-out anatomic dissection of 15 nonpaired fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Quantitative anatomic relationships were calculated using a 3-dimensional coordinate measuring device. Measurements on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were obtained by use of a picture archiving and communications system program. Structural properties were characterized during a single pull-to-failure test using a tensile testing machine. All anatomic, radiographic, and biomechanical measurements were reported as mean values and 95% CIs.

Results:

The ALL was identified as a thickening of the lateral capsule coming under tension with an applied internal rotation at 30° of flexion. Its femoral attachment was located 4.7 mm (95% CI, 3.5-5.9 mm) posterior and proximal to the fibular collateral ligament attachment and coursed anterodistally to its anterolateral tibial attachment approximately midway between the center of the Gerdy tubercle and the anterior margin of the fibular head; the tibial attachment was located 24.7 mm (95% CI, 23.3-26.2 mm) and 26.1 mm (95% CI, 23.9-28.3 mm) from each structure, respectively. On the AP radiographic view, the ALL originated on the femur 22.3 mm (95% CI, 20.7-23.9 mm) proximal to the joint line and inserted on the tibia 13.1 mm (95% CI, 12.3-13.9 mm) distal to the lateral tibial plateau. On the lateral view, the femoral attachment was 8.4 mm (95% CI, 6.8-10.0 mm) posterior and proximal to the lateral epicondyle. The tibial attachment was 19.0 mm (95% CI, 17.1-20.9 mm) posterior and superior to the center of the Gerdy tubercle. The mean maximum load was 175 N (95% CI, 139-211 N) and the stiffness was 20 N/mm (95% CI, 16-25 N/mm). Failure occurred by 4 distinct mechanisms: ligamentous tear at the femoral (n = 4) or tibial (n = 1) attachment, midsubstance tear (n = 4), and bony avulsion of the tibial attachment (Segond fracture; n = 6).

Conclusion:

Defined ALL attachment locations can be reproducibly identified with intraoperative landmarks or radiographs. The biomechanical analysis suggests that most traditional soft tissue grafts are sufficient for ALL reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

The ALL was consistently found in all knees. Segond fractures appear to occur primarily from the avulsion of the ALL.
Effects of curing conditions on the short time co-cure of CFRP–steel hybrid laminates
Authors: Wang WX , Matsubara T , Takao Y , Yasuda K , Hayashi R
Published: April 2015

In this paper, short time co-cure of CFRP–steel hybrid laminates using hot pressing and the effects of curing conditions on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the hybrid laminates are investigated experimentally to explore a cost-effective co-cure process of CFRP–steel hybrid laminates for automotive applications. A new kind of CFRP prepreg which can be cured in several minutes is used. Various curing conditions including those with and without surface treatment of metal layer, those with and without an adhesive film, three kinds of adhesive films, and three curing pressures are investigated. Short beam three-point bending tests for the hybrid laminates are conducted to evaluate the ILSS of the hybrid laminates. A cost-effective co-cure process is proposed based on the experimental results.
A Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Internet Addiction
Authors: Stavropoulos Vasilis , Kuss Daria , Griffiths Mark , Motti-Stefanidi Frosso
Published: April 2015

Over the last decade, research on Internet addiction (IA) has increased. However, almost all studies in the area are cross-sectional and do not examine the context in which Internet use takes place. Therefore, a longitudinal study examined the role of conscientiousness (as a personality trait) and classroom hostility (as a contextual factor) in the development of IA. The participants comprised 648 adolescents and were assessed over a 2-year period (while aged 16-18 years). A three-level hierarchical linear model was carried out on the data collected. Findings revealed that (a) lower conscientiousness was associated with IA and this did not change over time and (b) although being in a more hostile classroom did not initially have a significant effect, it increased girls’ IA vulnerability over time and functioned protectively for boys. Results indicated that the contribution of individual and contextual IA factors may differ across genders and over time. More specifically, although the protective effect of conscientiousness appeared to hold, the over-time effect of classroom hostility increased the risk of IA for girls. These findings are discussed in relation to the psychological literature. The study’s limitations and implications are also discussed.
Timolol maleate release from hyaluronic acid-containing model silicone hydrogel contact lens materials
Authors: Korogiannaki Myrto , Guidi Giuliano , Jones Lyndon , Sheardown Heather
Published: April 2015

This study was designed to assess the impact of a releasable wetting agent, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), on the release profile of timolol maleate (TM) from model silicone hydrogel contact lens materials. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as an alternative wetting agent for comparison. The model lenses consisted of a hydrophilic monomer, either 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or N,N-dimethylacrylamide and a hydrophobic silicone monomer of methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy) silane. The loading of the wetting and the therapeutic agent occurred during the synthesis of the silicone hydrogels through the method of direct entrapment. The developed materials were characterized by minimal changes in the water uptake, while lower molecular weight of HA improved their surface wettability. The transparency of the examined silicone hydrogels was found to be affected by the miscibility of the wetting agent in the prepolymer mixture as well as the composition of the developed silicone hydrogels. Sustained release of TM from 4 to 14 days was observed, with the drug transport occurring presumably through the hydrophilic domains of the silicone hydrogels. The release profile was strongly dependent on the hydrophilic monomer composition, the distribution of hydrophobic (silane) domains, and the affinity of the therapeutic agent for the silicone hydrogel matrix. Noncovalent entrapment of the wetting agent did not change the in vitro release duration and kinetics of TM, however the drug release profile was found to be controlled by the simultaneous release of TM and HA or PVP. In the case of HA, depending on the HA:drug ratio, the release rate was decreased and controlled by the release of HA, likely due to electrostatic interactions between protonated TM and anionic HA. Overall, partitioning of the drug within the hydrophilic domains of the silicone hydrogels as well as interactions with the wetting agent determined the drug release profile.
Beyond Recidivism
Authors: Heidemann Gretchen , Cederbaum Julie A. , Martinez Sidney
Published: April 2015

This study explores how formerly incarcerated women define success. Qualitative analysis of data from in-depth interviews with 30 women who had been released from prison at least 3 months prior to the interview suggests that avoiding recidivism is only one aspect of success for this population. Success is defined as having their own place, helping family members and others, living free from criminal justice surveillance, persevering through challenges, and living a “normal life.” Ways in which these conceptualizations expand traditional notions of success for this population are discussed. Limitations and suggestions for future research are offered.
Employment status and subjective well-being: the role of the social norm to work
Authors: Stam Kirsten , Sieben Inge , Verbakel Ellen , de Graaf Paul M
Published: April 2015

This article examines to what extent a social norm to work moderates the relationship between employment status and subjective well-being. It was expected that the detrimental impact of non-employment on subjective well-being would be larger in countries with a stronger social norm. Using a direct measure of the social norm to work and employing data from 45 European countries, this study assessed subjective well-being levels of five employment status groups for men and women separately. Results showed that subjective well-being of unemployed men and women is unaffected by the social norm to work. However, non-working disabled men are worse off in countries with a stronger norm. Living in such a country also decreases the well-being gap between employed and retired men, whereas retired women are worse off in these countries. This effect for retirees disappears when a country’s GDP is taken into account, suggesting that norms matter less than affluence.
Workplace sexual harassment at the margins
Authors: McDonald Paula , Charlesworth Sara
Published: April 2015

Men are overwhelmingly responsible for sexual harassment against women in the workplace. However, the literature also points to less typical manifestations, including sexual harassment by men of other men and by women of men or other women. This article examines these atypical forms of sexual harassment, drawing on a census of all formal sexual harassment complaints lodged with Australian equal opportunity commissions over a six-month period. The analysis reveals some important distinctions and similarities across groups of atypical complaints, as well as between atypical groups and ‘classic’ sexual harassment complaints where men harass women. The article contributes to the relatively undeveloped literature on these less visible forms of sexual harassment and highlights both theoretical and pragmatic challenges in better understanding workplace sexual harassment ‘at the margins’.
Mark A. May
Authors: Bryson Dennis
Published: April 2015

Underappreciated by historians of the human sciences, educational psychologist Mark A. May played a key role in managing and formulating the policy of the Institute of Human Relations at Yale University, initially as the institute’s executive secretary, then as its director, from 1930 to 1960. Moreover, during the 1920s, the 1930s and after, he participated in a number of conferences, seminars, committees and other projects sponsored by the Social Science Research Council and Rockefeller philanthropic organizations. Focusing on May’s efforts during the interwar period, this article will examine how May worked to advance an integrated program in the psychological and social sciences affiliated with the field of personality and culture. For May, a human engineering agenda geared toward the socialization and education of the individual was intimately connected to his vision of interdisciplinary social science.
Experimental investigations of slotted electrical discharge abrasive grinding of Al/SiC/Gr composite
Authors: Yadav Ravindra Nath , Yadava Vinod
Published: April 2015

Machining of metal matrix composites has always been challenges for manufacturing engineers due to the presence of hard and brittle reinforced particles. In this article, a new way of alternate application of electrical discharge grinding and abrasive grinding has been applied through the use of slotted grinding wheel. The developed machining process has been named as slotted electrical discharge abrasive grinding. The performances of slotted electrical discharge abrasive grinding process are tested on aluminum–silicon carbide–graphite (Al/SiC/Gr) metal matrix composite workpiece. The experiments were performed using one parameter at a time approach considering the effect of current, pulse on-time, pulse off-time, wheel speed and grit number on material removal rate and average surface roughness. It has been found that current ranges from 3 to 15 A and wheel speed ranges from 700 to 1300 r/min are more appropriate for machining of Al/SiC/Gr composite material within the ranges of selected parameters.