bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against the Norm: The Transitional Symbiosis of ‘Grassroots Clientelism’ and ‘Rural Citizenship’
Authors: Bika Zografia
Published: June 2011

Clientelism has predominantly been represented in the literature as an expression of backwardness and corruption with little attention being paid to the question of how clientelism has changed over the years. In contrast, this paper examines the particulars of state intervention in the agrarian economy with respect to clientelism and exposes the illogicality of contrasting patron-client relationships with citizenship. The historical focus is on the ways in which, in the course of post-dictatorship consolidation in rural Greece throughout the 1980s, the transformation of traditional brokerage-based clientelism into the bureaucratic clientelism of the political parties actually enhanced the institutions and practices of ‘rural citizenship’. Comparative qualitative research on the driving force of agrarian change shows how Thessalian villagers made the transition from being socially excluded subjects to socially included clients in two lowland village communities and the role played by a dynamic state bureaucracy.
‘Knows How to Please a Man’: Studying Customers to Understand Service Work
Authors: Pettinger Lynne
Published: June 2011

This paper argues that sociologists interested in service work in consumer culture should pay attention to customers’ understandings and accounts of their experience and participation in service encounters. It takes the market for sex as a case study and counters the neglect of customers within the study of service work by analysing customer service reviews of paid-for sex published on a UK website, Punternet. It argues that male customers, familiar with the norms of consumer culture, assess the erotic, aesthetic and emotional labours performed by female workers to make judgements of service quality which suggests that the feminised ‘good worker’ is defined as professional when they disguise the market transaction.
The Kazan Leviathan: Russian Street Gangs as Agents of Social Order
Authors: Stephenson Svetlana
Published: June 2011

This article discusses the evolution of street gangs in the Russian city of Kazan. Using historic and interview data, it shows that the changes in the social organization of these gangs were a reaction to a series of systemic crises in the Soviet and post-Soviet social order. As a result of power deficits, emerging in the space of the streets and in the larger society, the gangs moved through several stages: a) youth peer groups acting out traditional prescriptions of masculine socialisation; (b) territorial ‘elite’ formations; (c) ‘violent entrepreneurs’ and (d) autonomous ruling regimes. The article demonstrates that the gangs, while utilising violence to achieve their projects of social and economic domination, may also regulate its use. It argues that the gangs can be seen as historic agents participating in ground-level social regulation, and not simply products and producers of social disorder.
A PROVENANCE STUDY OF FRENCH LIMESTONE BASED ON VARIABLE SELECTION FROM COMPOSITIONAL PROFILES
Authors: PIZARRO C. , GONZÁLEZ‐SÁIZ J. M. , ESTEBAN‐DÍEZ I. , SÁENZ‐GONZÁLEZ C. , PÉREZ‐DEL‐NOTARIO N. , RODRÍGUEZ‐TECEDOR S.
Published: June 2011

The present study shows how multivariate analysis and variable selection techniques can be used in archaeological provenances studies to improve classification performances. Neutron activation analysis (NAA), in combination with stepwise linear discrimination analysis (SLDA) (capable of simultaneously performing variable selection and classification), was applied to differentiate among limestone samples from different quarries across the north of France based on their compositional fingerprint. A hierarchical classification approach was followed, aimed at progressively assigning limestone samples to more specific sources of origin, from the broadest classification units (French regions) to the narrowest ones (individual quarries). The application of the stepwise variable selection procedure to extract the most discriminating compositional variables prior to each classification development allowed us to obtain a perfect separation between the limestone categories considered at every classification stage (all samples were correctly classified and predicted in all cases). The high‐quality results obtained were even more remarkable considering the relatively small number of significant variables selected in each case using the SLDA method. An illustrative example was provided in order to demonstrate that the classification strategy proposed can actually allocate an unknown sculpture to a particular quarry of origin.
Representation as a median mandate? A response to Best, Budge and McDonald
Authors: WARWICK PAUL V.
Published: June 2011

The preceding article by Best, Budge and McDonald acknowledges much of the substance of the alternative ‘bilateralist’ interpretation of democratic governance I advocated and attempts to re‐focus the median mandate approach towards a longer‐term, and potentially more productive, understanding of the opinion‐policy relationship. Both are welcome developments. Despite taking these steps, however, the authors choose to allow the fate of the median mandate thesis to rest ultimately on an attempt to re‐establish the short‐term one‐to‐one relationship that I challenged. In this brief note, I argue that this not only undercuts the more positive initiatives noted above, but also is based on a flawed understanding of how the short‐term relationship should be operationalised and tested.
Nurses new to intensive care: perceptions of their clinical learning environment
Authors: Muldowney Yvonne , McKee Gabrielle
Published: June 2011

Background: All nurses entering intensive care unit (ICU) for the first time are required to master many critical nursing skills. Providing a clinical learning environment that is, conducive to mastering these essential skills is a key component of ensuring clinical competence. Yet there are few publications worldwide that focus on clinical learning for qualified nurses entering ICU for the first time. Factors that affect clinical learning in ward environments have been clearly identified. It remains unclear if these factors are applicable to the ICU environment.

Aims and Objectives: (1) To describe how registered nurses new to ICU environment perceive their clinical learning environment; (2) to identify the factors that influence these perceptions.

Design: Descriptive quantitative survey design.

Method: Sixty‐four nurses were recruited from five Irish teaching hospitals. The participants completed a modified version of Dunn and Burnett's clinical learning environment scale, with five subscales, that measures perceived factors that influence clinical learning.

Results and conclusions: Nurses new to ICU perceived the environment as conducive to clinical learning. Factors positively affecting clinical learning include: educational staff and clinical nurse managers' commitment to supporting learning and good interpersonal relationships. Non‐European qualified nurses who did not do an induction course and those with longest experience on the unit were more satisfied with ICU as a clinical learning.

Relevance to clinical practice: These findings will provide nurse educationalists with some further insight as to the factors that promote optimal learning in ICU.
Association between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms and executive function in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: NAGATA Tomoyuki , SHINAGAWA Shunichiro , NUKARIYA Kazutaka , OCHIAI Yusuke , KAWAMURA Satoshi , AGAWA‐OHTA Miyuki , KASAHARA Hiroo , NAKAYAMA Kazuhiko , YAMADA Hisashi
Published: June 2011

Background:  To address the functional roles of genetic polymorphisms of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) from a neuropsychological aspect, we used a cross‐sectional study design to investigate the association between novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the BDNF gene (Val66Met (G196A) and C270T) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score, which reflects executive function as a non‐memory cognitive impairment.

Methods:  One hundred and sixty‐nine outpatients with AD or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (A‐MCI) were recruited to the study and divided into three genotypic groups for each representative BDNF functional polymorphism as follows: (i) Val66Met (G196A): G/G (n= 45), G/A (n= 104), and A/A (n= 20); and (ii) C270T: C/C (n= 160), C/T (n= 9), and T/T (n= 0). Then, age, sex ratio, duration of illness (months), education years, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, behavioral pathology in Alzheimer disease (Behave‐AD) score, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) ratio, and total and subtest FAB scores were compared between the genotypic groups for each SNP.

Results:  Significant differences were found in the total (P < 0.01) and subtest (conflicting instructions and prehension behavior; P < 0.01) FAB scores between the C270T polymorphism groups (C/C and C/T), but not among the G196A polymorphism groups. However, no significant differences in age, sex ratio, duration of illness (months), education years, Behave‐AD score, CDR ratio, or MMSE score (reflecting attention and memory function) were found between the individual polymorphism genotypes (G196A and C270T).

Conclusion:  Of the known BDNF polymorphisms, the C270T SNP may influence executive dysfunction as a non‐memory cognitive impairment in Japanese patients with AD.
Who “Wins”? Determining the Party of the Prime Minister
Authors: Glasgow Garrett , Golder Matt , Golder Sona N.
Published: June 2011

The prime ministership is the preeminent political post in parliamentary democracies. Yet few studies examine PM party choice, perhaps under the assumption that the choice is a simple function of party size. In this article, we argue that key strategic actors and the context in which government negotiations take place can play a critical role in PM party choice. We test our hypotheses using a mixed logit with random coefficients on an original data set comprising PM selection opportunities in 28 European countries. Our methodological approach allows us to incorporate qualitative concerns about heterogeneity and causal complexity into our analysis. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find that the largest party is often disadvantaged when it comes to PM party choice, that some presidents play an influential role in choosing the PM, and that the value of being the incumbent depends on one’s performance in office and how the previous government ended.
Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Cardiac Sympathetic Nervous Dysfunction and Serum C‐reactive Protein Level
Authors: SHINOHARA TETSUJI , TAKAHASHI NAOHIKO , SAITO SYOTARO , OKADA NORIHIRO , WAKISAKA OSAMU , YUFU KUNIO , HARA MASAHIDE , NAKAGAWA MIKIKO , SAIKAWA TETSUNORI , YOSHIMATSU HIRONOBU
Published: June 2011

Background:
 Cardiac autonomic dysfunction is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Systemic inflammation is elevated in patients with HF. We hypothesized that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves cardiac sympathetic nervous dysfunction and systemic inflammation. To test our hypothesis, we evaluated cardiac sympathetic activity and serum levels of high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) before and after CRT.

Methods:
 Twenty‐seven patients with chronic HF (19 men, eight women; mean age 67 ± 10 years) with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent CRT were evaluated. Each patient was evaluated before and 6 months after CRT. Responders were defined as patients showing ≥15% absolute decrease in left ventricular end‐systolic volume. Cardiac sympathetic activity was estimated with cardiac 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigrams.

Results:
 Patients were categorized as responders (n = 19) and nonresponders (n = 8) according to echocardiographic findings. In responders, the mean heart‐to‐mediastinum (H/M) ratio at the delayed phase in cardiac 123I‐MIBG scintigraphic findings was significantly increased (P < 0.05) and serum levels of hs‐CRP were decreased (P <0.01). Such improvements were not observed in nonresponders. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the reduction in hs‐CRP level was independently associated with the increase in the H/M ratio at delayed phase.

Conclusions:
 Our results demonstrated that cardiac sympathetic nervous dysfunction and systemic inflammation were improved in responder HF patients to CRT. Furthermore, the reduction in systemic inflammation was associated with the improvement in cardiac sympathetic nervous dysfunction. (PACE 2011; 34:1225–1230)
Hi‐NicalonTM‐SSiC Fiber Oxidation and Scale Crystallization Kinetics
Authors: Hay R. S. , Fair G. E. , Bouffioux R. , Urban E. , Morrow J. , Hart A. , Wilson M.
Published: June 2011

The oxidation and scale crystallization kinetics of Hi‐NicalonTM‐S SiC fibers were measured after oxidation in dry air between 700° and 1400°C. Scale thickness, composition, and crystallization were characterized by TEM with EDS, supplemented by SEM and optical microscopy. TEM was used to distinguish oxidation kinetics of amorphous and crystalline scales. Oxidation initially produces an amorphous silica scale that incorporates some carbon. Growth kinetics of the amorphous scale was analyzed using the flat‐plate Deal‐Grove model. The activation energy for parabolic oxidation was 248 kJ/mol. The scales crystallized to tridymite and cristobalite, starting at 1000°C in under 100 h and 1300°C in under 1 h. Crystallization kinetics had activation energy of 514 kJ/mol with a time growth exponent of 1.5. Crystalline silica nucleated at the scale surface, with more rapid growth parallel to the surface. Crystalline scales cracked from thermal residual stress and phase transformations during cool‐down, and during oxidation from tensile hoop growth stress. High growth shear stress was inferred to cause intense dislocation plasticity near the crystalline SiO2–SiC interphase. Crystalline scales were thinner than amorphous scales, except where growth cracks allowed much more rapid oxidation.
Nanoceria – Energetics of Surfaces, Interfaces and Water Adsorption
Authors: Hayun Shmuel , Shvareva Tatiana Y. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: June 2011

The surface and interface enthalpies of CeO2 were studied by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry combined with water adsorption calorimetry. The surface enthalpies of the hydrated and anhydrous surfaces are 0.86 ± 0.02 and 1.16 ± 0.02 J/m2, respectively. The water adsorption enthalpies are similar for nano and bulk ceria; for the nano ceria the integral adsorption enthalpy for chemisorbed water relative to water vapor is −59.82 ± 0.74 kJ/mol with coverage of 8.79 ± 0.39 H2O/nm2 and for the bulk it is −61.69 ± 1.26 kJ/mol with coverage of 8.15 ± 0.66 H2O/nm2. The interfacial enthalpy is 0.81 ± 0.14 J/m2. The obtained energies are in good agreement with reported data from atomistic simulations and less direct experimental determinations.
Ultra‐Broadband Near‐Infrared Luminescence of Ni2+: ZnO–Al2O3–SiO2 Nanocomposite Glasses Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Zhou Shifeng , Hao Jianhua , Qiu Jianrong
Published: June 2011

We have studied the synthesis and near‐infrared luminescent properties of Ni2+‐doped ZnO–Al2O3–SiO2 nanocomposite glasses embedded activated spinel nanocrystals prepared using a sol–gel technique. Nanocrystal‐dependent optical properties in Ni2+‐doped nanocomposite glasses were systematically investigated. We found that Ni2+ ion is optically active only in the composite embedded nanocrystals, which can provide octahedral position with appropriate crystal field strength. Near‐infrared emission ranging from 1100 to 1600 nm was observed in the Ni2+‐doped composite fabricated by sol–gel method. Such an ultra‐broadband luminescence from the nanocomposite could cover the infrared emission bands obtained from multiple rare earth ions (Ho3+, Pr3+, and Tm3+) doped glasses.
Impact of type 1 diabetes and glycemic control on fetal aneuploidy biochemical markers
Authors: MADSEN HELEN N. , EKELUND CHARLOTTE K. , TØRRING NIELS , OVESEN PER G. , FRIIS‐HANSEN LENNART , RINGHOLM LENE , PETERSEN OLAV B.
Published: June 2011

Objective. To determine the influence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on the first trimester serum markers of fetal aneuploidy; pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and free beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β‐hCG) and to evaluate the influence of glycemic control on these parameters in the pregnant diabetic women. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Data were extracted from electronic obstetric and laboratory databases at two Danish University Hospitals. Population. Based on 36 415 pregnancies without T1DM (non‐T1DM) and 331 pregnancies with T1DM; β‐hCG and PAPP‐A were obtained at 8+0 to 14+2 gestational weeks. Methods. Medians for PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG were generated and multiple of the normal gestation‐specific median (MoM) values were calculated for each separate pregnancy. After adjustment for maternal weight, ethnicity and smoking status, MoM values were compared across the T1DM and non‐T1DM groups, respectively. Additionally, the relationship between PAPP‐A MoM and HgbA1C was examined in 348 T1DM pregnancies by Spearman's rank correlation. Main outcome measures. Difference in biochemical marker levels between T1DM and non‐T1DM. Results. PAPP‐A was 0.86 MoM in T1DM pregnancies and 1.01 MoM in non‐T1DM pregnancies, p < 0.0001. Conversely, free β‐hCG was not altered in T1DM pregnancies (T1DM 0.99 MoM, non‐T1DM 0.98 MoM; p=0.14). There was a significant inverse correlation between HgbA1C and PAPP‐A (rho=−0.12, p=0.02). Conclusions. In T1DM pregnancies, PAPP‐A MoM values were lower than in non‐T1DM pregnancies. This suggests that correction should be considered in first trimester biochemical screening for fetal aneuploidy in T1DM women.
Acute effects of static stretching on peak torque and the hamstrings‐to‐quadriceps conventional and functional ratios
Authors: Costa P. B. , Ryan E. D. , Herda T. J. , Walter A. A. , DeFreitas J. M. , Stout J. R. , Cramer J. T.
Published: June 2011

Recent evidence has shown acute static stretching may decrease hamstring‐to‐quadriceps (H:Q) ratios. However, the effects of static stretching on the functional H:Q ratio, which uses eccentric hamstrings muscle actions, have not been investigated. This study examined the acute effects of hamstrings and quadriceps static stretching on leg extensor and flexor concentric peak torque (PT), leg flexor eccentric PT, and the conventional and functional H:Q ratios. Twenty‐two women (mean ± SD age=20.6 ± 1.9 years; body mass=64.6 ± 9.1 kg; height=164.5 ± 6.4 cm) performed three maximal voluntary unilateral isokinetic leg extension, flexion, and eccentric hamstring muscle actions at the angular velocities of 60 and 180°/s before and after a bout of hamstrings, quadriceps, and combined hamstrings and quadriceps static stretching, and a control condition. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVAs (time × condition) were used to analyze the leg extension, flexion, and eccentric PT as well as the conventional and functional H:Q ratios. Results indicated that when collapsed across velocity, hamstrings‐only stretching decreased the conventional ratios (P<0.05). Quadriceps‐only and hamstrings and quadriceps stretching decreased the functional ratios (P<0.05). These findings suggested that stretching may adversely affect the conventional and functional H:Q ratios.
Hydroxychloroquine-induced acute psychosis in a systemic lupus erythematosus female
Authors: Hsu WenYu , Chiu NanYing , Huang SiSheng
Published: June 2011

Hsu WY, Chiu NY, Huang SS. Hydroxychloroquine-induced acute psychosis in a systemic lupus erythematosus female.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease. Hydroxychloroquine, a kind of anti-malarial, has become an important treatment for SLE in recent years.

Method: We want to report a 49 year-old female SLE patient, who had psychosis episode with hydroxychloroquine treatment.

Result: There's still risk of psychosis with hydroxychloroquine treatment from the possible mechanism.

Conclusion: Awareness of chloroquine-induced psychosis is very important, and psychiatric intervention is needed as soon as possible after this occurs.
Treatment of ocular rosacea with 40 mg doxycycline in a slow release form
Authors: Pfeffer Ines , Borelli Claudia , Zierhut Manfred , Schaller Martin
Published: June 2011

Background: About 30–50 % of rosacea patients have ocular involvement. The symptoms range from a foreign‐body sensation to conjunctivitis or blepharitis and may even include severe corneal ulcerations. Systemic treatment is generally with tetracycline. Side effects can occur with the usual antimicrobial dose.

Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study, seven patients were evaluated who had been treated for ocular rosacea with a sub‐antimicrobial dose of doxycycline 40 mg in a slow‐release form (Oraycea®). The responses were evaluated on the basis of clinical findings.

Results: Seven patients with an average age of 63 took slow release doxycycline 40 mg every day for at least two months. In five patients, other systemic drugs had already failed. All patients experienced a clear improvement in their ocular rosacea after an average of 2.29 months of treatment. One patient had complete clearance and another had almost complete clearance. None of the patients experienced side effects.

Conclusions: A sub‐antimicrobial dose of slow release doxycycline 40 mg daily is an effective long‐term therapy for ocular rosacea. It is not associated with the side effects of long‐term antibiotic therapy or the risk of resistance.
The Effectiveness of Low‐Intensity Red Laser for Activating a Bleaching Gel and Its Effect in Temperature of the Bleaching Gel and the Dental Pulp
Authors: PLEFFKEN PATRÍCIA RONDON , BORGES ALESSANDRA BÜHLER , GONÇALVES SÉRGIO EDUARDO DE PAIVA , TORRES CARLOS ROCHA GOMES
Published: June 2011

Statement of the Problem:  The effectiveness of low‐intensity red laser for activating a bleaching gel and its effect in pulp temperature was not investigated in dental literature.

Purpose:  The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of low‐intensity red laser for activating a bleaching gel, as well as its effect in temperature of the bleaching gel and the dental pulp.

Materials and Methods:  Forty extracted bovine teeth were immersed in a solution of coffee 14 days for darkening. The initial colors were recorded by spectrophotometric analysis. The specimens were randomly distributed into two groups (N = 20): the control, which did not receive light and the experimental group that received light from an appliance fitted with three red light‐emitting laser diodes (λ = 660 nm). A green‐colored, 35% H2O2–based bleaching gel was applied for 30 minutes, and changed three times. After bleaching, the colors were again measured to obtain the L*a*b* values. Color variation was calculated (ΔE) and the data submitted to the non‐paired t‐test (5%). To assess temperature, 10 human incisors were prepared, in which one thermocouple was placed on the bleaching gel applied on the surface of the teeth and another inside the pulp chamber.

Results:  There was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.016), and the experimental group presented a significantly higher mean variation (7.21 ± 2.76) in comparison with the control group (5.37 ± 1.76). There was an increase in pulp temperature, but it was not sufficient to cause damage to the pulp.

Conclusion:  Bleaching gel activation with low‐intensity red laser was capable of increasing the effectiveness of bleaching treatment and did not increase pulp temperature to levels deleterious to the pulp.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The application of a low‐intensity red laser was effective for activating a bleaching gel with green dye, without any deleterious increases in pulpal temperature.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 24:126–134, 2012)
Evaluation of genetic trends and determination of the optimal number of cumulative records of parity required in reproductive traits in a Large White pig population
Authors: TOMIYAMA Masamitsu , KUBO Shouhei , TAKAGI Tsutomu , SUZUKI Keiichi
Published: June 2011

Genetic improvement of the reproductive performance of pigs is important for pig breeding despite their low heritabilities. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of selection concerning reproductive traits and to determine the optimal number of parity records required for accurate estimation of breeding values (BVs) in the open population of a commercial pig breeding company. The study used records of 2220 purebred Large White pigs (9845 litters) farrowed between 1998 and 2009 in the two herds of the Pacific Ocean Breeding Co. Ltd. The traits studied included farrowing interval (FI), total number of piglets at birth (TNB), average weaning weight per litter (AWW), and raising rate (RR). A statistical model was applied to the 4‐trait repeatability animal model. The heritabilities of FI, TNB, AWW and RR were low. The genetic trends in TNB (h2 = 0.09) showed approximately 1.0 increase in 6 years from 2003 to 2008. The predicted error variances indicated that up to fourth parity records are necessary for accurate genetic evaluation. The present study results indicated that even reproductive traits with low heritability can be improved.
Utility of Staff Training on Correcting Sleep Problems in People With Intellectual Disabilities Living in Residential Settings
Authors: Hylkema Tejo , Petitiaux Wanda , Vlaskamp Carla
Published: June 2011

While sleep problems in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in residential settings are very common, scant attention is paid to them. This study examined how to improve the knowledge and understanding of sleep quality and sleep problems in people with ID among care staff at a residential facility and, consequently, to reduce extrinsic sleep problems. Using a variation on a crossover design with two groups, sleep efficiency and sleep latency in people with ID (not suspected of having sleep problems) were measured four times. One group (Group A) of staff was offered a lecture after the first measurement and a workshop after the second one. A second group (Group B) of staff was only offered a lecture, between the second and third measurements. In both groups, sleep efficiency rose significantly. The time spent in bed by residents overseen by Group A was reduced significantly, and there was a significant reduction of daily napping time among group A's residents. In Group B, there was a significant increase of daily napping time and in the number of naps. The application of educational techniques, such as lectures and workshops, provided to staff can lead to significant improvements in residents' sleep efficiency.
Massive pericardial effusion with diastolic right ventricular compression secondary to hypothyroidism in a 73‐year‐old woman
Authors: Hsieh Chung‐Yueh , Liu Bing‐Yi , Yang Yung‐Nien , Yin Wei‐Hsian , Young Mason‐Shing
Published: June 2011

Pericardial effusion is commonly seen in patients with hypothyroidism, but a massive pericardial effusion with obvious diastolic right ventricular compression is uncommon. We herein report a case of 73‐year‐old woman seen in the ED with generalized weakness and hypotension. Echocardiography revealed a massive pericardial effusion with diastolic right ventricular compression, and thyroid function testing revealed marked hypothyroidism. The pericardial effusion resolved after the administration of thyroid replacement therapy. This case reveals the importance of including hypothyroidism in the differential diagnosis of pericardia effusion.
Working together, nurses can make a difference in resuscitation outcomes: An update on the American Heart Association's 2010 guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care
Authors: MANCINI Mary E.
Published: June 2011

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) was formed in 1992 to provide a forum for resuscitation organizations worldwide. According to its mission, ILCOR provides a mechanism by which international science and knowledge that are relevant to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) can be identified, reviewed, and evaluated. Every 5 years, based on a rigorous review of the published, peer‐reviewed science, ILCOR develops a consensus on resuscitation science and carries that forward into internationally agreed‐on treatment recommendations. As part of the 2010 evidence‐evaluation process, ILCOR published an updated consensus on science and treatment recommendations (CoSTR). Based on the CoSTR, the American Heart Association (AHA) developed and disseminated guidelines for ECC and CPR. Nursing has unique responsibilities in the chain of survival. This article reviews the major elements of AHA's 2010 guidelines and discusses the critical role that nurses play in the development, dissemination, and implementation of resuscitation science. By making the connection in resuscitation science, nurses can help to save more lives.
Translational research: Connecting evidence to clinical practice
Authors: MULNARD Ruth A.
Published: June 2011

Translational research can be conceptualized within several blocks or spheres of knowledge transfer and focused on closing the gap between new discoveries and their endpoint application to clinical practice, health decision‐making, and health policy. Although support for type 1 translational research (the classical bench‐to‐bedside paradigm) is common, it is types 2 and 3 that have the ultimate impact on sustaining important changes in clinical practice as health decision‐making and policy are changed to support the practice innovation. The Clinical Translational Science Centers (issued by the National Institutes of Health in the USA) provide many successful examples in which nurses are key stakeholders in achieving these translational goals for the improvement of clinical practice.
Effectiveness of the “Elevated Position” Nursing Care Program in promoting the reconditioning of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease
Authors: OKUBO Nobuko
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Over 34,000 Japanese patients suffer from a persistent disturbance of consciousness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the “Elevated Position” Nursing Care Program (EPNCP) in promoting the reconditioning of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (ACD). The primary assumption of this study was that they could experience the reconditioning process and would reach a reconditioned state through their involvement in the EPNCP, thus improving their level of consciousness and quality of life.

Method:  A historical controlled trial study, based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis of hospitalized patients with ACD who became participants the day after starting medical or surgical treatment, was used. Trained nurses implemented the EPNCP from May to September 2005 for an experimental group of 45 participants. The data on two independent control groups of 92 and 40 patients with ACD were gathered from historical medical records. The six measures were: Japan Coma Scale; Level of Cognitive Functioning Assessment Scale; number of days from the intervention to sitting in a wheelchair; number of participants who left the intensive care unit (ICU) by wheelchair; Barthel Index; and modified Rankin Scale.

Results:  Significant differences were found regarding the number of participants who left the ICU by wheelchair, length of time from the EPNCP's commencement to the wheelchair‐sitting position, and the Barthel Index 1 week after leaving the ICU.

Conclusion:  The EPNCP was safe for the reconditioning of patients with ACD and somewhat effective in improving their physical function. A comprehensive nursing care program now exists for elevating patients with cerebrovascular disease during the early phase following the onset of symptoms or immediately after surgery. Further research should be conducted, extending the duration of the intervention program and the length of the measurement period, followed by a careful analysis of the results.
Anxious and Avoidant Attachment, Vibrator Use, Anal Sex, and Impaired Vaginal Orgasm
Authors: Costa Rui M. , Brody Stuart
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Disturbances in intimate relationships are among the risk factors for female sexual dysfunction. Insecure styles of anxious attachment (preoccupations about abandonment) and avoidant attachment (avoidance of closeness in relationships) are robustly associated with sexual problems, relationship difficulties, and several indices of poorer physical and mental health. Similar indices of poorer sexual, relationship, and health functioning are associated with impairment of orgasm triggered by penile-vaginal stimulation (vaginal orgasm), but unrelated or related to greater frequency of other sexual behaviors. However, research examining the differential association of sexual activities with insecure attachment styles has been lacking.

Aims

The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that insecure attachment styles are associated with lesser vaginal orgasm consistency, and are unrelated or directly related to greater frequency of other sexual behaviors.

Method

Seventy coitally experienced women recruited at a Scottish university completed the Revised Experience in Close Relationships scale, and reported their frequency of various sexual behaviors (and corresponding orgasms) in a recent representative month.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures for this study are multivariate correlations of various sexual activities with insecure attachment styles, age, and social desirability response bias.

Results

Anxious attachment was associated with lesser vaginal orgasm consistency, but with higher frequency of vibrator and anal sex orgasms. Avoidant attachment was associated with higher frequency of vibrator orgasms. Neither anxious nor avoidant attachment was associated with lifetime number of penile-vaginal intercourse partners.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence that inability to attain a vaginal orgasm is associated with anxious attachment, among other indices of poorer mental health and relatedness. Vaginal orgasm might be the relevant sexual activity for the maintenance of a secure attachment style with a sexual partner and/or more insecurely attached women might have difficulties in attaining vaginal orgasms and be more inclined to sexual activities characterized by more emotional and physical detachment, as part of a characterological discomfort with intimacy.
The Global Online Sexuality Survey (GOSS): Ejaculatory Function, Penile Anatomy, and Contraceptive Usage Among Arabic-Speaking Internet Users in the Middle East
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Kamal
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Sexuality is a sensitive issue that may be difficult to explore through surveys involving direct contact. Epidemiological studies in this domain are scarce. Online surveys may provide more anonymity and less direct contact encouraging participation. The Global Online Sexuality Survey (GOSS) reports on different aspects of male and female sexuality. The Global Online Sexuality Survey–Arabic–Males (GOSS-AR-M) is the Arabic version reporting on male sexuality.

Aim

To evaluate male ejaculatory function, penile size and contraceptive trends among Arabic speakers in the Middle East.

Methods

The survey was randomly offered online to web surfers in the Middle East.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of premature ejaculation, ejaculatory latency, penile size and their correlation with erectile function.

Results

A total of 82.6% reported various degrees of premature ejaculation, associated with a statically significant decline in erectile function, despite a median intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) of 5 minutes, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 8.4–9.8. Adjusted to the World Standard Population by the World Health Organization, the collective prevalence was 83.7%. Local anesthetics gave better results and tolerance in delaying ejaculation. Self-measured erect penile length from symphysis pubis to glans was 15.6 cm ± 4.1, 95% CI = 15.4–15.9, yet, 30% were dissatisfied with size, mainly in the flaccid state, with dissatisfaction being inversely proportional with erectile function. Intrauterine device was the method mostly used by couples, and condoms had a high dissatisfaction rate.

Conclusions

The prevalence of premature ejaculation appears to surpass that of erectile dysfunction, despite the possibility that it may be overreported considering the acceptable IELT of the population surveyed. Premature ejaculation and concerns over genital size may be considered as risk factors for ED. More male contraceptive measures should be introduced and popularized. Alleviating dissatisfaction with condom utility via health education should be a priority.
Evaluation of Sexual Function in Hypertensive Men Receiving Treatment: A Review of Current Guidelines Recommendation
Authors: Karavitakis Markos , Komninos Christos , Theodorakis Pavlos N. , Politis Vasilios , Lefakis Georgios , Mitsios Kostas , Koritsiadis Sotirios , Doumanis Grigorios
Published: June 2011

Introduction

It has been suggested that some classes of antihypertensive drugs may induce or exacerbate sexual and/or erectile dysfunction (ED) more than others. Sexually related side effects of antihypertensive treatment may compromise patient's and partner's quality of life. Often, these side effects can lead to withdrawal or poor compliance with therapy resulting in abnormal blood pressure and associated morbidity.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hypertension clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) address ED and/or other sexual issues as either an adverse outcome of chosen therapy or as a factor to consider in treatment decision.

Methods

Hypertension CPGs were identified by searching PubMed (from 2000 to current), the World Wide Web, bibliographies of retrieved guidelines, and official home pages of major medical societies.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures used for this study were guidelines assessment using a set of author-determined survey questions.

Results

Twelve CPGs were identified and analyzed. From these 12, only three emphasized the importance of assessing sexual function prior to initiation and/or follow-up of antihypertensive therapy; only five described potential sexual side effects associated with some drugs; only two provided specific management recommendations on commencing antihypertensive therapy in sexually active men or those with preexisting ED and address the timeline of the potential drug-induced impairment of sexual function.

Conclusions

Only a minority of CPGs for the treatment of hypertension consider ED or other sexual issues as either an adverse outcome or as a factor to consider in treatment. Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life for both the individual and his partner. It is therefore imperative to select therapy with the least possible potential for causing sexual sequelae and enable the best achievable balance between therapeutic efficacy, quality of life, and therapeutic compliance. Based on these results, our proposed algorithm attempts to effectively apply available evidence to clinical practice.
DEFATTED STRAWBERRY AND BLACKCURRANT SEEDS AS FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS OF GLUTEN‐FREE BREAD
Authors: KORUS JAROSŁAW , JUSZCZAK LESŁAW , ZIOBRO RAFAŁ , WITCZAK MARIUSZ , GRZELAK KATARZYNA , SÓJKA MICHAŁ
Published: June 2011

Defatted blackcurrant (DS‐BC) and strawberry (DS‐ST) seeds were used as a dietary supplement in gluten‐free bread. Addition of 15% DS‐BC or DS‐ST significantly modified viscoelastic properties of the dough and reduced the values of consistency coefficients and flow indices. Texture analysis proved the important role of seed type and level, only in establishing hardness, chewiness and gumminess. The hardness of supplemented bread was diminished in comparison with control, and the influence of DS‐ST was more pronounced than that of DS‐BC. The applied functional ingredients significantly influenced color parameters of the crumb, by diminishing the values of L* and b* (in case of DS‐BC) and increasing a*. The maximum addition of 5% DS‐BC or 10% DS‐ST had no negative impact on sensory evaluation of the obtained bread, but resulted in a significant rise of dietary fiber, protein and polyphenols.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Pomace is used mainly for stock feeding, and in Poland, approximately 12% of produced pomace is composted; however, it could become a valuable component of food products because of significant content of dietary fiber, protein, minerals and bioactive compounds. Significant amounts of pomace originate from the production of oils from the seeds of berries, because lipids constitute only a small part of the whole fruit.

The results prove that defatted strawberry and blackcurrant seeds could be used in bakery industry as functional ingredients of gluten‐free breads (which are usually lower in nutritional value in comparison with traditional products) without deterioration of their sensory quality, which is very important in treatment of celiac disease (patients have to follow rigorous gluten‐free diet). The applied functional ingredients significantly increased the levels of protein and dietary fiber, as well as polyphenols in such breads.
Conservative Models: Parametric Entropy vs. Temporal Entropy in Outcomes
Authors: Huang Lumeng , Ritzi Robert W. , Ramanathan Ramya
Published: June 2011

The geologic architecture in aquifer systems affects the behavior of fluid flow and the dispersion of mass. The spatial distribution and connectivity of higher‐permeability facies play an important role. Models that represent this geologic structure have reduced entropy in the spatial distribution of permeability relative to models without structure. The literature shows that the stochastic model with the greatest variance in the distribution of predictions (i.e., the most conservative model) will not simply be the model representing maximum disorder in the permeability field. This principle is further explored using the Shannon entropy as a single metric to quantify and compare model parametric spatial disorder to the temporal distribution of mass residence times in model predictions. The principle is most pronounced when geologic structure manifests as preferential‐flow pathways through the system via connected high‐permeability sediments. As per percolation theory, at certain volume fractions the full connectivity of the high‐permeability sediments will not be represented unless the model is three‐dimensional. At these volume fractions, two‐dimensional models can profoundly underrepresent the entropy in the real, three‐dimensional, aquifer system. Thus to be conservative, stochastic models must be three‐dimensional and include geologic structure.
Narrative Policy Framework: The Influence of Media Policy Narratives on Public Opinion
Authors: SHANAHAN ELIZABETH A. , MCBETH MARK K. , HATHAWAY PAUL L.
Published: June 2011

Policy narratives are pervasive in the policy arena with interest group letters, speeches, and media reports. The role policy narratives play is becoming increasingly important in policy sciences research. The central question addressed here concerns what effect policy narratives have on public opinion. To measure this, we use a quasi‐experimental design with 194 students and a controversial issue in Yellowstone National Park. Respondents took a pretest for baseline opinion data. The treatment was one of two media accounts that reflect divergent advocacy coalitions, followed by a posttest. Results indicate that media policy narratives are influential on public opinion in two ways. First, they “preach to the choir” when read by audiences with similar opinions; the result is a significant strengthening of congruent reader opinions. Second, they “convert” when read by audiences with divergent opinions; the result is a significant strengthening of opinion in the opposite direction of previously held opinions.

Las narrativas políticas se encuentran presentes en el ambiente político con cartas de grupos de cabildeo, discursos y reportes en los medios. El papel de las narrativas políticas está tomando una mayor importancia en la investigación de las políticas públicas. El tema central de este artículo es el efecto de las narrativas políticas sobre la opinión pública. Para medir esto usamos un diseño cuasi experimental con 194 estudiantes y un tema controversial en el Parque Nacional de Yellowstone. Los participantes tomaron un test inicial usado como referencia base. La información se presentó en una de dos condiciones que reflejaban grupos de intereses divergentes, seguida por una segunda encuesta. Los resultados indican que las narrativas políticas de los medios influyen en dos formas. Primero, éstas “predican a los convertidos” cuando son leídas por audiencias con opiniones similares, resultando en un reforzamiento significativo de opiniones congruentes. Segundo, éstas “ convierten” a lectores con puntos de vista diferentes; el resultado es un cambio de opinión significativo en la dirección opuesta a las opiniones sostenidas previamente.
Phylogeny of Devonian Lycopsids Inferred from Bayesian Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: XUE Jinzhuang
Published: June 2011

To investigate the phylogeny of early lycopsids, cladistic analyses using both parsimony and Bayesian approaches are presented, with a data matrix of 33 morphological characters across 25 taxa. The resulting parsimony and Bayesian trees showed overall similarities in tree topologies. In the Bayesian tree, the Protolepidodendrales and the heterosporous lycopsids are recognized as two monophyletic groups, and within the latter group, the Isoetales sensu lato forms a subclade. This topology implies that the acquisition of a ligulate character evolved twice in the lycopsids, once in the protolepidodendralean Leclercqia Banks et al., and once in the heterosporous lycopsid clade. Phylogenetic positions of several lycopsid plants previously reported from the Mid‐Upper Devonian of South China, which have uncertain ordinal affinities, were estimated by the cladistic analyses; cf. Longostachys Xue et Hao, Longostachys Zhu et al., Monilistrobus Wang et Berry, and Yuguangia Hao et al. fall well within the Isoetales clade, as earliest members of this order, while Minostrobus Wang and Wuxia Berry et al. are nested within the basal part of the heterosporous lycopsids. Bayesian analyses are a very useful approach in systematic studies and can be applied in analyzing paleobotanical data sets as well.