bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Family Involvement Program in Patients With Central-Line Insertion
Authors: Tan Shu-Hwa , Lee Kwo-Chen , Chao Yann-Fen C. , Hsu Li-Fang , Lin Pi-Chu
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of family-involved care on caregivers’ self-efficacy, the degree of satisfaction with central-line care, and the occurrence of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). We adopted a pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design, recruiting 62 participants from 2009 to 2010. Family caregivers in the experimental group received instructional guidance before collaboratively participating in patient care, whereas the control group received routine care. Our results indicated that in both groups, the overall posttest scores for self-efficacy were significantly higher than the pretest scores. The score for the question “When the patient moves around, how confident are you with ensuring catheter safety?” was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Satisfaction with the provision of central-line care was also significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. CLABSIs did not occur in either group of patients.
Toward a Situated Stance in Organizational Institutionalism
Authors: Boxenbaum Eva
Published: January 2014

Organizational Institutionalism is gradually embracing a more situated, actor-centered stance that is prompting empirical inquiry into how embedded actors respond to institutional complexity. French Pragmatist Sociology can contribute to this endeavor because it provides a situated, relational, and practice-oriented framework for studying how actors negotiate and justify actions through shared moral “worlds” that are akin to institutional logics. French Pragmatist Sociology can help illuminate three questions that are key to a situated stance in Organizational Institutionalism: (a) How free are individuals to engage with non-institutionalized mind-sets? (b) How institutionally determined are individual interests? and (c) How deliberate are individuals about provoking institutional effects? The discussion includes concrete proposals for empirical study as well as limitations and potential pitfalls that should be taken into consideration.
Child Maltreatment Reporting Patterns and Predictors of Substantiation
Authors: Raissian Kerri M. , Dierkhising Carly B. , Geiger Jennifer Mullins , Schelbe Lisa
Published: January 2014

Adolescents, and especially male adolescents, make up a disproportionately smaller portion of maltreatment reports compared to younger children. This study used the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System to better understand the characteristics of adolescents reported to Child Protective Services (CPS), to examine whether these characteristics changed over time, and to determine whether certain child or CPS report characteristics predicted CPS involvement. Although adolescents were the focal group, younger children were also analyzed for comparison. Between 2005 and 2010, reports of neglect and the proportion of children of Hispanic and unknown racial/ethnic origins increased. Concurrently, the proportion of cases resulting in CPS involvement declined. Although race/ethnicity predicted CPS involvement, this pattern was not consistent across all age groups or races/ethnicities. The type of alleged maltreatment did not typically predict CPS involvement; however, allegations of sexual abuse among school-aged children and adolescents, particularly among girls, were more likely to result in CPS involvement. These findings can assist child welfare professionals in determining appropriate services tailored to families and developing prevention programs targeting adolescents.
Treatment Beliefs and Techniques of Clinicians Serving Child Maltreatment Survivors
Authors: Allen Brian , Crosby James W.
Published: January 2014

A significant focus in the child maltreatment field is greater dissemination and implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs). Research has attempted to identify attitudes toward EBTs and training experiences that predict clinicians’ use of EBTs; however, these findings have yielded mixed results. This study reports on the results of a nationwide (United States) sample of 256 clinicians serving child maltreatment survivors, who completed questionnaires assessing beliefs about the clinical process, treatment technique selection, and attitudes toward EBTs. Psychometric data are presented on two new scales. The first scale examines clinicians’ beliefs about two components of the clinical process: (1) the extent to which treatment should be structured/directed by the clinician and (2) children’s verbal capacity to discuss traumatic events. The second scale assesses clinician-reported selection of various treatment techniques and contains four subscales: Cognitive–Behavioral, Play/Experiential, Psychodynamic, and Uncommon. Using these scales, a series of analyses were performed to determine which attitudes, beliefs, and training variables were associated with the selection of treatment techniques. After controlling for the impact of other variables, significant associations between the two clinical process beliefs and cognitive–behavioral and play/experiential techniques utilization were observed. Implications of these results for increasing implementation of EBTs with child maltreatment survivors are discussed.
A questionnaire on survival of kittens depending on the blood groups of the parents
Authors: Axnér Eva
Published: January 2014

Cats more than 2 months of age have alloantibodies against the blood type antigen that they do not possess. Maternal antibodies, including alloantibodies against blood groups, are transferred to the kittens’ systemic circulation when they suckle colostrum during the first 12–16 h after birth. If kittens with blood group A or AB nurse from a mother with blood group B they may develop neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Breeders can prevent kittens at risk of NI from nursing during the first 16–24 h; after this period it is safe to let them nurse. Kittens depend, however, on the passive transfer of antibodies from the colostrum for early protection against infections. Although it is known that kittens deprived of colostrum will also be deprived of passive systemic immunity, it is not known if this will affect their health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate kitten mortality in litters with B-mothers and A-fathers compared to litters with A-mothers. In addition, the aim was to evaluate the effects of colostrum deprivation on the health of the mothers, and the breeders’ opinions and experiences of these combinations of breedings. A web-based questionnaire was constructed and distributed to breeders. The results indicate that there is no difference in mortality between planned litters that have mothers with blood group A and litters with mothers that have blood group B and fathers that have blood group A. When managing blood group incompatibility in cat all factors affecting the health of the cats, including genetic variation, should be considered.
Evaluation of low-dose metronomic (LDM) cyclophosphamide toxicity in cats with malignant neoplasia
Authors: Leo Chiara , Stell Anneliese , Borrego Juan , Martinez de Merlo Elena , Ruess-Melzer Katja , Lara-Garcia Ana
Published: January 2014

Oral administration of low-dose cyclophosphamide in pets with spontaneously occurring malignant neoplasms has become a common practice in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate toxicity events in cats with spontaneous malignancies receiving cyclophosphamide as a metronomic therapy for at least 1 month. The number and severity of clinical, haematological and biochemical adverse events were recorded according to the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v1.1 classification scheme. Twenty-four cats were enrolled in the study with a total number of 27 neoplasms: 13 sarcomas, 12 carcinomas, one melanoma and one neuroendocrine tumour. Seventeen cats presented with macroscopic disease, while seven had microscopic disease. Seven cats (29%) had metastasis either to the regional lymph nodes and/or distant sites at the time of study enrolment. Additional medications, administered concurrently, included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (17), toceranib (4) and thalidomide (7). Four cats showed grade I gastrointestinal toxicity during the first month of treatment, which was controlled with antiemetics. Overall, 2/24 cats (8%) showed grade I haematological toxicities and 1/24 (4%) showed grade I renal toxicity in the first 4 weeks. Median follow-up for all cats was 30 days (range 30–360 days). For the 15 cats with follow-up longer than 1 month the only additional toxicities observed were two grade III and one grade II azotaemia that occurred after 2 months of therapy. Low-dose cyclophosphamide seems to be a well-tolerated option for cats bearing primary or metastatic tumours. Evaluation of toxicity after long-term administration is still needed.
A survey of owners’ perceptions and experiences of radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism in the UK
Authors: Boland Lara A , Murray Jane K , Bovens Catherine PV , Hibbert Angie
Published: January 2014

The efficacy of radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism is well established; however, limited information is known about owners’ perceptions or experiences of radioiodine. This study aimed to examine factors that influence owner treatment choices and their opinions following radioiodine. Surveys were sent to owners of cats referred for radioiodine treatment between 2002 and 2011 (radioiodine group; 264 cats) and owners of non-radioiodine-treated hyperthyroid cats seen at first-opinion practices (control group; 199 cats). The response rate was 67.0% (310 returned: 175 radioiodine, 135 control). Of 135 controls, 72 (53.3%) were unaware of radioiodine as a treatment option. Owners of cats ⩾15 years old and uninsured cats were less likely to pursue radioiodine. Cost of treatment, travel distance, potential human or animal health risks and waiting periods for radioiodine had a low impact on owners’ treatment choice. Owners reported a moderate level of concern about treatment hospitalisation length, which included (158 respondents) the possibility of the cat being unhappy 130 (82.3%), owner missing the cat 102 (64.6%), inappetence 50 (31.6%), other pets missing the cat 32 (20.3%), development of co-morbid disease 28 (17.7%) and side effects 25 (15.8%). Owners assessed their cat’s quality of life on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent), as 4 (4) (median [interquartile range]) pre-radioiodine (134 respondents) and 9 (2) post-radioiodine (131 respondents). Of 132 respondents, 121 (91.7%) were happy with their decision to choose radioiodine. The results of this questionnaire may assist veterinarians in addressing common owner concerns when discussing radioiodine as a treatment option for hyperthyroidism.
Effectiveness of a Screening and Brief Intervention protocol for heavy drinkers in dental practice: A cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Neff James Alan , Kelley Michelle L , Walters Scott T , Cunningham Tina D , Paulson James F , Braitman Abby L , Brickhouse Tegwyn H , Gunsolley John C , Darby Michele L , Lemaster Margaret F , Vandersluis J Patrick , Walsh Margaret M , Bolen Heather
Published: January 2014

Results of a cluster-randomized trial of a Screening and Brief Intervention for heavy drinkers in dental practice are reported. Data were obtained from 103 heavy drinking patients recruited from randomized intervention (7; n = 50) and control (6; n = 53) practices. Analysis of data revealed that 6-month decreases in total drinks per week were significantly ( p < .05) greater for heavy drinking intervention (43%) than control patients (21%)—a 4 drink per week difference. Similar decreases were obtained for quantity and frequency among intervention patients compared to control patients. Despite power limitations, the 6-month results support the effectiveness of the Screening and Brief Intervention.
The relationship between weight and smoking in a national sample of adolescents: Role of gender
Authors: Lange Krista , Thamotharan Sneha , Racine Madeline , Hirko Caroline , Fields Sherecce
Published: January 2014

This study sought to investigate the role of weight status and body mass index percentile in risky smoking behaviors in male and female adolescents. Analyses of the data obtained in the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System were conducted. The national sample size included 15,425 adolescents. Questions addressing weight status and smoking behaviors were used in analyses. Significant effects of perceived weight status, weight change status, and body mass index percentile on smoking behaviors were found for both genders. The current findings indicate the importance of accounting for both gender and weight status when developing prevention and cessation programs targeting smoking behaviors.
“People are all about appearances”: A focus group of teenagers with Moebius Syndrome
Authors: Bogart Kathleen R
Published: January 2014

This focus group study examined the social experiences of 10 adolescents aged 12–17 years with Moebius Syndrome, a rare condition involving congenital facial paralysis. Content analysis revealed five themes: social engagement/disengagement, resilience/sensitivity, social support/stigma, being understood/misunderstood, and public awareness/lack of awareness of Moebius Syndrome. Compared to previous research on adults with Moebius Syndrome, adolescents were more likely to experience bullying and social strain. Like adults, teenagers displayed resilience and communication skills. Greater public awareness is key to reducing the stigma associated with this condition, and social skills programs should be developed to support those who struggle with social functioning.
The emergent grammar of bilinguals: The Spanish verb hacer ‘do’ with a bare English infinitive
Authors: Wilson Damián Vergara , Dumont Jenny
Published: January 2014

This study examines the bilingual compound verb hacer ‘to do’+VerbEng, consisting of the Spanish verb hacer ‘do’ and a bare English infinitive (e.g. hacer smoke ‘to smoke’). In studies of Spanish/English bilingual speech, hacer+VerbEng has received attention due to its linguistically hybrid nature. Examining 116 tokens of hacer+VerbEng from 12 speakers of the New Mexico Spanish-English Bilingual Corpus, we test the claim that this construction has developed out of a higher cognitive load or lexical gap experienced by bilingual speakers, create a discourse profile of the construction, and propose an overview of the bilingual behaviors that contribute to the emergence of this bilingual compound verb. The construction is not found in conjunction with significantly higher rates of disfluencies, which weakens the previously made assertions that it is produced to compensate for a lexical gap. We find that hacer+VerbEng is a productive bilingual construction in which hacer serves as a tense, aspect and mood marker and the English infinitive provides the lexical content. Linguistic behavioral profiles reveal that combining languages within a single prosodic unit is correlated with higher rates of hacer+VerbEng.
Negative dialectics in music: Adorno and heavy metal
Authors: Morris Martin
Published: January 2014

Theodor Adorno argues that music contains an indelible collective undercurrent that can be revealed in its negative dialectic with Culture Industry music. This phenomenon of the communicative power of the ‘negative dialectic’ in popular music is the concern of this study. Charles Taylor observes that the rock concert embodies the expression of a continuing desire throughout secular modernity for a spiritual fulfillment that the reality or facticity of contemporary life cannot adequately deliver. In sympathy with Taylor’s interest in the rock concert as a fusion in common action/feeling that generates the powerful phenomenological sense that we are in contact with ‘something greater’, I draw on Adorno’s critical theory in order to offer an explanation of this continuing communicative power of music. It is possible to historicize Adorno’s controversial critique of popular music without rejecting his negative dialectical approach. In order to demonstrate the ‘actuality’ of Adorno’s negative dialectical approach, I use it to analyze – quite scandalously – heavy metal music.
Coping and social problem solving correlates of asthma control and quality of life
Authors: McCormick Sean P , Nezu Christine M , Nezu Arthur M , Sherman Michael , Davey Adam , Collins Bradley N
Published: January 2014

In a sample of adults with asthma receiving care and medication in an outpatient pulmonary clinic, this study tested for statistical associations between social problem-solving styles, asthma control, and asthma-related quality of life. These variables were measured cross sectionally as a first step toward more systematic application of social problem-solving frameworks in asthma self-management training. Recruitment occurred during pulmonology clinic service hours. Forty-four adults with physician-confirmed diagnosis of asthma provided data including age, gender, height, weight, race, income, and comorbid conditions. The Asthma Control Questionnaire, the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Short Form), and peak expiratory force measures offered multiple views of asthma health at the time of the study. Maladaptive coping (impulsive and careless problem-solving styles) based on transactional stress models of health were assessed with the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised: Short Form. Controlling for variance associated with gender, age, and income, individuals reporting higher impulsive–careless scores exhibited significantly lower scores on asthma control ( β = 0.70, p = 0.001, confidence interval (CI) [0.37–1.04]) and lower asthma-related quality of life ( β = 0.79, p = 0.017, CI [0.15–1.42]). These findings suggest that specific maladaptive problem-solving styles may uniquely contribute to asthma health burdens. Because problem-solving coping strategies are both measureable and teachable, behavioral interventions aimed at facilitating adaptive coping and problem solving could positively affect patient’s asthma management and quality of life.
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on metabolic variables in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Schlatzer Christian , Schwarz Esther I , Kohler Malcolm
Published: January 2014

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasingly considered as a risk factor for metabolic disturbances, such as diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, the standard treatment for patients with OSA, may improve various metabolic variables, such as insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, lipids, fat distribution and adipokines. Several observational and uncontrolled clinical studies claim an improvement of these metabolic variables through the use of CPAP. However, there is only a limited number of clinical randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of CPAP on metabolic variables. In this review, we summarise and discuss non-randomised studies and RCTs evaluating the effect of CPAP on metabolic variables in patients with OSA. In summary, the currently available body of evidence does not support a clinically important effect of CPAP treatment on any of the investigated metabolic variables. However, some investigators found small, but statistically significant changes in some metabolic variables, thus beneficial effects of CPAP treatment in selected patient cohorts cannot be excluded. To answer this question, more data from RCTs with well-defined study populations are warranted.
Stent Salvage of Arteriovenous Fistulas and Grafts
Authors: Ulloa Jesus G. , Kirkpatrick Vincent E. , Wilson Samuel E. , Williams Russell A.
Published: January 2014

Objectives:

This study analyzes our experience using stents to salvage dysfunctional hemodialysis access sites at a single institution.

Methods:

We examined the outcomes of 42 consecutive patients who had covered (36 patients) or bare-metal (9 patients) stent intervention for hemodialysis access salvage.

Results:

Of our 42 male patients, 11 had stent salvage of an arteriovenous fistula, which yielded postintervention primary and secondary 6-month patencies of 27% and 55%, respectively. For 31 patients with arteriovenous grafts, the postintervention primary and secondary 6-month patencies were 26% and 29%, respectively. Patency rates were superior for stents placed in patent access sites, in fistulas compared to grafts, and when stents were placed in forearm sites although only the latter achieved statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Stents can extend patency for the thrombosed or failing arteriovenous access, but results are poor once thrombosis has occurred. Stent placement appears to be more effective in fistulas compared to grafts.
Type A Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Bing Fabrice , Rodière Mathieu , Martinelli Thomas , Monnin-Bares Valérie , Chavanon Olivier , Bach Vincent , Baguet Jean-Philippe , Ferretti Gilbert R. , Thony Frédéric
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To understand why the false channel (FC) remains patent after surgery of type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD).

Materials and Methods:

Postoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans of 129 patients operated for TAAAD were analyzed, and a color-Doppler ultrasound examination (CDUS) of the supra-aortic vessels (SAVs) was performed in 12 patients.

Results:

The FC remained patent in 107 (82.9%) patients. The entry site was situated near the distal anastomosis in 43 (40.2%) patients and far from it in 44 (41.1%) patients. In 10 (9.35%) patients, an entry site was observed only in the SAVs. In 10 (9.35%) patients, no entry site was seen. Of the 12 patients explored with CDUS, a retrograde filling of the FC was observed in 11 patients.

Conclusion:

The frequent postoperative circulating aortic FC can be explained by the persistence of the primary entry tear, the presence of iatrogenic tears, and/or a retrograde filling in the SAVs.
The Measurement of Pleasure and Pain
Authors: Bartoshuk Linda
Published: January 2014

Pleasure and pain are among our most salient experiences, and we want to know how our pleasures and pains stack up against those of others. Older psychophysical methods fail to provide valid comparisons of pleasure and pain across individuals or groups. We are making progress in measurement, but we still have a ways to go.
Understanding Familial Risk for Depression
Authors: Gotlib Ian H. , Joormann Jutta , Foland-Ross Lara C.
Published: January 2014

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most prevalent, debilitating, and costly of all illnesses worldwide. Investigators have made considerable progress in elucidating psychological and biological correlates of MDD; however, far less is known about factors that are implicated in risk for depression. Given the high risk for MDD associated with a family history of depression, investigators have worked to understand both the effects of parental depression on offspring and the mechanisms that might underlie familial risk for MDD. In this article, we describe the evolution of investigators’ understanding of the psychobiological functioning of children of depressed parents, and we present recent findings concerning cognitive and neural aspects of risk for MDD using our high-risk sample as a context and foundation for this discussion. We integrate these data in a conceptualization of mechanisms underlying risk for depression, focusing on the constructs of emotion dysregulation and stress reactivity. Recognizing the 25-year anniversary of the Association for Psychological Science, we place this presentation in the context of the past 25 years of research on depression. We conclude by discussing the significance of emotion dysregulation and stress reactivity for studying risk for depression, for developing approaches to prevent MDD, and for moving theory and research in this field forward.
Welcome Back Theory!
Authors: Dijksterhuis Ap
Published: January 2014

The three articles appearing in this special section are constructive and optimistic, and they will encourage new research in the behavioral priming domain. They also show that the recent criticism of behavioral priming is largely overblown. The few widely publicized nonreplications have functioned as a welcome wake-up call, but they should not suggest initial findings to be false positives. Instead, they should inspire research on yet-to-be-identified moderators. I also argue that other criticism on behavioral priming, such as on the supposedly large effect sizes of behavioral priming experiments, is based on the disregard of theory in combination with premature or faulty logic.
The Alleged Crisis and the Illusion of Exact Replication
Authors: Stroebe Wolfgang , Strack Fritz
Published: January 2014

There has been increasing criticism of the way psychologists conduct and analyze studies. These critiques as well as failures to replicate several high-profile studies have been used as justification to proclaim a “replication crisis” in psychology. Psychologists are encouraged to conduct more “exact” replications of published studies to assess the reproducibility of psychological research. This article argues that the alleged “crisis of replicability” is primarily due to an epistemological misunderstanding that emphasizes the phenomenon instead of its underlying mechanisms. As a consequence, a replicated phenomenon may not serve as a rigorous test of a theoretical hypothesis because identical operationalizations of variables in studies conducted at different times and with different subject populations might test different theoretical constructs. Therefore, we propose that for meaningful replications, attempts at reinstating the original circumstances are not sufficient. Instead, replicators must ascertain that conditions are realized that reflect the theoretical variable(s) manipulated (and/or measured) in the original study.
Effects of component placement on solder joint through-life reliability
Authors: Yang Ryan SH , Braden Derek R , Zhang Guang-Ming , Harvey David M
Published: January 2014

Solder joint fatigue is a major concern in circuit board assemblies. A batch of FR4 test boards with different component layouts was assembled. These test boards were then put into an environmental chamber and subjected to thermal cycling. During the test, the samples were removed from the chamber at given intervals and examined by acoustic micro imaging. The solder joint reliability from origin to failure was obtained by processing these acoustic micro imaging data. The impact of different floor plans and component layouts on solder joint reliability were analysed. Remarkably, the results show that the floor plan and component layout have significant influence on solder joint reliability. Components placed in a mirrored configuration in a circuit board assembly have lower reliability than non-overlapping configurations and single-sided assembly. Finally, a stress-based finite element model with two simulation scenarios was carried out to correlate reliability findings with real experimental results.
Distribution of Basement Membrane Molecules, Laminin and Collagen Type IV, in Normal and Degenerated Cartilage Tissues
Authors: Foldager Casper Bindzus , Toh Wei Seong , Gomoll Andreas H. , Olsen Bjørn Reino , Spector Myron
Published: January 2014

Objective:

The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of 2 basement membrane (BM) molecules, laminin and collagen type IV, in healthy and degenerative cartilage tissues.

Design:

Normal and degenerated tissues were obtained from goats and humans, including articular knee cartilage, the intervertebral disc, and meniscus. Normal tissue was also obtained from patella-tibial enthesis in goats. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using anti-laminin and anti–collagen type IV antibodies. Human and goat skin were used as positive controls. The percentage of cells displaying the pericellular presence of the protein was graded semiquantitatively.

Results:

When present, laminin and collagen type IV were exclusively found in the pericellular matrix, and in a discrete layer on the articulating surface of normal articular cartilage. In normal articular (hyaline) cartilage in the human and goat, the proteins were found co-localized pericellularly. In contrast, in human osteoarthritic articular cartilage, collagen type IV but not laminin was found in the pericellular region. Nonpathological fibrocartilaginous tissues from the goat, including the menisci and the enthesis, were also positive for both laminin and collagen type IV pericellularly. In degenerated fibrocartilage, including intervertebral disc, as in degenerated hyaline cartilage only collagen type IV was found pericellularly around chondrocytes but with less intense staining than in non-degenerated tissue. In calcified cartilage, some cells were positive for laminin but not type IV collagen.

Conclusions:

We report differences in expression of the BM molecules, laminin and collagen type IV, in normal and degenerative cartilaginous tissues from adult humans and goats. In degenerative tissues laminin is depleted from the pericellular matrix before collagen type IV. The findings may inform future studies of the processes underlying cartilage degeneration and the functional roles of these 2 extracellular matrix proteins, normally associated with BM.
When an “Educated” Black Man Becomes Lighter in the Mind’s Eye
Authors: Ben-Zeev Avi , Dennehy Tara C. , Goodrich Robin I. , Kolarik Branden S. , Geisler Mark W.
Published: January 2014

We offer novel evidence that a Black man appears lighter in the mind’s eye following a counter-stereotypic prime, a phenomenon we refer to as skin tone memory bias. In Experiment 1, participants were primed subliminally with the counter-stereotypic word educated or with the stereotypic word ignorant, followed by the target stimulus of a Black man’s face. A recognition memory task for the target’s face and six lures (skin tone variations of ±25%, ±37%, and ±50%) revealed that participants primed with “educated” exhibited more memory errors with respect to lighter lures—misidentifying even the lightest lure as the target more often than counterparts primed with “ignorant.” This skin tone memory bias was replicated in Experiment 2. We situate these findings in theorizing on the mind’s striving for cognitive consistency. Black individuals who defy social stereotypes might not challenge social norms sufficiently but rather may be remembered as lighter, perpetuating status quo beliefs.
Linking Classroom Performance to the Institutional Mission Statement
Authors: Leonard William Patrick , Huang Chia-Hsing
Published: January 2014

A higher education institution’s mission statement should communicate its purpose and goals to both internal and external stakeholders. Unless there is a means of assessing the statement’s efficacy, it is little more than a vacuous public relations contrivance. Most teaching institutions’ mission statements directly or indirectly speak to student learning. Focusing on business schools, a literature review found little evidence of mission statement influence at the individual course level. Studies assessing the linkage between individual courses and the school’s mission statement are few. More comprehensive studies assessing the linkage from assemblages of multiple-section courses, majors, and programs could not be located in the available literature. This article presents a unique and cost-effective mathematical model that can be used to link aggregated student performance in individual courses to the institutional mission statement. Its utility permits the aggregation and disaggregation of data facilitating comparisons and contrasts performance within and across majors, required and elective, and general education within a curriculum in relation to the institution’s mission statement. Furthermore, the model could be used to isolate and compare and contrast targeted subgroups by class standing, faculty rank, experience, and full- or part-time status.
Indonesian National Inmate Bio-Behavioral Survey for HIV and Syphilis Prevalence and Risk Behaviors in Prisons and Detention Centers, 2010
Authors: Blogg Suzanne , Utomo Budi , Silitonga Nurlan , Ayu N. Hidayati Diah , Sattler Gray
Published: January 2014

Prisons are considered high-risk environments for HIV transmission. This study aimed to measure HIV and syphilis prevalence and risk behaviors among inmates in Indonesia. An integrated HIV and syphilis biological and behavior survey was conducted on random samples of 900 male and 402 female inmates in 2010. Male inmates from 18 general prisons and detention centers were randomly selected using probability proportional to size. Female inmates were randomly selected from nine eligible institutions. HIV tests included two rapid tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quality control. A rapid test was used for syphilis. Audio computer-assisted self-interview was used for collecting risk behavior information. HIV prevalence was 1.1% among male and 6.0% among female inmates. Syphilis prevalence was 5.1% for male and 8.5% for female inmates. A history of injecting drugs was the most important risk factor for HIV infection in male inmates; for females, it was co-infection with syphilis and being sentenced for illicit drug use. Inmates’ high-risk activities in prison included tattooing, piercing and inserting genital accessories without sterile equipment, and sex without condoms. The study found high-risk practices by male inmates and high HIV and syphilis prevalence in female inmates. Inmates need harm reduction initiatives.
Religion, Partisanship, and Attitudes Toward Science Policy
Authors: Jelen Ted G. , Lockett Linda A.
Published: January 2014

We examine issues involving science which have been contested in recent public debate. These “contested science” issues include human evolution, stem-cell research, and climate change. We find that few respondents evince consistently skeptical attitudes toward science issues, and that religious variables are generally strong predictors of attitudes toward individual issues. Furthermore, and contrary to analyses of elite discourse, partisan identification is not generally predictive of attitudes toward contested scientific issues.
The Blade Runner
Authors: Smith Lauren Reichart
Published: January 2014

In 2012, South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius became the first double amputee to compete in both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games. Using the theoretical notions of framing and hegemony, this study used a thematic analysis to analyze the discourse surrounding Pistorius’s competitions. Using the National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC) broadcasts of the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the Channel 4 broadcast of the Paralympics, several prominent themes emerged from the analysis. NBC’s broadcasts featured stereotypical portrayals of disabled athletes, including the notion of the “supercrip,” while Channel 4’s broadcast heralded Pistorius for being a legend and sided with Pistorius when controversy erupted after a race. The differences in the broadcast commentaries as well as theoretical implications are discussed.
Furnace fusion of Cu based coatings
Authors: Minglang L. , Zhongjia H.
Published: January 2014

The preparation of Cu based coatings, as well as a novel method for their fusion to a substrate using an air furnace, was studied. Optical microscopy was used to characterise the morphology of the precoated substrate (i.e. the coating before fusion) as well as the morphology and coating porosity of the Cu coating (i.e. the coating after fusion). The cross-section of the Cu coating was further observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that the batter contained 2·5 wt-% glycerins, and alcohol was used as the thinner. The smooth surfaces of the precoatings were smooth and without bubbles when they were heated for 120 min at 170°C. Diffusion, as well as 2 wt-% ammonium chloride, significantly contributed to the higher adhesion and cohesion strength after remelting in the furnace. The coating exhibited a dense structure with a faultless interface.
Study of high emittance chemical conversion coatings for magnesium alloys
Authors: Liu Q. L. , Wang X. D. , Wang X. K. , Yan X. W. , Ma X. J.
Published: January 2014

Comparative studies on five black chemical conversion coatings for magnesium alloy ZK60A have been conducted. The surface morphology and composition of the coatings were examined by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The electrochemical and damp heat tests were conducted to examine the resistance of the coatings to corrosive prelaunch and launch conditions. The hemispherical emittance was measured to evaluate their worthiness of the application in aerospace industry. An optimum process condition, which provided a coating with satisfactory corrosion resistance and hemispherical emittance of 0·92, was determined. The formation mechanism and influence factors on the properties of the coatings were also discussed.
Lack of association between cathepsin D C224T polymorphism and Alzheimer’s disease risk: an update meta-analysis
Authors: Mo Cuiju , Peng Qiliu , Sui Jingzhe , Wang Jian , Deng Yan , Xie Li , Li Taijie , He Yu , Qin Xue , Li Shan
Published: January 2014

Background

Cathepsin D C224T polymorphism has been reported to associate with AD susceptibility. But the results were inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the relationship between C224T polymorphism and AD risk.

Methods

The relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Wan fang electronic databases updated on July 2013. The relationship between Cathepsin D C224T polymorphism and AD risk was evaluated by ORs and 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 25 case-control studies including 5,602 cases and 11,049 controls were included in the meta-analysis. There was no association between C224T polymorphism and AD risk with all the studies were pooled in the meta-analysis (CT vs. CC: OR = 1.125, 95% CI = 0.974-1.299, P = 0.109; CT + TT vs. CC: OR = 1.136, 95% CI = 0.978-1.320, P = 0.094). Furthermore, when stratified by ethnicity, age of onset and APOEϵ4 status, significant association did not found in all subgroups.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis suggested that the Cathepsin D C224T polymorphism was not associated with AD susceptibility.
Is [F-18]-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography of value in the management of patients with craniofacial bone sarcomas undergoing neo-adjuvant treatment?
Authors: Frezza Anna Maria , Beale Tim , Bomanji Jamshed , Jay Amrita , Kalavrezos Nicholas , Dileo Palma , Whelan Jeremy , Strauss Sandra J
Published: January 2014

Background

We evaluated the role of 18FDG PET/CT used to assess response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with primary craniofacial bone sarcomas.

Methods

Fourteen patients with craniofacial bone sarcomas (13 osteosarcoma, 1 spindle cell sarcoma) were retrospectively evaluated. All patients received up to 6 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy followed by resection of the primary tumour. Response to treatment was assessed using MRI (RECIST criteria) and 18FDG PET/CT (EORTC guidelines), performed at least at baseline, after 2-4 cycles and pre-operatively.

Results

The median baseline 18FDG PET/CT SUV was 10.2 (range 0-41); in 2 patients no uptake was detected. The preoperative 18FDG PET/CT, compared with the baseline, demonstrated a partial metabolic response in 7 patients (59%), complete metabolic response in 2 (16%) and stable metabolic disease in 3 (25%). In contrast, only two patients achieved a RECIST response on MRI: 10 (83%) had stable disease. One patient underwent early resection due to clinical progression after an initial response to treatment. This was confirmed by PET (SUV from 21 to 42) but not on MRI. Twelve of 14 patients (86%) had <90% histological necrosis in the resected tumour. At a median follow-up 23 months, 11 patients (79%) remain disease free, two had metastatic progression (14%) and 1 a local relapse (7%). The median DFS was 17 months. For those patients who achieved a response to preoperative 18FDG PET/CT the median DFS was 19 months (range: 1-66) compared with 3 months (range: 3-13) in those who did not (p = 0.01). In contrast, the median disease free survival (DFS) did not differ according to histological response (19 versus 17 months, >90% versus <90% necrosis, p = 0.45) or resection margins (19 months for R0 versus 18 months for R1, p = 0.2).

Conclusion

18FDG PET/CT is more reliable than standard imaging in evaluating response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in craniofacial bone sarcomas, changed management in one patient, and in this small series, correlated better with patient outcome than histological response and resection margins. These results warrant prospective validation in a larger cohort of patients.
A dedicated microarray for in-depth analysis of pre-mRNA splicing events: application to the study of genes involved in the response to targeted anticancer therapies
Authors: Pesson Marine , Eymin Béatrice , De La Grange Pierre , Simon Brigitte , Corcos Laurent
Published: January 2014

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing (AS) widely expands proteome diversity through the combinatorial assembly of exons. The analysis of AS on a large scale, by using splice-sensitive microarrays, is a highly efficient method to detect the majority of known and predicted alternative transcripts for a given gene. The response to targeted anticancer therapies cannot easily be anticipated without prior knowledge of the expression, by the tumor, of target proteins or genes. To analyze, in depth, transcript structure and levels for genes involved in these responses, includingAKT1-3,HER1-4,HIF1A,PIK3CA,PIK3R1-2,VEGFA-DandPIR, we engineered a dedicated gene chip with coverage of an average 185 probes per gene and, especially, exon-exon junction probes. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the ability of such a chip to detect the effects of over-expressed SRSF2 RNA binding protein on the structure and abundance of mRNA products in H358 lung cancer cells conditionally over-expressing SRSF2. Major splicing changes were observed, including inHER1/EGFRpre-mRNA, which were also seen in human lung cancer samples over-expressing the SRSF2 protein. In addition, we showed that variations inHER1/EGFRpre-mRNA splicing triggered by SRSF2 overexpression in H358 cells resulted in a drop in HER1/EGFR protein level, which correlated with increased sensitivity to gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We propose, therefore, that this novel tool could be especially relevant for clinical applications, with the aim to predict the response before treatment.
Efficacy of interventions that include diet, aerobic and resistance training components for type 2 diabetes prevention: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Aguiar Elroy J , Morgan Philip J , Collins Clare E , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Callister Robin
Published: January 2014

Current recommendations for the prevention of type 2 diabetes advise modification of diet and exercise behaviors including both aerobic and resistance training. However, the efficacy of multi-component interventions involving a combination of these three components has not been established. The aims of this review were to systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence on multi-component (diet + aerobic exercise + resistance training) lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention. Eight electronic databases (Medline, Embase, SportDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Informit health collection, Cochrane library and Scopus) were searched up to June 2013. Eligible studies 1) recruited prediabetic adults or individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes; 2) conducted diet and exercise [including both physical activity/aerobic and resistance training] programs; and 3) reported weight and plasma glucose outcomes. In total, 23 articles from eight studies were eligible including five randomized controlled trials, one quasi-experimental, one two-group comparison and one single-group pre-post study. Four studies had a low risk of bias (score ≥ 6/10). Median intervention length was 12 months (range 4–48 months) with a follow-up of 18 months (range 6.5 - 48 months). The diet and exercise interventions varied slightly in terms of their specific prescriptions. Meta-analysis favored interventions over controls for weight loss (-3.79 kg [-6.13, -1.46; 95% CI], Z = 3.19, P = 0.001) and fasting plasma glucose (-0.13 mmol.L-1 [-0.24, -0.02; 95% CI], Z = 2.42, P = 0.02). Diabetes incidence was only reported in two studies, with reductions of 58% and 56% versus control groups. In summary, multi-component lifestyle type 2 diabetes prevention interventions that include diet and both aerobic and resistance exercise training are modestly effective in inducing weight loss and improving impaired fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, dietary and exercise outcomes in at risk and prediabetic adult populations. These results support the current exercise guidelines for the inclusion of resistance training in type 2 diabetes prevention, however there remains a need for more rigorous studies, with long-term follow-up evaluating program efficacy, muscular fitness outcomes, diabetes incidence and risk reduction.
Extended photoresponse and multi-band luminescence of ZnO/ZnSe core/shell nanorods
Authors: Yang Qin , Cai Hua , Hu Zhigao , Duan Zhihua , Yang Xu , Sun Jian , Xu Ning , Wu Jiada
Published: January 2014

Aligned ZnO/ZnSe core/shell nanorods (NRs) with type-II energy band alignment were fabricated by pulsed laser deposition of ZnSe on the surfaces of hydrothermally grown ZnO NRs. The obtained ZnO/ZnSe core/shell NRs are composed of wurtzite ZnO cores and zinc blende ZnSe shells. The bare ZnO NRs are capable of emitting strong ultraviolet (UV) near band edge (NBE) emission at 325-nm light excitation, while the ZnSe shells greatly suppress the emission from the ZnO cores. High-temperature processing results in an improvement in the structures of the ZnO cores and the ZnSe shells and significant changes in the optical properties of ZnO/ZnSe core/shell NRs. The fabricated ZnO/ZnSe core/shell NRs show optical properties corresponding to the two excitonic band gaps of wurtzite ZnO and zinc blende ZnSe and the effective band gap between the conduction band minimum of ZnO and the valence band maximum ZnSe. An extended photoresponse much wider than those of the constituting ZnO and ZnSe and a multi-band photoluminescence including the UV NBE emission of ZnO and the blue NBE emission of ZnSe are observed.
Enhanced state selection Markov model for image splicing detection
Authors: Su Bo , Yuan Quanqiao , Wang Shilin , Zhao Chenglin , Li Shenghong
Published: January 2014

Digital image splicing blind detection is becoming a new and important subject in information security area. Among various approaches in extracting splicing clues, Markov state transition probability feature based on transform domain (discrete cosine transform or discrete wavelet transform) seems to be most promising in the state of the arts. However, the up-to-date extraction method of Markov features has some disadvantages in not exploiting the information of transformed coefficients thoroughly. In this paper, an enhanced approach of Markov state selection is proposed, which matches coefficients to Markov states base on well-performed function model. Experiments and analysis show that the improved Markov model can employ more useful underlying information in transformed coefficients and can achieve a higher recognition rate as results.