bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IsoPlotter+: A Tool for Studying the Compositional Architecture of Genomes
Authors: Elhaik Eran , Graur Dan
Published: April 2013

Eukaryotic genomes, particularly animal genomes, have a complex, nonuniform, and nonrandom internal compositional organization. The compositional organization of animal genomes can be described as a mosaic of discrete genomic regions, called “compositional domains,” each with a distinct GC content that significantly differs from those of its upstream and downstream neighboring domains. A typical animal genome consists of a mixture of compositionally homogeneous and nonhomogeneous domains of varying lengths and nucleotide compositions that are interspersed with one another. We have devised IsoPlotter, an unbiased segmentation algorithm for inferring the compositional organization of genomes. IsoPlotter has become an indispensable tool for describing genomic composition and has been used in the analysis of more than a dozen genomes. Applications include describing new genomes, correlating domain composition with gene composition and their density, studying the evolution of genomes, testing phylogenomic hypotheses, and detect regions of potential interbreeding between human and extinct hominines. To extend the use of IsoPlotter, we designed a completely automated pipeline, called IsoPlotter+ to carry out all segmentation analyses, including graphical display, and built a repository for compositional domain maps of all fully sequenced vertebrate and invertebrate genomes. The IsoPlotter+ pipeline and repository offer a comprehensive solution to the study of genome compositional architecture. Here, we demonstrate IsoPlotter+ by applying it to human and insect genomes. The computational tools and data repository are available online.
Development of an Expert System as a Diagnostic Support of Cervical Cancer in Atypical Glandular Cells, Based on Fuzzy Logics and Image Interpretation
Authors: Domínguez Hernández Karem R. , Aguilar Lasserre Alberto A. , Posada Gómez Rubén , Palet Guzmán José A. , González Sánchez Blanca E.
Published: April 2013

Cervical cancer is the second largest cause of death among women worldwide. Nowadays, this disease is preventable and curable at low cost and low risk when an accurate diagnosis is done in due time, since it is the neoplasm with the highest prevention potential. This work describes the development of an expert system able to provide a diagnosis to cervical neoplasia (CN) precursor injuries through the integration of fuzzy logics and image interpretation techniques. The key contribution of this research focuses on atypical cases, specifically on atypical glandular cells (AGC). The expert system consists of 3 phases: (1) risk diagnosis which consists of the interpretation of a patient’s clinical background and the risks for contracting CN according to specialists; (2) cytology images detection which consists of image interpretation (IM) and the Bethesda system for cytology interpretation, and (3) determination of cancer precursor injuries which consists of in retrieving the information from the prior phases and integrating the expert system by means of a fuzzy logics (FL) model. During the validation stage of the system, 21 already diagnosed cases were tested with a positive correlation in which 100% effectiveness was obtained. The main contribution of this work relies on the reduction of false positives and false negatives by providing a more accurate diagnosis for CN.
Reactive Attachment Disorder in the General Population: A Hidden ESSENCE Disorder
Authors: Pritchett Rachel , Pritchett Jennifer , Marshall Emma , Davidson Claire , Minnis Helen
Published: April 2013

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a severe disorder of social functioning. Previous research has shown that children with RAD may have poor cognitive and language abilities; however, findings mainly come from biased, institutionalised samples. This paper describes the characteristics of all children who were given a suspected or likely diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder in an epidemiological study of approximately 1,600 children investigating the prevalence of RAD in the general population. We found that children with RAD are more likely to have multiple comorbidities with other disorders, lower IQs than population norms, more disorganised attachment, more problem behaviours, and poorer social skills than would be found in the general population and therefore have a complex presentation than can be described as ESSENCE. We discuss the clinical and educational implications.
A New Sliding Mode Controller for DC/DC Converters in Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Sarvi M. , Soltani I. , NamazyPour N. , Rabbani N.
Published: April 2013

DC/DC converters are widely used in many industrial and electrical systems. As DC/DC converters are nonlinear and time-variant systems, the application of linear control techniques for the control of these converters is not suitable. In this paper, a new sliding mode controller is proposed as the indirect control method and compared to a simple direct control method in order to control a buck converter in photovoltaic applications. The solar arrays are dependent power sources with nonlinear voltage-current characteristics under different environmental conditions (insolation and temperature). From this point of view, the DC/DC converter is particularly suitable for the application of the sliding mode control in photovoltaic application, because of its controllable states. Simulations are performed in Matlab/Simulink software. The simulation results are presented for a step change in reference voltage and input voltage as well as step load variations. The simulations results of proposed method are compared with the conventional PID controller. The results show the good performance of the proposed sliding mode controller. The proposed method can be used for the other DC/DC converter.
Nonrigid 3D Medical Image Registration and Fusion Based on Deformable Models
Authors: Liu Peng , Eberhardt Benjamin , Wybranski Christian , Ricke Jens , Lüdemann Lutz
Published: April 2013

For coregistration of medical images, rigid methods often fail to provide enough freedom, while reliable elastic methods are available clinically for special applications only. The number of degrees of freedom of elastic models must be reduced for use in the clinical setting to archive a reliable result. We propose a novel geometry-based method of nonrigid 3D medical image registration and fusion. The proposed method uses a 3D surface-based deformable model as guidance. In our twofold approach, the deformable mesh from one of the images is first applied to the boundary of the object to be registered. Thereafter, the non-rigid volume deformation vector field needed for registration and fusion inside of the region of interest (ROI) described by the active surface is inferred from the displacement of the surface mesh points. The method was validated using clinical images of a quasirigid organ (kidney) and of an elastic organ (liver). The reduction in standard deviation of the image intensity difference between reference image and model was used as a measure of performance. Landmarks placed at vessel bifurcations in the liver were used as a gold standard for evaluating registration results for the elastic liver. Our registration method was compared with affine registration using mutual information applied to the quasi-rigid kidney. The new method achieved 15.11% better quality with a high confidence level of 99% for rigid registration. However, when applied to the quasi-elastic liver, the method has an averaged landmark dislocation of 4.32 mm. In contrast, affine registration of extracted livers yields a significantly () smaller dislocation of 3.26 mm. In conclusion, our validation shows that the novel approach is applicable in cases where internal deformation is not crucial, but it has limitations in cases where internal displacement must also be taken into account.
Immune Embedded Linux Core System with Multiple Sensors
Authors: Gong Tao
Published: April 2013

The security of the embedded Linux core system is more important than before because this system is becoming more useful to solve the security problem of the computer system than the Windows operating system. It is firstly necessary to identify the normal state of the embedded Linux core system with a model. In this paper, the normal model of this normal system is represented with the space-time property set of all the components in this system. For example, the space property of a file in this system is the absolute pathname of this file, and the time property of this file is its last revision time. This immune embedded Linux core system uses multiple sensors to detect some important information, such as the disaster features. This antidisaster system will be tested on the ARM11 chips.
Preeclampsia Is a Biomarker for Vascular Disease in Both Mother and Child: The Need for a Medical Alert System
Authors: Hakim Julie , Senterman Mary K. , Hakim Antoine M.
Published: April 2013

This paper reviews the literature pertaining to the impact of preeclampsia not only on the mother but particularly on the children. The review points to the higher blood pressure in children born to preeclamptic mothers compared to controls, their increased tendency to suffer strokes, the reduction in their cognitive ability, and their vulnerability to depression. Mechanisms that may induce these changes are emphasized, particularly the placental vascular insufficiency and the resulting hypoxic and proinflammatory environments in which the fetus develops. The hypothesis proposed is that these changes in the fetal-placental environment result in epigenetic programming of the child towards a higher propensity for vascular disease. The review’s main recommendation is that, within ethical boundaries, the medical records of individuals born to preeclamptic mothers should clearly indicate this event and should be made available to the affected individuals so that preventive measures against vascular complications and lifestyle changes that may mitigate the latter can be instituted.
Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in 1, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin-D3-Induced Breast Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Brosseau C. , Pirianov G. , Colston K. W.
Published: April 2013

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is implicated in breast cancer development and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1, 25-D3) has been shown to attenuate prosurvival effects of IGF-I on breast cancer cells. In this study the role of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in 1, 25-D3-induced apoptosis was investigated using parental MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-7/VDRcells, which are resistant to the growth inhibitory effects of 1, 25-D3. Treatment with 1, 25-D3increased IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in both cell lines but increases in intracellular IGFBP-3 protein and its secretion were observed only in MCF-7. 1, 25-D3-induced apoptosis was not associated with activation of any caspase but PARP-1 cleavage was detected in parental cells. IGFBP-3 treatment alone produced cleavage of caspases 7, 8, and 9 and PARP-1 in MCF-7 cells. IGFBP-3 failed to activate caspases in MCF-7/VDRcells; however PARP-1 cleavage was detected. 1, 25-D3treatment inhibited IGF-I/Akt survival signalling in MCF-7 but not in MCF-7/VDRcells. In contrast, IGFBP-3 treatment was effective in inhibiting IGF-I/Akt pathways in both breast cancer lines. These results suggest a role for IGFBP-3 in 1, 25-D3apoptotic signalling and that impaired secretion of IGFBP-3 may be involved in acquired resistance to vitamin D in breast cancer.
Prospective Phase II Study on 5-Days Azacitidine for Treatment of Symptomatic and/or Erythropoietin Unresponsive Patients with Low/INT-1–Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Filì Carla , Malagola Michele , Follo Matilde Y. , Finelli Carlo , Iacobucci Ilaria , Martinelli Giovanni , Cattina Federica , Clissa Cristina , Candoni Anna , Fanin Renato , Gobbi Marco , Bocchia Monica , Defina Marzia , Spedini Pierangelo , Skert Cristina , Manzoli Lucia , Cocco Lucio , Russo Domenico
Published: April 2013

Purpose: This phase II prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-days azacytidine (5d-AZA) in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Second, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic profile and phosphoinositide-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) β1 levels were studied to evaluate possible biologic markers able to predict the hematologic response.

Experimental Design: The study tested a lower intensity schedule of azacytidine. The treatment plan consisted of 75 mg/sqm/d subcutaneous administered for 5 days every 28 days, for a total of 8 cycles.

Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled in the study. The overall response rate was 47% (15 of 32) on intention-to-treat and 58% (15 of 26) for patients completing the treatment program. In this latter group, 5 (19%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 10 (38%) had hematologic improvement, according to the International Working Group (IWG) criteria. Three patients have maintained their hematologic improvement after 37, 34, and 33 months without other treatments. Moreover, 21 and 2 of 26 cases completing 8 cycles were transfusion-dependent for red blood cells and platelets at baseline, respectively. Of these, 7 (33%) and 2 (100%) became transfusion-independent at the end of the treatment program, respectively. Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 28% of patients and 4 patients died early due to infections or hemorrhage. SNP results were not significantly correlated to the clinical outcome, whereas PI-PLCβ1 level anticipated either positive or negative clinical responses.

Conclusions: 5d-AZA is safe and effective in a proportion of patients with low-risk MDS. PI-PLCβ1 gene expression is a reliable and dynamic marker of response that can be useful to optimize azacytidine therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 19(12); 3297–308. ©2013 AACR.
Long-Term Statin Administration to Dams on High-Fat Diet Protects Not Only Them but Also Their Offspring from Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Elahi M.M. , Cagampang F.R. , Ohri S.K. , Hanson M.A.
Published: April 2013

We aimed to study the effects of long-term statin administration to high fat (HF)-fed female mice from the time they were weaned through to pregnancy and lactation on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in their HF-fed offspring. Female C57 mice on HF (45% kcal fat) were given pravastatin in their drinking water from the time they were weaned, during pregnancy and lactation. Weaned offspring were then fed an HF diet until adulthood generating the dam/offspring dietary groups HF/HF and HF plus pravastatin from the time dams were weaned, during pregnancy and lactation/HF (HF+S/HF). These groups were compared with offspring from mothers fed standard chow (control) which were then fed a control diet up to adulthood (control/control; C/C). HF+S dams showed significantly reduced total cholesterol concentrations and systolic blood pressure (SBP) versus HF dams. The reduction in total cholesterol and SBP in the HF+S dams did not restore values to those observed in the C group. Both male and female HF+S/HF offspring were significantly lighter in weight, and had lower SBP and serum cholesterol concentrations versus HF/HF. HF/HF offspring had elevated C-reactive protein levels but HF+S/HF animals of both sexes had reduced levels similar to those found in the C/C group. Long-term pravastatin administration to dams not only protects them from the deleterious effects of an HF diet, but this long-term maternal statin protection also has an equal and permanent effect in both male and female offspring up to their adult life, which is a novel finding.
Cryptorchidism Is Not a Risk Factor for Antisperm Antibody Production in Post-Orchidopexy Males with Infertility
Authors: Jiang Huan , Zhu Wei-Jie
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Infertility in adulthood is a well-recognized consequence of cryptorchidism, even after successful orchidopexy. Autoimmune reactions against spermatozoa are associated with infertility and often found in cryptorchids. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the linkage between antisperm antibody (ASA) and cryptorchidism, and furthermore, to clarify whether ASA is involved in cryptorchidism-associated infertility. Materials and Methods: We investigated a total of 48 infertile males with a history of unilateral (n = 30) or bilateral (n = 18) cryptorchidism who had undergone successful orchidopexy in prepuberty, and 20 age-matched fertile and healthy males were collected as controls. ASA in sperm samples was detected by the direct immunobead test, and semen analysis was performed concomitantly. Results: No infertile case satisfied the diagnostic criteria of ASA-mediated infertility set forth by the World Health Organization. Decreases in both sperm concentration and motility accompanied by increases in abnormal morphology were seen in infertile cryptorchids when compared with the healthy controls. Conclusions: Testicular heat exposure in prepuberty is not a risk factor for ASA production. It is evident that the mechanisms that underlie cryptorchidism-associated infertility do not involve ASA. Poor sperm characteristics in cryptorchids resulting from thermal damage to the testes seem to be responsible for their infertility, even after successful orchidopexy.
Higher BMI Is Associated with Reduced Cognitive Performance in Division I Athletes
Authors: Fedor Andrew , Gunstad John
Published: April 2013

Objective: Poor cardiovascular fitness has been implicated as a possible mechanism for obesity-related cognitive decline, though no study has examined whether BMI is associated with poorer cognitive function in persons with excellent fitness levels. The current study examined the relationship between BMI and cognitive function by the Immediate Post Concussion and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) in Division I collegiate athletes. Methods: Participants had an average age of 20.14 ± 1.78 years, were 31.3% female, and 53.9% football players. BMI ranged from 19.04 to 41.14 and averaged 26.72 ± 4.62. Results: Regression analyses revealed that BMI incrementally predicted performance on visual memory (R2 change = 0.015, p = 0.026) beyond control variables. Follow-up partial correlation analyses revealed small but significant negative correlations between BMI and verbal memory (r = -0.17), visual memory (r = -0.16), and visual motor speed (r = -0.12). Conclusions: These results suggest that higher BMI is associated with reduced cognitive function, even in a sample expected to have excellent levels of cardiovascular fitness. Further work is needed to better understand mechanisms for these associations.
Liberalizing Trade in Services: Lessons from Regional and WTO Negotiations
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Mattoo Aaditya
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Liberalization of trade and investment in services through trade agreements has progressed less than trade in goods. We review the limited progress achieved to date in the WTO and major regional agreements on services and possible explanations why trade agreements have not been more effective at integrating the services markets of participating countries. We argue that the prospects for both services liberalization and welfare-enhancing regulatory reform in the context of trade agreements can be enhanced through mechanisms that enhance transparency, dialogue and cooperation between regulators, trade officials and stakeholders.
Key and bibliography of the genera of European Trichoptera larvae
Authors: WARINGER JOHANN , GRAF WOLFRAM
Published: April 2013

The paper provides a synoptic key to the genera of final instar European Trichoptera larvae. The most important characters are illustrated by colour photos, with arrows highlighting the diagnostic features. A short descriptive text gives additional information for each decision and guides the reader through the determination process.
Clathria (Clathria) Schmidt, 1862 from Brazil with description of a new species and a review of records (Poecilosclerida: Demospongiae: Porifera)
Authors: DE BARROS LYDIA VIEIRA , SANTOS GEORGE GARCIA , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: April 2013

We report and describe material of Clathria (Clathria) (Poecilosclerida: Microcionina: Microcionidae) collected from the coast of Brazil: Clathria (C.) nicoleae sp. nov., Clathria (C.) calypso and Clathria (C.) prolifera. Clathria (C.) calypso is also redescribed. Specimens previously recorded from Brazil as Clathria (C.) prolifera were considered to fit better in the taxon Clathria (Wilsonella). The new species was compared with all other (twenty-five) Clathria (C.) species occurring in the Atlantic. The new species differs from the other species by overall morphology and presence of auxiliary tylo-strongyle megascleres.
The first species of the genus Caponina from Brazilian Amazonia (Araneae: Caponiidae)
Authors: BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D. , RUIZ ALEXANDER SÁNCHEZ
Published: April 2013

The genus Caponina Simon, 1891 comprises eleven species of medium-sized, soil-dwelling caponiids. Most members of Caponina have six eyes, but some have five, four, three or two eyes (Brignoli 1977, Platnick 1994). The genus is widespread in South and Central America (Platnick 2012). To date, only three species have been recorded from Brazil: Caponina alegre Platnick, 1994 from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, C. notabilis (Mello-Leitão, 1939) from the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, and C. tijuca Platnick, 1994 from the state of Rio de Janeiro (Platnick 1994). In this paper we describe a new species from the state of Pará, in Brazilian Amazonia. Caponina papamanga new species was collected during the “Butantan na Amazonia” project, founded by the Instituto Butantan. The phylogenetic relationships of C. papamanga could not be studied, but the greatly elongated embolus, the dorsal tubercle on the palpal femur (Figs. 7, 9) and the massive epigynal sclerotizations (Fig. 10) suggest that this species belongs to the monophyletic Andean group proposed by Platnick (1994: 7).
Revision of the genus Leopoldamys (Rodentia, Muridae) as inferred from morphological and molecular data, with a special emphasis on the species composition in continental Indochina
Authors: BALAKIREV A. E. , ABRAMOV A. V. , ROZHNOV V. V.
Published: April 2013

A revision of the genus Leopoldamys is presented, and both the species composition and distribution in Indochina and Sundaic regions is reinvestigated. The phylogeny of the genus is recovered based on Cyt b, COI, and IRBP gene analyses. Five basal and 16 secondary monophyletic phylogenetic lineages were identified. A taxonomic reassessment of the con-tinental and Sundaic populations is performed based on morphological verification of the genetically defined clades. Six clades were recovered in the phylogenetic analyses and correspond to morphologically defined species: L. revertens (dis-tributed in lowlands of eastern and central Indochina), L. herberti (western and central Indochina, northward to northern Vietnam), L. edwardsi (China and northern Vietnam, northward of 21°N), L. milleti (endemic of Dalat Plateau, southern Vietnam), L. sabanus (Borneo), and L. vociferans (lowlands of the Malacca Peninsula, northward to southwestern Thai-land). The absence of proper L. sabanus in continental Indochina is revealed. The substitute name for the species known from the majority of Indochina under the name of L. sabanus should be L. revertens. The name L. neilli, which has been ascribed to populations from Thailand and Vietnam, is a junior synonym of L. herberti. Two related but rather divergent clades are found in Sumatra and the Malacca Peninsula. Based on their considerable genetic distances, these forms should be regarded as separate species from the L. sabanus type-bearing populations of Borneo, or as the members of L. sabanus polytypic superspecies. The substitute name for the lineage-bearing taxon from Malacca should be L. vociferans. The con-tinental populations of Leopoldamys can be distinguished from each other by external and cranial characters and may be subdivided into four species. Two of these species (L. revertens and L. milleti) are well distinguished by external and cra-nial morphology, whereas the other two species (L. herberti and L. edwardsi) may be treated as sibling species that are difficult to distinguish based on morphological characters.
Occupy: A new new social movement
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: April 2013

The recent mobilizations in the Middle East, Southern Europe, and United States were both inevitable given the implosion of global capital, and at the same time unexpected and unpredictable. How are we to understand these mobilizations? This article suggests that NSM, New Social Movement theory, with its concerns for identity, culture, and meaning, in which the transformation of identity becomes the basis of subsequent social transformation remains a useful starting point. But given the contradictions of global capital, as well as developments in social movement theory, there is a need to further consider the importance of the legitimation crises of the political economy migrating to the subjective realms of identity and emotion that impel mobilizations that are informed by morality and visions that may be utopian. The Occupy movements illustrate these relationships.
Inside Afghanistan 23 Years after the Soviet Withdrawal
Authors: Payind Alam
Published: April 2013

Twenty-three years have passed since the Soviet Union withdrew its forces from Afghanistan and, after 11 years of the United States’ (US) military involvement in that country, the war between Afghan insurgent groups and the US-led coalition forces is raging with no side winning. More than 11 years later, Afghanistan remains divided and ethnic tensions are worsening. If the ongoing military, political and economic policies in Afghanistan continue and Pakistan remains a safe haven for Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, the future may soon drastically tilt against the ineffective and corrupt Afghan government and its foreign supporters. This study is mainly based upon 33 years of observations, in-depth interviews with Afghans in their local languages and an extensive study of recent developments inside Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and Iran.
“I” and “You” as fragile fabrications of the imagination: Betty Roland’s The Eye of the Beholder
Authors: Clark Maureen
Published: April 2013

Betty Roland (1903–1996) is perhaps best known as a career dramatist for stage and radio in Australia and the United Kingdom. But Roland was also a prolific contributor to a print-culture that encompassed the influences of other countries in which she travelled, worked, and lived. These included (Stalinist) Russia in the 1930s, England in the 1950s, and Greece in the 1960s. In fact, there are few zones of literature into which the Australian-born Roland did not venture between the late 1920s and 1990. Her body of work comprises, for example, three volumes of autobiography, a travel memoir, four children’s books, four romance novels, newspaper and magazine articles, as well as film and comic book scripts. Roland’s artistic temperament, liberal social views and left-wing political stance, meant she was a part of male-dominated bohemian cultures and radical art theatre movements in Sydney and Melbourne in the 1930s and 40s. Her auto/biographical book, The Eye of the Beholder (1984), which is the subject of this essay, is ostensibly a study of Montsalvat, an artist’s colony, which was established in 1935 near Melbourne, Victoria. However, the book is principally concerned with Roland’s love–hate relationship with the colony’s founder, Justus Jörgensen. Roland writes herself into the time and space of Montsalvat to create an auto/biographical script where “I” and “You” are re-imagined and brought together. In Roland’s retrospective narrative, past selves are objectified through the act of writing them in the present. As a consequence, the boundaries between auto/biography and fiction are blurred.
Control of a pneumatic drive using electronic pressure valves
Authors: Šitum Željko
Published: April 2013

The primary task of the electronic pressure (E/P) valves is to control the pressure continuously in different industrial automation processes. Their use in pneumatic drives allows regulating pressures in both cylinder chambers and so it is possible to achieve a direct force controlled actuator. Additionally to the force control, position control of the pneumatic actuator using E/P valves has been presented. A dynamic model for control purposes of the process has been derived, followed by the PID controller tuned according to damping optimum criteria. The control algorithms have been experimentally verified on an industrial cylindrical rod-less actuator controlled by two E/P valves. The control performances are comparable with the set-up with proportional directional control valves (servo-valves). Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that these valves have potential for successful implementation in industry for position and force control applications.
“Pimping the System”
Authors: Woodward Kerry
Published: April 2013

Based on my ethnographic research in Contra Costa County, California (CCC), I propose a new way of examining and comparing welfare-to-work programs. I argue that within the confines of welfare reform, the best programs—those with the greatest benefits for recipients—provide welfare-reliant women with significant economic, social, and cultural capital. In addition to making such capital available, these programs deploy the dominant and subjugated capital participants already possess in order to effectively transmit the dominant capital most likely to lead to success in the labor market. I argue that empowering programs, including CCC’s, are successful in transmitting dominant capital to participants, while repressive ones focus on pushing women off the welfare rolls rather than preparing them for “self-sufficiency.”
‘Being Santa Claus’: the pursuit of recognition in interactive service work
Authors: Hancock Philip
Published: April 2013

The labour of interactive service work, particularly its emotional and aesthetic dimensions, has been the focus of significant research. This article investigates the occupational practices of perhaps one of the most immediately recognizable of interactive service workers, the Santa Claus performer. Through a series of observations and in-depth, semi-structured interviews, it explores both the conditions of employment encountered by these workers and the practices and techniques by which they aim to bring a level of authenticity – one perceived to be unparalleled in similar roles both service and theatrical – to their performance. In doing so, the article explores work characterized by the pursuit of interpersonal recognition derived from the self-esteem that is desired and, in many instances, achieved from the perceived authenticity of this performance, that is, by being Santa Claus.
The Clinical Investigation of Disparity of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Chinese Occupational Population in Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jui , Chiu Wei-Hsiu , Chen Ran-Chou , Chen Fu-Li , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: April 2013

The authors sought to explore the prevalence and factors related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among occupational population in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 8347 healthy adults voluntarily admitted to annual physical check-up. Blood samples and ultrasound-proved fatty liver sonography results were collected. The results showed that the prevalence of NAFLD was 48.4% and revealed a statistically significant increase with increasing population age. Males exhibited a greater prevalence of NAFLD than did females (57.8% vs 32.4%, P < .001). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, in addition to male gender, older age, higher body mass index, higher aspartate aminotransferase level, higher alanine aminotransferase level, presence of hypertension, presence of hyperuricemia, presence of hypercholesterolemia, higher fasting plasma glucose, and presence of hypertriglyceridemia were the significant factors associated with NAFLD. The differences in occupational professions were revealed. In conclusion, occupational populations are asymptomatic, and the diagnosis of NAFLD should be considered with older age, hyperuricemia, higher aspartate aminotransferase level, higher alanine aminotransferase level, and metabolic risk factors.
Improved Resident Physician Confidence With Advance Care Planning After an Ambulatory Clinic Intervention
Authors: Tung Ericka E. , Wieland Mark L. , Verdoorn Brandon P. , Mauck Karen F. , Post Jason A. , Thomas Matthew R. , Bundrick John B. , Jaeger Thomas M. , Cha Stephen S. , Thomas Kris G.
Published: April 2013

Many primary care providers feel uncomfortable discussing end-of-life care. The aim of this intervention was to assess internal medicine residents’ advance care planning (ACP) practices and improve residents’ ACP confidence. Residents participated in a facilitated ACP quality improvement workshop, which included an interactive presentation and chart audit of their own patients. Pre- and postintervention surveys assessed resident ACP-related confidence. Only 24% of the audited patients had an advance directive (AD), and 28% of the ACP-documentation was of no clinical utility. Terminally ill patients (odds ratio 2.8, P < .001) were more likely to have an AD. Patients requiring an interpreter were less likely to have participated in ACP. Residents reported significantly improved confidence with ACP and identified important training gaps. Future studies examining the impact on ACP quality are needed.
Validation of a Chinese Version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Hong Kong and Development of a Short Form
Authors: Hou Jing , Wong Samuel Yeung-Shan , Lo Herman Hay-Ming , Mak Winnie Wing-Sze , Ma Helen Shuk-Wah
Published: April 2013

Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly being used in various populations to improve well-being and reduce psychological afflictions. However, there is lack of a validated mindfulness measurement in the Chinese language. This study validated the Chinese version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-C) in both a community sample of 230 adults and a clinical sample of 156 patients with significant psychological distress. Results showed a good test–retest reliability (.88) and a high internal consistency (.83 in the community sample and .80 in the clinical sample). Mindfulness as measured by FFMQ-C has moderate to large correlations with psychological distress and mental well-being. Two of the five subscales ( describing and acting with awareness) showed incremental validity over the others in predicting psychological symptoms and mental health. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the five-factor structure of the FFMQ-C and demonstrated adequate model fit. A 20-item short form scale (FFMQ-SF) was developed using the proposed comprehensive criteria. These findings indicate that the FFMQ-C is reliable and valid to measure mindfulness in a Chinese population. Further study is needed to evaluate the psychometric properties of FFMQ-SF.
Comparing Methods for Scoring Personality Disorder Types Using Maladaptive Traits in DSM-5
Authors: Samuel Douglas B. , Hopwood Christopher J. , Krueger Robert F. , Thomas Katherine M. , Ruggero Camilo J.
Published: April 2013

The DSM-5 ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.) Section III will include an alternative hybrid system for the diagnosis of personality disorder (PD). This alternative system defines PD types partly through specific combinations of maladaptive traits, rather than by using a set of polythetic diagnostic criteria. The current report utilizes a large sample of undergraduates ( n = 1,159) to examine three dimensional methods for comparing an individual’s trait profile to each PD type. We found that the sum of an individual’s scores on the assigned traits obtained large convergent correlations ( Mdn r =.61) and best reproduced the patterns of PD discriminant correlations observed within the DSM-IV measure. We also tested the DSM-5 Section III model algorithms and compared them with different thresholds for assigning categorical diagnoses. Frequency rates using the algorithms were greatly reduced, whereas requiring half of the assigned traits produced rates that more closely approximated current prevalence estimates. Our research suggests that DSM-5 Section III trait model can reproduce the DSM-IV-TR PD constructs and identifies effective methods of doing so.
The Psychometric Properties of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 in an APA DSM-5 Field Trial Sample
Authors: Quilty Lena C. , Ayearst Lindsay , Chmielewski Michael , Pollock Bruce G. , Bagby R. Michael
Published: April 2013

Section 3 of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5) includes a hybrid model of personality pathology, in which dimensional personality traits are used to derive one of seven categorical personality disorder diagnoses. The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) was developed by the DSM-5 Personality and Personality Disorders workgroup and their consultants to produce a freely available instrument to assess the personality traits within this new system. To date, the psychometric properties of the PID-5 have been evaluated primarily in undergraduate student and community adult samples. In the current investigation, we extend this line of research to a psychiatric patient sample who participated in the APA DSM-5 Field Trial (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health site). A total of 201 psychiatric patients (102 men, 99 women) completed the PID-5 and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R). The internal consistencies of the PID-5 domain and facet trait scales were acceptable. Results supported the unidimensional structure of all trait scales but one, and the convergence between the PID-5 and analogous NEO PI-R scales. Evidence for discriminant validity was mixed. Overall, the current investigation provides support for the psychometric properties of this diagnostic instrument in psychiatric samples.
A Feasibility Study of a Telephone-Based Screening Service for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Its Uptake by Elderly People
Authors: Vaskinn Anja , Wilsgård Ingun , Holm Arne , Wootton Richard , Elvevåg Brita
Published: April 2013

The risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and subsequently dementia, increases with age. Early detection requires a comprehensive clinical examination, which is time consuming and expensive; a face-to-face examination can also be problematic for people living in rural areas which may result in unequal access to services. Telephone-based screening may provide a feasible method of identifying people who would benefit from a full diagnostic workup. We conducted a pilot study in which we offered telephone screening to all patients aged over 60 years at a health clinic in rural northern Norway (n = 259). Fifteen percent of them volunteered (n = 39). Screening identified a number of suspicious cases and we recommended to their general practitioner that 7 patients (18%) be offered a follow-up appointment. Surveys showed that the volunteers were generally positive towards the service, as was the general practitioner who found it helpful to be provided with such information about the elderly patients in his care. In addition, we surveyed the opinions of all general practitioners (n = 480) in the three northernmost counties of Norway concerning a potential service. There was a response rate of 40% (n = 190). Almost half of respondents (45%) would like to make use of such a service if it existed, and 34% believed that their patients would make use of it if available. The pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of telephone screening for clinically significant memory decline, and that users (general practitioners and the elderly) are positive towards such a service.
Non-Response in Telephone Surveys of Copd Patients Does Not Introduce Bias
Authors: Aanerud Marianne , Braut Harald , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Eagan Tomas ML , Bakke Per S
Published: April 2013

We examined the telephone response rates in a 2-year study of patients with COPD to identify factors associated with non-response. A total of 381 patients received monthly telephone calls to assess symptoms and treatment in 2007 and 2008. A total of 9019 calls were made over 24 months, of which 73% were answered. The highest response rate was obtained in February 2007 (81 %), and the lowest in July 2008 (48%). The monthly response rate was lower in the second year of follow up. There were 39 patients (10%) who were less frequent responders, with 10 or fewer responses. Less frequent responders were more likely to be current smokers and have hypoxaemia. The median number of answered calls was 18 (interquartile range 16–20). In bivariate models the median number of responses was significantly lower in subjects with chronic cough. In multivariate models neither demographic nor disease characteristics were significantly associated with non-response. We found less frequent responders to monthly telephone calls to be similar in characteristics to frequent responders. This suggests that non-response does not necessarily introduce bias in telephone surveys of patients with COPD.
Is there an author behind this text? A literary aesthetic driven approach to interactive media
Authors: Das Ranjana , Pavlíčková Tereza
Published: April 2013

In this paper we employ a conceptual repertoire from philosophical hermeneutics and literary aesthetics to examine people’s expectations of and trust in interactive media. Drawing on data from two projects, first, with young professionals on their perceptions of the informational value of various media, and second, with youthful users of the online genre of social networking sites, we present findings on perceptions of authorial presence and constructions of an imagined author. We conclude that an (imagined) author plays a key role in media users’ ability to critically use interactive media and evaluate the relevance and reliability of media content, rather than functioning as an authoritative originator of the meaning. We argue that this is important not only for contemporary research in critical digital literacies, but also for the intrinsic importance of trust in any act of communicative engagement.
Social responsibility theory and the digital nonprofits: Should the government aid online news startups?
Authors: Coates Nee Rebecca
Published: April 2013

As the size and scope of the commercial media shrink, some veteran journalists are picking up the mantle of socially responsible journalism by establishing nonprofit news websites. Numerous reports have noted the potential of these outlets to fill gaps in public affairs reporting and serve vital information needs in American democracy. The economic sustainability of these startups is tenuous, however. While some scholars have called for more government intervention to ensure community journalism survives, the Internal Revenue Service has questioned the nonprofit eligibility of news outlets. The purpose of this study is to determine how leaders of these civic journalism startups view the government’s role in ensuring their survival. Findings show the online news managers view their nonprofit status favorably. Most are not open to direct government subsidies, but have not ruled out assistance in the form of advertising, contracts for services, and payments in kind.
The study of memory sites through a Dialogical Accompaniment Interactive Group Method: a research note
Authors: Espinoza Adriana E , Piper Isabel , Fernández Roberto A
Published: April 2013

Collective memory studies have been growing in production of knowledge, but conceptual and methodological advances remain scarce. This research note contributes by presenting an innovative and interactive group method that seeks to analyze how collective memories are constructed by different generations in their interactions with four memory sites related to the Military Dictatorship in Chile. The theoretical and methodological conceptualizations that led to the proposed method are discussed. The method includes a dialogical accompaniment and triangular groups that enable the study of people’s interactions at and with memory sites. Methodological challenges encountered are discussed, as well as interesting findings regarding the construction of generational memories. The complexity of studying collective memory processes and generational discourse at memory sites in countries with traumatic pasts like Chile demands the construction of innovative methods. Researchers designing memory studies should dare taking methodological designs a step forward in order to generate challenging new methods.
Associations between the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and susceptibility to aortic aneurysms: A meta-analysis
Authors: Song Gwan Gyu , Kim Jae-Hoon , Lee Young Ho
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) confers susceptibility to aortic aneurysms (AAs).

Materials and methods:

A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the ACE I/D polymorphism and all AAs and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Results:

Ten studies consisting of 2784 cases and 2682 controls were available for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between the D allele and all types of AA (OR 1.378, 95% CI 1.103–1.723, p = 0.005) and AAA (OR 1.274, 95% CI 1.004–1.617, p = 0.046). Meta-analysis of both the DD genotype and the DD vs. II genotype showed an association with AAAs. Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the D allele of the ACE I/D polymorphism and AAAs in Europeans (OR = 1.338, 95% CI = 1.026–1.745, p = 0.031), but not in Asians (OR = 0.927, 95% CI = 0.660–1.303, p = 0.663). Furthermore, analysis using the recessive model, dominant model, and homozygote contrast all showed the same pattern for the D allele.

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that the ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to AAAs in European populations.
The experience of sons caring for a parent with dementia
Authors: McDonnell Eilis , Ryan Assumpta A.
Published: April 2013

This study explored the experiences of sons caring for a parent with dementia. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of sons ( n = 13) in a rural part of Ireland. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed for common themes. The key themes that emerged were ‘the parental bond’, ‘a binding role’, ‘coordinating care and support’ and a ‘getting on with it’ approach to care. The study highlighted the commitment of sons to their caregiving role and the strong sense of duty that motivated them to provide care. The findings suggested that while many aspects of the caregiving experience such as lack of information and support are gender neutral, there are differences in the caregiving experiences of men and women in how they view their relationship with their parent and in the management of their caregiving role that merit further investigation.
Jacques Maritain on political theology
Authors: McCormick William
Published: April 2013

While ‘political theology’ has attracted widespread attention for decades, it is often taken to be too fideist for orthodox Christianity and too illiberal for secular politics. But in the work of Jacques Maritain one finds a defence of a certain political theology, one whose character is key to grasping Maritain’s justification of another controversial concept: ‘Christian philosophy’. In this study I draw out Maritain’s distinction between Christian philosophy and theology, paying particular attention to the relevance of their differences in the realm of practical thought. To illustrate what Maritain has in mind by these claims, I further consider his intriguing classification of the political works of Thomas Aquinas. I argue that distinguishing between rival notions of political theology clarifies the opportunities for dialogue between believing and secular citizens.