bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Aspects of Type 3 Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Wilde Arthur A.M. , Moss Arthur J. , Kaufman Elizabeth S. , Shimizu Wataru , Peterson Derick R. , Benhorin Jesaia , Lopes Coeli , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Spazzolini Carla , Crotti Lia , Zareba Wojciech , Goldenberg Ilan , Kanters Jørgen K. , Robinson Jennifer L. , Qi Ming , Hofman Nynke , Tester David J. , Bezzina Connie R. , Alders Marielle , Aiba Takeshi , Kamakura Shiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Andrews Mark L. , McNitt Scott , Polonsky Bronislava , Schwartz Peter J. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Risk stratification in patients with type 3 long-QT syndrome (LQT3) by clinical and genetic characteristics and effectiveness of β-blocker therapy has not been studied previously in a large LQT3 population.

Methods:

The study population included 406 LQT3 patients with 51 sodium channel mutations; 391 patients were known to be event free during the first year of life and were the focus of our study. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and genetic parameters were acquired for patients from 7 participating LQT3 registries. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent contribution of clinical, genetic, and therapeutic factors to the first occurrence of time-dependent cardiac events (CEs) from age 1 to 41 years.

Results:

Of the 391 patients, 118 (41 males, 77 females) patients (30%) experienced at least 1 CE (syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or long-QT syndrome–related sudden death), and 24 (20%) suffered from LQT3-related aborted cardiac arrest/sudden death. The risk of a first CE was directly related to the degree of QTc prolongation. Cox regression analysis revealed that time-dependent β-blocker therapy was associated with an 83% reduction in CEs in females (
P
=0.015) but not in males (who had many fewer events), with a significant sex × β-blocker interaction (
P
=0.04). Each 10-ms increase in QTc duration up to 500 ms was associated with a 19% increase in CEs. Prior syncope doubled the risk for life-threatening events (
P
<0.02).

Conclusions:

Prolonged QTc and syncope predispose patients with LQT3 to life-threatening CEs. However, β-blocker therapy reduces this risk in females; efficacy in males could not be determined conclusively because of the low number of events.
Creating in the Crucibles of Nature’s Fury: Associational Diversity and Local Social Entrepreneurship after Natural Disasters in California, 1991–2010
Authors: Dutta Sunasir
Published: August 2016

This paper examines foundings of human services organizations after natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, and tsunamis and explains why only some communities bounce back by founding appropriate collective-goods organizations. Using natural disasters in California counties from 1990 to 2010 as shocks that exogenously impose a need for collective goods over and above the level endogenous to the community, this paper shows that a geographic community’s local organizing capacity rests on the richness of its repertoire of voluntary organizing models as reflected in the diversity of its voluntary associations. Such diversity is even more critical when the type of natural disaster is more unexpected or complex (e.g., both a wildfire and an earthquake) in an area, and the organizational challenges posed are thus more novel for the community. Associational diversity has positive effects on both the numbers and aggregate size of foundings of local (non-branch, secular) human services organizations, and the effects are generalizable to other endogenous demand conditions such as poverty. Results also show how different kinds of variety can have opposing effects on organizing capacity after a disaster, with associational diversity having a positive effect, political diversity having a negative effect, and racial diversity having no significant effect, net of other factors. The paper concludes with a call for treating community resilience as a matter of enhancing local organizing capacity over centralized planning efforts when the environment is rapidly changing.
Performance Characteristics of Bio-Inspired Metal Nanostructures as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattered (SERS) Substrates
Authors: Areizaga-Martinez Hector I. , Kravchenko Ivan , Lavrik Nickolay V. , Sepaniak Michael J. , Hernández-Rivera Samuel P. , De Jesús Marco A.
Published: August 2016

The fabrication of high-performance plasmonic nanomaterials for bio-sensing and trace chemical detection is a field of intense theoretical and experimental research. The use of metal-silicon nanopillar arrays as analytical sensors has been reported with reasonable results in recent years. The use of bio-inspired nanocomposite structures that follow the Fibonacci numerical architecture offers the opportunity to develop nanostructures with theoretically higher and more reproducible plasmonic fields over extended areas. The work presented here describes the nanofabrication process for a series of 40 µm × 40 µm bio-inspired arrays classified as asymmetric fractals (sunflower seeds and romanesco broccoli), bilaterally symmetric (acacia leaves and honeycombs), and radially symmetric (such as orchids and lily flowers) using electron beam lithography. In addition, analytical capabilities were evaluated using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The substrate characterization and SERS performance of the developed substrates as the strategies to assess the design performance are presented and discussed.
Comparative Investigation between In Situ Laser Ablation Versus Bulk Sample (Solution Mode) Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Analysis of Trinitite Post-Detonation Materials
Authors: Dustin Megan K. , Koeman Elizabeth C. , Simonetti Antonio , Torrano Zachary , Burns Peter C.
Published: August 2016

In the event of the interception of illicit nuclear materials or detonation of a nuclear device, timely and accurate deciphering of the chemical and isotopic composition of pertinent samples is pivotal in enhancing both nuclear security and source attribution. This study reports the results from a first time (to our knowledge), detailed comparative investigation conducted of Trinitite post-detonation materials using both solution mode (SM) and laser ablation (LA) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. Trace element abundances determined for bulk Trinitite samples subsequent to digestion and preparation for SM-ICP-MS analysis compare favorably to calculated median concentrations based on LA-ICP-MS analyses for the identical samples. The trace element concentrations obtained by individual LA-ICP-MS analyses indicate a large scatter compared to the corresponding bulk sample SM-ICP-MS results for the same sample; this feature can be attributed to the incorporation into the blast melt of specific, precursor accessory minerals (minerals in small quantities, such as carbonates, sulfates, chlorites, clay, and mafic minerals) present at ground zero. The favorable comparison reported here validates and confirms the use of the LA-ICP-MS technique in obtaining accurate forensic information at high spatial resolution in nuclear materials for source attribution purposes. This investigation also reports device-like 240Pu/239Pu ratios (∼0.022) for Pu-rich regions of the blast melt that are also characterized by higher Ca and U contents, which is consistent with results from previous studies.
Prediction of Soil Salinity Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy with Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Chen Hongyan , Zhao Gengxing , Sun Li , Wang Ruiyan , Liu Yaqiu
Published: August 2016

As a key, yet difficult, issue currently in the quantitative remote sensing analysis of soil, the accurate and stable monitoring of soil salinity content (SSC) in situ should be studied and improved. The purpose of this study is to explore the method of fusing spectra outdoors with spectra indoors and improve the estimation precision of SSC based on near-infrared (NIR) reflectance hyper-spectra. First, samples of saline soil from the Yellow River delta of China were collected and analyzed. We measured three groups of sample spectra using a spectrometer: (1) situ-spectra, measured at sampling points in situ; (2) out-spectra, measured outdoors on air-dried samples; and, (3) lab-spectra, measured in a dark laboratory with the above air-dried samples. Second, four algorithms (multiplicative update, alternating least-squares, sparse affine non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), and gradient projection algorithms) of NMF were used to fuse the situ-spectra or out-spectra with the lab-spectra for the calibration of SSC. Finally, estimation models of SSC were built using the multiple linear regression method based on the first derivatives of the un-fused and fused spectra. The results indicate that using the NMF method to fuse the situ-spectra or out-spectra with the lab-spectra can heighten the correlation between SSC and the outdoor spectra in most wavelength ranges and improve the accuracy of the prediction model. The gradient projection algorithm shows the best performance with fewer variables and highest accuracy of the SSC model based on the NIR spectra.
Locality Preserving Projection Based on Endmember Extraction for Hyperspectral Image Dimensionality Reduction and Target Detection
Authors: Wang Yiting , Huang Shiqi , Liu Zhigang , Wang Hongxia , Liu Daizhi
Published: August 2016

In order to reduce the effect of spectral variability on calculation precision for the weighted matrix in the locality preserving projection (LPP) algorithm, an improved dimensionality reduction method named endmember extraction-based locality preserving projection (EE-LPP) is proposed in this paper. The method primarily uses the vertex component analysis (VCA) method to extract endmember spectra from hyperspectral imagery. It then calculates the similarity between pixel spectra and the endmember spectra by using the spectral angle distance, and uses it as the basis for selecting neighboring pixels in the image and constructs a weighted matrix between pixels. Finally, based on the weighted matrix, the idea of the LPP algorithm is applied to reduce the dimensions of hyperspectral image data. Experimental results of real hyperspectral data demonstrate that the low-dimensional features acquired by the proposed methods can fully reflect the characteristics of the original image and further improve target detection accuracy.
Bias in grading: A meta-analysis of experimental research findings
Authors: Malouff John M , Thorsteinsson Einar B
Published: August 2016

This article provides a meta-analysis of experimental research findings on the existence of bias in subjective grading of student work such as essay writing. Twenty-three analyses, from 20 studies, with a total of 1935 graders, met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. All studies involved graders being exposed to a specific type of information about a student other than the student’s performance on a task. The hypothesized biasing characteristics included different race/ethnic backgrounds, education-related deficiencies, physical unattractiveness and poor quality of prior performance. The statistically significant overall between-groups effect size was g = 0.36. Moderator analyses showed no significant difference in effect size related to whether the work graded was from a primary school student or a university student. No one type of biasing characteristic showed a significantly higher effect size than other types. The results suggest that bias can occur in subjective grading when graders are aware of irrelevant information about the students.
A mixed-methods longitudinal evaluation of a one-day mental health wellness intervention
Authors: Doyle Louise , de Vries Jan , Higgins Agnes , Keogh Brian , McBennett Padraig , O’Shea Marié T
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

This study evaluated the impact of a one-day mental health Wellness Workshop on participants’ mental health and attitudes towards mental health.

Design:

Convergent, longitudinal mixed-methods approach.

Setting:

The study evaluated Wellness Workshops which took place throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Method:

Questionnaires measuring hope, mental health self-efficacy, attitudes towards mental health and perceived impact on wellbeing were administered to participants before the workshop ( n = 415), 1 week after ( n = 221) and 3 months after ( n = 110). Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 24 participants to generate a more in-depth understanding of the impact of the workshop.

Results:

Quantitative findings relating to hope, mental health self-efficacy and attitudes towards mental health did not identify statistically significant changes; however, participants’ perceptions of the effect of the workshop on wellbeing suggested a positive impact which was maintained over time. Qualitative findings, however, suggested that hope and self-efficacy were improved and the simplicity and utility of the wellness strategies disseminated in the workshop, in addition to the warmth and openness of the narrative approach used by the facilitators, were central to the perceived positive impact.

Conclusion:

This evaluation demonstrates the potential for wellness interventions to have a subjective improvement in wellbeing in members of the general public.
Development and validation of the Vellore Occupational Therapy Evaluation Scale to assess functioning in people with mental illness
Authors: Samuel Reema , Russell Paul SS , Paraseth Tapan Kumar , Ernest Sharmila , Jacob KS
Published: August 2016

Background:

Available occupational therapy assessment scales focus on specific areas of functioning. There is a need for comprehensive evaluation of diverse aspects of functioning in people with mental illness.

Aim:

To develop a comprehensive assessment scale to evaluate diverse aspects of functioning among people with mental illness and to assess its validity and reliability.

Methods:

Available instruments, which evaluate diverse aspects of functioning in people with mental illness, were retrieved. Relevant items, which evaluate specific functions, were selected by a committee of mental health experts and combined to form a comprehensive instrument. Face and content validity and feasibility were assessed and the new instrument was piloted among 60 patients with mental illness. The final version of the instrument was employed in 151 consecutive clients, between 18 and 60 years of age, who were also assessed using Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Occupational Therapy Task Observation Scale (OTTOS), Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) and Pai and Kapur Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS) by two therapists. The inter-rater reliability and test–retest reliability of the new instrument (Vellore Occupational Therapy Evaluation Scale (VOTES)) were also evaluated.

Results:

The new scale had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .817), inter-rater reliability .928 (.877–.958) and test–retest reliability .928 (.868–.961). The correlation between the general behaviour domain (Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient [PCC] = −.763, p = .000), task behaviour (PCC = −.829, p = .000), social skills (PCC = −.351, p = .000), intrapersonal skills (PCC = −.208, p = .010), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (PCC = −.329, p = .038) and leisure activities (PCC = −.433, p = .005) scores of VOTES with the corresponding domains in the scales used for comparison was statistically significant. The correlation between the total score of VOTES and the total scores of OTTOS, SFQ and RSES was also statistically significant suggesting convergent validity. The correlation between the total score of VOTES with the total score of FBI is not statistically significant, implying good divergent validity.

Conclusion:

VOTES seems to be a promising tool to assess overall functioning of people with mental illness.
How the Use of solvent affects the mechanical behavior of polyester resin/carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Galtieri Giovanna , Visco Annamaria , Iannazzo Daniela , Pistone Alessandro , Brancato Vincenza
Published: August 2016

Filler dispersion is critical in the nanocomposite feature determination. Physical methods such as sonication are usually employed to disperse carbon nanotubes inside a thermoset polymeric matrix. Those methods often use strong forces to disperse the filler but they could damage it, compromising its reinforcing action. In this paper, we have employed acetone solvent during the sonication process of carbon nanotubes and polyester resin. The solvent helps the carbon nanotube bundle dissolution and favors its homogeneous distribution inside the matrix, thus reducing the action of ultrasounds. Moreover, the carbon nanotubes employed were both pristine and properly oxidized, to favor the opening of carbon nanotube bundles. Solvent was then removed although traces remained in the mixture. We have analyzed the role of solvent during the mixing and the following polymeric network growth. The experimental analyses highlighted as the solvent interacts with the carbon nanotubes during the mixing, thus hindering the right network development. Styrene fragments remain entrapped within the network of polyester resin, softening and improving the adhesive properties. Instead, without solvent, the carbon nanotubes improve the material stiffness in the order CNTox > CNTp.
Study of electrical properties of biocomposites containing ferroelectric nanoparticles
Authors: Declet-Vega Amarilis , Sepúlveda-Ramos Nelson , Martínez-Santos Javier , Suárez Oscar Marcelo
Published: August 2016

Bio-ferroelectric composites represent an inexpensive and environmentally friendly electronic alternative for electrical applications such as capacitors, transistors, and actuators. The present research relates to the development of a biocomposite made of a chitosan–cellulose polymeric layer and bearing ferroelectric nanoparticles. The variables considered included the volume percentage of cellulose (15 v% and 25 v%) in the matrix and the amount of ferroelectric nanoparticles (0 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 20 wt.%). Upon electrical characterization, the results indicated that the addition of the nanoparticles raised the capacitance and resistivity of the composite while the addition of cellulose lessened both electrical properties. The measured capacitance of the composites diminished as the applied voltage increased when contrasted with commercial capacitors where under similar testing conditions, as expected, the said capacity remained constant. Additionally, higher current flows were obtained for those capacitors than for a capacitor made with the nanocomposite. In general, it is proposed that capacitors made of this biopolymer reinforced with ferroelectric particles be suitable for radio frequency and microwave applications in which high electrical tunability and low dielectric loss are required.
The effect of chemical treatment methods on the outdoor performance of waste textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Bakkal Mustafa , Bodur M Safa , Sonmez H Ece , Ekim B Can
Published: August 2016

In this study, weathering effect on untreated textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites and the effect of different chemical treatments for better interfacial adhesion on the outdoor performance were investigated. Degradation of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites was evaluated through common chemical treatments such as maleated coupling, alkaline treatment, silane treatment, and alkali–silane treatment. Untreated and chemically treated textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites were subjected to water uptake and UV exposure up to 1000 h. Tensile and impact properties were mechanically examined, and the changes on the physical properties due to water uptake, swelling, and color change were investigated. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis was performed in order to evaluate the chemical changes after exposure.
Russia and the Russians in the Eyes of the Spanish Blue Division soldiers, 1941–4
Authors: Núñez Seixas Xosé M.
Published: August 2016

The Spanish ‘Blue Division' has received significant historiographical and literary attention. Most research has focused on diplomacy and the role of the Division in fostering diplomatic relations between Spain and Germany during the Second World War. However, the everyday experience of Spanish soldiers on the Eastern Front, the occupation policy of the Blue Division and its role in the Nazi war of extermination remain largely unexplored. It is commonly held that the Spanish soldiers displayed more benign behaviour towards the civilian population than did the Germans. Although this tendency can generally be confirmed, Spanish soldiers were known for stealing, requisitioning and occasional acts of isolated violence; and also for the almost complete absence of collective, organized retaliation. Yet how did Spanish soldiers perceive the enemy, particularly Soviet civilians? To what degree did the better behaviour of Spanish occupying forces towards the civilian population reflect a different view of the enemy, which differed from that of most German soldiers?
Multi-Directional Sprinting and Acceleration Phase in Basketball and Handball Players Aged 14 and 15 Years
Authors: Popowczak Marek , Rokita Andrzej , Struzik Artur , Cichy Ireneusz , Dudkowski Andrzej , Chmura Paweł
Published: August 2016

An important role in handball and basketball is played by ability to accelerate and ability to repeat multiple sprints. The aim of the study was to assess level of ability in multi-directional sprinting and running time over the first 5 m of the 30 m sprint in 93 basketball and handball players (46 boys and 47 girls) aged 14 to 15 years. The attempts were also made to find the relationships between the time of a 5-m run to evaluate initial acceleration phase and multi-directional sprinting evaluated using Five-Time Shuttle Run To Gates Test. Statistical analysis revealed no important differences in times of 5-m runs and times of multi-directional sprinting between groups with different ages, genders, and sports specialties. Furthermore, no significant correlations were found based on Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between times of 5-m run and multi-directional sprinting in the most of subgroups studied.
Using Positive Education to Enliven the Teaching of Reading
Authors: Jacobs George M. , Renandya Willy A.
Published: August 2016

Positive education is a relatively new, student centred approach which takes an optimistic view of learning, seeks to build on students’ individual and collective strengths and encourages students to take responsibility for collaboratively interacting with peers for the benefit of themselves and others. This article begins by explaining some of the roots, research, principles and applications of positive education. Seven positive education principles are: connections with others, responsibility, gratitude, positivity, strengths, kindness and meaning. Next, the article considers how positive education can inform two approaches to the teaching of reading: dialogic reading and extensive reading. Dialogic reading involves students interacting with teachers and peers about what they read. This interaction can include topics related to emotions and values. Extensive reading involves students in reading large quantities of text at and around students’ current reading levels. Sometimes, students may do activities to share with others about what they read. The last part of the article provides ideas and examples of how dialogic reading and extensive reading might benefit from insights from positive education.
Modeling and analysis of traverse mechanism with eccentric gear and conjugated two-lobed non-circular gear
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Jianneng , Tao Honglian , Tao Dehua , Li Jian , Yan Jiangjun
Published: August 2016

The most important performance requirement of a traverse mechanism is that the thickness of the silk package formed by the traverse mechanism is uniform or has little variation in the centre. To realize this requirement and overcome the structural shortcomings of traditional traverse mechanisms, a new kind of traverse mechanism is proposed in this paper. The proposed mechanism is characterized by a non-circular gear drive formed by an eccentric gear and a conjugated two-lobed non-circular gear. Its kinematic model is deduced, together with a calculation model for the formed shape of the silk package cross-section. Both of these models contain the influence caused by the shift motion. Based on these two models, a computer-aided analysis program for the traverse mechanism, using MATLAB, is developed and the influences of the mechanical parameters on the formed shape of the silk package are analyzed. Furthermore, the mechanical parameters based on the new traverse mechanism give a better performance when compared with the traditional mechanism.
Working Conditions, Work–Life Conflict, and Well-Being in U.K. Prison Officers
Authors: Kinman Gail , Clements Andrew James , Hart Jacqui
Published: August 2016

Although prison officers experience working conditions associated with work–life conflict, little research has explored this issue. This study draws upon the work–home resources model to investigate relationships between working conditions (demands and experiences of aggression) and time-based, strain-based, and behavior-based work–life conflict in U.K. prison officers ( N = 1,682). Associations between working conditions, work–life conflict, and emotional exhaustion were also examined. Two recovery behaviors (affective rumination and detachment) were considered as potential moderators of associations between working conditions and emotional exhaustion. High levels of all work–life conflict dimensions were found, which were related to working conditions and emotional exhaustion. Some evidence was found that higher rumination and lower detachment exacerbated the positive association between both job demands and aggression and emotional exhaustion. The implications of the findings for the well-being and professional functioning of prison officers are discussed, together with key areas for future research.
Team Learning and Leadership in Multinational Military Staff Exercises
Authors: Hedlund Erik
Published: August 2016

Cooperation in multinational military operations is one of the main tasks for the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF), which means that Swedish officers need to be able to meet international military staff standards. For this reason, the SAF and the Swedish Defence University organize an annual international staff exercise which aims to train officers in and increase their knowledge of North Atlantic Treaty Organization staff methods and procedures. The essence of successful staff work is good leadership and effective team work. In this article, we present findings from three staff exercises that have significant impact on leadership and possibilities for good team learning that relate to a team learning model. These findings have great potential to be of value in planning and improving leadership education and training in both military and civilian contexts.
Subordinates, Sex Objects, or Sapphires? Investigating Contributions of Media Use to Black Students’ Femininity Ideologies and Stereotypes About Black Women
Authors: Jerald Morgan C. , Ward L. Monique , Moss Lolita , Thomas Khia , Fletcher Kyla D.
Published: August 2016

Although the media are believed to be instrumental in transmitting messages about both traditional femininity and Black femininity to Black youth, there is little empirical evidence documenting this process. Accordingly, this study investigated media contributions to Black college students’ endorsement of both traditional gender ideologies and of the Jezebel, Sapphire, and Strong Black woman stereotypes about Black women. The protective nature of ethnic identity was also examined. Participants ( N = 404) completed measures assessing media consumption and involvement, endorsement of traditional gender ideologies and stereotypes about Black women, and ethnic identity. Regression analyses revealed support for our hypotheses, with consumption of music videos, movies, and perceived realism contributing most strongly to students’ endorsement of traditional gender ideologies and stereotypes about Black women. However, students with a strong sense of ethnic belonging were buffered from many of the negative influences of media use on these gender beliefs. The findings highlight the importance of considering culture-specific ideologies when examining links between Black students’ media use and gender beliefs.
Audit Committee Accounting Expertise, Analyst Following, and Market Liquidity
Authors: Farber David B. , Huang Shawn X. , Mauldin Elaine
Published: August 2016

We study the relation between audit committee accounting expertise, analyst following, and market liquidity. Our main results indicate that analyst following increases subsequent to the appointment of an accounting expert to the audit committee. We also provide evidence that accrual quality, as opposed to audit quality or management earnings forecasts, is the channel through which accounting expertise increases analyst following and improves analyst forecast properties. We also show that audit committee accounting expertise is related to higher trading volume and lower liquidity risk, supporting incentives for greater analyst following. Our study extends prior literature by providing evidence that audit committee accounting expertise enhances firms’ information environment beyond the effects it has on financial reporting quality or analysts’ forecast properties. Our study also complements the literature on determinants of analyst following and market liquidity, both of which are related to cost of capital. Results from our study should be useful to firms seeking to enhance analyst following and market liquidity.
Organizing Temporary, Subcontracted, and Immigrant Workers
Authors: De Lara Juan D. , Reese Ellen R. , Struna Jason
Published: August 2016

Since 2008, Warehouse Workers United (WWU) has organized thousands of low-wage warehouse workers in Southern California’s Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, many of whom are temporary, subcontracted, and immigrant workers. Warehouse Workers Resource Center (WWRC), formed in 2011, has provided additional legal services and other resources to warehouse workers. Combining protest tactics, a legal and media strategy, and a commodity chain organizing strategy, WWU and WWRC helped warehouse workers to win back millions of dollars of stolen wages and to pass new regulatory legislation for employers of warehouse workers. In coalition with other labor organizations, they also obtained an agreement by Walmart to improve its workplace safety standards. This case study, based on field research and interviews with key informants, provides important lessons for those seeking to organize marginalized workers in other industries and regions.
Development in multiple areas of life in adolescence
Authors: Tetzner Julia , Becker Michael , Maaz Kai
Published: August 2016

This study examined interrelations between three indicators of main challenges during adolescence: academic achievement, self-perceived peer acceptance, and self-esteem. An additional aim was to investigate whether the findings hold for girls and boys and across school types (academically oriented track vs. non-academically oriented track). We used a large German longitudinal study ( N = 7,977; mean age at t1= 13.5 years) with three measurement points over a period of four years (start of seventh grade, end of seventh grade, end of tenth grade). Cross-lagged panel and multi-group models revealed seven main findings: (1) We found general positive associations between academic achievement, perceived peer acceptance, and self-esteem. (2) Higher academic achievement predicted higher self-esteem, but not vice versa. (3) Self-esteem and peer acceptance showed mutual associations, but only in older adolescents between the end of seventh and end of tenth grades. (4) Peer acceptance slightly predicted lower levels of academic achievement in students on the non-academically oriented track. (5) The results held for both girls and boys, but (6) changed over the course of adolescence and (7) differed between school types. Taken together, our findings offer comprehensive insight into the relations between salient developmental tasks in adolescence.
Political toleration, exclusionary reasoning and the extraordinary politics
Authors: Khameh Armin
Published: August 2016

Western societies today are marked by a broad liberal consensus in favor of toleration. Yet, some philosophers have charged that political toleration as a liberal ideal is incoherent. Some have argued that toleration is incompatible with liberal political orders due to egalitarian considerations. Others have suggested that in a truly liberal society, where the state’s justice-based duties of non-interference are the most appropriate response to diversity, political toleration is practically redundant. This article defends political toleration against the above allegations. My goal is twofold: first of all, to formulate a coherent conception of toleration that is fully consistent with the egalitarian spirit of our times and then to demonstrate that, contrary to critics’ claims, political toleration is not an obsolete ideal that belongs to a bygone era. And all this because, I believe, in a liberal constitutional order, political toleration’s specific role is not identical with, and cannot be reduced to, the state’s justice-based duties of non-interference. Accordingly, I argue that political toleration belongs to a specific mode of politics: the extraordinary politics. When the rules of justice are not available, or their application is not feasible, the extraordinary politics, in which toleration plays a role, emerges as the persistent residue of the ordinary politics. Therefore, political toleration and justice-based duties of non-interference should be seen as accompanying practices that represent two modes of politics.
Profiling Patient Characteristics Associated With the Intensity of Nurse Care Coordination
Authors: Kim Tae Youn , Marek Karen D.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of chronically ill community-dwelling older adults that differentiate the intensity of care provided by nurse care coordinators. We performed data mining on electronic health records, nurses’ activity logs, and health status measures from 784 care episodes provided to 196 older adults. An inductively created decision tree identified nine groups from a combination of the six participant characteristics including medication regimen complexity, cognition, physical and mental health, hospital admission, and physical functioning. Overall there was a 5-hr difference in the intensity (or contact hours) per quarter of nurse care coordinators between individuals in the highest versus lowest intensity groups. The highest intensity group presented higher medication complexity and lower mental/physical health status. With caseloads of 30 to 35 participants, nurse care coordinators were able to provide care based on participant needs that were not influenced by regulatory payment requirements.
‘Dignity therapy’, a promising intervention in palliative care: A comprehensive systematic literature review
Authors: Martínez Marina , Arantzamendi María , Belar Alazne , Carrasco José Miguel , Carvajal Ana , Rullán María , Centeno Carlos
Published: August 2016

Background:

Dignity therapy is psychotherapy to relieve psychological and existential distress in patients at the end of life. Little is known about its effect.

Aim:

To analyse the outcomes of dignity therapy in patients with advanced life-threatening diseases.

Design:

Systematic review was conducted. Three authors extracted data of the articles and evaluated quality using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Data were synthesized, considering study objectives.

Data sources:

PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO. The years searched were 2002 (year of dignity therapy development) to January 2016. ‘Dignity therapy’ was used as search term. Studies with patients with advanced life-threatening diseases were included.

Results:

Of 121 studies, 28 were included. Quality of studies is high. Results were grouped into effectiveness, satisfaction, suitability and feasibility, and adaptability to different diseases and cultures. Two of five randomized control trials applied dignity therapy to patients with high levels of baseline psychological distress. One showed statistically significant decrease on patients’ anxiety and depression scores over time. The other showed statistical decrease on anxiety scores pre–post dignity therapy, not on depression. Nonrandomized studies suggested statistically significant improvements in existential and psychosocial measurements. Patients, relatives and professionals perceived it improved end-of-life experience.

Conclusion:

Evidence suggests that dignity therapy is beneficial. One randomized controlled trial with patients with high levels of psychological distress shows DT efficacy in anxiety and depression scores. Other design studies report beneficial outcomes in terms of end-of-life experience. Further research should understand how dignity therapy functions to establish a means for measuring its impact and assessing whether high level of distress patients can benefit most from this therapy.
Percutaneous treatment of liver hydatid cysts in 190 patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Kahriman Guven , Ozcan Nevzat , Dogan Serap , Karaborklu Oguz
Published: August 2016

Background

Hydatid liver disease (HLD) is a significant health problem, especially in endemic areas worldwide. Percutaneous treatment is an effective alternative therapeutic option.

Purpose

To present the clinical and radiological results of percutaneous treatment of HLD in 190 patients.

Material and Methods

Percutaneous treatment of HLD between April 2005 and March 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. The demographic data, numbers and types of cysts, initial and final volumes of the cysts, types of percutaneous treatment, and procedure-related complications were determined.

Results

A total of 190 patients (95 male patients and 95 female patients; age range, 5–82 years) with 283 liver hydatid cysts who underwent percutaneous treatment were included in the study. Of the 283 cysts, 234 (83%) were cystic echinococcosis CE1, 31 (11%) were CE3a, and 18 (6%) were CE2 cysts, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The percutaneous procedure was successful in all patients. A total of 12 (6.3%) major complications, including anaphylaxis, allergic skin reaction, perihepatic hemorrhage, and cavity infection, were seen. No mortality was noted. Recurrence in one patient and an additional cyst in one patient were seen. All patients were asymptomatic during the follow-up period. Mean volume reduction was 77.5%, with a mean follow-up period of 18 months.

Conclusion

Percutaneous treatment is an effective and safe method for the treatment of HLD. It should be regarded as a first-line treatment method for uncomplicated hydatid cysts.
A novel AVPR2 gene mutation of X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in an Asian pedigree
Authors: Guo Wei-Hong , Li Qiang , Wei Hong-Yan , Lu Hong-Yan , Qu Hui-Qi , Zhu Mei
Published: August 2016

Polyuria and polydipsia are the characteristics of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI). Approximately 90% of all patients with CNDI have X-linked hereditary disease, which is due to a mutation of the arginine vasopressin receptor 2 ( AVPR2) gene. This case report describes a 54-year-old male with polyuria and polydipsia and several male members of his pedigree who had the same symptoms. The proband was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus using a water-deprivation and arginine vasopressin stimulation test. Genomic DNA from the patient and his family members was extracted and the AVPR2 gene was sequenced. A novel missense mutation of a cytosine to guanine transition at position 972 (c.972C > G) was found, which resulted in the substitution of isoleucine for methionine at amino acid position 324 (p.I324M) in the seventh transmembrane domain of the protein. The proband’s mother and daughter were heterozygous for this mutation. The novel mutation of the AVPR2 gene further broadens the phenotypic spectrum of the AVPR2 gene.
Perspectives on global health amongst obstetrician gynecologists: A national survey
Authors: Easter Sarah Rae , Raglan Greta B , Little Sarah E , Schulkin Jay , Robinson Julian N
Published: August 2016

Objective

To characterize contemporary attitudes toward global health amongst board-certified obstetricians-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) in the US.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Respondents were stratified by interest and experience in global health and group differences were reported.

Results

A total of 202 of 400 (50.5%) surveys were completed; and 67.3% ( n = 136) of respondents expressed an interest in global health while 25.2% ( n = 51) had experience providing healthcare abroad. Personal safety was the primary concern of respondents (88 of 185, 47.6%), with 44.5% (57 of 128) identifying 2 weeks as an optimal period of time to spend abroad. The majority (113 of 186, 60.8%) cited hosting of local physicians in the US as the most valuable service to developing a nation’s healthcare provision.

Conclusion

Despite high interest in global health, willingness to spend significant time abroad was limited. Concerns surrounding personal safety dovetailed with the belief that training local physicians in the US provides the most valuable service to international efforts. These attitudes and concerns suggest novel solutions will be required to increase involvement of Ob-Gyns in global women’s health.
Does growth differentiation factor 11 protect against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury? A hypothesis
Authors: Yang Yongjian , Yang Yi , Wang Xiong , Du Jin , Hou Juanni , Feng Juan , Tian Yue , He Lei , Li Xiuchuan , Pei Haifeng
Published: August 2016

The pathogenesis of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury is multifactorial. Understanding the mechanisms of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion will benefit patients with ischaemic heart disease. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the secreted transforming growth factor-β superfamily, has been found to reverse age-related hypertrophy, revealing the important role of GDF11 in cardiovascular disease. However, the functions of GDF11 in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion have not been elucidated yet. A number of signalling molecules are known to occur downstream of GDF11, including mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a). A hypothesis is presented that GDF11 has protective effects in acute myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury through suppression of oxidative stress, prevention of calcium ion overload and promotion of the elimination of abnormal mitochondria via both canonical (SMAD3) and non-canonical (FOXO3a) pathways. Since circulating GDF11 may mainly derive from the spleen, the lack of a spleen may make the myocardium susceptible to damaging insults. Administration of GDF11 may be an efficacious therapy to protect against cardiovascular diseases in splenectomized patients.
Deposition, Clearance, and Reinduction of Amyloid A Amyloid in Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Knockout Mice
Authors: Watanabe K. , Uchida K. , Chambers J. K. , Ushio N. , Nakayama H.
Published: August 2016

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is characterized by the extracellular deposition of AA amyloid and results in the irreversible dysfunction of parenchymal organs. In experimental models, AA amyloid deposits are cleared following a decrease in circulating serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations. Additional inflammatory stimuli during this recovery process may induce more severe amyloid redeposition. In the present study, we confirmed the deposition, clearance, and reinduction of AA amyloid deposits in interleukin 1 receptor antagonist knockout mice (IL-1raKO) and studied the SAA levels and amyloid-enhancing factor activity based on the time-dependent changes of amyloid deposition. Histopathologically, following initial (day 0) injection of amyloid-enhancing factor in combination with an inflammatory stimulus (silver nitrate [AgNO3]), amyloid deposition peaked by day 20, and its deposition gradually decreased after day 35. SAA concentrations in serum were precipitously elevated on day 1 but returned to normal levels by day 10, whereas the SAA dimer was detected in serum after day 45. An additional AgNO3 injection was administered to mice with amyloidosis on day 5, 10, 35, or 50, and all mice developed large amyloid deposits. Amyloid deposition was most severe in mice treated with AgNO3 on day 35. The inoculation of sera from mice with AA amyloidosis, combined with AgNO3, induced AA amyloidosis. Serum samples collected on days 35 and 50, which contained high concentrations of the SAA dimer, induced amyloidosis in a high proportion (83%) of mice. Therefore, increased SAA and/or its dimer in serum during the recovery process may markedly exacerbate the development of AA amyloidosis.
“I Don’t Know How, But I’ll Figure It Out Somehow”: Future Possible Selves and Aspirations in “At-Risk” Early Adolescents
Authors: Wainwright Lucy , Nee Claire , Vrij Aldert
Published: August 2016

Fostering positive future selves in mid-adolescence has shown promising results in reducing problematic behaviour, though little work has been done outside the United States or with younger children. We explored the link between future selves and delinquency in a younger sample of boys ( Mage = 12, SD = 0.73, N = 126) in the United Kingdom, at the nascent stage of self-identity and anti-social behaviour. Participants, who varied in degree of self-reported delinquency and risk, described their short- and long-term possible selves and strategies to achieve them. Unlike findings for older samples (14+), we found no association between delinquency and future selves. Exposure to criminogenic risk revealed some differences regarding the nature of future selves. Those with delinquency and higher risk had fewer strategies for reaching goals. Findings are discussed in relation to self-identity theory and the timing and nature of interventions for children of this age.
Political ecology III
Authors: Turner Matthew D.
Published: August 2016

Different intellectual strands within political ecology have analyzed changing forms of property institutions and the commons in particular. While engaging these topics from a number of different perspectives, they share common understandings of property rights as relational, contested, and shaped by broader political economies. What is less acknowledged is that political ecologists have, in different ways, studied the hybrid and mixed forms of property institutions that are often concealed or ignored in the tripartite division of private, common, and national properties that dominates institutionalist literatures. These theoretical commitments and research experiences are well-suited for understanding the proliferation of hybrid property institutions associated with neoliberal forms of governance. By briefly reviewing their synergies, this report seeks to bring these diverse strands in conversation. It concludes by highlighting useful avenues of political ecological research and practice that are raised by commoning scholarship and activism.