bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the anti-dopamine D2 and anti-serotonin 5-HT2A activities of chlorpromazine, bromperidol, haloperidol and second-generation antipsychotics parent compounds and metabolites thereof
Authors: Suzuki Hidenobu , Gen Keishi , Inoue Yuichi
Published: February 2013

Second-generation antipsychotics, which have become the standard drug therapies for schizophrenia, are known to have a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor blocking effect in addition to a dopamine D2 receptor blocking effect. However, although chlorpromazine (CPZ) has a 5-HT2A receptor blocking effect and has the profile of a second-generation antipsychotic in vitro, it loses this pharmacological profile in vivo. In order to elucidate the differences between the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological characteristics of CPZ, we used a radioreceptor assay to measure the anti-D2 activity and the anti-5-HT2A activity of CPZ and five major metabolites of CPZ, and compared the results to the anti-D2 activity and anti-5-HT2A activity of risperidone, zotepine, perospirone, the major metabolites of each of these drugs, and olanzapine, bromperidol, and haloperidol. The subjects were 182 patients who had received diagnoses of schizophrenia based on the DSM-IV criteria. The results revealed that CPZ exhibited little anti-5-HT2A activity, regardless of the anti-D2 activity level, and that none of the metabolites possessed anti-5-HT2A activity. However, both the parent compounds and the metabolites of each of the second-generation antipsychotics possessed both anti-D2 activity and anti-5-HT2A activity. This clarified that, unlike second-generation antipsychotics, the reason CPZ loses its second-generation antipsychotic profiles in vivo is because it does not have any metabolites that possess anti-5-HT2A activity.
The socio-emotional basis of human interaction and communication: How we construct our social world
Authors: Scholl Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

A review of dimensional research about (the perception of) feelings, non-verbal and verbal communication, behavior and personality reveals in each domain three very similar dimensions. They originated from diverse research areas, often received different names and are conceptually not identical. Yet, the first dimension seems to share in all five areas a general positive versus negative evaluation (e.g. happiness–disgust or friendliness–hostility), the second a strong versus weak characterization (e.g. anger–fear or dominance–submission) and the third dimension an active versus passive impression (e.g. ecstasy–boredom or high–low arousability). These three dimensions are likely to function as fundamental dimensions of interaction and communication as perceived and enacted by humans of all (investigated) cultures. They are interpreted as a universal socio-emotional space that corresponds to an evolutionary need for coordination between individuals. They are implied in the logic of game, exchange or interdependence theory, and manifest themselves in the cultural meanings predicted by affect control theory. The presented overview and reconstruction combines the largely fragmented views of several diverse research domains into a perspective that fosters interdisciplinary understanding and integrative theory-building about human sociality within and between the social sciences with extensions into the natural sciences and humanities.
Can web ecology provide a clearer understanding of people’s information behavior during election campaigns?
Authors: Nam Yoonjae , Lee Yeon-Ok , Park Han Woo
Published: February 2013

This article examines the web ecology of the 2010 local elections in South Korea by using social science hyperlink analysis. The online networks of candidates were measured daily during the official campaign period. The results indicate that network dynamics among the candidates for education superintendent changed more rapidly as the campaign progressed than in the case of the mayoral candidates. However, the intensity of online networks for both campaigns was lower than for the country’s last presidential election, in 2007, suggesting that the web ecology of a given election is influenced by the perceived importance of the event and the general popularity of certain candidates. The results also suggest that producing and disseminating information, such as news articles, blog posts and tweets, reflects a more politically conscious action than referring to information via hyperlinks. Furthermore, the article sheds light on the ways in which hyperlink analysis serves as a research method for mining data for web ecology analysis, tracking political events at different points in time and illustrating the general landscape of electoral communication in cyberspace.
La juste distance? Comment les sciences sociales et historiques pensent la différence
Authors: Bosa Bastien
Published: February 2013

This article presents three tensions related to the concept of ‘difference’ in the social and historical sciences. The first tension is related to ethnocentrism and anachronism: the author shows that they both represent simultaneously dangers that must be prevented and unavoidable working tools. The second tension is related to the role of conceptualization and to the difficult choice that social scientists have to make between ‘native categories’ and ‘analytical categories’. Finally, the third dilemma is related to the impossibility for the researcher to find a right distance ( juste distance) in relation with the world he studies (be it a familiar or unfamiliar world). The author attempts to show that, although these tensions are often thought of separately, they are in fact closely related, and concern the need for all research projects to be taking the social world as their research object.
Neural Correlates of Activities of Daily Living in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Mioshi E. , Hodges J. R. , Hornberger M.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Little research to date has investigated neural correlates of functional disability in frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Methods:

Activities of daily living (ADL) were covaried against gray matter atrophy regions via Voxel-based morphometry in FTD (n = 52) and contrasted against a dementia control Alzheimer disease (AD) group (n = 20) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 18).

Results:

Both patient groups had similar ADL scores. However, FTD and AD differed on the gray matter atrophy areas associated with ADL scores. The FTD showed involvement of prefrontal and thalamus regions while AD showed widespread temporal, parietal, frontal, and caudate atrophy correlating with ADL dysfunction. Importantly, only the left superior frontal gyrus was implicated in ADL dysfunction for both FTD and AD.

Conclusions:

Differences in underlying neural correlates of ADL impairment have important clinical implications as these differences should be taken into account when interventions are planned. Dementia subtypes might require specifically tailored interventions for functional disability.
Fluctuations of sediment accumulation rates in front of an Arctic delta in Greenland
Authors: Pedersen Jørn Bjarke Torp , Kroon Aart , Jakobsen Bjarne Holm , Mernild Sebastian H , Andersen Thorbjørn Joest , Andresen Camilla Snowman
Published: February 2013

An automated layer counting technique is developed to estimate the chronology of a marine sediment core and this technique is validated with Pb210 chronology. The marine sediment core was sampled in front of the delta of Mittivakkat Glacier meltwater river in the Sermilik Fjord, SE Greenland, and is a proxy of the sediment delivery from a glacial drainage basin to a fjord. The estimated time series was based on automatic lamination detection (varves) on a line scan of the core using gray scale intensities, and covered the last two centuries. The estimated time series of sediment accumulation rates was coupled to modelled runoff from the Mittivakkat Glacier and compared with local climatic parameters (air temperature and precipitation) and with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index. Maxima in the sediment accumulation rate at the bottom of the side-fjord, about 1 km from the delta, mostly depended on glacier ablation and consequently on changes in river runoff, which were initiated by the air temperature. This was especially the case during transition from colder periods towards warmer, where short-lived maxima in sediment accumulation rates were followed by lower rates, even though the temperature remained high. This suggested a quite rapid glacial response to changes in climatic forcing, and/or a hysteresis effect, where sediment stored in the glacier/valley system was evacuated soon after a temperature dependent increase in discharge. The air temperature was in turn controlled by the AMO index.
Depression and systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review
Authors: Palagini L , Mosca M , Tani C , Gemignani A , Mauri M , Bombardieri S
Published: February 2013

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, relapsing–remitting autoimmune disorder that involves multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. Among the items included in the nomenclature for neuropsychiatric SLE, mood disorders have been identified. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical and psychobiological relationship between depression and SLE.

Method

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, using MeSH headings and keywords for ‘depression’ and ‘SLE’.

Results

Seventeen studies reported depressive disorders, with prevalence rates in the range 17–75%. Three studies reported the most frequent symptoms, which may be represented by fatigue, weakness, somatic disorders and sleep disorders. Suicide ideation was much higher than in the general population. Nine studies analysed the relationship to SLE disease activity. The results of the available literature are contradictory. Psychobiological hypotheses have been considered in 13 studies. Among the psychobiological hypotheses which might underline the plausibility of their relationship, ‘psychosocial factors’ were the most frequently reported.

Conclusions

Differences in assessment techniques appear to be the main explanation for the variability in findings and important methodological limitations are present in the available literature to definitively point to the prevalence of depression, type of depression and most prevalent symptoms. To date, the relationship between depression and SLE disease activity also appears controversial. Methodological limitations are present in the available literature and it would be necessary to develop evidence-based guidelines to improve the diagnosis of depression in SLE. Identification of SLE-specific biomarkers of depression also has high priority.
Beyond the baby blues: perspectives of women diagnosed with a mood disorder on children, pregnancy and medication
Authors: Paterson Amelia , Parker Gordon , Fletcher Kathryn , Graham Rebecca
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the views of women diagnosed with a mood disorder about children, medication and pregnancy.

Method:

Female patients from the Black Dog Institute were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their views about pregnancy, children and medication during pregnancy. Diagnostic groupings were derived by assessing DSM-IV criteria for mood disorders. Unipolar and bipolar patient responses were analysed to determine any differences between groups.

Results:

Women with bipolar disorder were more concerned than those with a unipolar condition about the impact pregnancy would have on their mood, as well as the potential for their offspring to inherit a mood condition. Both groups of women expressed concerns regarding the child-rearing environment, and stated that knowing the risk their child could have of developing a mood disorder would encourage them to be more vigilant parents.

Conclusion:

While both groups were concerned about the environment in which they would raise their child and wanted to be vigilant parents, women diagnosed with a bipolar condition expressed stronger opinions regarding the impact that their pregnancy could have on their mood disorder, and passing the mood disorder onto their children.
Baby on board: pregnancy as a source of conflict for the psychiatry registrar
Authors: Hamilton Laura
Published: February 2013

Objective:

A literature review explores the author’s experience of conflict while working as a psychiatry registrar during her pregnancy.

Conclusions:

Conflicts may arise during a registrar’s pregnancy, but can be mediated through effective supervision and peer support, and may benefit future clinical practice with the development of new insights and enhanced self-awareness.
The use of psychotropic agents for the symptoms of obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Brakoulias Vlasios , Starcevic Vladan , Berle David , Milicevic Denise , Moses Karen , Hannan Anthony , Sammut Peter , Martin Andrew
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To describe the use of psychotropic agents in a sample of subjects with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), and in particular the differences associated with different OCD symptoms.

Method:

A total of 154 subjects participated in a study assessing OCD symptom subtypes, called the Nepean OCD Study. In addition to a comprehensive evaluation of the subjects’ OCD symptoms using the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Vancouver Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (VOCI), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), the subjects’ medication history was recorded. The association between symptom severity, disability, OCD symptom subtypes and the use of psychotropic agents was examined.

Results:

Psychotropic medication was taken by 93 (60.4%) participants. In the majority of cases ( n=55, 59.1%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were taken, and of the SSRIs, the most commonly used agent was escitalopram ( n=21, 22.6%). Psychotropic agents were more likely to be taken by subjects with higher Y-BOCS and SDS scores. Hoarding was associated with a lower likelihood of psychotropic use, whereas unacceptable/taboo thoughts were associated with an increased likelihood of psychotropic and antipsychotic use.

Conclusion:

Patients with OCD are more likely to be taking psychotropic agents if they have a more severe illness, greater disability and more prominent unacceptable/taboo thoughts.
Nonsebaceous Lymphadenoma in the Parotid Gland
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Akashi Michiaki , Shibaki Masami , Koike Eisuke , Miyazaki Junji
Published: February 2013

We report 2 rare cases of nonsebaceous lymphadenoma (NSL) in the parotid gland. In both cases, microscopic examination revealed central dilated duct-like structure and its surrounding many cysts in the background of the lymphoid stroma. The cysts were lined with luminal cells and abluminal cells, with the latter being predominant. Occasionally, foci of abluminal epithelial islands were observed. Immunohistochemical findings showed that these tumors had basal cell phenotypes and could support the diagnosis of NSL. The microscopic architectural pattern indicated a cystic dilated duct–glands unit and metaplasia or hyperplasia of abluminal cells. We wondered whether these NSLs were true neoplasia or an indication of a nonneoplastic reactive process. Further investigation of molecular studies of large series in, for example, the clonal or chromosomal state, would be necessary to clarify this point.
Functional Outcome and Limitation of Sporting Activities After Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures
Authors: Hong Choon Chiet , Roy Shuvendu Prosad , Nashi Nazrul , Tan Ken Jin
Published: February 2013

Background:

Ankle fractures are extremely common. However, the outcomes of operatively treated bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of operatively treated bimalleolar versus trimalleolar ankle fractures and the ability of patients to return to sporting activities.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients with operatively treated ankle fractures for a period of 2 years was performed. Demographics, fracture pattern, operative details, postoperative radiographs, and complications were extracted and analyzed statistically. Outcome variables were union rates, pain ratings using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Olerud and Molander (O&M) score, ability to return to sporting activities, satisfaction with surgery, and surgical complications.

Results:

Forty-seven patients with bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures were recruited. At 1 year postoperatively, most patients regained good function and had good to excellent O&M scores. There were no notable differences in terms of VAS and O&M scores for both the bimalleolar and trimalleolar group. However, 26 (55.3%) of 47 patients had residual pain. Twenty-nine (61.7%) patients complained of stiffness, and 21 (44.7%) patients had ankle swelling. Of 33 (70.2%) patients who were involved in sporting activities prior to the ankle injury, 9 of 33 (27.3%) were able to return to preinjury level of sporting activities with no difficulties. Of the 33 patients, 18.2% were unable to do sports activities at all.

Conclusion:

The majority of our patients recovered well in their second year despite some residual deficits. We found no difference in functional outcome between bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures, although it is of great concern that a notable number of patients will not return to sporting activities. Residual symptoms and functional limitation after ankle fracture must be emphasized to patients to manage postoperative expectations.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, retrospective case series.
Ivabradine in Combination With Metoprolol Succinate in the Treatment of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
Authors: Ptaszynski Pawel , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Ruta Jan , Klingenheben Thomas , Cygankiewicz Iwona , Wranicz Jerzy K.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a clinical syndrome characterized by excessive resting heart rate (HR) or a disproportional increase in HR during exercise. β-blocker or calcium channel-blocker therapy is often noneffective or not well tolerated. The HR reduction on ivabradine is similar to β-blockers but in some patients its efficacy to resolve all IST-related symptoms is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of combining ivabradine with metoprolol succinate in patients with refractory highly symptomatic IST.

Methods:

Twenty patients (36 ± 10 years; 16 women) with IST were enrolled. All patients received metoprolol succinate 95 mg single dose during the first month of the study. After 4 weeks of treatment with metoprolol, ivabradine was administered as adjuvant therapy up to 7.5 mg twice daily. Holter monitoring and treadmill stress test were performed at baseline, after 4, and 8 weeks of the study, respectively.

Results:

We observed significant and similar reduction in resting HR both for metoprolol and for combined therapy compared to the baseline. The mean HR during daily activity was significantly lower on ivabradine and metoprolol compared to monotherapy with β-blocker. The combined treatment yielded a significant increase in exercise capacity as assessed by treadmill stress test. After 4 weeks of combined therapy a significant reduction in IST-related symptoms, measured by means of the European Heart Rhythm Association score, was observed.

Conclusion:

Combining ivabradine with metoprolol is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for IST in patients with refractory to monotherapy.
Inoculation of Treixadura musts with autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains: Fermentative performance and influence on the wine characteristics
Authors: Blanco Pilar , Mirás-Avalos José Manuel , Suárez Vanessa , Orriols Ignacio
Published: February 2013

The fermentative ability of five autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (XG1, XG2, XG3, XG4 and XG5) and their influence on the chemical composition and sensory properties of Treixadura wines were evaluated. The inoculated strains have successfully led and completed the fermentations. Wines obtained from different yeasts showed significant differences in total and volatile acidity. Regarding volatile compounds, significant differences among wines were found for acetates, ethyl esters, acetoin, 1-hexanol, and fatty acids. Wines from spontaneous fermentation and those made with yeasts XG3 and XG4 were clearly separated through principal component analysis. Chemical composition influenced sensory properties of wines, especially at the olfactory level. Different connotations of fruity notes predominated depending on the strain. The wine from strain XG4 was the most appreciated by panelists. Our results confirmed that autochthonous S. cerevisiae strains are useful tools in winemaking because they allow obtaining singular wines from a given variety.
Angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory activity and antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) head papain hydrolysate
Authors: Yang Ping , Jiang Yuchuan , Hong Pengzhi , Cao Wenhong
Published: February 2013

Cobia head protein hydrolysate (CHPH) with angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was prepared with papain. The 3 kDa ultrafiltration filtrate CHPH-IV of the hydrolysate exerted a potent ACE inhibitory activity with IC50 being 0.24 mg/mL. The fractions with molecular weight located between 1749 Da and 173 Da represented up 66.96% of CHPH-IV, and those between 494 Da and 173 Da represented up 31.37% of CHPH-IV. It was found that the ACE inhibitory activity of CHPH-IV was intensified from IC50 0.24 mg/mL to 0.17 mg/mL after incubation with gastrointestinal proteases. The CHPH-IV significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner after oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at dose of 150 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg and 1200 mg/kg body weight. These results suggested that CHPH-IV from cobia head protein hydrolysate by papain could serve as a source of peptides with antihypertensive activity in functional food industry.
Law Enforcement’s Information Sharing Infrastructure
Authors: Chermak Steven , Carter Jeremy , Carter David , McGarrell Edmund F. , Drew Jack
Published: February 2013

The September 11 attacks impacted society generally, and law enforcement specifically, in dramatic ways. One of the major trends has been changing expectations regarding criminal intelligence practices among state, local, and tribal (SLT) law enforcement agencies and the need to coordinate intelligence efforts and share information at all levels of government. In fact, enhancing intelligence efforts has emerged as a critical issue for the prevention of all threats and crimes. To date, an increasing number of SLT law enforcement agencies have expanded their intelligence capacity, and there have been fundamental changes in the national, state, and local information sharing infrastructure. Moreover, critical to these expanding information sharing expectations is the institutionalization of fusion centers (FCs). Despite these dramatic changes, an expanding role, and the acknowledgement that local law enforcement intelligence is critical to the prevention and deterrence of threats and crimes, very little research exists that highlights issues related to the intelligence practices of SLT law enforcement agencies and FCs.1 This research describes what agencies are doing to build an intelligence capacity and assesses the state of information sharing among agencies. Specifically, a national survey was developed to examine the experiences of SLT agencies and FCs for building an intelligence capacity as well as to understand critical gaps in the sharing of information regarding intelligence.
Discouraging stereotypes? US newspaper coverage of ethnic minority entrepreneurs before the economic downturn
Authors: Price Schultz Cindy J , Achtenhagen Leona
Published: February 2013

While research shows that ethnic minority entrepreneurs make a relevant contribution to economies, academic studies often convey a rather negative image of their entrepreneurship as necessity- rather than opportunity-driven, and with little innovation. This study examined the US newspaper coverage of these entrepreneurs during the five years before the economic downturn. It found that only one-tenth of the articles were negative, while two-thirds were positive. Two-thirds of the articles mentioned assistance programs that could help entrepreneurs. The vast majority of the articles presented positive frames of minority entrepreneurs and their contributions. This study found that newspapers can be important sources for ethnic minority individuals interested in becoming entrepreneurs and provide information useful in formulating public policy.
Exploring festival performance as a state of encounter
Authors: O’Grady Alice , Kill Rebekka
Published: February 2013

This article outlines the activities of the research network ‘Festival Performance as a State of Encounter’, which was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of the Beyond Text strategic programme. The network was formulated in 2008, and a range of different events were organized over the course of two years to explore the concept of relational performance within the context of popular music festivals. One of the central aims of the network was to bring into dialogue scholars from a range of disciplines within the performing arts and creative industries and industry professionals and practitioners working on the festival circuit. The network provided a meeting place for industry–academy collaboration that prompted genuine exchange and knowledge transfer across sectors and challenged assumptions about the role and value of expertise and experience in relation to research processes. The article examines the notion of encounter and co-creation not only as a method of practice in festival performance but also as a methodology for facilitating fruitful conversation and dynamic interaction between stakeholders with a shared interest in understanding the deep impact of embodied participation in festival spaces.
Effects of dynamic ambient lighting on female permanent morning shift workers
Authors: Canazei M , Dehoff P , Staggl S , Pohl W
Published: February 2013

Permanent morning shift workers often suffer from impaired sleep and complain about increased fatigue during the day due to an early rising time in the morning. A controlled field investigation with female permanent morning shift workers was conducted, which evaluated the acute, monthly and seasonal psycho-physiological and productivity-related impacts of a dynamic ambient lighting scenario. Dynamic lighting had an acute psycho-physiological calming effect and positively influenced sleep latency and anxiety/depression ratings. Finally, productivity (decreased mean relative handling time) was increased during the winter. This field study contributes to the growing knowledge about biological lighting impacts during shift work. Furthermore it indicates lighting effects on productivity-related and subjective measures for a sleep-deprived working population.
The Dimensions of a Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ)
Authors: Marsick Victoria J.
Published: February 2013

The Problem

Forces influencing organizations in the past decade profile the central role of organizational learning in ensuring sustainability and competitive advantage. The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) was developed in the 1990s to assess organizational learning culture. The DLOQ has since been used for organizational research in many countries, languages, and settings. This volume addresses questions about what research using the DLOQ says about diagnosing and/or improving organizational learning culture in different cultures and settings.

The Solution

This preface article overviews the development of the DLOQ in response to organizational changes and previews what is measured through the DLOQ. A brief overview of each contributing article is provided.

The Stakeholders

Scholars and practitioners focused on organizational learning culture will be interested in how research using the DLOQ has been used across cultures to intervene in organizations over the past decade in relation to selected measures of organizational efficiency or effectiveness.
Upper Extremity Bypass for Chronic Ischemia—A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study Database Study
Authors: Hughes Kakra , Cubangbang Maricel , Blackman Kwesi , Bolorunduro Oluwaseyi , Rose David A. , Cornwell Edward E. , Greene Wendy R. , Obisesan Thomas
Published: February 2013

Objective:

We undertook this study to determine the outcomes of upper extremity arterial reconstruction for chronic ischemia.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was queried to identify all patients who had undergone an upper extremity bypass for chronic ischemia between 2005 and 2007.

Results:

A total of 55 patients were identified in a primarily female population (71% women). Mean age was 57. The most common preoperative diagnoses included ischemia resulting from prior arterial thromboembolism in 16 (29%) patients and atherosclerotic upper extremity arterial disease in 11 (20%) patients. The most common procedures performed included axillo–brachial bypass in 17 (31%) patients, brachial–brachial bypass in 11 (20%) patients, and carotid–brachial bypass in 11 (20%) patients. There were no perioperative deaths and no acute graft failures.

Conclusion:

Although upper extremity bypass remains rare, the procedures appear to be safe with excellent 30-day results. Indications differ from those for lower extremity bypass.
Keypad mobile phones are associated with a significant increased risk of microbial contamination compared to touch screen phones
Authors: Pal Pallavi , Roy Ashoke , Moore Ginny , Muzslay Monika , Lee Elaine , Alder Sarah , Wilson Peter , Powles Tom , Wilson Peter , Kelly John
Published: February 2013

The use of mobile phones in the clinical environment by healthcare workers has become widespread. Despite evidence that these devices can harbour pathogenic micro-organisms there is little guidance on how to reduce contamination. Recently touchscreen phones with a single flat surface have been introduced. We hypothesise that bacterial contamination of phones used in hospitals will be lower on touchscreen devices compared to keypad devices. Sixty seven mobile phones belonging to health care workers were sampled. The median colony count for touchscreen phones and keypad devices was 0·09 colony forming units (cfu)/cm2 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.05–0·14) and 0·77 cfu/cm2 (IQR range 0·45–3.52) respectively. Colony counts were significantly higher on the keypad phones (Fisher’s exact test p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed the type of phone (keypad vs. touch screen) was associated with increased colony counts (F-statistic 14.13: p<0.001). Overall, nine (13%) phones grew either meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus or vancomycin resistant enterococci. Eight (24%) keypad phones were contaminated with these organisms compared with one touch screen phone (3%). Our data indicate that touchscreen mobile phones are less contaminated than their keypad counterparts, and they are less likely to harbour pathogenic bacteria in the clinical setting.
On the Facilitating Actions of Service Sociology
Authors: Treviño A. Javier
Published: February 2013

In 1906, at the height of the Progressive era, Lester F. Ward asserted that the mission of applied sociology was the intentional improvement of social conditions. Over a century later, applied sociology is actively involved in addressing a variety of social problems. In today’s culture of service, a new applied humanist sociology of social problems—service sociology—is emerging. Service sociology has its heritage in the Progressive era reformism of the three early American sociologies of the social gospel, settlement sociology, and charity sociology, as well as in the three contemporary neoprogressive sociologies of humanist/liberation sociology, communitarianism, and public sociology. The main goal of the sociology of service is to proffer neighborly service to recipient partners in need and from a communal orientation. In this article, I discuss the nature and structure of the sociologically informed, solutions-oriented practices that are at the core of service sociology, its facilitating actions.
Conducting Evaluation Research in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Michalec Barret
Published: February 2013

Unexpected, yet intriguing, artifacts were unearthed while working with clinician-researchers to examine the potential benefits of an interprofessional-interdepartmental intervention introduced at a local hospital. This brief commentary is a reflection on those specific issues. The phrase “Know before You Dig” should be taken as an advisement to those interested in expanding their social research into the clinical setting to not only engage in preliminary field work (i.e. observations or semi-structured interviews) before embarking on the full thrust of data gathering, but also to consult with those on their research team that are familiar with or active in the field before actually entering that field. Although primarily aimed towards green medical sociologists and interested clinician-researchers, this commentary may speak to various types of social science scholars involved in research in and of the clinical health arena.
Does Access to Comprehensive Outpatient Care Alter Patterns of Emergency Department Utilization Among Uninsured Patients in East Baltimore?
Authors: Block Lauren , Ma Sai , Emerson Matthew , Langley Anne , Torre Desiree de la , Noronha Gary
Published: February 2013

Background: The annual number of emergency department (ED) visits in the United States increased 23% between 1997 and 2007. The uninsured and those with chronic medical conditions are high users of emergency care. Objective: We sought to determine whether access to comprehensive outpatient primary and specialty care and care coordination provided by The Access Partnership (TAP) reduced ED utilization among uninsured patients relative to patients who chose not to enroll. Methods: Multiple time series analysis was performed to examine rates of ED utilization and inpatient admission among TAP patients and a comparison group of eligible patients who did not join (non-TAP patients). Monthly ED utilization and inpatient admission rates for both groups were examined prior to and subsequent to referral to TAP, within a study period 2007-2011. Results: During the study period, 623 patients were eligible to enroll, and 374 joined the program. Rates of ED visits per month increased in both groups. Compared with non-TAP patients, TAP patients had 2.0 fewer ED visits not leading to admission per 100 patient-months post-TAP ( P = .03, 95% confidence interval = 0.2-3.9). TAP status was a moderate predictor of ED visits not leading to admission, after controlling for age, gender, and zip code ( P = .04, 95% confidence interval = 0.1-3.9). Conclusions: Although overall ED utilization did not change significantly between program participants and nonparticipants, TAP patients had a lower rate of ED visits not resulting in inpatient admission relative to the comparison group.
Use of Nonconscious Priming to Promote Self-Disclosure
Authors: Grecco Elizabeth , Robbins Steven J. , Bartoli Eleonora , Wolff Edward F.
Published: February 2013

The present study examined whether nonconscious priming could increase an individual’s willingness to disclose personal experiences and thoughts to a stranger. Fifty volunteers between 18 and 35 years old were randomly assigned to one of two priming conditions. Group disclosure ( n = 25) unscrambled sentences containing disclosure-related words and gave ratings to self-descriptive statements emphasizing their willingness to talk to others. Group nondisclosure ( n = 25) was exposed to words and statements expressing a lack of willingness to talk to others. Following priming, both groups were asked to write two essays focused on recent personal experiences and self-reflections. Compared to group nondisclosure, group disclosure wrote significantly longer essays with significantly more statements of feelings. Both participants and researchers were blind to group assignment, and none of the participants expressed awareness of the priming manipulation during debriefing. These results demonstrate that priming can significantly increase an individual’s willingness to self-disclose upon request.
Mild Uncertainty Promotes Checking Behavior in Subclinical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Toffolo Marieke B. J. , van den Hout Marcel A. , Hooge Ignace T. C. , Engelhard Iris M. , Cath Danielle C.
Published: February 2013

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder respond to clinical uncertainty with perseverative checking, which, ironically, enhances uncertainty. However, patients also display general subclinical uncertainty, which may tempt vulnerable individuals to seek reassurance by perseveration in response to mild uncertainty that is superimposed on general uncertainty. An experimental eye-tracking paradigm was developed to investigate whether mild uncertainty indeed induces checking behavior in people with high obsessive-compulsive tendencies (OC+, n = 34), compared to people with low obsessive-compulsive tendencies (OC–, n = 31). Participants were presented 50 visual search displays, and they indicated whether a target was “present” or “absent.” Decisions about target presence induced little uncertainty, but decisions about its absence were more ambiguous, because participants relied on not having overlooked the target. Results revealed no differences on target-present trials. However, in target-absent trials, OC+ participants searched longer and used more fixations. Thus, even in mildly uncertain situations, individuals with subclinical obsessive-compulsive disorder respond with more checking behavior, which has implications for treatment.
FKBP5 as a possible moderator of the psychosis-inducing effects of childhood trauma
Authors: Collip Dina , Myin-Germeys Inez , Wichers Marieke , Jacobs Nele , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , Lataster Tineke , Simons Claudia , Delespaul Philippe , Marcelis Machteld , van Os Jim , van Winkel Ruud
Published: February 2013

Background

FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) has repeatedly been shown to be a critical determinant of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression following childhood trauma.

Aims

To examine the role of FKBP5-trauma interactions in the partly stress-related psychosis phenotype.

Method

In 401 general population twins, four functional polymorphisms were examined in models of psychosis and Cortisol, and followed up in models of psychosis in three samples at different familial liability (175 controls, 200 unaffected siblings and 195 patients with a psychotic disorder).

Results

The most consistent finding was an interaction between childhood trauma and rs9296158/rs4713916 on psychotic symptoms and Cortisol in the twin sample, combined with a directionally similar interaction in siblings (rs4713916) and patients (rs9296158), A-allele carriers at both polymorphisms being most vulnerable to trauma.

Conclusions

Trauma may increase the risk of psychosis through enduring changes in the Cortisol feedback loop, similar to that for PTSD, suggesting comparable biological mechanisms for psychosis across diagnostic boundaries.
Tablet Characteristics Prediction by Powder Blending Process Analysis Based on near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Hattori Yusuke , Tajiri Yoshiyuki , Otsuka Makoto
Published: February 2013

Prediction of powder blend homogeneity and pharmaceutical characteristics such as powder flowability, mechanical strength and disintegration time of compressed solid dosages was carried out via on-line near infrared spectroscopy measurements. Blend homogeneity was evaluated in the pre-blending phase using both partial least-squares (PLS) and model-free regression methods. Covariance analysis between consecutive spectra was shown to represent a faithful monitoring of homogeneity as a model-free method, which coincided well with the results obtained from the PLS regression method. Similarly, during the post-blending phase with lubricant, pharmaceutical properties were accurately and precisely predicted using PLS regression models. These prediction models could be implemented in the determination of optimal blending time for a lubricant in view of improving flowability and of ensuring adequate mechanical strength and tablet disintegration time.
Conformational heterogeneity of the protein-free human spliceosomal U2-U6 snRNA complex
Authors: Zhao Caijie , Bachu Ravichandra , Popović Milena , Devany Matthew , Brenowitz Michael , Schlatterer Jörg C. , Greenbaum Nancy L.
Published: February 2013

The complex formed between the U2 and U6 small nuclear (sn)RNA molecules of the eukaryotic spliceosome plays a critical role in the catalysis of precursor mRNA splicing. Here, we have used enzymatic structure probing, 19F NMR, and analytical ultracentrifugation techniques to characterize the fold of a protein-free biophysically tractable paired construct representing the human U2-U6 snRNA complex. Results from enzymatic probing and 19F NMR for the complex in the absence of Mg2+ are consistent with formation of a four-helix junction structure as a predominant conformation. However, 19F NMR data also identify a lesser fraction (up to 14% at 25°C) of a three-helix conformation. Based upon this distribution, the calculated ΔG for inter-conversion to the four-helix structure from the three-helix structure is approximately −4.6 kJ/mol. In the presence of 5 mM Mg2+, the fraction of the three-helix conformation increased to ∼17% and the Stokes radius, measured by analytical ultracentrifugation, decreased by 2%, suggesting a slight shift to an alternative conformation. NMR measurements demonstrated that addition of an intron fragment to the U2-U6 snRNA complex results in displacement of U6 snRNA from the region of Helix III immediately 5′ of the ACAGAGA sequence of U6 snRNA, which may facilitate binding of the segment of the intron adjacent to the 5′ splice site to the ACAGAGA sequence. Taken together, these observations indicate conformational heterogeneity in the protein-free human U2-U6 snRNA complex consistent with a model in which the RNA has sufficient conformational flexibility to facilitate inter-conversion between steps of splicing in situ.
Decreasing the Cutoff for Elevated Blood Lead (EBL) Can Decrease the Screening Sensitivity for EBL
Authors: McCloskey Laura J. , Bordash Frank R. , Ubben Kathy J. , Landmark James D. , Stickle Douglas F.
Published: February 2013

Change in the definition of elevated blood lead (EBL) from greater than or equal to 10 μg/dL (cutoff A) to greater than or equal to 5 μg/dL (cutoff B) was recently endorsed in the United States. A potential effect of this change is to decrease the screening sensitivity for EBL detection. We demonstrate this effect by simulated sampling of an example patient distribution for lead. Using lead-dependent assay imprecision, simulated sampling of the patient distribution tracked individual misclassifications relative to the EBL cutoff. Decreasing the EBL cutoff from A to B reduced screening sensitivity for EBL detection in this population to less than 90%, a decrease of 4%. The result was due to the fact that, for B, a greater fraction of the EBL population was near the EBL cutoff and therefore subject to misclassification due to assay imprecision. The effect of the decreased EBL cutoff to reduce EBL screening sensitivity is likely to apply to EBL screening programs generally.
Risk-Benefit Analysis of Sampling Methods for Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: A Mathematical Modeling Approach
Authors: Schmidt Robert L. , Kordy Michal A. , Howard Kirsten , Layfield Lester J. , Hall Brian J. , Adler Douglas G.
Published: February 2013

The effectiveness of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) increases with the number of needle passes, but needle passes are also associated with increased risk of adverse events. The trade-off between needle passes and adequacy has not been well characterized. Clinical studies are limited because of their inherent variability and limited sample size. We developed mathematical models to compare the performance of a variety of sampling protocols under a wide range of conditions. Specifically, we compared the performance of sampling methods using a fixed number of needle passes with sampling methods using a rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) with a variable number of needle passes. Variable sampling with ROSE generally required fewer needle passes than fixed sample size policies to achieve a desired adequacy rate. Variable sampling policies using ROSE achieve greater per-case adequacy with fewer needle passes than sampling policies using a fixed number of passes if assessor accuracy is high.
Towards a complete framework for seismic analysis in Abaqus
Authors: Nielsen Andreas Hvidtfelt
Published: February 2013

The nuclear industry currently employs a limited and ageing range of computational tools for seismic and soil–structure interaction analysis. This paper presents a set of new tools that have been developed for two and three-dimensional seismic analysis in Abaqus. The tools include a group of new elements that can be used to implement the free-field boundary method in Abaqus and a free-field mesh generator. Together with the existing capabilities of the program, these enhancements contribute to a general framework for more reliable and accurate seismic analysis. The paper also reports on the ongoing development of a new absorbing boundary condition that is more accurate than the standard viscous boundary. The theory of the boundary condition is derived. In its present form, the boundary condition is easy to implement in finite-element codes, both implicit and explicit. The boundary condition is exact for plane body waves arriving at an incident angle, which must be known a priori. As such, the method is suitable for problems that are characterised by a single seismic source on the surface of, or embedded within, a homogenous medium. However, it does not provide perfect absorption of surface waves or body waves arriving from multiple angles at the same time. Further research is required to extend the method to these types of problems.
First-principles study of electronic structure and optical properties of Sr(Ti,Zr)O3
Authors: Celik Gulden , Cabuk Suleyman
Published: February 2013

Electronic and optical properties of Sr(Ti,Zr)O3 crystals in the cubic (Pm-3m) and tetragonal (I4/mcm) phase were calculated by the first-principles calculations using the density functional theory and the local density approximation. The band structure of cubic and tetragonal phases show an indirect band gap at (R-Γ) point and at (M-Γ) point in the Brillouin zone, respectively. The linear photon-energy dependent dielectric functions and some optical properties such as the absorption coefficient, energy-loss function and reflectivity are calculated for both phases. The optical properties of tetragonal phase of Sr(Ti,Zr)O3 were investigated by theoretical methods for the first time. We have also made some comparisons with the available related experimental and theoretical data.
Moving beyond Edward Said: Homi Bhabha and the Problem of Postcolonial Representation
Authors: Chakrabarti Sumit
Published: February 2013

The essay takes up the issue of postcolonial representation in terms of a critique of European modernism that has been symptomatic of much postcolonial theoretical debates in the recent years. It tries to enumerate the epistemic changes within the paradigm of postcolonial theoretical writing that began tentatively with the publication of Edward Said’s Orientalism in 1978 and has taken a curious postmodern turn in recent years with the writings of Gayatri Spivak and Homi Bhabha. The essay primarily focuses on Bhabha’s concepts of ambivalence and mimicry and his politics of theoretical anarchism that take the representation debate to a newer height vis-ŕ-vis modes of religious nationalism and Freudian psychoanalysis. It is interesting to see how Bhabha locates these within a postmodern paradigm.