bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verifying Validity of the Household Dietary Diversity Score
Authors: Vellema Wytse , Desiere Sam , D’Haese Marijke
Published: December 2015

Background:

The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was developed to measure household food access, one of the levels of food security. Previous research has shown dietary diversity is related to food security. However, the validity of the HDDS in the form developed by the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) project—12 food groups, 24-hour recall—and most frequently used by development organizations and nongovernmental organizations has never been verified.

Objective:

To verify the construct validity of the HDDS.

Methods:

A Rasch model was used to test the extent to which the HDDS meets the criteria required for interval scale measurement, using data from 1015 households in Colombia and Ecuador.

Results:

Different dietary patterns between Colombia and Ecuador and 2 cultural groups within Ecuador required data to be split into 3 subgroups. For each subgroup, the food groups meeting the criteria and their difficulty ranking were different. Refined indices, containing only those food groups meeting the criteria, contained 7 items in Colombia, 10 for Kichwa households in Ecuador, and 9 for migrant households.

Conclusion:

The indicator in its current form does not meet all criteria. Even when analyzing culturally homogenous subgroups within a small region, the components of the indicator do not form a reliable way of measuring household-level food access.
Epigenetic silencing of endothelin-3 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Olender J , Nowakowska-Zajdel E , Kruszniewska-Rajs C , Orchel J , Mazurek U , Wierzgoń A , Kokot T , Muc-Wierzgoń M
Published: December 2015

Endothelins are expressed in a variety of human tissue and are involved in the processes as proliferation, migration and differentiation. The signal transduction pathway is a result of the endothelin-1-3 (ET1-3) binding to their receptors (ETAR, ETBR). ET-3 is a new candidate tumour suppressor gene, which is often downregulated or silenced in human cancer.

The aim of the study was to examine DNA methylation of ET-3 genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue samples in relation to the clinical stage (CS) of cancer. The paper is a continuation of our previously published results, which showed a four-fold transcriptional silencing of the ET-3 gene in the samples of colorectal cancer in comparison to normal tissues.

A total of 66 paired CRC and normal (surgical margin) tissue samples were used in the study. The tumour tissues were collected from CRC patients in CS I–IV according the 7th edition of UICC TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours (CS I, n = 8; CS II, n = 20; CS III, n = 27; CS IV, n = 11). Assessment of epigenetic silencing of the ET-3 encoding gene was performed in three steps. The silencing of the ET-3 encoding gene was a result from methylation of the promoter sequence using methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Analyses were performed using primers complementary for a CpG island in the first exon of the gene encoding ET-3. An epigenetic silence through methylation of 7.5% (5/66) in comparison to control was observed, including 10% of CS II (2/20), 7% of CS III (2/27) and 9% of CS IV (1/11). The controls and the samples of tumour in CS I showed no epigenetic silencing via methylation. In conclusion, epigenetic silencing of ET-3 in CRC could play a role in the progression than in the induction process. EDN3 would be a future target for epigenetic therapy in colorectal cancer, but further clinical studies are needed.
Endothelial immunomediated reactivity in acute cardiac ischaemia: Role of endothelin 1, interleukin 8 and NT-proBNP in patients affected by unstable angina pectoris
Authors: Caroselli Costantino , De Rosa Rosario , Tanzi Pietro , Rigatelli Alberto , Bruno Guglielmo
Published: December 2015

The role of endothelium in the progression of atheromasic disease has already been demonstrated. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is released from endothelial cells during acute and chronic vascular damage and it appears to be the strongest vasoconstrictor agent known.

The aim of this study is to investigate the amount of endothelial damage in patients with unstable angina (UA), as defined by serum levels of ET-1, to verify a possible correlation with increased ischaemic damage by evaluation of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels.

Serum levels of ET-1, IL-8 and NT-proBNP obtained from 10 patients affected by low-risk UA were compared to those belonging to eight healthy subjects. In order to compare the laboratory data pertaining to the two populations, a Student’s t-test and a Mann-Whitney U test were performed.

Levels of ET-1, IL-8 and NT-proBNP in samples of peripheral blood of patients affected by UA were significantly elevated, compared with those of the control group. The linear correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and significant correlation between levels of ET-1 and IL-8, between levels of ET-1 and NT-proBNP, and between levels of IL-8 and NT-proBNP in subjects affected by UA.

Early elevated levels of ET-1, IL-8 and NT-proBNP in patients with UA show a coexistence between ischaemic insults and endothelial damages. A positive and significant linear correlation between levels of ET-1 and IL-8, between levels of ET-1 and NT-proBNP, and between levels of IL-8 and NT-proBNP confirms that an increased ischaemic insult is correlated to inflammation signs and endothelium damage signs.

In patients with UA, ischaemia is always associated with a systemic immuno-mediated activity induced by acute endothelial damage. We suggest early administration of ET-1-selective receptor blockers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Caffeine affects CD8+ lymphocyte apoptosis and migration differently in naïve and familiar individuals following moderate intensity exercise
Authors: Navalta James W , Fedor Elizabeth A , Schafer Mark A , Lyons T Scott , Tibana Ramires A , Pereira Guilherme B , Prestes Jonato
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the lymphocyte subset response to 30 min of moderate treadmill exercise during caffeine supplemented (6.0 mg.kg−1) and placebo conditions in caffeine-naïve and -familiar individuals. Seventeen individuals participated (caffeine-familiar = 8, caffeine-naïve = 9) completing two exercise bouts (caffeine supplemented and placebo control) 48 h apart in a counterbalanced and double-blinded fashion. Individuals were classified as follows: caffeine-naive <50 mg.d−1 and caffeine-familiar >200 mg.d−1. Whole blood samples were obtained at rest, 30 min after caffeine or placebo ingestion, immediately following exercise, and 1 h post exercise. Blood was used to analyze apoptosis (annexin V) and cellular migration (CX3CR1) responses in lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD19+). Absolute changes from rest values were calculated and differences between conditions were determined through Chi-squared analysis with significance accepted at P <0.05. With regard to CD4+ and CD19+ lymphocytes, the interaction of caffeine and exercise did not affect naïve individuals to a greater extent immediately post exercise when compared to familiar, as similar apoptotic and migratory responses were observed ( P >0.05). However, CD8+ lymphocyte cell death and migration responses were observed to be significantly greater at each sampling point in caffeine-familiar individuals ( P <0.05). It is possible that chronic caffeine supplementation may prime CD8+ cell receptors for responsiveness to apoptosis and migration and the consequence of this form of immunosuppression in the post-exercise period should be determined.
Yiqi Wenyang Fang ameliorates allergic rhinitis through inhibiting inflammatory response and promoting the expression of Foxp3
Authors: Shi Jun , Liu Yu , Yan Shihai , Yan Daonan
Published: December 2015

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disease with a hypersensitivity response to environmental stimulus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Yiqi Wenyang Fang (YWF) on AR and investigate the underlying mechanism. A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (normal control, model control, YWF at low dose, YWF at median dose, YWF at high dose, and loratadine). Rats were injected with antigen for sensitization. Then, rats in the YWF groups were treated with different dose of YWF for 28 days. Loratadine was used as a positive control. Number of sneezes, degree of runny nose, nasal rubbing movements, and tissue damage were scored. The protein and mRNA expression of Foxp3 were determined by western blot and real time-PCR analysis, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells. The content of interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), IL-13, and IL-4 in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Scores of symptoms were significantly reduced and nasal mucosa damage was alleviated after YWF administration. YWF increased the expression of Foxp3, IL-10, TGF-β1, and number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells which were reduced by antigen injection. The expression levels of IL-13 and IL-4 were increased after antigen administration while decreased after YWF treatment. YWF may ameliorate AR through inhibiting inflammatory response and promoting Foxp3 expression.
Varieties of Veterans’ Courts: A Statewide Assessment of Veterans’ Treatment Court Components
Authors: Douds Anne S. , Ahlin Eileen M. , Howard Daniel , Stigerwalt Sarah
Published: December 2015

Since the mid-2000s, there has been an upsurge in the development of Veterans’ Treatment Courts (VTCs) to support justice-involved veterans’ treatment needs while also providing criminal justice supervision. Despite their prolific development in recent years, there is a dearth of scholarly research on how VTCs are structured and whether there are common components across courts. There is a need to understand how VTCs are structured and operationally implemented to inform additional program planning and evaluation. To bridge this gap in the literature, this study provides a statewide assessment of the 17 VTCs operating in Pennsylvania, identifies six common components, and highlights areas in which their implementation diverges between courts to meet the specific needs of veterans across Pennsylvania. The results of this study provide a baseline framework to aid future researchers in conducting process and outcome evaluations by documenting and examining the common components of VTCs.
Accomplishing Place in Public Space: Autoethnographic Accounts of Homelessness
Authors: Rennels Tasha R. , Purnell David F.
Published: December 2015

Recognizing the deep-seated need many people share for a sense of home, we employ autoethnography to illustrate how those who are homeless can make homelike places within public spaces. By revisiting and reflexively analyzing various accounts of homelessness as experienced by one of the authors, we show that home can be made through (a) re-appropriating public spaces, (b) harnessing feelings of safety, and (c) interacting with others. We conclude by discussing how this homemaking process not only reinforces the claim that many people desire home, but also motivates us to think about the ways in which public spaces might cater to this desire in an era of urban renewal.
Preparation of aromatic polyimide particles having clear morphology by polymerization of salt monomers
Authors: Shojo Daisaku , Sugimori Hidekazu , Yamazaki Shinichi , Kimura Kunio
Published: December 2015

Crystals of salt monomer prepared from aromatic tetracarboxylic acids and aromatic diamines were polymerized at 220°C for 3 h and at 400°C for 3 h under argon flow. Highly crystalline polyimide particles having clear morphology were obtained with good yield. They were lozenge-like crystals, long plate-like crystals, fibrillar crystals, and spherical aggregates of plate-like crystals. The crystals of salt monomer were polymerized in the solid-state with maintaining the morphology, and therefore the morphology of the polyimide particles were the same to that of the crystals of the corresponding salt monomer. Molecular orientation in the lozenge-shaped crystal of poly( p-phenylene pyromelliteimide) was examined by selected area electron diffraction, and the polymer molecules aligned perpendicular to the plate plane which was the direction of the thickness. Obtained particles possessed good thermal stability.
Synthesis and properties of polyimides containing tetraphenylnaphthalene units
Authors: Morikawa Atsushi , Karube Chihiro , Sakaki Yu
Published: December 2015

Aromatic polyimides (PI1x) with a tetraphenylnaphthalene unit between ether linkages were synthesized from 1,4-bis[4-(aminophenoxy)phenyl]-2,3-diphenylnaphthalene (1) and various tetracarboxylic dianhydrides by a conventional two-step procedure that included ring-opening polymerization in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and subsequent thermal cyclic dehydration. PI1x were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. PI1x had glass transition temperatures in the range of 270–315°C and all PI1x were amorphous. The structure–property relationships of these PIs were examined and compared with those of polyimides (PI2x) from 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl (2) and polyimides (PI3x) from 1,4-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2,3-diphenylnaphthalene (3). Water absorption and dielectric constants ( ε) of the PIs were also compared and discussed on the basis of imide content per repeating unit.
Provision of HIV test results by telephone is both safe and efficient for men who have sex with men
Authors: Bissessor Melanie , Bradshaw Catriona S , Fairley Christopher K , Chen Marcus Y , Chow Eric PF
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of delivering HIV test results by telephone on HIV testing and subsequent risk behaviour of men, as well as saving on clinic consultation time. It was conducted at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, the main public sexual health clinic servicing Victoria, Australia. In 2013, a policy change was introduced so men could obtain their HIV test result via telephone. We compared the proportion of men testing for HIV and receiving results in the 24 months before (2011–2012) and the 24 months after (2013–2014) the policy change. There was a modest increase in the proportion of men having a HIV test of 3.2% ( p < 0.001) after the policy change. The provision of HIV results by telephone more than halved the number of men re-attending (74.4% vs. 33.1%) which freed up 516 hours of clinic time and had no adverse outcome on subsequent risk behaviour, nor changed the proportion of men who obtained their HIV results ( p = 0.058), or the period of time between testing and obtaining results for HIV-negative ( p = 0.007) and HIV-positive results ( p = 0.198). Telephone notification of HIV test results is a useful option given the potential beneficial effects shown.
Citizenship at work. A guiding principle for social and trade union policy
Authors: Mückenberger Ulrich
Published: December 2015

In the fraught relationship between capitalist economy and political democracy, the latter often comes off second best. Have we come to accept that democracy ends at the factory gates? This article argues the contrary – that there are reasons enough today to establish and enforce the status of citizenship for employees at work. Today’s working people have such diverse personal circumstances and working conditions that only their status as ‘citizens’ gives them a common social bond that fosters solidarity. The demand for ‘reconciliation’ of work and life outside of work is now being formulated more radically: namely that people should not remain objects of economic authority, but instead that labour relations should be remodelled according to human needs. Citizenship at work is a step towards the democratic humanization of working life. Individual citizen rights are not a substitute for collective employee participation, but give it an indispensable foundation. This article traces the development of the concept of citizenship at work and outlines its prospects of becoming a reality. It draws on progressive democratic and republican values and impulses for change and sets them against a still often autocratic corporate culture.
Professionalism versus amateurism in grass-roots sport: Associated funding needs
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J , Davies John
Published: December 2015

Considerations of professionalization within sport are typically limited to the commercialization processes that generate the funding regimes and impact the expenditure patterns of professional sports teams. By contrast, using historical data, this article analyses how professionalism and the professionalization of elite rugby has impacted the amateur game, in general, and challenged the core values of amateurism and the associated funding needed for the amateur/grass-roots game, in particular. It compares funding and expenditure patterns in amateur sports clubs for a particular sport – rugby football union, aka rugby. This article utilizes a case study analysis of amateur clubs in the Wellington Rugby Football Union, a provincial union of the New Zealand Rugby Union. It finds that professionalism is exhibited in the amateur game both as a top-down phenomenon and a bottom-up phenomenon as new actors have entered the institutional field. The study also notes that whilst such changes have been gradual, the costs of these changes are now outpacing clubs’ ability to fund them.
Further Validation of Triarchic Psychopathy Scales From the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire: Setting the Stage for Large-Sample Etiological Studies
Authors: Brislin Sarah J. , Venables Noah C. , Drislane Laura E. , Blonigen Daniel M. , Iacono William G. , Tellegen Auke , Edens John F. , Patrick Christopher J.
Published: December 2015

Psychopathy as conceptualized by the triarchic model encompasses three distinct dispositional constructs: boldness, meanness, and disinhibition. The current study sought to further validate triarchic (Tri) construct scales composed of items from the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) as a foundation for advancing research on the etiology of psychopathy using existing large-scale longitudinal studies. MPQ-Tri scales were examined in three samples: mixed-gender undergraduate students ( N = 346), male offenders from a residential substance abuse treatment facility ( N = 190), and incarcerated female offenders ( N = 216). Across these three samples, the MPQ-Tri scales demonstrated high internal consistency and clear convergent and discriminant associations with criterion measures of psychopathy and other psychopathology outcomes. Gender comparisons revealed relatively few differences in relationships with criterion measures. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for further investigation of the causal bases of psychopathy and other forms of psychopathology utilizing data from large etiologically informative studies.
Beyond Description in Interpersonal Construct Validation
Authors: Zimmermann Johannes , Wright Aidan G. C.
Published: December 2015

The interpersonal circumplex is a well-established structural model that organizes interpersonal functioning within the two-dimensional space marked by dominance and affiliation. The structural summary method (SSM) was developed to evaluate the interpersonal nature of other constructs and measures outside the interpersonal circumplex. To date, this method has been primarily descriptive, providing no way to draw inferences when comparing SSM parameters across constructs or groups. We describe a newly developed resampling-based method for deriving confidence intervals, which allows for SSM parameter comparisons. In a series of five studies, we evaluated the accuracy of the approach across a wide range of possible sample sizes and parameter values, and demonstrated its utility for posing theoretical questions on the interpersonal nature of relevant constructs (e.g., personality disorders) using real-world data. As a result, the SSM is strengthened for its intended purpose of construct evaluation and theory building.
One Continent, Three Words, and a Dream
Authors: Zapata-Sepúlveda Pamela
Published: December 2015

Through a three words poem, I share my constructed color voice developed from looking for and sensing my ‘I’ through the lens of worldwide international students in my learning experiences in different international “white” universities. At the same time, my ‘I’ is embodied from my fieldwork with Colombian women refugees or seeking for refuge, and as a Latin American woman living in northern Chile. In this way, interpretive [auto] ethnography is a path to situate my ‘I’ in a context where silences, forgetfulness, and “whiteness” behind our voices are consequences of social, political, and historical forces that have erased our indigenous and multicultural heritage in Chile. Today, the tendency in education is teaching, learning, and acting as if we are White people. This piece is an invitation to think-reflect-look-feel-remember and ask ourselves about what the color of our voice is and what the consequences of this standpoint in the academia are.
A Comparison of the Batterer Intervention and Prevention Program With Alternative Court Dispositions on 12-Month Recidivism
Authors: Boots Denise Paquette , Wareham Jennifer , Bartula Aaron , Canas Roberto
Published: December 2015

Studies of batterer intervention and prevention programs (BIPPs) offer mixed results regarding their effect on recidivism. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of BIPP for cases assigned to a misdemeanor family court. This study focused on determining whether BIPP cases, compared with alternative sanctions, had significantly lower recidivism rates 12 months after program involvement. Findings indicated that BIPP was more effective than jail or regular dismissal in reducing the likelihood of future arrests, but not plea deferred adjudication and conditional dismissal. Results argue toward the efficacy of some form of treatment versus simply receiving jail time.
Stability and change in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis from age 3 to middle childhood in a high-risk sibling cohort
Authors: Brian Jessica , Bryson Susan E , Smith Isabel M , Roberts Wendy , Roncadin Caroline , Szatmari Peter , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie
Published: December 2015

Considerable evidence on autism spectrum disorder emergence comes from longitudinal high-risk samples (i.e. younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder). Diagnostic stability to age 3 is very good when diagnosed as early as 18–24 months, but sensitivity is weaker, and relatively little is known beyond toddlerhood. We examined stability and change in blinded, clinical best-estimate diagnosis from age 3 to middle childhood (mean age = 9.5 years) in 67 high-risk siblings enrolled in infancy. Good agreement emerged for clinical best-estimate diagnoses (89.6% overall; kappa = 0.76, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 0.59–0.93). At age 3, 18 cases (26.9%) were classified with “autism spectrum disorder”: 17 retained their autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (94.4%; 13 boys, 4 girls) and 1 no longer met autism spectrum disorder criteria at follow-up. Among “non–autism spectrum disorder” cases at age 3, 43/49 remained non–autism spectrum disorder at follow-up (87.8%; 22 boys, 21 girls) and 6/49 met lower autism symptomatology criteria (“Later-Diagnosed”; 3 boys, 3 girls). Later-diagnosed cases had significantly lower autism spectrum disorder symptomatology and higher receptive language at age 3 and trends toward lower autism symptoms and higher cognitive abilities at follow-up. Emerging developmental concerns were noted in all later-diagnosed cases, by age 3 or 5. High-risk children need to be followed up into middle childhood, particularly when showing differences in autism-related domains.
Optimal material selection for the construction of a paediatric prosthetic knee
Authors: Mangera Taahirah , Kienhöfer Frank , Carlson Kristian J , Conning Mariette , Brown Ashley , Govender Gonasagren
Published: December 2015

The material selection of prostheses in developing countries is currently biased towards what is readily available and ignores important criteria such as patient comfort and structural strength. In this study, the ELECTRE III multiple attribute decision-making method was applied to the material selection of a paediatric prosthetic knee. Light metals were considered as candidates for selection. While composites are light, they are not suitable for use in components with sliding and mating surfaces such as a prosthetic knee. Plastics are prone to failure. Candidate materials were evaluated on criteria related to patient fatigue and comfort, structural stability and material cost. The patient fatigue and comfort requirement was evaluated using material density as the weight of the prosthesis affects the comfort level. Finite element analyses simulating the ISO 10328:2006 standard for structural testing of lower limb prostheses were used to evaluate the structural strength suitability of the candidate materials. The present day prices of the raw material of the candidates were used as an index of material cost. Wrought aluminium alloy aluminium 7175 was ranked highest while titanium alloys were ranked below these due to their higher cost. Cast aluminium alloys ranked lowest due to their poor structural performance. The study, using ELECTRE III, a rigorous multi-criteria decision analysis method, shows that aluminium 7175 is the optimal light metal material for a paediatric prosthetic knee.
Gender Equality, Place, and Female-Victim Intimate Partner Homicide
Authors: Gillespie Lane Kirkland , Reckdenwald Amy
Published: December 2015

Assessments of the relationship between gender equality and gendered homicide have led to the development of two primary literatures: the first exploring backlash and amelioration effects, and the second examining the influence of exposure reduction. In addition, a third body of research has examined differences in intimate partner homicide (IPH) between rural and non-rural places. The current study contributes to these three literatures by exploring the relationship between gender equality and female-victim IPH in the context of backlash, amelioration, and exposure reduction while considering the influence of rurality. Results indicate the relevance of rurality to research on the relationship between gender equality and female-victim IPH.
Developing the Methodology for an Applied, Interdisciplinary Research Project: Documenting the Journey Toward Philosophical Clarity
Authors: Howes Loene M.
Published: December 2015

Methodologists have urged researchers who use mixed methods to justify their methodological choices and provide greater clarity about the philosophical underpinnings and implications of their approaches. This article outlines the reasoning process undertaken in an endeavor to develop philosophical clarity for an applied, interdisciplinary, mixed methods research project about the communication of scientific evidence in the legal system. I used Greene’s domains of methodology for social inquiry as a framework for addressing reflexive questions about assumptions. Flowing from the domains of values and philosophies, the logic of inquiry was developed before the implications for the integration of findings and reporting of research were outlined. Early engagement in reflexive questioning provided a foundation for methodological refinement throughout the ongoing research journey.
A large-stroke compliant joint–based force/displacement integrated sensor
Authors: Duan Xuechao , Ge Shibin , Fang Hongmei , Bao Hong
Published: December 2015

The design methodology and validation of a compliant translational joint–based force/displacement integrated sensor is presented in this article. The stiffness analysis of the large displacement high precision compliant translational joint is developed, in which the screw theory–based symbolic formulation method for structures is employed. By combining the stiffness matrix of the single compliant beams and components in this joint, the entire stiffness matrix is derived. The stiffness matrix is validated by finite element analysis (FEA) method. Finally, the compliant translational joint was fabricated with a three-dimensional printer and equipped with a linear position sensor and microcontroller. The displacement of the translational joint is measured and then the force is calculated using the stiffness matrix. A calibration is conducted so that the sub-Newton precision of the sensor is achieved.
Environmental Cues in Double-Occupancy Rooms to Support Patients With Dementia
Authors: Motzek Tom , Bueter Kathrin , Marquardt Gesine
Published: December 2015

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different environmental cues in double-occupancy rooms of an acute care hospital to support patients’ abilities to identify their bed and wardrobe.

Methods:

The quasi-experiment was conducted on a geriatric ward of an acute care hospital. Patients with dementia were included ( n = 42). To test the effectiveness of environmental cues, two rooms were enhanced with the environmental cue “color,” two rooms with the cue “number,” and two rooms with the cue “patient’s name”. Four rooms were not redesigned and were used as control rooms. For analysis, we pooled the intervention groups color and number ( n = 14) and compared it with the control group ( n = 22).

Results:

The environmental cues color and number were significantly effective to improve the identification of the wardrobe from the third to the fifth day after admission. However, for the 10th–12th day after admission, we found no difference in results. Furthermore, results indicate improvements in the ability to identify the bed by using the environmental cues color and number.

Conclusions:

As this study indicated, the environmental cues color and number are helpful for these patients to identify their bed and wardrobe. However, these cues were most effective from the third to the fifth day after admission. To sustain their effectiveness on patients’ identification abilities during their hospital stay, we discuss, whether verbal prompting and an ongoing mentioning of such cues, embedded in the daily work of nurses, could be beneficial.
HIV-Associated Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis at San Francisco General Hospital
Authors: Tseng Jossy , Maurer Toby , Mutizwa Misha M.
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

We sought to characterize recent cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in HIV-infected patients at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH), a large HIV referral center.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of HIV-infected patients diagnosed with TEN from January 2001 to May 2014 at SFGH.

Results:

Ten cases of TEN were identified, 50% of which occurred in HIV-infected individuals. Among the HIV-associated cases, causative agents were trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX; n = 2), atovaquone, clindamycin, and fluconazole. No antiretroviral agents were implicated.

Conclusion:

Although limited by small sample size, our experience is reflective of the well-recognized increased incidence of TEN in HIV-positive patients and suggests that antimicrobial agents, particularly TMP-SMX, are the most common causative agents in this population. As 3 of the 5 HIV-associated TEN cases were caused by potentially inappropriate or unnecessary use of antibiotics, our experience highlights the importance of judicious use of systemic medications in populations susceptible to severe adverse drug reactions.
The Evolution of Responsible Gambling Policy and Practice: Insights for Asia from Australia
Authors: Hing Nerilee
Published: December 2015

This paper draws on the Australian experience of problem gambling and responsible gambling to provide insights for Asian jurisdictions currently experiencing significant expansion in gambling. Specifically, it draws on a lifecycle approach to issues management to explain the emergence of problem gambling as a significant social and public health issue in Australia. It then documents how gambling operators in Australia have responded to this issue through the development and implementation of responsible gambling measures. Four developmental stages of responsible gambling policy and practice in Australia are discussed, from an elementary stage of corporate citizenship through to engaged and innovative stages, and to the next stage of integration into the business of gambling. Current pressures are identified that may result in Australian gambling operators reaching the so-called transforming stage of corporate citizenship in responsible gambling, where more effective and targeted measures are implemented. Insights are drawn from the Australian experience, which may be of relevance to the future of responsible gambling in Asia. The embedding of responsible gambling in corporate culture and business practice appears to be facilitated by numerous specific measures. These include: appropriate legislation; leadership; structural changes; resources and support mechanisms outside of the organization; effective relationships with key stakeholders; dedicated management; supervisory positions; staff training; and accountability and transparent reporting within the organization.
Pathways to Development of Problem Gambling among Chinese Gamblers in Hong Kong: Validation of the Blaszczynski and Nower (2002) Model
Authors: Chan Chi Chuen , Ohtsuka Keis
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the pathway to development of problem gambling in treatment-seeking gamblers attending a self-help group in Hong Kong. A total of 17 problem gamblers (15 men, 2 women; aged from 22 to 58 years) were interviewed and categorized according to the Blaszczynski and Nower (2002) pathways model. It was found that the majority of treatment-seeking gamblers were behaviorally conditioned gamblers. Gamblers of this type often reported an early involvement in gambling during childhood as part of family activities. They recalled an early win in their gambling history. Unlike gamblers with emotional problems in the Wood and Griffiths (2007) study, behaviorally conditioned gamblers exhibited little or no emotional problems before the onset of gambling problems. Further, their excessive gambling appears to be confounded with poor decision-making and a lack of effective coping skills. The findings of the current study also highlight the importance of family upbringing in the development of problem gambling.
Economic and Psychosocial Impact of Problem Gambling in South Korea
Authors: Chun JongSerl , Cho Sangmi , Chung Ick-Joong , Kim Seiwan
Published: December 2015

The study examined the harmful effects of casino gambling in Korean society from economic and psychosocial perspectives. Interviews with gambling addicts were conducted in order to gain insight into the impacts of pathological gambling. Using snowball sampling, 12 gambling addicts were recruited in Kohan, South Korea. Findings of the study suggest that gambling addicts suffer various harmful effects, including an increased susceptibility to financial and employment problems, such as debt and accumulated interest, bankruptcy, job loss, and decreased productivity. Participants in the study complained of physiological problems, including headaches, high blood pressure, arthritis, indigestion, a stomach disorder, and rapid weight loss. Common psychological problems reported included symptoms of high-level stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. For some interviewees who smoked and drank alcohol, consumption of these substances increased in response to their gambling. All participants reported disrupted relationships with their immediate family, relatives and friends. Moreover, they experienced stigma, discrimination, and feelings of alienation. With regard to criminal and legal problems, they were exposed to increased risk of litigation and violence. Clinical and political attention should be paid to the issue of gambling addiction in Korea, with a view to the prevention and treatment of gambling disorders. Management of gambling problems needs to consider economic and financial wellbeing, employment, physical and psychological health, interpersonal relationships, and the risk of criminal involvement and other legal issues.
Awareness Promotion about Problem Gambling for Casino Employees: An Asian Experience
Authors: Wong Irene Lai Kuen , Poon Mina
Published: December 2015

This paper evaluates the impact of an awareness program for Asian casino employees. Contents of the program included the following topics: (1) Understanding the nature of casino games, and the notion of ‘randomness’ in gambling activities, (2) Examining the relationship between ‘chance’ and excessive gambling, (3) Defining ‘safe’ gambling, (4) Identifying the signs of problem gambling, (5) Deciding when and how should a casino employee offer help to problem gamblers in distress. Results indicated that the participants increased their knowledge about chance and randomness in gambling could better detect the manifestation of problem gambling, became more confident of when and how to offer help to excessive gamblers, and were convinced that responsible gambling practices would be beneficial to casinos and to patrons. The knowledge gained from the workshop was retained by participants at a follow-up undertaken after 12 months of the training. Participants’ competence in offering information and help to gamblers in distress was also maintained. The workshop also generated the introduction of a venue-based customer care project. The implications of these results on responsible gambling policies are discussed.
Combining mesenchymal stem cell sheets with platelet-rich plasma gel/calcium phosphate particles: a novel strategy to promote bone regeneration
Authors: Qi Yiying , Niu Lie , Zhao Tengfei , Shi Zhongli , Di Tuoyu , Feng Gang , Li Junhua , Huang Zhongming
Published: December 2015

Background

Promotion of bone regeneration is important for successful repair of bony defects. This study aimed to investigate whether combining bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) sheets with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel/calcium phosphate particles could promote bone formation in the femoral bone defects of rats.

Methods

The proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs or BMSC sheets cultured with calcium phosphate particles and/or PRP were investigated in in vitro. In vivo, 36 2.5 × 5 mm bone defects were randomly divided into groups and treated with either BMSCs/PRP gel, calcium phosphate particles, PRP gel/calcium phosphate particles, a BMSC sheet/calcium phosphate particles, a BMSC sheet/PRP gel/calcium phosphate particles, or were left untreated (n = 6/group). A further 15 bone defects were treated with chloromethyl-benzamidodialkylcarbocyanine (CM-Dil)-labelled BMSC sheet/PRP gel/calcium phosphate particles and observed using a small animal in vivo fluorescence imaging system to trace the implanted BMSCs at 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after surgery.

Results

The expression of collagen type I and osteocalcin genes of BMSCs or BMSC sheets treated with PRP and calcium phosphate particles was significantly higher than that of BMSCs or BMSC sheets treated with calcium phosphate particles or the controls (P <0.05). PRP can promote gene expression of collagen III and tenomodulin by BMSCs and in BMSC sheets. The VEGF, collagen I and osteocalcin gene expression levels were higher in the BMSC sheet than in cultured BMSCs (P <0.05). Moreover, alizarin red staining quantification, ALP quantification and calcein blue fluorescence showed the osteogenic potential of BMSCs treated with PRP and calcium phosphate particles The implanted BMSCs were detectable at 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after surgery by a small animal in vivo fluorescence imaging system and were visualized in the defect zones by confocal microscopy. At 4 weeks after implantation, the defects treated with the BMSC sheet/PRP gel/calcium phosphate particles showed significantly more bone formation than the other five groups.

Conclusions

Incorporation of an BMSC sheet into the PRP gel/calcium phosphate particles greatly promoted bone regeneration. These BMSC sheet and tissue engineering strategies offer therapeutic opportunities for promoting bone defect repair clinically.
Resolution in crosswell traveltime tomography: The dependence on illumination
Authors: Dantas Renato R. S. , Medeiros Walter E.
Published: December 2015

The key aspect limiting resolution in crosswell traveltime tomography is illumination, a well-known result but not well-exemplified. We have revisited resolution in the 2D case using a simple geometric approach based on the angular aperture distribution and the Radon transform properties. We have analytically found that if an isolated interface had dips contained in the angular aperture limits, it could be reconstructed using just one particular projection. By inversion of synthetic data, we found that a slowness field could be approximately reconstructed from a set of projections if the interfaces delimiting the slowness field had dips contained in the available angular apertures. On the one hand, isolated artifacts might be present when the dip is near the illumination limit. On the other hand, in the inverse sense, if an interface is interpretable from a tomogram, there is no guarantee that it corresponds to a true interface. Similarly, if a body is present in the interwell region, it is diffusely imaged, but its interfaces, particularly vertical edges, cannot be resolved and additional artifacts might be present. Again, in the inverse sense, there is no guarantee that an isolated anomaly corresponds to a true anomalous body, because this anomaly could be an artifact. These results are typical of ill-posed inverse problems: an absence of a guarantee of correspondence to the true distribution. The limitations due to illumination may not be solved by the use of constraints. Crosswell tomograms derived with the use of sparsity constraints, using the discrete cosine transform and Daubechies bases, essentially reproduce the same features seen in tomograms obtained with the smoothness constraint. Interpretation must be done taking into consideration a priori information and the particular limitations due to illumination, as we have determined with a real data case.
Requirement for PLK1 kinase activity in the maintenance of a robust spindle assembly checkpoint
Authors: O'Connor Aisling , Maffini Stefano , Rainey Michael D. , Kaczmarczyk Agnieszka , Gaboriau David , Musacchio Andrea , Santocanale Corrado
Published: December 2015

During mitotic arrest induced by microtubule targeting drugs, the weakening of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) allows cells to progress through the cell cycle without chromosome segregation occurring. PLK1 kinase plays a major role in mitosis and emerging evidence indicates that PLK1 is also involved in establishing the checkpoint and maintaining SAC signalling. However, mechanistically, the role of PLK1 in the SAC is not fully understood, with several recent reports indicating that it can cooperate with either one of the major checkpoint kinases, Aurora B or MPS1. In this study, we assess the role of PLK1 in SAC maintenance. We find that in nocodazole-arrested U2OS cells, PLK1 activity is continuously required for maintaining Aurora B protein localisation and activity at kinetochores. Consistent with published data we find that upon PLK1 inhibition, phosphoThr3-H3, a marker of Haspin activity, is reduced. Intriguingly, Aurora B inhibition causes PLK1 to relocalise from kinetochores into fewer and much larger foci, possibly due to incomplete recruitment of outer kinetochore proteins. Importantly, PLK1 inhibition, together with partial inhibition of Aurora B, allows efficient SAC override to occur. This phenotype is more pronounced than the phenotype observed by combining the same PLK1 inhibitors with partial MPS1 inhibition. We also find that PLK1 inhibition does not obviously cooperate with Haspin inhibition to promote SAC override. These results indicate that PLK1 is directly involved in maintaining efficient SAC signalling, possibly by cooperating in a positive feedback loop with Aurora B, and that partially redundant mechanisms exist which reinforce the SAC.
Nanostructure for Hybrid Plasmonic–Photonic Crystal Formed on Gel-Immobilized Colloidal Crystal Observed by AFM after Drying
Authors: Kawakami Sho , Mori Atsushi , Nagashima Ken , Hashimoto Shuichi , Haraguchi Masanobu
Published: December 2015

Aiming at fabrication of hybrid plasmonic–photonic crystals, gel-immobilized colloidal crystals made of a polystyrene colloidal suspension and an N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide-based gel were immersed into an aqueous dispersion of gold nanoparticles. Atomic force microscope (AFM) observations have been performed for the gel-immobilized colloidal crystals with gold nanoparticles deposited on their surfaces. In the present study, the diameter of a colloidal sphere was ca. 190 nm. The diameter of a gold nanoparticle was the same as in a preliminary study, ca. 40 nm. Various immersion times up to two hours were tested. Surface of a sample of 2 h immersion has been observed. Prior to the AFM observation, the sample was dried in a desiccator for 18 h. We have identified a face-centered cubic {111} structure of a colloidal crystal of nearly close packing. Nanoparticles isolated with one another have been observed on the surface of gel-immobilized crystal, which can be regarded as gold nanoparticles from their sizes.
The Long-Run Effects of Attending an Elite School: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Clark Damon , Del Bono Emilia
Published: December 2015

This paper estimates the impact of elite school attendance on long-run outcomes including completed education, income, and fertility. Our data consist of individuals born in the 1950s and educated in a UK district that assigned students to either elite or non-elite secondary schools. Using instrumental variables methods that exploit the school assignment formula, we find that elite school attendance had large impacts on completed education. Surprisingly, there are no significant effects on most labor market outcomes except for an increase in female income. By contrast, we document a large and significant negative impact on female fertility. (JEL I21, I24, I26, J13, J16, J24, J31)
Does Grief Transfer across Generations? Bereavements during Pregnancy and Child Outcomes
Authors: Black Sandra E. , Devereux Paul J. , Salvanes Kjell G.
Published: December 2015

Using population data from Norway, we examine the effects of stress induced by the death of the mother's parent during pregnancy on both the short-run and the long-run outcomes of the infant. Using a variety of empirical strategies to address the issue of nonrandom exposure to death during a pregnancy, we find small negative effects on birth outcomes. However, we find no evidence of adverse effects on adult outcomes. This suggests that, though there may be measurable effects on birth outcomes, acute psychological stressors during pregnancy have limited adverse consequences for the child's success in education and the labor market. (JEL I12, J13, J16)