bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Management in Emergency Response
Authors: Brooks JoAnn M. , Bodeau Deb , Fedorowicz Jane
Published: June 2012

Large-scale emergency response requires management of collaborative networks that stretch across government agencies and levels, and that include nonprofit and private organizations. Management of such collaborative networks has been recognized as a research area in need of further study. Inter-organizational complexities associated with these collaborative networks give rise to unanticipated contingencies that compound issues directly associated with an emergency itself. Planning for such response is therefore intrinsically limited, and emergency managers must bridge the gaps via articulation practices in real-time. In this paper, the authors draw on empirical data to develop a conceptual framework characterizing dimensions of inter-organizational complexity and domains of response coordination through which emergency managers articulate large-scale response efforts. The framework is illustrated with examples of state-level emergency managers articulating threads of networked response efforts concurrently through vertical and horizontal dimensions of inter-organizational complexity, and logistical, jurisdictional and governance domains of coordination. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Injustice for All or Just for Me? Social Value Orientation Predicts Responses to Own Versus Other’s Procedures
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Ståhl Tomas , Eek Daniel , van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: June 2012

In two experiments, the authors investigated how differences in social value orientation predict evaluations of procedures that were accorded to self and others. Proselfs versus prosocials were either granted or denied an opportunity to voice an opinion in a decision-making process and witnessed how someone else was either granted or denied such an opportunity. Consistent with the hypothesis, procedural evaluations of both proselfs and prosocials were influenced by own procedure when other was granted voice, but only proselfs were influenced by own procedure when other was denied voice. These findings were particularly attributable to prosocials’ tendency to evaluate a situation where no-voice procedures are applied consistently between persons more positively than proselfs. It is concluded that proselfs are focused on procedural justice and injustice for self more than prosocials, whereas prosocials value equality in procedures more than proselfs—even when equality implies injustice for all.
A double farewell to a former model? Danish unions and activation policy
Authors: Jørgensen Henning , Schulze Michaela
Published: June 2012

Developments starting with activation reforms in the 1990s and speeded up during the last 10 years form part of a double farewell to the Danish welfare model. The benefits system has been reformed with the introduction of stricter eligibility criteria, sanctions, shorter benefit periods, and strong work-first elements. The second part of the double farewell is present in recent changes in Danish corporatism. Traditionally, the inclusion of unions in the political process was a key element of the Danish model, but union influence has declined, to the extent that unions are currently better defined as lobbyists rather than as part of a corporatist system. This article outlines recent changes in the Danish model and concludes with a brief prognosis for its future.
Effects of 21 days of varenicline versus placebo on smoking behaviors and urges among non-treatment seeking smokers
Authors: Ashare Rebecca L , Tang Kathy Z , Mesaros A Clementina , Blair Ian A , Leone Frank , Strasser Andrew A
Published: June 2012

Varenicline promotes smoking cessation and reduces urges to smoke. However, the mechanisms associated with these effects and their time course are not well characterized. One mechanism may be extinction, but the duration of the current dosing protocol may not be sufficient. We examined the effect of extended pre-treatment with varenicline on smoking behavior among 17 non-treatment seeking adult smokers. Using a within-subjects, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, participants received standard dosing of varenicline for 21 days, followed by a 14-day washout period and 21 days of placebo; order counterbalanced. Cigarettes per day (CPD), smoking topography, smoking urges (QSU), and side effects were assessed every three days. Biomarkers (e.g. nicotine metabolites) were collected on days 1, 7, and 21. There was a significant drug by time interaction indicating a reduction in CPD during varenicline phase (between days 10–21), but no reduction during placebo. Varenicline also led to reductions in nicotine metabolites and urges to smoke. Among this sample of non-treatment seeking smokers, varenicline significantly reduced smoking behavior. Results have important treatment implications because changes in CPD and craving did not occur until after the typical one-week run-up period. This suggests that a longer duration of pre-treatment may be beneficial for some smokers.
Apoptosis in Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)–Induced Mucosal Disease Lesions
Authors: Hilbe M. , Girao V. , Bachofen C. , Schweizer M. , Zlinszky K. , Ehrensperger F.
Published: June 2012

Cattle persistently infected with a noncytopathic Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) are at risk of developing fatal “mucosal disease” (MD). The authors investigated the role of various apoptosis pathways in the pathogenesis of lesions in animals suffering from MD. Therefore, they compared the expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, and Bcl-2L1 (Bcl-x) in tissues of 6 BVDV-free control animals, 7 persistently infected (PI) animals that showed no signs of MD (non-MD PI animals), and 11 animals with MD and correlated the staining with the localization of mucosal lesions. Caspase-3 and -9 staining were markedly stronger in MD cases and were associated with mucosal lesions, even though non-MD PI animals and negative controls also expressed caspase-9. Conversely, caspase-8 was not elevated in any of the animals analyzed. Interestingly, Bcl-x also colocalized with mucosal lesions in the MD cases. However, Bcl-x was similarly expressed in tissues from all 3 groups, and thus, its role in apoptosis needs to be clarified. This study clearly illustrates ex vivo that the activation of the intrinsic, but not the extrinsic, apoptosis pathway is a key element in the pathogenesis of MD lesions observed in cattle persistently infected with BVDV. However, whether direct induction of apoptosis in infected cells or indirect effects induced by the virus are responsible for the lesions observed remains to be established.
Immunophenotypical Characterization of Macrophages in Rat Bleomycin-Induced Scleroderma
Authors: Juniantito V. , Izawa T. , Yuasa T. , Ichikawa C. , Yano R. , Kuwamura M. , Yamate J.
Published: June 2012

Scleroderma is a skin disorder characterized by persistent fibrosis. Macrophage properties influencing cutaneous fibrogenesis remain to be fully elucidated. In this rat (F344 rats) model of scleroderma, at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after initiation of daily subcutaneous injections of bleomycin (BLM; 100 μl of 1 mg/ml daily), skin samples were collected for histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Immunohistochemically, the numbers of cells reacting to ED1 (anti-CD68; phagocytic activity) and ED2 (anti-CD163; inflammatory factor production) began to increase at week 1, peaked at week 2, and decreased thereafter. In contrast, the increased number of cells reacting to OX6 (anti–MHC class II molecules) was seen from week 2 and remained elevated until week 4. α–Smooth muscle actin–positive myofibroblasts were increased for 4 weeks. Double labeling revealed that galectin-3, a regulator of fibrogenic factor TGF-β1, was expressed in CD68+, CD163+, and MHC class II+ macrophages and myofibroblasts. mRNA expression of TGF-β1, as well as MCP-1 and CSF-1 (both macrophage function modulators), were significantly elevated at weeks 1 to 4. This study shows that the increased number of macrophages with heterogeneous immunophenotypes, which might be induced by MCP-1 and CSF-1, could participate in the sclerotic lesion formation, presumably through increased fibrogenic factors such as galectin-3 and TGF-β1; the data may provide useful information to understand the pathogenesis of the human scleroderma condition.
Musical expectancy in atonal contexts: Musicians’ perception of “antistructure”
Authors: Ockelford Adam , Sergeant Desmond
Published: June 2012

Two exploratory studies examine how 12-tone rows are processed cognitively. Tone-rows use each pitch-class once, and were devised by the composer Arnold Schoenberg as a way of structuring music in the absence of tonality, an approach subsequently known as “serialism”. One form of “antistructure” implied in the design of tone-rows – eschewal of pitch repetition – is explored using the “probe-tone” method, where subjects rate how well a pitch stimulus fits in a given context. The results support the finding of Krumhansl, Sandell and Sergeant that listeners can detect – and come to expect – the avoidance of pitch repetition. This cognitive strategy is modelled using Ockelford’s “zygonic” theory of music-structural understanding. A further study examines the second form “antistructure” implicit in serialist thinking (though not always adhered to in practice): the avoidance of patterns of intervals that give rise to a sense of key in suitably encultured listeners. Here, the discrepancies between the outputs of the zygonic model and the probe-tone ratings suggest that, despite the structural atonality, tonal schemata may also feature in the listening experience. These are evaluated using supplementary data gathered in a task where subjects were asked to identify potential “tonal flecks” in tone-row segments.
Music choice as a sadness regulation strategy for resolved versus unresolved sad events
Authors: Tahlier Michelle , Miron Anca M. , Rauscher Frances H.
Published: June 2012

This research examined individuals’ preference for happy music when dealing with resolved versus unresolved sad events. In experiment 1 ( N = 49), participants dealing with unresolved sad events were more likely to select music that was happy, exciting, upbeat, and active than those dealing with resolved sad events. Unresolved sadness participants also wanted to listen to music that was significantly happier, more exciting, more upbeat, and more active than the music selected by the resolved sadness participants. In experiment 2 ( N = 79), we employed a ‘mood-freeze’ procedure to investigate whether participants in the unresolved sadness condition were motivated to select happy music in order to cope with their unresolved sad events. Specifically, we tested whether these individuals would still be motivated to select happy music if they were led to believe they could not regulate their feelings of sadness. As predicted, participants whose sadness was ostensibly frozen (unresolved/mood-freeze condition) and participants in resolved sadness condition were significantly less likely to select happy music, and wanted to listen to music that was less happy compared to those in the unresolved/control condition. These findings suggest that choice of happy music by the individuals dealing with unresolved sad events is motivated.
Trust and regulatory organisations: The role of local knowledge and facework in research ethics review
Authors: Hedgecoe Adam M.
Published: June 2012

While trust is seen as central to most social relations, most writers, including sociologists of science, assume that modern trust relations – especially those in regulatory relationships – tend towards the impersonal. Drawing on ethnographic material from one kind of scientific oversight body – research ethics committees based in the UK NHS – this paper argues that interpersonal trust is crucial to regulatory decision-making and intimately bound up with the way in which these oversight bodies work, and that as such they build on, rather than challenge, the trust-based nature of the scientific community.
Plant fibre reinforced polymer blend/clay nanocomposite
Authors: Deka Biplab K , Mandal Manabendra , Maji Tarun K
Published: June 2012

Wood polymer nanocomposite was prepared using solution-blended high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene and poly(vinyl chloride) and Ipomoea carniva wood flour. Polyethylene- co-glycidyl methacrylate and nanoclay were used as compatibilizer and reinforcing agent. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies indicated that wood polymer nanocomposite treated with 3 phr nanoclay exhibited better dispersion compared to that treated with 1 and 5 phr nanoclay. The increase in miscibility among polymers due to addition of polyethylene- co-glycidyl methacrylate was examined by scanning electron microscope. Wood polymer nanocomposite treated with 3 phr nanoclay showed highest ultraviolet and chemical resistance properties. Incorporation of nanoclay had improved the biodegradability of the composite. Water absorption was found to improve in nanoclay loaded wood polymer nanocomposite.
Mechanical and tribological properties of MWCNTs-reinforced thermoplastic poly(p-oxybenzoate) composites
Authors: Cheng Haizheng , Cheng Xianhua
Published: June 2012

In this article, poly(p-oxybenzoate) composites with different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared by solution mixing and compression molding technique. The mechanical and tribological properties of poly(p-oxybenzoate) composites were investigated. The wear mechanisms were discussed. The results indicate that with increasing filler content, the compressive strength, hardness, impact toughness and bending strength increase to a maximum and then decrease. Also, the friction coefficient and wear rate of poly(p-oxybenzoate) composites significantly decrease after the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. When the multi-walled carbon nanotubes mass fraction reaches 2 wt.%, the mechanical and tribological properties of poly(p-oxybenzoate) composite are the best. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that the wear mechanism of the poly(p-oxybenzoate) samples is delamination and fatigue wear, while the wear mechanisms of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/poly(p-oxybenzoate) composites change to abrasive wear. Therefore, the wear resistance significantly improved.
Mathematical and experimental study on flow of wood plastic composite to acquire its constitutive equation
Authors: Golzar Mohammad , Jam Nathan Jafarian , Behravesh Amir Hossein
Published: June 2012

This article presents a study on the rheological behavior of wood plastic composites with a mathematical approach to acquire their melt constitutive equation. The wood plastic composites were produced with four compositions of high density polyethylene as the matrix and very fine wood particles, smaller than 50 µm in size, as the fillers: 40, 50, 60 and 70 wt% of wood content. Storage modulus ( G′), loss modulus ( G′′), complex viscosity ( η*) were measured for all four composites at a temperature of 170°C and for shear rates in the range of 1–500 rad/s. The results indicated a noticeable increase in all measured properties upon increasing the wood content. In mathematical approach, the main goal was to obtain the most fitted expression to relate shear stress with shear rate. Firstly power law model was applied considering a viscous behavior of the composites. In continue, generalized Maxwell model was used and the most fitted number of the elements in modeling was analyzed for various wood contents. Moreover, Cox–Merz rule was evaluated for the composites, where it showed that this rule is only valid for the composites in some special conditions.
Using industrial waste of old corrugating containers paper recycling mill in composite panels manufacturing
Authors: Kordkheili Hamed Younesi , Behrooz Rabi , Jalilvand Mehran
Published: June 2012

There is a considerable amount of waste produced daily from processing old corrugating containers. Dumping this waste product incurs a considerable cost to a paper recycling mill. In this study a sample of waste containing 45% fibrous and 55% non-fibrous solid was collected from an old corrugating containers paper-recycling mill and analyzed in a laboratory. The waste was used to produce wastes-urea formaldehyde composites and wastes-polyethylene composites. Physical and mechanical properties of the resulting manufactured panels were compared with commercially produced medium density fiberboard and particle board. The results presented the possibility of panel production from waste, even without inclusion of any additional material. Additives would obviously enhance the physical and mechanical characteristics of a product to render it more competitive with commercially produced panels. The results also revealed that water absorbability and thickness swelling of panels were much less compared with similar commercially available products. The mechanical characteristics of the manufactured panels were weaker relative to the commercially available ones, probably due to differences in density and thickness. Hence, wastes-urea formaldehyde composites and wastes-polyethylene composites panels can be recommended for application if physical properties are more important than mechanical properties.
Nutrition and the Open Abdomen
Authors: Powell Nathan J. , Collier Bryan
Published: June 2012

Adequate nutrition support is critical in the management of patients with an open abdomen. Despite the literature supporting its use in trauma patients, provider concerns and clinical controversies remain regarding the early administration and long‐term sequelae of enteral nutrition (EN) therapy in these patients. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical concepts behind the use of the open abdomen, as well as examine the altered nutrition requirements associated with the maintenance of a temporary laparostomy. The rationale for early EN is described, as well as the pros and cons surrounding the use of supplemental parenteral nutrition in those patients unable to meet nutrition goals enterally in a reasonable time frame. Finally, an open abdomen nutrition support algorithm is provided as part of the critical care plan in these patients who represent the sickest of surgical patients.
Structure–property studies on fluorinated polyimide isomers containing biphenyl moieties
Authors: Song Yang , Jin Yinhua , Yang Tianfu , Pang Jinhui , Zhang Daming , Jiang Zhenhua , Liu Baijun
Published: June 2012

Aimed at clarifying the structure–property relationships of fluorinated high-performance polymers, two series of polyimides were synthesized via a two-step thermal imidization derived from isomeric diamine monomers. Furthermore, comparative studies on their properties including solubility, thermal properties, contact angles, refractive indices, dielectric constants and gas permeability were thoroughly performed. Some property differences of the isomers caused by the sequence changes were found.
Clutch control and vibration reduction for a hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Trieu Minh Vu
Published: June 2012

This paper reports the results of a study that develops another strategy to control the clutch engagement and slip of hybrid electric vehicles using fuzzy logic. This is an extension of a previous paper by Minh et al. on a predictive model controller for the clutch of a hybrid electric vehicle. The new controller for clutch engagement and slip has been tested with vehicle vibration reduction in critical frequencies. Results show that adjusting the clutch slip and increasing the clutch damping considerably reduce the vehicle vibration in critical frequencies. The new control system can handle the clutch engagement adequately with low jerk and high comfort. The study offers useful contributions to the development of clutch automation strategies for hybrid electric vehicles.
Holocene changes in trophic states of shallow lakes from the Pampa plain of Argentina
Authors: Stutz Silvina , Borel C Marcela , Fontana Sonia L , Tonello Marcela S
Published: June 2012

Changes in trophic status of shallow lakes from the southeastern Pampa plain of Argentina are evaluated based on the relative presence of submerged macrophytes and phytoplankton. The evolution of lake Lonkoy is reconstructed for the last 5000 years, using pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) and macrofossil remain analyses, revealing three main lake stages. A macrophyte-dominated clear lake prevailed until 670 cal yr BP. Afterwards, the lake changed to a turbid phytoplankton-dominated state. Recently, the lake has turned to a turbid phase, caused by resuspended sediment. These results are compared with two other paleolimnological records from the region, lakes Hinojales and Nahuel Rucá, revealing a similar late-Holocene evolution, with a shift from a macrophyte- to phytoplankton-dominated lake, occurring at broadly the same time. The shift of states may be attributed to a shift in climate after 1000 cal. yr BP towards wetter conditions during the Medieval Climate Anomaly.
Cadmium-induced genetic instability in mice testis
Authors: Oliveira Helena , Lopes Tina , Almeida Tânia , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Santos Conceição
Published: June 2012

Cadmium is a well recognized carcinogenic, cytotoxic and mutagenic transition metal. Recent evidence suggests that the proteins participating in the DNA repair systems, especially in excision and mismatch repair (MMR), are sensitive targets of cadmium toxicity. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is regarded as one of the phenotypes of defective DNA MMR and, consequently, as a marker of high risk for cancer. The purpose of this work is to determine whether cadmium, in the form of cadmium chloride (CdCl2), may induce microsatellite mutations in murine testes. For this study, 2-month-old male ICR-CD1 mice were treated by a single subcutaneous injection of 1, 2 and 3 mg CdCl2/kg body weight and killed after 35 days. A panel of six microsatellite markers, previously reported as being the most sensitive in detecting MSI in murine tumours, was used in this study. The results show that CdCl2 in the doses of 2 and 3 mg/kg induced a decrease in the testis weight and severe histopathologic changes with complete disorganization of testicular structure and evidences of severe necrosis. In addition, the animals exposed to the lowest CdCl2 dose presented MSI in the testis. The results indicate the existence of MSI in at least two nuclear loci suggesting putative genotoxic effects induced by cadmium.
Socioeconomic Position and Prevalence of Self-Reported Diabetes in Rural Kerala, India
Authors: Safraj Shahulhameed , Anish TS , Vijayakumar Krishnapilla , Kutty Vellapallil Raman , Soman Chittakudam Raman
Published: June 2012

This article aims to study the relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and prevalence of self-reported diabetes in a rural population in Kerala, India. This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. Data from PROLIFE, a prospective cohort study involving the long-term follow-up of the residents of an administrative unit in Kerala, India, was used. The 33 379 households in the study area were divided into 4 groups (SEP1 to SEP4) on the basis of household assets. Prevalence of diabetes was ascertained through a lifestyle questionnaire. The proportion of self-reported diabetes was highest (at 11.1%) in SEP4, the group with the highest socioeconomic status, when compared with 3.1% in SEP1. The trend was similar in both sexes. Prevalence of self-reported diabetes increases as one moves up the socioeconomic ladder in this rural community.
Fatty Liver and Metabolic Syndrome in Nonabdominally Obese Taiwanese Adults
Authors: Chang Tsui-Yen , Chen Jong-Dar
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between fatty liver (FL), abdominal obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 3058 adults who underwent health examinations in 2005 were enrolled. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Educational Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The relationship between FL, abdominal obesity, and MetS was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The authors found that participants with FL alone [FL(+)/abdominal obesity(−)] had a significantly higher odds ratio for hyperglycemia (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-3.3), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.6-3.0), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.6-3.2) and a clustering of MetS components (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.8-3.4) compared with participants with only abdominal obesity [FL(−)/abdominal obesity(+)]. Participants who had FL and abdominal obesity [FL(+)/abdominal obesity(+)] had the highest odds ratio for developing MetS and its components. It is concluded that FL is associated with the components of MetS independent of abdominal obesity. For nonabdominally obese patients, FL provides important information on MetS.
Microstructural dielectric elastomer actuator with uniaxial in-plane contraction
Authors: Lin Shih-Chieh , Shih Wen-Pin , Chang Pen-Zen
Published: June 2012

A micromachined dielectric elastomer actuator with uniaxial in-plane contraction was proposed. The modeling, fabrication, and testing of the actuator were carried out. When a bias voltage was applied, the resulting electrostatic force compressed the dielectric elastomer that then shrank in area due to its embedded microstructures. The proposed dielectric elastomer actuator consisted of two electrode layers, two flexible layers, and a microstructural layer. The microstructural layer possessed the grating patterns that served as the spacers to define the gap between the top and bottom flexible layers. The grating patterns also determined the direction of the in-plane contraction. When the applied electrostatic force pulled together the bottom and top flexible layers, these two layers bent inwardly and shortened the distance between the spacers. The design of the bending actuation was demonstrated utilizing the asymmetric thickness design of the flexible layers.
A Perspective-Based Simulation Game to Explore Future Pathways of a Water-Society System Under Climate Change
Authors: Valkering Pieter , van der Brugge Rutger , Offermans Astrid , Haasnoot Marjolijn , Vreugdenhil Heleen
Published: June 2012

In this article, the authors address the challenge of including societal responses, society-environment interactions, discontinuity, and surprise in environmental scenario analysis. They do so through developing and testing a perspective-based simulation game for a typical Dutch river stretch. Concepts deriving from Cultural Theory, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, and Transition Theory provide the input for the game design. Players take on the role of water managers, responding to events and developments in the water-society system under specific realizations of a climate scenario. Responses include the choice for specific river management options, changing coalition perspectives, and changes in advocacy coalition membership. A pilot case study shows that the simulation game is a useful tool to explore possible future river management dynamics. It generates relevant insights in the water management strategies that may be chosen under future conditions, the possible drivers underlying future societal perspective change, and the way advocacy coalitions may interact. As such, the simulation game offers great potential for developing and assessing policy relevant climate adaptation pathways, in which water-society interaction, discontinuity, and surprise is taken explicitly into account. The main challenges for future research include reducing game complexity, better representing changes in the advocacy coalitions’ strengths, and exploring more fundamental societal perspective shifts.
International Collaboration for Academic Publication
Authors: Ou Amy Y. , Varriale Luisa , Tsui Anne S.
Published: June 2012

In this study, the authors examine factors that explain international scholars’ success in publishing in North American management journals through collaboration. Drawing on the international entry mode literature, the authors propose that international collaboration teams are more successful when they increase complementary resources and reduce transaction costs. A sample of 364 articles from 10 North American management journals shows that teams published in higher impact management journals when they had U.S. or Canadian collaborators, higher proportions of assistant professors, and less gender diversity. Combining additional findings from 23 semistructured interviews, the authors provide a research model to explain the resources and costs embedded in international collaboration teams as well as mechanisms that help transform costs into resources.
Family History of Myocardial Infarction Is a Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism Among Whites But Not Among Blacks
Authors: Mili Fatima D. , Hooper W. Craig , Lally Cathy , Austin Harland
Published: June 2012

In addition to potentially sharing common pathogenesis and clinical manifestations, venous and arterial thromboses might have overlapping risk factors. To evaluate the family history of myocardial infarction (MI) as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) among whites and blacks, we analyze data from the Genetic Attributes and Thrombosis Epidemiology (GATE) study. Results indicate that the association between VTE and a family history of MI is statistically significant only among whites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.8), particularly when they have diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.2-8.0). Among blacks, the association between VTE and a family history of MI is not statistically significant (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.89-1.5) either among those with diabetes or those without diabetes. We conclude that a family history of MI is a risk factor for VTE among certain populations stratified by race and comorbid conditions.
The Role of the Factor V Leiden Mutation in Osteonecrosis of the Hip
Authors: Glueck Charles J. , Freiberg Richard A. , Boriel Gail , Khan Zia , Brar Amanpreet , Padda Jagjit , Wang Ping
Published: June 2012

We examined the hypothesis that the factor V Leiden (FVL) and G20101A prothrombin gene mutations are commonly associated with hip osteonecrosis. We prospectively evaluated 244 consecutively referred adults with osteonecrosis (ON), 161 idiopathic and 83 secondary. Cases (n = 244) did not differ from 104 normal controls by race. Of the 244 patients, 23 (9.4%) were FVL heterozygotes versus 2 of 104 controls (1.9%), P = .013, risk ratio (RR) = 4.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18 to 20.4. Of the 161 patients with idiopathic ON, 15 (9.3%) were FVL heterozygotes versus 2 of 104 normal controls (1.9%), P = .017, RR = 4.84, 95% CI 1.13 to 20.8. Of the 83 patients with secondary ON, 8 (9.6%) FVL heterozygotes versus 2 of 104 normal controls (1.9%), P = .024, RR = 5.01, 95% CI 1.09 to 23.0. Prothrombin gene heterozygosity in normal controls (2.9%) did not differ from ON cases (3.4%), P = 1.0. The thrombophilic FVL mutation is commonly associated with and may be pathoetiologic for hip osteonecrosis.
Charlie’s Words
Authors: Kent Richard
Published: June 2012

A gifted student-athlete, Charlie Bloomfield is introduced to athlete’s journals by his coaches at Burke Mountain Academy (Vermont), an elite American ski school. Used by Olympians and professionals alike, journals provide athletes with ways to organize and reflect on training and competitions. Athlete’s journals help gifted male athletes address identity development and create images of their emerging adult selves. The themes that emerged in Charlie’s journals offer insight into this student-athlete’s physical and social-emotional needs while suggesting the potential benefits of journals for gifted student-athletes like Charlie.
“Deeper Than Rap”
Authors: Callahan J. Sean , Grantham Tarek C.
Published: June 2012

One would be hard-pressed to deny the impact that hip hop is having on gifted students. More specifically, because hip hop is a creative and exciting male-dominated culture, gifted males gravitate to hip hop culture. From the perspective of two Black men from two different generations, this article was inspired by discussions about the role of hip hop in our own personal and professional lives as well as the lives of our gifted sons. The authors share their insights to help educators understand the tremendous impact of hip hop on gifted males. Attention is given to the origins of hip hop and unpacking negative images associated with hip hop as they relate to gifted males. The authors conclude with recommendations and resources for parents and educators interested in using hip hop to academically engage gifted males.
Parental Perspectives of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Transitioning From Primary to Secondary School in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dillon Gayle Victoria , Underwood Jean D. M.
Published: June 2012

Transferring from mainstream primary to secondary school can be especially problematic for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Two groups of parents (nine pretransition and six posttransition parents) contributed to this 15-month-long study. Perceptions of the pretransition group were captured through focus groups and in-depth interviews at three critical times: before transition, one term in, and after a full year of secondary schooling. The posttransition group provided retrospective perceptions. The data, coded using a grounded theory approach, confirmed that transition was problematic in the first year, although there were signs of integration by the second year of secondary school. The establishment of friendship groups and peer acceptance appeared to be the key criteria for successful transition.
Lie-Telling Behavior in Children With Autism and Its Relation to False-Belief Understanding
Authors: Talwar Victoria , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Goulden Keith J. , Manji Shazeen , Loomes Carly , Rasmussen Carmen
Published: June 2012

Children’s lie-telling behavior and its relation to false-belief understanding was examined in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; n = 26) and a comparison group of typically developing children ( n = 27). Participants were assessed using a temptation resistance paradigm, in which children were told not to peek at a forbidden toy while left alone in a room and were later asked if they peeked. Overall, 77% of the total sample peeked at the toy, with no significant difference between the ASD and typically developing groups. Whereas 96% of the typically developing control children lied about peeking, significantly fewer children with ASD (72%) lied. Children with ASD were poorer at maintaining their lies than the control group. Liars had higher false-belief scores than truth-tellers. These findings have implications for understanding how theory of mind deficits may limit the ability of children with ASD to purposefully deceive others.
Family Experiences Through the Autism Diagnostic Process
Authors: Sansosti Frank J. , Lavik Katherine B. , Sansosti Jenine M.
Published: June 2012

The primary aim of this study was to investigate common family experiences during the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic process, and the child and family variables that may relate to different diagnostic outcomes. A secondary aim of this study was to evaluate families’ knowledge of the research support for various interventions. To investigate these two foci, 16 families of children aged 7 years and younger with an ASD provided information pertaining to their experiences during the diagnostic process. Results indicated that families reported a 2-year lag between first noticing delays in their children’s behavior and the receipt of the diagnosis, a delay that was significantly longer for children of African American and mixed racial backgrounds. Moreover, families whose children were diagnosed at a later age were less satisfied with the diagnostic process. Families appeared to have an adequate understanding of research-based interventions. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
The effects of party fractionalization and party polarization on democracy
Authors: Wang Ching-Hsing
Published: June 2012

Previous research claims that there is a significant relationship between party systems and democracy. Although party system institutionalization is seen as a necessity for democratic consolidation, the effects of different party system characteristics on democracy are sharply contested. This study contributes to this debate through a systematic analysis of the relationship between two party system characteristics (party fractionalization and party polarization) and level of democracy. It is found that party polarization is positively related to the level of democracy in a country, i.e. the higher level of party polarization can produce the higher level of democracy. It is found, however, that there is no significant relationship between party fractionalization and level of democracy in a country.
How ‘alternative’ is CAM? Rethinking conventional dichotomies between biomedicine and complementary/alternative medicine
Authors: Ning Ana M
Published: June 2012

The aim of this article is to interrogate the pervasive dichotomization of ‘conventional’ and ‘alternative’ therapies in popular, academic and medical literature. Specifically, I rethink the concepts such as holism, vitalism, spirituality, natural healing and individual responsibility for health care as taken-for-granted alternative ideologies. I explore how these ideologies are not necessarily ‘alternative’, but integral to the practice of clinical medicine as well as socially and culturally dominant values, norms and practices related to health and health care in Canada and elsewhere. These reflections address both theoretical and applied concerns central to the study of integration of different medical practices in western industrialized nations such as Canada. Overall, in examining homologies present in both biomedicine and complementary/alternative medicine (CAM), this article rethinks major social practices against binary oppositions by illustrating through literature review that the biomedical and CAM models may be homologous in their original inceptions and in recent cross-fertilizations towards a rigorous approach in medicine. By highlighting biomedicine and CAM as homologous symbolic systems, this article also sheds light on the potential for enhancing dialogue between diverse perspectives to facilitate an integrative health care system that meets multiple consumer needs.
Sociology, sociologists and core–periphery reflections
Authors: Collyer Fran
Published: June 2012

This article reports on a citation-context analysis of journal articles from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Examining publications from the sociology of health and medicine, the study draws a number of conclusions about the state of sociology, inter-country relationships between knowledge workers, and national systems of sociological knowledge production. It finds that core–periphery relations define significant features of sociological work, impacting on citation patterns, inter-country collaboration and the selection of reference materials. Core–periphery relations are also found to influence the sociological production of knowledge across the Australian university sector.
Are anti-Muslim feelings more widespread than anti-foreigner feelings? Evidence from two split-sample experiments
Authors: Spruyt Bram , Elchardus Mark
Published: June 2012

This article tests the claim that anti-Muslim feelings are more widespread than general anti-foreigner feelings. It reports on two split sample experiments, in which a randomly selected part of the respondents evaluated statements for which the target group was identified as ‘foreigners’ and the other part evaluated the identical statements but with the target group identified as ‘Muslims’. By using open-ended questions we are able to separate those respondents who had Muslims in mind when asked about foreigners from those who did not. We find that anti-Muslim feelings are more intense than anti-foreigner feelings along a wide range of attitude dimensions. Furthermore, those respondents who had Muslims in mind while judging statements about foreigners, turned out to be at least as hostile as those who were asked explicitly about Muslims.
Structural monitoring of a strengthened orthotropic steel bridge deck using strain data
Authors: Teixeira de Freitas Sofia , Kolstein Henk , Bijlaard Frans
Published: June 2012

Orthotropic steel bridges have experienced early fatigue cracks at several welded connections in the steel deck plate. One of the possible strengthening systems to enlarge the fatigue life of the existing decks consists of bonding a second steel plate to the existing deck. This renovation technique was for the first time applied on the orthotropic deck of the movable bridge Scharsterrijn. This article describes the results of the structural monitoring carried out to evaluate the short-term and long-term performance of the strengthening system. Static and dynamic controlled load tests were carried out using a calibrated truck. Strain history measurements were recorded continuously during 1 year from the normal traffic running on the bridge. The short-term measurements show significant decrease of the stress level at the bridge deck after the renovation, especially at the deck plate details. The stresses at the welds between the deck plate and the stiffener web reduce approximately 55% at the deck plate side and 35% at the stiffener web side. Due to this reduction, the fatigue life of these welds is expected to increase 11 times at the deck plate side and 3.6 times at the stiffener side. The long-term measurements do not show significant changes in the stress level at the bridge deck during the year of monitoring. The strengthening system has demonstrated good performance reliability to prolong the life span of the movable orthotropic bridges.
Recycling technique and characteristic evaluation of organic/inorganic composite boards
Authors: Lin Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: June 2012

Nylon 6, one of the major engineering plastic and synthesized fibers, has the following features: good mechanical property, impact resistance, melt flow, and workability. Thus, it is widely used for auto parts, electronic parts, packing films, textiles, etc.; however, plastic waste from processing nylon 6 has also garnered negative attention. This research plans to simulate recycling and reclamation by multiple melt-blending cycles. Only nylon 6, both nylon 6 and carbon fibers, and both nylon 6 and glass fibers are separately melt-blended for 1–10 times with a screw extractor and an injection molding machine, after which the resulting boards—the nylon 6 boards, the nylon 6/carbon fiber boards, and the nylon 6/glass fiber boards—are evaluated for their mechanical properties. According to the experimental results, the nylon 6/carbon fiber boards exhibit an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness above 20 dB; namely it is able to block 90% of electromagnetic waves. Finally, in terms of the mechanical property analysis, the addition of reinforced fibers contributes greater flexibility and impact resistance to the resulting composite boards.
Safety and Efficacy of the NiTi Shape Memory Compression Anastomosis Ring (CAR/ColonRing) for End-to-End Compression Anastomosis in Anterior Resection or Low Anterior Resection
Authors: Kang Jeonghyun , Park Min Geun , Hur Hyuk , Min Byung Soh , Lee Kang Young , Kim Nam Kyu
Published: June 2012

Purpose. Compression anastomoses may represent an improvement over traditional hand-sewn or stapled techniques. This prospective exploratory study aimed to assess the efficacy and complication rates in patients undergoing anterior resection (AR) or low anterior resection (LAR) anastomosed with a novel end-to-end compression anastomosis ring, the ColonRing. Methods. In all, 20 patients (13 male) undergoing AR or LAR were enrolled to be anastomosed using the NiTi Shape Memory End-to-End Compression Anastomosis Ring (NiTi Medical Technologies Ltd, Netanya, Israel). Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. Results. Patients underwent AR (11/20) or LAR using laparoscopy (75%), robotic (10%) surgery, or an open laparotomy (15%) approach, with a median anastomotic level of 14.5 cm (range, 4-25 cm). Defunctioning loop ileostomies were formed in 6 patients for low anastomoses. Surgeons rated the ColonRing device as either easy or very easy to use. One patient developed an anastomotic leakage in the early postoperative period; there were no late postoperative complications. Mean time to passage of first flatus and commencement of oral fluids was 2.5 days and 3.2 days, respectively. Average hospital stay was 12.6 days (range, 8-23 days). Finally, the device was expelled on average 15.3 days postoperatively without difficulty. Conclusions. This is the first study reporting results in a significant number of LAR patients and the first reported experience from South Korea; it shows that the compression technique is surgically feasible, easy to use, and without significant complication rates. A large randomized controlled trial is warranted to investigate the benefits of the ColonRing over traditional stapling techniques.
The development of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in intellectual disability nursing in Ireland
Authors: Doody Owen , Slevin Eamonn , Taggart Laurence
Published: June 2012

Since the commencement of intellectual disability nurse training in 1959, both education and service provision philosophies have changed over time in Ireland. These changes have occurred in response to national and international reports and attitudes. Coinciding with the changes in education and philosophy have been the development and advancement of the intellectual disability nursing profession. Currently undergraduate intellectual disability nurse education is unique to Ireland and the United Kingdom and, similar to the developments across other disciplines of nursing, advance practice has become a focus of development. This article traces the development of intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in Ireland and identifies possible challenges and implications for future practice.
‘It’s what you have to do!’: Exploring the role of high-risk edgework and advanced marginality in a young man’s motivation for crime
Authors: Bengtsson Tea Torbenfeldt
Published: June 2012

By focusing on one young man’s self-presentations in a secure care unit for young offenders in Denmark, this article explores how his contradictory and incoherent self-presentations can be analysed as meaningful. Drawing on Stephen Lyng’s theory of high-risk edgework and Loïc Wacquant’s theory of advanced marginalization, it is argued that this young man’s engagement in youth crime cannot be fully understood by focusing only on the criminal experience itself. Also, specific social and symbolic relations must be integrated into the analysis to understand his engagement in crime. The article argues that although edgework theory is compelling, it needs further development if it is to capture the full complexity of young people’s motivation for crime.