bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between Internet use, online and printed newspaper reading in Finland: Investigating the direct and moderating effects of gender
Authors: Taipale Sakari
Published: December 2012

This article explores how the time spent on the Internet is associated with printed and online newspaper reading. The direct and moderating effects of gender are especially investigated. The survey data ( N = 612) collected from Finland in 2011 are analysed by using hierarchical regression modelling. The results of the study show that Internet use has a displacement effect on printed newspaper reading but only among male respondents. In contrast, results show that more women spend time on the Internet the more frequently they also read printed newspapers. This finding is in line with the so-called efficacy hypothesis. No similar moderating effect of gender was found when exploring online newspaper reading. However, it was noted that men read more online newspapers than women. Lastly, the results of this study call for further investigations on other interaction effects, which have capacity to clarify how one medium can substitute and displace the other.
The Impact of Patients’ Subjective Life Expectancy on Time Tradeoff Valuations
Authors: Heintz Emelie , Krol Marieke , Levin Lars-Åke
Published: December 2012

Background. Quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) calculations in economic evaluations are typically based on general public or patient health state valuations elicited with the time tradeoff method (TTO). Such health state valuations elicited among the general public have been shown to be affected by respondents’ subjective life expectancy (SLE). This suggests that TTO exercises based on time frames other than SLE may lead to biased estimates. It has not yet been investigated whether SLE also affects patient valuations. Objective. To empirically investigate whether patients’ SLE affects TTO valuations of their current health state. Methods. Patients with different severities of diabetic retinopathy were asked in a telephone interview to value their own health status using TTO. The TTO time frame (t) presented was based on age- and sex-dependent actuarial life expectancy. Patients were then asked to state their SLE. Simple and multiple regression techniques were used to assess the effect of the patients’ SLE on their TTO responses. Results. In total, 145 patients completed the telephone interview. Patients’ TTO values were significantly influenced by their SLE. The TTO value decreased linearly with every additional year of difference between t and the patients’ SLE; that is, patients were more willing to give up years the shorter their SLE compared with t. Conclusion. Patients’ SLE influenced their TTO valuations, suggesting that respondents’ SLE may be the most appropriate time frame to use in TTO exercises in patients. The use of other time periods may bias the TTO valuations, as the respondents may experience the presented time frame as a gain or a loss. The effect seems to be larger in patient valuations than in general public valuations.
Pathology of Experimental Aerosol Zaire Ebolavirus Infection in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Twenhafel N. A. , Mattix M. E. , Johnson J. C. , Robinson C. G. , Pratt W. D. , Cashman K. A. , Wahl-Jensen V. , Terry C. , Olinger G. G. , Hensley L. E. , Honko A. N.
Published: December 2012

There is limited knowledge of the pathogenesis of human ebolavirus infections and no reported human cases acquired by the aerosol route. There is a threat of ebolavirus as an aerosolized biological weapon, and this study evaluated the pathogenesis of aerosol infection in 18 rhesus macaques. Important and unique findings include early infection of the respiratory lymphoid tissues, early fibrin deposition in the splenic white pulp, and perivasculitis and vasculitis in superficial dermal blood vessels of haired skin with rash. Initial infection occurred in the respiratory lymphoid tissues, fibroblastic reticular cells, dendritic cells, alveolar macrophages, and blood monocytes. Virus spread to regional lymph nodes, where significant viral replication occurred. Virus secondarily infected many additional blood monocytes and spread from the respiratory tissues to multiple organs, including the liver and spleen. Viremia, increased temperature, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, and hypoalbuminemia were measurable mid to late infection. Infection progressed rapidly with whole-body destruction of lymphoid tissues, hepatic necrosis, vasculitis, hemorrhage, and extravascular fibrin accumulation. Hypothermia and thrombocytopenia were noted in late stages with the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and shock. This study provides unprecedented insight into pathogenesis of human aerosol Zaire ebolavirus infection and suggests development of a medical countermeasure to aerosol infection will be a great challenge due to massive early infection of respiratory lymphoid tissues. Rhesus macaques may be used as a model of aerosol infection that will allow the development of lifesaving medical countermeasures under the Food and Drug Administration’s animal rule.
Femoral Cortical Suspension Devices for Soft Tissue Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Petre Benjamin M. , Smith Sean D. , Jansson Kyle S. , de Meijer Peter-Paul , Hackett Thomas R. , LaPrade Robert F. , Wijdicks Coen A.
Published: December 2012

Background:

Optimization of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fixation is desired to improve graft healing. New soft tissue cortical suspension devices for femoral tunnel fixation should be biomechanically evaluated.

Hypothesis:

All femoral fixation devices would prevent a clinically significant amount of displacement and support loads significantly larger than in situ forces experienced by the ACL during early rehabilitation.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Four cortical soft tissue ACL graft suspension devices were tested under cyclic and pull-to-failure loading conditions in both an isolated device-only setup and as a complete bone-device-tendon construct in porcine femurs using a tensile testing machine.

Results:

There were significant differences in the ultimate failure loads among the devices. The highest ultimate failure loads when tested as a construct were observed for the XO Button (1748 N), followed by the Endobutton CL (1456 N), ToggleLoc with ZipLoop (1334 N), and TightRope RT (859 N). Cyclic displacement after 1000 cycles during isolated device testing was less than 1 mm for all devices. Cyclic displacements after 1000 cycles in the porcine construct were 1.88 mm, 2.74 mm, 3.34 mm, and 1.82 mm for the Endobutton, TightRope, ToggleLoc, and XO Button, respectively; all were significantly different from each other except when the Endobutton was compared with the XO Button. The ToggleLoc exceeded the 3.0-mm displacement threshold defined as a clinical failure. The most displacement occurred during the first cycle, especially for the adjustable-length loop devices. Stiffness reapproximated the native ACL stiffness for all constructs.

Conclusion:

The Endobutton, TightRope, and XO Button have the necessary biomechanical properties with regard to ultimate failure strength, displacement, and stiffness for initial fixation of soft tissue grafts in the femoral tunnel for ACL reconstruction. The ToggleLoc had sufficient ultimate failure strength but crossed our 3.0-mm clinical failure threshold for cyclic displacement. Although this study was not designed to compare fixed and adjustable-length loop devices, it was noted that both fixed-loop devices allowed less cyclic displacement and initial displacement.

Clinical Relevance:

Adjustable-length loop devices may need to be retensioned after cycling the knee and fixing the tibial side to account for the increased initial displacement seen with these devices.
Risk Factors for Lower Extremity Muscle Injury in Professional Soccer
Authors: Hägglund Martin , Waldén Markus , Ekstrand Jan
Published: December 2012

Background:

Muscle injury is the most common injury type in professional soccer players. Despite this, risk factors for common lower extremity injuries remain elusive.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of various player- and match-related risk factors on the occurrence of lower extremity muscle injury in male professional soccer.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Between 2001 and 2010, 26 soccer clubs (1401 players) from 10 European countries participated in the study. Individual player exposure and time loss muscle injuries in the lower extremity were registered prospectively by the club medical staffs during 9 consecutive seasons. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for player-related factors from simple and multiple Cox regression, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for match-related variables from simple and multiple logistic regression, presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

There were 2123 muscle injuries documented in the major lower extremity muscle groups: adductors (n = 523), hamstrings (n = 900), quadriceps (n = 394), and calf (n = 306). Injuries to the adductors (56%; P = .015) and quadriceps (63%; P< .001) were more frequent in the kicking leg. Multiple analysis indicated that having a previous identical injury in the preceding season increased injury rates significantly for adductor (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.00-1.96), hamstring (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12-1.75), quadriceps (HR, 3.10; 95% CI, 2.21-4.36), and calf injuries (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.52-3.57). Older players (above mean age) had an almost 2-fold increased rate of calf injury (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.38-2.71), but no association was found in other muscle groups. Goalkeepers had reduced injury rates in all 4 muscle groups. Match play on away ground was associated with reduced rates of adductor (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43-0.73) and hamstring injuries (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.92). Quadriceps injuries were more frequent during preseason, whereas adductor, hamstring, and calf injury rates increased during the competitive season.

Conclusion:

Intrinsic factors found to increase muscle injury rates in professional soccer were previous injury, older age, and kicking leg. Injury rates varied during different parts of the season and also depending on match location.
A Matched-Cohort Population Study of Reoperation After Meniscal Repair With and Without Concomitant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Wasserstein David , Dwyer Tim , Gandhi Rajiv , Austin Peter C. , Mahomed Nizar , Ogilvie-Harris Darrell
Published: December 2012

Background:

Evidence for the success of a meniscal repair performed alone versus combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is equivocal. No large-scale comparative studies exist regarding this issue.

Hypothesis:

In the general population, meniscal repair in a presumed stable knee has the same rate of reoperation as meniscal repair performed with ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All meniscal repairs performed with ACLR in Ontario, Canada, between July 2003 and March 2008 in patients aged 15 to 60 years were identified using administrative billing, diagnostics, and procedural coding. This cohort was matched 1:1 for sex, age, and calendar year of surgery with a cohort of patients who underwent meniscal repair alone. The McNemar test of matched pairs was used to compare reoperation rates (debridement or repair) within 2 years of the index procedure. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for reoperation among unmatched patient (socioeconomic status surrogate, comorbidity) and provider (surgeon volume, academic hospital status) factors.

Results:

Of 1332 patients who underwent meniscal repair and ACLR, 1239 (93%) were matched with patients who underwent meniscal repair alone. The rate of meniscal reoperation was 9.7% in the combined cohort compared with 16.7% in the repair alone cohort ( P < .0001). In the regression analysis, only ACLR was protective against meniscal reoperation (odds ratio, 0.57; P < .0001). Surgeon volume of meniscal repair did not influence outcome.

Conclusion:

A meniscal repair performed in conjunction with ACLR carries a 7% absolute and 42% relative risk reduction of reoperation after 2 years compared with isolated meniscal repair.
Quasi-static behavior of three-dimensional integrated core sandwich composites under compression loading
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Karahan Nevin , Gul Hakan , Ivens Jan
Published: December 2012

In the current study, the effect of the thickness and the foam density in three-dimensional integrated woven sandwich composites on quasi-static properties was investigated. For this purpose, produced samples were subjected to uniaxial flatwise compression tests and their compression strength and moduli were determined. Obtained results were optimized by taking core thickness, foam density and panel weights into consideration. Damages that occurred on the tested samples were reported. When compared to conventional foam core sandwich composites, it was found that three-dimensional integrated sandwich composites have better compression properties and due to the fact that the pile yarns in the core and the foam support each other.
Collaborative Planning in a Complex Local Context
Authors: Bugg Laura Beth
Published: December 2012

This article undertakes a case study analysis of an Islamic school development application in Sydney, Australia. Discourse analysis situates collaborative planning within a realized sociopolitical context that impacts on the possibilities for this form of action. It reveals that planners and residents understood public participation as a measure of the legitimacy of the planning process, as a means to uncover local knowledge, and as an indicator of communication and collaboration. However, highly uneven networks of power found in actual practice as well as deep-seated anxieties about ethnoreligious “others” actively excluded supporters of the Islamic school from participation.
Impact of aluminum exposure on lung
Authors: Elserougy Safaa , Mahdy-Abdallah Heba , Hafez Salwa Farouk , Beshir Safia
Published: December 2012

Aluminum (Al) metal is considered one of the most benign industrial metals. Although the harmful effects of Al on respiratory health have been denied by some studies, others reported its noxious effect on the lung through spirometric measurements. This work aimed at studying the effect of Al fumes on pulmonary functions of occupationally exposed workers. It investigated the possible relationship between inhalation exposure to Al fumes and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). The study participants comprised a group of 56 male Al workers with a mean duration of occupational exposure of 10.1 ± 9.5 years and 52 male participants who were not exposed to Al fumes as the control group. All participants filled a questionnaire, underwent full clinical examination and their spirometric pulmonary functions were measured. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum CRP and A1AT and urine samples for measuring Al. Results revealed that urinary Al (UAl) was significantly higher in Al workers compared with controls ( p < 0.05). However, spirometric measures showed no significant difference between the exposed group and the controls. A1AT was significantly lowered in Al workers compared with the controls ( p < 0.000). Serum CRP was positive in only two (3.6%) of the exposed workers. Smokers of both groups (exposed and controls) showed significantly higher UAl and lower A1AT compared with nonsmokers. There was only significant negative correlation between the duration of exposure and A1AT ( p < 0.05). There was a positive significant correlation between smoking index (SI) and UAl. There was also significant negative correlation between SI and some of the pulmonary function tests namely the percentage of predicted forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second and peak expiratory flow in the exposed group. Those correlations point to the importance of the combined effect of smoking and Al exposure on the impairment of lung functions. The study recommends the determination of CRP and A1AT in Al-exposed workers. It is expected that those parameters may undergo changes before reduction in pulmonary functions takes place.
Management of Autism in the Adult Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hsieh Emily , Oh Scott S. , Chellappa Parkavi , Szeftel Roxy , Jones Heather D.
Published: December 2012

Autism comprises a growing segment of the population and can be a management challenge in the intensive care unit (ICU). We present the case of a 22-year-old male with severe autism and intellectual disorder who developed respiratory failure and required a prolonged ICU course. This patient exhibited severe distress, aggression, and self-injurious behavior. Management challenges included sedation, weaning from sedation, and liberation from mechanical ventilation. Success was achieved with a multispecialty team and by tailoring the environment and interactions to the patient’s known preferences. The use of dexmedetomidine to wean high-dose benzodiazepines and opiates also permitted successful liberation from mechanical ventilation.
Physical and Emotional Abuse in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Leisring Penny A.
Published: December 2012

Intimate partner violence is extremely common in college samples. To inform prevention and intervention efforts, understanding the motivation for engaging in partner aggression is critically important. The predominant view in the domestic violence field has been that women’s use of intimate partner violence occurs in the context of self-defense. However, there has been a dearth of solid evidence to support this claim. The present study explored the motivations for the perpetration of minor and severe physical aggression and for three types of emotional abuse (restrictive engulfment, denigration, and dominance/intimidation) among college women. A detailed definition of self-defense was used and motivations for women who were sole perpetrators of physical violence as well as motivations for women who had been aggressed against in their romantic relationships were examined. Anger, retaliation for emotional hurt, to get partner’s attention, jealousy, and stress were all common reasons for perpetrating partner violence among college women. Few women indicated that self-defense was a motive for their abusive behavior. The results suggest that prevention and intervention efforts to reduce partner violence perpetration by women should include anger and stress management.
Enhancing the Safety of Elderly Victims After the Close of an APS Investigation
Authors: Jackson Shelly L. , Hafemeister Thomas L.
Published: December 2012

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to test whether particular actions on the part of adult protective services (APS), the elderly victim, and/or society’s response to abusive individuals, are associated with the continuation of abuse after the close of an APS investigation and thereby compromise victim safety.

Method.

Interviews were conducted with 71 APS caseworkers, 55 of the elderly victims of substantiated abuse, and 35 third-party persons.

Results.

A small proportion of elderly victims continue to experience abuse after the close of an APS investigation. Elderly victims were more likely to experience continued abuse when they chose to have ongoing contact with their abusers, vis-à-vis cohabitation or otherwise, and when their abusers experienced no consequences. Although continuation of abuse did not differ by the type of maltreatment involved, reasons for the cessation of abuse, and other safety indicators, did.

Implications.

To enhance victim safety, greater monitoring may be warranted in cases wherein elderly victims continue to have contact with their abuser and when abusive individuals experience no consequences. To further enhance victim safety, abusive individuals must be incorporated into an overall strategic response to elder abuse. A potential avenue for facilitating victim safety while maintaining victim autonomy is to understand their motivations for desiring continued contact with their abuser and developing interventions based upon such knowledge.
Predicting Patriarchy
Authors: Crittenden Courtney A. , Wright Emily M.
Published: December 2012

In much feminist literature, patriarchy has often been studied as a predictive variable for attitudes toward or acts of violence against women. However, rarely has patriarchy been examined as an outcome across studies. The current study works toward filling this gap by examining several individual-and neighborhood-level factors that might influence patriarchy. Specifically, this research seeks to determine if neighborhood-level attributes related to socioeconomic status, family composition, and demographic information affect patriarchal views after individual-level correlates of patriarchy were controlled. Findings suggest that factors at both the individual- and neighborhood levels, particularly familial characteristics and dynamics, do influence the endorsement of patriarchal views.
Trait Impulsivity and Change in Mental Health Problems After Violent Crime Victimization
Authors: Kunst Maarten , Van Wilsem Johan
Published: December 2012

Violent crime victimization can have serious mental health consequences, but what it is that makes victims at risk of mental health problems or delayed recovery from such problems is largely unknown. Previous research has focused on, amongst other things, the disabling impact of personality factors involved in the regulation of emotions. Using data from the Dutch Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (LISS) panel ( n = 2628), this study explored whether the association between violent crime victimization and change in mental health problems over a 1-year time span also varies by trait impulsivity (TI)—a personality factor involved in regulating behavior. TI may serve as a risk factor for mental health problems, but research into this topic is scarce and inconsistent. Results suggested that low TI subjects are prone to experience an increase in mental health problems following victimization. As a possible explanation for this finding, it was speculated that subjects with low TI do not perceive themselves at risk of victimization and thus see this positive assumption shattered when victimization does occur. Results were further discussed in terms of study limitations and strengths and implications for future research.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Depression and Walking Behavior in Older Latinos
Authors: Hernandez Rosalba , Prohaska Thomas R. , Wang Pin-Chieh , Sarkisian Catherine A.
Published: December 2012

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the relationship between baseline depression and prospective engagement in walking and exercise behavior after enrollment in an exercise intervention. Methods: The study used baseline, 1-month, 12-month, and 24-month in-person interview and pedometer data collected from Latinos aged >60 years participating in an exercise intervention (¡ Caminemos!) at 27 senior centers ( n = 572). Results: After joining an exercise intervention, and when using continuous pedometer data and scores from the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) as the outcomes of interest, older adults with baseline depression exhibited comparable levels of physical activity across time when compared to their nondepressed counterparts. Significant difference in physical activity levels between the depressed and nondepressed subgroups no longer existed within one month of initiating the exercise intervention. Discussion: Among sedentary older Latino adults, having depression may not delay exercise initiation nor does it appear to prevent achievement or maintenance of an exercise program.
Analysis of the combustion and emissions of a diesel engine in early-injection, partially-premixed charge compression ignition regimes
Authors: Choi Seungmok , Min Kyoungdoug
Published: December 2012

Early-injection, partially-premixed charge compression ignition yields low levels of nitrogen oxides and soot with premixed fuel–ambient mixtures and low-temperature combustion. However, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, which mainly stem from over-lean mixtures and wall wetting, are drawbacks. Engine tests were conducted in early-injection, partially-premixed charge compression ignition regimes using a single-cylinder light-duty direct-injection diesel engine. To prevent wall wetting under early-injection conditions, a wide and shallow two-step piston bowl was applied. To enable sufficiently premixed conditions to occur before the start of combustion, the engine operating conditions were controlled in order to use an ignition dwell of longer than 2° crank angle after the end of injection. The injection timing, the injection pressure, the exhaust gas recirculation rate and the in-cylinder swirl were varied, and the relationships between those parameters and combustion and emissions were analysed. The results showed that the ignition dwell between the end of injection and the start of combustion affects the emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and soot significantly by changing the premixed level, and an ignition dwell of between 3° crank angle and 5° crank angle produces fairly low levels of nitrogen oxides and soot together with acceptable levels of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide under non-wetting high-dilution conditions. Wall wetting significantly increases the amount of hydrocarbons and, when the ignition dwell is prolonged to longer than 7° crank angle, excessive carbon monoxide is produced.
Welfare regimes and welfare state outcomes in Europe
Authors: Kammer Andreas , Niehues Judith , Peichl Andreas
Published: December 2012

Welfare state typologies are generally based on the institutional design of welfare policies. In this paper we analyse whether such typologies also persist when they are applied to effective redistributive outcomes of welfare states’ tax and transfer policies. In contrast to the widespread use of macro indicators, our empirical analysis relies on internationally comparable microdata in order to account for the distribution of resources across households. We perform a hierarchical cluster analysis and check whether the classical typology for Western European welfare states reproduces the typical patterns when it comes to effective economic outcomes. We find that the established welfare regimes not only differ in their welfare state institutions as is known, but also in their economic outcomes. In particular, we identify the social-democratic, conservative, liberal and southern welfare regimes. Belgium and the Netherlands emerge as hybrid cases lying between the social-democratic and conservative model.
Parental leave regulations and the persistence of the male breadwinner model: Using fuzzy-set ideal type analysis to assess gender equality in an enlarged Europe
Authors: Ciccia Rossella , Verloo Mieke
Published: December 2012

This paper uses fuzzy-set ideal type analysis to assess the conformity of European leave regulations to four theoretical ideal typical divisions of labour: male breadwinner, caregiver parity, universal breadwinner and universal caregiver. In contrast to the majority of previous studies, the focus of this analysis is on the extent to which leave regulations promote gender equality in the family and the transformation of traditional gender roles. The results of this analysis demonstrate that European countries cluster into five models that only partly coincide with countries’ geographical proximity. Second, none of the countries considered constitutes a universal caregiver model, while the male breadwinner ideal continues to provide the normative reference point for parental leave regulations in a large number of European states. Finally, we witness a growing emphasis at the national and EU levels concerning the universal breadwinner ideal, which leaves gender inequality in unpaid work unproblematized.
Can higher employment levels bring down relative income poverty in the EU? Regression-based simulations of the Europe 2020 target
Authors: Marx Ive , Vandenbroucke Pieter , Verbist Gerlinde
Published: December 2012

At the European level and in most EU member states, higher employment levels are seen as key to better poverty outcomes. What can we expect the actual impact to be, however? Up until now shift-share analysis has been used to estimate the impact of rising employment on relative income poverty. This method has serious limitations. We propose a more sophisticated simulation model that builds on regression-based estimates of employment probabilities and wages. We use this model to estimate the impact on relative income poverty of moving towards the Europe 2020 target of 75 percent of the working-age population in work. Two sensitivity checks are included: giving priority in job allocation to jobless households and imputing low instead of estimated wages. This article shows that employment growth does not necessarily result in lower relative poverty shares, a result that is largely consistent with observed outcomes over the past decade.
Lone parents, poverty and policy in the European Union
Authors: Chzhen Yekaterina , Bradshaw Jonathan
Published: December 2012

Although there is considerable research evidence to show that children in lone parent families are at increased risk of poverty, there have been few comparative analyses of lone parents in Europe. Using the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) 2009, this paper compares the prevalence and characteristics of lone parent families, analyses the poverty and deprivation risks of children, and evaluates the potential impact of social transfer income packages on child poverty reduction. We use the unique personal identifiers of mothers, fathers and partners to define lone parent families with greater precision. Using a multi-level framework, we find lower child poverty rates in countries with more generous social transfers, even after controlling for the country standard of living. A reverse pattern is observed for material deprivation: the negative effect of social transfer income washes out when the GDP per capita is controlled for, which itself has a negative and significant effect on material deprivation.
Effects of subacute exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane on mouse behavior and the related mechanisms
Authors: Wang G. , Qi Y. , Gao L. , Li G. , Lv X. , Jin Y.P.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of subacute exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) on mouse behavior and the related mechanisms focusing on alteration of oxidative stress and amino acid neurotransmitters in the brain. Mouse behavior was examined by open field test. Levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by colorimetric method. Contents of glutamate (Glu), aspartate (Asp) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Reduced locomotor and exploratory activities and increased anxiety were found in 0.45 and 0.9 g/m3 1,2-DCE-treated mice. In contrast, increased excitability was found in 0.225 g/m3 1,2-DCE-treated mice. Compensatory antioxidant status and increased NOS activity and NO level in the brain were found in 1,2-DCE-treated mice. Moreover, Glu contents in 1,2-DCE-treated mice and GABA contents in 0.9 g/m3 1,2-DCE-treated mice increased, whereas GABA contents in 0.225 g/m3 1,2-DCE-treated mice decreased significantly compared with control. Taken together, our results suggested that mouse behavior could be disturbed by subacute exposure to 1,2-DCE, and the changes of amino acid neurotransmitter in the brain might be related to the behavioral effects.
‘Look, a Faggot!’
Authors: Lunny Allyson M
Published: December 2012

This article utilizes Kendall Thomas’ psychoanalysis of judicial discourse to analyze the meaning and effect of two distinct judicial understandings of the homicide of Aaron Webster, a man who had been beaten to death by several young males in a Vancouver queer cruising area. In the reason for sentence in R. v. J.S., the judge gave a creative application to the law of enhanced sentencing when he acknowledged that the intended victims of the assault – ‘fucking voyeurs’ – could fall within the purview of ‘sexual orientation’. Striking a dissonant tone, the judge in the subsequent case, R. v. Cran, claimed that she found no evidence of hate motivation against gay men in the attack and that Webster’s reason for being in the park that night dressed only in his boots was literally unremarkable: ‘[Webster] was simply standing near a parking lot, smoking, naked’. By analyzing the trope of the scopic along with the instances of judicial dissonance, rhetorical excess and defensive posturing, claims of judicial rationality, neutrality and objectivity come under scrutiny.
Are Green Jobs Career Pathways a Path to a 21st-Century Workforce Development System?
Authors: Scully-Russ Ellen
Published: December 2012

This article examines policy reports that advocate for new green jobs career pathways to help grow the green economy and create new opportunity structures in the green labor market. The reports are based on a series of propositions about the nature of green jobs and the existence of the political will to invest in new green education programs to support the green economy. The purpose of this article is to introduce educators and practitioners to the policy frameworks and propositions that shape their work to deliver effective green education and certification programs. It offers practical advice on how to understand and influence the basic premises on which green education policies and training resources are based.
Aerodynamic control of micro air vehicle wings using electroactive membranes
Authors: Hays Michael R , Morton Jeffrey , Dickinson Benjamin , Chakravarty Uttam K , Oates William S
Published: December 2012

Dielectric elastomer materials are ideal candidates for developing high-agility micro air vehicles due to their electric field–induced deformation. Consequently, the aero-structural response and control authority of the dielectric elastomer material, VHB 4910, are characterized on an elliptical membrane wing. An experimental membrane wing platform was constructed by stretching VHB 4910 over a rigid elliptical wing-frame. The low Reynolds number (chord Reynolds number < 106) and aerodynamics of the elliptical wing were characterized when different electrostatic fields were applied to the membrane. We observe an overall increase in lift with maximum gains of 20% at an applied voltage of 4.5 kV and demonstrate the ability to delay stall. The time-averaged aerodynamic surface pressure is also investigated by comparing sting balance data and membrane deformation measured using visual image correlation. The experimental results are compared to a nonlinear finite element membrane model to further understand the effects of aerodynamic load and electric fields on membrane displacements. Model predictions of surface pressure provide insight into how the electrostrictive constitutive relations influence the fluid–structure interactions of the membrane. This is validated by comparing lift predictions from the model with time-averaged wind tunnel lift measurements near stall.
The Process of Safer Crack Use Among Women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
Authors: Handlovsky Ingrid E. , Bungay Vicky , Johnson Joy , Phillips J. Craig
Published: December 2012

In this article we discuss the findings from a grounded theory study in which we explored how women residing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) minimized some of the physical, psychological, and interpersonal harms associated with crack cocaine use, and identify the social, economic, and political factors that influence safer use. Data were collected over a 3-month period and involved group interviews with 27 women at an agency run by drug users in the DTES. A preliminary theory of safer crack use is discussed, consisting of the central phenomenon of caring for self and others. In addition, four thematic processes are described: (a) establishing a safe physical space, (b) building trusting relationships, (c) learning about safer crack use, and (d) accessing safer equipment. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to supporting women’s efforts and improving health outcomes.
Reinforced Biographies Among Women Living With Hepatitis C
Authors: Olsen Anna , Banwell Cathy , Dance Phyll
Published: December 2012

In a growing body of social research it is suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a low priority for people who inject drugs. We expand on the evidence to explore the link between identity and health using biographical adaptation theories. We examined experiences of HCV infection and illness among women who inject drugs, women who are no longer injecting drugs, and women who have never injected drugs. We investigated the relationship between identity and illness experience and found that illness does not simply dislocate one’s biographical trajectory. For women who used drugs the shared symbolism of HCV infection was understood and accepted via a self-identity linked to poverty and experience of injecting drugs. Rather than disrupting their expected life trajectory, the narratives of most women incorporated the disease experience within their life story, confirming their identity as a person who injected drugs and as someone with constant and serious life stressors.
Social Positioning Theory as a Lens for Exploring Health Information Seeking and Decision Making
Authors: Genuis Shelagh K.
Published: December 2012

In this article I use Social Positioning Theory to explore the experiences of women as they interact with and make sense of evolving health information mediated by formal and informal sources. I investigate how women position themselves within their accounts of information seeking, and the influence of positioning on interactions with health professionals (HPs). Interviewed women gathered and valued information from a range of sources, and were likely to position themselves as autonomous, rather than collaborative or dependent. Faced with evolving health information, women felt responsible not only for information seeking, but also for making sense of gathered and encountered information. Participants did, however, value information provided by HPs and were likely to view decision making as collaborative when HPs fostered information exchange, appeared to appreciate different types of knowledge and cognitive authority, and supported women in their quests for information. Implications for shared decision making are discussed.
Power Relations and Reciprocity
Authors: Ben-Ari Adital , Enosh Guy
Published: December 2012

In this article we suggest a theoretical framework of knowledge construction by employing the concept of dialectics to power relationships between researcher and participants. Power distribution in research is perceived as dichotomous and asymmetrical in favor of the researcher, creating unequal power relations that make exploitation possible. Acknowledging such exploitation has led to a critical stance and attempts to bridge gaps through egalitarianism and empowerment of participants. Some scholars have focused on shifting expert knowledge differentials between researcher and participants throughout the research project. Others have evaluated such gaps as a source of knowledge construction. In the present work we applied a dialectical approach to understanding research relationships, suggesting reciprocity as their defining attribute, regardless of symmetry or asymmetry and as a source of knowledge construction. In this article we recommend avoiding a taken-for-granted attitude, because we see it as a direct obstacle to the construction of knowledge.
Service Users’ and Caregivers’ Perspectives on Continuity of Care in Out-of-Hours Primary Care
Authors: Gallagher Niamh , MacFarlane Anne , Murphy Andrew W. , Freeman George K. , Glynn Liam G. , Bradley Colin P.
Published: December 2012

Modernization policies in primary care, such as the introduction of out-of-hours general practice cooperatives, signify a marked departure from many service users’ traditional experiences of continuity of care. We report on a case study of accounts of service users with chronic conditions and their caregivers of continuity of care in an out-of-hours general practice cooperative in Ireland. Using Strauss and colleagues’ Chronic Illness Trajectory Framework, we explored users’ and caregivers’ experiences of continuity in this context. Whereas those dealing with “routine trajectories” were largely satisfied with their experiences, those dealing with “problematic trajectories” (characterized by the presence of, for example, multimorbidity and complex care regimes) had considerable concerns about continuity of experiences in this service. Results highlight that modernization policies that have given rise to out-of-hours cooperatives have had a differential impact on service users with chronic conditions and their caregivers, with serious consequences for those who have “problematic” trajectories.
Care Culture as a Meaning-Making Process
Authors: Rytterström Patrik , Unosson Mitra , Arman Maria
Published: December 2012

Culture might offer significant insights into the circumstances under which mistreatment occurs. Our aim with this study was to understand and explore institutional mistreatment from a care culture perspective. We used a case study with a triangulating methodology. It involved 12 individual interviews, one focus group interview with four people, a 2-day field study, and a document study. The case was a mistreatment situation that had occurred in municipal care, in which residents had been locked in their rooms at night. Two different care cultures were identified that could give a richer contextual understanding of the motives behind the institutional mistreatment. The service culture was need-oriented and emphasized freedom in care provision. The motherhood culture was characterized by protection and safeguarding of the vulnerable residents. Both cultures showed traces of caring values, but when important caring values were absent, this created a seedbed for mistreatment.
Radionuclide Therapy of Painful Bone Metastases—A Comparative Study Between Consecutive Radionuclide Infusions, Combination With Chemotherapy, and Radionuclide Infusions Alone
Authors: Sideras Panagiotis A. , Stavraka Anastasia , Gouliamos Athanasios , Limouris Georgios S.
Published: December 2012

Radionuclides have been long used for the palliation of skeletal-related metastatic pain. They are almost invariably used as the last resource for pain palliation. Their use as single agents with dose escalations, in combination with biphosphonates or chemotherapy is well known in the peer-reviewed literature; however, little is known about the combination between different agents. In our study, we used consecutive administration of 2 different radionuclides such as 186Re-1,1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate (186Re-HEDP) and 89Strontium Chloride (89Sr-Cl) separated by adequate period of time to allow bone marrow recovery in patients with high chance of bone pain relapse and compared it with 89Sr-Cl and chemotherapy group and 186Re-HEDP with bisphosphonates. The end result was that treatment with consecutive radionuclides was much more effective and safe than the other 2 groups.
Universal Adolescent Depression Prevention Programs
Authors: Carnevale Teresa D.
Published: December 2012

Although the subject of adolescent depression has gained significant attention, little is being done in the way of primary prevention. The purpose of this article is to conduct a review of the literature through the lens of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework. This review was conducted utilizing several online databases, as well as web and hand searches. Eleven studies were identified through a process of elimination and critically appraised by a two-tiered method. Results indicated cognitive–behavioral universal prevention interventions can be effective on decreasing depressive symptomalogy in adolescents. All reviewed studies were conducted in the school environment by professionals and/or school staff; however, only three of the programs implemented demonstrated adoption and sustainability. School nurses can be instrumental in bridging the gap between the planning and developing of prevention programs and translation into the real-world school environment.
School Nurse Evaluations
Authors: McDaniel Kathryn H. , Overman Muriel , Guttu Martha , Engelke Martha Keehner
Published: December 2012

The professional standards of school nursing practice provide a framework to help school nurses focus on their unique mission of promoting health and academic achievement for all students. Without the standards, the nurse’s role can become task oriented and limited in scope. By using an evaluation tool that reflects the standards, nurses not only become aware and begin to understand the standards; they also become directly accountable for meeting them. In addition, developing an evaluation process based on the standards of school nurse practice increases the visibility of school nurses and helps school administrators understand the role of the school nurse. This article describes how one school district integrated the scope and standards of school nursing into the job description and performance evaluation of the nurse. The process which is used to complete the evaluation in a manner that is meaningful and motivational to the school nurse is described.
Comparison of Health-Risk Behaviors Among Students Attending Alternative and Traditional High Schools in Minnesota
Authors: Johnson Karen E. , McMorris Barbara J. , Kubik Martha Y.
Published: December 2012

Previous research, over a decade old, suggests students attending alternative high schools (AHS) engage in high levels of health-risk behaviors. Data from the 2007 Minnesota Student Survey for students attending AHS ( n = 2,847) and traditional high schools (THS; n = 87,468) were used for this cross-sectional analysis to compare prevalence estimates, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and free and reduced lunch, for 28 health-risk behaviors. Students attending AHS were significantly more likely than students attending THS to report engaging in all behaviors related to unintentional injury and violence, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, and sexual activity, and were significantly less likely to report participating in physical activity, including sports teams. Students attending AHS continue to engage in high levels of health-risk behaviors as compared to their peers in THS. Updated national prevalence data were needed, as well as studies examining the role of protective factors in the lives of students attending AHS.
Conservation-Based Rural Development in Namibia
Authors: Silva Julie A. , Mosimane Alfons W.
Published: December 2012

Using a survey of communal conservancies in Namibia, we find that they provide some direct economic benefits to conservancy members, but that indirect benefits promoting development for all residents have not materialized. This partially explains why a high level of discontent with community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) as a development strategy remains, which would need to be addressed with policies that promote a more equitable distribution of benefits from CBNRM. Advocates of CBNRM draw on theories of comparative advantage and collective action to argue that communal conservation efforts enhance the viability of nature tourism as a rural development strategy. We employ a mixed-methods approach to test to what extent CBNRM generates direct and indirect economic benefits, and if these benefits induce participation in communal conservation.