bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Report of Disseminated Carcinomatosis of the Bone Marrow Originating from Transverse Colon Cancer Successfully Treated with Chemotherapy Using XELOX plus Bevacizumab
Authors: Naito Masayasu , Yoshida Yoichiro , Aisu Naoya , Tanimura Shu , Hoshino Seiichiro , Tanaka Toshihiro , Nimura Satoshi , Tamura Kazuo , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: July 2014

A 61-year-old male, who had been admitted to another hospital due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), was referred to our hospital. Total colonoscopy, abdominal dynamic CT and positron-emission tomography revealed bone metastasis and multiple lymphocytic metastases from transverse colon cancer in addition to disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM). We immediately performed chemotherapy with XELOX + bevacizumab and denosumab against DCBM from transverse colon cancer in order to avoid radical surgery. In addition, we initiated the administration of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin for 1 week to treat DIC. The patient was able to tolerate and receive 4 cycles of chemotherapy without any severe side effects. After receiving the 4 cycles of treatment, he recovered from DIC, and the bone and multiple lymphocytic metastases disappeared.
Combined hormonal contraception and risk of venous thromboembolism within the first year following pregnancy
Authors: Bergholt Thomas , Nielsen Anne Kristine , Paidas Michael J. , Løkkegaard Ellen Christine L. , Petersen Jesper Friis
Published: July 2014

Estimating the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with combined hormonal contraceptives following early terminated pregnancies or birth, a Danish nationwide retrospective cohort observing a one-year follow-up was defined using three unique registries. All Danish women with confirmed pregnancies aged 15–49 during the period of 1995–2009 were included. The main outcomes were relative and absolute risks of first time venous thromboembolism in users as well as non-users of combined hormonal contraceptives. In 985,569 person-years, 598 venous thromboembolisms were recorded. After early terminated pregnancies and births, respectively, 113 and 485 events occurred in 212,552 and 773,017 person-years. After early terminated pregnancies, the crude VTE incidence ratios were similar, and the numbers needed to harm were equal between groups that did or did not use combined hormonal contraceptives throughout the follow-up year. After childbirth, individuals that used combined hormonal contraceptives were more likely than non-users to experience VTE depicted by crude incidence ratios; however, the difference was only significant after 14 weeks. This implied that the numbers needed to harm were lower for those that used compared to those that did not use combined oral contraceptives in the initial 14 weeks postpartum. In conclusion, the use of combined hormonal contraceptives after early terminated pregnancies was not detrimental, but during the puerperal period, they should be used with caution.
L-selectin deficiency decreases aortic B1a and Breg subsets and promotes atherosclerosis
Authors: Gjurich Breanne , Taghavie-Moghadam Parésa , Ley Klaus , Galkina Elena
Published: July 2014

There is a significant recruitment of leucocytes into aortas during atherogenesis. L-selectin regulates leucocyte migration into secondary lymphoid and peripheral tissues and was proposed to play a role in leucocyte homing into aortas. Here, we determine the role of L-selectin in atherosclerosis. L-selectin-deficient Apoe -/- (Sell -/- Apoe -/-) mice had a 74% increase in plaque burden compared to Apoe -/- mice fed a chow diet for 50 weeks. Elevated atherosclerosis was accompanied by increased aortic leucocyte content, but a 50% reduction in aortic B cells despite elevated B cell counts in the blood. Follicular B cells represented 65%, whereas B1a and regulatory B cells (Breg) comprised 5% of aortic B cells. B1a and Breg cell subsets were reduced in Sell -/- Apoe -/- aortas with accompanied two-fold decrease in aortic T15 antibody and 1.2-fold decrease of interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels. L-selectin was required for B1 cell homing to the atherosclerotic aorta, as demonstrated by a 1.5-fold decrease in the migration of Sell -/- Apoe -/- vs Apoe -/- cells. Notably, we found a 1.6-fold increase in CD68hi macrophages in Sell -/- Apoe -/- compared to Apoe -/- aortas, despite comparable blood monocyte numbers and L-selectin-dependent aortic homing. L-selectin had no effect on neutrophil migration into aorta, but led to elevated blood neutrophil numbers, suggesting a potential involvement of neutrophils in atherogenesis of Sell -/- Apoe -/- mice. Thus, L-selectin deficiency increases peripheral blood neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers, decreases aortic B1a and Breg populations, T15 antibody and IL-10 levels, and increases aortic macrophage content of Sell -/- Apoe -/- mice. Altogether, these data provide evidence for an overall atheroprotective role of L-selectin.
Effects of thrombopoietin receptor agonists on procoagulant state in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Álvarez Román María Teresa , Bello Ihosvany Fernández , Arias-Salgado Elena G. , Pollmar María Isabel Rivas , Yuste Víctor Jiménez , Salces Mónica Martín , Butta Nora V.
Published: July 2014

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RA) have recently been introduced for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an antiplatelet-antibodies autoimmune disease. The observation of a low frequency of bleeding episodes despite their thrombocytopenia suggests the existence of a compensatory mechanism. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TPO-RA treatment on platelet function and on the procoagulant state in ITP patients before (ITP-bR) and after responding (ITP-aR) to treatment. Plasma- and microparticle (MP)-associated procoagulant capacity from ITP patients was similar before and after responding to the TPO-RA regimen but higher than the healthy control values. High MP-associated procoagulant activity did not seem to be due to increased platelet activation, since platelet stimulation by agonists was reduced in ITP-bR and ITP-aR patients. It could be related to increased platelet apoptosis, evaluated in terms of surface phosphatidylserine (PS), observed in both ITP groups. In summary, TPO-RA treatment increased platelet count but did not ameliorate their function and did not change plasma- and MP-associated procoagulant state of ITP patient responders to this therapy.
Thrombin-induced platelet activation via PAR4: pivotal role for exosite II
Authors: Boknäs Niklas , Faxälv Lars , Centellas Daniel Sanchez , Wallstedt Maria , Ramström Sofia , Grenegård Magnus , Lindahl Tomas
Published: July 2014

Thrombin-induced platelet activation via PAR1 and PAR4 is an important event in haemostasis. Although the underlying mechanisms responsible for ensuring efficient PAR1 activation by thrombin have been extensively studied, the potential involvement of recognitions sites outside the active site of the protease in thrombin-induced PAR4 activation is largely unknown. In this study, we developed a new assay to assess the importance of exosite I and II for PAR4 activation with α- and γ-thrombin. Surprisingly, we found that exosite II is critical for activation of PAR4. We also show that this dependency on exosite II likely represents a new mechanism, as it is unaffected by blockage of the previously known interaction between thrombin and glycoprotein Ibα.
Dark Chocolate Acutely Improves Walking Autonomy in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Loffredo Lorenzo , Perri Ludovica , Catasca Elisa , Pignatelli Pasquale , Brancorsini Monica , Nocella Cristina , De Falco Elena , Bartimoccia Simona , Frati Giacomo , Carnevale Roberto , Violi Francesco
Published: July 2014

Background

NOX
‐2, the catalytic subunit of
NADPH
oxidase, has a key role in the formation of reactive oxidant species and is implicated in impairing flow‐mediated dilation (
FMD
). Dark chocolate exerts artery dilatation via down‐regulating
NOX
2‐mediated oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dark chocolate improves walking autonomy in peripheral artery disease (
PAD
) patients via an oxidative stress‐mediated mechanism.

Methods and Results

FMD
, serum levels of isoprostanes, nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and
sNOX
2‐dp, a marker of blood
NOX
2 activity, maximal walking distance (
MWD
) and maximal walking time (
MWT
) were studied in 20
PAD
patients (14 males and 6 females, mean age: 69±9 years) randomly allocated to 40 g of dark chocolate (>85% cocoa) or 40 g of milk chocolate (≤35% cocoa) in a single blind, cross‐over design. The above variables were assessed at baseline and 2 hours after chocolate ingestion. Dark chocolate intake significantly increased
MWD
(+11%;
P
<0.001),
MWT
(+15%;
P
<0.001), serum NOx (+57%;
P
<0.001) and decreased serum isoprostanes (−23%;
P
=0.01) and
sNOX
2‐dp (−37%;
P
<0.001); no changes of the above variables were observed after milk chocolate intake. Serum epicatechin and its methylated metabolite significantly increased only after dark chocolate ingestion. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Δ of
MWD
was independently associated with Δ of
MWT
(
P
<0.001) and Δ of NOx (
P
=0.018). In vitro study demonstrated that
HUVEC
incubated with a mixture of polyphenols significantly increased nitric oxide (
P
<0.001) and decreased E‐selectin (
P
<0.001) and
VCAM
1 (
P
<0.001).

Conclusion

In
PAD
patients dark but not milk chocolate acutely improves walking autonomy with a mechanism possibly related to an oxidative stress‐mediated mechanism involving
NOX
2 regulation.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01947712.
The Asean Convention On Counter-Terrorism 2007
Authors: Ahmad Abdul Razak
Published: July 2014

This article examines the implementation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s Convention on Counter Terrorism (ACCT) 2007, which came into force in May 2011. The human rights safeguards provided by ACCT 2007 and the political feasibility of its implementation by its Member States are explored. The article examines the motivation of ASEAN in introducing ACCT 2007, and the objectives and measures of the Convention in the context of the region’s security and human rights needs. The article looks at the comparative strengths and weaknesses of ACCT 2007 and how it may develop and influence both policy and human rights in the coming years. The ASEAN region is politically and culturally diverse, making effective implementation of the Convention an on-going challenge.
The Admissibility Of Evidence Obtained In Breach Of Constitutional Rights In Hong Kong
Authors: Hung Pun Arnold Liang
Published: July 2014

This article examines the admissibility test in Hong Kong for evidence obtained in breach of a defendant’s constitutional rights. The objective is to better understand the legal principles which form the foundation of the three-element admissibility test formulated by Bokhary PJ in the Court of Final Appeal’s decision in HKSAR v Muhammad Riaz Khan. To achieve this objective, this article examines judicial and legislative developments of the admissibility test in Hong Kong and in other common law jurisdictions. The principle finding of this article is that the three-element ‘Riaz Khan test’ represents a welcome further development of the admissibility first test laid down by Ma CJHC in HKSAR v Chan Kau Tai.
Overlooked diversity in Brazilian Cypella (Iridaceae, Iridoideae): four new taxa from the Río de la Plata grasslands
Authors: Chauveau Olivier , Pastori Tamara , Souza-Chies Tatiana Teixeira , Eggers Lilian
Published: July 2014

Three new species and one subspecies of Cypella are described for Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil: Cypella altouruguaya from northern RS, C. amplimaculata widely distributed across the state and C. rivularis restricted to southern RS, in grassland streams of the Pampa biome. Cypella hauthalii subsp. minuticristata is found in a central area of Rio Grande do Sul. The different taxa are described, illustrated and compared with related species. The resulting taxonomic framework shows that most of the species described for Cypella occur in the Río de la Plata grasslands, with various infrageneric taxa characterised by a high level of endemism, especially in the Subtropical Grasslands of Southern Brazil.
Six species of Calyptotheca (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata, Lanceoporidae) from the Gulf of Carpentaria and northern Australia, with description of a new species
Authors: CUMMING ROBYN L. , TILBROOK KEVIN J.
Published: July 2014

A new diagnosis is presented for Calyptotheca Harmer, 1957 and six species are described from the Gulf of Carpentaria: C. wasinensis (Waters, 1913) (type species), C. australis (Haswell, 1880), C. conica Cook, 1965 (with a redescription of the holotype), C. tenuata Harmer, 1957, C. triquetra (Harmer, 1957) and C. lardil n. sp. These are the first records of Bryozoa from the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the first Australian records for C. wasinensis, C. tenuata and C. triquetra. The limit of distribution of three species is extended east to the Gulf of Carpentaria, from Kenya for C. wasinensis, from China for C. tenuata, and from northwestern Australia for C. conica. The number of tropical Calyptotheca species in Australian territorial waters is increased from seven to eleven.
The genus Manota Williston (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) in the Congo basin with description of five new species
Authors: KURINA OLAVI , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: July 2014

The Manota species in the Congo basin are reviewed and 17 species are recorded. The following five new species are described: M. grootaerti sp. n., M. peltata sp. n., M. peltigera sp. n., M. reclinata sp. n., and M wittei sp. n. New records of the following species are presented: M. freerki Hippa & Kurina, 2012, M. issongo Matile, 1972, M. kibaleensis Hippa & Kurina, 2012, M. lachaisei Matile, 1972, M. mabokeensis Matile, 1972, M. mazumbaiensis Søli, 1993, M. petiolata Hippa & Kurina, 2012, M. pilosa Hippa & Kurina, 2012, M. relicina Hippa & Kurina, 2012, M. senticosa Hippa & Kurina, 2012 and M. teocchii Matile, 1972. Manota issongo is redescribed, including detailed illustration of the male hypopygium. The number of Afrotropical Manota species is increased to 56.
Why Parents Use the Emergency Department During Evening Hours for Nonemergent Pediatric Care
Authors: Hummel Kevin , Mohler M. Jane , Clemens Conrad J. , Duncan Burris
Published: July 2014

Background. Emergency departments (EDs) are commonly used by pediatric patients for nonemergent reasons. There is little information regarding how parents perceive their use of the ED and primary care availability during evening hours. Methods. We conducted a survey of parental perspectives of ED use during evening hours. Participants were parents of pediatric patients (age 0-18 years) at a large quaternary medical center’s ED presenting between 17:00 and 22:00 hours from January 15, 2013 to March 12, 2013. Results. Most patients had a primary care pediatrician (98/102, 96.1%); 80% of their pediatricians (78/98) did not have evening hour availability. Overall, 46.7% of parents would have preferred to go to their primary care pediatrician. Conclusions. Many parents who expect outpatient treatment prefer to take their child to a primary care pediatrician during evening hours, but present to the ED because of lack of primary care access.
Offense Type and the Arrest Decision in Cases of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Durfee Alesha , Fetzer Matthew D.
Published: July 2014

Although previous research has examined arrests for intimate partner violence (IPV), most of these analyses focus exclusively on physical assault and intimidation. Research on arrests for sexual assault have examined arrests for cases of stranger and/or acquaintance sexual assault, but have not included sexual IPV. Using data from the 2010 National Incident-Based Reporting System, this analysis is the first to calculate and compare arrest rates for sexual IPV, physical IPV, and intimidation. Results indicate that after controlling for other factors, police are less likely to make an arrest in cases of sexual IPV than in cases of physical IPV or intimidation. These findings are discussed in the context of the consequences of sexual assault on IPV victims.
School Climate and Academic Achievement in Suburban Schools
Authors: Sulak Tracey N.
Published: July 2014

School climate research has indicated a relationship between the climate of a school and academic achievement. The majority of explanatory models have been developed in urban schools with less attention given to suburban schools. Due to the process of formation of suburban schools, there is a likelihood these campuses differ from the traditional urban school. The current study examined the predictive value of suburban school climate on academic achievement in a nationally representative sample of suburban campuses. The findings indicate behavior and racial/ethnic composition may impact achievement levels in suburban schools. The findings also indicate the location of the school and the surrounding crime may be a factor in suburban academic achievement.
Expectation Formation in Case of Newer Hotels
Authors: Nath Prithwiraj , Devlin James , Reid Veronica
Published: July 2014

Advertisement and price cues are important sources of information that influence tourists’ service expectations, particularly in the case of newer, less-established hotels. However, it is not clear if such hotels benefit from promising more or less through their advertisements; or price high or low through their price cues. Extant research is also uncertain about the role of culture in moderating the impact of advertisement and price cues on expectations. Using an experimental setup with 218 tourists from three different countries, this study finds that a newer hotel is likely to be better off by offering more service promises through its advertising and high price cues to its prospective visitors. The results suggest that culture influences how tourists process advertising cues but has no influence on price cue influence. The study provides insights for managers on how to develop a segmentation strategy using the cultural profiles of tourists.
Modeling the Impact of Australia’s Mining Boom on Tourism
Authors: Dwyer Larry , Pham Tien , Jago Leo , Bailey Geoff , Marshall Justin
Published: July 2014

The Australia tourism industry faces challenges associated with a boom in minerals exports. The erosion of the price competitiveness of destination Australia associated with exchange rate appreciation has adversely affected inbound and domestic tourism while generating increased outbound tourism flows. The mining boom has also driven up labor costs, making it difficult for tourism stakeholders in mining areas to recruit and retain staff. This article highlights the importance of both tourism and mining to Australia, and the changes that are taking place in each sector. It employs a computable general equilibrium model to estimate the economic effects of the boom on Australia’s tourism industry and tourism market segments. A micro-level analysis, supplemented by input from key tourism organizations, then highlights the extent and range of tourism impacts associated with the boom, and the strategy implications for different groups of tourism stakeholders.
Faraway, so close! Proximity and distance in ethnography online
Authors: Bengtsson Stina
Published: July 2014

This article argues for a revised importance of distance, besides the much emphasized closeness, in the debate on and use of ethnographic methods in online environments. When returning to the founding fathers of ethnographic methods, distance is often put forward as a core aspect of ethnographic methods, something widely forgotten, or even rejected, in the current debate in the field. Space has been restructured by digital media technologies, and the spatial and temporal proximity of digital media cultures present new challenges for research methodologies. Based on the author’s own experiences of ethnographic fieldwork in digital cultures, and with Henri Lefebvre’s theory of everyday life as a rhythm as vantage point, it is here argued that distance, dialectically interlinked with closeness and proximity, should be given further attention in current research and debate on ethnographic methods used online.
The London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony and Its Polyphonous Aftermath
Authors: Oettler Anika
Published: July 2014

Global mega-events are widely perceived as a tool used by host countries’ elites to propagate national narratives. But how are the messages actually decoded by international publics? The article takes the case of the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony to reveal the multifaceted character of mediated responses to a global event. This case is particularly important for both postcolonial studies and globalization studies because the British self-presentation silenced the country’s imperial past. In the aftermath, there were varying degrees of both attention and interpretative depth. Most notably, the omission of the imperial past of the host country was not scandalized by most authors of the “global south.” Instead, newspaper reports were characterized by affirmation, localization, criticism, or benign neglect. Empirically, the study is based on online versions of 26 newspapers from Argentina, Cuba, Germany, Great Britain, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe, as well as British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Al Jazeera.
When you’re down and troubled: Views on the regulatory power of music
Authors: Shifriss Roni , Bodner Ehud , Palgi Yuval
Published: July 2014

This study examined people’s beliefs about the impact of music on the regulation of a bad mood. Participants ranging from 24 to 86 years of age ( n = 156) were asked whether they tend to listen to music when feeling bad, and if so, what is the mood of the music (i.e., sad or happy) they choose, and whether they believe that music can improve their mood. Participants completed the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, Music in Mood Regulation Inventory, and Brief Symptoms Inventory. Compared to those who do not listen to music when in a bad mood, participants who do reported directing more attention to their emotions and using strategies for mood regulation through music more intensively, and expressed a stronger belief in their ability to influence their mood through music. Compared to those who prefer listening to sad music when in a bad mood, listeners to happy music reported a stronger tendency to repair mood and a stronger belief in their ability to influence their mood through music. The choice of happy music when in a bad mood was more common among older participants. These results are discussed in relation to theories concerning the role of music in mood regulation in late adulthood.
Rotational and Translational Stability of Different Methods for Direct Acromioclavicular Ligament Repair in Anatomic Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction
Authors: Beitzel Knut , Obopilwe Elifho , Apostolakos John , Cote Mark P. , Russell Ryan P. , Charette Ryan , Singh Hardeep , Arciero Robert A. , Imhoff Andreas B. , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Many reconstructions of acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations have focused on the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments and neglected the functional contribution of the AC ligaments and the deltotrapezial fascia.

Purpose:

To compare the modifications of previously published methods for direct AC reconstruction in addition to a CC reconstruction. The hypothesis was that there would be significant differences within the variations of surgical reconstructions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 24 cadaveric shoulders were tested with a servohydraulic testing system. Two digitizing cameras evaluated the 3-dimensional movement. All reconstructions were based on a CC reconstruction using 2 clavicle tunnels and a tendon graft. The following techniques were used to reconstruct the AC ligaments: a graft was shuttled underneath the AC joint back from anterior and again sutured to the acromial side of the joint (group 1), a graft was fixed intramedullary in the acromion and distal clavicle (group 2), a graft was passed over the acromion and into an acromial tunnel (group 3), and a FiberTape was fixed in a cruciate configuration (group 4). Anterior, posterior, and superior translation, as well as anterior and posterior rotation, were tested.

Results:

Group 1 showed significantly less posterior translation compared with the 3 other groups ( P < .05) but did not show significant differences compared with the native joint. Groups 3 and 4 demonstrated significantly more posterior translation than the native joint. Group 1 showed significantly less anterior translation compared with groups 2 and 3. Group 3 demonstrated significantly more anterior translation than the native joint. Group 1 demonstrated significantly less superior translation compared with the other groups and with the native joint. The AC joint of group 1 was pulled apart less compared with all other reconstructions. Only group 1 reproduced the native joint for the anterior rotation at the posterior marker. Group 4 showed significantly increased distances for all 3 measure points when the clavicle was rotated posteriorly.

Conclusion:

Reconstruction of the AC ligament by direct wrapping and suturing of the remaining graft around the AC joint (group 1) was the most stable method and was the only one to show anterior rotation comparable with the native joint. In contrast, the transacromial technique (group 3) showed the most translation and rotation.

Clinical Relevance:

An anatomic repair should address both the CC ligaments and the AC ligaments to control the optimal physiologic function (translation and rotation).
Kinematics analysis and numerical simulation of a novel underactuated robot wrist
Authors: He Bin , Liu Wenzhen , Huang Shan
Published: July 2014

The kinematics of robot wrist refers to the motion information of a manipulator, such as positions, velocities, and accelerations. It is very crucial for analysing the behaviour of robot wrist using a suitable kinematics model with a result of many valuable contributions. However, current researches always focus on full-actuated robot wrist. The proposed underactuated robot wrist is a novel mechanism with small volume, lightweight, low cost, low energy consumption, and high flexibility, thus designing a robot wrist with fewer actuators than the degrees of freedom becomes an important issue. This article is devoted to kinematics analysis model of a novel underactuated robot wrist. After the novel understated robot wrist was introduced, the inverse kinematics analysis and forward kinematic analysis of the underactuated robot wrist with numerical simulation based on virtual prototyping were discussed in detail. The verification of the forward kinematic analysis and inverse kinematics analysis is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology.
The Difference “Hate” Makes in Clearing Crime
Authors: Lyons Christopher J. , Roberts Aki
Published: July 2014

Studying hate crime clearance rates provides an opportunity to uncover the factors that influence police effectiveness for a relatively new legal category—one that was designed ostensibly to protect minorities, and that may pose unique challenges for police reporting, defining, and investigation. Using multiple years (2005-2010) of data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), we estimate event history models to compare the incident-level predictors and relative probability of arrest for hate and nonbias crimes. As an aggregate category, we find hate crimes are less likely to clear than nonbias crimes. However, the most prototypical hate crimes—White-on-non-White incidents motivated by racial and ethnic bias—are as likely to clear as the most successfully cleared nonbias crimes. Our results suggest that only hate crimes that fit popular constructions of “normal victims and offenders” receive investigative outcomes comparable with otherwise similar nonbias offenses.
Normative Feedback and Adolescent Readiness to Change
Authors: Smith Douglas C. , Davis Jordan P. , Ureche Daniel J. , Tabb Karen M.
Published: July 2014

For adolescents with substance use problems, it is unknown whether the provision of normative feedback is a necessary active ingredient in motivational interviewing (MI). This study investigated the impact of normative feedback on adolescents’ readiness to change and perceptions of MI quality. Adolescents referred for substance use disorder (SUD) assessments were randomized to MI with normative feedback (NF; MI + NF, n = 26) or MI only (MI, n = 22). There were no significant differences between the MI + NF or MI conditions with reference to changes in readiness, and although not significant, there was a decline in readiness for the overall sample. Treatment satisfaction and ratings of MI quality were generally high with no between-group differences. Post hoc analyses revealed a nonsignificant trend where race interacted with treatment condition. Larger replication studies are needed to further study the effects of NF and potential NF by participant characteristic interactions.
Building a Bridge or Digging a Pipeline? Clinical Data Mining in Evidence-Informed Knowledge Building
Authors: Epstein Irwin
Published: July 2014

Challenging the “bridge metaphor” theme of this conference, this article contends that current practice–research integration strategies are more like research-to-practice “pipelines.” The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential of clinical data-mining studies conducted by practitioners, practitioner-oriented PhD students, and methodologically pluralist researchers to promoting a truly collaborative, two-way traffic in evidence-informed knowledge building.
Preparing Current and Future Practitioners to Integrate Research in Real Practice Settings
Authors: Thyer Bruce A.
Published: July 2014

Past efforts aimed at promoting a better integration between research and practice are reviewed. These include the empirical clinical practice movement (ECP), originating within social work; the empirically supported treatment (EST) initiative of clinical psychology; and the evidence-based practice (EBP) model developed within medicine. The presence of ECP and EST has diminished within the disciplinary literatures, largely replaced by the thriving EBP approach. One serious problem is that EBP is erroneously conflated with the less sophisticated EST model. Apart from embracing EBP, a number of other suggestions are provided to enhance the role of contemporary research in practice decisions. These include strengthening the professional ethical codes relating to clients’ rights to effective treatments, insurance policies which preferentially reimburse effective interventions, and ways to encourage practitioners to undertake research themselves or in collaboration with academics. The article concludes by highlighting the significant practice research careers of four exemplary social workers, Gail Steketee, Myrna Weissman, Stephen Wong, and Gerard Hogarty.
Barriers and Strategies to an Iterative Model of Advance Care Planning Communication
Authors: Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Bekelman David B. , Huynh Alexis K. , Prendergast Thomas J. , Shreve Scott , Lorenz Karl A.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Early and repeated patient–provider conversations about advance care planning (ACP) are now widely recommended. We sought to characterize barriers and strategies for realizing an iterative model of ACP patient–provider communication.

Methods:

A total of 2 multidisciplinary focus groups and 3 semistructured interviews with 20 providers at a large Veterans Affairs medical center. Thematic analysis was employed to identify salient themes.

Results:

Barriers included variation among providers in approaches to ACP, lack of useful information about patient values to guide decision making, and ineffective communication between providers across settings. Strategies included eliciting patient values rather than specific treatment choices and an increased role for primary care in the ACP process.

Conclusions:

Greater attention to connecting providers across the continuum, maximizing the potential of the electronic health record, and linking patient experiences to their values may help to connect ACP communication across the continuum.
Vascular Dysfunction in Patients With Young β-Thalassemia
Authors: Adly Amira Abdel Moneam , El-Sherif Nayera Hazaa , Ismail Eman Abdel Rahman , El-Zaher Yosra Abd , Farouk Amal , El-Refaey Asmaa Mohamed , Wahba Mohammed Samy
Published: July 2014

We aimed to study the endothelial dysfunction among children and adolescents with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia using von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) and flow cytometric analysis of circulating CD144+ endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and endothelial progenitor cells (CD34+VEGFR2+) and assess their relation to iron overload, erythropoietin and chelation therapy as well as echocardiographic parameters and carotid intima–media thickness. The VWF:Ag, EMPs, and CD34+VEGFR2+ cells were significantly higher among patients with β-thalassemia than controls ( P < .001). The type of chelation and patients’ compliance did not influence the results. No significant correlations were found between the studied vascular markers. Patients with evident heart disease had higher VWF: Ag, EMPs, and CD34+VEGFR2+ cells than those without. Carotid intima–media thickness was increased among patients but not correlated with vascular markers. We suggest that procoagulant EMPs and VWF: Ag are involved in cardiovascular complications in patients with young β-thalassemia. CD34+VEGFR2+ cells were further increased in response to tissue injury contributing to reendothelialization and neovascularization.
Condition-based monitoring system for rolling element bearing using a generic multi-layer perceptron
Authors: de Almeida Luis F , Bizarria José WP , Bizarria Francisco CP , Mathias Mauro H
Published: July 2014

Rolling element bearings are critical mechanical components in rotating machinery and fault detection in the early stages of damage is important to prevent their malfunctioning and failure. Vibration monitoring is the most widely used and cost-effective monitoring technique to detect, locate and distinguish faults in rolling element bearings. This paper purposes single hidden layer architecture for fault diagnosis of rolling element bearings. The particular of this proposed architecture is its ability to generalize for solving both basic classification and fault identification. The network uses the features of time-domain vibration signals with normal and defective bearings. The Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) was trained and tested with a set of experimental data obtained from previous experiments developed by FEG, CWRU and RANDALL laboratories. The results show the effectiveness of the MLP to diagnose the machine condition for the various data used.
Multiprofessional Primary Care Units
Authors: Armeni Patrizio , Compagni Amelia , Longo Francesco
Published: July 2014

Multiprofessional primary care models promise to deliver better care and reduce waste. This study evaluates the impact of such a model, the primary care unit (PCU), on three outcomes. A multilevel analysis within a “pre- and post-PCU” study design and a cross-sectional analysis were conducted on 215 PCUs located in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Seven dimensions captured a set of processes and services characterizing a well-functioning PCU, or its degree of vitality. The impact of each dimension on outcomes was evaluated. The analyses show that certain dimensions of PCU vitality (i.e., the possibility for general practitioners to meet and share patients) can lead to better outcomes. However, dimensions related to the interaction and the joint works of general practitioners with other professionals tend not to have a significant or positive impact. This suggests that more effort needs to be invested to realize all the potential benefits of the PCU’s multiprofessional approach to care.
Tighter Contracts or More Trust? Outsourcing in Finnish Water Utilities
Authors: Heino Ossi , Katko Tapio S. , Pietilä Pekka E.
Published: July 2014

This article discusses the outsourcing of water utility operations and the prerequisites for successful partnerships between water utilities and external service providers. A questionnaire survey in Finland indicated that the outsourcing of various water utility operations will increase in the future. This trend includes great opportunities to utilize the best features of external service providers and efficiently develop the water services sector. However, the outsourcing also includes risks because there is a lack of trust between water utilities and private companies. Therefore, “hard,” rigid contracts are preferred to reduce the uncertainty in outsourcing such undertakings. In uncertain conditions, this approach may not be an effective and fruitful development path in the long term. If relationships are more trust based, uncertainty can actually strengthen these relationships. Thus, more attention should be paid to building trust instead of intensively attempting to reduce uncertainty.
A Latent Class Analysis of Weight-Related Health Behaviors Among 2- and 4-Year College Students and Associated Risk of Obesity
Authors: Mathur Charu , Stigler Melissa , Lust Katherine , Laska Melissa
Published: July 2014

Little is known about the complex patterning of weight-related health behaviors in 2- and 4-year college students. The objective of this study was to identify and describe unique classes of weight-related health behaviors among college students. Latent class analysis was used to identify homogenous, mutually exclusive classes of nine health behaviors that represent multiple theoretically/clinically relevant dimensions of obesity risk among 2- versus 4-year college students using cross-sectional statewide surveillance data ( N = 17,584). Additionally, differences in class membership on selected sociodemographic characteristics were examined using a model-based approach. Analysis was conducted separately for both college groups, and five and four classes were identified for 2- and 4-year college students, respectively. Four classes were similar across 2- and 4-year college groups and were characterized as “mostly healthy dietary habits, active”; “moderately high screen time, active”; “moderately healthy dietary habits, inactive”; and “moderately high screen time, inactive.” “Moderately healthy dietary habits, high screen time” was the additional class unique to 2-year college students. These classes differed on a number of sociodemographic characteristics, including the proportion in each class who were classified as obese. Implications for prevention scientists and future intervention programs are considered.
Complications associated with corrective surgery for patellar luxation in 85 feline surgical cases
Authors: Rutherford Lynda , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J , Whitelock Richard J , Arthurs Gareth Ian
Published: July 2014

The objective was to review surgical techniques and postoperative complications of surgical correction for patellar luxation (PL) in cats. A retrospective study evaluating 85 surgeries in 71 cats was performed. The records from four referral centres were searched for cats with surgical management of PL. Signalment, history, PL grade and direction, corrective surgical techniques and outcome were retrieved. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to interrogate relationships between case features, surgical correction methods and outcomes. The outcomes were classified as minor and major complications (requiring revision surgery), including continued PL (reluxation). Postoperative complications occurred in 26% of cases; 20% had major complications, including 5% patellar reluxation, and 6% had minor complications. Cats with previous ipsilateral femoral fracture were significantly more likely to suffer complications, including minor ( P = 0.02, odds ratio = 12.67), major ( P = 0.03, OR = 7.2) and patellar reluxation ( P = 0.01, OR = 19.25). Minor complications were significantly more likely with grade 4 PL ( P = 0.03, OR = 8.5). Major complications were significantly more likely with tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT; P = 0.03, OR = 5.57). Patellar reluxation was significantly more likely if stifle surgery had been performed previously ( P = 0.05, OR = 8.00). The presence of bilateral PL, hip dysplasia, grade 1, 2 or 3 PL, corrective surgery using an anti-rotational suture or femoral sulcoplasty did not influence complications. Complications were more likely for grade 4 PL, previous ipsilateral femoral fracture, if TTT was performed and for cases with previous stifle surgery. This information allows consideration of risks and complicating factors.
Saints and evil and the wayside shrines of Mauritius
Authors: Colwell-Chanthaphonh Chip , de Salle-Essoo Maya
Published: July 2014

This article discusses the cultural practice of constructing wayside shrines in the Black River district of Mauritius. Using interdisciplinary methods, the authors map the material practices of shrine-making, examine their historical and social contexts, and investigate their contemporary cultural meanings and values. The Mauritian tradition draws important parallels to what scholars have termed ‘spontaneous shrines’ but is a singular material expression of popular religion that is deliberate, often durable, apolitical, profoundly religious, and inextricably tied to the supernatural. In Black River, the majority of roadside shrines are grounded in a local folk Catholic tradition, derived from beliefs about the power of saints in everyday lives, the co-dependent relationship between the living and the dead, and the omnipresence of evil in the world. These shrines are complex sites that materially locate Catholic believers in the country’s varied ethnic geography, yet they also work as an articulation of popular religion that creates a unique intercultural space.
Power in praise: Exploring online compliments on luxury hotels in Malaysia
Authors: Khoo-Lattimore Catheryn , Ekiz Erdogan H
Published: July 2014

Compliments are not only an indication of satisfaction but a broader range of motives relating to consumer behavior. They represent a potent form of feedback to businesses and their potential for helping to shape both organizational and individual behaviors may be greater than that of customer complaints. Despite the constantly increasing number of published work on the use of internet in hospitality literature, relatively little has been written on how guests use the internet to share their positive experiences. Keeping this in mind, this present research seeks to examine the compliments posted by guests who have stayed at five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This paper identifies, through a qualitative analysis of 220 scripts, the kinds of compliments given and provides important implications to hoteliers. The results show “rooms,” “staff,” “food,” “services,” and “location” are the top five factors that guests applause. Discussion of these findings and implications of the results are also provided.
The effective performance measures for store managers on restaurant chain growth
Authors: Lin Wei-Shong , Tou Jen-Chun , Yeh Ming-Yih
Published: July 2014

Chain organization has become the most prevalent form of the restaurant industry. Facing asymmetric information, however, many chains encounter difficulties in monitoring chain store managers who serve different markets. A proper incentive scheme for store managers must be designed to solve the agency problem. However, measuring performance is a critical element of any incentive system. Thus, this study examined the appropriate performance measures of assessing the performance of a store manager. Results revealed that emphasizing quality-related performance measures of assessing store managers produces significant effects on chain growth. Furthermore, placing greater emphasis on quality-related performance measures produces a greater effect on chain growth if the operation can be easily standardized. Contrary to the negative effect of stock-based compensation, bonus-based compensation could strengthen the positive relationship between quality-related performance measures and chain growth. The alignment among quality-related performance measures, operation standardization, and reward modes was considered crucial for managing restaurant chains.
Using epidemiological survey data to examine factors influencing participation in parent-training programmes
Authors: Morawska Alina , Dyah Ramadewi Mikha , Sanders Matthew R
Published: July 2014

Evidence-based parent-training programmes aim to reduce child behaviour problems; however, the effects of these programmes are often limited by poor participation rates. This study proposes a model of parent, child and family factors related to parental participation in parenting interventions. A computer-assisted telephone interview was used to survey parents of 4- to 7-year-old children ( N = 2999). Logistic regression analyses showed that several parent and child variables were predictive of participation. In contrast, family variables, and other parent and child variables were not. Hierarchical multiple logistic regression showed that parental help-seeking behaviour and parenting style were the only significant predictors of participation. Mediation analyses found that help-seeking behaviour was a mediator between perceived child behaviour problems and participation, help-seeking behaviour was a mediator between parental depression and participation, perceived child behaviour problems was a partial mediator between parenting style and participation and parental depression was a partial mediator between perceived child behaviour problems and participation. Overall, the model was partially supported. The results extend previous research into parental participation in parenting programmes.
Cell Phone and Face-to-face Interview Responses in Population-based Surveys
Authors: Mahfoud Ziyad , Ghandour Lilian , Ghandour Blanche , Mokdad Ali H. , Sibai Abla M.
Published: July 2014

Findings on the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the use of cellular phones vis-à-vis face-to-face interviews in investigating health behaviors and conditions are presented for a national epidemiological sample from Lebanon. Using self-reported responses on identical questions, percentage agreement, κ statistics, and McNemar’s test were used to make the comparisons. Concordance was almost perfect (κ statistics, κ > .8) for measures including age, health insurance, cigarette smoking (ever and current), and diabetes; and substantial (0.6 ≤ κ ≤ 0.8) for other measures such as education, water pipe smoking, alcohol consumption, and hypertension. Moreover, cell phone interviewing saved approximately US$14 per person interviewed. Future research on their use for health research purposes in Lebanon and the region should address their use alone or in combination with landlines in obtaining nationally representative samples.
Challenges, Choices, and Decisions of Women in Higher Education
Authors: Ortega-Liston Ramona , Rodriguez Soto Isa
Published: July 2014

This research examined challenges, choices, and decisions of women professors in higher education. Special attention was given to Latina professors. This article reviewed the literature on established theories of representative bureaucracy and contextualized faculty women, especially Latinas, in this proportional representation framework. Answers were sought to three research questions: Are Hispanic, Black, and Asian women keeping pace with their White peers in higher education; are women as a group in higher education keeping pace with their male counterparts; and what obstacles, if any, must female professors overcome? Study results suggest that although women comprise nearly half of all postsecondary teachers, they are not keeping pace with White males in terms of promotion to tenured professorships. Education demographics illustrate that Latinas, in particular, are not achieving tenure and promotion and are not proportionately represented in higher education suggesting that mentoring may be a key variable to promotion within higher education.