bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Kinds of Advising Are Important to Community College Pre- and Posttransfer Students?
Authors: Allen Janine M. , Smith Cathleen L. , Muehleck Jeanette K.
Published: November 2013

Educators assert that academic advising before and after transferring enhances the success of baccalaureate degree-seeking students who begin at community colleges. Yet, there is little research that investigates the kinds of advising that are differentially important to pre- versus posttransfer students. In this study, we examined the importance ascribed to 12 advising functions by two groups: (a) students enrolled at two community colleges who intended to transfer to 4-year institutions and (b) students enrolled at five universities who had transferred from one of the study community colleges. Pretransfer students differed significantly from posttransfer students in their ratings of 7 of the 12 functions. Results highlight the kinds of advising that are particularly important to pretransfer students, as well as advising functions that are highly valued by both groups. Implications for advising practices at 2- and 4-year institutions are discussed.
Role of Community Colleges in the Implementation of Postsecondary Education Enrollment Policies for Undocumented Students
Authors: Nienhusser H. Kenny
Published: November 2013

This article examines the case of how the City University of New York (CUNY)—its central administrative offices and two of its community colleges—has addressed the issue of college access for undocumented immigrants in its implementation of New York’s college in-state resident tuition (ISRT) policy for this population. It highlights the role of implementers—those individuals who make day-to-day decisions and whose responsibility it is to carry out mandates—and policy ambiguity in the execution of policies. A total of 19 individuals ranging from interest group representatives, local community-based organization officials, CUNY central administrative office officials, and staff from two community colleges were interviewed. This investigation finds that CUNY’s central administrative offices have devoted a fair amount of resources on disseminating the availability of ISRT for undocumented immigrants and attempts to ensure proper institutional implementation of the state’s policy as interpreted by its system-level policy. Day-to-day implementation measures at CUNY and its individual community colleges included two processes: application for admission and residency verification. Furthermore, community colleges, to varying degrees, have developed outreach efforts that have focused on disseminating the availability of this policy and to a certain extent its procedures via one-on-one counseling and written communication. Last, this article concludes with implications for the literature and institutional policies and practices to increase the level of students enrolled in community colleges.
Global stabilization via homogeneous output feedback for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to time delays
Authors: Chai Lin , Qian Chunjiang
Published: November 2013

This paper addresses the problem of global output feedback stabilization for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to time delay. Using the homogeneous domination approach, we first construct a homogeneous output feedback controller with an adjustable scaling gain. With the aid of a homogeneous Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the scaling gain is adjusted to dominate the time-delay nonlinearities bounded by homogeneous growth conditions and render the closed-loop system globally asymptotically stable. As a special case, a linear output feedback controller with a tunable scaling gain is constructed to globally stabilize time-delay systems under a linear growth condition. In addition, we also show the proposed approach is applicable to the time-delay systems under lower-order growth conditions and non-triangular growth conditions.
Distinguishing Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior From Stereotypy
Authors: Chok James T. , Koesler Bryan
Published: November 2013

The current project was an initial attempt to develop assessment procedures for distinguishing between obsessive-compulsive (OC) and stereotypic behavior and evaluate the impact of different treatments for these behaviors. Two individuals with autism, one with repetitive behavior characteristic of OC behavior and one with repetitive behavior not characteristic of OC behavior, participated in the study. In Experiment 1, given that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) report experiencing unpleasant urges that are relieved when they perform compulsive actions, an attempt was made to identify these experiences by measuring heart rate and affect when access to repetitive behavior was restricted and allowed. In Experiment 2, a multiple schedules treatment was conducted with each participant, and in Experiment 3, the participant with autism and OC behavior completed exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment. The overall results across studies suggest that one potential way to discriminate between OC behavior and stereotypy in nonvocal children with autism is to consider the topography of repetitive behavior along with changes in physiology and affect. In addition, it may be worth considering the use of ERP, a traditional treatment for OCD, to treat repetitive behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement if treatments that provide access to repetitive behavior are not effective.
The Impact of Race and Ethnicity on the Identification Process for Giftedness in Utah
Authors: Warne Russell T. , Anderson Braydon , Johnson Alyce O.
Published: November 2013

Many gifted education experts have found that Black, Hispanic, and Native American students are less likely to be identified for gifted programs than Asian American and White students. A study was conducted to ascertain the degree of underrepresentation of these groups in gifted programs in Utah. Using state-collected data from 14,781 students in six representative school districts in Utah, it was found through multiple logistic regression analysis that there was no statistically significant difference in the likelihoods that Black, Hispanic, or Native American students and White students would be identified as gifted; Asian American and Pacific Islander students were more likely to be identified as gifted than White students. After controlling for academic achievement and SES, it was found that all diverse demographic groups of students were more likely to be identified as gifted than White students, although the differences did not reach statistical significance for multiracial or Native American students. Further research into the nature and causes of disproportionate representation in gifted programs is suggested.
Applying RADAR with new business postgraduates
Authors: Cullen John G.
Published: November 2013

In a recent ‘research in practice’ article in the Journal of Information Science, Mandalios introduced the RADAR tool, which she designed to assist students evaluate online information. She pointed out that the tool, although supported by preliminary qualitative research conducted at her own institution, required further empirical investigation. This brief communication aims to contribute empirical evidence which supports the efficacy of RADAR as a tool for evaluating online information resources by discussing student feedback on the application of the tool in an introductory session to a taught postgraduate business class. The context in which the RADAR tool was deployed is discussed, data on student reactions to it is reported and implications for future research are discussed.
Molecular Alterations and Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Grady William M. , Pritchard Colin C.
Published: November 2013

The promise of precision medicine is now a clinical reality. Advances in our understanding of the molecular genetics of colorectal cancer (CRC) are leading to the development of a variety of biomarkers that are being used as early detection markers, prognostic markers, and markers for predicting treatment responses. This is no more evident than in the recent advances in testing CRCs for specific molecular alterations in order to guide treatment with the monoclonal antibody therapies cetuximab and panitumumab, which target the epidermal growth factor receptor. In this review, we update a prior review published in 2010 and describe our current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CRC and how these alterations relate to emerging biomarkers for early detection and risk stratification (diagnostic markers), prognosis (prognostic markers), and the prediction of treatment responses (predictive markers).
Rodent Intestinal Epithelial Carcinogenesis
Authors: Ward Jerrold M. , Treuting Piper M.
Published: November 2013

Colon cancer is a major human malignancy that afflicts millions of people throughout the world each year. Genetics and diet play large roles in colon carcinogenesis although chemicals may also contribute. For the past 40 years, scientists have studied experimentally induced intestinal carcinogenesis in rodents in order to elucidate the etiology and mechanisms involved. Comparative histopathology has revealed many similarities of rodent and human intestinal cancers. Comparative molecular pathology has also shown genetic similarities. More recently, genetically engineered mice and inflammatory colon cancer models have been used for investigating mechanisms and potential chemopreventive and treatment modalities. This review will focus on comparative histopathology and nonclinical models.
Gastric Parietal Cell Atrophy and Depletion after Administration of a Sphingosine-1-Phosphate 1 Inhibitor
Authors: Radi Zaher A. , Vogel Mark W.
Published: November 2013

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a major bioactive phospholipid, which binds to and activates a family of five G-protein-coupled receptors designated as S1P 1 (S1P1) through S1P5. The S1P1 receptor subtype, expressed primarily on lymphocytes, is known to play a critical role in the regulation of lymphocyte trafficking. S1P1 inhibitors result in the inhibition of lymphoid cell trafficking and are of interest to treat various inflammatory conditions. In this study, we describe a gastric finding associated with oral gavage administration of a small molecule S1P1 inhibitor to Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were administered an S1P1 inhibitor once daily for 4 weeks and necropsies were conducted at the end of the dosing phase, and clinical pathology and histopathologic examination were performed. Lymphopenia and changes in lymphoid tissues were noted and were consistent with the pharmacodynamic effects for S1P1 inhibitory action. Histopathologic examination of the stomach revealed atrophy and depletion of gastric parietal cells in the glandular portion of the stomach. There are no literature data to suggest that this gastric effect is related to S1P1 pharmacology. Therefore, the mechanism of the observed gastric lesion is likely chemotype mediated.
STP Position Paper
Authors: Nikula Kristen J. , McCartney Jeffrey E. , McGovern Timothy , Miller Glen K. , Odin Marielle , Pino Michael V. , Reed Matthew D.
Published: November 2013

The Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) appointed a working group to address risk assessment for increases in alveolar macrophages following inhalation of pharmaceutical materials. This position paper provides recommendations for inhalation study–specific terminology and interpretation based on literature and information from marketed inhaled drugs. Based on a weight-of-the-evidence approach, and with appropriate consideration of the physical and pharmacological characteristics of the compound, uncomplicated increases in the size or number of alveolar macrophages in nonclinical species are interpreted as nonadverse.
Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Murtaugh L. Charles
Published: November 2013

The past several decades have seen great effort devoted to mimicking the key features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in animals and have produced 2 robust models of this deadly cancer. Carcinogen-treated Syrian hamsters develop PDAC with genetic lesions, which reproduce those of human, including activation of the Kras oncogene, and early studies in this species validated nongenetic risk factors for PDAC including pancreatitis, obesity, and diabetes. More recently, PDAC research has been invigorated by the development of genetically engineered mouse models based on tissue-specific Kras activation and deletion of tumor suppressor genes. Surprisingly, mouse PDAC appears to arise from exocrine acinar rather than ductal cells, via a process of phenotypic reprogramming that is accelerated by inflammation. Studies in both models have uncovered molecular mechanisms by which inflammation promotes and sustains PDAC and identified targets for chemoprevention to suppress PDAC in high-risk individuals. The mouse model, in particular, has also been instrumental in developing new approaches to early detection as well as treatment of advanced disease. Together, animal models enable diverse approaches to basic and preclinical research on pancreatic cancer, the results of which will accelerate progress against this currently intractable cancer.
A Review of Animal Models of Nonneoplastic Pancreatic Diseases
Authors: Foster John R.
Published: November 2013

The nonneoplastic diseases of the human pancreas generally comprise the inflammatory and degenerative conditions that include acute and chronic pancreatitis, with cystic fibrosis being arguably one of the most important diseases that induce the condition. Both acute and chronic conditions vary in severity, but both can be life threatening; and because of this fact, the study of their progression, and their responsiveness to therapy, is largely conducted by indirect means using serum markers of damage and repair such as amylase and lipase activities that normally occur at very low levels in the circulation but can be significantly increased during inflammatory episodes. Progress in the understanding the pathogenesis of both conditions has therefore been largely due to time course studies in animal models of pancreatitis, and it is in this context that animal model development has been so significant. In general terms, the animal models can be divided into the invasive, surgical procedures, and those induced by the administration of chemical secretagogues that induce hypersecretion of the pancreatic enzymes. The former include ligation and/or cannulation of the biliopancreatic ducts with infusion of solutions of various kinds, or the formation of closed duodenal loops. Secretagogue administration includes administration of caerulein or l-arginine in various protocols. An additional model involves administration of dibutyltin dichloride, which induces a partial blockage of the pancreatic ducts to induce pancreatic disease through enzymic reflux into the gland. The models have been invaluable in generating testable hypotheses for the human diseases. These hypotheses for the production of cellular damage as the initiating events in the disease include (1) intracellular chemical activation, (2) pancreatic secretion reflux, (3) intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and (4) intracellular production of free radicals.
The Effect of a Wellness Program on Adolescent Females
Authors: Chilton Jenifer M. , Haas Barbara K. , Gosselin Kevin P.
Published: November 2013

Guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a comprehensive wellness intervention on total wellness, physical fitness, and self-efficacy for health promoting behaviors in adolescent females, ages 14 to 19, enrolled in physical education (PE) classes in Grades 9 to 12. The intervention was administered in an experimental pre-test, post-test, two group design in rural east Texas. Participants ( n = 153) were randomly assigned to a 12-week intervention or control group. Independent t-tests to determine differences between the intervention and control groups were nonsignificant for overall wellness and physical fitness. The Wellness Essential-Self subscale score was significantly higher in the intervention group, t(64, 36) = 2.67, p = .005, d = .84. Self-Efficacy Health Promotion subscale scores for the intervention group were also significantly higher, t(20,28) = 2.60, p = .006, d = .74. The intervention has potential to improve overall wellness in adolescent females.
Age at Menarche and Choice of College Major
Authors: Brenner-Shuman Anna , Waren Warren
Published: November 2013

Even though boys and girls in childhood perform similarly in math and spatial thinking, after puberty fewer young women pursue majors that emphasize abilities such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in college. If postpubertal feminization contributes to a lower likelihood of choosing STEM majors, then young women who enter puberty early should be the least likely to pursue those majors later in their education. In this study, we investigate the association between age at menarche and the choice of STEM major. We surveyed 150 undergraduate women from a variety of majors in a large, public university and created logistic regression models to estimate their likelihood of choosing a STEM major. We found that early-maturing girls are less likely to enter STEM majors. We posit that the earlier a young woman enters puberty, the earlier and more extensively she is affected by the “leaky pipeline.”
Exploring Followership in a Public Setting
Authors: Kim Chulwoo , Schachter Hindy Lauer
Published: November 2013

Based on data drawn from the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Human Capital Survey, as well as from data provided in written interviews, this study offers empirical evidence that followership mediates the relationship that exists between participative leadership and public organization performance.
“Foreigners and Women Have the Same Problems”
Authors: Woesthoff Julia
Published: November 2013

This article discusses the Alliance of German Women Married to Foreigners (Interessengemeinschaft der mit Ausländern verheirateten Frauen [IAF]) from its origins in 1972 until the mid-1980s. The IAF founders recognized that in Germany, women’s rights and foreigner rights were intricately linked; they worked to address both. Yet pursuing this dual-pronged approach over the next fifteen years, an increasingly hostile period for foreigners in Germany, exposed the challenges of working both for and with foreign men. The resulting tensions within the organization, highlighted in discussions over the inclusion of foreign men and women, ultimately led IAF women to broaden their organization’s scope and constituency. The IAF’s history reflects the gradual, and not always smooth, mutual recognition of Germany’s feminist and foreigner/citizenship rights advocacy communities. It also shows that in the 1970s and 1980s, it was not foreign but German women—specifically, those married to foreign men—who represented the confluence of these issues and grappled with their implications.
Colonial Families and Cultures of Health
Authors: Coleborne Catharine , Godtschalk Ondine
Published: November 2013

This article draws on both published and unpublished private family writing to examine how European settler colonial families in southeastern Australia and New Zealand negotiated worlds of sickness and health between 1850 and 1910. It argues that personal writing is a neglected yet rich repository for shedding light on colonial cultures of health across families and households in colonial Australia and New Zealand. In examining challenges to well-being and gendered lay health care practices inside domestic spaces, we glimpse more than worlds of health and treatment. Through their management of health and illness in private domestic spaces, the sense of well-being colonial families created for their members tells us something both about their emotional lives and cultures of colonialism.
The Theory of Collective Memory and the 1953 Short Creek Arizona Polygamous Raid
Authors: Adams Brooke , Wright Cheryl A. , Diener Marissa L. , Wright Scott D.
Published: November 2013

A key question in collective memory research is how such memories are created and shared over time. This study consisted of a qualitative content analysis of documentary artifacts to determine whether there is a collective memory of the 1953 Arizona Short Creek Raid and, if so, how it developed and contributes to an ongoing sense of identity for some Fundamentalist Mormons. The study found the 1953 Short Creek Raid is the basis for a collective memory. That memory was solidified during a “myth-making” period and is reinforced through family and community activities to perpetuate a common group identity among some present-day Fundamentalist Mormons.
Effect of calcium phosphate-based fillers on the structure and bonding strength of novel gelatin–alginate bioadhesives
Authors: Cohen Benny , Panker Maoz , Zuckerman Eyal , Foox Maytal , Zilberman Meital
Published: November 2013

Interest in soft and hard tissue adhesives as alternatives for conventional wound closing and bone fixation applications has increased in recent decades as a result of numerous possible advantages such as better comfort and lower cost. A novel bioadhesive based on the natural polymers GA has recently been developed and studied in our laboratory. Hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate are two bioactive ceramics known for their ability to enhance bone regeneration. In the current study, these two bioactive fillers were incorporated into the bioadhesive at concentrations of 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5% w/v, and their effects on the resulting adherence properties to soft and hard tissues were studied. Porcine skin and cortical portions of bovine femurs were used as soft and hard tissue specimens, respectively. The bonding strength was evaluated using an Instron universal testing machine in tensile mode, and the microstructure analysis was based on environmental scanning electron microscope observations . Both bioactive fillers were found to have a reinforcing effect on the adhesives, significantly improving their adhesion to soft tissues in certain concentrations. The best bonding strength results were obtained for 0.25% hydroxyapatite and 0.5% w/v tricalcium phosphate–18.1 ± 4.0 and 15.2 ± 2.6 kPa, respectively, compared with 8.4 ± 2.3 kPa for adhesive with no fillers. The improved adherence is probably related to the stiffness of the insoluble hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate particles which reinforce the adhesive. These particles can clearly be observed in the environmental scanning electron microscope analysis. The potential of these fillers to increase the bonding strength of the adhesive to hard tissues was also demonstrated. Hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate thus improve our new gelatin–alginate bioadhesives, which can be used for both soft and hard tissue adhesive applications.
It’s a Matter of Trust
Authors: Leung Lai-ching
Published: November 2013

This article aims to examine the intervention approach of the police in handling domestic violence and the reasons behind the inactive response of police to domestic violence situations in Hong Kong. The study adopted a qualitative approach to data collection that included 20 in-depth interviews to survivors and 2 interviews to police officers. Findings of this study show that the police are likely to adopt a non-intervention or mediation approach rather than arrest approach because of their distrust of abused women. The police have different reactions in responding to domestic violence issues namely (1) stereotyping the victims, (2) cynical interpretation of women’s motivation in reporting, and (3) disbelieve the problem is solvable. All these reactions are associated with the trust of the police that hold on domestic violence issues stems from the dominant patriarchy ideology. The beliefs of police are shaped by the male-dominated police occupational culture, which is characterized by sexism and suspicion. Such beliefs coupled with traditional family values and the dependency discourses prevalent in society have concealed the truth and reality of domestic violence.
Pre-Service Teacher Training in Classroom Management
Authors: Freeman Jennifer , Simonsen Brandi , Briere Donald E. , MacSuga-Gage Ashley S.
Published: November 2013

Effective classroom management skills are essential for teachers. Unfortunately, many teachers do not receive adequate classroom management training prior to beginning their teaching careers and feel unprepared for the demands of managing student behaviors in their classrooms. In this article, we describe (a) the number of states with state policy that requires pre-service teachers to receive instruction in evidence-based classroom management practices and (b) the extent to which teacher preparation programs provide this instruction for pre-service teachers. The results of this review indicate that although effective classroom management practices have been identified, a significant gap exists between the effective classroom management research base and requirements for teacher training. As a result, many pre-service teachers may not be prepared to effectively manage student behavior upon completion of a teacher preparation program due to a lack of exposure to classroom management content.
Agnes Goes to Prison
Authors: Jenness Valerie , Fenstermaker Sarah
Published: November 2013

Historically developed along gender lines and arguably the most sex segregated of institutions, U.S. prisons are organized around the assumption of a gender binary. In this context, the existence and increasing visibility of transgender prisoners raise questions about how gender is accomplished by transgender prisoners in prisons for men. This analysis draws on official data and original interview data from 315 transgender inmates in 27 California prisons for men to focus analytic attention on the pursuit of “the real deal”—a concept we develop to reference a dynamic related to how gender is accomplished by transgender inmates. Specifically, among transgender inmates in prisons for men, there is competition for the attention and affection of “real men” in prisons: the demonstrable and well-articulated desire to secure standing as “the best girl” in sex segregated institutional environments. Our empirical examination sheds light on the gender order that underpins prison life, the lived experience of gender and sexuality for transgender inmates in prisons for men, and how that experience reveals new aspects of the workings of gender accountability.
“Don’t Deport Our Daddies”
Authors: Das Gupta Monisha
Published: November 2013

New York based Families For Freedom (FFF) is among a handful of organizations that directly organize deportees and their families. Analyzing the organization’s resignification of criminalized men of color as caregivers, I argue that current deportation policies and practices reorganize care work and kinship while tying gender and sexuality to national belonging. These policies and practices severely compromise the ability of migrant communities to socially reproduce themselves. Furthermore, the convergence of criminalization and immigration enforcement renders the kinship ties of deportable men illegible, and justifies their separation from their loved ones. Since FFF publicly supports men with criminal convictions, it reveals that its members become targets of deportation precisely because they do not and cannot conform to heteronormative prescriptions.
Measuring Moral Rhetoric in Text
Authors: Sagi Eyal , Dehghani Morteza
Published: November 2013

In this paper we present a computational text analysis technique for measuring the moral loading of concepts as they are used in a corpus. This method is especially useful for the study of online corpora as it allows for the rapid analysis of moral rhetoric in texts such as blogs and tweets as events unfold. We use latent semantic analysis to compute the semantic similarity between concepts and moral keywords taken from the “Moral foundation Dictionary”. This measure of semantic similarity represents the loading of these concepts on the five moral dimensions identified by moral foundation theory. We demonstrate the efficacy of this method using three different concepts and corpora.
Linguistic Factors Associated With Propagation of Political Opinions in Twitter
Authors: Dyagilev Kirill , Yom-Tov Elad
Published: November 2013

In the last decade, social networks have emerged as a significant media platform for dissemination of political information. In this article, we characterize linguistic factors that affect the dissemination of a political message on Twitter. This is important because characterization of messages that were posted by users from both political camps can provide a unique insight into how rival audiences can be reached. We analyze about 20,000 Twitter users who expressed explicit support for Barack Obama or Mitt Romney during the 2012 U.S. presidential election. We extracted approximately 344,000 tweets by these users that contained links to political webpages and appeared in the 3 months prior to the election. We show that the language used in a linked page is correlated with the page's popularity in terms of the total number of users that post a link to this page. Pages that are written in a more Republican language are posted by a larger number of users than Democrat-leaning pages. We also observe that pages that use highly polarized language are generally posted by users from a single political camp. Pages that are reposted by both Romney and Obama supporters are usually written in a relatively neutral language. In addition, when the user is a Republican, the text accompanying a retweeted page is likely to be modified, usually to refute information that conflicts with the user's viewpoint.
Motives for Active Participation in Political Blogs
Authors: Greuling Kathrin , Kilian Thomas
Published: November 2013

Blogs play an important role in political communication and in forming the opinions of political actors and politically interested users. Their ability to facilitate active interaction, present opinions, mobilize voters, and thereby, influence public opinion and eventually election outcomes makes political blogs an interesting research subject. Thus, this article draws upon a qualitative content analysis to reveal the readers’ motivations and main themes to post comments and get involved in the discussions on political blogs. We analyze 12 blog discussions (500 pages) in eight left-leaning German political blogs and use qualitative content analysis to develop a category scheme comprising of 3,868 codings. We find that social interaction with other blog users is the main motive for blogging on German political blogs together with the desire for the exchange of further information and analysis, and the expression of the own opinion concerning the subject. Moreover, we classify 191 users by their motivations for blogging using cluster analysis and identify the bloggers’ different communication roles. By providing insight into the users’ political discussions, motives for participation, and communication roles, we clarify the role that political blogs play in the process of forming political opinion and derive implications for politics.
Prevalence and Patterns of Alcohol Misuse in a Community-Dwelling Elderly Sample in Brazil
Authors: Nogueira Eduardo Lopes , Cataldo Neto Alfredo , Cauduro Maria Heloísa Fialho , Ulrich Luiz Eduardo Flores , Spanemberg Lucas , DeCarli Geraldo A. , Gomes Irenio
Published: November 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence and patterns of lifetime alcohol misuse. Method: This was a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 1,078 individuals aged 60 or more. Structured interview included sociodemographic, lifestyle, health data, and the five alcohol misuse screening questions of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of misuse was 6.5%. Men, aged 60 to 69, low educational level, separated/divorced, and tobacco smoking were independently associated with lifetime alcohol misuse. Odds ratios show increasing association with levels of alcohol misuse groups in males, low-educated, and tobacco users. Persons aged 60 to 69, 4 to 7 education years, and non-White ethnicity were significantly associated with the major alcohol misuse score. Discussion: Younger elderly were more exposed to alcohol than previous cohorts. Thus, problems with alcohol in old age will possibly increase as they grow older. The results of this study call attention to a field of lacking evidence in alcohol-related problems of older persons.
Thermal analysis of a three-layered radiant porous heat exchanger including fluid flow simulation
Authors: Sajedi M , Nassab SA Gandjalikhan , Javaran E Jahanshahi
Published: November 2013

Based on an effective energy conversion method between flowing gas enthalpy and thermal radiation, a three-layered type of porous heat exchanger (PHE) has been proposed. The PHE has one high temperature (HT) and two heat recovery (HR1 and HR2) sections. In HT section, the enthalpy of gas flow converts to thermal radiation and the opposite process happens in HR1 and HR2. In each section, a 2-D rectangular porous medium which is assumed to be absorbing, emitting and scattering is presented. For theoretical analysis of the PHE, the gas and solid phases are considered in non-local thermal equilibrium and separate energy equations are used for these two phases. Besides, in the gas flow simulation, the Fluent code is used to obtain the velocity distribution in the PHE from inlet to outlet section. For thermal analysis of the PHE, the coupled energy equations for gas and porous layer at each section are numerically solved using the finite difference method. In the computation of radiative heat flux distribution, the radiative transfer equation (RTE) is solved by the discrete ordinates method (DOM). The effects of scattering albedo, optical thickness, particle size of porous medium and inlet gas temperature on the efficiency of PHE are explored. Numerical results show that this type of PHE has high efficiency especially when the porous layers have high optical thickness. The present results are compared with those reported theoretically by other investigators and reasonable agreement is found.
Free vibration characteristics of functionally graded structures by an isogeometrical analysis approach
Authors: Taheri Alireza Hassanzadeh , Abolbashari Mohammad Hossein , Hassani Behrooz
Published: November 2013

An improved methodology based on isogeometric analysis (IGA) approach is suggested to investigate the free vibration characteristics of functionally graded structures. The proposed method, which can be considered as an extension of the isogeometric analysis method to inhomogeneous elasticity, employs a fully isogeometric formulation for construction of the geometry, approximation of the solution as well as modelling the variations of material properties. The gradations of material properties are captured using the same NURBS basis functions employed for geometric and computational modelling by utilization of an interpolation technique. It will be seen that the proposed NURBS-based analysis method constitutes an efficient tool for studying integrated modelling and vibration analysis of functionally graded structures. Some numerical examples of 2D plane elasticity problems are presented and the effects of different types of unidirectional and bidirectional material profiles on dynamic characteristics of functionally graded structures are investigated. The obtained numerical results are verified with available exact elasticity solutions or the results of commercial finite element method software. It is shown that the difficulties encountered in free vibration analysis of functionally graded structures using the conventional finite element method are considerably circumvented by adopting the proposed procedure.
A model for fluid stiction of quickly separating circular plates
Authors: Resch M , Scheidl R
Published: November 2013

Fluid stiction is a force which is created by the average pressure difference between a fluid-filled, narrow, quickly opening gap and the surrounding pressure. It plays a negative role in compressor valve technology and in fast switching valves, since it hinders an immediate response of the valves to a changing driving force situation. In this paper, the axisymmetric fluid stiction problem is studied by analytical mathematical models and experiments performed on a specific test rig. The study shows that the stiction force in narrow gaps is dominated by the viscous flow as described by the Reynolds equation for lubricating gaps and by cavitation which occurs in a centre region if the gap opening speed exceeds a critical value. The cavitation zone first extends and then shrinks and, finally, gives rise to complex oscillation phenomena due to the impact of the fluid when the cavitation zone collapses. It was found experimentally that fluids can create negative pressure for very short time. Measures to limit the stiction force are a large initial gap height or additional fluid supply channels from the surrounding to the gap.
Utilizing the track panel displacement method for estimating vertical load effects on the lateral resistance of continuously welded railway track
Authors: Zakeri Jabbar Ali , Barati Meraj
Published: November 2013

The safe operation of continuously welded rail depends on its ability to laterally resist forces generated by vehicles. In recent decades, considerable improvement has been made in increasing the lateral resistance and stability of track. This has been achieved by using elastic rail fastenings, increasing the height and width of the ballast shoulder, and modifying the shape of the sleeper. This paper deals with the effect of the vertical load on the lateral resistance and stability of a railway track using frictional sleepers (with a ribbed underside) in comparison with conventional sleepers (with a flat underside). The test results prove that the vertical load has a significant effect on the increase in the track’s lateral resistance in both types of sleepers; however, it is more effective in the tracks with frictional sleepers.
Brand “you”: The emergence of social anxiety disorder in the age of enterprise
Authors: Hickinbottom-Brawn Sarah
Published: November 2013

An historical ontology is conducted to identify conditions that led to the emergence of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in the late 20th century. Using Hacking’s (1998) ecological niche framework, SAD is analyzed in terms of four interrelated vectors (medical taxonomy, observability, cultural polarity, release) against the backdrop of neoliberal enterprise culture and its accompanying conception of the ideal self as confident, bold, and striving. The analysis suggests SAD has flourished as a consequence of a complex array of interrelated sociocultural and historical factors that have enabled social discomfort to be viewed as pathological while promoting its occurrence.
Non-reversible geosystem destabilisation at 4200 cal. BP: Sedimentological, geochemical and botanical markers of soil erosion recorded in a Mediterranean alpine lake
Authors: Brisset Elodie , Miramont Cécile , Guiter Frédéric , Anthony Edward J , Tachikawa Kazuyo , Poulenard Jérôme , Arnaud Fabien , Delhon Claire , Meunier Jean-Dominique , Bard Edouard , Suméra Franck
Published: November 2013

A 144-cm-long core was obtained in Lake Petit (2200 m a.s.l., Mediterranean French Alps) in order to reconstruct past interactions between humans, the environment and the climate over the last five millennia using a multidisciplinary approach involving sedimentological, geochemical and botanical analyses. We show a complex pattern of environmental transformation. From 4800 to 4200 cal. BP, podzol-type soils progressively developed under forest cover. This stable situation was interrupted by a major detrital pulse at 4200 cal. BP that we consider as a tipping point in the environmental history. At this point, pedogenetic processes drastically regressed, leading to the development of moderately weathered soils. More frequent detrital inputs are recorded since 3000 cal. BP (ad 1050) as the human impact significantly increased in the catchment area. We conclude that destabilisation of the environment was triggered by climate and exacerbated by human activities to a stage beyond resilience.
Small bowel obstruction caused by a large B-cell lymphoma in a patient with multicentric Castleman’s disease
Authors: Montroni Isacco , Sabattini Elena , Ramadori Eleonora , Koprivica Vidak , Ugolini Giampaolo , Locatelli Francesca , Ghignone Federico , Rosati Giancarlo , Taffurelli Mario , Pileri Stefano
Published: November 2013

Multicentric Castleman’s disease is a rare condition of systemic nonclonal lymph node hyperplasia. Because of its strong association with human herpes virus 8 (HHV8), the multicentric, more aggressive, form may progress to Kaposi sarcoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While surgery is curative in the treatment of localized Castleman’s disease, operative treatment of the diffuse form has as yet been unsatisfactory. We report the case of a patient presenting with postprandial vomiting of 1 month duration consistent with partial small bowel obstruction secondary to terminal ileum intussusception. Resection of the small bowel showed a stenosing tumor triggering the intussusception. On pathological examination, the tumor was found to be composed of HHV8-positive plasmablastic lymphoma cells. To our knowledge, this represents the first case of a complication due to the progression of multicentric Castleman’s disease requiring surgical intervention for intussusception.
Update on Pharmacologic Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Harikrishnan Prakash , Palaniswamy Chandrasekar , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: November 2013

Warfarin, unfractionated heparin (UFH), and low-molecular-weight heparins are anticoagulants that have been used for treatment of pulmonary embolism. Currently approved drugs for treatment of venous thromboembolism include UFH, enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, warfarin, and rivaroxaban. The advent of newer oral anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban has provided us with alternative therapeutic options for long-term anticoagulation. This article will give an overview of the various anticoagulant drugs, use in various clinical scenarios, data supporting their clinical use, and recommendations regarding duration of anticoagulant therapy.
Comparative cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab-irinotecan-fluorouracil versus irinotecan-fluorouracil in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ruiz-Millo Oreto , Albert-Mari Asuncion , Sendra-Garcia Ana , Jimenez-Torres N Victor
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the addition of bevacizumab to the irinotecan-fluorouracil (Douillard regimen-CPT-FUFA-) in first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in a single-institution population.

Methods

Controlled, nonrandomized retrospective observational study. Treatment-naïve metastatic colorectal cancer patients received CPT-FUFA (January 2000-December 2003; control group) and bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA (January 2007-December 2010; study group). Variables related to: patient, clinical response (number of disease progression or death events, progression-free survival) and treatment (antineoplastic dose reduction, incremental cost/treated patient associated with the addition of bevacizumab). Statistical analysis: median progression-free survival (Kaplan-Meier method), and hazard ratio (Cox regression). Survival curves were compared (Mantel-Haenszel test).

Results

In all, 69 patients were included: 32 (57.2 years –95%CI: 54.0–60.5–, 65.6% men) in CPT-FUFA group and 37 (68.1 years – 95%CI: 65.5–70.7–, 78.4% men) in bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA group. The disease progression or death events were 29 (90.6%) in CPT-FUFA group and 34 (91.9%) in bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA group. Median progression-free survival was 10.1 months (95%CI: 7.1–12.2) in CPT-FUFA and 11.0 months (95%CI: 7.6–12.6) in bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA (hazard ratio = 1.22; 95%CI: 0.7–2.1). Dose reductions: irinotecan and fluorouracil 11% (range: 4–20) in 5/32 (15.6%) CPT-FUFA patients and 25% (range: 8–35) in 18/37 (48.6%) bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA patients; Bevacizumab 30% (range: 4–50) in 20/37 (54.1%) bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA patients. The incremental cost associated with the addition of bevacizumab was 12,696.5 (IC95%:10,860.8–14,532.1) euros/patient.

Conclusion

The addition of bevacizumab to the irinotecan-fluorouracil regimen, does not improve progression-free survival in our study population but increases costs per treated patient. These results potentially compromise the cost-effectiveness of the Bevacizumab_CPT-FUFA regimen.
Retrospective review of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients with leukemia
Authors: Fullmer Amber , McCue Deborah , Feng Chun
Published: November 2013

Background

The occurrence of nephrotoxicity with vancomycin is approximately 17%, but can increase to 35% when combined with other nephrotoxic agents. Patients with hematologic malignancies may be at greater risk for vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity due to nephrotoxic chemotherapy and tumor lysis syndrome.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of nephrotoxicity in adult patients with leukemia receiving vancomycin.

Methods

A retrospective review approved by the Institutional Review Board was conducted on adult patients with leukemia who received at least one dose of vancomycin during hospital admission between 1 January 2009 and 30 April 2009.

Results

Forty patients had an occurrence of nephrotoxicity (16%) while 210 patients did not have an occurrence of nephrotoxicity. In multivariate analysis, variables significantly associated with development of nephrotoxicity included active disease status (odds ratio, 4.38 [95% CI 1.1–29.4], p = 0.0291), concomitant intravenous acyclovir administration (odds ratio, 3.83 [95% CI, 1.6–8.9]; p = 0.0022), and concomitant amphotericin administration (odds ratio, 4.26 [95% CI, 1.9–9.4]; p = 0.0004).

Conclusion

The occurrence of nephrotoxicity in patients with leukemia treated with vancomycin was 16% in our study, similar to previously published reports. Active disease status and concomitant use of intravenous acyclovir and amphotericin were identified as significant risk factors for development of nephrotoxicity. The presence of risk factors for vancomycin nephrotoxicity should be evaluated prior to initiation of therapy to determine appropriateness of use.
Toxicological Assessment of Refined Naphthenic Acids in a Repeated Dose/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test
Authors: McKee Richard H. , North Colin M. , Podhasky Paula , Charlap Jeffrey H. , Kuhl Adam
Published: November 2013

Naphthenic acids (NAs) are primarily cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids with 10 to 16 carbons. To characterize the potential of refined NAs (>70% purity) to cause reproductive and/or developmental effects, Sprague-Dawley rats (12/group) were given oral doses of 100, 300, or 900 mg/kg/d, beginning 14 days prior to mating, then an additional 14 days for males or through lactation day 3 for females (up to 53 days) in a repeated dose/reproductive toxicity test (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD] 422). Potential mutagenic effects were assessed using Salmonella (OECD 471) and in in vivo micronucleus tests (OECD 474) using bone marrow taken from treated animals in the screening study described previously. Systemic effects included reduced terminal body weights, increased liver weights, and changes in a number of blood cell parameters. The overall no effect level for all target organ effects was 100 mg/kg/d. In the reproductive/developmental toxicity assessment, there were significant reductions in numbers of live born offspring in groups exposed to 300 and 900 mg/kg/d. The overall no effect level for developmental effects was 100 mg/kg/d. The data from the Salmonella and micronucleus tests provide evidence that refined NAs are not genotoxic.