bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of antiplatelet effects of prasugrel and ticagrelor in cynomolgus monkeys by an ELISA-based VASP phosphorylation assay and platelet aggregation
Authors: Tomizawa Atsuyuki , Ohno Kousaku , Jakubowski Joseph A. , Mizuno Makoto , Sugidachi Atsuhiro
Published: August 2013

Prasugrel is the third generation thienopyridine prodrug, and ticagrelor is a non-competitive direct acting P2Y12 antagonist. In phase 3 studies, both agents reduced ischaemic event rates compared to clopidogrel. The present in vitro human and monkey studies showed that ticagrelor’s active metabolite (AM) was more potent than ticagrelor and prasugrel’s AM on inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by light transmission aggregometry and ELISA-based vasodilatorstimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation assay. In contrast, on an oral dosage basis (mg/kg), prasugrel showed more potent platelet inhibition compared to ticagrelor on ex vivo aggregation and VASP phosphorylation assays in monkeys. Single oral doses of prasugrel (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) resulted in robust antiplatelet effects, which were sustained up to 24 hours after administration. Ticagrelor (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) also showed significant antiplatelet effects but its effects were diminished at 24 hours after the dosing. Repeat administration of prasugrel (1.8 mg/kg loading dose [LD], 0.3 mg/kg once daily maintenance dose [MD]) showed more rapid antiplatelet effects and longer duration of action throughout the entire day. Twice a day repeat administration of ticagrelor (10 mg/kg bid MD following a single 20 mg/kg LD) also showed significant antiplatelet effects but with more intra-day variability compared to prasugrel. The in vitro and ex vivo studies showed strong correlations between platelet aggregation and VASP phosphorylation for prasugrel, ticagrelor and their AMs. These strong correlations between platelet aggregation and VASP phosphorylation in non-human primates also suggest that ELISA-based human VASP assay can be utilised for non-human primate platelet studies.
Myocardial Conditioning
Authors: Ovize Michel , Thibault Hélène , Przyklenk Karin
Published: August 2013

Myocardial conditioning is an endogenous cardioprotective phenomenon that profoundly limits infarct size in experimental models. The current challenge is to translate this paradigm from the laboratory to the clinic. Accordingly, our goal in this review is to provide a critical summary of the progress toward, opportunities for, and caveats to, the successful clinical translation of postconditioning and remote conditioning, the 2 conditioning strategies considered to have the broadest applicability for real-world patient care. In the majority of phase II studies published to date, postconditioning evoked a ≈35% reduction of infarct size in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients. Essential criteria for the successful implementation of postconditioning include the appropriate choice of patients (ie, those with large risk regions and negligible collateral flow), timely application of the postconditioning stimulus (immediately on reperfusion), together with proper choice of end points (infarct size, with concomitant assessment of risk region). Remote conditioning has been applied in planned ischemic events (including cardiac surgery and elective percutaneous coronary intervention) and in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients during hospital transport. Controversies with regard to efficacy have emerged, particularly among surgical trials. These disparate outcomes in all likelihood reflect the remarkable heterogeneity within and among studies, together with a deficit in our understanding of the impact of these variations on the infarct-sparing effect of remote conditioning. Ongoing phase III trials will provide critical insight into the future role of postconditioning and remote conditioning as clinically relevant cardioprotective strategies.
“He” Had Me at Blue: Color Theory and Visual Art
Authors: Miller Barbara L.
Published: August 2013

Schopenhauer and Goethe argued that colors are dangerous: When philosophers speak of colors, they often begin to rant and rave. This essay addresses the confusing and treacherous history of color theory and perception. An overview of philosophers and scientists associated with developing theories leads into a discussion of contemporary perspectives: Taussig’s notion of a “combustible mixture” and “total bodily activity” and Massumi’s idea of an “ingressive activity” are used as turning points in a discussion of Roger Hiorns’s Seizure—an excruciatingly intoxicating installation.
A Seasonal Shift in the Frequency of Extreme Hydrological Events in Southern New York State
Authors: Matonse Adão H , Frei Allan
Published: August 2013

The recent sequence of extreme hydrological events across the eastern United States (e.g., Hurricane Irene in August 2011, Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011, and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012), which led to unprecedented flooding including in various parts in the study region, the Catskill Mountains, and Hudson River Valley in southern New York State, have raised the question of whether the frequency of extreme events across the region is changing. In this study variations in the frequency of extreme precipitation and streamflow events available from historical records are analyzed. This study finds that there has been a marked increase in the frequency of warm season (June–October) extreme hydrologic events during the last two decades, with an accelerated rate of increase since the mid-1990s. The most recent decade has the highest frequency of extreme warm season events in the last 100 years across the study region. No such trend is observed between November and May; in fact the frequency of 4-day extreme precipitation events during the cold period has declined during the last two decades.
Simulation and Projection of the Southern Hemisphere Annular Mode in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Zheng Fei , Li Jianping , Clark Robin T. , Nnamchi Hyacinth C.
Published: August 2013

Climate variability in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) extratropical regions is dominated by the SH annular mode (SAM). Future changes in the SAM could have a large influence on the climate over broad regions. In this paper, the authors utilized model simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) to examine projected future changes in the SAM during the austral summer [December–February (DJF)]. To start off, first, the ability of the models in reproducing the recently observed spatial and temporal variability was assessed. The 12 CMIP5 models examined were found to reproduce the SAM's spatial pattern reasonably well in terms of both the symmetrical and the asymmetric component. The CMIP5 models show an improvement over phase 3 of CMIP (CMIP3) in simulating the seesaw structure of the SAM and also give improvements in the recently observed positive SAM trend. However, only half the models appeared to be able to capture two major recent decadal SAM phases. Then, the future SAM trends and its sensitivity to greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations using simulations based on the representative concentration pathways 4.5 (RCP4.5) and 8.5 (RCP8.5) were explored. With RCP4.5, a very weak negative trend for this century is found. Conversely, with RCP8.5, a significant positive trend was projected, with a magnitude similar to the recently observed trend. Finally, model uncertainty in the future SAM projections was quantified by comparing projections from the individual CMIP5 models. The results imply the response of SH polar region stratospheric temperature to GHGs could be a significant controlling factor on the future evolution of the SAM.
Deciding to Cross
Authors: Ryo Emily
Published: August 2013

Why are there so many unauthorized migrants in the United States? Using unique survey data collected in Mexico through the Mexican Migration Project, I develop and test a new decision-making model of unauthorized labor migration. The new model considers the economic motivations of prospective migrants, as well as their beliefs, attitudes, and social norms regarding U.S. immigration law and legal authorities. My findings show that perceptions of certainty of apprehension and severity of punishment are not significant determinants of the intent to migrate illegally; however, perceptions of availability of Mexican jobs and the dangers of border crossing are significant determinants of these intentions. In addition, individuals’ general legal attitudes, morality about violating U.S. immigration law, views about the legitimacy of U.S. authority, and norms about border crossing are significant determinants of the intent to migrate illegally. Perceptions of procedural justice are significantly related to beliefs in the legitimacy of U.S. authority, suggesting that, all else being equal, procedural fairness may produce greater deference to U.S. immigration law. Together, the results show that the decision to migrate illegally cannot be fully understood without considering an individual’s underlying values and norms.
Pathways to Empowerment
Authors: Akchurin Maria , Lee Cheol-Sung
Published: August 2013

This article examines how different repertoires of women’s activism influence gender earnings equality across countries. We develop a typology of three forms of mobilization—professionalized women’s activism, labor women’s activism, and women’s activism in popular movements—emphasizing distinct actors, patterns of claims-making, and inter-organizational ties among women’s organizations and other civil society groups in multi-organizational fields. Based on data on membership and co-membership ties built using World Values Surveys, we test the effects of different repertoires of women’s activism on earnings equality between women and men in 51 countries. We also consider a gendered development model and the role of welfare states as main explanatory variables in accounting for the gap in earnings. Our findings suggest that even in the presence of these alternative explanations, women’s activism matters. Furthermore, women’s organizations with access to institutional politics, through either direct advocacy or ties to unions or professional associations, have had the most success in promoting gender earnings equality. Our research contributes to prior work on social movement outcomes by conceptualizing women’s mobilization in the context of fields and further testing its effects on distributional outcomes in a comparative perspective.
Syntactic Priming without Lexical Overlap in Reading Comprehension
Authors: Kim Christina S , Carbary Kathleen M , Tanenhaus Michael K
Published: August 2013

Syntactic priming without lexical overlap is well-documented in language production. In contrast, reading-time comprehension studies, which typically use locally ambiguous sentences, generally find syntactic priming only with lexical overlap. This asymmetry has led some researchers to propose that distinct mechanisms underlie the comprehension and production of syntactic structure. Instead, we propose that methodological differences in how priming is assessed are largely responsible for the asymmetry: in comprehension, lexical biases in a locally ambiguous target sentence may overwhelm the influence of syntactic priming effects on a reader’s interpretation. We addressed these issues in a self-paced reading study by (1) using target sentences containing global attachment ambiguities, (2) examining a syntactic structure which does not involve an argument of the verb, and (3) factoring out the unavoidable lexical biases associated with the target sentences in a mixed-effects regression model. Under these conditions, syntactic priming affected how ambiguous sentences were parsed, and facilitated reading times when target sentences were parsed using the primed structure. This resolves discrepancies among previous findings, and suggests that the same mechanism underlies syntactic priming in comprehension and production.
Rhythmic Patterning in Malaysian and Singapore English
Authors: Tan Rachel Siew Kuang , Low Ee-Ling
Published: August 2013

Previous work on the rhythm of Malaysian English has been based on impressionistic observations. This paper utilizes acoustic analysis to measure the rhythmic patterns of Malaysian English. Recordings of the read speech and spontaneous speech of 10 Malaysian English speakers were analyzed and compared with recordings of an equivalent sample of Singaporean English speakers. Analysis was done using two rhythmic indexes, the PVI and VarcoV. It was found that although the rhythm of read speech of the Singaporean speakers was syllable-based as described by previous studies, the rhythm of the Malaysian speakers was even more syllable-based. Analysis of the syllables in specific utterances showed that Malaysian speakers did not reduce vowels as much as Singaporean speakers in cases of syllables in utterances. Results of the spontaneous speech confirmed the findings for the read speech; that is, the same rhythmic patterning was found which normally triggers vowel reductions.
The prevalence, types and perceived outcomes of crisis episodes in early adulthood and midlife
Authors: Robinson Oliver C. , Wright Gordon R. T.
Published: August 2013

The objective of the study was to gain data on the prevalence, types and perceived outcomes of crisis episodes in three age decades of adult life: 20–29, 30–39 and 40–49. A further aim was to explore the relationship between crisis occurrence and empathy. A retrospective-autobiographical survey instrument and an empathy questionnaire were administered to 1023 UK-based adults. Prevalence data showed that crisis in the 20–29 decade was reported by 39% of men and 49% of women, while in the 30–39 decade 47% of men and 51% of women reported a crisis, and 46% of men and 59% of women reported a crisis occurring in the 40–49 decade. When prevalence rates were compared by participants’ current age, a recency effect in crisis reporting was apparent. Work-related crises were more common in men, while relationship and family were more common in female crisis. The most common crisis contents across decades and genders were divorce/relationship break-up and debt/financial difficulties. Post-crisis growth was significantly lower in the 40–44 age range in men than in other age ranges for both genders. There was a positive relationship between self-report empathy and number of crisis episodes experienced.
Reliability, Validity, and Associations With Sexual Behavior Among Ghanaian Teenagers of Scales Measuring Four Dimensions of Relationships With Parents and Other Adults
Authors: Bingenheimer Jeffrey B. , Asante Elizabeth A. , Ahiadeke Clement
Published: August 2013

Little research has been done on the social contexts of adolescent sexual behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. As part of a longitudinal cohort study ( N = 1275) of teenage girls and boys in two Ghanaian towns, interviewers administered a 26-item questionnaire module intended to assess four dimensions of youth–adult relationships: monitoring, conflict, emotional support, and financial support. Confirmatory factor and traditional psychometric analyses showed the four scales to be reliable. Known-groups comparisons provided evidence of their validity. All four scales had strong bivariate associations with self-reported sexual behavior (odds ratios = 1.66, 0.74, 0.47, and 0.60 for conflict, support, monitoring, and financial support, respectively). The instrument is practical for use in sub-Saharan African settings and produces measures that are reliable, valid, and predictive of sexual behavior in youth.
The New Reynell Developmental Language Scales: Descriptive account and illustrative case study
Authors: Letts Carolyn , Edwards Susan , Schaefer Blanca , Sinka Indra
Published: August 2013

This article describes the development of new scales for assessing the status of a young child’s language comprehension and production. Items and sections on the scales were included to reflect advances in research on language acquisition and impairment. The New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS) were trialled on 301 children and then standardized on a sample of 1,266 participants across the age range 2;00–7;06 years. Evaluations of reliability (internal and test–retest) and concurrent validity were carried out and also discriminant validity was evaluated with a further small sample of children with primary language impairment. Results are reported and discussed. An illustrative example of how the NRDLS could be used is given, in which the performance of a typically developing child and that of a matched child with primary language impairment are compared.
Anhedonia revisited: Is there a role for dopamine-targeting drugs for depression?
Authors: Argyropoulos Spilios V , Nutt David J
Published: August 2013

It is 16 years since we reviewed anhedonia in depression. Since then, there have been important developments in the study of anhedonia, mainly using the new techniques that neuroimaging made available, which provide very interesting new insights. It is becoming increasingly apparent that anhedonia, with psychomotor retardation, defines a dimension in depressive disorder that seems to be distinct from a dimension encompassing mood plus somatic symptoms. These dimensions can coexist, but may also be present separately. The first appears associated with disturbances (under-functioning) in dopamine function; the other appears to be related to a similar under-functioning in the serotonin system. Furthermore, anhedonia itself increasingly appears to be a composite symptom, consisting of at least two dimensions (i.e. a motivational/appetitive and a consummatory one). Depression appears to be characteristically linked more to the first one, in contrast to what was originally thought. We discuss the significance of the above in the evolving treatment of depression and the potential use of dopamine-targeting drugs.
Is routine preoperative spirometry necessary in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy?
Authors: Huh Jin , Sohn Tae-Sung , Kim Jin-Kyoung , Yoo Yeon-Kyeong , Kim Duk-Kyung
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To identify predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients aged ≥60 years who underwent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG), and to examine the value of preoperative spirometry to predict PPCs.

Methods

Patients with preoperative spirometric results who underwent LAG were retrospectively studied. Spirometry included four parameters: forced expiratory volume in 1 s; functional vital capacity; mean forced expiratory flow during middle of functional vital capacity; peak expiratory flow rate.

Results

Of 213 patients, overall incidence of PPCs was 19.2%. Abnormal spirometry findings were not identified as an independent predictor of PPCs using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Age was found to be the only independent predictor of PPCs out of all variables evaluated. Separate assessment of individual spirometric parameters using receiver-operating curve analyses indicated poor diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

Preoperative spirometry was not reliably predictive of PPCs, either as combined or individual parameters, in patients aged ≥60 years who underwent LAG. These results do not support routine use of spirometry to stratify risk of PPCs in this surgical population.
Perception of a tonal hierarchy derived from Korean music
Authors: Lantz Michael E. , Kim Jung-Kyong , Cuddy Lola L.
Published: August 2013

In two experiments, we assessed recovery of a tonal hierarchy in tone sequences. In Experiment 1, sequence tones were five tones of a Korean pentatonic scale plus seven nonscale tones located between scale tones. Sequences included all 12 tones, randomly ordered. Duration of scale tones in each sequence corresponded to the total duration of each tone in a piece of Korean music, as quantified by U. Nam (1998). Nonscale tones were shorter than scale tones. Listeners were either familiar or unfamiliar with the style of Korean music. Sequences were played 12 times, each time followed by 1 of 12 probe tones that had occurred in the sequence. Participants rated goodness-of-fit of the probe tone to the sequence. Ratings by both groups reflected the Korean tonal hierarchy including the relative salience of scale tones. Experiment 2 followed the same method and tones, but duration was assigned to tones quasi-randomly so that duration did not emphasize intervallic relationships in the Korean scale. Ratings differentiated long and short tones, but showed no other clear organization among long tones. Differences in results between experiments suggest that duration helps listeners organize pitch structure only when duration emphasizes intervallic relationships such as the near-perfect fifth.
Cyberbullying
Authors: Cappadocia M. Catherine , Craig Wendy M. , Pepler Debra
Published: August 2013

Although research on cyberbullying has recently begun to emerge, few researchers have used longitudinal data to explore this phenomenon in Canada. Using 1-year longitudinal data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Study conducted by the World Health Organization, we investigated the prevalence and stability and risk factors associated with cyberbullying, cybervictimization, and simultaneous cyberbullying and cybervictimization among 1,972 adolescents. Risk factors associated with cyberbullying included higher levels of antisocial behaviors and fewer prosocial peer influences. Risk factors associated with cybervictimization included being in the transition year for high school, as well as higher levels of traditional victimization and depression. Higher levels of traditional victimization were also associated with simultaneous cyberbullying and cybervictimization. Gender differences and implications of the findings are discussed.
Youth Perceptions of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Barriers to Treatment
Authors: Walker-Noack Lindsey , Corkum Penny , Elik Nezihe , Fearon Isabel
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to gain information about how youth with ADHD perceive this disorder and the barriers to treatment. Six focus groups were conducted in three locations within Nova Scotia (two of each: elementary school students, middle school students, high school students). Qualitative data was collected from 25 youth (aged 10 to 21) diagnosed with ADHD. Data analysis conducted through Ethnograph software revealed several themes: (a) participants did not perceive ADHD in a positive light; (b) youth recognized the need for intervention and identified school supports as particularly important; (c) youth reported both benefits and negative effects of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions; and (d) youth with ADHD perceived that the general public is misinformed about ADHD, which contributes to social stigma and stereotyping. The results have implications for school psychologists, who are in an ideal position to help demystify ADHD and to facilitate the collaboration between the youth, parents, and teachers.
Efficacy of Sublingual Lorazepam Versus Intrarectal Diazepam for Prolonged Convulsions in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Malu Célestin Kaputu Kalala , Kahamba Daniel Mukeba , Walker Timothy David , Mukampunga Caritas , Musalu Eric Mafuta , Kokolomani Jacques , Mayamba Richard Mukendi Kavulu , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Dubru Jean-Marie , Misson Jean-Paul
Published: August 2013

In Sub-Saharan Africa, intrarectal diazepam is the first-line anticonvulsant mostly used in children. We aimed to assess this standard care against sublingual lorazepam, a medication potentially as effective and safe, but easier to administer. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the pediatric emergency departments of 9 hospitals. A total of 436 children aged 5 months to 10 years with convulsions persisting for more than 5 minutes were assigned to receive intrarectal diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, n = 202) or sublingual lorazepam (0.1 mg/kg, n = 234). Sublingual lorazepam stopped seizures within 10 minutes of administration in 56% of children compared with intrarectal diazepam in 79% ( P < .001). The probability of treatment failure is higher in case of sublingual lorazepam use (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.91-4.55). Sublingual lorazepam is less efficacious in stopping pediatric seizures than intrarectal diazepam, and intrarectal diazepam should thus be preferred as a first-line medication in this setting.
Enzymatic and oxidative degradation of poly(polyol sebacate)
Authors: Li Yuan , Thouas George A , Shi Hanning , Chen Qizhi
Published: August 2013

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and poly(xylitol sebacate) (PXS) are biodegradable elastomers with tremendous potential in soft tissue engineering. This study was aimed at exploring the enzymatic degradation mechanisms of these polyesters, using biochemical conditions similar to those occurring in vivo. To this end, PGS and PXS (crosslinked at 130℃ for 2 or 7 (PGS)/12 days (PXS)) were incubated in vitro under physiological conditions in tissue culture media supplemented with either a biodegrading enzyme (esterase), an oxidant species (FeSO4/H2O2 with 0.11 molar ratio of Fe2+/H2O2), an oxidant generating enzyme (xanthine oxidase and xanthine) or combinations of these (FeSO4/H2O2 and esterase, or (v) xanthine oxidase/xanthine and esterase), based on their independent effects on polymer degradation. Testing was performed over 35 days of continuous incubation, during which mechanical properties, mass loss, biomaterial thickness and pH value of the culture medium were determined. Degradation kinetics of both PGS and PXS samples were primarily determined by the degree of crosslink density. Esterase and FeSO4/H2O2 accelerated the degradation of both polymers, by promoting hydrolysis and free-radical degradation, although this action was not affected by the presence of xanthine oxidase and xanthine. Degradation of PGS and PXS is primarily mediated by the action of esterase, with free-radical oxidation playing a secondary role, suggesting that both could synergistically affect the biodegradability of biomaterial implants, under more complex biological conditions.
Prevalence, clinical features and quantification of genital non-viral infections
Authors: Carne C A , Gibbs J , Delaney A , Sonnex C , Verlander N Q , Smielewska A , Skeggs E , Bentley N , Jalal H
Published: August 2013

Summary

We conducted a study of the prevalence, clinical features and microscopy findings, by retrospective case-notes survey, of six non-viral organisms, among 1718 attendees at a genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic in England. An in-house assay for six non-viral infections was used and quantitation of ureaplasmas performed. The prevalences of the six organisms were: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), 7.1%; Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), 0.6%; Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), 1.0%; Trichomonas vaginalis, 0.2%; Ureaplasma urealyticum, 16.1%; Ureaplasma parvum, 35.6%. Among men (but not women) there were significantly raised odds ratios compared with that for U. parvum, for the symptom of discharge with CT, 7.30; MG, 6.43; NG 19.29; dysuria with CT, 5.89 and MG, 5.95; and the microscopy finding of >4 pus cells per high power field with: CT, 7.22; MG, 4.58 and NG 22.31. Evaluation of a possible link between quantitation of U. urealyticum and urethritis did not confirm research findings elsewhere.
HIV, hepatitis B/C and syphilis prevalence and risk behaviors among gay, transsexuals and men who have sex with men, Dominican Republic
Authors: Johnston L G , Vaillant T C , Dolores Y , Vales H M
Published: August 2013

Summary

This study investigated HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) and syphilis prevalence and associated behavioural correlates to HIV infection among gay, transsexuals and men who have sex with men (GTMSM) in the Dominican Republic using respondent-driven sampling. Eligible men were aged ≥15 years, reported engaging in anal/oral sex with another man within the past six months and living in one of the four cities sampled. GTMSM were recruited in Santo Domingo ( n = 510), Barahona ( n = 281), La Altagracia ( n = 270) and Santiago ( n = 327). HIV seroprevalence ranged from 5.1% to 7.6%. HBV ranged from 0.6% to 3.5%, HCV from 0.8% to 6.9% and syphilis from 3.5% to 6.9%. GTM practice numerous risky sexual behaviours including having multiple sex partners and practising inconsistent condom use with male and female, including transactional, sex partners. Although we found lower HIV prevalence compared with previous studies, the high level of extremely risky sexual behaviours practised by GTM in the Dominican Republic will most likely result in increases in HIV and other infections if action is not taken to scale-up effective prevention programmes for this population.
Expanding sexually transmitted infection screening among women and men engaging in transactional sex: the feasibility of field-based self-collection
Authors: Roth A M , Rosenberger J G , Reece M , Van Der Pol B
Published: August 2013

Summary

Routine screening is a key component of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control; however, traditional programmes often fail to effectively reach men and women in hidden communities. To reduce prevalence, we must understand the programmatic features that would encourage utilization of services among asymptomatic individuals. Using incentivized snowball sampling, 44 women and men recently engaging in transactional sex were recruited (24 women, 20 men); median age 37 years. Respondents were offered the opportunity to collect genital, oropharyngeal and rectal samples for STI testing and completed a face-to-face interview about their experience with self-obtained sampling. Interviews were analysed using qualitative methods. Participants were unaware of potential risk for STI, but found self-sampling in non-clinical settings to be acceptable and preferable to clinic-based testing. All participants collected genital specimens; 96% and 4% collected oropharyngeal and rectal specimens, respectively. The burden of disease in this population was high: 38% tested positive for at least one STI. We detected multiple concomitant infections. Incorporating field collection of self-obtained samples into STI control programmes may increase utilization among high-risk populations unlikely to access clinic-based services. High infection rates indicate that individuals engaging in transactional sex would benefit from, and be responsive to, community-based self-sampling for STI screening.
Of Democracies, Wars and Responses to War: A Comparative Perspective on War and Security in India and the United States
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjukta Banerji
Published: August 2013

War has existed from the beginning of human history and will continue in centuries to come even if all states accept democracy as their preferred form of government. The United States and India are both democracies and both have been involved in wars and conflicts since their inception as democracies. However, they face different threats and their responses to challenges have been different. Geopolitics, a country’s status in the world, historical background and other factors shape a country’s responses to crisis situations, and sometimes its democratic credentials play a very small role in this. America’s superpower status and its objective of maintaining its unique position has often coloured its responses to security challenges. India is a comparatively new democracy, and its main concern till recently has been to maintain its territorial security. However, it is an ‘emerging’ country and is now seen as emerging as a global player. Will its changing status have an effect on its foreign policy responses?
The Poet as Vanguard: Pablo Neruda and the Politics of the Global South
Authors: Heine Jorge
Published: August 2013

Pablo Neruda has been described by some as the most widely read poet ever. His output was prodigious and diverse. He was also very much a man and a poet of his time, that of the first three-fourths of the ‘short’ twentieth century, a time very different from our own. That raises the question: Is it possible to split the poet from his politics? A standard recommendation of literary critics is to stick to Neruda’s ‘non-political’ work and forget the rest. Yet, Neruda himself insisted that not only his poetry but also his personal life and his politics formed an indivisible whole. At a time when the rise of Asia and South America is changing the global landscape, it is especially important to come to terms with the central perspective that inspired Neruda’s oeuvre: his identification with the common man and with the South; his anti-colonial spirit (honed during his Asian sojourn) and his extraordinary grasp of what José Martí referred as ‘nuestra América’. This article explores how Neruda provides us with a vocabulary and a grammar that allows us to look at the emerging new world of the twenty-first century with fresh eyes.
Book Review: India’s Foreign and Security Policy in South Asia: Regional Power Strategies
Authors: Sharma Arundhati
Published: August 2013

Destradi, Sandra, India’s Foreign and Security Policy in South Asia: Regional Power Strategies (London: Routledge, 2012). Pp. x + 200, Price ₹7,344.
High cycle fatigue of 1045 steel under complex loading: Mechanisms map and damage modelling
Authors: Vu QH , Halm D , Nadot Y
Published: August 2013

A model of life prediction is proposed for a polycrystalline metal subjected to multiaxial complex loading in high cycle fatigue. In order to understand the mechanisms of plasticity and damage to be modelled, a campaign of experiments conducted on 1045 steel is carried out in the first part of the study. The modelling options are chosen according to this precise observation of mechanisms. The modelling focuses on the prediction of finite life regime (105–107 cycles). In order to overcome a purely phenomenological description, a two-scale damage model (macro–meso) integrates a multiaxial fatigue criterion and is formulated in the framework of thermodynamics of irreversible processes allowing to capture as closely as possible degradation mechanisms at mesoscopic scale as well as phase shift effect and nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation. The incremental formulation of the proposed model is an asset to deal with variable amplitude loadings in future works.
Flight Deck Automation
Authors: Geiselman Eric E. , Johnson Christopher M. , Buck David R.
Published: August 2013

We respond to claims that airline pilots may be losing their ability to manually control aircraft because overreliance on automation is eroding basic manual flying skills. We propose that better training is only a partial solution and that automation can be designed to better support human performance. We do not simply advocate more automation; rather, we envision a more context-aware automation design philosophy that promotes a more communicative and collaborative human-machine interface. Examples are used to illustrate the benefits of this approach. A companion piece to this article, which includes proposed mitigation interface designs, will be available in a subsequent issue of Ergonomics in Design.
New observation on automatic phase adjustment of a smart cantilever resonator
Authors: Suresh K , Uma G , Umapathy M
Published: August 2013

The condition for producing sustained oscillation during the placement of additional mass on a piezo sensed/actuated cantilever beam and diaphragm structure is derived. The phase condition for continuous oscillation of these structures is met automatically by adjusting the phase angle of the vibrating structure with a resistor–capacitor network in feedback. The concept is evaluated for the measurement of mass analytically, through numerical simulation, and is verified experimentally.
In Patients With Stable Heart Failure, Soluble TNF-Receptor 2 Is Associated With Increased Risk for Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Moughrabi Samira , Evangelista Lorraine S. , Habib Samer I. , Kassabian Leo , Breen Elizabeth Crabb , Nyamathi Adeline , Irwin Michael
Published: August 2013

Objectives:

Researchers have proposed biological (inflammation) and psychological (depression) factors as potential mechanisms for poorer outcomes and readmissions in heart failure (HF) patients. However, studies investigating the link between inflammation and depressive symptoms in these patients are few. We examined the relationships between levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNR2) and depressive symptoms in HF outpatients.

Method:

55 patients (74.5% men; 60% Whites; mean age 71.6 ± 11.3 years) with New York Heart Association Class II, III, or IV HF (49%, 47%, and 4%, respectively) and mean ejection fraction (EF) 29.9 ± 7.1% completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 as a measure of depressive symptoms. We also obtained height, weight, and CRP, IL-6, and sTNFR2 levels. We used multivariate regressions to assess the predictive value of PHQ-9 scores on each inflammatory marker.

Results:

22 (40%) participants reported depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5). After controlling for age, gender, body mass index, HF etiology, EF, and statin use, we found significant relationships between levels of both sTNFR2 (β = .35, p = .01) and IL-6 (β = .30, p = .04), but not CRP (β = −.96, p = .52), and depression scores.

Conclusion:

Our findings add to a growing body of evidence supporting the proposition that heightened inflammation explains the effect depression has on HF. Health care providers should screen for depression in HF patients, as they may be at higher risk of augmented inflammation and poor outcomes.
Trans-radial bilateral iliac artery stenting
Authors: Harruna Shayibu , Jacobs Evan S , White Christopher J
Published: August 2013

We describe a step-by-step instructional ‘how to’ case of trans-radial bilateral iliac stenting using a 5-Fr guide sheath in a symptomatic patient to illustrate an alternative to common femoral artery access.
Online support for children of parents suffering from mental illness: A case study
Authors: Drost Louisa M , Schippers Gerard M
Published: August 2013

From epidemiologic research, we know that children of parents with a mental illness (COPMI) have an elevated risk of developing a serious mental disorder. Aside from studies based on risk and resilience, there has been little research on the children’s own perceptions. The aim of this study was to expand our understanding of key variables influencing COPMI’s seeking support and to explore whether a website targeted at COPMI could help them improve their ability to cope with their circumstances and to find professional help. This case study illustrates one visitor’s use of a website that was specifically designed to help COPMI. The visitor was a young adult female whose two parents both suffered from mental illness. She participated for 3 years in an intervention delivered through the website. Several things helped to inform us about her perspective on living with parents suffering from mental illness, her use of the website and the benefits she derived from using the website. These included (a) her story as she told it in the exit interview, (b) her messages to her peers and counsellors, (c) her user data and (d) the content of her chat conversations with her peers.
Barbie Girls and Xtractaurs: Discourse and identity in virtual worlds for young children
Authors: Black Rebecca W , Korobkova Ksenia , Epler Alexandra
Published: August 2013

This paper examines the ways in which Mattel’s Barbie Girls and Xtractaurs, online sites aimed at girls and boys of six years of age and up, respectively, offer markedly distinct literate and semiotic resources for their young users. Analysis focuses on the multimodal layers of meaning and the mediating tools, artefacts, and literacy objects that both afford and constrain certain types of play and shape the possibilities for self-representation and interaction in these spaces. Through content analysis and comparison of the two sites, the authors explore the kinds of discourses made available in these spaces and examine how they might impact on young players’ perceptions of the social roles and life opportunities accessible to them both within and outside of these virtual worlds.
Selling (Digital) Millennials
Authors: Serazio Michael
Published: August 2013

This article investigates marketers’ new media strategies targeting the millennial generation. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with industry professionals and an assortment of business discourses, I find that this consumer demographic is routinely conceptualized as “digital natives” who exhibit a “networked hypersociality” and a “participatory exhibitionism.” A variety of innovative promotional tactics are being used to solicit self-expression and cultivate community within branded spaces and flows online. This development could reshape the advertising industry as commercialization further blurs with social and cultural content, obfuscating branding’s persuasive purpose from audiences. It also raises concerns about commercialization hijacking the political potential of an often-cited “empowering” new media environment as well as diminishing opportunity for youth identity to exist autonomous from the consumer marketplace at a time of escalating personal debt.
Thermal performance evaluation of modified active greenhouse dryer
Authors: Prakash Om , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2013

A prototype model of modified active greenhouse dryer has been designed, developed, and tested in no-load conditions at the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, India. The proposed dryer has been tested under two conditions: (1) with covered inside floor and (2) with uncovered floor. This study revealed that the covered floor condition of the greenhouse is favorable for drying due to higher raise in greenhouse temperature and decrease in its relative humidity.
Biomarkers in prostate cancer surveillance and screening: past, present, and future
Authors: Cary K. Clint , Cooperberg Mathew R.
Published: August 2013

The use of biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa) screening, detection, and prognostication have revolutionized the diagnosis and management of the disease. Current clinical practice has been driven largely by the utilization of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The lack of specificity of PSA for PCa has led to both unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis of indolent cancers. The recent controversial recommendation by the United States Preventive Services Task Force against PCa screening has highlighted the need for novel clinically useful biomarkers. We review the literature on PCa biomarkers in serum, urine, and tissue. While these markers show promise, none seems poised to replace PSA, but rather may augment it. Further validation and consideration of how these novel markers improve clinical outcome is necessary. The discovery of new genetic markers shows promise in stratifying men with aggressive PCa.
Understanding the Nature of Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient Family Involvement in Intensive Care Settings
Authors: Reeves Scott , Paradis Elise , Leslie Myles , Kitto Simon , Aboumatar Hanan J. , Gropper Michael
Published: August 2013

Although effective interprofessional collaboration is a key component of patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, little is known about the nature of collaboration in ICU settings. Through ethnographic research, this study will explore interprofessional care in 8 ICUs (6 based in the United States and 2 based in Canada), develop an empirically based readiness/diagnostic tool to assess the quality of team-based care delivery, and develop interventions to strengthen team-based care and patient family involvement. Our study has 3 iterative phases and will involve: a scoping review of the literature on team dynamics in the ICU, an ethnographic study (observation, shadowing, interviews) across 8 sites over 2 years and the collection of clinical outcomes data to inform the development of a “diagnostics” tool for interprofessional collaboration and family member involvement in ICU care, as well as interprofessional intervention development. The importance of ethnographic and other forms of qualitative research for the improvement of health care delivery has already been recognized. This study’s comparative design and the richness of its data have the potential to generate a multidimensional understanding of the processes of interprofessional collaboration and patient family member involvement. The creation of generally applicable, empirically grounded tools also has the potential to enhance these processes.
Preventing recurrent acute diverticulitis with pharmacological therapies
Authors: Tursi Antonio
Published: August 2013

Acute diverticulitis of the colon represents a significant burden for national health systems, in terms of direct and indirect costs. Past guidelines claimed that recurrent episodes (two or more) of diverticulitis need surgery, but revised guidelines recommend an individualized approach to patients after an attack of acute diverticulitis. For these reasons, conservative treatment has become the preferred choice after an episode of diverticulitis. Thus, significant efforts are now being focused to identify the correct therapeutic approach to prevent diverticulitis relapses. Nonabsorbable antibiotics, 5-aminosalicylic acid and probiotics are currently being investigated in this way. The effectiveness and the future perspectives of these treatments are discussed herein.
Unimpaired Attentional Disengagement and Social Orienting in Children With Autism
Authors: Fischer Jason , Koldewyn Kami , Jiang Yuhong V. , Kanwisher Nancy
Published: August 2013

Visual attention is often hypothesized to play a causal role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because attention shapes perception, learning, and social interaction, early deficits in attention could substantially affect the development of other perceptual and cognitive abilities. Here we test two key attentional phenomena thought to be disrupted in autism: attentional disengagement and social orienting. We find in a free-viewing paradigm that both phenomena are present in high-functioning children with ASD ( n = 44, ages 5–12 years) and are identical in magnitude to those in age- and IQ-matched typical children ( n = 40). Although these attentional processes may malfunction in other circumstances, our data indicate that high-functioning children with ASD do not suffer from across-the-board disruptions of either attentional disengagement or social orienting. Combined with mounting evidence that other attentional abilities are largely intact, it seems increasingly unlikely that disruptions of core attentional abilities lie at the root of ASD.
Consensus and the Act of Voting
Authors: Alcantud J.C.R. , de Andrés Calle R. , Cascón J.M.
Published: August 2013

In this article we are concerned with assessing the cohesiveness of a society whose individual preferences are known. We analyse the axiomatic properties of a general proposal to measure aggregate satisfaction in terms of coherence of the expressed opinions, that relies on the consensus with reference to a select social preference. The formal concept of referenced consensus measures that we introduce permits to produce a numerical social evaluation from purely ordinal individual information. A referenced consensus measure can be specialized via two ways: the specification of the representative agent, or from a practical point of view, the choice of a voting mechanism; and the measure of agreement between profiles of orderings and individual orderings. Introducing a fictitious agent, or the result of the act of voting, as a reference is fit for the common case of actual social choices. We carry out a descriptive analysis of the formal properties of referenced consensus measures with an emphasis on two relevant cases whose explicit constructions are detailed.