bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Nesfatin-1 Level in Obese Patients after Acupuncture: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Guo Yongfang , Xing Mingqing , Sun Wenjuan , Yuan Xiaoyan , Dai Hongyan , Ding Huamin
Published: May 2014

Background

Nesfatin-1 is an anorexigenic hormone suggested to regulate obesity.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between nesfatin-1 level and anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese patients, and examine the change in plasma nesfatin-1 level after acupuncture treatment.

Methods

64 obese adult patients without diabetes and 58 normal weight control subjects were enrolled in this study. The obese patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture plus diet group (n=32) and a diet only group (n=32). Measurements were repeated after 45 days.

Results

Body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, serum insulin, lipoprotein and insulin resistance measures were significantly higher, and plasma nesfatin-1 level was significantly lower, in obese patients than in normal weight controls. In addition, negative correlations were found between plasma nesfatin-1 level and BMI, waist and hip circumferences. Weight reduction in participants after acupuncture and diet restriction was 7.0% and 4.3%, respectively. Plasma nesfatin-1 level increased from 2.75±1.16 to 3.44±1.28 ng/mL and from 2.86±1.07 to 3.23±1.06 ng/mL in acupuncture and diet groups, respectively; the difference was significant, p<0.05.

Conclusions

Plasma nesfatin-1 level is reduced in obese adults, and is increased after acupuncture. The beneficial effect of acupuncture on obesity is associated with increased plasma nesfatin-1 level.
Intervening to reduce workplace sitting time: how and when do changes to sitting time occur?
Authors: Stephens Samantha K , Winkler Elisabeth A H , Trost Stewart G , Dunstan David W , Eakin Elizabeth G , Chastin Sebastien F M , Healy Genevieve N
Published: May 2014

Objective

To investigate how and when changes in workplace sitting time occurred following a workplace intervention to inform evaluation of intervention success.

Method

The 4-week Stand Up Comcare study (June–September 2011) aimed to reduce workplace sitting time via regularly interrupting and replacing sitting time throughout the day. Activity monitor (activPAL3) workplace data from control (n=22) and intervention participants (n=21) were analysed. Differences in the number and usual duration of sitting bouts were used to evaluate how change occurred. To examine when change occurred, intervention effects were compared by hour since starting work and hour of the workday. Change in workplace activity (sitting, standing, stepping) was examined to further inform alignment with intervention messages. Individual variability was examined in how and when the change occurred.

Results

Overall, behavioural changes aligned with intervention aims. All intervention participants reduced total workplace sitting time, though there was wide individual variability observed (range −29 to −262 min per 8 h workday). On average, intervention participants reduced number of sitting bouts (−4.6 bouts (95% CI −10.1 to 1.0), p=0.106) and usual sitting bout duration (−5.6 min (95% CI −9.8 to −1.4, p=0.011)) relative to controls. Sitting time reductions were observed across the workday, though intervention effects varied by hour of the day (p=0.015). The intervention group successfully adopted theStand UpandSit Lessintervention messages across the day.

Conclusion

These analyses confirmed that this workplace intervention successfully modified sitting behaviour as intended (ie, fewer and shorter sitting bouts, with changes occurring throughout the day).
Value of antibodies to free light chains in immunoperoxidase studies of renal biopsies
Authors: Owen-Casey Mared P , Sim Rosalind , Cook H Terence , Roufosse Candice A , Gillmore Julian D , Gilbertson Janet A , Hutchison Colin A , Howie Alexander J
Published: May 2014

Aims

Because immunoglobulin abnormalities may affect the kidney, investigation of renal biopsies requires immunohistological study of light chains. A problem is that most antibodies to light chains react with whole immunoglobulins as well as free light chains, and there are generally many more whole immunoglobulins than free light chains. The usefulness of antibodies that only detected free light chains was investigated.

Methods

Antibodies to free light chains were used in an immunoperoxidase method on paraffin sections of 198 renal biopsies, and compared with conventional antibodies against light chains examined by immunofluorescence on 13 frozen sections and by immunoperoxidase on 46 paraffin sections.

Results

Immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase were concordant on 10 of 13 biopsies. Immunofluorescence detected slight deposition of light chains in three biopsies not shown by immunoperoxidase, of undetermined clinical significance. Using immunoperoxidase, the free light chain antibodies were more sensitive than conventional antibodies, giving much cleaner staining and better detection of deposits in AL amyloid, light chain deposition disease and cryoglobulinaemic glomerulonephritis. The free light chain antibodies showed discordance or ambiguity between immunohistological and clinical findings in seven (4%) of 185 patients with known immunoglobulin status. These included two of 28 cases of AL amyloid that showed no light chain deposition. The method was not designed for detection of light chain restriction in neoplastic plasma or lymphoplasmacytic cells.

Conclusions

Polyclonal antibodies to free light chains are an improvement on conventional antibodies in immunoperoxidase study of paraffin sections of renal biopsies and are useful in everyday practice.
Management of complex abdominal wall defects associated with penetrating abdominal trauma
Authors: Arul G Suren , Sonka B J , Lundy J B , Rickard R F , Jeffery S L A
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The paradigm of Damage Control Surgery (DCS) has radically improved the management of abdominal trauma, but less well described are the options for managing the abdominal wall itself in an austere environment. This article describes a series of patients with complex abdominal wall problems managed at the UK-led Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

Method

Contemporaneous review of a series of patients with complex abdominal wall injuries who presented to the Role 3 MTF between July and November 2012.

Results

Five patients with penetrating abdominal trauma associated with significant damage to the abdominal wall were included. All patients were managed using DCS principles, leaving the abdominal wall open at the end of the first procedure. Subsequent management of the abdominal wall was determined by a multidisciplinary team of general and plastic surgeons, intensivists and specialist nurses. The principles of management identified included minimising tissue loss on initial laparotomy by joining adjacent wounds and marginal debridement of dead tissue; contraction of the abdominal wall was minimised by using topical negative pressure dressing and dermal-holding sutures. Definitive closure was timed to allow oedema to settle and sepsis to be controlled. Closure techniques include delayed primary closure with traction sutures, components separation, and mesh closure with skin grafting.

Discussion

A daily multidisciplinary team discussion was invaluable for optimal decision making regarding the most appropriate means of abdominal closure. Dermal-holding sutures were particularly useful in preventing myostatic contraction of the abdominal wall. A simple flow chart was developed to aid decision making in these patients. This flow chart may prove especially useful in a resource-limited environment in which returning months or years later for closure of a large ventral hernia may not be possible.
Exercise training improves functional sympatholysis in spontaneously hypertensive rats through a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism
Authors: Mizuno Masaki , Iwamoto Gary A. , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Mitchell Jere H. , Smith Scott A.
Published: May 2014

Functional sympatholysis is impaired in hypertensive animals and patients. Exercise training (ET) improves functional sympatholysis through a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism in normotensive rats. However, whether ET has similar physiological benefits in hypertension remains to be elucidated. Thus we tested the hypothesis that the impairment in functional sympatholysis in hypertension is reversed by ET through a NO-dependent mechanism. In untrained normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYUT; n = 13), untrained spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRUT; n = 13), and exercise-trained SHR (SHRET; n = 6), changes in femoral vascular conductance (FVC) were examined during lumbar sympathetic nerve stimulation (1, 2.5, and 5 Hz) at rest and during muscle contraction. The magnitude of functional sympatholysis (Δ%FVC = Δ%FVC muscle contraction − Δ%FVC rest) in SHRUT was significantly lower than WKYUT (1 Hz: −2 ± 4 vs. 13 ± 3%; 2.5 Hz: 9 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 3%; and 5 Hz: 12 ± 3 vs. 26 ± 3%, respectively; P < 0.05). Three months of voluntary wheel running significantly increased maximal oxygen uptake in SHRET compared with nontrained SHRUT (78 ± 6 vs. 62 ± 4 ml·kg−1·min−1, respectively; P < 0.05) and restored the magnitude of functional sympatholysis in SHRET (1 Hz: 9 ± 2%; 2.5 Hz: 20 ± 4%; and 5 Hz: 34 ± 5%). Blockade of NO synthase (NOS) by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester attenuated functional sympatholysis in WKYUT but not SHRUT. Furthermore, NOS inhibition significantly diminished the improvements in functional sympatholysis in SHRET. These data demonstrate that impairments in functional sympatholysis are normalized via a NO mechanism by voluntary wheel running in hypertensive rats.
Coronary responses to cold air inhalation following afferent and efferent blockade
Authors: Muller Matthew D. , Gao Zhaohui , McQuillan Patrick M. , Leuenberger Urs A. , Sinoway Lawrence I.
Published: May 2014

Cardiac ischemia and angina pectoris are commonly experienced during exertion in a cold environment. In the current study we tested the hypotheses that oropharyngeal afferent blockade (i.e., local anesthesia of the upper airway with lidocaine) as well as systemic β-adrenergic receptor blockade (i.e., intravenous propranolol) would improve the balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand in response to the combined stimulus of cold air inhalation (−15 to −30°C) and isometric handgrip exercise (Cold + Grip). Young healthy subjects underwent Cold + Grip following lidocaine, propranolol, and control (no drug). Heart rate, blood pressure, and coronary blood flow velocity (CBV, from Doppler echocardiography) were continuously measured. Rate-pressure product (RPP) was calculated, and changes from baseline were compared between treatments. The change in RPP at the end of Cold + Grip was not different between lidocaine (2,441 ± 376) and control conditions (3,159 ± 626); CBV responses were also not different between treatments. With propranolol, heart rate (8 ± 1 vs. 14 ± 3 beats/min) and RPP responses to Cold + Grip were significantly attenuated. However, at peak exercise propranolol also resulted in a smaller ΔCBV (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 5.3 ± 1.4 cm/s, P = 0.035), such that the relationship between coronary flow and cardiac metabolism was impaired under propranolol (0.43 ± 0.37 vs. 2.1 ± 0.63 arbitrary units). These data suggest that cold air breathing and isometric exercise significantly influence efferent control of coronary blood flow. Additionally, β-adrenergic vasodilation may play a significant role in coronary regulation during exercise.
Cell-generated traction forces and the resulting matrix deformation modulate microvascular alignment and growth during angiogenesis
Authors: Underwood Clayton J. , Edgar Lowell T. , Hoying James B. , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2014

The details of the mechanical factors that modulate angiogenesis remain poorly understood. Previous in vitro studies of angiogenesis using microvessel fragments cultured within collagen constructs demonstrated that neovessel alignment can be induced via mechanical constraint of the boundaries (i.e., boundary conditions). The objective of this study was to investigate the role of mechanical boundary conditions in the regulation of angiogenic alignment and growth in an in vitro model of angiogenesis. Angiogenic microvessels within three-dimensional constructs were subjected to different boundary conditions, thus producing different stress and strain fields during growth. Neovessel outgrowth and orientation were quantified from confocal image data after 6 days. Vascularity and branching decreased as the amount of constraint imposed on the culture increased. In long-axis constrained hexahedral constructs, microvessels aligned parallel to the constrained axis. In contrast, constructs that were constrained along the short axis had random microvessel orientation. Finite element models were used to simulate the contraction of gels under the various boundary conditions and to predict the local strain field experienced by microvessels. Results from the experiments and simulations demonstrated that microvessels aligned perpendicular to directions of compressive strain. Alignment was due to anisotropic deformation of the matrix from cell-generated traction forces interacting with the mechanical boundary conditions. These findings demonstrate that boundary conditions and thus the effective stiffness of the matrix regulate angiogenesis. This study offers a potential explanation for the oriented vascular beds that occur in native tissues and provides the basis for improved control of tissue vascularization in both native tissues and tissue-engineered constructs.
Trimethylangelicin promotes the functional rescue of mutant F508del CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis airway cells
Authors: Favia Maria , Mancini Maria T. , Bezzerri Valentino , Guerra Lorenzo , Laselva Onofrio , Abbattiscianni Anna C. , Debellis Lucantonio , Reshkin Stephan J. , Gambari Roberto , Cabrini Giulio , Casavola Valeria
Published: May 2014

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) carrying the F508del mutation is retained in endoplasmic reticulum and fails to traffic to the cell surface where it functions as a protein kinase A (PKA)-activated chloride channel. Pharmacological correctors that rescue the trafficking of F508del CFTR may overcome this defect; however, the rescued F508del CFTR still displays reduced chloride permeability. Therefore, a combined administration of correctors and potentiators of the gating defect is ideal. We recently found that 4,6,4′-trimethylangelicin (TMA), besides inhibiting the expression of the IL-8 gene in airway cells in which the inflammatory response was challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, also potentiates the cAMP/PKA-dependent activation of wild-type CFTR or F508del CFTR that has been restored to the plasma membrane. Here, we demonstrate that long preincubation with nanomolar concentrations of TMA is able to effectively rescue both F508del CFTR-dependent chloride secretion and F508del CFTR cell surface expression in both primary or secondary airway cell monolayers homozygous for F508del mutation. The correction effect of TMA seems to be selective for CFTR and persisted for 24 h after washout. Altogether, the results suggest that TMA, besides its anti-inflammatory and potentiator activities, also displays corrector properties.
Assessment of Elastin Deficit in a Marfan Mouse Aneurysm Model Using an Elastin-Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent
Authors: Okamura Homare , Pisani Laura J. , Dalal Alex R. , Emrich Fabian , Dake Benjamin A. , Arakawa Mamoru , Onthank David C. , Cesati Richard R. , Robinson Simon P. , Milanesi Matteo , Kotek Gyula , Smit Henk , Connolly Andrew J. , Adachi Hideo , McConnell Michael V. , Fischbein Michael P.
Published: May 2014

Background—

Ascending aortic dissection and rupture remain a life-threatening complication in patients with Marfan syndrome. The extracellular matrix provides strength and elastic recoil to the aortic wall, thereby preventing radial expansion. We have previously shown that ascending aortic aneurysm formation in Marfan mice (
Fbn1
C1039G/+
) is associated with decreased aortic wall elastogenesis and increased elastin breakdown. In this study, we test the feasibility of quantifying aortic wall elastin content using MRI with a gadolinium-based elastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
mice.

Methods and Results—

Ascending aorta elastin content was measured in 32-week-old
Fbn1
C1039G/+
mice and wild-type (n=9 and n=10, respectively) using 7-T MRI with a T1 mapping sequence. Significantly lower enhancement (ie, lower R1 values, where R1=1/T1) was detected post–elastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
compared with wild-type ascending aortas (1.15±0.07 versus 1.36±0.05;
P
<0.05). Post–elastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent R1 values correlated with ascending aortic wall gadolinium content directly measured by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (
P
=0.006).

Conclusions—

Herein, we demonstrate that MRI with elastin-specific magnetic resonance contrast agent accurately measures elastin bound gadolinium within the aortic wall and detects a decrease in aortic wall elastin in Marfan mice compared with wild-type controls. This approach has translational potential for noninvasively assessing aneurysm tissue changes and risk, as well as monitoring elastin content in response to therapeutic interventions.
Randomized, Controlled Trial to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Heart Failure Living in Rural Areas
Authors: Dracup Kathleen , Moser Debra K. , Pelter Michele M. , Nesbitt Thomas S. , Southard Jeffrey , Paul Steven M. , Robinson Susan , Cooper Lawton S.
Published: May 2014

Background—

Patients with heart failure (HF) who live in rural areas have less access to cardiac services than patients in urban areas. We conducted a randomized, clinical trial to determine the impact of an educational intervention on the composite end point of HF rehospitalization and cardiac death in this population.

Methods and Results—

Patients (n=602; age, 66±13 years; 41% female; 51% with systolic HF) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: control (usual care), Fluid Watchers LITE, or Fluid Watchers PLUS. Both intervention groups included a face-to-face education session delivered by a nurse focusing on self-care. The LITE group received 2 follow-up phone calls, whereas the PLUS group received biweekly calls (mean, 5.3±3.6; range, 1–19) until the nurse judged the patient to be adequately trained. Over 2 years of follow-up, 35% of patients (n=211) experienced cardiac death or hospitalization for HF, with no difference among the 3 groups in the proportion who experienced the combined clinical outcome (
P
=0.06). Although patients in the LITE group had reduced cardiac mortality compared with patients in the control group over the 2 years of follow-up (7.5% and 17.7%, respectively;
P
=0.003), there was no significant difference in cardiac mortality between patients in the PLUS group and the control group.

Conclusions—

A face-to-face education intervention did not significantly decrease the combined end point of cardiac death or hospitalization for HF. Increasing the number of contacts between the patient and nurse did not significantly improve outcome.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00415545.
The Effect of Insomnia on Tinnitus
Authors: Miguel George S. , Yaremchuk Kathleen , Roth Thomas , Peterson Ed
Published: May 2014

Objective:

The objective is to see how chronic tinnitus sufferers who are unmanageable to maximized medical therapy can benefit by decreasing their subjective complaints from a sleep evaluation and treatment. However, the proper identification of these particular patients has not been described well in the literature when attempting to correlate these 2 diagnoses. Thus, tinnitus patients with and without insomnia, based on ICD-9 diagnosis, were evaluated using the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index to determine correlations between insomnia and tinnitus.

Methods:

Patients with a diagnosis of tinnitus and tinnitus along with insomnia who were treated at our institution from 2009 to 2011 were identified. Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index responses were obtained through written and telephone interviews. A Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine the effect of insomnia on tinnitus. Additional analyses identified whether Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire scores were associated with a possible benefit from an evaluation for insomnia in tinnitus patients.

Results:

A total of 117 patients met inclusion criteria. A significant correlation was found between the Insomnia Severity Index score and Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire severity ( r = 0.64; P = .001). Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire severity was shown to be a good predictor of sleep disturbance and good in predicting group association, especially the “emotional” subscore component (sensitivity 96.9% and specificity 55.3% for identifying tinnitus patients with insomnia). The greater the insomnia disability as exhibited by an elevated Insomnia Severity Index score, the more severe the patient’s complaints were regarding the tinnitus.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that if the emotional score on the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire is ≥ 15, the Insomnia Severity Index may be useful to identify patients who may benefit from further treatment and evaluation of insomnia. The robust correlation between the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index objectively showed that patients with insomnia have an increased emotional distress associated with their tinnitus. Both questionnaires can be used together with a high degree of specificity and sensitivity in predicting tinnitus patients with an underlying sleep disturbance.
A simulation-optimization approach to deploy Internet services in large-scale systems with user-provided resources
Authors: Cabrera Guillem , Juan Ángel , Lázaro Daniel , Marquès Joan M , Proskurnia Iuliia
Published: May 2014

Cloud computing systems can benefit from the use of personal and non-dedicated computers, which are currently employed in volunteer computing systems. Being non-dedicated, these resources show random behavior regarding the times they are online (available) and offline. Accordingly, their availability levels are lower than those of traditionally employed dedicated resources. Thus, in order to use non-dedicated resources in cloud computing environments, it is necessary first to solve the problem of how to attain high availability levels for the Internet services deployed over them. Most approaches on how to guarantee high service availability levels with non-dedicated resources are based on the introduction of high degrees of redundancy into the system. However, this praxis leads to an inefficient usage of computational resources and, therefore, to higher operational costs. Accordingly, the focus of this paper is the problem of minimizing the cost of a service deployment over non-dedicated resources while providing a high level of service availability. In order to solve this stochastic optimization problem, the paper proposes a hybrid algorithm that combines a metaheuristic component with a discrete-event simulation component. The metaheuristic component is used to search for an efficient configuration of resources. The simulation component is integrated inside the metaheuristic and used to estimate the service availability of each promising configuration. A numerical experiment section, comparing the performance of several algorithms, contributes to validating the proposed approach as well as to illustrate its potential applications.
The Effect of Place Attachment on Pro-environment Behavioral Intentions of Visitors to Coastal Natural Area Tourist Destinations
Authors: Tonge Joanna , Ryan Maria M. , Moore Susan A. , Beckley Lynnath E.
Published: May 2014

It has been hypothesized that as individuals become attached to a place, they are more likely to protect that place. Managers of natural area tourism destinations may be able to use this relationship to assist in sustainably managing such places. An on-site visitor survey was administered at Ningaloo Marine Park, Australia, to examine the effect of a multi-dimensional place attachment construct on pro-environment behavioral intentions. The behaviors encompassed three categories based on the perceived level of commitment and where the behaviors physically occurred. They included on-site actions by visitors, visitors telling others how to act on-site, and off-site actions to conserve the Marine Park. Structural equation modeling revealed place identity directly affecting all three behavioral categories, the effect increasing with the level of commitment required to undertake the pro-environment behaviors. This suggests that a sophisticated understanding of place identity is essential for the management of natural area tourism destinations.
Acquisition of Spanish as a Foreign Language Through the Socioeducational Model
Authors: Bernardo Aranzazu , Amérigo Maria , García Juan A.
Published: May 2014

This study analyzes the learning of Spanish as a foreign language from a perspective based on Gardner’s socioeducational model. Two different studies are presented. The first study verifies the viability of the socioeducational model in Chinese university students who are learning either in linguistic and cultural immersion (Spain) or in their original culture (China). The results show that Gardner’s model is appropriate but some of the variables are restructured. Based on this, the second study includes some variables specifically linked to Chinese culture. The model is tested through cross-cultural analysis in two samples from China and the United States. The findings are interpreted in relation to the cultural characteristics of the sample studied. Theoretical, empirical, and practical implications are also discussed.
Resuscitation decisions for patients dying in the community: A qualitative interview study of general practitioner perspectives
Authors: Miller Sarah , Dorman Saskie
Published: May 2014

Background:

Most patients dying at home do not have a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decision and may have inappropriate attempts at resuscitation made when they die.

Aim:

To investigate how general practitioners think and feel about making and communicating Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decisions for patients dying in the community.

Design:

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with general practitioners. The interviews were recorded and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Setting/participants:

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 general practitioners from urban and rural practices in Southern England and of various ages and experience. Interviews were carried out either in their home or in their practice.

Results:

General practitioners often wait until the patient has clearly deteriorated to communicate and document the Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decision. They consider the chance of success of a resuscitation attempt, quality of life, dignity and the patient’s and family’s wishes. General practitioners feel they should discuss the decision with the patient but have anxieties about this. They vary widely in how much they guide patients and families in decision-making. Timing and the avoidance of conflict are important. Teamwork provides support in decision-making.

Conclusion:

Resuscitation decisions are important in facilitating a peaceful death, but can be difficult for general practitioners to discuss. General practitioners might benefit from clearer guidance on when an attempt at resuscitation is unlikely to be successful, especially in non-malignant disease. Team discussions including Gold Standards Framework meetings can give confidence and support in making difficult end-of-life decisions.
Reflections on Wallerstein: The Modern World-System, Four Decades on
Authors: el-Ojeili Chamsy
Published: May 2014

Nearly four decades have passed since the publication of Immanuel Wallerstein’s first volume of The Modern World-System. Wallerstein and world-systems analysis are frequently viewed, on the one hand, as successful and firmly established, and, on the other, as of largely historical interest, surpassed by a number of new realities and theoretical paradigms. This article seeks to restate the contemporary importance of Wallerstein’s project. It begins by recounting the key conceptual and historical claims of world-systems analysis, and subsequently surveys the broad varieties of critique across questions of economics, politics, and culture. It is argued that Wallerstein’s contentions have travelled well over time, still contenders for attention amidst the globalization literature, and still defensible against post-modern, post-colonial and complexity theory claims. In particular, the strong metanarrative, generative hypotheses, and the still productive research programme of world-systems analysis appear even more compelling in the face of current global turmoil.
Motherhood and the disabled child in contexts of early education and care
Authors: Muthukrishna Nithi , Ebrahim Hasina
Published: May 2014

This article presents a theoretically based narrative analysis of conversations held with six women in South Africa who position themselves as mothers of disabled children. We examine the dominant socio-cultural narratives that impact the lives of the mothers as they enact motherhood, and the counter-narratives that emerge in the process. Three key themes are discussed: struggle, resiliency and agency; motherhood and the intersections of personal histories, spirituality and Ubuntu; and the economics and politics of negotiating access to social benefits, including early intervention and education. The study highlights the contextual, situated and diverse nature of motherhood and the disabled child in contexts of early education and care.
Making sense of inclusive education in the Pacific region: Networking as a way forward
Authors: Miles Susie , Lene Donna , Merumeru Laisiasa
Published: May 2014

This article is based on material collected in researching the viability of a regional network focused on the inclusion of children with disabilities in education in the Pacific region. It discusses the importance of balancing the international vision of a rights-based approach to education with indigenous inclusive values in the small and scattered Pacific island populations. A case study is analysed of the development of community-based inclusive education in Samoa by a national non-governmental organisation in collaboration with various government ministries, and finally, the potential of networking in generating new, contextually relevant knowledge about inclusive education is debated.
Standing by themselves: Caregivers’ strategies to ensure the right to education for children with disabilities in Orange Farm, South Africa
Authors: De Sas Kropiwnicki Zosa O , Elphick Jean , Elphick Rosalind
Published: May 2014

This article describes the strategies employed by caregivers in accessing the right to education for their children with disabilities in Orange Farm, Gauteng. Children with disabilities are one of South Africa’s most vulnerable population groups. Despite enabling legal and policy reform, children with disabilities face unconstitutional attitudinal and environmental barriers to accessing the nonprogressive right to a basic education. This case study examines the caregivers’ self-efficacy, agency and the opportunity structures within which they are operating using an interdisciplinary theoretical framework and a qualitative methodology. The article will provide detailed examples of the agentic strategies that caregivers devise, in the face of hostile and unaccommodating bureaucratic institutions, disjointed referral mechanisms, discriminatory norms, stigmatising discourses and unjust power relations.
A wear model for EHL contacts in gerotor type hydraulic motors
Authors: Furustig J , Larsson R , Almqvist A , Bates CA , Ennemark P
Published: May 2014

The heart of gerotor motors is a gear-set. The gear-set consists of an inner gear which is rotating and orbiting in contact with an outer gear. Wear in these contacts is investigated experimentally and with a numerical implementation of an Archard based wear model in combination with a load sharing concept. The model utilizes the symmetry of the motor and is based on a three-scale approach to estimate the wear on the gears. The global model calculates contact forces, relative surface velocities and contact radii in the contacts between inner and outer gear. The calculations performed on the local scale are used to collect information about the influence of the surface roughness on lubricant film thickness. The wear depth is calculated on a semi-local scale, involving only one tooth on the outer gear. In partial elastohydrodynamic lubrication, load is carried by the part of the conjunction where there is direct contact between the mating surfaces and by the lubricant pressure. In the wear model, wear only occurs as a direct consequence of contact between the mating surfaces. Experimental results are compared with the model predictions for equivalent running conditions. The wear predicted by the model agrees with the experimental results. For this reason, it is concluded that wear in the gerotor motor is dominated by the wear mechanisms which are considered in the tribological model.
An improved decentralized model for sensor fault detection and isolation demonstrated on an airplane system
Authors: Wang Jianchen , Qi Xiaohui
Published: May 2014

With various modeling technologies applied, the sensor fault detection and isolation scheme based on the decentralized model (also referred to as dedicated observer scheme) becomes a popular approach for sophisticated systems. However, the commonly used modeling approach in many literatures that directly takes measurement values as model inputs may result in residual crosstalks and even false alarms. In this paper, the traditional decentralized model scheme is analyzed and a novel scheme based on the time window interactive prediction structure is proposed. Then, the Elman neural network is applied to model identification due to its nonlinear approximation and online learning properties. Finally, Simulations for comparison using the decoupled longitudinal motion model of some airplane are performed, and the results show that the proposed scheme has higher detection speed, lower false alarm rate and less undetected faults.
Spatial Orientation Shrinks and Expands Psychological Distance
Authors: Maglio Sam J. , Polman Evan
Published: May 2014

Being objectively close to or far from a place changes how people perceive the location of that place in a subjective, psychological sense. In the six studies reported here, we investigated whether people’s spatial orientation (defined as moving toward or away from a place) will produce similar effects—by specifically influencing psychological closeness in each of its forms (i.e., spatial, temporal, probabilistic, and social distance). Orientation influenced subjective spatial distance at various levels of objective distance (Study 1), regardless of the direction people were facing (Study 2). In addition, when spatially oriented toward, rather than away from, a particular place, participants felt that events there had occurred more recently (Studies 3a and 3b) and that events there would be more likely to occur (Study 4). Finally, participants felt more similarity to people who were spatially oriented toward them than to people who were spatially oriented away from them (Study 5). Our investigation broadens the study of psychological distance from static spatial locations to dynamically moving points in space.
Individual Differences in Infant Fixation Duration Relate to Attention and Behavioral Control in Childhood
Authors: Papageorgiou Kostas A. , Smith Tim J. , Wu Rachel , Johnson Mark H. , Kirkham Natasha Z. , Ronald Angelica
Published: May 2014

Individual differences in fixation duration are considered a reliable measure of attentional control in adults. However, the degree to which individual differences in fixation duration in infancy (0–12 months) relate to temperament and behavior in childhood is largely unknown. In the present study, data were examined from 120 infants (mean age = 7.69 months, SD = 1.90) who previously participated in an eye-tracking study. At follow-up, parents completed age-appropriate questionnaires about their child’s temperament and behavior (mean age of children = 41.59 months, SD = 9.83). Mean fixation duration in infancy was positively associated with effortful control (β = 0.20, R2 = .02, p = .04) and negatively with surgency (β = −0.37, R2 = .07, p = .003) and hyperactivity-inattention (β = −0.35, R2 = .06, p = .005) in childhood. These findings suggest that individual differences in mean fixation duration in infancy are linked to attentional and behavioral control in childhood.
We Take Care of Our Own
Authors: Gilead Michael , Liberman Nira
Published: May 2014

The parental caregiving motivational system leads people to behave selflessly. However, given that the purpose of this motivation is the protection of close kin, it might also lead to aggression toward distant, threatening others. In the present studies, we wished to investigate the effects of behaviorally activating the caregiving motivational system on out-group bias. On the basis of previous work in behavioral ecology, we predicted that activation of the caregiving system would enhance bias against out-groups whenever their members posed a salient threat. This prediction was confirmed in three studies (total N = 866) across different populations, manipulations, and measures. We discuss the possible importance of continued research into the behavioral consequences of caregiving salience.
We See More Than We Can Report
Authors: Bronfman Zohar Z. , Brezis Noam , Jacobson Hilla , Usher Marius
Published: May 2014

The distinction between access consciousness and phenomenal consciousness is a subject of intensive debate. According to one view, visual experience overflows the capacity of the attentional and working memory system: We see more than we can report. According to the opposed view, this perceived richness is an illusion—we are aware only of information that we can subsequently report. This debate remains unresolved because of the inevitable reliance on report, which is limited in capacity. To bypass this limitation, this study utilized color diversity—a unique summary statistic—which is sensitive to detailed visual information. Participants were shown a Sperling-like array of colored letters, one row of which was precued. After reporting a letter from the cued row, participants estimated the color diversity of the noncued rows. Results showed that people could estimate the color diversity of the noncued array without a cost to letter report, which suggests that color diversity is registered automatically, outside focal attention, and without consuming additional working memory resources.
Cultural Competence Models and Cultural Competence Assessment Instruments in Nursing
Authors: Shen Zuwang
Published: May 2014

The author reviewed cultural competence models and cultural competence assessment instruments developed and published by nurse researchers since 1982. Both models and instruments were examined in terms of their components, theoretical backgrounds, empirical validation, and psychometric evaluation. Most models were not empirically tested; only a few models developed model-based instruments. About half of the instruments were tested with varying levels of psychometric properties. Other related issues were discussed, including the definition of cultural competence and its significance in model and instrument development, limitations of existing models and instruments, impact of cultural competence on health disparities, and further work in cultural competence research and practice.
Guiding IEP Teams on Meeting the Least Restrictive Environment Mandate
Authors: Marx Teri A. , Hart Jennifer L. , Nelson Leslie , Love Jessica , Baxter Christine M. , Gartin Barbara , Schaefer Whitby Peggy J.
Published: May 2014

Two diametrically opposed beliefs are held concerning the meaning of the least restrictive environment (LRE) when determining the class placements of students with disabilities. One group adheres to the placement philosophy that the LRE is always the general education setting. The other group believes that the LRE is where the students’ needs may best be met. The controversy concerning placement has resulted in a number of court cases that can provide guidance to individualized education program (IEP) teams when discussion of the LRE occurs. A checklist for use in IEP meetings is offered.
Effect of Anticholinergic Medications on Falls, Fracture Risk, and Bone Mineral Density Over a 10-Year Period
Authors: Fraser Lisa-Ann , Adachi Jonathan D. , Leslie William D. , Goltzman David , Josse Robert , Prior Jerilynn , Kaiser Stephanie , Kreiger Nancy , Kovacs Christopher S. , Anastassiades Tassos P. , Papaioannou Alexandra ,   for the CaMos Research Group, Goltzman David , Kreiger Nancy , Godmaire Suzanne , Dumont Silvia , Berger Claudie , Zhou Wei , Kovacs Christopher , Sheppard Emma , Kirkland Susan , Kaiser Stephanie , Stanfield Barbara , Brown Jacques P. , Bessette Louis , Gendreau Marc , Anastassiades Tassos , Towheed Tanveer , Matthews Barbara , Josse Bob , Jamal Sophie , Murray Tim , Gardner-Bray Barbara , Adachi Jonathan D. , Papaioannou Alexandra , Pickard Laura , Olszynski P. , Davison K. Shawn , Thingvold Jola , Hanley David A. , Allan Jane , Prior Jerilynn C. , Patel Millan , Vigna Yvette , Lentle Brian
Published: May 2014

Background: Many medications used in older adults have strong anticholinergic (ACH) properties, which may increase the risk of falls and fractures. Use of these medications was identified in a population-based Canadian cohort. Objective: To identify the fall and fracture risk associated with ACH medication use. Methods: Data collection and analysis were conducted at baseline, year 5, and year 10. Cross-sectional analyses were performed to examine associations between ACH medication use and falls. Time-dependent Cox regression was used to examine time to first nontraumatic fracture. Finally, change in bone mineral density (BMD) over 10 years was compared in ACH medication users versus nonusers. Results: Strongly ACH medications were used by 618 of 7753 participants (8.0%) at study baseline, 592 (9.5%) at year 5, and 334 (7.7%) at year 10. Unadjusted ACH medication use was associated with falls at baseline (odds ratio = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.14-1.98; P = 0.004), but the association was no longer significant after covariate adjustment. Similar results occurred at years 5 and 10. ACH medication use was associated with increased incident fracture risk before (hazard ratio = 1.22; CI = 1.13-1.32; P < 0.001) but not after covariate adjustment. Mean (SD) change in femoral neck BMD T-score over 10 years, in those using ACH medications at both years 0 and 5, was −0.60 (0.63) in ACH users versus −0.49 (0.45) in nonusers ( P = 0.041), but this was not significant after covariate adjustment. Conclusions: ACH medications were not found to be independently associated with an increased risk of falling, fractures, or BMD loss. Rather, factors associated with ACH medication use explained the apparent associations.
Predominantly Inattentive Type of ADHD Is Associated With Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Koyuncu Ahmet , Ertekin Erhan , Yüksel Çağrı , Aslantaş Ertekin Banu , Çelebi Fahri , Binbay Zerrin , Tükel Raşit
Published: May 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of childhood ADHD comorbidity in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD), and the influence of this comorbidity on various demographic and clinical variables in SAD. Method: A total of 130 patients with SAD were assessed with K-SADS-PL’s (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version) behavioral disorders module to determine the childhood diagnosis of ADHD. Patients with or without a comorbid childhood ADHD were compared in terms of clinical characteristics and rating scores. Results: The mean age at onset of SAD was lower, and lifetime major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder (BD) comorbidity were higher in the SAD–ADHD group than in the SAD–without ADHD group. Conclusion: We have found high ADHD comorbidity in patients with SAD. Presence of comorbid ADHD was associated with increased severity, functional impairment, and BD comorbidity.
“Behold, there is a New Man born!”
Authors: Downing Karen
Published: May 2014

Contemporary accounts of the first generation of white men born in Australia seemed to describe them as physically superior to their British counterparts. Social and economic historians provide evidence that they were indeed taller and explain the phenomenon in terms of diet and living standards. This article suggests that contemporary observations also reflected the eighteenth-century British concerns that “civilized” life in Britain threatened the essential nature of men. Popular medical literature highlighted the problems, emigration was promoted as the solution, and men’s personal writings reveal that they understood and acted on these messages. The physical superiority of Australia’s firstborn white men was not unexpected. But the short-lived optimism around these “new” men highlights ongoing tensions between men and modernity.
A Synthesis of New Perspectives on Virtual HRD
Authors: McWhorter Rochell R.
Published: May 2014

The Problem

A number of new perspectives of virtual human resource development (VHRD) have been provided in this issue of Advances in Developing Human Resources ( ADHR) that warrant further discussion. As VHRD is still a nascent area of inquiry in HRD, professionals need more explanatory examples and solutions to consider for determining their own role in working with people and technology.

The Solution

This article offers a synthesis of key constructs of VHRD from the articles in this special issue. Also, it provides a discussion around two different modes of technology development (TD) needed by HRD professionals in the contemporary technology-enabled environment afforded by VHRD. And, the integration of TD in addition to career development, training and development, and organization development is essential to the future of HRD and is discussed herein.

The Stakeholders

This article targets primarily practitioners interested in VHRD interventions and processes. It encourages the reader to examine the commonalities across the articles in this issue of ADHR and also to consider the new skills required for HRD professionals when seeking to align organizational mission with all levels of the organization.
Re-envisioning global agricultural trade: time for a paradigm shift to ensure food security and population health in low-income countries
Authors: Pirkle Catherine M. , Poliquin Hélène , Sia Drissa , Kouakou Kouassi Joseph , Sagna Tani
Published: May 2014

In this commentary, we use examples from West Africa to highlight how the liberalization of global agricultural trade exacerbates population health inequalities by threatening the livelihoods and food security of communities in low-income settings. We highlight the exploitative nature of trade agreements with West African countries demonstrating how these agreements disincentivize local agricultural investment and take jobs away from small-scale farmers. Further, we link agricultural trade liberalization to increased food insecurity, malnutrition, and exposure to environmental contaminants. Finally, we propose a paradigm shift that advocates for food sovereignty and the right to food.