bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Functions of Imagined Interactions in Night Dreams
Authors: Eldredge Judson H. , Honeycutt James M. , White Richard C. , Standige Matthew
Published: September 2015

Imagined interactions (IIs) are a form of mental imagery and daydreaming in which people imagine conversations or other interactions with significant others. IIs serve six intrapersonal communication functions including catharsis, rehearsal, self-understanding, compensation, conflict-linkage, and relational maintenance. IIs are an important form of cognition that effects both message production and message interpretation. Daydreams and night dreams have traditionally been thought of as distinct processes, but more recently, they have been theorized as points along a continuum of consciousness. We investigated whether the functions of IIs are also served by interactive night dreams. Results reveal intriguing similarities and differences in the functions of interactive daydreams and interactive might dreams. In addition, we found these dreams had overwhelmingly negative affect as opposed to positive, neutral, or mixed affect. Results are discussed in terms of continuity theory.
How does multi-scalar institutional change affect localized learning processes? A case study of the med-tech sector in Southern Sweden
Authors: Grillitsch Markus , Rekers Josephine V
Published: September 2015

Co-location alone is not sufficient to ensure efficient and effective interaction between economic agents. Also, institutions at multiple scales shape the behaviour of organizations and provide incentives for interaction. However, institutions, as well as the impact of institutions on economic agents, are not static, but rather change over time. In this paper we investigate this dynamic process: How does institutional change at different geographical scales affect localized learning processes? Using an intensive case study of the medical technology sector in Southern Sweden, we trace in detail how institutions at the supra-national, national and regional scale have changed over the past 15 years and how these have affected the opportunities for localized learning between firms and hospitals. Our case makes three contributions. First, it provides a detailed empirical example of the interdependencies between institutions at the supra-national, national and regional scales. Second, as institutions shape the behaviour of organizations, we demonstrate that institutional change introduced at the extra-regional scale can have profound consequences for the establishment of local innovation linkages – and thereby for the opportunities for localized learning. Third, this leads us to reconsider the ambitions of regional policies that aim to enhance localized learning.
In-plane shear behaviour of multiscale hybrid composites based on multiwall carbon nanotubes and long carbon fibres
Authors: Vargas Gustavo , Ramos José Ángel , De Gracia Juan , Ibarretxe Julen , Mujika Faustino
Published: September 2015

Both in-plane shear modulus and in-plane shear strength of multiscale hybrid composites have been studied. Carbon fibre-based laminates have been fabricated including functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes by means of solvent spraying method and hot compression process. Mechanical in-plane shear characterization has been carried out using off-axis three-point flexure test. Fibre volume fraction of multiscale hybrid composites has been determined through thermogravimetric analysis and fracture surfaces after testing have been imaged by scanning electron microscopy. Results reveal that the inclusion of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes on laminates has a small influence on in-plane shear modulus, although it increases up to 15% of the in-plane shear strength. Multiwall carbon nanotube functionalization improves shear stress transmission between matrix and carbon nanotubes, which represents a reinforcement effect responsible for the increase in in-plane shear strength. Scanning electron micrographs have confirmed in-plane shear tests results.
Moral Hazard on the Reporting of Health Problems: A Public–Private Comparison
Authors: Nuñez Imanol
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the effect of moral hazard on the reporting of health problems in the public sector. Moral hazard was demonstrated by a comparison between public and private employees of self-reporting hard-to-diagnose health problems. Data for the analysis were taken from a sample of over 120,000 workers from the U.K. 2010 Labour Force Survey. Results revealed that, against the posited hypotheses, the opportunistic behavior was equal between public employees and permanent workers from the private sector. However, differences were found in reporting behavior between public employees and personnel with contractual positions where the risk of unemployment was higher.
Performance testing of wildland fire chemicals using a custom-built heat flux sensor
Authors: Anderson Shammawi A , McDonald André G
Published: September 2015

A simple and effective laboratory test methodology was developed for differentiating wildland fire chemicals based on the ignition time of vegetative fuel samples. The test apparatus consisted of an electric-powered radiant heater that was used to produce a uniform radiant thermal load to ignite the vegetative fuel samples. The samples, treated with wildland fire chemicals, were mounted on to a load cell to determine the transient mass loss during the combustion process. A custom-built heat flux sensor, that was modified and tested to reduce high errors, was used to determine the time to flaming ignition. The time to flaming ignition was also measured using transient mass loss data of the vegetative fuel samples. Statistical t-test analysis was conducted on the time to flaming ignition to determine whether the results were statistically significant for the different chemical treatments. The results indicated that the test methodology allowed for effective differentiation between the wildland fire chemical treatments by comparing their mean ignition times. The narrow standard deviations of the average ignition times suggested that the test methodology was able to produce repeatable results.
The Effects of the Severity of Periventricular Leukomalacia on the Neuropsychological Outcomes of Preterm Children
Authors: Choi Ja Young , Rha Dong-wook , Park Eun Sook
Published: September 2015

This study investigates the developmental outcomes of preterm children according to severity of periventricular leukomalacia. One hundred preterm children with periventricular leukomalacia evident on brain magnetic resonance imaging and who had undergone neuropsychologic evaluation were selected. Intellectual disability was noted in 27.8% of the children with mild periventricular leukomalacia, 53.2% with moderate periventricular leukomalacia, and 77.1% with severe periventricular leukomalacia. The rates of major neurodevelopmental impairments such as cerebral palsy or intellectual disability were related to the severity of periventricular leukomalacia but not to gestational age or epilepsy. There were significant differences in the intelligence quotient (IQ) and social maturity quotient between 3 groups of periventricular leukomalacia. The performance IQ was significantly lower than the verbal IQ. Behavioral problems were noted in about one-third of the children but the rate was not related with the severity of periventricular leukomalacia. Our study revealed the significant associations between severity of periventricular leukomalacia and cognitive and social adaptive functions in the preterm children.
Circumstances Preceding Homicide-Suicides Involving Child Victims: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Holland Kristin M. , Brown Sabrina V. , Hall Jeffrey E. , Logan Joseph E.
Published: September 2015

Homicide-suicide incidents involving child victims can have a detrimental impact on survivors of the violence, family members and friends of the decedents, and other community members, but the rare occurrence of these acts makes using quantitative data to examine their associated antecedents challenging. Therefore, using qualitative data from the 2003-2011 National Violent Death Reporting System, we examined 175 cases of homicide-suicide involving child victims in an effort to better understand the complex situational factors of these events. Our findings indicate that 98% of homicide-suicides with child victims are perpetrated by adults (mostly parents) and propelled by the perpetrators’ intimate partner problems, mental health problems, and criminal/legal problems. These events are often premeditated, and plans for the violence are sometimes disclosed prior to its occurrence. Findings provide support for several theoretical perspectives, and implications for prevention are discussed.
Women in Power
Authors: Stainback Kevin , Kleiner Sibyl , Skaggs Sheryl
Published: September 2015

A growing literature examines the organizational factors that promote women’s access to positions of organizational power. Fewer studies, however, explore the implications of women in leadership positions for the opportunities and experiences of subordinates. Do women leaders serve to undo the gendered organization? In other words, is women’s greater representation in leadership positions associated with less gender segregation at lower organizational levels? We explore this question by drawing on Cohen and Huffman’s (2007) conceptual framework of women leaders as either “change agents” or “cogs in the machine” and analyze a unique multilevel data set of workplaces nested within Fortune 1000 firms. Our findings generally support the “agents of change” perspective. Women’s representation among corporate boards of directors, corporate executives, and workplace managers is associated with less workplace gender segregation. Hence, it appears that women’s access to organizational power helps to undo the gendered organization.
The Impact of Shared Stories on Family Firm Innovation
Authors: Kammerlander Nadine , Dessì Cinzia , Bird Miriam , Floris Michela , Murru Alessandra
Published: September 2015

Innovation is a key determinant of long-term success for family firms. We apply a multiple case study research design to investigate the relationship between stories that are shared among family members across generations and the family firms’ innovations. We derive a set of four propositions suggesting that founder focus in stories is negatively and family focus is positively associated with innovation. We further propose that these relationships are mediated by the scope of decision-making options, the distribution of decision-making power between generations, and the role of conflict in the families.
Tennessee to the Top: One State’s Pursuit to Win Race to the Top
Authors: Finch Maida A.
Published: September 2015

In 2009, a seldom-used policy lever emerged in the form of a competitive grant program, Race to the Top (RTTT), and sparked a flurry of state-led initiatives as states vied for federal dollars. The current study examines the policymaking context that surrounded these events and propelled Tennessee to the top of the race among the states. Through interviews with legislators and bureaucrats, I analyze the state-level processes instigated by a federal program in which all but four states participated, but fewer than half were winners. My examination details the parallels between the RTTT guidelines, Tennessee’s efforts, including the Special Session in the General Assembly, and the state’s plan for improving education in the state as outlined in their RTTT application.
Modelling aspects of the design of railway vehicle structures and their crashworthiness
Authors: Afazov Shukri , Denmark Willem , Yaghi Anas
Published: September 2015

Travelling by rail is considered to be a safe option compared with other types of transport, in terms of the number of accidents. However, there are always opportunities to improve the current safety standards and industrial practices. The aim of this paper is to give a better understanding of the current modelling techniques that could support the design of new railway vehicle structures. The paper highlights the established practices in modelling of proof, fatigue and crashworthiness. It also reviews the state-of-the-art in the modelling of material behaviour, recommends practical modelling solutions that can be used in the railway industry, and demonstrates new modelling techniques for crashworthiness.
A new approach in UAV path planning using Bezier–Dubins continuous curvature path
Authors: Askari A , Mortazavi M , Talebi HA , Motamedi A
Published: September 2015

This paper presents continuous curvature paths for unmanned vehicles such as robots and unmanned aerial vehicles. The importance of these paths is that both upper-bounded curvature and upper-bounded curvature derivatives are included in the path. The approach is based on replacement of the Dubins line with the quintic PH Bezier curves by computing a shape parameter by considering the kinematic constraints of the path. Since these paths are Dubins-based paths, their lengths are close to the minimum length. The effectiveness and sub-optimality of the proposed paths are demonstrated through fully nonlinear simulation.
Psychiatric disorders and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among a population of HIV-infected adults in Nigeria
Authors: Adejumo Olurotimi , Oladeji Bibilola , Akpa Onoja , Malee Kay , Baiyewu Olusegun , Ogunniyi Adesola , Evans Scott , Berzins Baiba , Taiwo Babafemi
Published: September 2015

Summary

Psychiatric disorders are common among people living with HIV in Nigeria. Adherence is necessary to optimise the outcome of antiretroviral therapy. In this study, we aimed to identify associations between antiretroviral adherence, measured by one-week and one-month self-reported missed doses, and psychiatric illness in a cohort previously assessed for psychiatric disorders using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The study participants comprised 151 adults with major depression, anxiety or suicidal symptoms, and 302 matched-control participants. Two controls were randomly selected for each case within the same gender and education level. We compared participants with psychiatric disorders (WPDs) and no psychiatric disorders (NPDs) on selected demographic and clinical variables, in addition to adherence. Participants with one or more missed doses in the preceding month had twice the odds of having a major depressive episode as those with no missed doses during this period (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03, 4.79). This association remained significant after adjusting for selected risk factors. There was no statistically significant difference between WPD and NPD groups on either one-week or one-month adherence, or on age, marital status, occupational class, HIV viral load at enrolment or current CD4 cell count. Among Nigerian adults with HIV, suboptimal antiretroviral adherence is associated with, and could be a sign of, depression. Routine self-report adherence assessments may potentially be utilised in identifying individuals at risk among this population.
Syndemics and gender affirmation: HIV sexual risk in female-to-male trans masculine adults reporting sexual contact with cisgender males
Authors: Reisner Sari L , White Hughto Jaclyn M , Pardee Dana , Sevelius Jae
Published: September 2015

Female-to-male trans masculine adults who have sex with cisgender (non-transgender) males (TMSM) represent an understudied population in relation to HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk. This study examined the role of syndemic conditions and social gender affirmation processes (living full-time in one’s identified gender) in potentiating sexual risk among TMSM adults in Massachusetts, US. Cross-sectional data were restricted to TMSM who reported lifetime sexual behaviour with a cisgender male ( n = 173; mean age = 29.4, SD = 9.6; 18.5% people of colour; 93.1% non-heterosexual identity; 56.1% hormones/surgery). Sexual risk outcomes were: lifetime STI diagnoses, three or more sexual partners in the previous six months, and condomless anal/vaginal sex at last encounter with a cisgender male. Age- and survey mode-adjusted logistic regression models regressed sexual risk outcomes on the main effect of syndemics (six indicators summed: binge drinking, substance use, depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, intimate partner violence), followed by the interaction of syndemics and social gender affirmation. Syndemics were associated with increased odds of all sexual risk indicators (adjusted odds ratios [aORs] = 1.32–1.55; p < 0.0001). Social gender affirmation moderated the association between syndemics and condomless anal/vaginal sex at last encounter with a cisgender male ( p < 0.0001). Syndemics were associated with sexual risk in TMSM who had socially affirmed their gender (aOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.42–2.25; p < 0.001), but not among those TMSM who had not (aOR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.63–1.19; p = 0.37). Findings suggest that syndemic pathways to sexual risk are similar for TMSM who have socially gender affirmed as for cisgender MSM. Integration of syndemics and gender affirmation frameworks is recommended in interventions to address TMSM sexual risk.
Acceptability and preferences for safer conception HIV prevention strategies: a qualitative study
Authors: Schwartz Sheree R , West Nora , Phofa Rebecca , Yende Nompumelelo , Sanne Ian , Bassett Jean , Van Rie Annelies
Published: September 2015

Safer conception strategies to reduce the HIV transmission risk include antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive partners, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-negative partners, condomless sex limited to fertile periods, and home-based self-insemination. Resistance to taking treatment or cultural concerns may limit uptake of strategies and intervention success. Understanding the acceptability and preferences between different approaches is important to optimise service delivery. Between February and July 2013, 42 adults (21 HIV-positive and 21 HIV-negative) receiving primary care at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, participated in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews. Themes were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Acceptability of antiretroviral-based strategies varied. Concerns over side effects, antiretroviral treatment duration and beliefs that treatment is only for the sick were common barriers; however, desperation for a child was noted as a facilitator for uptake. HIV-negative men and HIV-positive women had favourable attitudes towards self-insemination, though paternity and safety concerns were raised. Self-insemination was generally preferred over pre-exposure prophylaxis by HIV-negative men, and antiretroviral-based strategies were preferred by couples with HIV-negative female partners, despite concerns raised about condomless sex while virally suppressed. Knowledge about the fertile window was low. A strong counselling component will be required for effective uptake and adherence to safer conception services.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in African American women who exclusively have sex with women
Authors: Muzny Christina A , Kapil Richa , Austin Erika L , Brown LaDraka , Hook Edward W , Geisler William M
Published: September 2015

Little is known about whether Chlamydia trachomatis can be sexually transmitted between women or how often it occurs in women who have sex with women (WSW). We investigated Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence and serum Chlamydia trachomatis-specific antibody responses among African American WSW who reported a lifetime history of sex only with women (exclusive WSW) (n = 21) vs. an age-matched group of women reporting sex with women and men (WSWM) ( n = 42). Participants completed a survey, underwent a pelvic examination in which a cervical swab was collected for Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), and had serum tested for anti- Chlamydia trachomatis IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies using a Chlamydia trachomatis elementary body-based ELISA. No exclusive WSW had a positive Chlamydia trachomatis NAAT vs. 5 (11.9%) WSWM having a positive Chlamydia trachomatis NAAT ( p = 0.16). Compared with WSWM, WSW were significantly less likely to be Chlamydia trachomatis seropositive (7 [33.3%] vs. 29 [69%], p = 0.007). Among Chlamydia trachomatis seropositive women, all were seropositive by IgG1, and the magnitude of Chlamydia trachomatis-specific IgG1 responses did not differ in Chlamydia trachomatis-seropositive WSW vs. WSWM. In conclusion, Chlamydia trachomatis seropositivity was relatively common in exclusive African American WSW, though significantly less common than in African American WSWM.
Does service integration improve the sexual and reproductive healthcare of women living with HIV?
Authors: Wielding S , Flynn B
Published: September 2015

The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care needs of a cohort of HIV-positive women were studied pre- and post-integration of genitourinary medicine (GUM) and SRH services. Pre-integration, 24.9% of women at risk of pregnancy were using an effective method of contraception, with a non-significant improvement post-integration to 39.3%. Pre-integration, 47.6% of pregnancies were unplanned, whilst 50% were still unplanned post-integration. Cervical cytology uptake within the previous 12 months improved significantly. It appears that the integration of services alone does not improve all aspects of the SRH of women living with HIV and additional novel strategies should be explored.
Implicit Social Biases in People With Autism
Authors: Birmingham Elina , Stanley Damian , Nair Remya , Adolphs Ralph
Published: September 2015

Implicit social biases are ubiquitous and are known to influence social behavior. A core diagnostic criterion of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is abnormal social behavior. We investigated the extent to which individuals with ASD might show a specific attenuation of implicit social biases, using Implicit Association Tests (IATs) involving social (gender, race) and nonsocial (nature, shoes) categories. High-functioning adults with ASD showed intact but reduced IAT effects relative to healthy control participants. We observed no selective attenuation of implicit social (vs. nonsocial) biases in our ASD population. To extend these results, we supplemented our healthy control data with data collected from a large online sample from the general population and explored correlations between autistic traits and IAT effects. We observed no systematic relationship between autistic traits and implicit social biases in our online and control samples. Taken together, these results suggest that implicit social biases, as measured by the IAT, are largely intact in ASD.
Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy is attenuated by autophagy through regulation of apoptosis and inflammation
Authors: Ko Gang Jee , Bae So Yeon , Hong Yu-Ah , Pyo Heui Jung , Kwon Young Joo
Published: September 2015

Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (RCN) is the third most common cause of acute renal failure among inpatients. Although the number of patients undergoing exams using radiocontrast is increasing, little progress has been made for RCN treatment. The pathophysiology of RCN is known as tubular injury due to oxidative stress. As autophagy regulates cellular damage under stressful conditions, we investigated the role of autophagy in RCN. RCN was induced in male C57BL/6 J mice by intraperitoneal injection of iohexol, and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used as an autophagy inhibitor. Tubular injury caused by iohexol was also examined in vitro using rat tubular cells (NRK-52E). Increased autophagy after iohexol administration was demonstrated by the increase of light chain 3-II in the damaged kidney tubules both in vivo and in vitro. Serum creatinine and tubular injury were significantly increased at 24 h after iohexol treatment, as compared to control group. Further they worsened with autophagy inhibition by 3-MA. In vitro studies also demonstrated that decreased cell viability by iohexol was aggravated with 3-MA pretreatment. Malondialdehyde measured for oxidative stress was increased by iohexol, and it was accentuated by autophagy inhibition, which resulted in increase of cytochrome c. Apoptosis, increased by iohexol treatment, was augmented with autophagy inhibition. Macrophage infiltration and increase of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in kidneys were induced by iohexol, and it was aggravated with autophagy inhibition. This study showed that autophagy was involved with the pathophysiology of RCN, and the role of autophagy in modulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cell infiltration was supposed as mechanisms mitigating RCN.
Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jandali B , Uthman I , Abbas O
Published: September 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that most frequently involves the skin and the musculoskeletal system. In addition to the more common cutaneous manifestations, interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) may rarely occur in association with SLE or even be the first sign of the disease. We describe a 40-year-old man with SLE-associated IGD, and review all cases of SLE-associated IGD in the literature.
Circulating CD4+CD28null and extra-thymic CD4+CD8+ double positive T cells are independently associated with disease damage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Ugarte-Gil M F , Sánchez-Zúñiga C , Gamboa-Cárdenas R V , Aliaga-Zamudio M , Zevallos F , Tineo-Pozo G , Cucho-Venegas J M , Mosqueira-Riveros A , Medina M , Perich-Campos R A , Alfaro-Lozano J L , Rodriguez-Bellido Z , Alarcón G S , Pastor-Asurza C A
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine whether circulating CD4+CD28null and extra-thymic CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) T cells are independently associated with damage accrual in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2013 and April 2014 in consecutive SLE patients from our Rheumatology Department. CD4+CD28null and CD4+CD8+ DP T-cell frequencies were analyzed by flow-cytometry. The association of damage (SLICC/ACR Damage Index, SDI) and CD4+CD28null and CD4+CD8+ DP T cells was examined by univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models, adjusting for possible confounders. All analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0.

Results

Patients’ ( n = 133) mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 35.5 (16.8) years, 124 (93.2%) were female; all were mestizo (mixed Caucasian and Amerindian ancestry). Disease duration was 7.4 (6.8) years. The SLE Disease Activity Index was 5.5 (4.2), and the SDI 0.9 (1.2). The percentages of CD4+CD28null and CD4+CD8+ DP T cells were 17.1 (14.4) and 0.4 (1.4), respectively. The percentage of CD4+CD28null and CD4+CD8+ DP T cells were positively associated with a higher SDI in both univariable (rate ratio (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.03 and 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07–1.27, respectively; p < 0.001 for both) and multivariable analyses RR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03, p = 0.001 for CD4+CD28null T cells and 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13–1.44, p < 0.001 for CD4+CD8+ DP T cells). Only the renal domain remained associated with CD4+CD28null in multivariable analyses (RR 1.023 (1.002–1.045); p = 0.034).

Conclusions

In SLE patients, CD4+CD28null and CD4+CD8+ DP T cells are independently associated with disease damage. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the predictive value of these associations.
Role of altered mitochondria functions in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Leishangthem B D , Sharma A , Bhatnagar A
Published: September 2015

Mitochondria, main producers of reactive-oxygen species (ROS), were studied to examine their role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). PBMCs and mitochondria were isolated from SLE patients and healthy volunteers for various parameters. Mitochondrial ROS, swelling, hyperpolarization and levels of cytochrome c, caspase3 in the cells were assessed by flow cytometry. ROS was significantly increased in SLE patients (SLE vs controls: 1.83 ± 1.03 vs 1.10 ± 0.35; p < 0.0001). Depolarized state of mitochondria was greater in patients (SLE vs controls: 7.10 ± 5.50% vs 2.5 ± 1.8%; p < 0.05). Mitochondria swelling was found to be significantly altered in patients (SLE vs controls: 112.65 ± 36.56 vs 60.49 ± 20.69; p < 0.001). Expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3 (SLE vs controls: 1.37 ± 0.37% vs 1.01 ± 0.03%; 1.57 ± 0.46% vs 1.06 ± 0.07%; p < 0.05) respectively was found to be significantly increased in SLE. Further, the enzymatic activity of mitochondrial complex was assessed in isolated mitochondria. A significant decrease in activity of Complex I (SLE vs controls: 11.79 ± 3.18 vs 15.10 ± 6.38 nmol NADH oxidized/min/mg protein, p < 0.05); Complex IV (SLE vs control: 9.41 ± 5.16 vs 13.56 ± 5.92 nmol cytochrome c oxidized/min/mg protein, p < 0.05) and Complex V (SLE vs controls: 4.85 ± 1.39 vs 6.17 ± 2.02 nmol ATP hydrolyzed/min/mg protein, p < 0.05) was found in SLE patients in comparison to healthy controls. However, Complex II did not show significant variation in either group (SLE vs controls: 42.2 ± 28.6 vs 61.71 ± 42.3 nmol succinate oxidized/min/mg protein; ns). The decrease in enzyme activities of mitochondrial Complexes I, IV and V on one hand and ROS, hyperpolarization and apoptosis on the other points toward a possible role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of lupus.
Simultaneous comparisons of treatments at multiple time points: Combined marginal models versus joint modeling
Authors: Pallmann Philip , Pretorius Mias , Ritz Christian
Published: September 2015

We discuss several aspects of multiple inference in longitudinal settings, focusing on many-to-one and all-pairwise comparisons of (a) treatment groups simultaneously at several points in time, or (b) time points simultaneously for several treatments. We assume a continuous endpoint that is measured repeatedly over time and contrast two basic modeling strategies: fitting a joint model across all occasions (with random effects and/or some residual covariance structure to account for heteroscedasticity and serial dependence), and a novel approach combining a set of simple marginal, i.e. occasion-specific models. Upon parameter and covariance estimation with either modeling approach, we employ a variant of multiple contrast tests that acknowledges correlation between time points and test statistics. This method provides simultaneous confidence intervals and adjusted p-values for elementary hypotheses as well as a global test decision. We compare via simulation the powers of multiple contrast tests based on a joint model and multiple marginal models, respectively, and quantify the benefit of incorporating longitudinal correlation, i.e. the advantage over Bonferroni. Practical application is illustrated with data from a clinical trial on bradykinin receptor antagonism.
Nikolay Nikolayovich Blokhin (1912–1993): Patriarch of 20th century Russian medicine and surgery
Authors: Glyantsev Sergey P , Koshelev Alexandr D , Kolesnikov Yan G
Published: September 2015

This paper focuses on the personal and professional life of Nikolay Nikolayevich Blokhin, an outstanding Russian surgeon and highly innovative oncologist. In addition to a highly successful clinical career, he was a member and President of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences and Director of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Experimental and Clinical Oncology. Although his reputation as a medical and political figure is firmly established within Russian medical history, his achievements in surgery and oncology now merit recognition by an international audience.
Great teachers of Gaspare Tagliacozzi (1546–1599)
Authors: Gurunluoglu Raffi , Gurunluoglu Aslin , Arton Jamie
Published: September 2015

Gaspare Tagliacozzi successfully practised the art of plastic surgery in the sixteenth century and conducted a long series of precise observations on the basis of which he formulated detailed principles for rhinoplastic. He wrote the first complete description of nasal reconstruction using skin from the arm. Tagliacozzi's teachers at the University of Bologna during his student days remain largely unfamiliar, Giulio Cesare Aranzio, Ulisse Aldrovandi and Girolamo Cardano. Aldrovandi taught the ‘ordinary’, that is the principal course in natural philosophy. Aranzio taught the chief course in surgery and anatomy. Cardano taught a course in the theory of medicine. Their activity contributed to the slow move from Galenic teaching in medicine and the static acceptance of tradition in all science.
IJEPA: Gray Area for Health Policy and International Nurse Migration
Authors: Efendi Ferry , Mackey Timothy Ken , Huang Mei-Chih , Chen Ching-Min
Published: September 2015

Indonesia is recognized as a nurse exporting country, with policies that encourage nursing professionals to emigrate abroad. This includes the country’s adoption of international principles attempting to protect Indonesian nurses that emigrate as well as the country’s own participation in a bilateral trade and investment agreement, known as the Indonesia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement that facilitates Indonesian nurse migration to Japan. Despite the potential trade and employment benefits from sending nurses abroad under the Indonesia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, Indonesia itself is suffering from a crisis in nursing capacity and ensuring adequate healthcare access for its own populations. This represents a distinct challenge for Indonesia in appropriately balancing domestic health workforce needs, employment, and training opportunities for Indonesian nurses, and the need to acknowledge the rights of nurses to freely migrate abroad. Hence, this article reviews the complex operational and ethical issues associated with Indonesian health worker migration under the Indonesia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. It also introduces a policy proposal to improve performance of the Indonesia–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and better align it with international principles focused on equitable health worker migration.
A Case of More Is Less
Authors: Turcotte Jason , Paul Newly
Published: September 2015

For candidates and voters alike, U.S. politics is a gendered space in which women are often underrepresented. Participation from women is assumed to equalize representation and voice in the political process; however, little research has explored gender influence on campaign agendas, particularly in non-news contexts. This study applies a quantitative content analysis to explore the influence of (1) candidate gender, (2) journalist gender, and (3) voter gender on the presidential debate agenda. In examining the issue focus of debate questions, we find that participation from women candidates and women journalists does little to improve agenda diversity and that the agendas set by women journalists fail to satisfy the issue priorities of women voters participating in these same debates.
Validity of the Self-Report Psychopathy Scales (SRP-III Full and Short Versions) in a Community Sample
Authors: Gordts Sarah , Uzieblo Kasia , Neumann Craig , Van den Bussche Eva , Rossi Gina
Published: September 2015

The psychometric properties of the 64-item Self-Report Psychopathy Scale–III (SRP-III) and its abbreviated 28-item SRP–Short Form (SRP-SF) seem promising. Still, cross-cultural evidence for its construct validity in heterogeneous community samples remains relatively scarce. Moreover, little is known about the interchangeability of both instruments. The present study addresses these research gaps by comparing the SRP-III and SRP-SF factorial construct validity and nomological network in a Belgian community sample. The four-factor model of psychopathy was evaluated ( N = 1,510) and the SRP scales’ relationship with various external correlates (i.e., attachment, bullying and victimization, right-wing attitudes, right-wing authoritarianism, and response styles) was examined ( n = 210). Both SRP versions demonstrated a good fit for the four-factor model and a considerable overlap with the nomological network of psychopathy. The results suggested that the SRP-SF provides a viable alternative to the SRP-III for assessment in the community. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Industrial drive fault diagnosis through vibration analysis using wavelet transform
Authors: Jayakumar K , Thangavel S
Published: September 2015

The fault diagnosis of electrical machines is significant to reduce the costs of maintenance through early detection of faults, which could be expensive to service. The idea of the research is that the advanced signal processing techniques called wavelet transform is exercised to haul out the faults from the vibration and current signal and a spectral component is being received to diagnose the condition of the machine. The existing system used wavelet transforms for the analysis of the stator faults and rotor faults are taken as a case study to prove the wavelet techniques for fault diagnosis. The proposed investigation of vibration analysis for the induction machines is done through frequency pattern using the decomposition of wavelet packet. The wavelet coefficients for the vibration have been extracted over a wide range of signals and the analysis could be percolated on the frequency domain through HAAR wavelet. In this paper, healthy and unhealthy motor with two broken ball bearings are used to estimate the vibration and current spectrum. Experimentally observed vibration and current signals are transformed into power spectral density through approximate and detailed coefficients with the help of MATLAB tools and the steady state rotor frequency was used to introduce a new frequency pattern for fault diagnosis.
HIV-Testing Rates and Testing Locations Among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Rountree Michele A. , Chen Lynn , Bagwell Meredith
Published: September 2015

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed to report the HIV-testing rates and locations of women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Of the 18,917 women in the sample, 19.8% reported experiencing IPV. Over half of the women who experienced IPV reported testing rates of 52.4%, compared with 35.5% of the overall sample. Testing rates and locations significantly differed by race/ethnicity. Findings and their implications are explored, with an emphasis on increasing access to HIV testing and treatment for women who have experienced IPV and providing sexual safety planning for women accessing HIV-testing services.
Comparison of two different formulas for body surface area in adults at extremes of height and weight
Authors: Fancher Karen M , Sacco Alicia J , Gwin Robert C , Gormley Luke K , Mitchell Caitlin B
Published: September 2015

Background

Different equations for predicting body surface area have been derived. The DuBois and Mosteller body surface area equations are considered equivalent, but the accuracy in adult patients at extremes of height and weight is unknown.

Purpose

To compare body surface area in patients at extremes of height and weight using both formulas to determine whether a difference affected chemotherapy dose.

Methods

Anthropometric data were extracted from the 2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital and Health Statistics. Data for both males and females were examined. The 50th percentiles of weight and height were used to calculate the body surface area with both formulas. Calculations were repeated using the 5th through 95th percentiles for weight, then the 5th through 95th percentiles for height, and so forth until all extremes of height and weight were examined. Each body surface area was used to calculate a chemotherapy dose. A difference of ≥4.5% in dose was considered clinically significant.

Results

Differences were apparent in both males and females. Dosing differences were most apparent in patients in the 50th, 75th or 95th percentile for both height and weight. Differences are also noted in other percentiles, suggesting that patients of smaller stature may also be affected.

Conclusion

Guidelines recommend full doses of chemotherapy for patients with curative intent but do not specify which body surface area formula is preferred. Our results imply that the Mosteller equation provides a greater chemotherapy dose, and this difference may be clinically significant in patients who are in the 50th to 95th percentiles for height, weight or both. Further study is necessary to validate these results and determine the impact on patient outcomes.
Asynchronous vascular consultation via electronic methods: A feasibility pilot
Authors: Chittle Melissa D , Rao Sandhya K , Jaff Michael R , Patel Virendra I , Gallen Kathleen M , Avadhani Radhika , Ferris Timothy G , Wasfy Jason H
Published: September 2015

Management of chronic disease often requires multidisciplinary clinical efforts and specialist care. With the emergence of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), health care systems are incentivized to evaluate methods of information exchange between generalists and specialists in order to provide value while preserving quality. Our objective was to evaluate patient and referring provider satisfaction and outcomes of asynchronous electronic consultations in vascular care in a large tertiary academic medical center. Referring providers were offered a vascular ‘e-consult’ option through an electronic referral management system. We conducted chart review to understand the downstream effects and surveyed patients and referring providers to assess satisfaction. From 24 March 2014 to 1 March 2015, 54 e-consults were completed. Additional testing and recommendations were made in 49/54 (90.7%) e-consults, including lower-extremity venous duplex ultrasonography with reflux testing, duplex ultrasonography of the carotid artery, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, non-invasive physiology arterial studies, laboratory tests, medications, compression stockings, and sequential lymphedema compression therapy. Referring providers were compliant with recommendations in 40/49 (81.6%) of e-consults. A total of 17/54 (31.5%) patients were surveyed with a median patient satisfaction score of 13.7/15 (91.3%) (SD ± 6.4). The program was associated with high referring provider satisfaction, with 87.0% finding the e-consult very helpful and 80.0% stating it averted the need for a traditional visit. Our experience suggests that e-consults are an effective way to provide vascular care in some patients and are associated with high patient and provider satisfaction. E-consults may therefore be an efficient method of care delivery for vascular patients within an ACO.
Towards a theory of grotesque transparency: The case of Hugo Chávez
Authors: Nahon-Serfaty Isaac
Published: September 2015

The main objective of this article is to lay the foundations of a theory of grotesque transparency that looks into the aesthetics of ‘ocular politics’. Inspired by Ramón del Valle-Inclán’s definition of the esperpento – a grotesque representation of the hero – this interpretative schema uncovers the rhetorical, narrative and iconic mechanisms that constitute a form of political communication that creates the illusion of total affective disclosure. We tested the premises of this theory by studying a public performance of the now-deceased Venezuela President Hugo Chávez where discursive genres overlap (presidential speech, comic soundbites and preacher’s homily), dissolving the ‘truth’ in an ‘excess of transparency’, and also performing a function of social criticism through desecration of institutional formalities.
Mapping of indoor radon survey and dose estimations in health centres in Turkey
Authors: Damla Nevzat , Kara Ayhan , Tel Eyüp , Yesilkanat Cafer M.
Published: September 2015

Radon and its short-lived daughter products, leading to lung cancer, are the most significant contribution to the exposure of man to ionizing radiation from natural sources. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess indoor radon measurements in 39 rooms of 15 health centres in Osmaniye city, Turkey using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors based on radon dosimeters. Indoor radon concentrations were found to change from 8 to 108 Bq·m−3. The associated radiological parameters such as the annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were computed for staff/patient in the rooms surveyed. The mean annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk values were estimated to be 0.29 mSv and 1.02 × 10−3, respectively. The annual computed effective doses are lower than the suggested action level (3–10 mSv·y−1). Also, with ordinary Kriging method, by using R programing language and quantum geographic information system, indoor radon concentration, annual effective dose, and excess lifetime cancer risk interpolated values were recorded and mapped. The findings obtained in the current study concerning radon levels and their variations will provide baseline values for future research surveys.
Al2O3-fortifed AA6061-T6 joint produced via friction stir welding: The effects of traveling speed on microstructure, mechanical, and wear properties
Authors: Farahmand Nikoo Mohsen , Parvin Nader , Bahrami Mohsen
Published: September 2015

In this study, 6 mm thick AA6061-T6 alloy was friction stir-welded at different traveling speeds while Al2O3 nano-particles were incorporated between adjoining plates. All joints were investigated macro- and micro-structurally. In addition, distribution pattern of Al2O3 nano-particles in the stir zone was observed via scanning electron microscopes. Although the specimen friction stir-welded at 40 mm/min exhibited the most homogeneous particles distribution, friction stir welding at 1600 rpm and 45 mm/min yielded highest tensile strength. Fractographs achieved from tensile test specimens were in close agreement with corresponding percent elongations. Surprisingly, the foregoing specimen exhibited inferior hardness to the as-received AA6061-T6 alloy. Accordingly, it was concluded that dissolution of strengthening precipitates dominated the effect of hard reinforcement particles on enhancement of hardness value. As a result of Al2O3 nano-particles introduction, on the other hand, wear resistance improved tremendously.
Do ‘good students’ make better entrepreneurs than ‘bad learners’? Ninth-grade pupils’ perceptions of entrepreneurial abilities within the school’s discursive practices
Authors: Korhonen Maija , Komulainen Katri , Räty Hannu , Mattanen Johanna , Hirva Laura
Published: September 2015

Research on entrepreneurship education (EE) has not discussed the comprehensive school’s traditional discourse of abilities and the related aim of categorising pupils according to their ‘natural’ talents. It has also neglected pupils’ perceptions of entrepreneurial abilities; however, these perceptions are important for understanding the implementation of EE at school and its impact on how pupils position themselves at school and in working life. This study examined the ways entrepreneurial abilities were constructed by pupils in comprehensive school. The data were gathered through qualitative group interviews with 29 pupils (15–16 years old) from a school in eastern Finland. The following six interpretative repertoires were identified in the interviews: ‘academic talent’, ‘predetermined career’, ‘diligent student’, ‘common sense’, ‘personal characteristics’ and ‘loyal friendship’. The former three reproduced the school’s meritocratic notion of abilities and the related class- and gender-specific distinctions between head-on and hands-on abilities. The latter three challenged the value of academic talent for entrepreneurship. The findings demonstrated that while the school’s traditional discourse of abilities guides the pupils’ perceptions, in the pupils’ views entrepreneurial abilities are not evaluated according to the school’s intelligence criteria alone. In their accounts, a discourse of an enterprising self, which characterises the European and Finnish policy for education and training, is emerging. This new discourse will create new dimensions for the categorisation of individual differences at school. The results are discussed in relation to the trait approach to entrepreneurship, the ability ideals of EE and the related proposal for inclusive pedagogy, and the teachers’ perceptions that were explored in a previous study.