bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine D1-D2 Receptor Heteromer Regulates Signaling Cascades Involved in Addiction: Potential Relevance to Adolescent Drug Susceptibility
Authors: Perreault Melissa L. , OʼDowd Brian F. , George Susan R.
Published: May 2014

Adolescence is a developmental period that has been associated with heightened sensitivity to psychostimulant-induced reward, thus placing adolescents at increased risk to develop drug addiction. Although alterations in dopamine-induced synaptic plasticity are perhaps the most critical factor in mediating addiction processes, developmental differences in the cell signaling mechanisms that contribute to synaptic plasticity, and their contribution to adolescent reward sensitivity, has been grossly understudied. The most abundant dopamine receptors, the D1 and D2 receptors, as well as the dopamine D1-D2 receptor heteromer, exhibit age-dependent and brain region-specific changes in their expression and function and are responsible for regulating cell signaling pathways known to significantly contribute to the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The D1-D2 receptor heteromer, for instance, has been associated with calcium calmodulin kinase IIα, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) signaling, three proteins highly implicated in the regulation of glutamate transmission and synaptic plasticity and which regulate addiction to amphetamine, opioids and cocaine. Therefore, in this review the importance of these signaling proteins as potential mediators of addiction susceptibility in adolescence will be highlighted, and the therapeutic potential of the D1-D2 receptor heteromer in addiction will be discussed. It is the overall goal of this review to draw attention to the research gap in dopamine-induced cell signaling in the adolescent brain - knowledge that would provide much-needed insights into adolescent addiction vulnerability.
Gene Expression of Chicken Gonads Is Sex- and Side-Specific
Authors: Scheider Jessica , Afonso-Grunz Fabian , Hoffmeier Klaus , Horres Ralf , Groher Florian , Rycak Lukas , Oehlmann Jörg , Winter Peter
Published: May 2014

In chicken, the left and right female gonads undergo a completely different program during development. To learn more about the molecular factors underlying side-specific development and to identify potential sex- and side-specific genes in developing gonads, we separately performed next-generation sequencing-based deepSuperSAGE transcription profiling from left and right, female and male gonads of 19-day-old chicken embryos. A total of 836 transcript variants were significantly differentially expressed (p < 10-5) between combined male and female gonads. Left-right comparison revealed 1,056 and 822 differentially (p < 10-5) expressed transcript variants for male and female gonads, respectively, of which 72 are side-specific in both sexes. At least some of these may represent key players for lateral development in birds. Additionally, several genes with laterally differential expression in the ovaries seem to determine female gonads for growth or regression, whereas right-left differences in testes are mostly limited to the differentially expressed genes present in both sexes. With a few exceptions, side-specific genes are not located on the sex chromosomes. The large differences in lateral gene expression in the ovaries in almost all metabolic pathways suggest that the regressing right gonad might have undergone a change of function during evolution.
Mouse Model of Posttraumatic Abdominal Sepsis: Survival Advantage of Females over Males Does Not Depend on the Cecum Size
Authors: Wehrenpfennig Paul , Drechsler Susanne , Weixelbaumer Katrin M. , Bahrami Soheyl , Osuchowski Marcin F.
Published: May 2014

Background: Regardless of whether alone or in combination, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) is the most commonly used model to emulate human polymicrobial sepsis. Numerous CLP studies have shown that female mice survive better than males. In adult mice, this effect may be partly due to the unequal cecum mass (larger in males), as cecum ligation is frequently not size standardized. Comparing two ligation approaches, we investigated whether cecum size influences gender-specific outcome differences. Methods: 15-month-old (middle-aged) female and male CD-1 mice underwent sublethal trauma/hemorrhage followed by CLP 48 h later. The evaluation of cecum size (in centimeters) and filling (score) was immediately followed by two ligation protocols: (1) ileocecal ligation (IC-L; n = 28/each gender) below the ileocecal valve, and (2) apex ligation (AP-L; n = 31 males, n = 24 females) 2 cm from the apex ceci - all followed by an identical double puncture and 10-day monitoring. Results: Cecum length (3.4 cm in males vs. 2.65 cm in females) and filling (2.5 score points in males vs. 1.7 in females; both p < 0.05) were always greater in male than female mice (27 vs. 44%, respectively). Compared to AP-L, the 10-day CLP mortality was higher with IC-L (86% in males and 61% in females), and this exacerbation was similar in both genders (by 21% in male and 23% in female mice). Finally, the intergender comparison demonstrated that female mice displayed a significant and similar survival advantage regardless of the ligation approach: the difference reached 25% with IC-L and 24% with AP-L. Conclusions: Standardization by AP-L did not eliminate the gender-specific difference in mortality due to posttraumatic sepsis. The greater cecum length/filling in middle-aged male mice was not responsible for their inferior survival compared to females.
Malignant Melanoma with Concurrent BRAF E586K and NRAS Q81K Mutations
Authors: Shackelford Rodney , Pollen Maressa , Vora Moise , Jusion Tamara T. , Cotelingam James , Nair Binu
Published: May 2014

Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive malignant tumor of melanocytes which accounts for 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. A number of driver mutations have been identified in melanoma, with the mutually exclusive BRAF V600E and NRAS Q61A mutations together accounting for roughly 70% of mutations. Simultaneous BRAF V600E and NRAS Q61A mutations in melanoma are rare, with evidence suggesting that up to 2.9% (2/69) of primary cutaneous melanomas carry both mutations. Here we describe a 42-year-old man with concurrent BRAF E586K and NRAS Q81K driver mutations. To our knowledge, this is the first description of these driver mutations occurring simultaneously in primary cutaneous melanoma.
Occurrence and Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Were Not Rare Events during Phlebotomy in Older Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Nakamoto Shingo , Yasui Shin , Nakamura Masato , Miyamura Tatsuo , Wu Shuang , Jiang Xia , Arai Makoto , Imazeki Fumio , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: May 2014

The use of phlebotomy is relatively common for ‘difficult-to-treat by antiviral therapies' hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients and for certain patients having chronic liver diseases with an iron overload of the liver. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed patients treated with phlebotomy and their adverse events. We observed the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the appearance of ascites in some patients infected with HCV as well as the reduction of serum ferritin and alanine aminotransferase levels. Severe adverse events necessitating a cessation of phlebotomy occurred independently of α-fetoprotein (≥10 ng/ml) in patients infected with HCV according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. These findings may serve as a basis for phlebotomy especially in older patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Genetically Encoded Ca
2+
Indicators in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Kaestner Lars , Scholz Anke , Tian Qinghai , Ruppenthal Sandra , Tabellion Wiebke , Wiesen Kathrina , Katus Hugo A. , Müller Oliver J. , Kotlikoff Michael I. , Lipp Peter
Published: May 2014

Genetically encoded Ca
2+
indicators constitute a powerful set of tools to investigate functional aspects of Ca
2+
signaling in isolated cardiomyocytes, cardiac tissue, and whole hearts. Here, we provide an overview of the concepts, experiences, state of the art, and ongoing developments in the use of genetically encoded Ca
2+
indicators for cardiac cells and heart tissue. This review is supplemented with in vivo viral gene transfer experiments and comparisons of available genetically encoded Ca
2+
indicators with each other and with the small molecule dye Fura-2. In the context of cardiac myocytes, we provide guidelines for selecting a genetically encoded Ca
2+
indicator. For future developments, we discuss improvements of a broad range of properties, including photophysical properties such as spectral spread and biocompatibility, as well as cellular and in vivo applications.
Mesodiplatys venado sp. nov. (Dermaptera: Diplatyidae), probable evidence of contact between Neotropical and Malagasy faunas
Authors: ANISYUTKIN LEONID N.
Published: May 2014

A new earwig of the Malagasy genus Mesodiplatys stat. nov., M. venado sp. nov. (Dermaptera: Diplatyidae) is described from Peru (Departament Junin, Satipo Province). The diagnosis and composition of the genus Mesodiplatys stat. nov. are discussed. A detailed morphological description of the new species is given. The possible biogeographical significance of the find as evidence of link between South American and Malagasy fauna is briefly considered.
Anacampsis rhoifructella (Clemens): clarification of its identity and larval biology, and differentiation from a similar species, Anacampsis consonella (Zeller), revised status (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: HARRISON TERRY L. , BERENBAUM MAY R.
Published: May 2014

Anacampsis rhoifructella (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was described from individuals reared from larvae collected in fruit racemes of staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina (Anacardiaceae). Rearing efforts in central Illinois, however, have established that A. rhoifructella actually feeds on leaves of Viburnum prunifolium (Caprifoliaceae). Furthermore, a second Anacampsis species also feeds on leaves of V. prunifolium. The second species is very similar to A. rhoifructella in external appearance of the adult and in larval feeding mode but is readily differentiated on basis of larval appearance, phenology, and genital morphology of both genders. Examination of type specimens of Gelechia consonella Zeller, G. quadrimaculella Chambers, and G. ochreocostella Chambers, all of which were previously designated as junior synonyms of A. rhoifructella, revealed that the valid name of the second species is Anacampsis consonella (Zeller, 1873), revised status; G. ochreocostella and G. quadrimaculella are assigned as junior synonyms of A. consonella. We provide descriptions and illustrations of characters that reliably differentiate A. rhoifructella from A. consonella. We conclude that Clemens’ record of A. rhoifructella feeding on fruits of sumac is erroneous, and we offer an explanation of how the error probably occurred.
A new subgenus and species of Topomyia (Diptera: Culicidae: Sabethini) based on a remarkable male mosquito from Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: HARBACH RALPH E. , CULVERWELL C. LORNA
Published: May 2014

Miyagiella Harbach, subgen. nov., is introduced as a new subgenus of Topomyia Leicester for a remarkable male mosquito, Topomyia discors Harbach, sp. nov., from Sabah, Malaysia. A diagnosis of the subgenus is provided that features unique anatomical characters of the genitalia of the holotype male. Miyagiella is very distinct from the two previously recognised subgenera of Topomyia, but is perhaps more closely related to the nominotypical subgenus than to subgenus Suaymyia Thurman. Salient differences that distinguish the three subgenera are contrasted; the holotype male of To. discors is described and its unique genitalia are illustrated.
Investigating the Ice Water Path in Convective Cloud Life Cycles to Improve Passive Microwave Rainfall Retrievals
Authors: Braga Ramon Campos , Vila Daniel Alejandro
Published: May 2014

This study focuses on the possible relationship between ice water path (IWP) retrievals using high-frequency channels (89 and 150 GHz) from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B and Moisture Humidity Sounder sensors (NOAA-16–NOAA-19) and the life cycle stage of convective clouds. In the first part of this study, the relationship between IWP and the cloud area expansion rate is analyzed using the 235-K isotherm from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-12 (GOES-12) thermal infrared images (10.7 μm). Next, the relationships between cloud convective fraction, rain rates (from ground radar), and cloud life cycle are analyzed. The selected area and time period coincide with the research activities of the Cloud Processes of the Main Precipitation Systems in Brazil: A Contribution to Cloud Resolving Modeling and to the Global Precipitation Measurement (CHUVA)–Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) project at São José dos Campos, Brazil. The results show that 84% of precipitating clouds contain ice, according to the Microwave Surface and Precipitation Products System (MSPPS) algorithm. Convective systems in the intensifying stage (when the area is expanding and the minimum temperature is decreasing) tend to have larger IWPs than systems in the dissipating stage. Larger rain rates and convective fractions are also observed from radar retrievals in the early stage of convection compared with mature systems. Hydrometeor retrieval data from polarimetric X-band radar suggest that particle effective diameter De and IWP patterns inferred with the MSPPS algorithm could be used to determine the life cycle stage of a given convective system. Using this information, a new set of equations is evaluated for rainfall retrievals using De and IWP from the current retrieval algorithm. This new approach outperforms the current algorithm in the studied region.
Balloon Launch and Flight Operation from the Research Vessel Hakuho Maru for Stratospheric Air Sampling over the Eastern Pacific Equator
Authors: Fuke Hideyuki , Iijima Issei , Izutsu Naoki , Matsuzaka Yukihiko , Kato Yoichi , Kakehashi Yuya , Shoji Yasuhiro , Yoshida Tetsuya , Honda Hideyuki , Aoki Shuji , Inai Yoichi , Morimoto Shinji
Published: May 2014

A balloon-borne cryogenic air sampling experiment was carried out over the ocean near the equator to elucidate the transport process of greenhouse gases in the stratosphere. Four air samplers were launched from the deck of the Research Vessel Hakuho Maru by four individual balloons. To realize a balloon launch from this vessel’s narrow deck, a new launch method was developed, based on the conventional static launch method. After the balloon flight, each of the four samplers parachuted down to the sea and was recovered by the vessel itself. Details of this successful shipboard balloon operation, including the new launch method, are described.
Time Course and the Recanalization Rate of Superficial Vein Thrombosis Treated With Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin
Authors: Spirkoska Ana , Jezovnik Mateja Kaja , Poredos Pavel
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to follow the thrombus progression and regression in superficial veins of lower limbs in patients with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Patients (n = 68) with a first symptomatic SVT of the lower limbs received 2 different dosages of dalteparin. The primary outcome was a change in the diameter and length of thrombus in the affected veins. The regression of thrombus was not significantly different between the groups ( P = .19). The reduction in the length of thrombus as well as thrombus diameter was significantly greater in females. At the end of the observation period, the length of thrombus in the distal part was more reduced than in the proximal segments. It seems that the dosage of anticoagulant drug does not have a significant impact on thrombus resolution.
Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in At-Risk Adolescent Females at a Comprehensive, Stand-Alone Adolescent Health Center in New York City
Authors: Yavorsky Risa L. , Hollman Dominic , Steever John , Soghomonian Christine , Diaz Angela , Strickler Howard , Schlecht Nicolas , Burk Robert D. , Ochner Christopher N.
Published: May 2014

Background. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among adolescents, and multiple STIs over one’s lifetime can increase health risks. Few studies have assessed lifetime STI prevalence. This study evaluates minority, underserved adolescents’ self-reported lifetime STI history and objective STI rates. Methods. Lifetime STI rates of female patients at an urban adolescent health center were obtained from self-administered questionnaires. Additionally, STI test results were retrieved from electronic medical records. Results. Patients reported a high lifetime prevalence of STIs. By comparing self-report and objective data, underreporting was identified for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. Conclusions. STI rates in at-risk adolescent females are higher than in the general population and remain elevated over time. Lifetime STI reports could expand our understanding of sexual health and should be further studied. Underreporting, which may increase health risks and hinder health care delivery, requires further investigation. Improvements in STI screening and prevention targeting at-risk populations are warranted.
School Crisis Management
Authors: Liou Yi-Hwa
Published: May 2014

Purpose: This study aims to analyze a school’s crisis management and explore emerging aspects of its response to a school crisis. Traditional linear modes of analysis often fail to address complex crisis situations. The present study applied a dynamic crisis life cycle model that draws on chaos and complexity theory to a crisis management case, and further imbued the dynamic model with core aspects emerging from the school’s crisis response to understand crisis management. Method and Analysis: The study was conducted at one Midwestern PK-12 school. A combination of case study design to guide data collection in a systemic manner and grounded theory to guide data analysis was administered. Multiple data sources were collected through semistructured interviews, focus group discussion, and review of crisis plan from members of the crisis management team and selected non–team members. Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding strategies were employed to allow for emerging themes with which a constant comparative analysis was used to compare against existing theoretical frame. Strategies for enhancing trustworthiness were discussed. Findings: Findings suggest that (a) the dynamic crisis life cycle model is useful in perceiving and addressing the school crisis and its aftereffects but it also has potential constraints in the sequential design and (b) flexibility, collaboration, and self-correcting mechanism emerge as important aspects of crisis response in strengthening existing understanding of crisis management from which a dynamic responsiveness model is developed. Discussion of the findings, implications for research and practice, and limitations of the results are provided.
Evolving linguistic identities among the Italian-American youth: Perceptions from linguistic autobiographies
Authors: Haller Hermann W
Published: May 2014

Observations and discussions concerning the form and use of Italian and dialects in geographical and social space have a long tradition, beginning with Dante’s De vulgari eloquentia and culminating in seemingly endless debates of the Questione della lingua up to the modern age. Numerous writers have expressed opinions concerning stylistic choices of language and dialects in their works. While these debates were aimed frequently at the question of what constitutes Italy’s standard language and how dialects and alloglot minority languages ought to be treated, fewer texts address individual perceptions of language practice and individual language histories. This gap began to be filled with Nencioni’s (1983) trailblazing linguistic autodiachrony, and by the narratives of other scholars of linguistics, such as Renzi (2002) and Francescato (1982). In addition, linguistic autobiographies written by students at Italian universities generally point to the continued vitality of Italian dialects in Italian society. This article focuses on linguistic autobiographies written by Italian-American students. Based on a small corpus of short linguistic biographies written in Italian linguistics courses, it aims at studying perceptions of evolving linguistic identities among Italian-American youth, with an emphasis on the second generation. The texts address changing linguistic behavior and attitudes, from childhood through adulthood, pondering exposure to Italian dialects, standard Italian, English and other languages. Despite differences among dynamically evolving individual identities, second-generation Italian-American youth tends to value non-standard varieties, particularly through the memory of their childhood dialects. They also appear to value multilingualism in the urban environment. Writing short linguistic autobiographies was considered a challenge by their authors and, despite their approximations, deliberate omissions and memory lapses, valued as a step toward greater language awareness.
Trade Balance and the Real Exchange Rate
Authors: Tandon Suranjali
Published: May 2014

Literature on international trade has been inconclusive on the matter of exchange rate and its impact on trade. The article finds that for a panel of regions, during the period 1980–2010, the imports in all countries respond to changes in real exchange rate, as predicted in theory. Exports on the other hand exhibit value and volume adjustments. A similar analysis of the bilateral trade shows exchange rate matters for only a few countries, to the extent that they lead to adjustments in exports. These results provide the basis for further analysis of the causes underlying such mechanisms and availability of the possibility of using exchange rate as an instrument to correct imbalances in the external account.
Match Between Classroom Dimensions and Students’ Anthropometry
Authors: Macedo Angela C. , Morais André V. , Martins Henriqueta F. , Martins João C. , Pais Silvina M. , Mayan Olga S.
Published: May 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate mismatch between students and classroom furniture dimensions and evaluate the improvement in implementing the European furniture standard.

Background:

In Portugal, school furniture does not meet any national ergonomic criteria, so it cannot fit students’ anthropometric measures.

Method:

A total of 893 students belonging to third (7th through 9th grades) and secondary (10th through 12th grades) cycles participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements of the students were gathered in several physical education classes. The furniture dimensions were measured for two models of tables and seats. Several two-way equations for match criteria based on published studies were applied to data.

Results:

The percentage of students who match with classroom furniture dimensions is low (24% and 44% between table and students, 4% and 9% between seat and students at 7th and 12th grades, respectively). Table is high for the third cycle, seat is high for both cycles, and seat depth fits well to students. No significant relationship was found between ergonomic mismatch and prevalence of pain.

Conclusion:

For each cycle, at least two different sizes indicated in the European standard should be available to students, considering the large variability in body dimensions within each cycle. The match criteria used gives a large percentage of students without pain in a mismatch situation.

Application:

Future measures applying to secondary schools should revise the decision of selecting a single size of classroom furniture and improve the implementation of the European standard. New criteria for ergonomic mismatch are needed that more closely model the responses about discomfort/pain.
Reflections
Authors: Johnson Barry
Published: May 2014

A polarity lens for appreciating Dual Strategy cultures in response to paradoxes in organizations.
Sexual violence in armed conflict
Authors: Cohen Dara Kay , Nordås Ragnhild
Published: May 2014

Which armed groups have perpetrated sexual violence in recent conflicts? This article presents patterns from the new Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict (SVAC) dataset. The dataset, coded from the three most widely used sources in the quantitative human rights literature, covers 129 active conflicts, and the 625 armed actors involved in these conflicts, during the period 1989–2009. The unit of observation is the conflict-actor-year, allowing for detailed analysis of the patterns of perpetration of sexual violence for each conflict actor. The dataset captures six dimensions of sexual violence: prevalence, perpetrators, victims, forms, location, and timing. In addition to active conflict-years, the dataset also includes reports of sexual violence committed by conflict actors in the five years post-conflict. We use the data to trace variation in reported conflict-related sexual violence over time, space, and actor type, and outline the dataset's potential utility for scholars. Among the insights offered are that the prevalence of sexual violence varies dramatically by perpetrator group, suggesting that sexual violations are common – but not ubiquitous. In addition, we find that state militaries are more likely to be reported as perpetrators of sexual violence than either rebel groups or militias. Finally, reports of sexual violence continue into the post-conflict period, sometimes at very high levels. The data may be helpful both to scholars and policymakers for better understanding the patterns of sexual violence, its causes, and its consequences.
Household repayment behaviour and neighbourhood effects
Authors: Brown Sarah
Published: May 2014

The recent financial crisis has revealed the financial vulnerability faced by a significant number of households in the UK. Households experiencing financial problems may potentially fall into arrears in meeting financial obligations such as rent, mortgage payments or household bills. Indeed, such arrears have been regarded as one of the most direct measures of financial stress at the household level. In this paper, we explore the relationship between household repayment behaviour and neighbourhood ties in order to identify possible channels of support for households experiencing financial stress. We analyse data on 17,723 households drawn from wave 1 of the UK longitudinal study, Understanding Society, merged with information on neighbourhood ties defined at the postcode area level elicited from a sample of 48,906 individuals. Our findings, which relate to the post financial crisis era, suggest that households in regions characterised by strong neighbourhood ties are less likely to report being in arrears and that this relationship is particularly apparent in the case of housing costs. This inverse relationship is strongest in regions characterised by a high density of individuals who feel able to turn to someone in the neighbourhood for support or advice. Thus, neighbourhood and community groups, which enhance social interaction and neighbourhood ties, may be effective channels of support for financially vulnerable households.
Three Tales of a City
Authors: Stylidis Dimitrios , Belhassen Yaniv , Shani Amir
Published: May 2014

Research on destination image has predominantly focused on tourists’ perceptions, with only limited attention being paid to the other stakeholders of the destination. The present study seeks to address this oversight by examining the images that tourists, local residents, and the tourism sector have formed of Eilat, a prominent resort town in Israel. Analysis was based on a sample of 608 stakeholders. Results indicate that there were significant differences in perceptions between the three stakeholder groups in regard to 27 of the 30 destination attributes examined. Tourists held the most favorable image of Eilat, while local residents chose the lowest scores for all destination attributes. The study expands current understandings of stakeholder theory in destination marketing and delineates practical implications for sustainable marketing and the design of internal campaigns aiming to enhance stakeholders’ images of the destination.
School engagement trajectories of immigrant youth
Authors: Motti-Stefanidi Frosso , Masten Ann , Asendorpf Jens B.
Published: May 2014

We examined behavioral school engagement trajectories of immigrant and non-immigrant early adolescents in relation to their academic achievement. Data were based on teacher judgments and school records. Students from immigrant families living in Greece and their non-immigrant classmates ( N = 1057) were assessed over the three years of middle school (ages 13 to 15). Academic achievement influenced later school engagement more strongly than vice versa for both immigrant and non-immigrant students. Low achievement, being an immigrant student and social adversity were found to be risk factors for the initial level of behavioral engagement. An overall increase in students’ absenteeism over the course of the study was stronger for immigrant students. The immigrant status effect was due to immigrant students’ lower achievement. The results suggest that immigrant youth may disengage from school to protect themselves from academic failure. This would also be a plausible explanation for earlier findings that immigrant and non-immigrant students do not differ in psychological well-being, even though immigrant students have significantly lower academic achievement. Implications for interventions to promote academic achievement and to prevent disengagement in immigrant students are discussed.
Father Contact Following Union Dissolution for Low-Income Children in Urban South Africa
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha , Richter Linda , Norris Shane
Published: May 2014

Black fathers in South Africa face enormous challenges remaining involved in their children’s lives as a result of very high levels of unemployment and union instability. We use data from the Birth to Twenty (Bt20) cohort study to describe trajectories of father contact in the lives of children who have experienced a parental union dissolution and examine the influence of life stage of child at time of union dissolution and mother’s entry into new union on nonresidential contact with fathers. We find that, in the first 5 years after dissolution (1) children who were in the 3 to 5 life stage at time of dissolution face substantially higher odds of having no contact compared with those who were in the 0 to 2 group and (2) children who were in the 6 to 11 group experienced lower odds of intermittent contact. Mother’s entry into a new union increases the odds of having no and intermittent contact.
Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: McDonagh Pierre , Prothero Andrea
Published: May 2014

This introduction to the first installment of a double special issue on “Sustainability as Megatrend” provides a summary of the nine articles presented here, against a backdrop of the importance the Journal of Macromarketing has placed on sustainability research. We wish to thank all of our authors for submitting their scholarship. With their contributions, the standing of this Journal in the sustainability discourse is guaranteed well into our futures.
Nonregenerative Anemia
Authors: Grimes C. N. , Fry M. M.
Published: May 2014

In veterinary medicine, anemia without an appropriate compensatory hematopoietic response is termed nonregenerative. Nonregenerative anemia is a common clinical entity, occurring as a result of diminished or ineffective erythropoiesis in association with many types of pathology. This article reviews nonregenerative anemia in domestic animals, emphasizing mechanisms of disease, and also covers other conditions associated with nonregenerative anemia in people. Many aspects of nonregenerative anemia in animals are worthy of further investigation, from molecular mechanisms of disease to epidemiologic impacts.
Six-Step Recanalization Manual Therapy
Authors: Zhao Chunying , Tang Rui , Wang Jiandong , Guan Xiao , Zheng Jie , Hu Junyan , Hu Gaowu , Song Cong
Published: May 2014

Background:

Plugged ducts are a common, painful condition in lactating women, but no standard treatment is currently available.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a newly established 6-step recanalization manual therapy (SSRMT) for treating plugged ducts.

Methods:

This observational study included 3497 lactating women with plugged ducts. The SSRMT comprised the following well-defined steps: (1) preparation, (2) clearing the plugged duct outlets, (3) nipple manipulation, (4) pushing and pressing the areola, (5) pushing and kneading the breast, and (6) checking for residual milk stasis. The response to the treatment was graded as I (complete resolution), II (marked improvement), III (improvement), or IV (no response).

Results:

Of the 3497 patients, the mean age was 26.7 years and 3284 (93.9%) patients were primiparas. Fever was present in 1231 (35.2%) patients. After a single SSRMT treatment, 3189 (91.2%), 173 (4.9%), and 83 (2.4%) patients achieved grade I, II, and III responses, respectively, with only 52 (1.5%) showing unresponsiveness. For the 308 (8.8% of total) non-grade I patients, a second SSRMT given 3 days later resulted in grade I, II, and III responses in 267 (7.6% of total), 28 (0.8% of total), and 13 (0.4% of total) patients, respectively, and none were absolutely unresponsive. No complications with clinical significance were observed.

Conclusion:

Based on this large-scale clinical observation, SSRMT appears to be a useful, safe, low-cost treatment for postpartum plugged milk ducts.
Organisational readiness and Lean Thinking implementation: Findings from three emergency department case studies in New Zealand
Authors: Rees Gareth H
Published: May 2014

This paper describes and contrasts the implementation of Lean Thinking – a quality methodology that emphasises waste reduction and performing at higher levels of productivity with the same or less resources – into New Zealand’s healthcare system. As the field is relatively new, three literature-based exemplar cases were developed to provide an analysis framework to analyse the three New Zealand research sites, which had activities, teamwork, leadership and sustainability as its core themes. Each research site’s case was developed from primary data gathered through interviews, augmented by secondary data from project reports, District Health Board websites and media stories. The results highlight the benefits of a supportive quality-focussed organisational culture, executive management involvement and cross-functional teams as enablers. Further, work intensification and workplace resistance were also evident in varying levels within the sites. The study, while reiterating the problems of introducing quality methods from other domains into healthcare, presents the New Zealand context and reinforces that organisational preparedness as a significant factor which contributes to implementation success. This study goes beyond investigations of the use of Lean tools, changing improvement metrics and descriptive statistics to identify the contexts and variables which surround quality and process improvement implementations.
Non-randomized response model for sensitive survey with noncompliance
Authors: Wu Qin , Tang Man-Lai
Published: May 2014

Collecting representative data on sensitive issues has long been problematic and challenging in public health prevalence investigation (e.g. non-suicidal self-injury), medical research (e.g. drug habits), social issue studies (e.g. history of child abuse), and their interdisciplinary studies (e.g. premarital sexual intercourse). Alternative data collection techniques that can be adopted to study sensitive questions validly become more important and necessary. As an alternative to the famous Warner randomized response model, non-randomized response triangular model has recently been developed to encourage participants to provide truthful responses in surveys involving sensitive questions. Unfortunately, both randomized and non-randomized response models could underestimate the proportion of subjects with the sensitive characteristic as some respondents do not believe that these techniques can protect their anonymity. As a result, some authors hypothesized that lack of trust and noncompliance should be highest among those who have the most to lose and the least to use for the anonymity provided by using these techniques. Some researchers noticed the existence of noncompliance and proposed new models to measure noncompliance in order to get reliable information. However, all proposed methods were based on randomized response models which require randomizing devices, restrict the survey to only face-to-face interview and are lack of reproductivity. Taking the noncompliance into consideration, we introduce new non-randomized response techniques in which no covariate is required. Asymptotic properties of the proposed estimates for sensitive characteristic as well as noncompliance probabilities are developed. Our proposed techniques are empirically shown to yield accurate estimates for both sensitive and noncompliance probabilities. A real example about premarital sex among university students is used to demonstrate our methodologies.
Pragmatic failure, mind style and characterisation in fiction about autism
Authors: Semino Elena
Published: May 2014

This article presents an analysis of different types of pragmatic failure in the interactional behaviour of the ‘autistic’ protagonists of three recent novels. Three main types of pragmatic failure occur across all three novels: problems with informativeness and relevance in conversational contributions; problems with face management resulting in unintentional impolite behaviours; and problems with the interpretation of figurative language. These problems are salient and frequent enough to contribute to the projection of distinctive mind styles, and more generally to the characterisation of the protagonists as individuals with communication and socialisation difficulties that are likely to both reflect and reinforce general perceptions of autism-spectrum disorders. It is also argued that pragmatic failure contributes to the potential defamiliarisation of ‘normal’ communication, which is presented as being fraught with obscurity, ambiguity and insincerity.
Perspectives on Federal Funding for State Health Care–Associated Infection Programs
Authors: Ellingson Katherine , McCormick Kelly , Woodard Tiffanee , Garcia-Williams Amanda , Mendel Peter , Kahn Katherine , McDonald Clifford , Jernigan John , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda
Published: May 2014

In September 2009, federal funding for health care–associated infection (HAI) program development was dispersed through a cooperative agreement to 51 state and territorial health departments. From July to September 2011, 69 stakeholders from six states—including state health department employees, representatives from partner organizations, and health care facility employees—were interviewed to assess state HAI program achievements, implementation barriers, and strategies for sustainability. Respondents most frequently cited enhanced HAI surveillance as a program achievement and resource constraints as an implementation barrier. To sustain programs, respondents recommended ongoing support for HAI prevention activities, improved surveillance processes, and maintenance of partnerships. Findings suggest that state-level HAI program growth was achieved during the cooperative agreement but that maintenance of programs faces challenges.
Is the Relationship Between ADHD Symptoms and Binge Eating Mediated by Impulsivity?
Authors: Steadman Kylie M. , Knouse Laura E.
Published: May 2014

Objective: Individuals with ADHD may be at risk of developing binge eating disorder (BED). Impulsivity correlates with both BED and ADHD; however, more research is needed to explore whether impulsivity plays an underlying role in the observed relationship between ADHD and BED. Method: Questionnaires were used to assess ADHD and BED symptoms. Multiple questionnaires and a behavioral task were used to assess impulsivity in undiagnosed undergraduate participants ( n = 50). Results: Expected correlations were found among ADHD symptoms, BED tendencies, and measures of impulsivity with the exception of impulsivity on the behavioral task and BED symptoms; however, none of the measures of impulsivity were found to be significant mediators between ADHD and BED symptoms. Conclusion: Although impulsivity may play an important role in the interrelationship of ADHD and binge eating, other factors may also be critical in the development of this comorbidity. Investigation of this research question in clinical samples is needed.
Low Testosterone Levels Are Associated With Poor Peripheral Bone Mineral Density and Quantitative Bone Ultrasound at Phalanges and Calcaneus in Healthy Elderly Men
Authors: Moran Jose M. , Martin Raul Roncero , Pedrera-Canal Maria , Alonso-Terron Javier , Rodriguez-Velasco Francisco J. , Pedrera-Zamorano Juan D.
Published: May 2014

Variations in sex hormones influence bone health in men. Aging in men is associated with a decrease in testosterone (T) levels. We examined the relationship between T levels and changes in bone health status as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the phalanges and the os calcis and by peripheral bone mineral density (pBMD) at the phalanges in healthy elderly Spanish men. We examined 162 men aged 65–88 years and assessed total serum T concentrations. Total serum T < 300 ng/dL was used as the threshold for biochemical T deficiency. The sample was divided into low ( n = 66) or normal ( n = 96) T levels; both groups were matched for age, weight, height, and body mass index ( p > .05 for all the comparisons). All measured bone parameters were higher in the normal serum T group ( p < .05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that serum T was an independent predictor of both QUS at the calcaneus and phalangeal pBMD. Our data indicate that T is an independent determinant of QUS at the os calcis and pBMD at the phalanges in elderly Spanish men.
Health-oriented electronic oral health record: Development and evaluation
Authors: Wongsapai Mansuang , Suebnukarn Siriwan , Rajchagool Sunsanee , Beach Daryl , Kawaguchi Sachiko
Published: May 2014

This study aims to develop and evaluate a new Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record that implements the health-oriented status and intervention index. The index takes the principles of holistic oral healthcare and applies them to the design and implementation of the Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record. We designed an experiment using focus groups and a consensus (Delphi process) method to develop a new health-oriented status and intervention index and graphical user interface. A comparative intervention study with qualitative and quantitative methods was used to compare an existing Electronic Oral Health Record to the Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record, focusing on dentist satisfaction, accuracy, and completeness of oral health status recording. The study was conducted by the dental staff of the Inter-country Center for Oral Health collaborative hospitals in Thailand. Overall, the user satisfaction questionnaire had a positive response to the Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record. The dentists found it easy to use and were generally satisfied with the impact on their work, oral health services, and surveillance. The dentists were significantly satisfied with the Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record compared to the existing Electronic Oral Health Record ( p < 0.001). The accuracy and completeness values of the oral health information recorded using the Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record were 97.15 and 93.74 percent, respectively. This research concludes that the Health-oriented Electronic Oral Health Record satisfied many dentists, provided benefits to holistic oral healthcare, and facilitated the planning, managing, and evaluation of the healthcare delivery system.
Estimation of loss factors of a constrained layer plate using viscoelastic layer
Authors: Kumar K Kishore , Krishna Y , Bangarubabu P
Published: May 2014

A finite element method is developed and validated for the estimation of loss factors of a viscoelastically damped plate. Viscoelastic layer is used as constrained layer and is sandwiched between an aluminum base plate and a constraining layer. Frequency-dependent material properties are used for the viscoelastic material in the finite element model. The derived dynamic equations of motion are used to carry out harmonic analysis to determine the natural frequencies and loss factors of sandwich plate and validated with experimental results for cantilever boundary condition. The validated finite element model is then used to estimate the loss factors of sandwich plate with various boundary conditions and different thicknesses of constraining and constrained layer for a given base plate thickness. The results show that the loss factor is maximum for a constraining layer to sandwich plate thickness ratio of 0.40–0.45 and is independent of boundary condition. The loss factor increases with increase in thickness of the viscoelastic layer. The loss factor increases for higher mode for all boundary conditions.
Bayesian model updating approach for experimental identification of damage in beams using guided waves
Authors: Ng Ching-Tai
Published: May 2014

A Bayesian approach is proposed to quantitatively identify damages in beam-like structures using experimentally measured guided wave signals. The proposed methodology treats the damage location, length and depth as unknown parameters. Damage identification is achieved by solving an optimization problem, in which a hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm is applied to maximize the probability density function of a damage scenario conditional on the measured guided wave signals. Signal envelopes extracted by the Hilbert transform are proposed to minimize the complexity of the optimization problem in order to enhance the robustness and computational efficiency of the damage identification. One of the advantages of the proposed methodology is that instead of only pinpointing the multivariate damage characteristics, the uncertainty associated with the damage identification results is also quantified. This outcome provides essential information for making decisions about the remedial work necessary to repair structural damage. The experimental data consist of guided wave signals measured at a single location of the beams. A number of experimental case studies considering damages of different scenarios are used to demonstrate the success of the proposed Bayesian approach in identifying the damages. The results show that the proposed approach is able to accurately identify damages, even when the extent of the damage is small.