bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sepsis-Induced Potentiation of Peritoneal Macrophage Migration Is Mitigated by Programmed Cell Death Receptor-1 Gene Deficiency
Authors: Ayala Alfred , Elphick Gwendolyn F. , Kim Ye Sul , Huang Xin , Carreira-Rosario Arnaldo , Santos Sadella C. , Shubin Nicholas J. , Chen Yaping , Reichner Jonathan , Chung Chun-Shiang
Published: November 2013

The effect of programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) on phagocyte function has not been extensively described. Here we report that experimental mouse sepsis, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), induced a marked increase in peritoneal macrophage random migration, motility and cell spread, but these changes were lost in the absence of PD-1. Alternatively, phagocytic activity was inversely affected. In vitro cell culture imaging studies, with the macrophage cell line J774, documented that blocking PD-1 with antibody led to aggregation of the cytoskeletal proteins α-actinin and F-actin. Further experiments looking at ex vivo peritoneal macrophages from mice illustrated that a similar pattern of α-actinin and F-actin was evident on cells from wild-type CLP mice but not PD-1-/- CLP mouse cells. We also observed that fMLP-induced migration by J774 cells was markedly attenuated using PD-1 blocking antibodies, a nonselective phosphatase inhibitor and a selective Ras-related protein 1 inhibitor. Finally, peritoneal macrophages derived from CLP as opposed to Sham mice demonstrated aspects of both cell surface co-localization with CD11b and internalization of PD-1 within vacuoles independent of CD11b staining. Together, we believe the data support a role for PD-1 in mediating aspects of innate macrophage immune dysfunction during sepsis, heretofore unappreciated.
Histamine Downregulates the Th1-Associated Chemokine IP-10 in Monocytes and Myeloid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Glatzer Franziska , Mommert Susanne , Köther Brigitta , Gschwandtner Maria , Stark Holger , Werfel Thomas , Gutzmer Ralf
Published: November 2013

Background: Histamine is an important mediator of allergic diseases. It modulates the cytokine expression of various subtypes of antigen-presenting cells by four known receptors, H1R-H4R. The effects of histamine on myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) are unclear. Methods: Monocytes and mDC were isolated from human PBMC. Histamine receptor expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Cells were stimulated with histamine and histamine receptor ligands, and restimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), and supernatants were analyzed by protein array and ELISA. Results: Monocytes and mDC express H1R and H2R without significant differences between the two cell types, whereas H4R mRNA was significantly higher in mDC compared with monocytes and H3R mRNA was not detected in any cell type. Prestimulation with histamine caused a significant decrease in poly I:C-induced expression of interferon-γ-induced protein (IP-10) in mDC and monocytes. Stimulation with specific H1R, H2R and H4R agonists and antagonists showed that the observed effect was mediated via H2R and H4R in monocytes and mDC. Conclusion: Monocytes and mDC have similar histamine receptor repertoires with regard to H1R, H2R and H3R, but H4R expression is higher on mDC. Histamine stimulation shows similar functional effects on both cell types, i.e., downregulation of TLR3-induced IP-10 production. This might be a new mechanism how histamine fosters a Th2 milieu.
Analysis of Filaggrin Mutations and Expression in Corneal Specimens from Patients with or without Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Lapp Thabo , Auw-Haedrich Claudia , Reinhard Thomas , Evans Rhiannon , Rodríguez Elke , Weidinger Stephan , Jakob Thilo
Published: November 2013

Background: Filaggrin is expressed in the epidermis and is essential for the maintenance of the epidermal barrier. Null mutations within the filaggrin gene (FLG) lead to a disturbed epidermal barrier and are associated with a significantly increased risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). The association of AD with ocular surface disorders prompted us to speculate that common FLG mutations may be particularly prevalent in AD patients with ocular comorbidities. Methods: Corneal buttons and biopsies from AD patients with ocular involvement (n = 11) and from non-atopic patients (n = 9) with a histological diagnosis of keratitis were included in the study. DNA samples obtained from paraffin-embedded corneal specimens were genotyped for the two most common FLG mutations (R501X and 2282del4). Filaggrin protein expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Normal skin and corneal specimens (n = 6) were positive for filaggrin, which could be detected in the stratum corneum of the skin and in the basal epithelial layer of the cornea. Interestingly, all AD corneal specimens as well as the specimens from keratitis patients without AD were negative for filaggrin expression. Genotyping of the FLG mutations R501X and 2282del4 revealed wild-type alleles in all analysed samples. Conclusions: The lack of filaggrin expression observed in the analysed corneal specimens from AD patients is not due to the two most common FLG mutations (R501X, 2282del4) but is most likely secondary to inflammation, as all keratitis specimens of non-AD patients showed lack of filaggrin expression as well.
Serum Lycopene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease Mortality in Older Adults
Authors: Min Jin-young , Min Kyoung-bok
Published: November 2013

Background: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Accumulating evidence shows that antioxidant-rich food reduces the risk of AD by inhibiting oxidative stress. This study investigates whether serum levels of carotenoids were associated with the risk of AD mortality in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: We used data from the Third Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (NHANES III) database and the NHANES III Linked Mortality File. A total of 6,958 participants aged older than 50 years were included in this study. Results: We found that high serum levels of lycopene and lutein+zeaxanthin at baseline were associated with a lower risk of AD mortality after adjustment for potential covariates. The reduction in the mortality risk was progressively raised by increasing serum lycopene (HR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10-0.69) and lutein+zeaxanthin (HR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.85) levels. In contrast, no associations with AD mortality were observed for other serum carotenoids, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Conclusion: High serum levels of lycopene and lutein+zeaxanthin are associated with a lower risk of AD mortality in adults. Our findings suggest that a high intake of lycopene- or lutein+zeaxanthin-rich food may be important for reducing the AD mortality risk.
Intracapsular Lens Extraction for the Treatment of Pupillary Block Glaucoma Associated with Anterior Subluxation of the Crystalline Lens
Authors: Kim Yong Joon , Ha Seung Joo
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To report a case of pupillary block glaucoma associated with spontaneous crystalline lens subluxation into the anterior chamber in a 34-year-old man. Methods: Dry vitrectomy was performed for securing enough retrolental space, and an intracapsular lens extraction was then performed via a corneolimbal incision. Additional endothelial cell damage was avoided with an injection of viscoelastics and gentle extraction of the crystalline lens. After deepening of the anterior chamber, scleral fixation of the intraocular lens was performed with an ab externo technique. Results: Two months after the operation, a well-fixated intraocular lens was observed and intraocular pressure was stable. The postoperative corneal astigmatism was -3.5 dpt, and the patient had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25. Postoperative complications included decreased endothelial cell count and sector iris paralysis near the incision site. Conclusions: An anteriorly subluxated crystalline lens can cause pupillary block glaucoma in healthy young adults. To prevent intraoperative complications, intracapsular lens extraction with dry vitrectomy can be a good surgical option. The endothelial cell density should be closely monitored after surgery.
Fragmented QRS Complex in Adult Patients With Ebstein Anomaly and Its Association With Arrhythmic Risk and the Severity of the Anomaly
Authors: Park Seung-Jung , Chung Seungmin , On Young Keun , Kim June Soo , Yang Ji-Hyuk , Jun Tae-Gook , Jang Shin Yi , Lee Ok Jung , Song Jinyoung , Kang I-Seok , Huh June
Published: November 2013

Background—

Fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) on 12-lead ECG, a marker of myocardial scar, is a predictor of arrhythmic events in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We investigated whether the presence of fQRS is associated with the severity of the anomaly and with increased arrhythmic events in adult patients with Ebstein anomaly (EA).

Methods and Results—

In 51 consecutive adult patients with EA (median age, 37 years; 18 males), the severity index of EA calculated from echocardiographic data and clinical arrhythmic events were analyzed. The extent of fQRS in each patient was measured by counting the number of ECG leads showing fQRS. There were 35 (68.6%) patients with fQRS (fQRS group) and 16 (31.4%) patients without fQRS (non-fQRS group). fQRS was observed more frequently in the inferior (n=26) and precordial (n=25) leads versus the lateral leads (n=5). The patients in the fQRS group had a worse functional class, greater cardiothoracic ratios, more severe tricuspid regurgitation, larger atrialized right ventricular areas, higher EA severity scores, and more frequent arrhythmic events compared with those in the non-fQRS group. The atrialized right ventricular area showed a positive correlation with the fQRS extent (
r
=0.51;
P
<0.001). In multivariable Cox regression models, the presence of fQRS was independently associated with arrhythmic events (
P
=0.036).

Conclusions—

Fragmented QRS on 12-lead ECG was associated with larger atrialized right ventricular area and an increased risk of arrhythmic events in adult patients with EA.
Survivin-Induced Abnormal Ploidy Contributes to Cystic Kidney and Aneurysm Formation
Authors: AbouAlaiwi Wissam A. , Muntean Brian S. , Ratnam Shobha , Joe Bina , Liu Lijun , Booth Robert L. , Rodriguez Ingrid , Herbert Britney S. , Bacallao Robert L. , Fruttiger Marcus , Mak Tak W. , Zhou Jing , Nauli Surya M.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Cystic kidneys and vascular aneurysms are clinical manifestations seen in patients with polycystic kidney disease, a cilia-associated pathology (ciliopathy). Survivin overexpression is associated with cancer, but the clinical pathology associated with survivin downregulation or knockout has never been studied before. The present studies aim to examine whether and how cilia function (
Pkd1
or
Pkd2
) and structure (
Tg737
) play a role in cystic kidney and aneurysm through survivin downregulation.

Methods and Results—

Cysts and aneurysms from polycystic kidney disease patients,
Pkd
mouse, and zebrafish models are characterized by chromosome instability and low survivin expression. This triggers cytokinesis defects and formation of nuclear polyploidy or aneuploidy. In vivo conditional mouse and zebrafish models confirm that
survivin
gene deletion in the kidneys results in a cystic phenotype. As in hypertensive
Pkd1, Pkd2
, and
Tg737
models, aneurysm formation can also be induced in vascular-specific normotensive
survivin
mice.
Survivin
knockout also contributes to abnormal oriented cell division in both kidney and vasculature. Furthermore, survivin expression and ciliary localization are regulated by flow-induced cilia activation through protein kinase C, Akt and nuclear factor-κB. Circumventing ciliary function by re-expressing survivin can rescue polycystic kidney disease phenotypes.

Conclusions—

For the first time, our studies offer a unifying mechanism that explains both renal and vascular phenotypes in polycystic kidney disease. Although primary cilia dysfunction accounts for aneurysm formation and hypertension, hypertension itself does not cause aneurysm. Furthermore, aneurysm formation and cyst formation share a common cellular and molecular pathway involving cilia function or structure, survivin expression, cytokinesis, cell ploidy, symmetrical cell division, and tissue architecture orientation.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Cerebrovascular Events Following Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Korn‐Lubetzki Isabelle , Farkash Rivka , Pachino Rachel M. , Almagor Yaron , Tzivoni Dan , Meerkin David
Published: November 2013

Background

One of the most daunting complications of cardiac catheterization is a cerebrovascular event (
CVE
). We aimed to assess the real‐life incidence, etiology, and risk factors of cardiac catheterization‐related acute
CVE
s in a large cohort of patients treated in a single center.

Methods and Results

We undertook a retrospective analysis of 43 350 coronary procedures performed on 30 907 procedure days over the period 1992‐2011 and compared patient and procedural characteristics of procedures complicated by
CVE
s with the remaining cohort.
CVE
s occurred in 47 cases: 43 were ischemic, 3 intracerebral hemorrhages, and 1 undetermined. The overall
CVE
rate was 0.15%, with percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) and diagnostic coronary angiography rates 0.23% and 0.09%, respectively. Using a forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression model including patient demographic and procedural characteristics, a total of 5 significant predictors were defined: prior stroke (
OR
=15.09, 95%
CI
[8.11 to 28.08],
P
<0.0001), presence of coronary arterial thrombus (
OR
=2.79, 95%
CI
[1.25 to 6.22],
P
=0.012), age >75 years (
OR
=3.33, 95%
CI
[1.79 to 6.19],
P
<0.0001), triple vessel disease (
OR
=2.24, 95%
CI
[1.20 to 4.18],
P
=0.011), and performance of intervention (
OR
=2.21, 95%
CI
[1.12 to 4.33],
P
=0.021). An additional analysis excluded any temporal change of
CVE
rates but demonstrated a significant increase of all high‐risk patient features.

Conclusion

In a single‐center, retrospective assessment over nearly 20 years, cardiac catheterization‐related
CVE
s were very rare and nearly exclusively ischemic. The independent predictors for these events were found to be the performance of an intervention and those associated with increased atherosclerotic burden, specifically older age, triple vessel disease, and prior stroke. The presence of intracoronary thrombus appears also to raise the risk of procedure‐related
CVE
.
Trends in the CERES Dataset, 2000–13: The Effects of Sea Ice and Jet Shifts and Comparison to Climate Models
Authors: Hartmann Dennis L. , Ceppi Paulo
Published: November 2013

The Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) observations of global top-of-atmosphere radiative energy fluxes for the period March 2000–February 2013 are examined for robust trends and variability. The trend in Arctic ice is clearly evident in the time series of reflected shortwave radiation, which closely follows the record of ice extent. The data indicate that, for every 106 km2 decrease in September sea ice extent, annual-mean absorbed solar radiation averaged over 75°–90°N increases by 2.5 W m−2, or about 6 W m−2 between 2000 and 2012. CMIP5 models generally show a much smaller change in sea ice extent over the 1970–2012 period, but the relationship of sea ice extent to reflected shortwave is in good agreement with recent observations. Another robust trend during this period is an increase in reflected shortwave radiation in the zonal belt from 45° to 65°S. This trend is mostly related to increases in sea ice concentrations in the Southern Ocean and less directly related to cloudiness trends associated with the annular variability of the Southern Hemisphere. Models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) produce a scaling of cloud reflection to zonal wind increase that is similar to trend observations in regions separated from the direct effects of sea ice. Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) model responses over the Southern Ocean are not consistent with each other or with the observed shortwave trends in regions removed from the direct effect of sea ice.
Seasonal Variation of the South Equatorial Current Bifurcation off Madagascar
Authors: Chen Zhaohui , Wu Lixin , Qiu Bo , Sun Shantong , Jia Fan
Published: November 2013

In this paper, seasonal variation of the South Equatorial Current (SEC) bifurcation off the Madagascar coast in the upper south Indian Ocean (SIO) is investigated based on a new climatology derived from the World Ocean Database and 19-year satellite altimeter observations. The mean bifurcation integrated over the upper thermocline is around 18°S and reaches the southernmost position in June/July and the northernmost position in November/December, with a north–south amplitude of about 1°. It is demonstrated that the linear, reduced gravity, long Rossby model, which works well for the North Equatorial Current (NEC) bifurcation in the North Pacific, is insufficient to reproduce the seasonal cycle and the mean position of the SEC bifurcation off the Madagascar coast. This suggests the importance of Madagascar in regulating the SEC bifurcation. Application of Godfrey’s island rule reveals that compared to the zero Sverdrup transport latitude, the mean SEC bifurcation is shifted poleward by over 0.8° because of the meridional transport of about 5 Sverdrups (Sv; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) between Madagascar and Australia. A time-dependent linear model that extends the Godfrey’s island rule is adopted to examine the seasonal variation of the SEC bifurcation. This time-dependent island rule model simulates the seasonal SEC bifurcation well both in terms of its mean position and peak seasons. It provides a dynamic framework to clarify the baroclinic adjustment processes involved in the presence of an island.
Analysis Begins in the Analyst’s Mind
Authors: Ehrlich Lena Theodorou
Published: November 2013

For certain patients who approach analysts for treatment, analysis remains the only treatment that can provide the urgent and at times lifesaving help they need. At the same time, recommending analysis presents analysts with a surprisingly challenging emotional task. Because patients will not be able to get analytic help unless the analyst recommends it and facilitates the patient’s engagement, it is vital that analysts identify the conditions that make the beginning of analysis possible. Analysis, it is argued, begins in the analyst’s mind: how analysts think about their function, their patients, and the analytic process determines in great measure whether analysis will begin. Six essential components of the analyst’s mindset are presented, as well as technical considerations about recommending analysis that are based on this mindset and that have been useful in initiating analysis. A detailed clinical example is provided to illustrate how the analyst’s thinking informed the initial phase of a treatment with a patient who engaged in a productive analysis.
Effects of reinforcing particle size and interface bonding strength on tensile properties and fracture behavior of Al-A206/alumina micro/nanocomposites
Authors: Tahamtan S , Emamy M , Halvaee A
Published: November 2013

Al-A206/5 vol.% aluminap cast composites were synthesized by the addition of reinforcing particles into molten Al alloy, semi-solid and liquid states, in two different forms: (1) as received alumina particles and (2) pre-synthesized composite reinforcement prepared via milling of alumina with Al and Mg powders (master metal matrix composite). The effects of powder addition technique, reinforcing particle size and interface bonding strength on tensile properties and fracture behavior of Al-A206/5 vol.% aluminap composites were then investigated. It was found that fabrication of Al-A206/aluminap composites by master metal matrix composite addition in the semi-solid state leads to considerable improvement in tensile properties.
Brucellosis as an aetiology of septic arthritis
Authors: Hasanoglu Imran , Guven Tumer , Maras Yuksel , Guner Rahmet , Tasyaran Mehmet Akin , Acikgoz Ziya Cibali
Published: November 2013

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus from the Brucella genus. The disease has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The musculoskeletal system involvement is frequent and, rarely, arthritis can be the only clinical feature of the disease. We report a case of monoarthritis caused by Brucella melitensis.
Changing the Exchange
Authors: Cannella Albert A. , McFadyen M. Ann
Published: November 2013

Knowledge creation is a collective and social activity, and a large body of research has established that knowledge creation by researchers (knowledge workers) is influenced by their direct exchange partners. We examine why knowledge worker ego networks are structured as they are, but also why and how knowledge worker networks change over time. We examine two changes to knowledge workers’ ego networks: the addition of new direct exchange partners and the deletion of existing direct exchange partners. Our study offers important evidence that two network dimensions (tie strength between ego and his or her alters, and the level of connectivity among ego’s alters) provide distinctive insight into how networks change. Importantly, our study provides evidence that three critical components of the knowledge creation process—access to diverse and redundant resources, shared experiences and tacit mutual understanding to develop the resources, and previous knowledge creations—act as causal mechanisms behind network changes in subsequent periods. Our study is at the individual level as we study biomedical research scientists and their direct exchange partners—the others to whom they are directly connected through coauthorship.
Role of diffusion-weighted MRI: predicting axillary lymph node metastases in breast cancer
Authors: Chung Jin , Youk Ji Hyun , Kim Jeong-Ah , Gweon Hye Mi , Kim Eun-Kyung , Ryu Young Hoon , Son Eun Ju
Published: November 2013

Background

Ultrasound (US) is probably the standard imaging procedure in most centers, and US-guided fine needle aspiration can be added if suspicious lymph nodes are found. However, US-guided fine needle aspiration is an invasive method to diagnose a metastasis and has showed relatively low sensitivity. In general, diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an emerging technique for discriminating benign from malignant breast lesions in a short imaging acquisition time.

Purpose

To evaluate the potential for using DW MRI with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value to predict axillary lymph node metastases in patients with invasive breast cancer.

Material and Methods

This study enrolled 110 axillary lymph nodes from 110 consecutive women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer for preoperative breast MRI and US. The largest enhancing ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes were included in this study, and benign and metastatic axillary lymph nodes were compared according to the pathologic reports. The cut-off ADC value to differentiate between benign and metastatic axillary lymph nodes was evaluated with receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Diagnostic performance of ultrasound and DW MRI was calculated for enhancing lymph node in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

Results

Nodal metastases were documented in 68 (62%) axillary lymph nodes. The mean size of metastatic axillary lymph nodes was larger than that of benign axillary lymph nodes (15.5 mm vs. 10.9 mm, P < 0.001). The mean ADC value (0.69 × 10−3 mm2/s) of the metastases was significantly lower than that of the benign axillary lymph nodes (1.04 × 10−3 mm2/s) ( P < 0.001). The ADC value cut-off between metastatic and benign axillary lymph nodes was 0.90 × 10−3 mm2/s. Using ADC cut-off, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DW MRI were 100%, 83.3%, and 93.6%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US showed 94.1%, 54.8%, and 79.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

DW MRI of axillary lymph nodes can provide reliable information for the differentiation of benign from metastatic axillary lymph nodes in invasive breast cancer patients.
Neuroprotective effect of ebselen against intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress in rats
Authors: Unsal Cuneyt , Oran Mustafa , Albayrak Yakup , Aktas Cevat , Erboga Mustafa , Topcu Birol , Uygur Ramazan , Tulubas Feti , Yanartas Omer , Ates Ozkan , Ozen Oguz Aslan
Published: November 2013

The goal of this study was to examine the neuroprotective effect of ebselen against intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ)-induced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in rat brain. A total of 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 animals each: control, ICV-STZ, and ICV-STZ treated with ebselen. The ICV-STZ group rats were injected bilaterally with ICV-STZ (3 mg/kg) on days 1 and 3, and ebselen (10 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 days starting from 1st day of ICV-STZ injection to day 14. Rats were killed at the end of the study and brain tissues were removed for biochemical and histopathological investigation. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, the neuroprotective effect of ebselen on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model in rats. Our present study, in ICV-STZ group, showed significant increase in tissue malondialdehyde levels and significant decrease in enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the frontal cortex tissue. The histopathological studies in the brain of rats also supported that ebselen markedly reduced the ICV-STZ-induced histopathological changes and well preserved the normal histological architecture of the frontal cortex tissue. The number of apoptotic neurons was increased in frontal cortex tissue after ICV-STZ administration. Treatment of ebselen markedly reduced the number of degenerating apoptotic neurons. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of ebselen, as a powerful antioxidant, in preventing the oxidative damage and morphological changes caused by ICV-STZ in rats. Thus, ebselen may have a therapeutic value for the treatment of AD.
Revisiting formulation: Part 2. The task of addressing the concept of the unique individual. Remediating problems with formulation
Authors: Smith Graeme C
Published: November 2013

Objective:

The purpose of this paper is to review the theoretical basis of addressing the concept of the unique individual, one of the tasks prescribed in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Formulation guidelines for candidates, and to propose a rational basis for remediation of the problems that many candidates and other professionals have with formulation.

Conclusion:

The difficulty that RANZCP candidates and other mental health professionals have in producing a completely integrated account of an individual is multi-determined, but is partly explainable on theoretical grounds. Understanding why this task (and other tasks of formulation) is problematic requires knowledge of its intellectual history, its rationale, the tools of reasoning that it requires and the nature of the challenges that it can pose to individuals. The paper argues that a rational plan for remediation of a professional’s problems with formulation requires first a ‘formulation’ of those problems, drawing on the theories discussed and acknowledging the uniqueness of that individual. In answering the question, ‘Why is this person having difficulty formulating this patient at this time?’, one needs to address cultural, social and systemic factors, and psychological factors such as the degree of psychological mindedness of the person seeking remediation. Hypotheses based on the formulation about the professional’s difficulty should be developed and tested by interventions.
The evolution and analysis of action switching in embodied agents
Authors: Agmon Eran , Beer Randall D
Published: November 2013

The dynamical systems approach in the cognitive and behavioral sciences studies how systems made of many coupled components across brain, body, and environment self-organize to generate behavior. This approach has mostly focused on models of single actions and has not addressed how a dynamical system can engage in multiple different directed actions. In this paper, we introduce a family of artificial life models that demonstrate how dynamical agents can engage in multiple different actions and autonomously switch between them. These described agents engage in a food foraging task, and are driven by both internal, metabolic variables and external, sensory variables. The analysis of one of these agents demonstrates how different actions can arise through transient modes of sensorimotor coordination, in which a subset of the available sensors and effectors become engaged while others are ignored. Transitions between actions are analyzed and shown to correspond to rapid movements through the agent’s state space. In these transitions, some of the previously controlling sensors and effectors disengage, and new sets of sensors and effectors are engaged.
The Short and Very Short Forms of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire in a Community Sample of Preschoolers
Authors: de la Osa Nuria , Granero Roser , Penelo Eva , Domènech Josep M. , Ezpeleta Lourdes
Published: November 2013

The aim was to test the internal structure of scores on the short and very short forms of the Children’s Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) scale and to study the relationship between the dimensions derived and external variables previously related to extreme temperament in a Spanish community sample. The sample comprised of 622 three-year-old children participating in a longitudinal study. Data were obtained from parents and teachers through a semistructured diagnostic interview and questionnaires evaluating children’s characteristics and psychological states. Results showed a three-factor structure and moderate reliability of the scale scores for both the short and very short forms. Associations were found between the Surgency/Extraversion dimension and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and externalizing problems, between Negative Affect and internalizing and emotional problems, and between Effortful Control and attention, externalizing, and social problems and other executive function measures. Salient temperamental characteristics predicted psychopathological disorders and impairment at ages 3 and 4. The short forms of the CBQ provide reliable and valid scores for assessing temperamental characteristics in the preschool years.
Long-Term Memory Performance in Adult ADHD
Authors: Skodzik Timo , Holling Heinz , Pedersen Anya
Published: November 2013

Objective: Memory problems are a frequently reported symptom in adult ADHD, and it is well-documented that adults with ADHD perform poorly on long-term memory tests. However, the cause of this effect is still controversial. The present meta-analysis examined underlying mechanisms that may lead to long-term memory impairments in adult ADHD. Method: We performed separate meta-analyses of measures of memory acquisition and long-term memory using both verbal and visual memory tests. In addition, the influence of potential moderator variables was examined. Results: Adults with ADHD performed significantly worse than controls on verbal but not on visual long-term memory and memory acquisition subtests. The long-term memory deficit was strongly statistically related to the memory acquisition deficit. In contrast, no retrieval problems were observable. Conclusion: Our results suggest that memory deficits in adult ADHD reflect a learning deficit induced at the stage of encoding. Implications for clinical and research settings are presented.
“Justified dependency”: Effects of perceived stability of social hierarchy and level of system justification on help-seeking behavior of low-status group members
Authors: Chernyak-Hai Lily , Halabi Samer , Nadler Arie
Published: November 2013

Recent research on intergroup helping has shown that receiving and seeking help can be a way in which groups assert or challenge the existing hierarchy. The present research, consisting of two studies conducted in the Arab–Jewish Israeli context, examined how the manipulated perceived stability of social hierarchy and dispositional levels of system justification (SJ) influence the willingness of Arab participants to seek assistance from a Jewish helper (representing low- and high-status groups in Israel, respectively). As expected, findings indicate that Arab participants who perceive the social hierarchy as just and stable, show a significantly higher preference to seek dependency-oriented help from Jews. On the other hand, those characterized as low SJs report overall low willingness to seek help from Jewish group members, but show some readiness to seek autonomy-oriented help when status relations between Arabs and Jews are perceived as stable. Theoretical and practical implications for intergroup helping relations are discussed.
Cattle-related trauma, injuries and deaths
Authors: Watts Martin , Meisel Ethan M , Densie Ian K
Published: November 2013

Cattle are socioeconomically important animals with frequent and close contact with humans. Due to the size and power of these animals, injury and deaths related to contact with cows and bulls do occur. It is impossible to be certain of the worldwide burden of morbidity and mortality. It is clear however that trauma presents as specific injury patterns, often related to particular activities. Research identifies groups such as dairy farmers, veterinarians and abattoir workers who are at a higher risk of injury. The general public also increase their risk of injury just by being near cattle. The assessment and treatment of injuries due to cattle trauma should follow some clear and well-defined principles. Reduction in the frequency and severity of injury is possible and should be a priority.
Vectors, direction of attention and unprotected backs: Re-specifying relations in anthropology
Authors: Gatt Caroline
Published: November 2013

Anthropological accounts struggle to incorporate both subjectivity and supra-personal structures. Focus on the shape and type of relations neglects giving attention to the transformations that emerge as a result of relationships. This article proposes a toolbox of concepts that re-specify the notion of relations in a way that takes into account the transformative effect of relationships. The concepts are force fields, vectors, direction-of-attention and unprotected backs. These notions incorporate directionality and transformation into the notion of relations and provide three key understandings of i) shifts in personal effectiveness; ii) the limitations of personal power without undermining the subject; and iii) intentionality without undermining the effectiveness of structures. Each of these understandings is illustrated by means of the strivings of environmental activists members of a transnational environmentalist federation. Vectors make it possible to take seriously the subject and inter-subjective sociality and, simultaneously, the effects of history and impersonal structures.
Fingerprint, bellwether, model event: Climate change as speculative anthropology
Authors: Whitington Jerome
Published: November 2013

The climate change fingerprint, bellwether and model event are three epistemic figures through which it may be possible to know the future through attention to specific material relations. They offer an emergent grammar to help make sense of the rapid transformations in planetary ecology over the past decade due to climate change. What was before experienced as modeled scenarios about future change is now increasingly confirmed. But the experience is characterized equally by uncertainties about the precise implications of these global changes. These terms demonstrate explicit reflection on uncertainty through material practices of thinking, what I identify as a kind of speculative materialism. What becomes apparent is that anthropology itself is at stake to the extent that anthropogenic climate change problematizes the ecological dimensions of Earth at home. I propose the term viability to explore thresholds of ecological value that are not uniquely tied to human observers and which call for imaginative and evaluative judgment about the subtle yet pervasive changes at work in planetary ecology.
Should Child Obesity be an Issue for Child Protective Services? A Call for More Research on this Critical Public Health Issue
Authors: Jones Deborah J. , Gonzalez Michelle , Ward Dianne S. , Vaughn Amber , Emunah Josie , Miller Lindsey , Anton Margaret
Published: November 2013

Given the lasting effects on adolescent and adult health, childhood obesity is a major public health issue. The relatively slow progress toward the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, however, has prompted leaders in both academic and practice sectors to advocate for what may be considered a radical intervention approach, to conceptualize extreme child obesity as an issue of child maltreatment. Advocates of this approach suggest that this conceptualization affords a new angle for intervention—the involvement of child protective services (CPS) in mandating family-focused lifestyle changes aimed at reducing child overweight and, in the most extreme cases, the removal of the obese child from the home. However, surprisingly little research has been conducted to inform policies or practices consistent with this recommendation, which is already being implemented in some states. This article aims to provide an overview of the challenges to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity that have motivated the call for CPS involvement in extreme cases and to review the existing research related to this approach. Given that relatively little data are currently available to support or refute the merits of CPS involvement, recommendations for future research that would better inform public policy and decision making regarding this and other intervention strategies are also highlighted.
An Examination of Stress in College Students Over the Course of a Semester
Authors: Baghurst Timothy , Kelley Betty C.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differing stress reduction interventions could alter stress levels experienced by male and female college students from the beginning to the end of a semester. Components of stress examined included overall perceived stress, test anxiety, and personal burnout. Participants (N = 531) were part of courses that during the course of a 16-week semester focused specifically on cognitive–behavioral stress management, cardiovascular fitness, generalized physical activity, or a control with no intervention. In addition to gender differences, both the stress management and physical activity groups had significantly lower levels of perceived stress, test anxiety, and personal burnout at the end of the semester. The fitness group scored significantly lower on perceived stress and personal burnout, but there was no difference in scores for test anxiety. The important ramifications of reducing stress in college students are discussed, including the pros and cons of implementing differing physical and psychological intervention modalities.
Worksite Health Promotion Program Participation
Authors: Hall Michael Edward , Bergman Randall J. , Nivens Samantha
Published: November 2013

This study explores the relationship between organizational health climate and worksite health promotion program participation, specifically engaging individuals who are unlikely to make positive health behavior choices on their own. Participants consisted of employees at three separate furniture-manufacturing facilities completing a voluntary survey. Using responses ( n = 349) from the health climate instrument, which is a measure of the collective attitudes, beliefs, and readiness to change a health behavior, this study identified two factors that were significant contributors to worksite health promotion program participation. Health norms, the collective attitudes regarding healthy lifestyle, as measured by the subscales—health scale and intention to make a behavior change—and “optimistic bias,” the overassessment of one’s personal health, were found to be predictors of participation. Additionally, significant ( p < .05) predictors of self-assessed health, included perceived control to initiate, competence to carry out, and the organizational support of the health behavior change. The findings suggest that the organization’s health norms and self-assessed health are associated with the worker’s motivation to become involved with health promotion interventions. Offering worksite health screenings and advanced programming and creating a culture of health at work can help address program participation.
Facebook Data Storage Centers as the Archive’s Underbelly
Authors: Hogan Mél
Published: November 2013

As the quintessential digital archive, Facebook no longer requires an introduction; its user-base is currently estimated at one billion profiles. On the front end, it is the epitome of the postmodern living archive. Its underbelly, however, remains much less explored and theorized. What kinds of servers are required to host such large amounts of “free” information, offering up data so rapidly, across so many platforms? Taken together, these pragmatic questions inform an important theoretical intervention: these dislocated centers—existing in “enterprise zones” and arctic hideaways—not only effectively blind us to the potential environmental costs of our everyday obsession with self-archiving but also demand a serious revision of the preservation ideals that underpin the archive. This article offers up a series of provocations about data storage centers, as the archive’s underbelly, with the intent of reconnecting Facebook to the bodies and machines that enable it and the ideals that inform it.
Transitioning Online
Authors: Enteen Jillana B.
Published: November 2013

In the past decade, the websites of Thai tourist agencies have expanded their offerings to include medical tourism, and medical tourism online has experienced dramatic changes in packaging and marketing. These shifts suggest a move from Thai-style surgical offerings that were defined as primarily cosmetic to tourist-package style sex/gender-related surgeries under the category of sexual reassignment surgery (SRS). The existence of these websites and the changes in the promotion of sex/gender-related medical tourism over time reveal nuanced interplay of discontinuous sex/gender regimes. By examining the changes on a single website during an eighteen-month period, I indicate larger trends in the Thai medical tourism industry online that I have collected in a three-year period. “Trans” theory—translation, transnational, transsexual, transactional, and transitive—is the framework from which I describe these dynamic, discontinuous, dialogic transitions.
Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan: A rapid surface modification technique for centrifugal spun fibrous web
Authors: Dev VR Giri , Thinakaran Senthilram , Neelakandan R
Published: November 2013

In the present study, highly aligned poly(ɛ-caprolactone) fibrous network produced by centrifugal spinning method was used as base substrate for electrophoretic deposition of chitosan. Two major parameters, namely the material and process parameters were varied to study its effect on add on % of chitosan in the matrices. It was found that the molecular weight and pH of the acidic chitosan solution widely influence the amount of deposition and pattern of deposition. The use of ultrasonic radiation in the electrophoretic deposition cell led to matrices with rough topography. In electrophoretic deposition process, the inherent gas bubbles formation results in formation of porous chitosan structure on the surface of centrifugal spun matrices making it suitable for biomedical applications.
Changing Men in South Africa
Authors: Dworkin Shari L. , Peacock Dean
Published: November 2013

Sociologist Shari L. Dworkin interviews Dean Peacock, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice (a South-African NGO). This interview attempts to flesh out the ways in which men are critical points of engagement and active agents in reducing violence and minimizing the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. The ways in which social science thinking has inspired Sonke's "One Man Can Campaign" is explored, along with the program and policy impact of Sonke's numerous innovative "gender-transformative" projects.
Memes
Authors: Marwick Alice
Published: November 2013

The funny cat pictures and viral videos known as "internet memes" fill our inboxes and social media sites. Scholar Alice Marwick provides an overview of memes, a history of the term and its overall significance.
Cool Stores Bad Jobs
Authors: Besen-Cassino Yasemin
Published: November 2013

Sociologist Yasemin Besen-Cassino explores the techniques through which employers attract young, attractive, and middle-class workers for minimum wage, service sector jobs. Using in-depth interviews and job ads, she shows that employers focus on social benefits, discounts, and prestige of the brand to attract higher income workers to low paying jobs.
The Cultural Life of the Living Dead
Authors: Cook Denise N.
Published: November 2013

Zombies have become an explosive cultural phenomena which producers, retailers, and governmental agencies utilize to target consumers. Sociologist Denise N. Cook argues that the zombie myth pervades cultural narratives because it helps people distance themselves from criticizing actual social problems yet at the same time the zombie analogy can help to highlight potential social problems.
Framing Social Movements Through Documentary Films
Authors: Stover John A.
Published: November 2013

Sociologist John A. Stover III highlights the significant impact documentary filmmakers can have on social movement agendas and frames via their production, distribution, and outreach strategies. New Day Films, a cooperative collective of social issue filmmakers, is spotlighted as particularly effective in promoting social change and justice.
Remembering E. 6th Street
Authors: Stummer Helen M.
Published: November 2013

Visual sociologist Helen M. Stummer revisits her early work on E. 6th Street and highlights her portraits of an interracial family she became close to in this photo essay.
Slot Machine Capitalism
Authors: Avery Jacob
Published: November 2013

What is seductive about casino gambling? Sociologist Jacob Avery reviews the books Addiction by Design and Gambling for Profit in a desperate attempt to win some answers.
Better Not Put a Ring on It
Authors: Walters Suzanna Danuta
Published: November 2013

Same-sex marriage is all the rage these days and supporting it is a civil-rights no brainer. But sociologist Suzanna Danuta Walters warns us that we should never imagine that gaining this signals the end of homophobia or the beginning of deep social belonging.