bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMP010014A09 in Sus Scrofa Encodes an Analog of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 109A, Which Mediates the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid
Authors: Chen Guangxin , Fu Shoupeng , Feng Wenqian , Huang Bingxu , Xu Shiyao , Wang Wei , Liu Juxiong
Published: July 2017

Background: Hydroxy-carboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2, also called GPR109A) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and is found in humans, rats, mice, hamsters and guinea pigs, but there are almost no reports of this protein in other species. In this investigation, we speculated that AMP010014A09 (AMP+) is a homologue of GPR109A in swine. Methods: To test this hypothesis, the following experiments were designed: monocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of swine were treated with LPS after pretreating with or without β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory proteins were assessed. cAMP levels induced by Forskolin in swine testicular (ST) and IPEC-J2 cells were detected with or without BHBA treatment and following silencing or stable transfection of the AMP+ gene. Results: AMP+ in swine exhibited a high level of homology with HM74A in humans and PUMA-G in mice. BHBA inhibited the LPS-induced secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β and the inflammatory protein COX-2 in monocytes of swine. BHBA suppressed the Forskolin-induced cAMP level increase in ST cells, but failed to inhibit the accumulation of cAMP after the AMP+ gene was silenced with shRNA by transfecting cells with the pGPU6-GFP-Neo-AMP+-sus-392 plasmid. BHBA had no effect on cAMP levels in IPEC-J2 cells, but significantly inhibited the increase in cAMP induced by Forskolin treatment following transfection of the AMP+ gene into IPEC-J2 cells by a lentivirus vector. Conclusion: Our results indicated that AMP+ encodes a G protein-coupled receptor in Sus scrofa that inhibits cAMP levels and mediates anti-inflammatory effects in swine monocytes.
Formas de interpelação do espectador no teatro de rua contemporâneo: uma abordagem etnográfica da FiraTàrrega 2016
Authors: Martins Ferdinando
Published: July 2017

Este artigo explora as formas de interpelação do espectador no teatro de rua contemporâneo por meio da análise de espetáculos apresentados na FiraTàrrega 2016. Optou-se por uma abordagem etnográfica a partir da qual foram selecionados para a reflexão espetáculos assistidos pelo autor que demandaram envolvimento direto e não contemplativo do público para sua realização, com formas de interpelação do espectador que podem ser agrupadas em quatro categorias: deriva pela cidade e seus arrabaldes, condução do espectador a espaços inusitados, peça-instalação e fugas da teatralidade, seja buscando uma simplicidade cênica calcada quase exclusivamente na presença do ator, ou, ao contrário, exacerbando os aparatos tecnológicos e o maquinário cênico, construindo estratégias de deslumbramento. Em todas elas, há uma evocação para que o espectador se posicione como sujeito diante do que lhe é apresentado.
Performar o outro: o reenactment como dispositivo de experiências imersivas
Authors: Mendes Julia Guimarães
Published: July 2017

Este artigo investiga potencialidades artísticas e políticas de criações contemporâneas construídas sob a forma de reenactments documentais. O termo compreende espetáculos que convidam os espectadores a refazerem ações de pessoas previamente documentadas, a partir de dispositivos poéticos e tecnológicos específicos. Para desenvolver a análise, parto da minha própria experiência como pesquisadora-participante de obras criadas pelo diretor catalão Roger Bernat e pelo coletivo suíço-alemão Rimini Protokoll. A partir do diálogo com o conceito de dispositivo cênico (SÁNCHEZ, 2016; CORNAGO, 2015) exploro a hipótese de que a experiência imersiva de “performar o outro” colabora para problematizar e dilatar temporalmente a percepção do público sobre os contextos documentais abordados.
Performance, tecnologia e presença : The Builders Association
Authors: Bernstein Ana
Published: July 2017

O artigo examina a construção de um discurso crítico sobre as transformações da cena teatral e das artes nas últimas décadas a partir da crescente utilização de mídias, como vídeo, cinema, computadores e internet, e da incorporação de mídias digitais no processo de criação de espetáculos, performances e instalações interativas, focando na questão da presença e de seu suposto esvaziamento em decorrência da midiatização da cena. A reavaliação dos fenômenos de presença é discutida mediante exame do trabalho intermídia do grupo norteamericano The Builders Association, cujos espetáculos se destacam por uma cena plenamente integrada à tecnologia e por uma prática de colaboração verdadeiramente interdisciplinar.
“To Kill all Whites”: The Ethics of African Warfare in Bahia and Cuba, 1807–1844
Authors: Barcia Manuel
Published: July 2017

Using case studies extracted from primary sources produced predominantly in Brazil and Cuba, this article contends that West African military commanders and troops in both regions during the first half of the nineteenth century exhibited an ethical behavior associated with war, which was strongly tied to their cosmologies of the world. Since these actions were all staged against either slavery or enslavement, it argues that the central ethical issue of whether it was right to take arms and kill people they considered enemies (jus ad bellum), was a non-issue from the moment the protagonists’ and participants’ plans took shape. Further ethical issues that could and would arise once each of these armed movements was underway, which were more ambiguous, are also considered in this article.
What Does a Feminist Curiosity Bring to African Military History?
Authors: Decker Alicia C.
Published: July 2017

This essay uses feminist scholarship to engender African military history. It begins by examining the ways in which gender has—or has not—been integrated into African military history over the last ten years. Next, it analyzes some of the most influential feminist scholarship on gender and militarism in Africa today. Although most of this literature has not been produced by historians, it has much to teach us about how gender can be critically interrogated within our own work. The penultimate section considers the importance of cultivating a feminist curiosity and discusses what this type of critical thinking can bring to African military history. And finally, the conclusion reflects upon the future of the field, describing what needs to be done and how we might get there.
Four new species and an identification key for Stygodesmodora Blome, 1982 (Nematoda: Spiriniinae) from the continental shelf off northeastern Brazil
Authors: LARRAZÁBAL-FILHO ALEXANDRE L. , NERES PATRÍCIA F. , ESTEVES ANDRÉ M.
Published: July 2017

Four previously undescribed species of marine nematodes were collected on the continental shelf of the Potiguar Basin in northeastern Brazil. Stygodesmodora amphidialis sp. n. has a large fovea amphidialis, long cephalic setae, globular spermatic cells, 6–8 tubular supplements and button-like caudal papillae. Stygodesmodora paramphidialis sp. n. is similar but can be differentiated by the presence of a bipartite lumen and a fovea amphidialis smaller than in S. amphidialis sp. n. Stygodesmodora robusta sp. n. has a relatively robust body, strongly annulated cuticle, one large dorsal tooth and a small ventral tooth, one row of nine ventrally placed precloacal setae, and arched spicules. Stygodesmodora potiguensis sp. n. has the cuticle strongly annulated, many setae along the body, supplements absent, and sexual dimorphism in the size of the fovea amphidialis. These four new species increase to seven the number of taxa known in the genus.
Estimating the Reliability Function
Authors: Kundu Piyali , Kumar Somesh , Chatterjee Kashinath
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT:

This paper considers the problem of estimation of Rp = Pr(Y p > max( Y1, …, Yp-1)) where Y1; Y2; …, Yp are all independent random variables following one parameter exponential distributions. As an application, Rp is the stress-strength reliability of a component having strength Yp and is subjected to several independent stresses Y1; Y2; …, Yp-1. Apart from providing several estimators of Rp, the main thrust is on the derivation of uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE). A simulation study is performed to compare the estimators obtained in this paper.
Identifying Occupational Performance Issues with Older Adults: Therapists’ Perspectives
Authors: Trentham Barry , Dunal Lynda
Published: July 2017

Background

Identifying occupational performance issues is an essential component of the occupational therapy process. Little attention has been paid to therapists’ management of this aspect of geriatric practice.

Purpose

This study explored therapists’ approach to identifying occupational performance issues (OPI) with older adults.

Methods

Information gathered from semi-structured interviews was analyzed using Polkinghorne's (1995) analysis of narrative method.

Findings

The study demonstrated how therapists prepare clients to engage in the OPI identification process; use interviewing strategies to build trust; and tap into client narratives to foster hope in occupational possibilities.

Implications

Findings suggest that therapists require a complex set of highly skilled strategies to engage clients in OPI identification through tapping into aspects of the client's motivational influences, occupational histories, therapy expectations, and generational attitudes about aging. Further study is required to identify ways to overcome structural barriers to more occupational and narrative-based approaches to identifying occupational performance issues.
An Evaluation of a Workshop about Obesity Designed for Occupational Therapists
Authors: Forhan Mary , Law Mary
Published: July 2017

Background

The evaluation of knowledge translation activities designed to increase knowledge for occupational therapy practitioners is required to advance evidence-based practice.

Purpose

This study examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of a workshop aimed at raising awareness about obesity and the role for occupational therapy interventions with an obese population.

Methods

Fifty-one occupational therapists participated in interactive workshops. Measures of beliefs and attitudes toward obese persons and readiness to work with obese clients were completed.

Findings

Analysis revealed a change in beliefs about obese persons but no changes in attitudes. Participants reported feeling better informed about obesity and more prepared to work with clients with obesity. The potential for occupational therapy interventions to enable occupation for persons with obesity was recognized.

Implications

This study provides evidence to support the use of interactive workshops for the purpose of translating knowledge using an approach that is relevant to occupational therapy practice
Friendships of Adolescents with Physical Disabilities Attending Inclusive High Schools
Authors: Jamieson Margaret , Hutchinson Nancy L. , Taylor Jennifer , Westlake Kelly P. , Berg Derek , Boyce Will
Published: July 2017

Background

Adolescents with physical disabilities (PD) report difficulties making friends. Education in inclusive high schools may help to minimize these challenges.

Purpose

This paper begins to answer the question: What is the nature of the friendships of adolescents with PD attending inclusive high schools?

Methods

Standard qualitative methods were used to analyze the data of three multi-perspective case studies that included interviews of three adolescents with PD and their nominated friends, parents, and teachers. Based on these analyses, we describe the activities and the quality of the adolescents’ interactions and relationships.

Findings

Three unique patterns of friendship were identified: an extensive network of friendships, a core group of friends with an avid interest, and few friendships in or out of school.

Implications

Successful development of friendships among adolescents with and without PD is complex and influenced by personal, environmental, interactional, and relationship factors.
A Note On Measures of Party System Change
Authors: Janda Kenneth
Published: July 2017

In this symposium Mogens Pedersen argues against measuring party system change by comparing static measures of “fractionalization, ” and proposes a measure based on changes in party strength from time 1 to time 2. Shankar Bose proposes a related measure of party system change that combines changes in strength with changes in party continuity over time. This article compares their measures as applied to data from ten party-systems.
Learning to Support the Plo
Authors: Farah Tawfic E.
Published: July 2017

Most research on socialization has focused on socialization in existing political systems. This article explores the socialization of children into the supportive values and attitudes of a state which does not yet exist. It investigates the acquisition of supportive attitudes toward the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) among Palestinian children in Kuwait. While other studies have focused on the children of the refugee camps, long considered breeding grounds for guerrillas, this article considers the socialization process among noncamp dwellers.
Corporate Coup-Maker Grievances And Types Of Regime Targets
Authors: Thompson William R.
Published: July 2017

In partial response to the renewed explanatory emphasis on the role of corporate grievances in bringing about military coups, this article operationalizes and tests the hypothesis that a significantly higher proportional frequency of apparent corporate motivations arc associated with coups executed against civilian governments as opposed to coups executed against military governments. Using a 1946–1970 data base encompassing 229 military coups, no statistically significant differences between the two types of government targets emerge at the world level. At the regional level, only Asian coups provide any real support for the hypothesis. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the possible reasons for the general lack of support for the hypothesis and its implications for the analysis of military coups.
Error, Anomaly, and Variation in the English of Deaf Individuals
Authors: Bochner Joseph
Published: July 2017

This paper reports the results of an experiment designed to characterize recursive processes and their impact on constituent structure in-the English of deaf individuals. Data gathered in this investigation indicate that subordinate clause markers such as that, which, when, and because tend to function as coordinating conjunctions in the English of many deaf individuals. This finding supports Bochner's (1976) contention that many deaf individuals tend to perceive, produce, and learn syntactic structures by arranging lexical items in a linear-sequential fashion without regard to hierarchical order and without specifying relations of subordination and superordination.
Relative Clause Interpretation Preferences in Spanish and English
Authors: Carreiras Manuel , Clifton Charles
Published: July 2017

Five experiments measured reading time for Spanish and English sentences containing a complex NP followed by a relative clause (e.g., … “the daughter of the colonel who had an accident”). As has been previously reported, Spanish sentences were read more rapidly when the content of the relative clause forced it to modify the first of the two NPs in the complex NP (“the daughter”) than when it modified the second NP (“the colonel”). Their English translations showed no difference in reading time. This preference to take the first noun as a host for the relative clause in Spanish occurred whether the relative clause was disambiguated by morphological gender marking or by its content. The results are generally consistent with the claim that the Late Closure parsing strategy does not apply universally across languages. However, we propose an alternative hypothesis, namely, that the Late Closure parsing strategy fails to apply across all phrase types within a language, and applies to relative clauses in neither English nor Spanish. Instead, a different principle, which we term the “construal hypothesis”, accounts for processing of phrases such as relative clauses which do not play the role of a “primary relation” within a sentence.
Relative Duration as a Perceptual Cue to Stress in Mandarin
Authors: Shen Xiaonan Susan
Published: July 2017

Perceptual tests were carried out to examine (1) whether Fo is necessary to perceive stress in Mandarin, and (2) if not, which cue, duration or intensity, is more important. The results indicate that stress can be identified on the basis of duration and intensity alone; duration is a more important cue than intensity. Acoustical analyses of both natural and reiterant speech revealed that both duration and intensity were correlates of stress. There was a ratio of approximately 3:2 between the durations of stressed and unstressed vowels of the same quality, and a difference of nearly 8 dB between their intensities. In addition, segmental changes, such as consonant and vowel reduction, laryngealization, and vowel devoicing, may enhance the perception of the absence of stress.
Baselines Revisited: Reply to Ladd
Authors: Terken Jacques
Published: July 2017

Ladd's reanalysis of Terken's (1991) results is critically examined, and some problems raised by Ladd's reinterpretation are discussed. Ladd's suggestion that listeners' normaliztion of Fo range involves abstract components (i.e., sources of information which are not directly observable in the acoustic signal) is accepted, and a quantitative model is proposed to account for judgments of perceived relative prominence.
The Function and Interpretation of Reverse Wh-Clefts in Spoken Discourse
Authors: Oberlander Jon , Delin Judy
Published: July 2017

We examine the characteristics of the headless reverse wh-cleft, with a view to embedding its description into a model of discourse function. On the basis of 302 examples taken from the London-Lund Corpus of spoken English and on Collins' (1991) analysis of the same data, we discuss the distinctive features of the construction, as well as those it shares with other kinds of cleft. In common with other clefts, the reverse wh-cleft is presuppositional, and has the property of conveying part of its content aspectually as a STATE. In addition, it has commonalities with the IP it-cleft in its information structure, and the ability to allocate novel CASE ROLES to existing discourse referents. Its distinctive features include the summative or ending function previously observed; we further suggest that the construction is more likely to play a metalinguistic or transaction management role than it is to move a discourse forward. In addition, its referential behavior differs from that of the it-cleft in a manner likely to affect cognitive processing of its content. We present a formal model, combining the general features of cleft constructions with the distinctive features of reverse wh-clefts in spoken discourse.
Comparing Correlations over Time and Space
Authors: Lester David
Published: July 2017

Correlations between the suicide and birth rates in Canadian provinces from 1970 to 1990, estimated using three different methods (over time, over space, and mixed) were small but negative.
Opinions of Patients and the Public Regarding NHS Priorities
Authors: Baker A.D.L. , Bassran A. , Paterson-Brown S.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the views of patients and the public on NHS priorities. Data were gathered by interview questionnaire throughout Edinburgh city centre, and within various departments of one large teaching hospital. Of the 1502 responses, 462 were from within the hospital and 1040 were from city centre locations. 1497 (99.7%) were in favour of treating emergencies, and 1467 (97.7%) life threatening conditions as a priority. 1315 (88%) agreed that treatable conditions that seriously affect quality of life should also be considered a priority and 1127(75%) were in favour of treating patients with incurable terminal disease regardless of cost. In order to provide these services 584 (39%) considered it acceptable to make patients with less serious conditions wait longer. Of the 918 (61%) who considered it not acceptable to wait longer 812 (88%) would be prepared to pay more in tax to provide this. The General Public do support the treatment of emergency and life threatening conditions as an absolute priority. The majority also support the prioritisation of conditions which are treatable and seriously affect quality of life. If in establishing these priorities waiting times for other conditions are likely to rise, the public would generally accept increased taxation or some form of fee for service.
Tamoxifen Therapy in Steroid-Resistant Riedels Disease
Authors: De M. , Jaap A. , Dempster J.
Published: July 2017

Riedel s thyroiditis is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterised by extensive fibrosis of the thyroid gland and sometimes the surrounding tissues. We report a case of Riedel s Thyroiditis in a middle aged female presenting with goitre, stridor and dyspnoea. She initially responded to corticosteroid treatment and subsequently to tamoxifen. The rationale for these treatments are discussed.
Oxprenolol in Hypertension. A Report on 2,770 Patients in General Practice Originally Treated with Methyldopa
Authors: Forrest W. A.
Published: July 2017

Substitution, in part or totally, of the non-selective β-receptor antagonist oxprenolol for methyldopa in 2,770 treated hypertensive patients resulted in a significant reduction in blood pressure levels and a considerable improvement in the quality of the patient's life.
Magnesium Depletion and Hypocalcaemia after Removal of A Parathyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Scott R. D. M. , Falconer C. W. A. , Fitzpatrick K. , Proter G. M. L.
Published: July 2017

A case of parathyroid carcinoma is described which presented with severe bone disease, complicated after parathyroidectomy by symptomatic hypocalcaemia and magnesium deficiency, both of which responded dramatically to the administration of magnesium. Urinary cyclic AMP assays were used to monitor parathyroid activity.
The Badge of the Scottish Society of Physicians
Authors: Forbes C. D. , Mackay N. , Boyle I. T.
Published: July 2017

This short article has been written to ensure that the origin and history of the Badge of the Scottish Society of Physicians is well documented, lest this knowledge be lost.
The tale needs re-telling: A reply to Colin Podmore’s ‘A tale of two churches’
Authors: Whalon Pierre W.
Published: July 2017

In an article entitled ‘A Tale of Two Churches: The Ecclesiologies of the Episcopal Church and the Church of England Compared’ 1 Dr Colin Podmore argues that episcopacy in the Church of England is a demonstrably catholic model inherited from antiquity, whereas episcopacy in The Episcopal Church complements an essentially congregational polity. As his article has appeared in two academic journals, a reply was deemed necessary.
The use of ultrasonography in obstetrics in developing countries
Authors: Kongnyuy Eugene J , van den Broek Nynke
Published: July 2017

Ultrasonography in pregnancy is one of the most important advances in antenatal and obstetric emergency care. The benefits of diagnostic ultrasound in a resource-poor setting are well known and undisputed. Routine ultrasound can provide real benefit to patients when it is included in antenatal care programmes designed to improve maternal and neonatal health, and it should become a standard procedure in developing countries. Proper training of the antenatal ultrasound imager is very important. This should include training in ethics, use and misuse of ultrasonography as well as good technique and understanding of implications for clinical care to improve sensitivity. Training should be aimed not only at doctors but also at midwives who conduct most of the antenatal care and skilled deliveries in developing countries. Communication with patients and information about the limitations and benefits of ultrasound are essential to alleviate fear and to discourage irrational expectation and demand. Finally, routine antenatal ultrasound should be monitored closely for possible misuse, such as sex screening and selective abortion of normal female fetuses, and non-indicated overuse by healthcare professionals for their own financial benefits.
Tubal factor infertility in Benin City, Nigeria - sociodemographics of patients and aetiopathogenic factors
Authors: Umeora O U J , Mbazor J O , Okpere E E
Published: July 2017

In Africa, infertility constitutes a major gynaecological complaint and causes enormous socio-psychological stress to the patients. This study examined retrospective data at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, over a 5-year period to determine the factors associated with tubal infertility.

Tubal infertility was confirmed in 13.5% of the 1181 new cases of infertility over the study period. The mean age of the patients was 33.2 ±9.5 years. Over 65% were nulliparous and all socioeconomic classes were affected. Major associated factors included infections such as post-abortal sepsis, puerperal sepsis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Infertility is largely preventable. Attention should be focused on reducing the incidence of unsafe abortion and its consequences, providing clean and safe delivery as well as reducing the incidence of and ensuring proper treatment of any cases of PID.
Paediatric burns: Management problems in a teaching hospital in north western Nigeria
Authors: Uba A F , Edino S T , Ayakubu A
Published: July 2017

The records of 168 children managed for burns in a teaching hospital in northwestern Nigeria, between April 1998 and March 2003, were assessed to determine the factors that are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality in paediatric burns. The causes of burns were hot water in 86 cases (51.2%), flame in 45 (26.8%), hot soup in 32 (19%) and electricity in five (3%). The main complications were wound infections in 109 (64.9%) patients, anaemia in 68 (40.5%), malnutrition in 54 (32.1%), contracture in 50 (29.8%), persistent hypothermia in 27 (16.1%), tetanus in 14 (8.3%) and one case (0.6%) of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, possibly as a result of Curling's ulcer.
Let There Be Dark: A Chrematogenic Presentation of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Authors: Miller Robert D. , Fenyar Bonnie Ann
Published: July 2017

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a well-accepted subtype of affective disorder. Its current criteria require that the patterns of mood changes correspond to seasons, not to ambient light, although the research makes it clear that it is the decreased light in the winter that results in the depressive symptoms. The authors present a case in which a patient with a demonstrated pattern of mild depression in the winter developed a severe depression when placed in a new job situation requiring her to work in virtually total darkness for 12-hour shifts. She was unable to work under these conditions and requested a change back to more normal lighting conditions. When this was refused, she was ultimately fired, despite an exemplary 25-year work record. The case is presented to illustrate that when diagnostic criteria are taken too literally, they may lead to unanticipated results in the legal arena.
Understanding and Reporting Child Abuse: Legal and Psychological Perspectives: Part Two: Emotional Abuse and Secondary Abuse
Authors: Twaite James A. , Rodriguez-Srednicki Ofelia
Published: July 2017

Emotional abuse and secondary abuse of children are increasingly recognized within the mental health and legal professions as at least as damaging to adjustment as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. However, emotional and secondary abuse are relatively more difficult for mandated reporters to recognize and document, and reporting laws are problematic. This review article was written to acquaint professionals with the seriousness and prevalence of emotional and secondary child abuse and with the issues surrounding the reporting of such abuse.
Assessing High-Risk Behavior in the Developmentally Disabled: Measurement and Forensic Implications
Authors: Bogacki David F. , Weiss Kenneth J. , Vail Joan A. , Armstrong Deborah J.
Published: July 2017

In the age of postinstitutional care, less attention is paid to the residual population of developmentally disabled persons within public facilities. Many such individuals are court ordered from the criminal justice system; they require varying intensities of mental health services. Level of risk to self and others is one component assessed by service providers as they plan resource allocation to meet the residents' support needs. Although it may be presumed that lower-functioning clients need more mental health services, this has not been tested systematically. The Developmental Disability Risk Inventory (DDRI) was designed to measure high-risk behavior in adults with developmental disability. This study investigated intellectual functioning, adaptive functioning, and high-risk behavior in 92 persons with mental retardation. The results indicated that DDRI scores correlated positively with level of intellectual functioning but did not show a statistically significant relationship with level of adaptive functioning. Together, these findings suggest construct validity for the DDRI. Implications for the clinical and forensic utility of the DDRI are discussed.
Road Rage: Recognizing a Psychological Disorder
Authors: Ayar Alexander A.
Published: July 2017

When a vehicle's environment increases a driver's level of stress, anxiety, or hostility, the individual may use their vehicle in an aggressive fashion that places their own lives in danger and society at risk. When a vehicle has such an affect on an individual, he or she may be suffering from Road Rage Disorder. By examining what Road Rage disorder is, its symptoms, and how it can be controlled or cured, this article will reveal that what many experience when entering into their vehicle is a psychological disorder that should be recognized in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Forensic Consultation in Disability Insurance Matters
Authors: Piechowski Lisa D.
Published: July 2017

Consultation in disability insurance matters is an emerging area of forensic practice, but little has been written to inform work in this area. This article will first distinguish between evaluative and consultative roles, and then suggest a framework for practice in this area based on the principles of forensic mental health assessment developed by Heilbrun (2001). Adherence to such a framework can assist the consult in ensuring practice conforms to ethical and professional standards emphasizing objectivity, accuracy, and impartiality, while at the same time acknowledging the unique demands of the consultative role.
Evaluating the Evaluator: Guidelines for Legal Professionals in Assessing the Competency of Evaluations in Termination of Parental Rights Cases
Authors: Kalich Lisa , Carmichael Blake D. , Masson Tiffany , Blacker Dawn
Published: July 2017

Over the past two decades, the court has begun to rely increasingly upon the opinions of mental health professionals in deciding questions of parental fitness. Despite the value placed on psychologists' evaluations and testimony, there is little guidance for judges and other legal professionals with regard to determining whether an evaluation is competent or useful. Given the heavy burden that accompanies severing the relationship between a child and his or her biological parent, the need for competent and comprehensive evaluations is paramount. Thus, the focus of this article is to provide specific recommendations for legal professionals with regard to assessing the competency of termination of parental rights (TPR) evaluations. Utilizing the American Psychological Association's (APA) Procedural Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters (American Psychological Association, 1998) as a guide, common flaws in evaluations, as well as best practice techniques, are identified and discussed. By providing legal professionals with increased awareness and knowledge of the components of a competent TPR evaluation, it is expected that the best interests of families in these cases will be better served and that psychological professionals will be held to a high standard of competence.
The Legislative Response to Alcoholism and Drug Addiction in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Authors: Goff J. Larry
Published: July 2017

The Americans With Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 and became law on July 26, 1992. It represents the latest Congressional effort to provide protection against discrimination in the workplace to people with disabilities, giving them more access to employment opportunities for which they are qualified and which they can perform and imposing requirements on employers to help facilitate this through reasonable accommodations. The act also amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, extending the coverage of that earlier legislation to include more employers as covered entities as well as clarifying selected sections. For those who use or are addicted to alcohol or drugs, treatment under both acts has been uneven. The 1973 legislation was silent about these individuals except for an exclusionary provision dealing with current use vis-à-vis job performance and threats to the safety of other people and property. The Americans With Disabilities Act is more comprehensive in its approach both to individuals who use alcohol and drugs and to those who use them addictively. It has, however, still left some open questions and created some new concerns. The purpose of this article is to review the highlights of the Americans With Disabilities Act as it relates to alcohol and drug use and to explore some of the unresolved issues.
Mental Responsibility and 900 Phone Abuse
Authors: Lande Raymond G.
Published: July 2017

Telephone pornography is a relatively new service available for consumers' purchase over the “900” call system. This expensive sex talk, popularly known as “dial-a-porn,” has been the focus of numerous complaints, congressional investigation, and attempts at regulatory restraint. For some consumers the excessive use of “dial-a-porn” has resulted in severe financial debt and significant personal distress. This article will review the turbulent history of commercialized telephone pornography and discuss a recently prosecuted military case where the defendant's mental responsibility became an issue.
Recovered Memories: The Current Weight of the Evidence in Science and in the Courts
Authors: Brown Daniel , Scheflin Alan W. , Whitfield Charles L.
Published: July 2017

The authors critically review the main strategies that false-memory proponents have used to challenge the admissibility of testimony regarding recovered abuse memories in the courts: that the laboratory evidence fails to prove the existence of repression, that people rarely forget trauma, and that scientific studies claiming amnesia for trauma and abuse are fraught with a variety of methodological weaknesses. False-memory proponents who have advanced these arguments have made serious logical errors in their arguments and have misused the available scientific evidence. The authors review 68 data-based studies specifically on amnesia and later recovery of memories for childhood sexual abuse, each of which presents evidence favoring amnesia and recovered memories for sexual abuse in certain individuals. These studies were conducted using a variety of methodological approaches and progressive improvements in research design that addressed and answered each criticism advanced by false-memory proponents. These studies also include a number of recent studies using a clarifying interview strategy that demonstrated that the mechanisms operative in substantial forgetting and later recovery of abuse memories typically include a mixture of dissociative amnesia, cognitive avoidance, and misappraisal of the abuse, and rarely include ordinary forgetting. Data-based studies on the accuracy of recovered memories have demonstrated that recovered memories are no more or less accurate than continuous memories of childhood abuse and generally are reliable, except when a specific pattern of suggestive influences may have contaminated the memory. The authors offer a set of evidentiary criteria by which the court can assess suggestive influences. The authors also review the Frye-Daubert standards that have been applied in the courts. They argue that the current weight of the available scientific evidence on amnesia for childhood sexual abuse clearly meets the Daubert standards of admissibility.
Isolated corticotropin deficiency in chronic alcoholism
Authors: Kearney T , Robinson S , Johnston D G
Published: July 2017

Three patients who chronically abused alcohol were found to be hyponatraemic with normal plasma potassium. The first had been admitted with confusion and weight loss, the second with hypotension and sepsis, and the third with confusion and hypoglycaemia-induced seizures. All three patients had a subnormal cortisol response in the short synacthen test; however, the plasma cortisol after three days of tetracosactrin administration was greater than 550 nmol/L. Baseline corticotropin levels were less than 10 pg/mL in all three. No structural lesions of the hypothalamo-pituitary tract were found and there was no evidence of other endocrinopathies. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy led to the resolution of hyponatraemia and hypoglycaemia, where present, and to clinical improvement. The two surviving patients remained hypocortisolaemic in the long term, without recurrence of hyponatraemia or hypoglycaemia. The features of isolated corticotropin deficiency are easily confused with other effects of chronic alcohol abuse. In alcoholic patients with unexplained hyponatraemia, hypoglycaemia or haemodynamic instability, a short tetracosactrin test is advisable.
Diagnosis of psychiatric disorder in clinical evaluation of chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Deale Alicia , Wessely Simon
Published: July 2017

The overlap of symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and psychiatric disorders such as depression can complicate diagnosis. Patients often complain that they are wrongly given a psychiatric label. We compared psychiatric diagnoses made by general practitioners and hospital doctors with diagnoses established according to research diagnostic criteria. 68 CFS patients referred to a hospital fatigue clinic were assessed, and psychiatric diagnoses were established by use of a standardized interview schedule designed to provide current and lifetime diagnoses. These were compared with psychiatric diagnoses previously given to patients. Of the 31 patients who had previously received a psychiatric diagnosis 21 (68%) had been misdiagnosed: in most cases there was no evidence of any past or current psychiatric disorder. Of the 37 patients who had not previously received a psychiatric diagnosis 13 (35%) had a treatable psychiatric disorder in addition to CFS. These findings highlight the difficulties of routine clinical evaluation of psychiatric disorder in CFS patients. We advise doctors to focus on subtle features that discriminate between disorders and to use a brief screening instrument such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Costs of seeking ethics approval before and after the introduction of multicentre research ethics committees
Authors: Dunn N R , Arscott A , Mann R D
Published: July 2017

With the advent of multicentre research ethics committees in the UK, local research ethics committees (LRECs) are required to advise only on issues relating to the local acceptability of a project. We looked at the handling of two commercially sponsored studies, one initiated before the change and one after, confining the analysis to 21 LRECs approached in both. As judged by the amount of paper per application, the new system for LRECs is simpler and should be less costly. However, there was an increasing tendency for LRECs to charge for their services (30% study 1, 47% study 2) and these charges varied by more than 400%. If such fees must be levied, a common scale is desirable.
Training in oral medicine
Authors: Zakrzewska Joanna M
Published: July 2017

88 members of the UK specialty society of oral medicine were asked about career satisfaction and their views on training programmes. 70% responded (79% of consultants and all accredited trainees). Men work longer hours than women, report less control over their work and experience more stress. Although high work satisfaction is reported, nearly one-third regret their choice of specialty. Men more than women do locum work while training. Most respondents would welcome flexible training, job shares, financial support during training and a mentoring scheme.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fazal Iftikhar A , Alfakih Khaled , Walsh John T
Published: July 2017

Takotsubo's Cardiomyopathy is an acute cardiac syndrome precipitated by sudden emotional stress. Left ventricular dysfunction is reversible and prognosis excellent.
Reports of clinical trials should begin and end with up-to-date systematic reviews of other relevant evidence: a status report
Authors: Clarke Mike , Hopewell Sally , Chalmers Lain
Published: July 2017

Summary

Objective

Scientific and ethical justification for new clinical trials requires them to have been designed in the light of scientifically defensible assessments of relevant previous research. Reliable interpretation of the results of new clinical trials entails setting them in the context of updates of the reviews upon which they were deemed scientifically and ethically justifiable. We have shown previously that most reports of randomized trials published in five general medical journals in May 1997 and in May 2001 failed to set their results in the context of the findings from similar research. In the current study, we assess whether there had been progress in this respect in 2005 and also investigate the extent to which reports begin by referring to systematic reviews providing the justification for the new research reported.

Design

Assessment of the Introduction and Discussion sections in all reports of randomized trials published during May 2005 in five general medical journals.

Setting

Reports of randomized trials in five general medical journals.

Participants

Annals of Internal Medicine, BMJ, JAMA, Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

The inclusion or mention of one or more systematic reviews in the Introduction or Discussion section of each report assessed.

Results

We found 18 reports of randomized trials. The Introduction sections referred to systematic reviews in five (27%) of these reports. None of the Discussion sections of the 15 reports of trials that were not the first published trials to address the question studied placed the results of the new trial in the context of an updated systematic review of other research. Although reference was made to relevant systematic reviews in five of these 15 reports, there was no integration—quantitative or qualitative—of the results of the new trials in an update of these reviews. In the remaining ten reports there was no evidence that any systematic attempt had been made to set the new results in the context of previous trials.

Conclusions

There is no evidence of progress between 1997 and 2005 in the proportion of reports of trials published in general medical journals which discussed new results within the context of up-to-date systematic reviews of relevant evidence from other controlled trials. Although the proportion of trials referring to systematic reviews in Discussion sections has increased, the majority of reports continued to fail even to do this. Similarly, most researchers appear not to have considered a systematic review when designing their trial. Researchers and journal editors do a disservice to the interests of the public and others involved in healthcare decision-making by acquiescing in this situation.
Significance of Sequential Cellular Changes Inside and Outside Foci of Altered Hepatocytes During Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Bannasch Peter , Enzmann Harald , Klimek Fritz , Weber Edgar , Zerban Heide
Published: July 2017

A variety of phenotypic cellular changes emerge in the liver of different species prior to the appearance of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas induced by carcinogenic agents (chemicals, radiation, hepadna viruses) or develop “spontaneously.” Foci of altered hepatocytes have been studied most extensively in rats treated with chemical carcinogens; they are considered preneoplastic lesions and have been used in several laboratories as endpoints in carcinogenicity testing. The principles and problems of the morphological classification of foci of altered hepatocytes are presented. In addition to the 4 types of foci generally accepted (clear, acidophilic, basophilic and mixed cell foci), further subtypes (intermediate cell foci) or other types of foci, namely tigroid cell foci and amphophilic cell foci, have more recently been separated as distinct pathomorphological entities. Whereas the amphophilic foci might result from a modulation of clear and acidophilic cell foci, the tigroid cell foci apparently represent a stage in a separate cell lineage leading to hepatocellular adenomas. It remains open whether the tigroid cell foci may also progress to carcinomas. Extrafocal phenotypic changes of hepatocytes might also be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. The cellular phenotypes within foci also depend strongly, among many other factors, on the dose and duration of the carcinogenic treatment. Cytomorphological, cytochemical, microbiochemical and stereological studies suggest that the predominant sequence of cellular changes during hepatocarcinogenesis leads from the clear and acidophilic cell foci storing glycogen in excess through mixed cell foci and nodules to basophilic cell populations prevailing in hepatocellular carcinomas. A multitude of metabolic aberrations is associated with the sequential cellular changes. Aberrations in carbohydrate metabolism are particularly prominent and might be causally related to the neoplastic transformation of the hepatocytes.
View of the Regulatory Use of Rat Liver Foci Data in the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Richter-Reichhelm H. B.
Published: July 2017

Altered hepatocellular foci (AHF) are suspected of being phenotypic markers of a stage in the sequential process of tumor development in the liver. A number of short-term and mid-term tests, including some that use AHF as an endpoint, have been reviewed by the Federal Health Office to determine if they are suitable to replace long-term animals experiments for predicting the carcinogenic potential of chemicals. Although regulatory authorities recognize the advantages of short-term tests, including a possible reduction in the number of animals used, it is still premature to make a general recommendation regarding the suitability of these tests for regulatory decision-making. At this time, the Commission of European Communities (CEC) follows a decision-tree approach for regulating chemicals coming to the market. Since it is unrealistic to expect a reasonable number of AHF to evaluate in 28-day or 90-day studies, AHF can only be practically evaluated in the conventional long-term bioassay. There is still insufficient knowledge regarding the biological significance of the various phenotypic forms of AHF to use them as a relevant endpoint for regulatory purposes. However, data on AHF derived from routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) work can be used to aid in the interpretation of the study and in recommending additional investigations.