bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigmented Free-Floating Posterior Vitreous Cyst
Authors: Bruè Claudia , Mariotti Cesare , De Franco Edoardo , De Franco Nicola , Giovannini Alfonso
Published: October 2012

Vitreous cysts are very rare ocular malformations. In this observational case study, we report on an unusual case of a pigmented free-floating vitreous cyst and discuss its differential diagnosis. A 14-year-old male was referred to ophthalmology for a pigmented lesion in his left eye. He complained of an intermittent floater in the left eye. Visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Fundus examination was unremarkable bilaterally, except for a piece of brownish oval material floating in the vitreous in the left eye. He had received a knock on the left side of his head a few days before the visual discomfort of the left eye. Real-time ultrasound of the left eye detected a piece of hyperechogenic spherical material with no internal reflectivity, floating in the middle of the vitreous. The first use of color Doppler ultrasound in this context indicated no arterial flow, ruling out the presence of a persistent hyaloid artery. Intraocular cysts are rare ocular disorders, which have been divided into clear and pigmented cysts, and into those that occupy the anterior chamber, the retrolental space, and the vitreous cavity. This last is extremely rare. We describe such a case.
CD73-Generated Adenosine: Orchestrating the Tumor-Stroma Interplay to Promote Cancer Growth
Authors: Allard Bertrand , Turcotte Martin , Stagg John
Published: October 2012

Despite the coming of age of cancer immunotherapy, clinical benefits are still modest. An important barrier to successful cancer immunotherapy is that tumors employ a number of mechanisms to facilitate immune escape, including the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, the recruitment of regulatory immune subsets, and the production of immunosuppressive metabolites. Significant therapeutic opportunity exists in targeting these immunosuppressive pathways. One such immunosuppressive pathway is the production of extracellular adenosine by CD73, an ectonucleotidase overexpressed in various types of cancer. We hereafter review the biology of CD73 and its role in cancer progression and metastasis. We describe the role of extracellular adenosine in promoting tumor growth through paracrine and autocrine action on tumor cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells.
Role of Osteoplastic Frontal Sinus Obliteration in the Era of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Silverman Joshua B. , Gray Stacey T. , Busaba Nicolas Y.
Published: October 2012

Objective. Determining the indications for osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration (OFSO) for the treatment of inflammatory frontal sinus disease.Study Design. Retrospective case series from a single tertiary care facility.Methods. Thirty-four patients who underwent OFSO for chronic frontal sinusitis () and frontal sinus mucocele () comprised our study group. Data reviewed included demographics, history of prior frontal sinus operation(s), imaging, diagnosis, and operative complications.Results. The age range was 19 to 76 years. Seventy percent of patients with chronic frontal sinusitis underwent OFSO as a salvage surgery after previous frontal sinus surgery failures, while 30% underwent OFSO as a primary surgery. For those in whom OFSO was a salvage procedure, the failed surgeries were endoscopic approaches to the frontal sinus (69%), Lynch procedure (12%), and OFSO outside this study period (19%). For patients with frontal sinus mucocele, 72% had OFSO as a first-line surgery. Within the total study population, 15% of patients presented for OFSO with history of prior obliteration, with a range of 3 to 30 years between representations.Conclusions. Osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration remains a key surgical treatment for chronic inflammatory frontal sinus disease both as a salvage procedure and first-line surgical therapy.
Protective Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane on Hemodynamics and Oxidative Stress in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Mohammadi Sadollah , Najafi Moslem , Hamzeiy Hossein , Maleki-Dizaji Nasrin , Pezeshkian Masoud , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayon , Darabi Masoud , Mostafalou Sara , Bohlooli Shahab , Garjani Alireza
Published: October 2012

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is naturally occurring organic sulfur that is known as a potent antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compound. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MSM on hemodynamics functions and oxidative stress in rats with monocrotaline- (MCT-) induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 38-days treatment. MSM was administered to rats at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day doses 10 days before a single dose of 60 mg/kg, IP, MCT. Hemodynamics of ventricles were determined by Powerlab AD instrument. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate changes in the antioxidative system including activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Improvements in cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were observed in the MSM-treated pulmonary arterial hypertensive rats, with a significant reduction in right ventricular systolic pressure (RSVP) and an increase in the mean arterial pressure (MAP). The values of CAT, SOD, GSH-px activities, and GSH were significantly lower in MCT-induced PAH (P<0.01), but they were recovered to control levels of MSM-treated groups. Our present results suggest that long-term administration of the MSM attenuates MCT-induced PAH in rats through modulation of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense.
The Adaptive Neuroplasticity Hypothesis of Behavioral Maintenance
Authors: Peterson Janey C.
Published: October 2012

Physical activity is a seemingly simple and clinically potent method to decrease morbidity and mortality in people with coronary heart disease (CHD). Nonetheless, long-term maintenance of physical activity remains a frustratingly elusive goal for patients and practitioners alike. In this paper, we posit that among older adults with CHD, recidivism after the initiation of physical activity reflects maladaptive neuroplasticity of malleable neural networks, and people will revert back to learned and habitual physical inactivity patterns, particularly in the setting of stress or depression. We hypothesize that behavioral interventions that successfully promote physical activity may also enhance adaptive neuroplasticity and play a key role in the maintenance of physical activity through the development of new neuronal pathways that enhance functional ability in older adults. Conversely, without such adaptive neuroplastic changes, ingrained maladaptive neuroplasticity will prevail and long-term maintenance of physical activity will fail. In this paper we will: (1) describe the enormous potential for neuroplasticity in older adults; (2) review stress and depression as examples of maladaptive neuroplasticity; (3) describe an example of adaptive neuroplasticity achieved with a behavioral intervention that induced positive affect in people with CHD; and (4) discuss implications for future work in bench to bedside translational research.
Genetic Dissection of Complex Genetic Factor Involved in NIDDM of OLETF Rat
Authors: Yamada Takahisa , Kose Hiroyuki , Ohta Takeshi , Matsumoto Kozo
Published: October 2012

The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is an animal model for obese-type, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in humans. NIDDM in this rat model was shown to be regulated by multiple genes. We have identified 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for NIDDM (Nidd1-14/of) on chromosomes 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 17 by a whole genome search in 160 F2 progenies obtained by mating the OLETF and the F344 rats. Among these loci, two QTLs,Nidd1and2/of, were declared significant loci at a genome-wide level.Nidd3, 8, 9,and13/ofexhibited heterosis: heterozygotes showing significantly higher glucose levels than OLETF or F344 homozygotes. We also found evidence for interaction (epistasis) betweenNidd1/ofandNidd2/of, betweenNidd1/ofandNidd10/of, betweenNidd2/ofandNidd8/of, and betweenNidd2/ofandNidd14/of. Furthermore,Nidd6and11/ofshowed linkage with body weight, andNidd1, 2, 8, 9, 10,and12/ofhad an interaction with body weight. These indicated that NIDDM in the OLETF would have a higher degree of genetic complexity. We suggest several interesting candidate genes located in rat genomic regions forNidd1-14/ofor the syntenic regions in human genome.
The First Report of an Intraperitoneal Free-Floating Mass (an Autoamputated Ovary) Causing an Acute Abdomen in a Child
Authors: Uygun Ibrahim , Aydogdu Bahattin , Okur Mehmet Hanifi , Otcu Selcuk
Published: October 2012

A free-floating intraperitoneal mass is extremely rare, and almost all originate from an ovary. Here, we present the first case with an intraperitoneal free-floating autoamputated ovary that caused an acute abdomen in a child and also review the literature. A 4-year-old girl was admitted with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen. At surgery, the patient had no right ovary and the right tube ended in a thin band that pressed on the terminal ileum causing partial small intestine obstruction and acute abdomen. A calcified mass was found floating in the abdomen and was removed. The pathological examination showed necrotic tissue debris with calcifications. An autoamputated ovary is thought to result from ovarian torsion and is usually detected incidentally. However, it can cause an acute abdomen.
A Herbal Composition of Semen Hoveniae, Radix Puerariae, and Fructus Schisandrae Shows Potent Protective Effects on Acute Alcoholic Intoxication in Rodent Models
Authors: Xiong Jie , Guo Yu , Li Lu-yi , Hu Hang , Qu Xin-lan , Sun Xi-zhen , Liu Sheng-hua , Wang Hui
Published: October 2012

This study is designed to evaluate the effects of a herbal composition of Semen Hoveniae, Radix Puerariae and Fructus Schisandrae (SRF) against acute alcoholic intoxication. The animals were treated with SRF extract (SRFE) for 14 days, and ethanol was conducted subsequent to the final treatment. The effects of SRFE on righting reflex, inebriety rates, kinetic parameters of blood ethanol and acetaldehyde were determined. In addition; levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), the activities of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), selected antioxidative enzymes, and the contents of malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured. SRFE-pretreated rodents exhibited lower rates of intoxication, longer times to loss of righting reflex, and shortened times to recovery of righting reflex than in controls. The peak concentrations and area under the time-concentration curves were lower in the pretreated animals than in controls, which corresponded to higher levels of ADH and ALDH in both gastrointestines and livers of the SRFE-treated animals. The activities of CYP2E1 were lower in SRFE-pretreated animals, which also exhibited higher activities of some antioxidant enzymes and lower hepatic MDA levels. These findings suggest that the anti-inebriation effects of SRFE may involve inhibition of ethanol absorption, promotion of ethanol metabolism, and enhancing hepatic anti-oxidative functions.
Impact of “Sick” and “Recovery” Roles on Brain Injury Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Barclay David A.
Published: October 2012

This study utilizes a multivariate, correlational, expost facto research design to examine Parsons’ “sick role” as a dynamic, time-sensitive process of “sick role” and “recovery role” and the impact of this process on goal attainment (H1) and psychosocial distress (H2) of adult survivors of acquired brain injury. Measures used include the Brief Symptom Inventory-18, a Goal Attainment Scale, and an original instrument to measure sick role process. 60 survivors of ABI enrolled in community reentry rehabilitation participated. Stepwise regression analyses did not fully support the multivariate hypotheses. Two models emerged from the stepwise analyses. Goal attainment, gender, and postrehab responsibilities accounted for 40% of the shared variance of psychosocial distress. Anxiety and depression accounted for 22% of the shared variance of goal attainment with anxiety contributing to the majority of the explained variance. Bivariate analysis found sick role variables, anxiety, somatization, depression, gender, and goal attainment as significant. The study has implications for ABI rehabilitation in placing greater emphasis on sick role processes, anxiety, gender, and goal attainment in guiding program planning and future research with survivors of ABI.
Shikonin Directly Targets Mitochondria and Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cancer Cells
Authors: Wiench Benjamin , Eichhorn Tolga , Paulsen Malte , Efferth Thomas
Published: October 2012

Chemotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment. Due to increased drug resistance and the severe side effects of currently used therapeutics, new candidate compounds are required for improvement of therapy success. Shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, was used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of different inflammatory diseases and recent studies revealed the anticancer activities of shikonin. We found that shikonin has strong cytotoxic effects on 15 cancer cell lines, including multidrug-resistant cell lines. Transcriptome-wide mRNA expression studies showed that shikonin induced genetic pathways regulating cell cycle, mitochondrial function, levels of reactive oxygen species, and cytoskeletal formation. Taking advantage of the inherent fluorescence of shikonin, we analyzed its uptake and distribution in live cells with high spatial and temporal resolution using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Shikonin was specifically accumulated in the mitochondria, and this accumulation was associated with a shikonin-dependent deregulation of cellular Ca2+and ROS levels. This deregulation led to a breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential, dysfunction of microtubules, cell-cycle arrest, and ultimately induction of apoptosis. Seeing as both the metabolism and the structure of mitochondria show marked differences between cancer cells and normal cells, shikonin is a promising candidate for the next generation of chemotherapy.
Location‐Aware Source Routing Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Networks of AUVs
Authors: Carlson Edward A. , Beaujean Pierre-Philippe J. , An Edgar
Published: October 2012

Acoustic networks of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) cannot typically rely on protocols intended for terrestrial radio networks. This work describes a new location‐aware source routing (LASR) protocol shown to provide superior network performance over two commonly used network protocols—flooding and dynamic source routing (DSR)—in simulation studies of underwater acoustic networks of AUVs. LASR shares some features with DSR but also includes an improved link/route metric and a node tracking system. LASR also replaces DSR′s shortest‐path routing with the expected transmission count (ETX) metric. This allows LASR to make more informed routing decisions, which greatly increases performance compared to DSR. Provision for a node tracking system is another novel addition: using the time‐division multiple access (TDMA) feature of the simulated acoustic modem, LASR includes a tracking system that predicts node locations, so that LASR can proactively respond to topology changes. LASR delivers 2‐3 times as many messages as flooding in 72% of the simulated missions and delivers 2–4 times as many messages as DSR in 100% of the missions. In 67% of the simulated missions, LASR delivers messages requiring multiple hops to cross the network with 2–5 times greater reliability than flooding or DSR.
Analytic Approximate Solutions for MHD Boundary‐Layer Viscoelastic Fluid Flow over Continuously Moving Stretching Surface by Homotopy Analysis Method with Two Auxiliary Parameters
Authors: Rashidi M. M. , Momoniat E. , Rostami B.
Published: October 2012

In this study, a steady, incompressible, and laminar‐free convective flow of a two‐dimensional electrically conducting viscoelastic fluid over a moving stretching surface through a porous medium is considered. The boundary‐layer equations are derived by considering Boussinesq and boundary‐layer approximations. The nonlinear ordinary differential equations for the momentum and energy equations are obtained and solved analytically by using homotopy analysis method (HAM) with two auxiliary parameters for two classes of visco‐elastic fluid (Walters’ liquid B and second‐grade fluid). It is clear that by the use of second auxiliary parameter, the straight line region in ℏ‐curve increases and the convergence accelerates. This research is performed by considering two different boundary conditions: (a) prescribed surface temperature (PST) and (b) prescribed heat flux (PHF). The effect of involved parameters on velocity and temperature is investigated.
Application of Laser Vibrometer to the Measurement and Control of Cable Tensile Forces in Cable-Stayed Bridges
Authors: Kim Cheol-Hwan , Jo Byung-Wan , Jun Jin-Taek
Published: October 2012

The tensile forces acting on the cable of long-span bridges are one of the most important factors since they reflect not only the structural stability of cables but also the overall quality of construction. Currently, indirect measurement using accelerometers attached to the surface of the cable is widely used to measure the natural frequency of cable. The frequency obtained from the accelerometer is converted to the tensile force of the cable. However, it sometimes requires many hazardous labors such as attaching the device on the surface of cable and wiring it with data logger, which could hinder the safety of workers during the erection of cables. In this study, a method using laser vibrometer is introduced to measure the tensile forces on cables at a distance. In addition, this study developed a unique postanalysis computer program that can calculate the tensile forces in real time. Compared with the values obtained from the accelerometers, the laser vibrometer system provided accurate and reliable matching.
The Three-Dimensional Structure of Transatlantic African Dust Transport: A New Perspective from CALIPSO LIDAR Measurements
Authors: Liu Dong , Wang Yingjian , Wang Zhien , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2012

The lack of information on the vertical distribution of dust, in turn, results in large uncertainties when attempting to evaluate the impacts of dust on climate processes. We analyzed over two years of LIDAR measurements from NASA’s CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites to document the vertical pathways of transatlantic transport of Saharan dust. Our analysis overcomes the limitations of quantitative dust detections with passive satellite measurements over land and low clouds and provides the fine vertical resolved structures. The results show the strong seasonal shift in dust source regions and transportation pathways due to the meteorological and thermodynamical conditions, which also control the dust vertical distribution as well as the depth of the dust layer. The dust layer top descending rates of 35 m/degree in summer, 25 m/degree in autumn and spring, and 10 m/degree in winter are found, respectively, while the dust is being transported across the Atlantic. Comparison with the model simulation highlights the potentials of dust observations using CALIPSO LIDAR. The observed seasonal dependence of these pathways gives new insights into the transport of the Saharan dust and provides important guidance for simulations of the production and transport of the global dust aerosol.
Relationship of Lifestyle Medical Advice and Non-HDL Cholesterol Control of a Nationally Representative US Sample with Hypercholesterolemia by Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Vaccaro Joan Anne , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: October 2012

Objective. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of lifestyle medical advice and non-HDL cholesterol control of a nationally representative US sample of adults with hypercholesterolemia by race/ethnicity.Methods. Data were collected by appending sociodemographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data from two cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (2007-2008 and 2009-2010). This study acquired data from male and female adults aged ≥ 20 years (N = 11,577), classified as either Mexican American (MA), (), other Hispanic (OH) (), Black non-Hispanic (BNH) (), or White non-Hispanic (WNH) ().Results. Minorities were more likely to report having received dietary, weight management, and exercise recommendations by healthcare professionals than WNH, adjusting for confounders. Approximately 80% of those receiving medical advice followed the recommendation, regardless of race/ethnicity. Of those who received medical advice, reporting “currently controlling or losing weight” was associated with lower non-HDL cholesterol. BNH who reported “currently controlling or losing weight” had higher non-HDL cholesterol than WNH who reported following the advice.Conclusion. The results suggest that current methods of communicating lifestyle advice may not be adequate across race/ethnicity and that a change in perspective and delivery of medical recommendations for persons with hypercholesterolemia is needed.
Optimal Bounds for Seiffert Mean in terms of One‐Parameter Means
Authors: Hu Hua-Nan , Tu Guo-Yan , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: October 2012

The authors present the greatest value r1 and the least value r2 such that the double inequality Jr1(a, b) < T(a, b) < Jr2(a, b) holds for all a, b > 0 with a ≠ b, where T(a, b) and Jp(a, b) denote the Seiffert and pth one‐parameter means of two positive numbers a and b, respectively.
The Effect of Temperature on the Spectral Emission of Plasma Induced in Water
Authors: Charfi B.
Published: October 2012

A numerical modeling investigation of the spectral emission of laser-induced plasma in MgCl2-NaCl aqueous solution has been presented. A model based on equilibrium equations has been developed for the computation of the plasma composition and excited levels population. Physical interpretation is presented to comment on firstly the evolution of atomic species number densities, and secondly on the population of the excited species emitting MgII and NaI resonant lines for temperatures ranging from 3000 K to 20 000 K. It is shown that MgII line reach a maximum of population on the issuing level, at norm temperature of 13800 K. Whereas, NaI line presents two norm temperatures, evaluated at 3300 K and 11700 K. This splitting of the NaI norm temperature is explained by the low-ionization potential and weak concentration of the sodium atom in this aqueous solution. Thus, the proposed model can be useful to predict the optimal plasma temperature for the detection of given chemical element, which is not easy to reveal experimentally.
Long-Term Consequences of Uninephrectomy in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Isabel , Wangensteen Rosemary , Pérez-Abud Rocío , Quesada Andrés , del Moral Raimundo G. , Osuna Antonio , O’Valle Francisco , de Dios Luna Juan , Vargas Félix
Published: October 2012

We investigated the effects of uninephrectomy (UNX) in 6-week-old male and female rats on blood pressure (BP), renal sodium handling, salt sensitivity, oxidative stress, and renal injury over 18 months postsurgery, studying control sham-operated and UNX-operated rats at 6, 12, and 18 months postsurgery, evaluating their renal sodium handling, BP, urinary isoprostanes,
N
-acetyl-β-
d
-glucosaminidase, and proteinuria before and after a 2-week high-salt intake period. At 18 months, plasma variables were measured and kidney samples were taken for the analysis of renal morphology and tissue variables. BP was increased at 6 months in male UNX rats versus controls and at 12 and 18 months in both male and female UNX rats and was increased in male versus female UNX groups at 18 months. UNX did not affect water and sodium excretion under basal conditions and after the different test in male and female rats at different ages. However, the renal function curve was shifted to the right in both male and female UNX rats. High-salt intake increased BP in both UNX groups at 6, 12, and 18 months and in the female control group at 18 months, and it increased proteinuria,
N
-acetyl-β-
d
-glucosaminidase, and isoprostanes in both UNX groups throughout the study. Renal lesions at 18 months were more severe in male versus female UNX rats. In summary, long-term UNX increased the BP, creatinine, proteinuria, pathological signs of renal injury, and salt sensitivity. Earlier BP elevation was observed and morphological lesions were more severe in male than in female UNX rats.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Values in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET)
Authors: Mancia Giuseppe , Parati Gianfranco , Bilo Grzegorz , Gao Peggy , Fagard Robert , Redon Josep , Czuriga Istvan , Polák Martin , Ribeiro Josè M. , Sanchez Ramiro , Trimarco Bruno , Verdecchia Paolo , van Mieghem Walter , Teo Koon , Sleight Peter , Yusuf Salim
Published: October 2012

In the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial, telmisartan (T; 80 mg daily) and ramipril (R; 10 mg daily) caused similar clinic blood pressure (BP) reductions, with a similar incidence of cardiovascular and renal events. The R+T combination lowered clinic BP somewhat more with no further cardiovascular or renal protection. The aim of this substudy was to see whether these clinic BP changes reflected the changes of 24-hour BP, a BP with a better prognostic value. In 422 patients in whom 24-hour BP monitoring was performed either before or after 6 to 24 months of treatment, demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the 3 treated groups. Twenty-four-hour systolic BP was similarly reduced by R (−2.0 mm Hg) and T (−2.1 mm Hg), whereas the reduction was more than twice as large in the T+R group (−5.3 mm Hg), which showed a lower on-treatment 24-hour BP also in additional patients (n=408) in whom ambulatory BP was performed only on-treatment. Twenty-four-hour systolic BP was ≈14 mm Hg lower than clinic systolic BP at baseline, whereas during treatment the 2 values became progressively closer as clinic systolic BP was more tightly controlled and superimposable when clinic systolic BP was <120 mm Hg. Similar results were obtained for diastolic BP. These findings provide evidence on the relationship of clinic and ambulatory BP target drug treatment. They also show that in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial, failure of the R+T combination to enhance cardiovascular and renal protection was not because of inability to more effectively control daily life BP.
Relation Between Red Cell Distribution Width and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Akın Fatih , Köse Nuri , Ayça Burak , Katkat Fahrettin , Duran Mustafa , Uysal Onur Kadir , Arinc Huseyin
Published: October 2012

Increased red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with adverse outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We evaluated the relationship between RDW and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with AMI. We analyzed the relation between RDW and angiographic severity of CAD. Patients (n = 580) with elevated Syntax scores (SSs >32) had higher RDW values (15.1% ± 1.7% vs 14.1 ± 1.7%, P < .001). The SS was positively correlated with RDW level ( r = .252, P < .001) and neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio ( r = .178, P < .001). There was a mild significant association between RDW level and N/L ratio ( r = .106, P = .033). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, RDW (odds ratio = 1.165, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.32, P = .021) remained a significant predictor for the severity of CAD. Red blood cell distribution width, an inexpensive and easily measurable laboratory variable, is independently associated with the severity of CAD in patients with AMI.
Does Time Matter? Comparing Trajectory Concordance and Covariate Association Using Time-Based and Age-Based Assessments
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Monahan Kathryn C. , Glasheen Cristie , Schubert Carol A. , Mulvey Edward P.
Published: October 2012

Much criminological research has used longitudinal data to assess change in offending over time. An important feature of some data sources is that they contain cross-sections of different aged individuals followed over successive time periods, thereby potentially conflating age and time. This article compares the substantive conclusions about the relationship between age and offending based on trajectory modeling analyses by time-of-assessment versus age-at-assessment. Analyses of a large sample of serious youthful offenders followed for 7 years consisted of estimation of group-based offending trajectories and multinomial logistic regressions examining how risk/protective factors distinguished between offending trajectories. Findings revealed that concordance using measurement approaches was strong at relatively high and low levels of antisocial behavior, with greater ambiguity between these two offending extremes. The relation of risk/protective factors to various trajectories was substantively similar across measurement approaches.
Profile of male forensic psychiatric inpatients in South India
Authors: Kumar Dayachandra , Viswanath Biju , Sebestian Ami , Holla Bharath , Konduru Reddema , Chandrashekar Chanapatna Rajannachar , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2012

Aim:

The study explored the socio-demographic, clinical and legal profile of forensic psychiatric inpatients in an attempt to improve the existing mental health services for prisoners within the prison and in psychiatric hospitals.

Methodology:

A chart review of 135 forensic psychiatric inpatients admitted between January 2005 and December 2009 was done. A structured data-extraction tool was used for data collection and a descriptive approach for analyses.

Results:

Subjects were referred either directly from prison (62.2%) or from court (37.8%) for diagnosis, treatment or certification. References to the Mental Health Act 1987, charges and inclusion of first investigation report and behavioural observation report was lacking in most. The majority of prisoners (85.7%) were under trial, murder being the most common charge. Psychiatric diagnosis was made in 90.3%, the most common being psychosis. Substance use (nicotine, alcohol, cannabis) and high-risk behaviours were also common.

Conclusion:

There is a need to streamline the procedure of referral and to sensitize the referral authorities about the Mental Health Act and mental illnesses, and the need to enclose first investigation reports and behavioural observation reports. De-addiction services and facilities need to be established within prison premises so that the inmates get the benefit of treatment at the earliest opportunity.
Victim-offender mediation and social work: Focus groups with mediators in Flanders
Authors: Bradt Lieve , Bouverne-De Bie Maria , De Visscher Sven
Published: October 2012

The role of social work in the restorative justice field remains largely unexplored. This article reports on the findings of focus groups conducted with mediators of juvenile and adult mediation practices in Flanders (Belgium) to gain more insight into how mediators perceive their professional role and to what extent they refer to individual and structural dimensions of social work practice. Implications for future social work involvement and research are made.
A social partnership between Ghanaian and US academic institutions
Authors: Bettmann Joanna E. , Prospero Moises
Published: October 2012

This study explored a social partnership between Ghanaian and US universities. Through qualitative narratives, participants reported the partnership developed professional and social relationships, but cited problems in preparedness. Findings point to the importance of faculty perceptions in developing academic partnerships and the need for strong relationships in early phases of social partnerships.
Macao’s welfare model: An extreme world of welfare capitalism?
Authors: Lai Dicky Wai Leung
Published: October 2012

This study compared the modification impact of Macao’s social policy on its capitalist social structure with the modification impact of six welfare states’ social policies on each of their capitalist social structures. It found that Macao’s social policy had the lowest modification impact of all states considered, and that it did not appear to fit with the dominant welfare models used in the other six states. We suggest a new model for the case of Macao, and we discuss the implications of the research findings for social work practice.
An overview of the risk factors that contribute to child labor in Turkey: Implications for research, policy, and practice
Authors: Bahar Ozge Sensoy
Published: October 2012

Child labor is a serious issue in Turkey. This article provides a review of the current literature on risk factors associated with child labor in Turkey. Emphasizing their multilayered nature, the article examines risk factors contributing to child labor in Turkey by clustering them under individual, family, and structural factors. Recommendations for future research, policy, and practice are also discussed.
Post-disaster school relocation: A case study of Chinese students’ adjustment after the Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Ng Guat Tin , Sim Timothy
Published: October 2012

This article reports on the results of a survey of 540 Chinese school children’s adjustment in temporary school relocation after the Wenchuan earthquake. The overall results depicted a positive picture of functioning. The findings were contrary to expectations, as earlier observational reports suggested that pupils had adjustment difficulties.
Limited Audience Costs in International Crises
Authors: Tarar Ahmer , Leventoğlu Bahar
Published: October 2012

Do audience costs have to be extremely large in order to credibly signal resolve and affect international crises? Existing theoretical work on audience costs suggests an affirmative answer, and recent empirical work on audience costs focuses on whether a leader can generate such large audience costs as to create a commitment to fight where no such commitment previously existed. We analyze a richer crisis bargaining model with audience costs and find that (1) audience costs can have war-reducing effects on incomplete-information crisis bargaining through a noninformative, bargaining-leverage mechanism and (2) audience costs can have war-reducing effects even when such large audience costs are not being generated as to create a commitment to fight where no such commitment previously existed. Even more limited audience costs can have war-reducing effects in international crises. We discuss how the bargaining-leverage mechanism is consistent with a number of prominent historical cases.
Parathyroid Hormone Applications in the Craniofacial Skeleton
Authors: Chan H.L. , McCauley L.K.
Published: October 2012

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known for its ability to ‘build’ bone, with research in this area centered on its use as an osteoporosis therapeutic. Recent interest has developed regarding its potential for regenerative applications such as fracture healing and osseous defects of the oral cavity. Many years of investigation using murine gene-targeted models substantiate a role for signaling at the PTH/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor (PPR) in intramembranous bone formation in the craniofacial region as well as in tooth development. Pre-clinical studies clearly support a positive role of intermittent PTH administration in craniofacial bones and in fracture healing and implant integration. A few human clinical studies have shown favorable responses with teriparatide (the biologically active fragment of PTH) administration. Favorable outcomes have emerged with teriparatide administration in patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). New delivery strategies are in development to optimize targeted application of PTH and to help maximize local approaches. The promising host-modulating potential of PTH requires more information to further its effectiveness for craniofacial regeneration and osseous wound-healing, including a better delineation of cellular targets, temporal effects of PTH action, and improved approaches for local/targeted delivery of PTH.
Romantic Relationship Dynamics of Urban African American Adolescents
Authors: Towner Senna L. , Dolcini M. Margaret , Harper Gary W.
Published: October 2012

Relationship dynamics develop early in life and are influenced by social environments. STI/HIV prevention programs need to consider romantic relationship dynamics that contribute to sexual health. The aim of this study was to examine monogamous patterns, commitment, and trust in African American adolescent romantic relationships. The authors also focused on the differences in these dynamics between and within gender. The way that such dynamics interplay in romantic relationships has the potential to influence STI/HIV acquisition risk. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 African American adolescents aged 14 to 21 living in San Francisco. Our results discuss data related to monogamous behaviors, expectations, and values; trust and respect in romantic relationships; commitment to romantic relationships; and outcomes of mismatched relationship expectations. Incorporating gender-specific romantic relationships dynamics can enhance the effectiveness of prevention programs.
The Effect of Youth Diversion Programs on Recidivism
Authors: Wilson Holly A. , Hoge Robert D.
Published: October 2012

Pre- and postcharge diversion programs have been used as a formal intervention strategy for youth offenders since the 1970s. This meta-analysis was conducted to shed some light on whether diversion reduces recidivism at a greater rate than traditional justice system processing and to explore aspects of diversion programs associated with greater reductions in recidivism. Forty-five diversion evaluation studies reporting on 73 programs were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that diversion is more effective in reducing recidivism than conventional judicial interventions. Moderator analysis revealed that both study- and program-level variables influenced program effectiveness. Of particular note was the relationship between program-level variables (e.g., referral level) and the risk level targeted by programs (e.g., low or medium/high). Further research is required implementing strong research designs and exploring the role of risk level on youth diversion effectiveness.
Adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control using adaptive sliding gain for MEMS gyroscope
Authors: Fei Juntao , Xin Mingyuan , Juan Wanru
Published: October 2012

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control strategy with bound estimation is proposed to control the position of a micro-electro-mechanical systems gyroscope in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. The proposed adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control system is composed of a fuzzy controller and a sliding mode controller. The sliding controller is designed to compensate for the approximation error between fuzzy controller and optimal fuzzy control law. The adaptation laws based on the Lyapunov analysis can adaptively adjust the fuzzy rules, thus guaranteeing the stability of the closed loop adaptive fuzzy control system. Moreover, an estimation mechanism is derived to identify the unknown upper bound of approximation error. Numerical simulations are investigated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive fuzzy control scheme.
Strategies for superior performance under adverse conditions: A focus on small and medium-sized high-growth firms
Authors: Bamiatzi Vassiliki C. , Kirchmaier Tom
Published: October 2012

This article explores the strategies pursued by small and medium-sized firms to actively sustain growth within declining markets. A critical analysis of relevant growth theories informs the development of a semi-structured interview schedule; findings drawn from 20 case studies indicate that firms adopt a multiple-strategy approach in which they simultaneously pursue an innovative differentiation and product or service-customisation strategy. Following this strategy, it was found that firms make an intentional search for high-margin products, avoid aggressive price competition and maintain tight control of costs. The article demonstrates that an adverse environment does not necessarily inhibit firm growth and that individual firm-specific strategies can be invoked to overcome volatile market conditions.
The Curious Case of the Post-9-11 Boost in Government Job Satisfaction
Authors: Van Ryzin Gregg G.
Published: October 2012

Government job satisfaction has been shown to reflect individual, job and organizational characteristics, but important national crises or events that dramatically alter the image of public service in society and the meaning of work in the public sector may also play a role. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, are an important example, yet it is not known how the attacks and their aftermath may have influenced the everyday job satisfaction of government workers in the United States. Using a difference-in-difference regression strategy and data from the General Social Survey, this study compares change in job satisfaction of government workers to that of private sector workers before and after the attacks. The findings indicate that 9-11 may have boosted government job satisfaction 5 to 10 percentage points, representing 1 to 2 million additional satisfied government workers in the United States. Thus important national crises may causally influence government job satisfaction in nontrivial ways.
Turning to ontology in STS? Turning to STS through ‘ontology’
Authors: van Heur Bas , Leydesdorff Loet , Wyatt Sally
Published: October 2012

We examine the evidence for the claim of an ‘ontological turn’ in science and technology studies (STS). Despite an increase in references to ‘ontology’ in STS since 1989, we show that there has not so much been an ontological turn as multiple discussions deploying the language of ontology, consisting of many small movements that have changed the landscape within STS and beyond. These movements do not point to a shared STS-wide understanding of ontology, although it can be seen that they do open up STS to neighbouring disciplines. Three main thematic complexes are identified in this literature: constructivism and realism; instruments and classification; and the social sciences and the humanities. The introduction of ontology into the long-running constructivism-realism debate can be considered as an acknowledgement on both sides that objects are real (i.e. pre-existing the situation) and constructed at the same time. The second thematic complex focuses on the role of instruments and classification in establishing not only relations of heterogeneity, but also of stability. The third thematic complex broadens the debate and actively seeks to promote an STS-driven ontological turn for research concerned with the humanities and the social sciences more generally. This study is based on both quantitative and qualitative interpretations of the literature.
Causation of Drug Abuse and Treatment Strategy
Authors: Chu Doris C. , Sung Hung-En
Published: October 2012

Many offenders participate in drug abuse treatment programs while in prison or on probation or parole. Among other benefits, this treatment may lessen the risk of recidivism. Thus, understanding counselor treatment philosophy is important as their attitudes toward treatment can be influential in the strategies they use and ultimately affect treatment outcomes. Analyzing data from 110 drug abuse treatment counselors, this study compared counselors’ perceptions of causation of drug abuse and treatment strategy between faith-based and secular treatment programs. It was found that counselors from faith-based programs were more likely to endorse religious models and less prone to support disease models as an explanation of drug use. With regard to treatment strategy, counselor’s group affiliation was not predictive of a focus on either a client religious need or a medical treatment model. Nevertheless, the extent of counselor’s religiosity was correlated with tackling clients’ religious needs as a treatment strategy. On the other hand, certified (licensed) counselors were found to be more supportive of the medical model as a treatment approach. Limitations of the current study and policy implications are discussed.
Does fighting back still matter? The Canadian autoworkers, capitalist crisis and confrontation
Authors: Fowler Tim
Published: October 2012

This article examines the round of collective bargaining that took place between the Canadian Autoworkers (CAW), Canada’s largest private-sector union, and the ‘Big Three’ auto manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) during the most recent crisis of capitalism (sometimes popularly referred to as the ‘Great Recession’). During this round of bargaining, the union made concessions in order to secure production; the article argues what while this may have represented a short-term success, in the long run the union has implicitly bought into the logics of neoliberalism, which will have disastrous consequences for both the union and the larger labour movement.
The role of pension funds in the financialisation of the Icelandic economy
Authors: Macheda Francesco
Published: October 2012

This article explores the decisive role of pension funds in the neoliberal restructuring of the Icelandic economy, arguing that, through their involvement in the pension-fund industry, the labour unions contributed to laying the foundations for Iceland’s economic financialisation. The socioeconomic stability provided by the labour organisations was the crucial element upon which the new financial regime of accumulation relied, enhancing the national economic ‘credibility’ that helped the internal market to attract foreign speculators as well as gaining access to loans from international market. I begin by examining how the structural crisis of the Icelandic economy produced an explosion of inflation and industrial conflict in the late-1980s. I then retrace the way the implementation of a neo-corporatist pattern enabled lower inflation and stabilisation of the currency. Finally, I analyse the way in which the involvement of the Icelandic trade unions in the financial mechanisms through the pension industry generated a degree of identification with pro-market governmental policy on the part of union leaders, encouraging them to tailor their own strategies accordingly. My conclusion is that Icelandic unions’ consensus concerning the ‘stabilisation programme’ implemented by the neoliberal coalitions relies on their embeddedness into the financial structures of the national economy through occupational pension funds.
Dissecting anomalies in the Australian stock market
Authors: Dou Paul Y , Gallagher David R , Schneider David H
Published: October 2012

The study examines the pervasiveness of eight well-documented anomalies in global equity markets for the Australian stock market. After partitioning stocks into three size categories (micro, small and big), we find that none of the eight anomalies are pervasive across size groups in either sorts or cross-sectional regressions. The existence of size, value, profitability, asset growth and accruals anomalies is primarily attributable to micro-cap stocks. Momentum and asset growth predict the expected returns of big stocks, but momentum does not predict the returns on micro stocks, and asset growth does not matter for small stocks. Contrarian returns are largely explained by stock size and value dimensions. Evidence for the earnings growth anomaly contradicts the growth extrapolation hypothesis. By looking at the hedge portfolio returns of anomalies in different regimes, we also show that many anomalies tend to exist in bear markets rather than bull markets. This evidence contradicts the risk-based explanations for the existence of anomalies.