bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive organic–inorganic poly(CLMA-co-HEA)/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Ivashchenko Sergiy , Escobar Ivirico Jorge L , García Cruz Dunia M , Campillo-Fernández Alberto , Ferrer Gloria Gallego , Pradas Manuel Monleón
Published: October 2014

A series of novel poly(CLMA-co-HEA)/silica nanocomposites is synthesized from caprolactone 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester (CLMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) as organic comonomers and the simultaneous sol-gel polymerization of tetraethyloxysilane (TEOS) as silica precursor, in different mass ratios up to a 30 wt% of silica. The nanocomposites are characterized as to their mechanical and thermal properties, water sorption, bioactivity and biocompatibility, reflecting the effect on the organic matrix provided by the silica network formation. The nanocomposites nucleate the growth of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on their surfaces when immersed in the simulated body fluid of the composition used in this work. Proliferation of the MC3T3 osteoblast-like cells on the materials was assessed with the MTS assay showing their biocompatibility. Immunocytochemistry reveals osteocalcin and type I collagen production, indicating that osteoblast differentiation was promoted by the materials, and calcium deposition was confirmed by von Kossa staining. The results indicate that these poly(CLMA-co-HEA)/silica nanocomposites could be a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.
Adherence With Therapeutic Regimens
Authors: Giannetti Vincent J. , Kamal Khalid M.
Published: October 2014

There is an extensive literature regarding nonadherence with both therapeutic regimens and medication. This literature includes reviews of empirical research regarding the factors associated with nonadherence. Health care system, provider, and patient factors as well as the nature of the illness and therapeutic regimen all effect adherence rates. Different behavioral models for adherence counseling such as the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Medication Interest Model, and Motivational Interviewing have also been reported in the research literature. This article will discuss the development of a brief model for patient counseling with specific techniques illustrated for pharmacists based on empirical findings that have demonstrated effectiveness in the adherence research literature. In addition, the article will address the measurement of the economic impact of medication nonadherence and propose a framework for assessing the cost-effectiveness of pharmacist counseling to increase adherence. The problem of nonadherence has significant effects upon health care expenditures through increase in physician’s visits, emergency department incidents, rehospitalizations, and nursing home readmissions. Thus, the overall goal is to assist the pharmacist in developing a brief adherence counseling program in community pharmacy and evaluating the economic feasibility of the intervention demonstrating the value-added proposition of pharmacist intervention.
Cosmogony and the Origin of Inequality
Authors: Steavu Dominic
Published: October 2014

The present article examines how classical, early medieval and medieval Taoist sources theorise inequality as an outcome of cosmogonic processes, and how these same sources project eliminating inequality through a reversal of those processes. The first part of the article considers utopias from the Laozi daode jing [Formula: see text] (Laozi’s Scripture on the Way and its Virtue) and Zhuangzi [Formula: see text] (Book of Master Zhuang) and from the early medieval writings of Ji Kang [Formula: see text] (223–262) and Bao Jingyan [Formula: see text] (3rd to early 4th centuries). From these, a number of themes common to Taoist utopias emerge, namely communitarian primitivism, the condemnation of knowledge, and the endorsement of a de-civilising programme of cosmogonic reversion which aims for a return to the golden age of natural spontaneity. The second part of the article is devoted to the mature utopian vision of the ninth-century Wunengzi [Formula: see text] (The Incapable Master). In addition to elaborating on previous themes, the Wunengzi contributes two new ideas to Taoist utopian discourse: first, the distinction between intelligence, which develops naturally, and human knowledge, which is an artificial contrivance; and second, the conviction that an ideal society is achievable through engagement with existing political structures. The conclusion examines basic similarities between Taoist utopias and early modern to modern European counterparts, challenging the validity of Eurocentric notions of a ‘Taoist anarchism’.
Families, Markets, and Medicalization
Authors: Torres Jennifer M. C.
Published: October 2014

Much attention has been given to the commercialization of care and its relationship to the outsourcing of family life, as well as larger social and cultural processes that can change the nature of caring. I engage with this question of why certain aspects of care are provided by the market, using 72 interviews with lactation consultants, doulas, clients, and clinicians, as well as 150 hours of ethnographic observation in the USA. Examining how participants understood the role of these services in the maternity care system and the reasons why clients turned to these services, I found that, in several ways, these forms of care work reflected outsourcing trends. However, lactation consultants and doulas were also acting as advocates and guides, helping their clients navigate the complex medical maternity system. This reflects a fundamental transformation in the nature of maternity support, attributed to the impact of medicalization, both historically and currently.
Accounting for Psychotropic Medication Changes in Prisons
Authors: Hassan Lamiece , Edge Dawn , Senior Jane , Shaw Jenny
Published: October 2014

Psychotropic medicines are widely used to treat mental illness; however, people entering prison commonly report that prescribed psychotropic medicines are changed or withdrawn, adding to their distress in difficult times. Drawing on three extracts from a larger qualitative dataset in which patients and doctors were interviewed about psychotropic medication use in English prisons, we combined discursive psychological and Foucauldian discourse analysis techniques to examine how individuals accounted for medication changes. Patients used four discursive strategies to organize descriptions of medication changes: they established entitlement to psychotropic medication, questioned the clinical judgment of prison doctors; highlighted communication problems; and attributed negative health outcomes to medication regime changes. In contrast, we examined an effective defense by a general practitioner, which showed how clinical needs were prioritized over previously held prescriptions when making prescribing decisions. Wider implications for continuity and equivalence of care between prisons and the wider community are discussed.
Symptom Prevalence, Symptom Severity, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Young, Middle, and Older Adults With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Matura Lea Ann , McDonough Annette , Carroll Diane L.
Published: October 2014

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic, life threatening illness that affects primarily women. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of PAH symptoms and to determine whether there are differences in symptom severity and HRQOL in PAH symptoms among young, middle, and older adults with PAH. A cross sectional design was utilized. For all the age groups, shortness of breath (SOB) on exertion and fatigue were the two most prevalent symptoms. SOB on exertion had the highest symptom severity scores followed by fatigue for all groups. Symptom severity was significantly different among the groups for palpitations, abdominal swelling and nausea. For components of HRQOL, physical functioning worsened with age. All groups had diminished general health, role physical and vitality levels. There are some differences in symptom prevalence, symptom severity and HRQOL among young, middle and older adults. Awareness of these differences is important for healthcare providers to know and assess overtime. Palliative care should be an integral part of caring for patients with PAH.
Examining Differential Effects of a Family Literacy Program on Language and Literacy Growth of English Language Learners With Varying Vocabularies
Authors: O’Brien Lisa M. , Paratore Jeanne R. , Leighton Christine M. , Cassano Christina M. , Krol-Sinclair Barbara , Green Jennifer Greif
Published: October 2014

Many English language learners (ELLs) and children living in poverty begin school with substantially less English vocabulary knowledge than their monolingual, economically advantaged peers. Without effective intervention, these vocabulary gaps are likely to contribute to long-term reading failure. This quasi-experimental study examined the extent to which a family literacy program (FLP) moderated vocabulary development of 158 ELLs (prekindergarten through third grade) from low-income families in relation to children’s level of vocabulary knowledge (at, moderately below, or substantially below national norms) on program entry. The FLP activities focused on supporting parents’ development of English literacy and on teaching them effective ways to engage their children in authentic, home-based literacy events and practices that could be expected to prepare their children for success in school. Findings indicated that although all children demonstrated substantial language and literacy growth, children with the lowest pretest vocabulary knowledge achieved the greatest vocabulary gains and these gains differed significantly from their demographically matched peers who did not participate in the FLP. Gains for treatment and control children with middle and high pretest vocabulary knowledge (relative to this sample) did not differ significantly. Findings suggest that an FLP emphasizing authentic literacy practices holds particular promise in closing vocabulary gaps among children who enter early childhood classrooms with especially limited English vocabulary knowledge.
Safety Assessment of Modified Terephthalate Polymers as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Becker Lillian C. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: October 2014

The safety of 6 modified terephthalate polymers as cosmetic ingredients was assessed. These ingredients mostly function as exfoliants, bulking agents, hair fixatives, and viscosity-increasing agents—nonaqueous. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used in leave-on products up to 100% and in rinse-off products up to 2%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) considered that the PET used in cosmetics is chemically equivalent to that used in medical devices. The Panel determined that the Food and Drug Administration’s determination of safety of PET in several medical devices, which included human and animal safety data, can be used as the basis for the determination of safety of PET and related polymers used in cosmetics. Use studies of cosmetic eye products that contain PET demonstrated no ocular irritation or dermal sensitization. The Panel concluded that modified terephthalate polymers were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
The Reconstruction of Masculinities in Global Politics
Authors: Stachowitsch Saskia
Published: October 2014

The concept of masculinities has been central to the analysis of private security as a gendered phenomenon. This research has either focused on the identity constructions and practices of security contractors as men or on masculinity as a theoretical and ideological framework for making sense of security outsourcing. This article aims to overcome this dualism by developing a relational, strategic, and discursive understanding of masculinities and focusing on the gendering strategies that create them. These strategies are identified as masculinization of the market and feminization of the state, feminization and racialization of (some) security work, hypermasculinization as a critical or affirmative discourse, romanticizing the autonomous male bond, and militarization of private security. It is argued that private security as well as critical discourses on it integrate business, humanitarian, and militarized masculinities in a way that ultimately legitimizes masculinism and reconstructs masculinity as a privileged category in international politics.
The rule of law in the global economy: Explaining intergovernmental backing for private commercial tribunals
Authors: Hale Thomas
Published: October 2014

Global trade depends on the ability of firms to make credible commitments across borders. Absent a global state to enforce contracts, how can credibility be assured? Today, the majority of significant transborder contract disputes are adjudicated in private arbitral tribunals. The decisions of these bodies are enforceable in the public courts of the 146 countries that have ratified the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, making it a central pillar of the global economy. This article evaluates alternative explanations for this widespread delegation to private judicial authority via survival analysis of ratification from 1958 to the present. Unlike the World Trade Organization, preferential trade agreements, or bilateral investment treaties, the transnational commercial arbitration regime has been driven by the diffusion of legal norms through a transnational network of experts.
Effects of psychotherapy in combination with pharmacotherapy, when compared to pharmacotherapy only on blood pressure, depression, and anxiety in female patients with hypertension
Authors: Ahmadpanah Mohammad , Paghale Somaye Jamali , Bakhtyari Azadeh , Kaikhavani Sattar , Aghaei Elham , Nazaribadie Marzieh , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Brand Serge
Published: October 2014

We investigated effects of metacognitive detached mindfulness therapy and stress management training on hypertension and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as compared to a control condition. A total of 45 female patients (mean age: M = 36.49 years) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: metacognitive detached mindfulness therapy, stress management training, and the control condition. Blood pressure and symptoms of depression and anxiety decreased from baseline to post-test, to follow-up. Group comparisons showed that blood pressure and symptoms of depression and anxiety decreased more in psychotherapeutic groups than in the control group. Psychotherapeutic treatment of hypertension reduced blood pressure and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Positive effects were observable at follow-up 8 weeks later.
Masculinity impediments: Internalized masculinity contributes to healthcare avoidance in men and women
Authors: Himmelstein Mary S , Sanchez Diana T
Published: October 2014

Gender beliefs contribute to men’s healthcare avoidance, but little research examines these outcomes in women. This article models healthcare avoidance related to masculine contingencies of self-worth in men and women. Nested path modelling tested relationships between social role beliefs, masculine contingencies of self-worth, barriers to help seeking and avoidance of health care in university and non-university-student adult samples. Results indicated social role beliefs predicted masculine contingencies of self-worth in men but not in women. Regardless of gender, masculine contingencies of self-worth predicted barriers to help seeking, which predicted healthcare avoidance in both men and women. Thus, masculine contingencies of self-worth have downstream consequences for men and women through barriers to help seeking.
Exploring the role of ethnicity on perceptions of cancer and physical health recovery during the first year of survivorship
Authors: Kim Youngmee , Shaffer Kelly M , Rocha-Lima Caio , Milton Alexis , Carver Charles S
Published: October 2014

This study examined the role of ethnicity (Black vs White) in the extent to which patients’ appraisal of the impact of cancer on themselves and their family members relates to their physical health. Colorectal cancer patients provided self-reports for study variables at 2 and 12 months post-diagnosis ( N = 60). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that African American patients’ perception of the cancer as disruptive to their family, but not to themselves, related to poorer health recovery, which association was absent among Whites ( p < .02). Findings suggest that cancer-related family stress plays a different role between two ethnic groups in elucidating their health recovery during the early survivorship.
Psychometric properties of a MOVE!23 subscale: Perceived Contributors to Weight Change in a national sample of veterans
Authors: Higgins Diana M , Buta Eugenia , Dorflinger Lindsey , Heapy Alicia A , Ruser Christopher B , Goulet Joseph L , Masheb Robin M
Published: October 2014

The MOVE!23, a questionnaire to assess weight-related domains in veterans, was examined. Factor analysis of Perceived Contributors to Weight Change revealed three factors (psychosocial, eating behavior, and medical) that were positively correlated with body mass index, and psychiatric and medical comorbidity ( p’s < 0.001). Multivariable cumulative logit models modeling the factor scores indicated that women were more likely than men to endorse psychosocial (odds ratio = 2.15, confidence interval = 2.04–2.27) and medical (odds ratio = 1.69, confidence interval = 1.59–1.79) items. The MOVE!23 Perceived Contributors to Weight Change subscale is a reliable and valid measure that is associated with body mass index and may assist in tailoring treatments according to gender and comorbidity.
Age-related differences in recommended anthropometric cut-off point validity to identify cardiovascular risk factors in ostensibly healthy women
Authors: Subramoney Sreevidya , Björkelund Cecilia , Guo Xinxin , Skoog Ingmar , Bosaeus Ingvar , Lissner Lauren
Published: October 2014

Aim: To investigate validity of widely recommended anthropometric and total fat percentage cut-off points in screening for cardiovascular risk factors in women of different ages. Methods: A population-based sample of 1002 Swedish women aged 38, 50, 75 (younger, middle-aged and elderly, respectively) underwent anthropometry, health examinations and blood tests. Total fat was estimated (bioimpedance) in 670 women. Sensitivity, specificity of body mass index (BMI; ≥25 and ≥30), waist circumference (WC; ≥80 cm and ≥88 cm) and total fat percentage (TF; ≥35%) cut-off points for cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidaemias, hypertension and hyperglycaemia) were calculated for each age. Cut-off points yielding high sensitivity together with modest specificity were considered valid. Women reporting hospital admission for cardiovascular disease were excluded. Results: The sensitivity of WC ≥80 cm for one or more risk factors was ~60% in younger and middle-aged women, and 80% in elderly women. The specificity of WC ≥80 cm for one or more risk factors was 69%, 57% and 40% at the three ages (p < .05 for age trends). WC ≥80 cm yielded ~80% sensitivity for two or more risk factors across all ages. However, specificity decreased with increasing age (p < .0001), being 33% in elderly. WC ≥88 cm provided better specificity in elderly women. BMI and TF % cut-off points were not better than WC. Conclusions:Validity of recommended anthropometric cut-off points in screening asymptomatic women varies with age. In younger and middle-age, WC ≥80 cm yielded high sensitivity and modest specificity for two or more risk factors, however, sensitivity for one or more risk factor was less than optimal. WC ≥88 cm showed better validity than WC ≥80 cm in elderly. Our results support age-specific screening cut-off points for women.
Correlation of cylinder pressure–based engine noise metrics to measured microphone data
Authors: Shahlari Arsham J , Kurtz Eric , Hocking Chris , Antonov Simon
Published: October 2014

Peak pressure rise rate, ringing intensity, and combustion noise analysis are typically cited measures of the noise generated by combustion in an internal combustion engine. In this publication, peak pressure rise rate, ringing intensity, and the combustion noise calculation results are compared to microphone data over a wide range of engine operating conditions for one gasoline and one diesel engine. Multiple methods for calculation of peak pressure rise rate are explored, including the use of different time steps for gradient calculation, calculation of weighted gradients, application of various digital filters, and ensemble averaging of the pressure signal. The value of peak pressure rise rate was found to vary substantially depending on the data processing method used. Similar sensitivity to the data processing method was observed with ringing intensity. Combustion noise analysis provided the best correlation to microphone noise, especially at lower speeds where engine noise is dominated by combustion noise rather than mechanical noise. No correlation between crank angle based peak pressure rise rate and microphone data was found. The correlation between ringing intensity and microphone noise was very similar to the correlation between time-based peak pressure rise rate and microphone data. The correlation between ringing intensity and microphone noise (and between time-based peak pressure rise rate and microphone noise) was highly dependent on the method used to calculate the peak pressure rise rate. A method and a MATLAB function for calculating combustion noise for simulation data are provided in this study.
“Protecting” or “Policing”
Authors: Makhoul Jihad , El-Alti Leila , Qutteina Yara , Nasrallah Catherine , Sakr Carol , Nakkash Rima , Alali Khalid
Published: October 2014

A recent surge of research universities and human subjects research funding in the Arab world raises concerns about applied research ethics and oversight. In-depth interviews conducted with 52 researchers in Lebanon and Qatar about their research conduct and the problems they face while conducting it indicate that although researchers admit to the added value of institutional review board (IRB) functions, the researchers have several complaints, such as rigid and contextually insensitive requirements, delays, and inadequate resources at IRBs, and a lack of outreach and effective communication with researchers. The study discusses these challenges pointing to the need for socioculturally adaptive regulations and forms and strengthening outreach and communication between IRBs and their users to improve ethical practices. Implications for future research are also presented.
Men, Masculinities, and Murder-Suicide
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Han Christina S. E. , Drummond Murray , Sta. Maria Estephanie , Bottorff Joan L. , Creighton Genevieve
Published: October 2014

Murder-suicide (M-S) is a complex phenomenon that can involve a multifaceted set of interrelated biological and social factors. M-S is also sexed and gendered in that the perpetrators are most often male and their underpinning motives and actions link to masculinities in an array of diverse ways. With the overarching goal to describe connections between men, masculinities, and M-S, 296 newspaper articles describing 45 North American M-S cases were analyzed. The inductively derived findings revealed three themes: (a) domestic desperation, (b) workplace justice, and (c) school retaliation. Cases in the domestic desperation theme were characterized by the murder of a family member(s) and were often underpinned by men’s self-perceptions of failing to provide economic security. Workplace justice cases emerged from men’s grievances around paid-work, job insecurity, and perceptions of being bullied and/or marginalized by coworkers or supervisors. The school retaliation cases were strongly linked to “pay back” against individuals and/or society for the hardships endured by M-S perpetrators. Prevailing across the three themes was men’s loss of control in their lives, hopelessness, and marginalized masculine identities. Also evident were men’s alignments to hegemonic masculinities in reasserting one’s masculine self by protesting the perceived marginalization invoked on them. Overall, the findings give pause to consider the need for men-centered M-S prevention strategies to quell the catastrophic impacts of this long-standing but understudied men’s health issue.
Finite element analysis of magnetohydrodynamic transient free convection flow of nanofluid over a vertical cone with thermal radiation
Authors: Balla Chandra Shekar , Naikoti Kishan
Published: October 2014

A finite element analysis is performed to study the unsteady natural convection flow of a nanofluid past a vertical cone under the influence of applied magnetic field and thermal radiation. The governing two-dimensional momentum, energy and concentration are highly non-linear coupled partial differential equations. They are solved by finite element method based on Galerkin weighted residual approach. The investigations are conducted for the effects of various physical parameters such as magnetic parameter ( M), Prandtl number ( Pr), radiation parameter ( Rd), Lewis number ( Le), Brownian motion parameter ( Nb), thermophoresis parameter ( Nt), ratio of Grashof numbers and index parameter ( n). The results indicate that the velocity, temperature and concentration fields are significantly dependent on the above-mentioned flow parameters.
Enhanced early sensory outcome after nerve repair as a result of immediate post-operative re-learning: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rosén B. , Vikström P. , Turner S. , McGrouther D. A. , Selles R. W. , Schreuders T. A. R. , Björkman A.
Published: October 2014

We assessed the use of guided plasticity training to improve the outcome in the first 6 months after nerve repair. In a multicentre randomized controlled trial, 37 adults with median or ulnar nerve repair at the distal forearm were randomized to intervention, starting the first week after surgery with sensory and motor re-learning using mirror visual feedback and observation of touch, or to a control group with re-learning starting when reinnervation could be detected. The primary outcome at 3 and 6 months post-operatively was discriminative touch (shape texture identification test, part of the Rosen score). At 6 months, discriminative touch was significantly better in the early intervention group. Improvement of discriminative touch between 3 and 6 months was also significantly greater in that group. There were no significant differences in motor function, pain or in the total score. We conclude that early re-learning using guided plasticity may have a potential to improve the outcomes after nerve repair.

Level of evidence: II
Management of infraclavicular (Chuang Level IV) brachial plexus injuries: A single surgeon experience with 75 cases
Authors: Lam W. L. , Fufa D. , Chang N.-J. , Chuang D.C.-C.
Published: October 2014

Infraclavicular brachial plexus injuries (Level IV in Chuang’s classification) have special characteristics, including high incidences of associated scapular fractures, glenohumeral dislocations, and vascular injuries. In addition, there are specific difficulties in surgical dissection and nerve repairs, especially if surgery is delayed (>3 months). A total of 153 patients with Level IV brachial plexus injuries underwent surgery between 1987 and 2008 with 75 patients (average age 29 years) available for a minimum of 4 years follow-up. Accompanying fractures/dislocations were suffered by 48 (64%) patients, and 17 (23%) had associated vascular injuries. The most common nerves to be injured were the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. Nerve grafts to the axillary, musculocutaneous, and radial nerves achieved impressive results, but less reliable outcomes were achieved with the median and ulnar nerves. Decompression and/or external neurolysis were also beneficial for nerve recovery. Some surgical tips are presented, and the use of the C-loop vascularized ulnar nerve graft and functioning muscle transfers are discussed.

Level of Evidence: IV
Interphotoreceptor matrix-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) composite scaffolds for human photoreceptor differentiation
Authors: Baranov Petr , Michaelson Andrew , Kundu Joydip , Carrier Rebecca L , Young Michael
Published: October 2014

Tissue engineering has been widely applied in different areas of regenerative medicine, including retinal regeneration. Typically, artificial biopolymers require additional surface modification (e.g. with arginine–glycine–aspartate-containing peptides or adsorption of protein, such as fibronectin), before cell seeding. Here, we describe an alternative approach for scaffold design: the manufacture of hybrid interphotoreceptor matrix-poly (ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds, in which the insoluble extracellular matrix of the retina is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer well suited for transplantation. The incorporation of interphotoreceptor matrix did not change the topography of polycaprolactone film, although it led to a slight increase in hydrophilic properties (water contact angle measurements). This hybrid scaffold provided sufficient stimuli for human retinal progenitor cell adhesion and inhibited proliferation, leading to differentiation toward photoreceptor cells (expression of Crx, Nrl, rhodopsin, ROM1). This scaffold may be used for transplantation of retinal progenitor cells and their progeny to treat retinal degenerative disorders.
Provider and Interpreter Preferences Among Somali Women in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Odunukan Olufunso W. , Abdulai Raolat M. , Hagi Salaad Misbil F. , Lahr Brian D. , Flynn Priscilla M. , Wieland Mark L.
Published: October 2014

Objectives: Somali people are among the largest refugee populations to resettle in North America and Europe over the past 2 decades, and health disparities are well documented, including barriers to effective navigation of primary health care systems. Patient–provider gender discordance has been described as a barrier to health-seeking behaviors and effective communication by Somali women in past qualitative work. The objective of this study was to elucidate provider and interpreter preferences during clinical encounters according to gender and race among Somali women in the United States. Methods: Fifty Somali women empanelled to a large primary care practice completed pictorial surveys to elucidate preferences of Somali women for providers of different genders and race for different components of the clinical examination using a Likert-type scale. Results: We found that Somali women generally preferred a female provider for conducting the physical examination, particularly for the pelvic, breast, and abdominal examinations. Likewise, Somali women strongly preferred female interpreters to be present during the physical examination. There was no stated preference for patient–provider racial concordance. Conclusions: These findings have implications for structural health care changes aimed at delivering culturally sensitive and effective primary care to Somali patients.
Practicing Szasz
Authors: Breeding John
Published: October 2014

Thomas Szasz died on September 8, 2012. With his death, many of us, not enough, are left with deep concern about his legacy and the continuing influence of his ideas. This one man’s ideas have directly or indirectly influenced my ongoing work as a psychologist. Specific areas that I will discuss below include power and language, issues of coercion, and psychiatry and the law. I will also discuss deeper and subtler influences regarding language, as well as the effect of Szasz as a model of precision and clarity, persistence, and courage. Finally, given that I am a professional counselor, and that Szasz worked for decades as a psychoanalyst, I want to discuss his ideas about counseling per se and how they have affected my own work. I hope that my experience will have a small positive effect in keeping alive and in play the profoundly important ideas of this great man.
Distractor Functioning in Modified Items for Test Accessibility
Authors: Rodriguez Michael C. , Kettler Ryan J. , Elliott Stephen N.
Published: October 2014

Effective distractors in multiple-choice items should attract lower ability students, those with misconceptions or limited knowledge and skills, because they are based on common misconceptions or errors in logic. A large, multi-state data set collected for a quasi-experimental study on test modifications was analyzed to measure the impact on distractor functioning. The key modification of interest was the removal of the weakest of three distractors, from 39 items in reading and 39 items in mathematics. Distractor functioning was neither systematically improved nor systematically weakened through the modification process. However, more than 70% of the distractors became more discriminating. A moderate correlation between distractor selection rate and distractor discrimination, in mathematics, may have indicated that the modified items were being missed by the appropriate students. Implications of these findings for test developers are discussed.
Exploring Metalinguistic Knowledge of Low to Intermediate Proficiency EFL Students in Japan
Authors: Tokunaga Miki
Published: October 2014

In line with recent studies recognizing positive correlation between metalinguistic knowledge and language proficiency, this study aimed to find out how much metalanguage is understood by low to intermediate proficiency English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Japan. A very simple metalanguage test was designed and administered to 1,180 non-English majors at two Japanese private universities. Some of the participants’ metalinguistic ability was compared with their standardized test scores. For 639 participants who took the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Bridge® test, their reading scores and their metalinguistic ability showed the strongest correlations ( r = .66), and for 87 participants whose scores from the Visualizing English Language Competency (VELC) test were available, the strongest correlation between the two tests was also with the reading section ( r = .80). The results revealed that even very simple metalanguage, such as noun, adverb, and article, was not recognized by many of the participants.
How to Create an Effective Venture Capitalist–Entrepreneur Relationship
Authors: van Dijk Edmée , Schrevel Leon , van Stormbroek-Burgers Rosalie , Blomme Robert Jan
Published: October 2014

This study investigated the relationship between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from an entrepreneur’s perspective. Its goal was to examine how perceived justice affects psychological contract breach (PCB) and how PCB evokes reactions in the venture capitalist–entrepreneur relationship. The study was performed according to the grounded theory method. After a literature review, six entrepreneurs were interviewed who had founded a venture that received venture capital investment. Results indicate that distributive justice, formal procedures, informational justice, and interpersonal justice, among others, are important factors that can influence responses to the breach. This article discusses implications for both venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to make better decisions concerning ways to manage an effective relationship. In addition, a conceptual model is presented as a suggestion for future research.
Broadcast Inequality in Australian Football
Authors: Fujak Hunter , Frawley Stephen
Published: October 2014

The Australian sporting landscape is characterised by centralised broadcasting agreements that leave individual clubs at the mercy of league and broadcaster objectives in determining the nature and degree of their broadcast exposure. As a by-product, the potential exists for variances in television coverage between clubs that may result in significant economic disparity. This article endeavours to quantify this variance and discuss the related management implications of findings by analysing television ratings for a sample of 2,297 Australian Football League and National Rugby League fixtures played between 2007 and 2011. The article concludes that there is significant variance in the coverage provided and corresponding cumulative audience exposure of clubs within both leagues that was likely to impact sponsorship desirability and ability to engage fans. Notably, there was distinct favouritism shown towards those traditionally perceived as “powerhouse” clubs. The degree to which free-to-air broadcasts and finals matches deliver superior audience outcomes to subscription-only telecasts and regular season matches was also quantified.
Validation of 2 Spanish-Language Scales to Assess HIV-Related Stigma in Communities
Authors: Franke Molly F. , Nelson Adrianne K. , Muñoz Maribel , Cruz Janeth Santa , Atwood Sidney , Lecca Leonid , Shin Sonya S.
Published: October 2014

We report the psychometric properties of 2 Spanish-language scales designed to measure (1) opinions about HIV in the community and particularly among health care workers and (2) observed acts of stigma toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by health care workers. The Opinions about HIV Scale included 3 components (policy, avoidance, and empathy) and 9 items, while an adapted version of the HIV/AIDS Stigma Instrument–Nurse, designed to capture acts of stigma, included 2 components (discrimination related to clinical care and refusal to share or exchange food/gifts). Scales demonstrated good reliability and construct validity. Relative to community health workers, treatment supporters were more likely to have stigmatizing opinions related to avoidance and empathy. We offer 2 Spanish-language scales that could be used to identify populations with high levels of stigmatizing opinions and behaviors toward PLWHA. Formal training of health care workers, especially treatment supporters, may raise awareness and reduce stigma toward HIV.
Risk Factors for Early Mortality on Antiretroviral Treatment of Elderly People Infected with HIV in Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Dieu-Donné , Sawadogo Lynda Magali , Sagna Yempabou , Sawadogo Adrien B. , Diallo Ismael , Hema Arsène , Poda Armel , Drabo Youssouf Joseph
Published: October 2014

Background:

Age is a key determinant of mortality due to diseases including HIV infection.

Methods:

A retrospective and descriptive cohort study used a computerized database to compare HIV-infected patients diagnosed in late adulthood to a group of patients diagnosed before their 49 years of age, without matching the characteristics of HIV infection. The study included patients who visited the day hospital (outpatient clinic) of the Sanou Souro Teaching Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, in Burkina Faso, from January 2007 to December 2011. Older adults were defined as those aged 50 years and more.

Results:

Participants in the study consisted of 2572 patients (265 older adults and 2307 young patients living with HIV. Based on Markov chain method, 32.1% of the older adults living with HIV were found to be seroconvert at 50 years or older. The median follow-up time on antiretroviral treatment (ART) was 32.7 months (range 0.03-65.4 months). Two hundred and ninety-five (11.5%) patients died, including 21.1% of older adults and 10.4% of young ( P < .01). World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 and the lowest CD4 count reached <200 cells/mm3 were the factors associated with early mortality of older adults on ART.

Conclusion:

Mortality rate of older adult patients living with HIV in Burkina Faso is high. Early diagnosis, early treatment, and primary prevention of HIV infection in the older adults are the main keys that could help reduce such mortality.
Nonoccupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV in New York State Emergency Departments
Authors: Fitzpatrick Laura J. , Egan Daniel J. , Cowan Ethan , Savitsky Leah M. , Kushner John D. , Calderon Yvette , Agins Bruce D.
Published: October 2014

New York State (NYS) established guidelines for nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) to HIV in 1997. To assess current nPEP practices in NYS Emergency Departments (EDs), we electronically surveyed all ED directors in NYS, excluding Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, about nPEP and linkage-to-care protocols in the EDs. Basic descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The response rate was 96% (184/191). Of respondents, 88% reported evaluating any patient with a possible nonoccupational exposure to HIV, in accordance with NYS guidelines. Of these, 83% provided the patient with a starter pack of medications, while 4% neither supplied nor prescribed antiretroviral drugs in the ED. Sexually transmitted infection screening, risk reduction counseling, and education about symptoms of acute HIV seroconversion were performed inconsistently, despite NYS guidelines recommendations. Only 22% of EDs confirmed whether linkage to follow-up care was successful. Most NYS EDs prescribe nPEP to appropriate patients but full implementation of guidelines remains incomplete.
Hip Morphology Characterization
Authors: Barrientos Cristián , Diaz Jorge , Brañes Julian , Chaparro Felipe , Barahona Maximiliano , Salazar Alfonso , Hinzpeter Jaime
Published: October 2014

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is the result of a mechanical conflict in the hip joint, and its diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological parameters. To our knowledge, there are no published studies describing the radiologic characteristics of FAI in Latin American populations.

Purpose:

To describe the radiological features associated with FAI in an asymptomatic Chilean population.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We prospectively recruited asymptomatic patients with no history or symptoms of hip pathology who underwent abdomen-pelvis computed tomography (CT) for a nonorthopaedic indication. The acetabular and femoral parameters related to FAI were measured.

Results:

We studied 101 subjects (202 hips) with a mean age of 36.8 ± 14.4 years. The mean center-edge angle was 39.4° ± 7.2°. The crossover sign was present in 34 cases (33.7%). The mean alpha angle was 49.7° ± 8.3°. Depending on the cut points chosen for FAI-related parameters, between 39.6% and 69.3% of an asymptomatic Chilean population were found to have morphological features related to FAI.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that the proposed pathological threshold values in the literature cannot be extrapolated to a Chilean population, and this must be taken into consideration when evaluating Latin American patients with hip pain.
Warm-Up Activities of Middle and High School Band Directors Participating in State-Level Concert Band Assessments
Authors: Ward Justin P. , Hancock Carl B.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the warm-ups chosen by concert band directors participating in state-level performance assessments. We observed 29 middle and high school bands and coded the frequency and duration of warm-up activities and behaviors. Results indicated that most bands rehearsed music and played scales, long tones, and interval exercises; approximately one third concentrated on breathing, articulation, and chorales. More high school directors used singing exercises than middle school directors, and more middle school directors tuned their ensembles than high school directors. Middle school directors spent 23% of the warm-up time tuning with an electronic tuning device. Directors mostly spent time teaching, tuning, and playing through pieces, and mental warm-up exercises and imagery constituted less than 1% of all activities. Considering the abundance of recommended practices and limited time available for warm-up at a festival; this study may provide evidence for the profession to differentiate between warm-up practices for rehearsal and assessment.
Characterisation of electrodeposited Ni–Zr coatings prepared at different current densities
Authors: Cai F. , Jiang C. H.
Published: October 2014

In this work, Zr particles reinforced Ni–Zr composite coatings were prepared by eletrodeposition from a Watts bath at different current densities. The effects of current density on the surface morphology, composition, texture, grain size, microstrain, hardness, residual stresses and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings were investigated in detail. The results showed that the Zr particle contents in the coatings increased with reducing current densities and have an effect on the microstructures and the properties of the composite coatings. As the current densities decreased, the (200) preferred orientation of the coating changed to the random orientation or the slight (111) preferred orientation and the grain size decreased. The residual stress and hardness of the composite coatings increased with reducing current densities. The corrosion resistance of coatings increased with reducing current densities and attained the best corrosion resistance at 2 A dm−2.
Exploiting the kinetic interplay between GPIbα–VWF binding interfaces to regulate hemostasis and thrombosis
Authors: Chen Jianchung , Zhou Hairu , Diacovo Alexander , Zheng X. Long , Emsley Jonas , Diacovo Thomas G.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

GPIbα–VWF-A1 bond kinetics regulates platelet–VWF interactions and can be altered to correct defects in hemostasis or prevent thrombosis. Targeting a distinct GPIbα−VWF-A1 binding interface may offer a unique therapeutic approach to reducing platelet-driven thrombosis.
PARP-14 combines with tristetraprolin in the selective posttranscriptional control of macrophage tissue factor expression
Authors: Iqbal M. Bilal , Johns Michael , Cao Jun , Liu Yu , Yu Sheng-Chun , Hyde Gareth D. , Laffan Michael A. , Marchese Francesco P. , Cho Sung Hoon , Clark Andrew R. , Gavins Felicity N. , Woollard Kevin J. , Blackshear Perry J. , Mackman Nigel , Dean Jonathan L. , Boothby Mark , Haskard Dorian O.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

This study has identified a novel mechanism by which TF expression is posttranscriptionally regulated in macrophages. The mechanism involves the control of mRNA stability by a cooperation between PARP-14 and TTP.