bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of multiwall carbon nanotube additions on the thermo-mechanical, electrical, and morphological properties of gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol blend nanocomposite
Authors: Salem Kh Samaher , Lubna Mostakima M , Rahman AFM Mustafizur , NurNabi Md , Islam Rafiqul , Khan Mubarak A
Published: May 2014

A highly stable and uniform dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution was achieved to prepare multiwall carbon nanotubes/gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites with varying multiwall carbon nanotubes content using solution casting. Optical microscopic images confirmed the homogenous dispersion and distribution of multiwall carbon nanotubes in solution and polymer matrix. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of the composite containing 1% multiwall carbon nanotubes (wt/wt) were found to increase by 128.1 and 284.8% compared to that of the gelatin–polyvinyl alcohol blend. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an increase in the storage modulus and a decrease in the loss factor (tan delta) for the composite. Electrical properties exhibited a typical percolation behavior when a small amount of multiwall carbon nanotubes (0.1 wt%) was loaded. X-ray diffraction showed that incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotubes increased the crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy also showed a homogeneous distribution of multiwall carbon nanotubes in the composite matrix. The nanocomposites were further characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermo-gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry.
Measurement Invariance of Social Axioms in 23 Countries
Authors: Bou Malham Philippe , Saucier Gerard
Published: May 2014

In a demanding test of measurement invariance, we examine the relative cross-cultural generalizability of the five-factor model of social axioms in samples from 23 nations (total N = 7,275). With some modifications, results showed modest evidence of both configural and factorial invariance of the measure. Even such modest evidence is impressive in such a diverse sample and with such a stringent test, but nonetheless, areas are noted where the Social Axioms Survey could be improved to achieve better fit for invariance tests.
Social dumping cases in the Swedish Labour Court in the wake of Laval, 2004–2010
Authors: Bengtsson Erik
Published: May 2014

This article studies conflicts in the Swedish Labour Court that have occurred between trade unions and companies concerning the pay and working conditions for European Union migrant workers in Sweden during the period 2004–2010. During this period, unions and employers entered into disputes over: unions’ rights in Sweden to be consulted when a company uses a subcontractor, the definition of an employee (the issue of ‘bogus self-employment’), the application of Swedish collective bargaining agreements to and for workers active in Sweden, how to determine wages for temporary staffing agency workers, and workers’ rights to join a trade union. The article discusses the conflicts in the context of a widespread concern about ‘social dumping’ in the European Union, and in the context of weakening trade unions and institutional change in labour markets.
A study of the effects of preprocessing strategies on sentiment analysis for Arabic text
Authors: Duwairi Rehab , El-Orfali Mahmoud
Published: May 2014

Sentiment analysis has drawn considerable interest among researchers owing to the realization of its fascinating commercial and business benefits. This paper deals with sentiment analysis in Arabic text from three perspectives. First, several alternatives of text representation were investigated. In particular, the effects of stemming, feature correlation and n-gram models for Arabic text on sentiment analysis were investigated. Second, the behaviour of three classifiers, namely, SVM, Naive Bayes, and K-nearest neighbour classifiers, with sentiment analysis was investigated. Third, the effects of the characteristics of the dataset on sentiment analysis were analysed. To this end, we applied the techniques proposed in this paper to two datasets; one was prepared in-house by the authors and the second one is freely available online. All the experimentation was done using Rapidminer. The results show that our selection of preprocessing strategies on the reviews increases the performance of the classifiers.
Occult Primary Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Utility of Discovering Primary Lesions
Authors: Davis Kara S. , Byrd J. Kenneth , Mehta Vikas , Chiosea Simon I. , Kim Seungwon , Ferris Robert L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Duvvuri Umamaheswar
Published: May 2014

Objective

Cancer of an unknown primary (CUP) squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes is a challenging problem for the treating physician. Our aim is to determine if identification of the primary tumor is associated with improved oncologic outcomes and/or tumor characteristics including human papilloma virus (HPV) status.

Study Design

Retrospective, matched‐pairs analysis contrasting 2 cohorts based upon discovery of primary lesion.

Setting

Tertiary teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Records of 136 patients initially diagnosed as carcinoma of unknown primary were retrospectively reviewed (1980‐2010) and divided into 2 cohorts based on discovery of the primary lesion. Primary outcome measures were overall survival and time to recurrence according to Kaplan‐Meier analysis. A nested subset of 22 patients in which the primary was discovered were matched to 22 patients remaining undiscovered according to nodal stage and age.

Results

Discovered lesions were more likely to exhibit HPV positivity (P <. 001). Matched‐pairs analyses demonstrated that discovery of the primary was associated with better overall survival (HR = 0.125; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.019‐0.822; P =. 030). Discovery of the primary was associated with improved cause‐specific survival (HR = 0.142; 95% CI, 0.021‐0.93; P =. 0418) and disease‐free survival (HR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.069‐0.91; P =. 03).

Conclusion

HPV positivity is associated with discovery of the primary tumor. Discovery of the primary lesion is associated with improved overall survival, cause‐specific survival, and disease‐free survival in patients initially presenting as CUP in matched‐pair and cohort comparison analyses.
Perigraft seroma with minute observations after Gore-Tex graft implantation
Authors: Ando Takashi , Morito Haruna , Okada Hiroshi , Furukawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Perigraft seroma is a very rare postoperative complication following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. A 74-year-old man with history of esophageal cancer surgery, underwent Gore-Tex graft replacement for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A 50-mm perigraft seroma was noted one year later, increasing to over 70 mm in the next 6 months. We resected the Gore-Tex graft and replaced it with a Dacron graft via a repeat laparotomy. We observed the resected Gore-Tex graft in detail using electron microscopy to investigate the mechanism of perigraft seroma.
Lipomatous hamartoma of mitral valve
Authors: Bhat Seetharama PS , Gowda SL Girish , Chikkatur Raghavendra , Nanjappa Manjunath C
Published: May 2014

Primary cardiac tumors are very rare, and tumors arising from cardiac valves are extremely rare. We present a case of lipomatous hamartoma of the mitral valve in a young female. This is the 6th case of lipomatous hamartoma of the mitral valve to be reported. We discuss the operative and histopathological findings.
Thrombosed left circumflex artery aneurysm presenting with myocardial infarction
Authors: Genç Berhan , Taştan Ahmet , Abacılar Ahmet Feyzi , Akpınar Mehmet Beşir , Uyar Samet
Published: May 2014

Coronary artery aneurysms are life-threatening conditions that are quite uncommon in adults. They are observed in 1.1% to 4.9% of patients undergoing coronary angiography. They are usually located in the right coronary artery, may sometimes be thrombosed or rupture, and occasionally reach an enormous size leading to compressive symptoms. We report a case of thrombosed left circumflex artery aneurysm presenting with myocardial infarction. The thrombosed aneurysm, which could not be clearly demonstrated by coronary angiography, was definitively diagnosed by coronary computed tomography angiography. No operation was planned owing to total thrombosis of the aneurysm.
Masculinity and choral singing: An Australian perspective
Authors: Powell Sarah J.
Published: May 2014

This article focuses on the perceptions of masculinity amongst male participants in choral singing, drawing on data that form part of a larger project where the overarching aim was to explore how these perceptions influenced male participation in choir. Masculinity was considered in terms of the stereotypes associated with being a male singing in a choir, in an Australian context. The study involved four choirs, each of which represented a different age group and stage of development. Data collected from interviews, surveys and video analysis demonstrated that participants were aware of stereotypes or had personal experience of negative attitudes. Their experiences reflect the persistence of dominant ideologies that define the Australian male. Breaking down these gendered stereotypes has important implications for individuals in terms of personal and creative expression, and challenges the way music education and choir is made accessible and acceptable to boys.
Potential Novelty: Towards an Understanding of Novelty without an Event
Authors: Human Oliver
Published: May 2014

This paper explores the possibility for a means of bringing about novelty which does not rely on kairological philosophies based on an event. In contrast to both common sense and contemporary philosophical understandings of the term where for novelty to arise there must be some break in the repetition of the structure, this paper argues that it is possible for novelty to come about through small-scale experimentation. This is done by relying on the philosophical notion of ‘economy’ in order to understand how we think about the world. In this regard, our thinking about the world depends upon acknowledging certain possibilities at the expense of others. History can then be seen as the distribution of emphasis which allows for these past possibilities and the future potentiality they may hold. Novelty, defined here as a rereading of history, is precisely the disruption of these possibilities and a challenge to the memory of the system. The conclusion to this paper argues that experimentation is an important means by which we can bring novelty into the world.
Partner enhancement versus verification and emotional responses to daily conflict
Authors: Seidman Gwendolyn , Burke Christopher T.
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the moderating role of partner enhancement and verification on couples’ emotional responses to daily conflicts. Each evening for 5 weeks, 264 couples in which one partner was under stress reported whether a conflict occurred and both positive and negative relationship feelings. Partners rated each other on relationship-central and relationship-peripheral traits before the diary period, allowing us to examine the consequences of derogation (partner views more negative than self-views) and enhancement (partner views more positive than self-views) relative to verification. Derogation on both relationship-central and relationship-peripheral traits was associated with more negative conflict responses. Enhancement on relationship-peripheral traits was associated with more negative conflict responses than verification. Although not as consistent a pattern, results suggest that enhancement on relationship-central traits was beneficial.
Beyond the self in self-control
Authors: Chua Sook Ning , Carbonneau Noémie , Milyavskaya Marina , Koestner Richard
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of self-construal on goal instrumentality in close friendships. Participants (105 female friend dyads, N = 210) were asked to set personal academic goals and were followed up over the course of a semester. Using the actor–partner interdependence model, results revealed that those with a high relational self-construal were more likely to perceive their friends to be instrumental to their goals. This in turn led to greater friendship commitment and closeness as well as greater goal progress over the course of the semester. Actor’s perception of goal instrumentality did not lead to friend’s goal progress but did have positive relational consequences. The results highlight the benefits of relying on others in self-regulation.
On the waterfront: Studying the development of residences and workplaces at Norra Älvstranden, Gothenburg, Sweden
Authors: Borggren Jonathan , Ström Patrik
Published: May 2014

Following economic restructuring, waterfront redevelopment emerges as a post-industrial option for struggling cities and regions that will boost economic growth. If functioning according to plan, publicly initiated and privately executed waterfront redevelopment will attract educated and high-income earning residents as it simultaneously transforms derelict industrial grounds into residential areas and science parks. The recent financial crisis of 2008 has seen severe turbulence in the urban economy resulting in, for example, foreclosures and drops in real-estate value. Drawn on this background, the aim of this paper is to shed light on whether a specific place-based activity: the establishment of a redeveloped waterfront in Gothenburg, Sweden, facilitating residences and workplaces, has attracted human capital in the form of residents and workers often termed ‘talented’ and ‘creative’. This paper uses a unique longitudinal micro database (GILDA) containing information on residence, work, age, etc. covering the entire Swedish population between the years 1990 and 2008 and focuses on flows of in- and out-migration of two human capital subgroups: the arts-educated bohemians and the engineering-educated consultants. Results show that the waterfront attracts resident consultants and not bohemians, while the growth of workplaces stagnate and decline following the global economic recession of 2008. The paper contributes to knowledge on the complexity of redevelopment and how difficult it is to manage this process.
The catalysts of small town economic development in a free market economy: A case study of New Zealand
Authors: Nel Etienne , Stevenson Teresa
Published: May 2014

Along with most of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, New Zealand has experienced significant changes in local and regional development policy and practice since the wide-spread adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1980s. Policy interventions have restricted the powers of local governments, rationalised state support for more marginal areas and ultimately led to a scenario in which local communities are obliged to become more pro-active in the determination of their local economic futures. This paper discusses how neoliberal changes have impacted on New Zealand government policy and spatial development. In the second part of this paper, based on field research, the implications of these changes on smaller, more marginal urban centres less well positioned to adapt to a context of neoliberalism and change are investigated. Evidence is drawn from statistical indicators of change and from a study of 68 small towns to identify common catalysts and barriers to economic development and diversification. The study reveals the key role which entrepreneurs, in particular those who desire to encourage others to come and locate in their town, can play in the economic wellbeing of their towns in an era of reduced state support.
Eyeballing expertise
Authors: Coopmans Catelijne , Button Graham
Published: May 2014

‘Tacit’ and ‘explicit’ knowledge, and their relation to expertise, have a long-standing importance within social studies of science and technology. At the centre of the development of thinking about these topics has been the work of Harry Collins and Robert Evans. In this article, we bring to bear observations of the work of people involved in grading eye disease, and their seeming display of expertise, tacit and explicit knowledge, on three thrusts identified in the work of Collins, and Collins and Evans. These thrusts are the following: (1) a concern with the appearance of tacit knowledge in the activities of experts, (2) a commitment to studying expertise as ‘real’ and substantive rather than attributed, and (3) a commitment to promoting the recognition and fostering the management of expertise by providing analytical distinctions regarding expertise and its reliance on tacit knowledge. By considering what is involved in the work of grading eyes, we relocate the interest in tacit and explicit knowledge, and their bearing on expertise, in how expert knowledge is displayed and made recognizable in and through courses of action and interaction.
Limit load solutions of plates with extended surface cracks under combined biaxial forces and cross-thickness bending
Authors: Lei Yuebao , Budden Peter
Published: May 2014

Lower bound limit load solutions for extended surface cracks in plates with free ends (pin-loaded) under combined biaxial positive/negative force/stress and positive/negative through-thickness bending are developed based on the lower bound limit load theorem and both Tresca and Mises criteria. An existing Mises limit load solution for extended surface cracks in plates with fixed ends under combined biaxial tension and positive moment is extended to general solutions for combined biaxial positive/negative force/stress and positive/negative through-thickness bending moment. Corresponding reference stress expressions are also derived and presented.
The role of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain
Authors: Liu Cai-Yue , Lu Zhan-Ying , Li Na , Yu Li-Hua , Zhao Yun-Fu , Ma Bei
Published: May 2014

Background

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of paroxysmal and severely disabling facial pain and continues to be a real therapeutic challenge. At present there are few effective drugs. Here the aim of this study was to investigate the role of BKCa channels in trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Methods

Rats were divided into two groups: a sham and a chronic constriction injury of infraorbital branch of trigeminal nerve (ION-CCI) group. Nociceptive behavior testing, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, Western blotting and whole-cell patch clamp recording were used.

Results

Relative to the sham group, rats with ION-CCI consistently displayed lower mechanical pain thresholds in the vibrissal pad region from day 6 to 42 after ION-CCI operation. ION-CCI induced a significant down-regulation of BKCa channels both in mRNA and protein levels in the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion (TG), a lower threshold intensity of action potential, and decreased total BKCa currents in cultured TG neurons. TG target injection of NS1619 (20–100 µg), an opener of BKCa channels, dose-dependently increased the mechanical pain threshold, which was blocked by the BKCa channel inhibitor iberiotoxin (IbTX, 20 µg). NS1619 (10 µM) significantly increased the mean threshold intensities of action potentials in ION-CCI rats, while failing to affect those in the sham rats. The levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in TG were significantly increased after ION-CCI operation. The ERK1/2 antagonist U0126, p38 antagonist SB203580 and JNK antagonist SP600125 significantly reversed the facial mechanical allodynia in ION-CCI rats. However, the ERK1/2 antagonist U0126, p38 antagonist SB203580 but not JNK antagonist SP600125 significantly increased BKCa currents in ION-CCI TG neurons.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the important involvement of mainly ERK and p38 MAPK pathways in modulating BKCa channels in ION-CCI TG neurons. BKCa channels represent a new therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain.
Le travail émotionnel du client: La structure séquentielle des émotions dans les usages problématiques d’un serveur vocal
Authors: Aranguren Martin
Published: May 2014

Recent developments in the service sector have led sociologists to suggest that customers are increasingly encouraged to ‘work’ for service organizations. This article develops the hypothesis that the clients who work in this service sector may experience an emotional dimension to their work. In support of this hypothesis, a revision of the notion of ‘emotion work’ is proposed on the basis of a study on the problematic usages of a phone interface service supplied by a telecommunications operator. The study made use of a group of genuine calls that were transcribed and coded; utterances were described objectively regarding pitch and intensity; finally, a statistical method for detecting sequential patterns was applied. The results suggest that clients respond emotionally to usability problems, and that their emotions unfold according to a recurrent sequential structure. Goffman’s ‘remedial interchange’ provides the point of reference for the interpretation, which leads to the suggestion that the emotional patterns revealed are of a social origin, though not socially situated.
Health-Related Physical Fitness for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Maltais Désirée B. , Wiart Lesley , Fowler Eileen , Verschuren Olaf , Damiano Diane L.
Published: May 2014

Low levels of physical activity are a global health concern for all children. Children with cerebral palsy have even lower physical activity levels than their typically developing peers. Low levels of physical activity, and thus an increased risk for related chronic diseases, are associated with deficits in health-related physical fitness. Recent research has provided therapists with the resources to effectively perform physical fitness testing and physical activity training in clinical settings with children who have cerebral palsy, although most testing and training data to date pertains to those who walk. Nevertheless, on the basis of the present evidence, all children with cerebral palsy should engage, to the extent they are able, in aerobic, anaerobic, and muscle-strengthening activities. Future research is required to determine the best ways to evaluate health-related physical fitness in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy and foster long-term changes in physical activity behavior in all children with this condition.
Rationale for Using Botulinum Toxin A as an Adjunct to Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Hoare Brian
Published: May 2014

Cerebral palsy describes a group of disorders of movement and posture that result from disturbances in the developing brain. Although the brain lesion is nonprogressive, the secondary physical symptoms change with time and growth. If left untreated, symptoms may result in the development of physical impairment and impede independent performance of daily tasks. Intramuscular injection of botulinum neurotoxin A is a relatively safe and effective adjunct to upper limb therapy. Botulinum neurotoxin A primarily aims to reduce muscle overactivity, thereby reducing the development of increased muscle stiffness that can lead to permanent changes. With a specific focus on the physiological action of botulinum neurotoxin A, this article describes the secondary symptoms of cerebral palsy and their different contributions. To highlight research directions and future implications for clinical practice, this article also documents the recent scientific evidence for upper limb botulinum neurotoxin A and proposes a preventive clinical model that aims to mitigate the effects of increasing upper limb impairment.
The Concept of a Toolbox of Outcome Measures for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Wright F. Virginia , Majnemer Annette
Published: May 2014

Accurate and well-targeted measurement of a child’s abilities and participation in daily activities pre- and post-intervention is essential to understanding the effects of therapies provided by pediatric practitioners. There is growing interest in identification of outcome core sets for specified client groups. This article elaborates on the concepts to consider when selecting and interpreting measures from an outcomes toolbox for children with cerebral palsy. Principles discussed include use of self-report measures to open a dialogue with the child/parent; a holistic assessment approach to identify a child’s challenges, strengths, and contextual factors that can influence functioning; links between measurement and heightened engagement of the child/family in the rehabilitation process and goals; and the need to plan the evaluation and dialogue aspects of the assessment process. If clinicians across the international rehabilitation community draw from the same toolbox, the end result could be a cohesive approach and common language to outcome measurement.
Trends in Communicative Access Solutions for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Myrden Andrew , Schudlo Larissa , Weyand Sabine , Zeyl Timothy , Chau Tom
Published: May 2014

Access solutions may facilitate communication in children with limited functional speech and motor control. This study reviews current trends in access solution development for children with cerebral palsy, with particular emphasis on the access technology that harnesses a control signal from the user (eg, movement or physiological change) and the output device (eg, augmentative and alternative communication system) whose behavior is modulated by the user’s control signal. Access technologies have advanced from simple mechanical switches to machine vision (eg, eye-gaze trackers), inertial sensing, and emerging physiological interfaces that require minimal physical effort. Similarly, output devices have evolved from bulky, dedicated hardware with limited configurability, to platform-agnostic, highly personalized mobile applications. Emerging case studies encourage the consideration of access technology for all nonverbal children with cerebral palsy with at least nascent contingency awareness. However, establishing robust evidence of the effectiveness of the aforementioned advances will require more expansive studies.
The State at the Heart of Capitalism: Marxist Theory and Foucault’s Lectures on Governmentality
Authors: Lasslett Kristian
Published: May 2014

Marx, on several occasions, registered his plan to devote a volume of Capital to the state. At the time of his death, however, this volume remained unwritten. Subsequently, students of Marx have proven hesitant to theorize the distinct organizational schema of modern state power, and the way it mediates and enriches those tendencies identified by Marx in Capital’s first three volumes. Instead, the capitalist state is often distinguished by pointing to its disaggregation from the economic structure of society. The following paper will return to Marx’s proposed volume on the state, using a number of recently published scholarly tracts to consider its potential analytical orientation. Particular attention will be paid to Foucault’s late work on governmentality which, it will be argued, offers a useful starting point for conceptualizing modern state power, and the historically distinct ways it forms part of capitalism’s interior.
Dimensions of Everyday Resistance: An Analytical Framework
Authors: Johansson Anna , Vinthagen Stellan
Published: May 2014

Since James Scott introduced the concept of ‘everyday resistance’ in 1985, research has grown within partly overlapping fields. Existing studies utilize very different definitions, methodologies and understandings of ‘everyday resistance’, which makes a systematic development of the field difficult. In previous work, the authors have suggested a theoretical and definitional framework where everyday resistance is understood as a specific kind of resistance that is done routinely yet is not publicly articulated with political claims or formally organized. A more comprehensive and systematic exploration of this challenging phenomenon is possible through an analysis where: repertoires of everyday resistance are taken into account, together with relations between actors, as well as the spatialization and temporalization of resistance. These analytical dimensions are explained and motivated through illustrations from existing research. Finally, it is argued all four dimensions need to be studied in intersections.
The relation between oxidative stress, inflammation, and neopterin in the paraquat-induced lung toxicity
Authors: Toygar M , Aydin I , Agilli M , Aydin FN , Oztosun M , Gul H , Macit E , Karslioglu Y , Topal T , Uysal B , Honca M
Published: May 2014

Paraquat (PQ) is a well-known quaternary nitrogen herbicide. The major target organ in PQ poisoning is the lung. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation play a crucial role in the development of PQ-induced pulmonary injury. Neopterin is synthesized in macrophage by interferon γ and other cytokines. We aimed to evaluate the utility of neopterin as a diagnostic marker in PQ-induced lung toxicity. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (sham and PQ), administered intraperitoneally 1 mL saline and PQ (15 mg/kg/mL) respectively. Blood samples and lungs were collected for analyses. Lung injury and fibrosis were seen in the PQ group. Serum total antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lung transforming growth factor-1β (TGF-1β) levels were significantly higher than the sham group (in all, p < 0.001). In addition, in the PQ group, serum neopterin and lung malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also significantly higher than the sham group (in all, p = 0.001). Serum neopterin levels were correlated with LDH activities, lung MDA, lung TGF-1β levels, and the degree of lung injury. These findings demonstrated that oxidative stress, reduction of antioxidant capacity, and inflammation play a crucial role in the PQ-induced lung injury. Elevated serum neopterin levels may be a prognostic parameter to determine extends of PQ-induced lung toxicity. Further studies may be performed to clarify the role of neopterin by different doses of PQ.
Diagnosis using clinical/pathological and molecular information
Authors: Irigoien Itziar , Arenas Concepción
Published: May 2014

In diagnosis and classification diseases multiple outcomes, both molecular and clinical/pathological are routinely gathered on patients. In recent years, many approaches have been suggested for integrating gene expression (continuous data) with clinical/pathological data (usually categorical and ordinal data). This new area of research integrates both clinical and genomic data in order to improve our knowledge about diseases, and to capture the information which is lost in independent clinical or genomic studies. The related metric scaling distance is a not well-known, but very valuable distance to integrate clinical/pathological and molecular information. In this article, we present the use of the related metric scaling distance in biomedical research. We describe how this distance works, and we also explain why it may sometimes be preferred. We discuss the choice of the related metric scaling distance and compare it with other proximity measures to include both clinical and genetic information. Furthermore, we comment the choice of the related metric scaling distance when classical clustering or discriminant analysis based on distances are performed and compare the results with more complex cluster or discriminant procedures specially constructed for integrating clinical and molecular information. The use of the related metric scaling distance is illustrated on simulated experimental and four real data sets, a heart disease, and three cancer studies. The results present the flexibility and availability of this distance which gives competitive results.
Combining growth curves when a longitudinal study switches measurement tools
Authors: Oleson Jacob J , Cavanaugh Joseph E , Tomblin J Bruce , Walker Elizabeth , Dunn Camille
Published: May 2014

When longitudinal studies are performed to investigate the growth of traits in children, the measurement tool being used to quantify the trait may need to change as the subjects’ age throughout the study. Changing the measurement tool at some point in the longitudinal study makes the analysis of that growth challenging which, in turn, makes it difficult to determine what other factors influence the growth rate. We developed a Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework that relates the growth curves per individual for each of the different measurement tools and allows for covariates to influence the shapes of the curves by borrowing strength across curves. The method is motivated by and demonstrated by speech perception outcome measurements of children who were implanted with cochlear implants. Researchers are interested in assessing the impact of age at implantation and comparing the growth rates of children who are implanted under the age of two versus those implanted between the ages of two and four.
Work autonomy, work pressure, and job satisfaction: An analysis of European Union countries
Authors: Lopes Helena , Lagoa Sérgio , Calapez Teresa
Published: May 2014

Based on European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) micro-data, we show that, on average, work autonomy has declined and work pressure has increased in most European Union countries since 1995. Since such evolution is substantially detrimental for workers, we examine whether workers of varied skill levels in different countries have been equally impacted. Descriptive analysis shows that low-skill clerical workers are the most affected and that Scandinavian countries fare better. Econometric results show that the decline in job satisfaction is due mainly to the increase in work pressure—which might be reaching a limit for high-skill workers—and that job satisfaction is most affected by an increase in work pressure when this is not accompanied by greater work autonomy.
Psychosis in paratyphoid fever – a case report from Australia
Authors: Sadhu Raja , Pourzehad Gilani Amin , Lanteri Marc , Kumar Manoj
Published: May 2014

Objective:

Neuropsychiatric presentation in paratyphoid fever is not a well-known entity. In countries such as Australia, where the prevalence of enteric fever is one of the lowest, this presentation seems to be unlikely.

Method:

We present a case that demonstrates the importance of considering this possibility in Australian context in returned travellers.

Results:

A young male, who recently returned to Australia from his home country in South East Asia, presented with abnormal behaviour in the context of febrile illness. His behaviour was characterised by grandiosity, aggression, hallucinatory behaviour and paranoia, along with disturbed biological functions. Detailed inpatient assessment revealed him to be suffering from Salmonella Paratyphi A infection and psychotic illness because of his general medical condition. Although his fever and inflammatory markers responded to antibiotics, antipsychotics were required for treatment of his mental health problems.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates that paratyphoid fever, which is considered to be a less common variant of enteric fever, can present with neuropsychiatric manifestations.
Challenges in Oral Communication for Internationally Educated Nurses
Authors: Lum Lillie , Dowedoff Penny , Bradley Pat , Kerekes Julie , Valeo Antonella
Published: May 2014

Achieving English language proficiency, while key to successful adaptation to a new country for internationally educated nurses (IENs), has presented more difficulties for them and for educators than previously recognized. Professional communication within a culturally diverse client population and maintaining collaborative relationships between nurses and other team members were perceived as new challenges for IENs. Learning an additional language is a long-term, multistage process that must also incorporate social and cultural aspects of the local society and the profession. This article provides a descriptive review of current research literature pertaining to English language challenges, with a focus on oral language, experienced by IENs. Educational strategies for teaching technical language skills as well as the socio-pragmatics of professional communication within nursing programs are emphasized. Bridging education programs must not only develop students’academic language proficiency but also their ability to enter the workforce with the kind of communication skills that are increasingly highlighted by employers as essential attributes. The results of this review are intended to facilitate a clearer understanding of the English language and communication challenges experienced by IENs and identify the implications for designing effective educational programs.
Advancing Phenomenological Research
Authors: Klinke Marianne E. , Thorsteinsson Björn , Jónsdóttir Helga
Published: May 2014

In this article, we review the latest trends of data collection methods in phenomenological nursing studies. Subsequently, by using a philosophical analysis, mainly inspired by Merleau-Ponty’s embodied phenomenology and a case construction of an individual with hemi-spatial neglect—a common disorder following stroke—we explore the concepts “body schema,” “body image,” and “affordances.” Applying these concepts helps to illuminate the temporal, spatial, and perceptual world of people encountering discrepancy between perception and reality because of disease—a discrepancy seen in hemi-spatial neglect. Concepts to capture the multifaceted challenges that occur under these circumstances are lacking. Systematically incorporating the aforementioned concepts might help to advance phenomenological research and articulate these difficulties. We propose suggestions on data generation to reveal situated, meaning-infused, embodied experiences in patients with hemi-spatial neglect. The need to step beyond the privileged emphasis on interviews, toward experimenting with other approaches of data collection, is underscored.
Introduction of vincristine mini-bags and an assessment of the subsequent risk of extravasation
Authors: Nurgat ZA , Smythe M , Al-Jedai A , Ewing S , Rasheed W , Belgaumi A , Ahmed SO , Ashour M , Agil A Al , Siddiqui K , Aljurf M
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Numerous international organisations have advocated the preparation of vincristine in small volume intravenous bags in order to eliminate inadvertent intrathecal administration. However, the risk of extravasation is a significant deterrent, and adoption of this practice has been variable and only hesitantly accepted in the clinical setting.

Purpose

We carried out a study with the aims of establishing the incidence of reported extravasation of vincristine administration to paediatric and adult patients in mini-bags; here we describe motivating factors and barriers faced by clinical staff. The secondary aim was to support the need for change and implementation of the international recommendations.

Methods

Chemotherapy-certified nurses completed a survey spanning August 2009 to August 2011, to ascertain the incidence of extravasation associated with the administration of vincristine in mini-bags.

Results

This period captured 421 occasions of vincristine administration in 25-ml or 50-ml mini-bags (in 0.9% sodium chloride). The median age of patients was 13 years (range 2.5 months to 99 years). Vincristine was administered through peripheral lines (26.4%), portacath (52.0%), PICC line (15.9%) and Hickman line (5.7%). The majority of infusions were over at least 10 minutes (50.1%). There were no cases of extravasation reported.

Conclusions

The administration of vincristine in small volume intravenous bags was safe, practical, and feasible in all patient groups. The successful implementation of the international recommendations for vincristine administration in mini-bags to eliminate potential inadvertent intrathecal administration was dependent on stakeholder buy-in.
Pilot Testing of the Home Care Education, Assessment, Remote-Monitoring, and Therapeutic Activities Intervention
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Apostolidis Beka , Bartos Susan , Robbins Roxanna , Young Anna K.
Published: May 2014

The primary aim of this pilot study was to develop, implement, and test the feasibility and efficacy of the Home Care Education, Assessment, Remote-Monitoring, and Therapeutic Activities (HEART) trial, a nurse-directed multicomponent home care intervention. A total of 50 patients with a primary diagnosis of heart failure (HF) were assigned to the intervention ( n = 26) or control group ( n = 24) according to geographical location in a large multibranch Medicare-certified home health agency. Forty-six patients completed the study. Patients participating in the HEART intervention demonstrated significantly improved HF knowledge ( F = 1.31, p < .001) in comparison with control group patients’ at the study endpoint. There was a non-significant trend toward improved quality of life (QOL) and lower hospital readmission rates (6 patients vs. 9 patients) in the intervention group.
Homogeneous Combinations of ASD–ADHD Traits and Their Cognitive and Behavioral Correlates in a Population-Based Sample
Authors: van der Meer Jolanda M. J. , Lappenschaar Martijn G. A. , Hartman Catharina A. , Greven Corina U. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Rommelse Nanda N. J.
Published: May 2014

Objective: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD are assumed to be the extreme manifestations of continuous heterogeneous traits that frequently co-occur. This study aims to identify subgroups of children with distinct ASD–ADHD trait profiles in the general population, using measures sensitive across both trait continua, and show how these subgroups differ in cognitive functioning. Method: We examined 378 children (6-13 years) from a population-based sample. Results: Latent class analyses (LCA) detected three concordant classes with low (10.1%), medium (54.2%), or high (13.2%) scores on both traits, and two discordant classes with more ADHD than ASD characteristics (ADHD > ASD, 18.3%) and vice versa (ASD > ADHD, 4.2%). Findings suggest that ASD and ADHD traits usually are strongly related in the unaffected population, and that a minority of children displays atypical discordant trait profiles characterized by differential visual-spatial functioning. Conclusion: This dissociation suggests that heterogeneity in ASD and ADHD is rooted in heterogeneity in the lower unaffected end of the distribution.
An Open Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Ehrenreich-May Jill , Storch Eric A. , Queen Alexander H. , Hernandez Rodriguez Juventino , Ghilain Christine S. , Alessandri Michael , Lewin Adam B. , Arnold Elysse B. , Murphy Tanya K. , Lin C. Enjey , Fujii Cori , Renno Patricia , Piacentini John , Laugeson Elizabeth , Wood Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2014

The frequent co-occurrence of anxiety disorders and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in youth has spurred study of intervention practices for this population. As anxiety disorders in the absence of ASD are effectively treated using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols, an initial step in evaluating treatments for comorbid youth has necessarily centered on adaptation of CBT. One primary limitation of this research, to date, is that interventions for adolescents with anxiety disorders and ASD have not been systematically tested. In this study, 20 adolescents (90% male) with ASD and a comorbid anxiety disorder, between ages 11 and 14 years ( M = 12.2 years, SD = 1.11 years), participated in an open trial of modified CBT targeting anxiety with ASD. Findings demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety severity, as assessed by clinician and parent ratings, from baseline to post-treatment. In addition, reductions in parent-rated externalizing symptoms were observed. Gains were maintained at a 1-month follow-up.
Evaluation of Antitrypanosomal Dihydroquinolines for Hepatotoxicity, Mutagenicity, and Methemoglobin Formation In Vitro
Authors: Werbovetz Karl A. , Riccio Edward S. , Furimsky Anna , Richard Julian V. , He Shanshan , Iyer Lalitha , Mirsalis Jon
Published: May 2014

N1-Benzylated dihydroquinolin-6-ols and their corresponding esters display exceptional activity against African trypanosomes in vitro, and administration of members of this class of compounds to trypanosome-infected mice results in cures in a first-stage African trypanosomiasis model. Since a quinone imine intermediate has been implicated in the antiparasitic mechanism of action of these compounds, evaluation of the hepatotoxic, mutagenic, and methemoglobin-promoting effects of these agents was performed. 1-Benzyl-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinolin-6-ol hydrochloride and 1-benzyl-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinolin-6-yl acetate showed outstanding in vitro selectivity for Trypanosoma brucei compared to the HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7, and PLC5 hepatocyte cell lines. 1-Benzyl-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinolin-6-ol hydrochloride and 1-(2-methoxybenzyl)-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinolin-6-yl acetate were not mutagenic when screened in the Ames assay, with or without metabolic activation. The latter 2 compounds promoted time- and dose-dependent formation of methemoglobin when incubated in whole human blood, but such levels were below those typically required to produce symptoms of methemoglobinemia in humans. Although compounds capable of quinone imine formation require careful evaluation, these in vitro studies indicate that antitrypanosomal dihydroquinolines merit further study as drug candidates against the neglected tropical disease human African trypanosomiasis.
“You Have to Cut it off at the Knee”
Authors: Curtis Anna
Published: May 2014

This article focuses on the prison as a gendered organization and examines the consequences for treating the male prisoner as the generic prisoner. In order to simplify security protocols and manage outsiders, prison staff and correctional officers use a “commonsense” approach that draws on long-standing and structurally embedded assumptions about the uncontrollable masculinity of minority men. In a “postracial” and “color-blind” modern America, however, the assumption that prisoners are hyperviolent, hypersexual, and dangerously masculine is applied to all prisoners regardless of race. Drawing on two-and-a-half years of ethnographic fieldwork inside a high-security prison, this article discusses the ways that the assumed dangerous masculinity of prisoners facilitates security protocols and isolates male prisoners from their children and families.
Treatment of acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis using a removable silicone stent
Authors: De Lorenzi Davide , Bertoncello Diana , Comastri Stefano , Bottero Enrico
Published: May 2014

The aim of this prospective study was to characterise patient characteristics and the histories of cats with acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis (ANS), and to describe the use of a removable silicone stent for treatment. ANS was diagnosed in 15 cats with clinical signs present for a median of 4 months. Clinical signs included stertor and inspiratory difficulty, nasal discharge, sneezing, dysphagia, regurgitation, vomiting and anorexia. Radiographs revealed a dorsal deviation or deformation of the caudal part of the soft palate in 10 of the cats, a soft tissue density across the cranial nasopharynx in four and no abnormality in one. The stenosis was initially dilated with a Kelly forceps in 10 of the cats and by balloon dilatation in five. A segment of a 24 Fr silicone thoracic catheter was used for the stent in five cats; in the other 10 cats a segment of a 28 Fr catheter was used. The stent was removed after 3 weeks in 12 cats and after 4 weeks in the other three. Endoscopy revealed an adequate nasopharyngeal diameter in all of the cats. At both 3 and 10 months after surgery the response was considered to be satisfactory, with complete resolution of clinical signs in 14 cats and improvement in the remaining cat. The treatment of ANS by stenosis dilatation followed by temporary stenting with a silicone stent is a rapid, safe, economical and effective procedure.