bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation in the Vitamin D Pathway in Relation to Risk of Prostate Cancer—Results from the Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium
Authors: Mondul Alison M. , Shui Irene M. , Yu Kai , Travis Ruth C. , Stevens Victoria L. , Campa Daniele , Schumacher Frederick R. , Ziegler Regina G. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Berndt Sonja , Crawford E.D. , Gapstur Susan M. , Gaziano J. Michael , Giovannucci Edward , Haiman Christopher A. , Henderson Brian E. , Hunter David J. , Johansson Mattias , Key Timothy J. , Marchand Loïc Le , Lindström Sara , McCullough Marjorie L. , Navarro Carmen , Overvad Kim , Palli Domenico , Purdue Mark , Stampfer Meir J. , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Willett Walter C. , Yeager Meredith , Chanock Stephen J. , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Kolonel Laurence N. , Kraft Peter , Albanes Demetrius
Published: February 2013

Background: Studies suggest that vitamin D status may be associated with prostate cancer risk although the direction and strength of this association differs between experimental and observational studies. Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status. We examined prostate cancer risk in relation to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in four genes shown to predict circulating levels of 25(OH)D.

Methods: SNP markers localized to each of four genes (GC, CYP24A1, CYP2R1, and DHCR7) previously associated with 25(OH)D were genotyped in 10,018 cases and 11,052 controls from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium. Logistic regression was used to estimate the individual and cumulative association between genetic variants and risk of overall and aggressive prostate cancer.

Results: We observed a decreased risk of aggressive prostate cancer among men with the allele in rs6013897 near CYP24A1 associated with lower serum 25(OH)D [per A allele, OR, 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.80–0.93; Ptrend = 0.0002) but an increased risk for nonaggressive disease (per A allele: OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17; Ptrend = 0.002). Examination of a polygenic score of the four SNPs revealed statistically significantly lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer among men with a greater number of low vitamin D alleles (OR for 6–8 vs. 0–1 alleles, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44–0.98; Ptrend = 0.003).

Conclusions: In this large, pooled analysis, genetic variants related to lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with a decreased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Impact: Our genetic findings do not support a protective association between loci known to influence vitamin D levels and prostate cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(4); 688–96. ©2013 AACR.
Growth and Activation of Natural Killer CellsEx Vivofrom Children with Neuroblastoma for Adoptive Cell Therapy
Authors: Liu Yin , Wu Hong-Wei , Sheard Michael A. , Sposto Richard , Somanchi Srinivas S. , Cooper Laurence J.N. , Lee Dean A. , Seeger Robert C.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells combined with tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has therapeutic potential for malignancies. We determined if large numbers of activated NK (aNK) cells can be grown ex vivo from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of children with high-risk neuroblastoma using artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPC).

Experimental Design: Irradiated K562-derived Clone 9.mbIL21 aAPC were cocultured with PBMC, and propagated NK cells were characterized with flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assays, Luminex multicytokine assays, and a nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mouse model of disseminated neuroblastoma.

Results: Coculturing patient PBMC with aAPC for 14 days induced 2,363- ± 443-fold expansion of CD56+CD3−CD14− NK cells with 83% ± 3% purity (n = 10). Results were similar to PBMC from normal donors (n = 5). Expression of DNAM-1, NKG2D, FcγRIII/CD16, and CD56 increased 6- ± 3-, 10- ± 2-, 21- ± 20-, and 18- ± 3-fold, respectively, on day 14 compared with day 0, showing activation of NK cells. In vitro, aNK cells were highly cytotoxic against neuroblastoma cell lines and killing was enhanced with GD2-specific mAb ch14.18. When mediating cytotoxicity with ch14.18, release of TNF-α, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IFN-γ, sCD40L, CCL2/MCP-1, CXCL9/MIG, and CXCL11/I-TAC by aNK cells increased 4-, 5-, 6-, 15-, 265-, 917-, and 363-fold (151–9,121 pg/mL), respectively, compared with aNK cells alone. Survival of NOD/SCID mice bearing disseminated neuroblastoma improved when treated with thawed and immediately intravenously infused cryopreserved aNK cells compared with untreated mice and was further improved when ch14.18 was added.

Conclusion: Propagation of large numbers of aNK cells that maintain potent antineuroblastoma activities when cryopreserved supports clinical testing of adoptive cell therapy with ch14.18. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 2132–43. ©2013 AACR.
Real-Time Left Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loops During Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair With the MitraClip System
Authors: Gaemperli Oliver , Biaggi Patric , Gugelmann Remo , Osranek Martin , Schreuder Jan J. , Bühler Ines , Sürder Daniel , Lüscher Thomas F. , Felix Christian , Bettex Dominique , Grünenfelder Jürg , Corti Roberto
Published: February 2013

Background—

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip device has emerged as an alternative to surgery for treating severe mitral regurgitation. However, its effects on left ventricular loading conditions and contractility have not been investigated yet.

Methods and Results—

Pressure-volume loops were recorded throughout the MitraClip procedure using conductance catheter in 33 patients (mean age, 78±10 years) with functional (45%), degenerative (48%), or mixed (6%) mitral regurgitation. Percutaneous mitral valve repair increased end-systolic wall stress (WS
ES
; from [median] 184 mm Hg [interquartile range (IQR), 140–200 mm Hg] to 209 mm Hg [IQR, 176–232 mm Hg];
P
=0.001) and decreased end-diastolic WS (WS
ED
; from 48 mm Hg [IQR, 28–58 mm Hg] to 34 mm Hg [IQR, 21–46 mm Hg];
P
=0.005), whereas the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship was not significantly affected. Conversely, cardiac index increased (from 2.6 L·min
−1
·m
−2
[IQR, 2.2–3.0 L·min
−1
·m
−2
] to 3.2 L·min
−1
·m
−2
[IQR, 2.6–3.8 L·min
−1
·m
−2
];
P
<0.001) and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased (from 15 mm Hg [IQR, 12–20 mm Hg] to 12 mm Hg [IQR, 10–13 mm Hg];
P
<0.001). Although changes in WS
ES
were not correlated with changes in cardiac index, changes in WS
ED
correlated significantly with changes in mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (
r
=0.63,
P
<0.001). Total mechanical energy assessed by the pressure-volume area remained unchanged, resulting in a more favorable index of forward output (cardiac index) to mechanical energy (pressure-volume area) after mitral valve repair. On follow-up (153±94 days), New York Heart Association functional class was reduced from 2.9±0.6 to 1.9±0.5 (
P
<0.001) at 3 months, and echocardiographic follow-up documented a stepwise reduction in end-diastolic volume (from 147 mL [IQR, 95–191 mL] to 127 mL [IQR, 82–202 mL];
P
=0.036).

Conclusions—

Percutaneous mitral valve repair improves hemodynamic profiles and induces reverse left ventricular remodeling by reducing left ventricular preload while preserving contractility. In nonsurgical candidates with compromised left ventricular function, MitraClip therapy could be considered an alternative to surgical mitral valve repair.
Conceptions of Equine Welfare in Finnish Horse Magazines
Authors: Schuurman Nora
Published: February 2013

Keeping equines for leisure purposes has become increasingly popular. Along with the wider concern for animal welfare, the question of equine welfare has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this article is to ask what is understood by equine welfare and how it is perceived in contemporary Finnish equine industry and culture. The main focus is on the conceptions of equine welfare used in justifying certain practices in caring for or handling horses. The data consist of articles from a Finnish horse magazine published in the year 2008. According to the data, conceptions of equine welfare within the equine industry and culture are somewhat contradictory. The contradictions appear between the uses of the animal for various types of work and the risks inherent in the work itself, and in the role of nature either in promoting equine welfare or as a risk for the animal’s health. The various conceptions of equine welfare are united by an empathetic tendency to interpret and understand the horse as a sentient and, often, an intentional subject.
The Problem of Anthropomorphous Animals: Toward a Posthumanist Ethics
Authors: Varsava Nina
Published: February 2013

This article examines arguments in favor of and against the anthropomorphism of nonhuman animals across the natural and social sciences. Delineating the political agendas underpinning each side of the debate, the essay demonstrates how both sides embody an anthropocentric paradigm. Bothanthropo-denial(resistance to anthropomorphism) andanthropo-insistence(affirmation of anthropomorphism) ultimately depend upon and reinscribe the human/animal binary, a binary both speciesist and specious. This article argues for a posthumanist ethics, which discards as ethically pernicious the humanist “human,” along with the moral code that revolves around it.
Restoring the Greek Tobit
Authors: Weeks Stuart
Published: February 2013

Abstract

The modern consensus that the “Long” text of Tobit is earlier than the “Short” has brought about a paralysis in attempts to restore the Greek, with the very unsatisfactory text in Sinaiticus coming to serve as our de facto best effort. It is important to appreciate that the Long witnesses do not constitute a specific and coherent recension, capable of reconstruction in its own right, but are potentially miscellaneous texts, that happened individually to elude the two major revisions of the tradition. Original readings are preserved in both the revised and unrevised witnesses, and if we are to progress then we need to employ and evaluate all those witnesses. The paper ends with an attempt to reconstruct the original form of 4:7-19, which is lacking in Sinaiticus, as an illustration of the scope for such progress.
Copeptin Level After Carotid Endarterectomy and Perioperative Stroke
Authors: Maravic-Stojkovic Vera , Lausevic-Vuk L. J. , Obradovic M. , Jovanovic P. , Tanaskovic S. , Stojkovic B. , Isenovic R. E. , Radak D. J.
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the prognostic value of copeptin levels in a cohort of surgical patients after elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Twenty-one patients with perioperative stroke were prospectively recruited. The diagnosis of cerebrovascular event (CVE) was confirmed by computed tomography. Additionally, 21 patients with CEA without any complications (control patients) were enrolled. Blood samples were taken within 3 hours of the symptom onset. Circulating copeptin level was significantly higher in patients with CVE when compared to controls ( P = .025), and significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors ( P = .030) after CVE. Plasma concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also elevated in patients with CVE (IL-6: P = .043; CRP: P = .002). We conclude that the activation of the stress axis in patients with CEA results with copeptin elevation, but more so in patients with perioperative stroke. Copeptin may be a helpful biomarker for stroke risk assessment in patients after CEA.
Cost-Effectiveness of Cilostazol, Naftidrofuryl Oxalate, and Pentoxifylline for the Treatment of Intermittent Claudication in People With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Meng Yang , Squires Hazel , Stevens John W. , Simpson Emma , Harnan Sue , Thomas Steve , Michaels Jonathan , Stansby Gerard , O'Donnell Mark E.
Published: February 2013

We assessed the cost-effectiveness of cilostazol, naftidrofuryl oxalate, and pentoxifylline for intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in adults whose symptoms continue despite a period of conventional management. A Markov decision model was developed to assess the lifetime costs and benefits of each vasoactive drug compared to no vasoactive drug and with each other. Regression analysis was undertaken to model the relationship between maximum walking distance and utility. Resource use data were sourced from the literature and sensitivity analyses were undertaken. Naftidrofuryl oxalate is more effective and less costly than cilostazol and pentoxifylline and has an estimated cost per quality-adjusted life year gained of around £6070 compared to no vasoactive drug. The analysis uses effectiveness evidence from a network meta-analysis. In contrast to previous guidelines recommending cilostazol, the analysis suggests that naftidrofuryl oxalate is the only vasoactive drug for PAD which is likely to be cost-effective.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as an Early Marker of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography
Authors: Alharazy Sabah Mohamed , Kong Norella , Saidin Rashidi , Gafor Abdul Halim Abdul , Maskon Oteh , Mohd Marlyn , Zakaria Syed Zulkifli Syed
Published: February 2013

We investigated whether serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was an early predictive biomarker of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with chronic kidney disease (n = 100) undergoing coronary catheterization. Serum creatinine (SCr) levels were measured at baseline, 24 hours, and 48 hours post procedure. Serum NGAL was measured preprocedure, 4 hours, and 24 hours post procedure. The frequency of CIN was 11%. In patients with CIN, SCr achieved significance only at 48 hours ( P = .006), whereas serum NGAL increased ≥25% from baseline at 24 hours in 7 of 11 patients with CIN ( P = .04) but did not change in the other 4. However, serum NGAL also rose ≥25% in 12 of 89 non-CIN patients. This subgroup could have had “incipient CIN.” Serum NGAL delta value at baseline, 24 hours was superior to SCr for early diagnosis of CIN. In conclusion, serum NGAL is an early predictive biomarker for CIN.
Does Serum Bilirubin Level on Admission Predict TIMI Flow Grade and In-Hospital MACE in Patients With STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI
Authors: Celik Turgay , Kaya Mehmet G. , Akpek Mahmut , Yarlioglues Mikail , Sarli Bahadir , Topsakal Ramazan , Gibson Charles Michael
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the association of total bilirubin with post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) coronary blood flow and in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary PCI. A total of 536 consecutive patients with STEMI (male 79%, mean age = 59.9 ± 12.6 years) admitted within 6 hours from symptom onset were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (MI) flow grade. In-stent thrombosis, nonfatal MI, and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher in no-reflow group ( P = .007, P = .002, and P < .001, respectively). On multivariate regression, the total bilirubin levels remained independent predictors of no-reflow (odds ratio [OR] 1.586, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-2.47; P = .042) and in-hospital MACE (OR 1.399, 95% CI 1.053-1.857; P = .020). Serum bilirubin levels were independently associated with no-reflow and in-hospital MACE in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.
Research priorities in mental health
Authors: Christensen Helen , Batterham Philip J , Griffiths Kathleen M , Gosling John , Hehir Kanupriya Kalia
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Over the last decade, Australia has seen an increase in investment in mental health services, primarily through the funding of headspace and Better Access to Mental Health Outcomes programs. Concurrently there has been a policy focus on prevention and early intervention, suicide reduction and ‘hard-to-target’ groups such as Indigenous groups. It is not clear, however, whether research funding targeting health services or prevention or promotion has been prioritized, or whether funding priorities in general have shifted over the last decade.

Methods:

A total of 1008 Australian-authored research publications and 126 competitive research grants in 2008 were coded in terms of their target of research, research goal setting and target group. These characteristics were compared with the research priorities of 570 stakeholders, burden of disease estimates and similar data collected 10 years earlier.

Results:

The proportion of research funding for affective disorders, dementia and psychosis has increased, but not for anxiety disorders or suicide. Funding for childhood disorders has decreased. Funding for prevention and promotion is low and decreasing. With respect to research publications, substance abuse was associated with the most publications, followed by affective disorders, anxiety disorders and psychosis. When publications and funding are compared to stakeholder priorities and the burden of disease, the areas of suicide and self-harm, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, childhood conditions and dementia are all insufficiently funded.

Conclusion:

Despite mental health policy reforms through the last decade, there has been little change in the focus of research funding or publication output. There is modest evidence for a shift in support towards affective disorders as a major focus for research. However, the remaining gaps were very similar to those identified 10 years earlier showing that suicide, personality disorders and anxiety disorders are under-researched.
The Revolutionary Power of Peripheral Agencies
Authors: Breznitz Dan , Ornston Darius
Published: February 2013

This article challenges the long-standing emphasis in the developmental state literature on the powerful pilot agency as an essential component of industrialization. Although a pilot agency may be able to facilitate growth in mature industries, we argue that policy makers seeking to promote rapid innovation-based competition must instead rely on continuous, radical policy innovation. We argue that this kind of experimentation is more likely to occur at the periphery of the public sector, in agencies with few hard resources and limited political prestige. In addition to providing a novel interpretation of how states enter new, high-technology markets, we explain why some successful countries become less innovative over time. As agencies successfully introduce radical policy innovations, their higher profile exposes them to greater political interference and reduces their entrepreneurial capacity. The argument is supported by within-case analysis of two historically low-technology economies that successfully promoted rapid innovation-based growth, Finland and Israel.
The mouseness of the mouse: The competing discourses of genetics and history in White Teeth
Authors: Braun Michele
Published: February 2013

Zadie Smith’s 2000 novel White Teeth has often been hailed as a progressive vision of a multicultural Britain. Employing the discourses of genetics and describing Smith’s use of genetics in the novel’s theme of teeth and the FutureMouse©, this paper argues that Smith’s vision of multiculturalism is made complex by genetic discourses. These discourses are contrasted with personal and familial history as the source of identity for the characters of the novel. Teeth are used metaphorically to represent the rootedness of characters and the effect that migration has on first and second generation immigrants. The text highlights the difference in certainty and uncertainty experienced by characters, contrasting the certainty of white English characters with the uncertainty in the lives of the immigrants and their families. This uncertainty is contrasted with the genetic determinism that informs the life of the FutureMouse©, as well as the lives of the second and third generation immigrants depicted in the novel and Smith’s narrative provides no easy answers to the question of whether or not one’s DNA dictates one’s place in life.
White Teachers in Urban Classrooms
Authors: Goldenberg Barry M.
Published: February 2013

The racial “mismatch” between a non-White student public school population and a primarily White teaching force continues to be underexamined through an appropriate cultural lens. This literature review provides examples of how White teachers must properly recognize non-White students’ actions and rhetoric in classroom settings as valuable cultural capital. By addressing how White teachers must reflect on their own race within the dominant school structure to close the opportunity gap, this literature review presents both a theoretical and a practical “call to action” for how White teachers in urban classrooms must critically rethink non-White students’ cultural capital in the context of teaching and learning.
School Turnaround Fever
Authors: Peck Craig , Reitzug Ulrich C.
Published: February 2013

School “turnaround” has received significant attention recently in education literature and policy action, especially as a means to dramatically improve urban education. In current common education usage, “turnaround” refers to the rapid, significant improvement in the academic achievement of persistently low-achieving schools. Employing a conceptual framework informed by research regarding school reform history, the school leadership fashion cycle, and paradoxes in educational innovation and reform, this exploratory study examines policy documents, foundation works, and empirical studies in considering the historical roots, current recommended practices, and outcomes to date of the turnaround reform movement. We present the results of our inquiry in the form of a series of vexing paradoxes that characterize the recent fervor for school turnaround at the same time they signal the promise and pitfalls of the reform idea. We conclude by examining implications for urban school policy makers and school-based leaders.
Appeasement
Authors: Chow Rosalind M. , Lowery Brian S. , Hogan Caitlin M.
Published: February 2013

This article explores the possibility that dominant-group members will attempt to appease subordinate groups to protect the hierarchy. In four studies, we find that (a) prohierarchy Whites perceive more intergroup threat when they believe ethnic minorities hold Whites in low regard, (b) prohierarchy Whites respond to ethnic minorities’ low regard for Whites by increasing their support for redistributive policies (e.g., affirmative action), (c) the increase in support only occurs when prohierarchy Whites perceive the hierarchy to be unstable, and (d) prohierarchy Whites perceive the hierarchy to be more stable if they believe Whites support redistributive policies. These results suggest that prohierarchy dominant-group members’ support for redistributive policies can stem from a concern about maintaining the hierarchical status quo, and provides evidence that support for redistributive policies can be a hierarchy-enhancing strategy.
Minority Perceptions of Whites’ Motives for Responding Without Prejudice
Authors: Major Brenda , Sawyer Pamela J. , Kunstman Jonathan W.
Published: February 2013

Whites’ nonprejudiced behavior toward racial/ethnic minorities can be attributionally ambiguous for perceivers, who may wonder whether the behavior was motivated by a genuine internal commitment to egalitarianism or was externally motivated by desires to avoid appearing prejudiced to others. This article reports the development of a scale that measures perceptions of Whites’ internal and external motives for avoiding prejudice (Perceived Internal Motivation Scale/Perceived External Motivation Scale [PIMS/PEMS]) and tests of its internal, test–retest, discriminant, convergent, and predictive validity among ethnic minority perceivers. Minorities perceived Whites as having internal and external motives for nonprejudiced behavior that were theoretically consistent with but distinct from established measures of minority-group members’ concerns in interracial interactions. Tests of the predictive validity of PIMS/PEMS showed that when a White evaluator praised the mediocre essay of a minority target, minorities who were high PEMS and low PIMS were most likely to regard the feedback as inauthentic and derogate the quality of the essay.
Two Approaches to Estimation of Classification Accuracy Rate Under Item Response Theory
Authors: Lathrop Quinn N. , Cheng Ying
Published: February 2013

Within the framework of item response theory (IRT), there are two recent lines of work on the estimation of classification accuracy (CA) rate. One approach estimates CA when decisions are made based on total sum scores, the other based on latent trait estimates. The former is referred to as the Lee approach, and the latter, the Rudner approach, each after its representative contributor. In this article, the two approaches are delineated in the same framework to highlight their similarities and differences. In addition, a simulation study manipulating IRT model, sample size, test length, and cut score location was conducted. The study investigated the empirical CA that can be achieved using either the total scores or the latent trait estimates. It also evaluated the performances of the two approaches in estimating their respective empirical CAs. Results on the empirical CA suggest that when the model fits, classifications made with the latent trait estimate shall be equally or more accurate than classifications made with total score. The magnitude of difference was governed by divergence from the one-parameter logistic (1PL) model. Both Lee and Rudner approaches provided good estimates of their respective empirical CAs for every condition that was simulated. Practical implications of the simulation results are discussed.
Synthesizing and Extending Resource Dependence Theory
Authors: Drees Johannes M. , Heugens Pursey P. M. A. R.
Published: February 2013

Resource dependence theory (RDT) has long been a premier framework for understanding organization-environmental relations, but an empirical synthesis of its predictions is still lacking. Using meta-analysis, we consolidate 157 tests of RDT and corroborate its main predictions: organizations respond to resource dependencies by forming interorganizational arrangements like interlocks, alliances, joint ventures, in-sourcing arrangements, and mergers and acquisitions. In turn, these arrangements make them more autonomous and more legitimate. We also extend RDT in three ways. First, we “unpack” the theory by showing that the mechanisms linking arrangement formation to organizational autonomy and legitimacy differ across arrangements. Second, we address the question whether RDT is also a theory of organizational performance. We find that whereas autonomy positively mediates the relationship between arrangement formation and performance, legitimacy does not. This suggests that RDT can also explain organizational actions that have societal acceptance rather than economic performance as an ulterior motive. Third, we assess whether competition law is a boundary condition to RDT’s prescriptions. Specifically, we show that the adoption of the Horizontal Merger Guidelines in the U.S. has caused organizations to “flee” from mergers to less regulated arrangements like alliances and joint ventures, and has hurt the profitability of the remaining mergers.
Theory of Mind and Empathic Explanations of Machiavellianism
Authors: Bagozzi Richard P. , Verbeke Willem J. M. I. , Dietvorst Roeland C. , Belschak Frank D. , van den Berg Wouter E. , Rietdijk Wim J. R.
Published: February 2013

We study theory of mind (ToM) and empathic underpinnings of Machiavellianism by use of functional magnetic resonance imaging, where account managers are used as participants in 3 studies. Study 1 finds evidence for activation of the medial prefrontal cortex, left and right temporo-parietal junction, and left and right precuneus regions; all five regions are negatively correlated with Machiavellianism, suggesting that Machiavellians are less facile than non-Machiavellians with ToM skills. Study 2 presents evidence for activation of the left and right pars opercularis, left and right insula, and left precuneus regions; the former four regions of the motor neuron system were positively associated, and the latter negatively associated, with Machiavellianism, implying that Machiavellians resonate more readily with the emotions of others than non-Machiavellians. This is the first study to our knowledge to show a negative correlation between perspective taking and emotional sharing in empathic processes in general and Machiavellianism in particular. Study 3 tests implications of managerial control on both performance and organizational citizenship behaviors, as moderated by Machiavellianism in the field. Our study grounds the functioning of Machiavellianism in organizations in basic neuroscience processes, resolves some long-standing ambiguities with self-report investigations, and points to conditions under which Machiavellianism both inhibits and promotes performance and citizenship behavior.
Negotiating With Gender Stereotypes on Social Networking Sites
Authors: Bailey Jane , Steeves Valerie , Burkell Jacquelyn , Regan Priscilla
Published: February 2013

Research indicates that stereotypical representations of girls as sexualized objects seeking male attention are commonly found in social networking sites. This article presents the results of a qualitative study that examined how young women “read” these stereotypes. Our participants understood Social networking sites (SNS) as a commoditized environment in which stereotypical kinds of self-exposure by girls are markers of social success and popularity. As such, these images are “socially facilitative” for young women. However, the gendered risks of judgment according to familiar stereotypical norms are heightened by the intense surveillance enabled by SNS. While our participants indicated that a mediatized celebrity culture inculcates girls with messages that they must be attractive, have a boyfriend, and be part of the party scene, girls are much more likely than boys to be harshly judged for emphasizing these elements in their online profiles. Girls are also open to harsh criticism for their degree of publicness. The risk of being called a “slut” for having an open profile, too many friends, or posting too much information suggests that continuing discriminatory standards around public participation may effectively police girls’ capacity to fully participate online and complicate their ability to participate in defiant gender performances.
Family caregiver satisfaction with home-based nursing and physician care over the palliative care trajectory: Results from a longitudinal survey questionnaire
Authors: Guerriere Denise N , Zagorski Brandon , Coyte Peter C
Published: February 2013

Background:

A limited understanding of satisfaction with home-based palliative care currently exists.

Aim:

This study measured family caregivers’ satisfaction with home-based physician and nursing palliative care services, and explored predictors of satisfaction, across the palliative care trajectory.

Design:

A longitudinal, cohort design was used. Family caregivers were interviewed by telephone by-weekly from palliative care admission until death. Satisfaction was assessed using the Quality of End-of-Life care and Satisfaction with Treatment (QUEST) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the extent to which demographic, quality of care, and service related variables predicted satisfaction.

Setting/Participants:

Family caregivers (N=104) of palliative care patients.

Results:

Each of the nine quality of care parameters were consistently found to be significant predictors of overall satisfaction with palliative care.

Conclusions:

The results may inform key health policy issues. Specifically, knowledge of how quality of care parameters predict family caregivers’ satisfaction over the course of the palliative care trajectory may aid managers responsible for resource allocation and the determination of home care standards
Disconnect between emergency contacts and surrogate decision-makers in the absence of advance directives
Authors: Song Mi-Kyung , Ward Sandra E
Published: February 2013

Background:

The role played by emergency contacts can be extensive particularly for chronically seriously ill patients. If the patient’s condition suddenly deteriorates, the emergency contact may be asked to make decisions that should instead fall to a designated surrogate decision-maker.

Aims:

To describe a process used to help chronically seriously ill patients identify a surrogate during study enrollment and to describe whether these surrogates were the same as the documented emergency contacts.

Design:

A descriptive cross-sectional study using eligibility assessment and baseline data from an efficacy trial. The parent trial tests the effects of an end-of-life communication intervention on patient and surrogate decision-maker outcomes, and thus, it was important to identify the surrogate. The study recruiter used a short battery of investigator-developed questions to help patients identify a surrogate.

Setting/participants:

Patients were 94 self-identified African Americans or Caucasians recruited from 18 outpatient dialysis centers, receiving dialysis for ≥6 months, with Charlson Comorbidity Index of ≥6 or 5 and hospitalized in the last 6 months.

Results:

When first approached, only three patients had a designated and documented surrogate. The remaining 91 selected a surrogate during the surrogate identification process. Of the 94 surrogates who were named, only 60 (63.8%) were also listed in the medical record as the emergency contact.

Conclusions:

In roughly one-third of instances, the selected surrogate was not the same person listed in official medical records as the emergency contact, which may pose potential problems in medical decision-making in the absence of advance directives.
Social Learning Theory
Authors: Hanna Richard C. , Crittenden Victoria L. , Crittenden William F.
Published: February 2013

We propose Social Learning Theory as a theoretical foundation for understanding the ethical standards of future business leaders. Using data drawn from students from 115 four-year undergraduate institutions in 36 different countries, the relationships among role models, capitalism, and laws were examined. The data suggest that future business leaders educated in environments espousing all moral philosophies except virtue ethics are influenced by their role models. However, differences in unethical behavior are found as related to the social influences of capitalism and laws.
Self-Reported Physical and Emotional Abuse Among Youth Offenders and Their Association With Internalizing and Externalizing Psychopathology
Authors: Silva Teresa C. , Graña José Luis , González-Cieza Luis
Published: February 2013

The aim of this exploratory study was twofold. First, the severity of physical and emotional abuse perpetrated by parents and its association with internalizing and externalizing problems were explored in a sample of 104 male and female youth offenders. Second, we tested the moderate effect of callous-unemotional traits on the relation between physical and emotional victimization and internalizing and externalizing problems in boys. The analyses revealed that a high percentage of youth offenders reported having been physically abused. More severe physical abuse was not related to higher levels of internalizing or externalizing problems. Young offenders’ emotional abuse levels were low; however, this type of abuse was positively associated with externalizing problems among boys, regardless of the level of callous-unemotional traits. Thus, we suggest that youth offenders must be assessed using measures of physical and emotional abuse, and their case management should integrate specific programs to focus on the family environment to which the adolescents will most likely return after their sentence.
Market reactions to the reports of a star resource analyst
Authors: Brown Philip , Feigin Alexey , Ferguson Andrew
Published: February 2013

Keith Goode has for many years been one of Australia’s highest profile mining analysts. He is unique among them, being a commissioned analyst. Goode’s clients—mostly small cap mining companies with limited analyst coverage—pay for a report, which he publishes electronically, but only if his report is positive. Using reports published over eight years from September 2001, we estimate his clients typically benefit by about AUD$14m, or almost 10% of the company’s share market value, with much of the benefit coming almost immediately after the report’s release. Market liquidity surges in the first hour of trading, with the value of trades, flow of buy orders relative to sells, and level of overall activity all increasing significantly. To demonstrate significance, we develop ‘fractile analysis’, a robust, relatively powerful and quite general method for detecting abnormal market activity. Our study is relevant to day traders, analysts and other information intermediaries. The methodological refinement should also interest students of ‘abnormal’ market behaviour.
Nummular headache: Peripheral or central? One case with reappearance of nummular headache after focal scalp was removed, and literature review
Authors: Dai Wei , Yu Shengyuan , Liang Jingyao , Zhang Mingjie
Published: February 2013

Background

Nummular headache, or coin-shaped cephalagia, is defined as a mild to moderate, pressure-like pain that is felt exclusively in a circumscribed area. More than 200 cases of nummular headache have been reported since it was defined in 2002, but the pathogenesis remains unclear.

Methods

A patient with nummular headache who had the symptomatic area of his scalp removed but suffered headache reappearance was reported. All published cases of nummular headache in the English literature were reviewed and analyzed for demographic and clinical features, image and laboratory findings, and response to treatment.

Results

The patient with nummular headache had the symptomatic area of the scalp removed but suffered reappearance of headache in another area that overlapped with the former one. The literature review showed that nummular headache was a chronic, mild to severe, pressure-like pain with a circular or elliptical shape of 1–10 cm in diameter. The parietal region was the most affected region. Exacerbations and sensory disturbances in the affected area were reported in 43% and 56% of cases, respectively. Observational data suggested botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) and gabapentin may be beneficial.

Discussion

Our case and evidence from the literature review support the peripheral mechanism of nummular headache. Nummular headache might be a local pain disorder stemming from terminal branches of a sensory nerve and could induce peripheral sensitization in one or several primary sensory neurons.
Injury Profile in Elite Female Basketball Athletes at the Women’s National Basketball Association Combine
Authors: McCarthy Moira M. , Voos James E. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Callahan Lisa , Hannafin Jo A.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injuries are common in female athletes participating in cutting and pivoting sports such as basketball. The epidemiological characteristics of injury in athletes seen at the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) combine and the effect of ACL reconstruction and meniscus surgery on longevity in the WNBA are unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate the details and spectrum of injuries in athletes entering the WNBA combine and to assess the potential effect of specific injuries on the round drafted into the WNBA and career length.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Demographic data and the documented collegiate injury profile were reviewed from the WNBA database for all players entering the WNBA combine in 2000-2008. The study included injury data on 506 athletes. Complete demographic data were available for 496 players.

Results:

Of the athletes taking part in the combine, 45.2% were guards, 33.7% were forwards, and 21.1% were centers. Ankle sprain (47.8% of players), hand injury (20.8%), patellar tendinitis (17.0%), ACL injury (15.0%), meniscus injury (10.5%), stress fracture (7.3%), and concussion (7.1%) were the most common injuries reported. Seventy-three athletes (14.4%) reported ACL reconstruction before entering the WNBA combine, and meniscus surgery was the next most common surgery (n = 50 players; 9.9%). There were no differences in ACL or meniscus surgery when analyzed by player position or round drafted. History of ACL or meniscus surgery did not affect career length in the WNBA. Excluding ACL and meniscus surgery, other reported surgical procedures were knee arthroscopic surgery (11.7%), ankle reconstruction (2.6%), and shoulder stabilization (2.0%).

Conclusion:

The ankle is the most common site of injury and ACL reconstruction is the most common surgery in elite female athletes participating in the WNBA combine. A history of injury or surgery did not affect the round drafted or career length.
Caught between the global economy and local bureaucracy: the barriers to good waste management practice in South Africa
Authors: Godfrey Linda , Scott Dianne , Trois Cristina
Published: February 2013

Empirical research shows that good waste management practice in South Africa is not always under the volitional control of those tasked with its implementation. While intention to act may exist, external factors, within the distal and proximal context, create barriers to waste behaviour. In addition, these barriers differ for respondents in municipalities, private industry and private waste companies. The main barriers to implementing good waste management practice experienced by respondents in municipalities included insufficient funding for waste management and resultant lack of resources; insufficient waste knowledge; political interference in decision-making; a slow decision-making process; lack of perceived authority to act by waste staff; and a low priority afforded to waste. Barriers experienced by respondents in private industry included insufficient funding for waste and the resultant lack of resources; insufficient waste knowledge; and government bureaucracy. Whereas, barriers experienced in private waste companies included increasing costs; government bureaucracy; global markets; and availability of waste for recycling. The results suggest that respondents in public and private waste organizations are subject to different structural forces that shape, enable and constrain waste behaviour.
The therapeutic applications of celery oil seed extract on the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate toxicity
Authors: El-Shinnawy Nashwa A
Published: February 2013

The present study investigated the impact of two doses, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg, of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and studied the possible therapeutic dose of celery oil seed extract for 6 weeks on some atheroscelerogenic, obesogenic, antioxidant and liver functions in rats. Both doses of DEHP caused over-expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor alpha (PPARα) messenger RNA with significant increase in liver weights, relative liver weights, serum cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein Chol, liver total lipids, along with an increase in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, serum endothelin 1 and liver tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Additionally, DEHP administration to rats resulted in significant decrease in final body weights, serum total protein, albumin, liver total protein and serum total nitric oxide. Our study confirmed the role of oral combination of Apium graveolens (celery) oil seed extract at small cumulative doses (50 µl/kg for 6 weeks) with DEHP in ameliorating the toxicological effects of DEHP, which was revealed in reducing the expression of PPARα, lipid profile, with restoring liver functions, vascular oxidative stress and inhibition of TBARS activity.
Teacher Training Matters
Authors: Morningstar Mary E. , Benitez Debra T.
Published: February 2013

This study examined critical features of secondary special educator’s experiences with transition professional development to predict variables most likely to influence performance of transition planning and services. Results included the extent to which secondary special educators are prepared to perform transition practices, the relationship between preparation and the frequency of performance, and specific variables predictive of higher levels of implementation. The results confirm that training matters if special educators are to implement transition interventions and services. Professionals with formal transition coursework and high rates of professional development were more likely to implement transition practices. Implications are offered for establishing specialized professional development originating from established course content sustained and supported with ongoing professional development.
Water-swellable thermoplastic vulcanizates based on ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer/chlorinated polyethylene/cross-linked sodium polyacrylate/nitrile butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Li Shuai , Lang Fengzheng , Du Fanglin , Wang Zhaobo
Published: February 2013

A novel water-swellable rubber (WSR) has been prepared by dynamically vulcanized ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends where the cross-linked poly(sodium acrylate) (CPNaAA) was used as a super water-absorbent resin and dispersed in the NBR rubber. The mechanical properties, water-swelling behavior, weight loss and crystallization behavior of the prepared WSRs were investigated systemically. When the CPNaAA content was 20 phr above, the increase in CPNaAA dosage contributed to the decrease in mechanical properties. However, the WSRs showed strong water-swelling behaviors and the water-swelling ratio of WSRs with 50 phr CPNaAA was 669.3% at 120 h. The WSRs with 60 phr CPNaAA showed high water-swelling rate and achieved the equilibrium swelling at about 566.3% in 23 h. The secondary and third water-swelling behaviors of WSRs showed significantly rapid equilibrium swelling and remarkable decrease in weight loss. X-ray diffraction results revealed the increase in CPNaAA content would result in the reduction of crystalline structure content in EVA. Morphological study of etched surface showed that the CPNaAA particles were dispersed evenly in the WSRs and coated with cross-linked NBR rubber; moreover, field-emission scanning electron microscopic graphs showed the crystalline structure of EVA and clusters of flakes were dispersed on the etched surface of WSRs.
Weft directional stick–slip force of yarn pullout in para-aramid fabric for ballistics
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Yildirim Bekir
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to understand the stick–slip (Sk-Sp) properties of para-aramid woven fabrics. For this reason, pullout test was conducted on para-aramid Twaron CT® 716 (CT716) and Twaron CT® 716 (CT714) woven fabrics. The Sk-Sp region and accumulative retraction force region were defined based on the single- or multiple-yarn pullout force–displacement curve. It was found that Sk-Sp force and accumulative retraction force depend on the fabric density and the number of pulled ends in the fabric. Sk-Sp force in the multiple-yarn pullout test was higher than that of the single-yarn pullout test. Sk-Sp force in single- and multiple-yarn pullout tests in the dense CT716 fabric was higher than that of the loose CT714 fabric. In addition, long fabric samples showed high Sk-Sp force compared to that of the short fabric samples. On the other hand, the amount of Sk-Sp force was related to the number of interlacement points in the fabric, whereas the amount of accumulative retraction force was related to fabric structural response.