bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a Global Understanding of Students Who Participate in Rural Primary Care Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships: Considering Personality Across 2 Continents
Authors: Eley Diann S. , Brooks Kathleen D. , Zink Therese , Cloninger C. Robert
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Medical schools worldwide have developed rural primary care immersive experiences to nurture students’ interest in future rural careers and address workforce shortages. Few studies have looked at the students who participate in these programs. This study explores personality traits in US and Australian students who undertake rural‐focused medical training.

Methods

A cross‐sectional cohort design used the Temperament and Character Inventory to identify levels of the 7 basic dimensions of personality. Data were collected in successive cohorts over 2007‐2011. Multivariate analysis compared trait levels between groups and by demographic variables.

Findings

The majority of the 302 students (US‐167; Australia‐135) were female, aged 20‐29 years and single. A greater proportion of US students reported being partnered, living longest in a small rural/remote community and having a rural background. Significant differences between groups were detected in several traits but effect sizes were small. The personality pattern of the combined sample indicates students with a mature and stable personality high in Self‐Directedness, Persistence, and Cooperativeness. Rural background and marital status enhanced this pattern.

Conclusions

Despite coming from different educational and societal backgrounds, similar personality patterns are evident in US and Australian students who pursue rural medical education. Data provide support for a pattern of traits associated with a rural background and its predictive influence on interest in rural practice. Considering the international expansion of rural longitudinal integrated clerkships, understanding student attributes may assist in identifying strategies to enhance the rural workforce that are relevant across cultures and continents.
Determinants of Adolescent Suicidal Ideation: Rural Versus Urban
Authors: Murphy Sean M.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The existing literature on disparities between rural and urban adolescents as they pertain to suicidal behavior is limited; identifying these distinctions could be pivotal in the decision of how to efficiently allocate scarce resources to reduce youth suicide rates. This study aimed to identify dissimilarities in predictors of suicidal ideation across the rural/urban threshold, as ideation is one of the most important predictors of suicide. Given that substance abuse is generally considered one of the strongest risk factors for suicidal behavior, a secondary aim was the isolation of the differences in usage of particular substances between rural and urban adolescents, and their effects on the likelihood of suicidal ideation, which is something that previous studies have had difficulty addressing.

Methods

A global test determined that individual predictors of suicidal ideation differed across rural and urban adolescents, and simply including a rural/urban indicator in a multiple regression would result in biased estimates. Therefore, this paper assessed rural/urban differences among a comprehensive list of traditionally perceived risk and protective factors via bivariate analyses and separate multiple full‐information‐maximum‐likelihood regressions, which account for missing data.

Findings

Somewhat contrary to the extant literature, the findings indicate important differences among predictors of suicidal ideation for rural and urban youths.

Conclusions

These differences should be taken into consideration when developing plans to combat adolescent suicide. The results further indicate that analyzing potential predictors of suicidal ideation for rural and urban adolescents via bivariate analyses alone, or a rural/urban indicator in a multiple regression, is not sufficient.
Criticizing the Critic: Comments on Jahoda's (2012) Critique of Discursive Social Psychology
Authors: Anderson Tony , Wiggins Sally
Published: July 2013

Jahoda (2012) criticizes discursive social psychology (DSP) on several different grounds; specifically, he argues that DSP has opaque methodological procedures, is of questionable scientific merit, involves over‐interpretation of its data, and implicitly claims its findings to be universal rather than contextually specific. We challenge these criticisms by arguing that observational studies of the kind typical within DSP research have a perfectly valid place within a scientific social psychology, that the interpretations made by DSP researchers should be seen in the context of a temporally extended research process in which they are subject to criticism and potential replication, and that Jahoda is himself guilty of over‐interpretation by inferring claims of universality when such an inference is not warranted by the data (i.e. the qualitative content of the sample of research papers considered by Jahoda).
VSL#3® probiotic therapy does not reduce portal pressures in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Jayakumar Saumya , Carbonneau Michelle , Hotte Naomi , Befus A. Dean , St. Laurent Chris , Owen Richard , McCarthy Mairin , Madsen Karen , Bailey Robert J. , Ma Mang , Bain Vince , Rioux Kevin , Tandon Puneeta
Published: July 2013

Background & Aims

In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, bacterial translocation can contribute to splanchnic vasodilatation, decreased effective circulating volume, and portal hypertension. The primary objective of this randomized, double blind placebo controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic VSL#3® on the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG).

Methods

Seventeen patients with decompensated cirrhosis and an HVPG of ≥10 mmHg were randomized to receive 2 months of VSL#3® or an identical placebo. HVPG, endotoxin, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, renin, aldosterone, nitric oxide and stool microbiota were measured at baseline and study end.

Results

Two of the 17 patients were taken off the trial before completion (one for alcohol abuse and the second for SBP – both in placebo arm). Data were analysed on the remaining 15 patients. The median model for end‐stage liver disease score was 12, and 80% of patients had Child Pugh B disease. The treatment arm had a greater decrease in HVPG from baseline to study end than the placebo arm (median change from baseline −11.6% vs +2.8%), although this reduction was not statistically significant in either group. There was a significant reduction in the plasma aldosterone level in the VSL#3® group, but no significant changes in the other measured parameters, including the stool microflora analysis.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of our sample size, VSL#3® therapy does not appear to have a significant impact on portal pressure reduction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Inference on Structural Breaks using Information Criteria
Authors: Hall Alastair R. , Osborn Denise R. , Sakkas Nikolaos
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the usefulness of information criteria for inference on the number of structural breaks in a standard linear regression model. In particular, we propose a modified penalty function for such criteria, which implies each break is equivalent to estimation of three individual regression coefficients. AMonteCarlo analysis compares information criteria to sequential testing, with the modified Bayesian and Hannan–Quinn criteria performing well overall, for data‐generating processes both without and with breaks. The methods are also used to examine changes inEuro area monetary policy between 1971 and 2007.
Cheaters sometimes prosper: targeted worker reproduction in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies during swarming
Authors: Holmes Michael J. , Oldroyd Benjamin P. , Duncan Michael , Allsopp Michael H. , Beekman Madeleine
Published: July 2013

Kin selection theory predicts that honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers should largely refrain from producing their own offspring, as the workers collectively have higher inclusive fitness if they rear the sons of their mother, the queen. Studies that have quantified levels of ovary activation and reproduction among workers have largely supported this prediction. We sampled pre‐emergent male pupae and adult workers from seven colonies at regular intervals throughout the reproductive part of the season. We show that the overall contribution of workers to male (drone) production is 4.2%, nearly 40 times higher than is generally reported, and is highest during reproductive swarming, when an average of 6.2% of the males genotyped are worker‐produced. Similarly, workers in our samples were 100 times more likely to have active ovaries than previously assumed. Worker reproduction is seasonally influenced and peaks when colonies are rearing new queens. Not all worker subfamilies contribute equally to reproduction. Instead, certain subfamilies are massively over‐represented in drone brood. By laying eggs within the period in which many colonies produce virgin queens, these rare worker subfamilies increase their direct fitness via their well‐timed sons.
Alternative splicing alterations of Ca2+ handling genes are associated with Ca2+ signal dysregulation in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) myotubes
Authors: Santoro Massimo , Piacentini Roberto , Masciullo Marcella , Bianchi Maria Laura Ester , Modoni Anna , Podda Maria Vittoria , Ricci Enzo , Silvestri Gabriella , Grassi Claudio
Published: July 2013

Aims

The pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) has been related to the aberrant splicing of several genes, including those encoding for ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), sarcoplasmatic/endoplasmatic Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) and α1S subunit of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (Cav1.1). The aim of this study is to determine whether alterations of these genes are associated with changes in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and signalling.

Methods

We analysed the expression of RYR1, SERCA and Cav1.1 and the intracellular Ca2+ handling in cultured myotubes isolated from DM1, DM2 and control muscle biopsies by semiquantitative RT‐PCR and confocal Ca2+ imaging respectively.

Results

(i) The alternative splicing of RYR1, SERCA and Cav1.1 was more severely affected in DM1 than in DM2 myotubes; (ii) DM1 myotubes exhibited higher resting intracellular Ca2+ levels than DM2; (iii) the amplitude of intracellular Ca2+ transients induced by sustained membrane depolarization was higher in DM1 myotubes than in controls, whereas DM2 showed opposite behaviour; and (iv) in both DM myotubes, Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum through RYR1 was lower than in controls.

Conclusion

The aberrant splicing of RYR1, SERCA1 and Cav1.1 may alter intracellular Ca2+ signalling in DM1 and DM2 myotubes. The differing dysregulation of intracellular Ca2+ handling in DM1 and DM2 may explain their distinct sarcolemmal hyperexcitabilities.
Fasciculation and elongation protein zeta‐1 (FEZ1) expression in reactive astrocytes in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sun Y.‐Y. , Zhang Y. , Sun X.‐P. , Liu T.‐Y. , Liu Z.‐H. , Chen G. , Xia C.‐L.
Published: July 2013

Aims

Fasciculation and elongation protein zeta‐1 (FEZ1) is a critical regulator of dopaminergic neurone differentiation and dopamine release. However, to date, few studies evaluating the expression patterns of FEZ1 in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and cellular localization of FEZ1 in a rat model of PD and to explore the role of FEZ1 in PD pathogenesis.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: a PD group and a sham group. A model of PD was established by injecting 6‐Hydroxydopamine Hydrobromide (6‐OHDA) into the right medial forebrain bundle of rats. Sham‐lesioned rats were infused with equivalent amounts of saline and served as controls. The expression levels of FEZ1 mRNA and protein in striatum and substantia nigra were examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by Western blot analysis respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the cellular localization of FEZ1 in sham‐lesioned and PD rats.

Results

Western blot and real‐time PCR analyses demonstrated that FEZ1 was present in normal rat brain striatum and substantia nigra. After the 6‐OHDA injection, FEZ1 expression gradually increased, peaked and then decreased. Immunohistochemical detection showed a shift of FEZ1 expression from tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurones in sham‐lesioned rats to astrocytes in PD rats.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that FEZ1 plays a role in the astrocytic protection of dopamine neurones and in the regulation of the neuronal microenvironment during the progression of PD.
The Emotion Deception Model: A Review of Deception in Negotiation and the Role of Emotion in Deception
Authors: Gaspar Joseph P. , Schweitzer Maurice E.
Published: July 2013

Deception is pervasive in negotiations. Negotiations are characterized by information asymmetries, and negotiators often have both opportunities and incentives to mislead their counterparts. Effective negotiators need to contend with the risk of being deceived, effectively respond when they identify deception, and manage the temptation to use deception themselves. In our review of deception research, we integrate emotion research. Emotions are both an antecedent and a consequence of deception, and we introduce theemotion deception model(EDM) to represent these relationships. Our model broadens our understanding of deception in negotiations and accounts for the important role of emotions in the deception decision process.
Network analysis reveals the relationship among wood properties, gene expression levels and genotypes of natural Populus trichocarpa accessions
Authors: Porth Ilga , Klápště Jaroslav , Skyba Oleksandr , Friedmann Michael C. , Hannemann Jan , Ehlting Juergen , El‐Kassaby Yousry A. , Mansfield Shawn D. , Douglas Carl J.
Published: July 2013

High‐throughput approaches have been widely applied to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of industrially important wood properties. Wood traits are polygenic in nature, but gene hierarchies can be assessed to identify the most important gene variants controlling specific traits within complex networks defining the overall wood phenotype. We tested a large set of genetic, genomic, and phenotypic information in an integrative approach to predict wood properties in Populus trichocarpa.

Nine‐yr‐old natural P. trichocarpa trees including accessions with high contrasts in six traits related to wood chemistry and ultrastructure were profiled for gene expression on 49k Nimblegen (Roche NimbleGen Inc., Madison, WI, USA) array elements and for 28 831 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Pre‐selected transcripts and SNPs with high statistical dependence on phenotypic traits were used in Bayesian network learning procedures with a stepwise K2 algorithm to infer phenotype‐centric networks.

Transcripts were pre‐selected at a much lower logarithm of Bayes factor (logBF) threshold than SNPs and were not accommodated in the networks. Using persistent variables, we constructed cross‐validated networks for variability in wood attributes, which contained four to six variables with 94–100% predictive accuracy.

Accommodated gene variants revealed the hierarchy in the genetic architecture that underpins substantial phenotypic variability, and represent new tools to support the maximization of response to selection.
Beneath it all: bedrock geology of the Catskill Mountains and implications of its weathering
Authors: Ver Straeten Charles A.
Published: July 2013

The Devonian‐age bedrock of the Catskill Mountains has been the focus of many studies. This paper reviews the character and composition of the rocks of the Catskills, and examines weathering (rock decay) processes and their implications in the Catskills. Rocks of the Catskills and closest foothills consist of siliciclastic rocks (sandstones, mudrocks, conglomerates) with minimal, locally dispersed carbonate rocks. The former are dominated by quartz, metamorphic and sedimentary rock fragments, and clay minerals. Other minor sediment components include cements, authigenic and heavy minerals, and fossil organic matter. Physical, chemical, and biological weathering of the Catskill bedrock since uplift of the Appalachian region, combined with glaciation, have dissected a plateau of nearly horizontally layered rocks into a series of ridges, valleys, and peaks. The varied weathering processes, in conjunction with many factors (natural and anthropogenic), fragment the rocks, forming sediment and releasing various elements and compounds. These may have positive, neutral, or negative implications for the region's soils, waters, ecology, and human usage. A new generation of studies and analyses of the Catskill bedrock is needed to help answer a broad set of questions and problems across various fields of interest.
Erythritol alters microstructure and metabolomic profiles of biofilm composed of Streptococcus gordonii and Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Hashino E. , Kuboniwa M. , Alghamdi S.A. , Yamaguchi M. , Yamamoto R. , Cho H. , Amano A.
Published: July 2013

The effects of sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol on periodontopathic biofilm are poorly understood, though they have often been reported to be non‐cariogenic sweeteners. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of sugar alcohols for inhibiting periodontopathic biofilm formation using a heterotypic biofilm model composed of an oral inhabitant Streptococcus gordonii and a periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Confocal microscopic observations showed that the most effective reagent to reduce P. gingivalis accumulation onto an S. gordonii substratum was erythritol, as compared with xylitol and sorbitol. In addition, erythritol moderately suppressed S. gordonii monotypic biofilm formation. To examine the inhibitory effects of erythritol, we analyzed the metabolomic profiles of erythritol‐treated P. gingivalis and S. gordonii cells. Metabolome analyses using capillary electrophoresis time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry revealed that a number of nucleic intermediates and constituents of the extracellular matrix, such as nucleotide sugars, were decreased by erythritol in a dose‐dependent manner. Next, comparative analyses of metabolites of erythritol‐ and sorbitol‐treated cells were performed using both organisms to determine the erythritol‐specific effects. In P. gingivalis, all detected dipeptides, including Glu‐Glu, Ser‐Glu, Tyr‐Glu, Ala‐Ala and Thr‐Asp, were significantly decreased by erythritol, whereas they tended to be increased by sorbitol. Meanwhile, sorbitol promoted trehalose 6‐phosphate accumulation in S. gordonii cells. These results suggest that erythritol has inhibitory effects on dual species biofilm development via several pathways, including suppression of growth resulting from DNA and RNA depletion, attenuated extracellular matrix production, and alterations of dipeptide acquisition and amino acid metabolism.
Effects of aerobic conditioning on cardiovascular sympathetic response to and recovery from challenge
Authors: Lindgren M. , Alex C. , Shapiro P. A. , McKinley P. S. , Brondolo E. N. , Myers M. M. , Choi C. J. , Lopez‐Pintado S. , Sloan R. P.
Published: July 2013

Exercise has widely documented cardioprotective effects, but the mechanisms behind these effects are still poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that aerobic training lowers cardiovascular sympathetic responses to and speeds recovery from challenge. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial contrasting aerobic versus strength training on indices of cardiac (pre‐ejection period, PEP) and vascular (low‐frequency blood pressure variability, LF‐BPV) sympathetic responses to and recovery from psychological and orthostatic challenge in 149 young, healthy, sedentary adults. Aerobic and strength training did not alter PEP or LF‐BPV reactivity to or recovery from challenge. These findings, from a large randomized, controlled trial using an intent‐to‐treat design, show that moderate aerobic exercise training has no effect on PEP and LF‐BPV reactivity to or recovery from psychological or orthostatic challenge. In healthy young adults, the cardioprotective effects of exercise training are unlikely to be mediated by changes in sympathetic activity.
Racial identity and autonomic responses to racial discrimination
Authors: Neblett Enrique W. , Roberts Steven O.
Published: July 2013

Several studies identify racial identity—the significance and meaning that individuals attribute to race—as a mitigating factor in the association between racial discrimination and adjustment. In this study, we employed a visual imagery paradigm to examine whether racial identity would moderate autonomic responses to blatant and subtle racial discrimination analogues withBlack andWhite perpetrators. We recruited 105AfricanAmerican young adults from a public, southeastern university in theUnitedStates. The personal significance of race as well as personal feelings aboutAfricanAmericans and feelings about how others viewAfricanAmericans moderated autonomic responses to the vignettes. We use polyvagal theory and a stress, appraisal, and coping framework to interpret our results with an eye toward elucidating the ways in which racial identity may inform individual differences in physiological responses to racial discrimination.
The component structure of ERP subsequent memory effects in the Von Restorff paradigm and the word frequency effect in recall
Authors: Kamp Siri‐Maria , Brumback Ty , Donchin Emanuel
Published: July 2013

We examined the degree to which ERP components elicited by items that are isolated from their context, either by their font size (“size isolates”) or by their frequency of usage, are correlated with subsequent immediate recall. Study lists contained (a) 15 words including a size isolate, (b) 14 high frequency (HF) words with one low frequency word (“LF isolate”), or (c) 14 LF words with one HF word. We used spatiotemporal PCA to quantify ERP components. We replicated previously reported P300 subsequent memory effects for size isolates and found additional correlations with recall in the novelty P3, a right lateralized positivity, and a left lateralized slow wave that was distinct from the slow wave correlated with recall for nonisolates. LF isolates also showed evidence of a P300 subsequent memory effect and also elicited the left lateralized subsequent memory effect, supporting a role of distinctiveness in word frequency effects in recall.
How does cognitive reappraisal affect the response to gains and losses?
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Gu Ruolei , Tang Ping , Luo Yue‐Jia
Published: July 2013

To investigate the influence of cognitive reappraisal, one important kind of emotion regulation strategy, on psychological and electrophysiological responses to gains and losses, a monetary gambling task was performed in two conditions, that is, spontaneity and regulation. Event‐related potentials (ERP) and self‐rating emotional experiences to outcome feedback were recorded during the task. Cognitive reappraisal reduced self‐rating emotional experience to both gains and losses and the amplitudes of the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) and theP3 ofERPs. According to these results, we suggest that the application of cognitive reappraisal strategy significantly modulated the motivational salience of current outcomes, thus weakening the subjective emotional experience elicited. In addition, cognitive reappraisal might have changed the allocation of cognitive resources during outcome evaluation. This study extends emotion regulation studies by applying monetary outcomes as emotional stimuli, and also implicates the significance of emotion regulation in decision‐making processes.
Waveform difference between skin conductance and skin potential responses in relation to electrical and evaporative properties of skin
Authors: Tronstad Christian , Kalvøy Håvard , Grimnes Sverre , Martinsen Ørjan G.
Published: July 2013

The shapes of skin conductance (SC) and skin potential (SP) responses are often similar, but can also be very different due to an unexplained cause. Using a new method to measure SC and SP simultaneously at the same electrode, this difference was investigated in a new way by comparing their temporal peak differences. SC, SP, skin susceptance (SS), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were recorded from 40 participants during relaxation and stress. The SP response could peak anywhere between the onset of an SC response to some time after the peak of an SC response. This peak time difference was associated with the magnitude of the SCR, the hydration of the skin, and the filling of the sweat ducts. Interpretation of the results in light of existing biophysical theories suggests that this peak difference may indicate the hydraulic capacity state of the sweat ducts at the time of a response.
An event‐related potential study of predictive and integrative semantic context processing in subjects with schizotypal traits
Authors: de Loye Claire , Beaucousin Virginie , Bohec Anne‐Lise , Blanchet Alain , Kostova Milena
Published: July 2013

Context processing abnormalities may explain thought disorder in schizophrenia/schizotypy. This study aimed to assess predictive and integrative context processing in subjects with high or low scores on the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The N400 amplitude was recorded during semantic judgment of sentence pairs ending with a lateralized expected or unexpected word from the same or a different category (related and unrelated violation). In both groups, the N400 amplitude was less negative for expected words versus unrelated violations, regardless of which hemisphere received the stimulus, and for related versus unrelated violations, but only for left‐hemisphere stimuli. The N400 amplitude for unrelated violations was less negative in subjects with high SPQ scores for both hemispheres. These results indicate that subjects with schizotypal traits use context to predict or integrate congruent words, but fail to inhibit incongruent words.
Comparison of performance status with peak oxygen consumption in operable patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Roman Michael A. , Koelwyn Graeme J. , Eves Neil D. , Hornsby Whitney E. , Watson Dorothy , Herndon II James E. , Kohman Leslie , Loewen Gregory , Jones Lee W.
Published: July 2013

Background and objective

In this era of increasing options for treatment of ‘surgical’ lung cancer patients, preoperative physiologic assessment of accurate patient selection is becoming more important. The variability in an objective measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak)) across performance in operable non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients enrolled in the Cancer and Leukemia Group B trial was compared.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, 392 NSCLC patients underwent an incremental cardiopulmonary cycling exercise test to symptom limitation with expired gas analysis to determine VO2peak. Performance status (PS) was assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) tool.

Results

There was a significant decrease in VO2peak across increasing ECOG categories (P < 0.0001). However, there was a large range in VO2peak for any given ECOG category with overlap between categories (ECOG 0: 5.0–31.5 mL/kg/min; ECOG 1: 4.3–24.8 mL/kg/min; ECOG 2: 8.9–21.9 mL/kg/min; ECOG 3; 3.3–11.7 mL/kg/min).

Conclusions

PS scoring systems do not provide a sensitive measure of functional status. Objective measures such as VO2peak may be a useful in the clinical management of oncology patients.
Racial Disparity Under Sentencing Guidelines: A Survey of Recent Research and Emerging Perspectives
Authors: Johnson Brian D. , Lee Jacqueline G.
Published: July 2013

Recent concerns over racial disparities in sentencing have led to dramatic reform in criminal sentencing, including the widespread promulgation of sentencing guidelines that are designed to constrain judicial discretion and create greater fairness, transparency, and equality in punishment. Although there is broad consensus that guidelines have increased uniformity in sentencing, contemporary research continues to identify important racial and ethnic disparities in criminal punishment. This essay reviews recent empirical research on racial and ethnic disparities under guidelines, highlighting recent advancements in the field and identifying important directions for future research.
Crime, Politics, and Punishment: Criminological Research for Political Sociologists
Authors: Stucky Thomas D.
Published: July 2013

As a sociologist studying the intersection of crime, punishment, and politics, it is often surprising to me how many aspects of political sociology and the study of crime and punishment overlap, and yet, there is often limited cross‐fertilization of the two fields. For the sake of brevity in this discussion, I refer to those who study crime, deviance, law, criminal justice, and punishment as criminologists. My goal is to provide an extremely brief “primer” on criminology for political sociologists, in the hopes that a short reading of some issues and research in criminology may stimulate additional theorizing and research, as has so often happened when I have read political sociological work. To do this, I begin with a brief discussion of overlaps in political sociological and criminological perspectives. Following this, I highlight some examples of criminological research which incorporates politics, and would likely interest political sociologists, Then, I highlight a hot button issue in criminology – sex offenses – and suggest some ways that political sociologists could examine recent legislation on sex offenders and conclude with brief discussions of a few additional areas of overlap for the two disciplines.
Nonviolent Civil Resistance and Social Movements
Authors: Nepstad Sharon Erickson
Published: July 2013

Research on non‐violent civil resistance has burgeoned in recent years. This field has much in common with the study of social movements, and yet there has been little cross‐fertilization between these literatures. In this article, I review the historical development of non‐violence studies from its Gandhian roots, through an emphasis on strategic non‐violence, to current empirical research that has generated new insights into the strategic interactions between non‐violent movements and their opponents, the effects of repression, the factors shaping movement outcomes, and cross‐national tactical diffusion. I summarize key findings and implications for the field of social movements. I conclude by charting out new areas of inquiry that future researchers ought to explore.
Babesia: impact of cold storage on the survival and the viability of parasites in blood bags
Authors: Cursino‐Santos Jeny R. , Alhassan Andy , Singh Manpreet , Lobo Cheryl A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Babesia represents one of the major infectious threats to the blood supply since clinically silent infections in humans are common and these can be life‐threatening in certain recipients. It is important to understand the effect of blood storage conditions on the viability of Babesia as this will impact the occurrence and severity of transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis.

Study Design and Methods

Babesia divergens was introduced into blood bags containing leukoreduced red blood cells (RBCs) and stored at 4°C for 0 to 31 days. Samples were withdrawn for assessment of the presence, morphology, and viability of parasites. Blood smears were made immediately on removal from blood bags at different time intervals and evaluated by blood film microscopy. RBCs withdrawn from the bags were also cultured for 8 days using conditions optimal for parasite reproduction and growth to allow assessment of parasite viability.

Results

After 24 hours of storage at 4°C, there was a substantial reduction of parasitemia in the blood bags, which was maintained throughout storage. This decrease was accompanied by a change in morphology of parasites, with the number of altered parasites increasing through the period of storage. However, viability was maintained through 31 days of cold storage with a lag in achieving exponential growth seen in the parasites subjected to longer periods of refrigeration.

Conclusion

Refrigeration of B. divergens leads to an alteration of parasite morphology and a decrease in parasite numbers. However, there are sufficient parasites that are robust enough to survive 31 days of storage at 4°C and yield high end‐point parasitemia.
On Some Multipoint Methods Arrising from Optimal in the Sense of Kung-Traub Algorithms for Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Iliev Anton
Published: July 2013

In this paper we will examine self-accelerating in terms of convergence speed and the corresponding index of eciency in the sense of Ostrowski - Traub of certain standard and most commonly used in practice multipoint iterative methods using several initial approximations for numerical solution of nonlinear equations due to optimal in the sense of the Kung-Traub algorithm of order 4, 8 and 16. Some hypothetical iterative procedures generated by algorithms from order of convergence 32 and 64 are also studied (the receipt and publication of which is a matter of time, having in mind the increased interest in such optimal algorithms). The corresponding model theorems for their convergence speed and eciency index have been formulated and proved.
Blood Flow in Capillaries of the Human Lung
Authors: Haber Shimon , Clark Alys , Tawhai Merryn
Published: July 2013

A novel model for the blood system is postulated focusing on the flow rate and pressure distribution inside the arterioles and venules of the pulmonary acinus. Based upon physiological data it is devoid of any ad hoc constants. The model comprises nine generations of arterioles, venules, and capillaries in the acinus, the gas exchange unit of the lung. Blood is assumed incompressible and Newtonian and the blood vessels are assumed inextensible. Unlike previous models of the blood system, the venules and arterioles open up to the capillary network in numerous locations along each generation. The large number of interconnected capillaries is perceived as a porous medium in which the flow is macroscopically unidirectional from arterioles to venules openings. In addition, the large number of capillaries extending from each arteriole and venule allows introduction of a continuum theory and formulation of a novel system of ordinary, nonlinear differential equations which governs the blood flow and pressure fields along the arterioles, venules, and capillaries. The solution of the differential equations is semianalytical and requires the inversion of three diagonal, 9 × 9 matrices only. The results for the total flow rate of blood through the acinus are within the ballpark of physiological observations despite the simplifying assumptions used in our model. The results also manifest that the contribution of the nonlinear convection term of the Navier-Stokes equations has little effect (less than 2%) on the total blood flow entering/leaving the acinus despite the fact that the Reynolds number is not much smaller than unity at the proximal generations. The model makes it possible to examine some pathological cases. Here, centri-acinar and distal emphysema were investigated yielding a reduction in inlet blood flow rate.
Novel Method to Evaluate Angular Stiffness of Prosthetic Feet From Linear Compression Tests
Authors: Adamczyk Peter G , Roland Michelle , Hahn Michael E.
Published: July 2013

Lower limb amputee gait during stance phase is related to the angular stiffness of the prosthetic foot, which describes the dependence of ankle torque on angular progression of the shank. However, there is little data on angular stiffness of prosthetic feet, and no method to directly measure it has been described. The objective of this study was to derive and evaluate a method to estimate the angular stiffness of prosthetic feet using a simple linear compression test. Linear vertical compression tests were performed on nine configurations of an experimental multicomponent foot (with known component stiffness properties and geometry), which allowed for parametric adjustment of hindfoot and forefoot stiffness properties and geometries. Each configuration was loaded under displacement control at distinct pylon test angles. Angular stiffness was calculated as a function of the pylon angle, normal force, and center of pressure (COP) rate of change with respect to linear displacement. Population root mean square error (RMSE) between the measured and predicted angular stiffness values for each configuration of the multicomponent foot was calculated to be 4.1 N-m/deg, dominated by a bias of the estimated values above the predicted values of 3.8 ± 1.6 N-m/deg. The best-fit line to estimated values was approximately parallel to the prediction, with R2 = 0.95. This method should be accessible for a variety of laboratories to estimate angular stiffness of experimental and commercially available prosthetic feet with minimal equipment.
Minimal Preconditioning Effects Observed for Inflation Tests of Planar Tissues
Authors: Tonge Theresa K. , Murienne Barbara J. , Coudrillier Baptiste , Alexander Stephen , Rothkopf William , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of preconditioning on the deformation response of planar tissues measured by inflation tests. The inflation response of test specimens, including the bovine cornea, bovine and porcine sclera, and human skin, exhibited a negligible evolving deformation response when subjected to repeated pressure loading with recovery periods between cycles. Tissues obtained complete recovery to the reference state, and strain contours across the entire specimen were nearly identical at the maximum pressure of each load cycle. This repeatability was obtained regardless of strain history. These results suggest that negligible permanent change was induced in the microstructure by inflation testing. Additionally, we present data illustrating that a lack of a recovery period can result in an evolving deformation response to repeated loading that is commonly attributed to preconditioning. These results suggest that the commonly observed effects of preconditioning may be avoided by experimental design for planar tissues characterized by long collagen fibers arranged in the plane of the tissue. Specifically, if the test is designed to fully fix the specimen boundary during loading, adequate recovery periods are allowed after each load cycle, and loads are limited to avoid damage, preconditioning effects may be avoided for planar tissues.
Simulation of the Mechanical Response of Cells on Micropost Substrates
Authors: Ronan William , Pathak Amit , Deshpande Vikram S. , McMeeking Robert M. , McGarry J. Patrick
Published: July 2013

Experimental studies where cells are seeded on micropost arrays in order to quantify their contractile behavior are becoming increasingly common. Interpretation of the data generated by this experimental technique is difficult, due to the complexity of the processes underlying cellular contractility and mechanotransduction. In the current study, a coupled framework that considers strain rate dependent contractility and remodeling of the cytoskeleton is used in tandem with a thermodynamic model of tension dependent focal adhesion formation to investigate the biomechanical response of cells adhered to micropost arrays. Computational investigations of the following experimental studies are presented: cell behavior on different sized arrays with a range of post stiffness; stress fiber and focal adhesion formation in irregularly shaped cells; the response of cells to deformations applied locally to individual posts; and the response of cells to equibiaxial stretching of micropost arrays. The predicted stress fiber and focal adhesion distributions; in addition to the predicted post tractions are quantitatively and qualitatively supported by previously published experimental data. The computational models presented in this study thus provide a framework for the design and interpretation of experimental micropost studies.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis: varix or no varix?
Authors: Ferreira Alexandre Oliveira , Sousa Helena Tavares , Brito Jorge , Rosa Luis
Published: July 2013

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from variceal origin is a frequent complication in the cirrhotic population. Duodenal variceal haemorrhage, however, is infrequent and the endoscopic management of such lesions is not straightforward. Non-endoscopic options include vasoactive drugs, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), transvenous obliteration and surgery as rescue therapy. We present a patient with Child-Pugh A hepatitis C virus-cirrhosis with acute bleeding from a duodenal varix. It was managed with elastic band ligation but late rebleeding occurred after 6 weeks. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed active bleeding from the ligation eschar. Band ligation and sclerosis were attempted but unsuccessful. Terlipressin was started and the patient referred for TIPS. Surprisingly, angiography showed a normal hepatic vein pressure gradient; therefore, TIPS was not performed. Haemorrhage ceased with medical treatment alone. The patient remained stable and was discharged after 10 days, being currently under evaluation for hepatitis C therapy.
Rapidly progressive foot drop: an uncommon and underappreciated cause of Chiari I malformation and holocord syrinx
Authors: Panda Akhila Kumar , Kaur Manmeet
Published: July 2013

We describe a case of a 16-year-old boy presented with rapidly progressive right foot drop without any predisposing illness or antecedent events. Nerve conduction study was non-contributory and needle electromyography localised proximal lesion which prompted spine neuroimaging. MRI of whole spine and brain revealed Chiari I malformation along with holocord syringomyelia. The patient underwent suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy with duroplasty decompressing the foramen magnum. He responded to surgical intervention without further complications.
Perineal scar endometriosis: a comparison of two cases
Authors: Jain Deepti
Published: July 2013

Perineal scar endometriosis is a devastating illness with grave consequences. An early diagnosis is imperative as a delayed diagnosis results in extension of the disease process causing increasing damage to adjoining structures like the anal sphincter and rectum. A late recognition of the disease also prolongs the agony of the patient owing to its being a very painful condition. Two cases are presented of parous women in their early thirties who had episiotomy scars preceding the development of endometriosis. The cases were treated by a perineal incision and removal of suspicious structures. However, a recurrent endometrioma was formed in one case, which had to be excised again. In the other case, symptoms of recurrence had begun, which subsided after a dose of GnRh analogue (leuprolide acetate 3.75 mg). Both patients are on follow-up and are fine until now.
Anti-cholelithogenic effect of dietary tender cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) on the formation of cholesterol gallstones in mice
Authors: Raghavendra Chikkanna K. , Srinivasan Krihnapura
Published: July 2013

Providing a lithogenic diet that contains 0.5% cholesterol to experimental mice for 10 weeks resulted in cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile, which induced the formation of cholesterol gallstones. In this study, to evaluate the anti-cholelithogenic potential of dietary tender cluster bean, a freeze-dried powder of the test legume was included in the lithogenic diet at 5%, 10%, and 15%. Dietary cluster beans reduced the cholesterol gallstone incidence by 43%, 46%, and 58% at the respective doses. Dietary cluster beans markedly reduced biliary cholesterol and, hence, the cholesterol saturation index. This was corroborated by the beneficial modification of the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio and the cholesterol/bile acid ratio in the bile. Dietary cluster beans countered the alterations in serum and liver cholesterol and lipid profiles caused by the lithogenic diet. Thus, dietary tender cluster beans exerted an anti-cholelithogenic influence by decreasing cholesterol hypersecretion into bile and, hence, the cholesterol saturation index, decreasing the formation of lithogenic bile in experimental mice.
Seismic soil–structure interaction in buildings on stiff clay with embedded basement stories
Authors: Turan Alper , Hinchberger Sean D. , El Naggar M. Hesham
Published: July 2013

The increasingly popular performance-based design approach requires that soil–structure interaction (SSI) analysis become an integral part of the seismic evaluation. This is particularly important for structures with substantial embedment. The primary objectives of this study are twofold: (i) evaluate the SSI effects for buildings with a basement and (ii) evaluate the ability of two analytical methods to account for SSI effects in seismic design — an analytical solution for kinematic SSI and a nonlinear finite element model. Scaled model shaking table tests were performed on a model building with an embedded basement founded in a synthetic stiff clay deposit enclosed in a laminar soil container. The model structure used in this study comprised a simple single-degree-of-freedom structure with a modular box foundation designed to permit consideration of structures with different basement embedment depths. The experimental results showed that the ratio of effective period of the soil–structure system to that of the structure ([Formula: see text]) decreased for the long-period structure and increased for the short-period structure, with increasing embedment. The results confirm the ability of the analytical techniques to predict with reasonable accuracy the SSI effects for buildings with embedded parts.
International overview of roundabout design practices and insights for improvement of the Italian standard
Authors: Montella Alfonso , Turner Shane , Chiaradonna Salvatore , Aldridge Dave
Published: July 2013

Roundabouts are hastily spreading around the world, mainly because of their good safety performance, and several countries have recently updated their standards and guidelines. However, inconsistencies in design standards and practices are observed. In this paper, a critical review of the Australasian, EU, and US standards and guidelines is performed. As a result, key issues of the existing standards are identified, along with research areas to fill the knowledge gaps and recommendations for improvement in a case study, Italy. These recommendations are mainly based on the concepts of design flexibility and performance based design. Indeed, rigid standards, which do not really take into account safety and operational consequences of the design decisions and the need to balance opposing demands, might produce undesirable outcomes.