bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of Information and Communication Technology Enhanced Social Work Interventions
Authors: Chan Chitat , Holosko Michael J. 
Published: April 2015

Objectives: Information and communications technology (ICT) has impacted almost all human service disciplines and currently is evolving in social work. This study provides a systematic review of ICT-enhanced social work interventions, with particular reference to their intervention fidelity (IF), validity, and the role of ICT in the helping relationship process. Method: We assessed specific articles published in journals classified under the “Social Work” research area in the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI; N = 17). Results: All studies that met specific criteria indicated positive intervention outcomes, most of them were of “good” or “fair” quality in terms of their validity, and almost all of them upheld IF. However, there was room for improvement in the conceptualization component of the ICT intervention application. Conclusions: These ICT-enhanced intervention studies established a foundation to enable unique practice insights to advance social work practice knowledge. Additional practice and research in this area are necessary in order to further our understanding about ICT and their use in social work interventions. Implications are discussed and suggestions are provided.
An Assessment of Intervention Fidelity in Published Social Work Intervention Research Studies
Authors: Corley Nicole A. , Kim Irang 
Published: April 2015

Objectives: Intervention fidelity is a critical strategy to help advance the usefulness and integrity of social work research. This study assessed the extent to which a selected sample of published social work intervention researchers reported its intervention protocols. Methods: Six core social work journals were reviewed in this analysis. The authors reviewed every scholarly article within each journal published from 2009 through 2013 ( N = 1,380). A total of N = 32 (2.3%) published intervention research articles met the inclusion criteria. All N = 32 studies were evaluated using 11 criteria developed by the research team related to assessing the study’s treatment fidelity. Results: The finding suggests that although attention to treatment fidelity in social work research has increased, methodological inconsistencies still remain. Conclusion: Effective social work research of an intended intervention is largely dependent on the intervention’s fidelity. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.
Renal Protective Effects of a Diet and Exercise Intervention in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Liang Hua 
Published: April 2015

Purpose: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common diabetic microvascular complications. Inflammatory factors participate in each stage of DN, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) play important mediation roles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the renal protective effects of a diet and exercise intervention in a rat model of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method: Control rats (Group A, n = 10) were fed a normal diet, while 30 rats were fed a high-glucose, high-fat diet and given an intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin to establish the T2DM model. Model rats ( n = 8 per group) were randomized into Groups B, C, and D. Groups C and D were treated with glibenclamide, and Group D received an 8-week diet and exercise intervention. Blood, 12-hr urine, and kidney tissue samples were collected postintervention for detecting blood glucose and lipid levels, expression of MCP-1 and NF-κB, and renal function indices. Results: Postintervention, blood glucose, and lipid levels in Groups C and D were lower than those in Group B, with decreases in Group D significantly greater than in Group C. Every index of renal protection showed greater improvement in Group D than in Group C ( p < .05). The expression of NF-κB and MCP-1 was lower in Group D than in Group C ( p < .05). Conclusions: The diet and exercise intervention reduced the inflammatory reaction and delayed T2DM and DN progression by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and downregulating the expression of MCP-1.
Cigarette smoke condensate and individual constituents modulate DNA methyltransferase expression in human liver cells
Authors: Xiao Yongmei , Word Beverly , Lyn-Cook Lascelles , Lyn-Cook Beverly , Hammons George 
Published: April 2015

Objectives: Previous studies found higher expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 in liver samples from smokers compared to those from non-smokers. In contrast, expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 3a and DNA methyltransferase 3b were similar in smokers and non-smokers. This study extends these studies to establish a causal linkage to cigarette smoke exposure by examining whether DNA methyltransferase expression is modulated by cigarette smoke condensate. Methods: These experiments were conducted in an in vitro system using HepG2 human liver cells. The dose range of cigarette smoke condensate was 0.1–120 µg/mL. The duration of exposure was up to 72 h. Results: In a 24-h exposure, DNA methyltransferase 1 expression was found to increase significantly in a dose-dependent manner (greater than threefold at 100 µg/mL cigarette smoke condensate). Expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 3a and DNA methyltransferase 3b were, however, not affected under these conditions. The effect of two cigarette constituents, nicotine and cotinine, on DNA methyltransferase 1 expression was also examined. Nicotine exposure significantly increased DNA methyltransferase 1 expression in a dose-dependent manner (greater than twofold at 50 µM). However, under these conditions, cotinine did not increase DNA methyltransferase 1 expression. Conclusion: These results clearly provide additional support of the modulating effect of cigarette smoke on DNA methyltransferase 1 expression. Given the potential of alterations in DNA methyltransferase expression to affect cellular function, this pathway may play a critical role in cigarette smoke-induced toxicity.
Early Cocking Phase Mechanics and Upper Extremity Surgery Risk in Starting Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Douoguih Wiemi A. , Dolce Donald L. , Lincoln Andrew E. 
Published: April 2015

Background: Early cocking phase pitching mechanics may affect risk of upper extremity injury requiring surgery in professional baseball players. Purpose: To assess the occurrence of inverted-W arm positioning and early trunk rotation in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and to determine whether this throwing position is associated with upper extremity injury requiring surgery. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: For 250 MLB pitchers in the 2010 season, 15 to 20 pitches from the start and end of an outing were reviewed using slow-motion game video for presence of an inverted-W position and early trunk rotation. Previous or current incidence of upper extremity injury requiring surgery for each player was determined using the MLB injury database, minor league injury records, available collegiate data, and publicly available online injury databases. Upper extremity surgery associated with an injury was considered to result from pitching. Results: Consensus between investigators was achieved for 99% of players for inverted-W positioning (248 players) and in 97% of players for early trunk rotation (243 players) for videos reviewed independently. Rate of surgery with and without inverted-W position was 28 of 93 (30%) and 42 of 155 (27%), respectively. Rate of surgery with and without early trunk rotation was 37 of 111 (33%) and 30 of 132 (23%), respectively. Using a Cox proportional hazards model for risk analysis using the measured number of innings pitched at time of surgery as an approximate index of exposure and adjusting for age and fastball speed at time of surgery, early trunk rotation was associated with significantly increased risk of shoulder and/or elbow surgery with hazard ratio estimate of 1.69 (95% CI, 1.02-2.80). Presence of the inverted-W position was not associated with significantly increased risk (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.79-2.14). Conclusion: The inverted-W throwing position was not associated with significantly greater risk of upper extremity injury requiring surgery in MLB pitchers. Early trunk rotation was associated with significantly elevated risk of injury requiring surgery.
Serum substance P levels are associated with severity and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M , Almeida Teresa , Hernández Mariano , Ramos Luis , Argueso Mónica , Cáceres Juan J , Solé-Violán Jordi , Jiménez Alejandro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionSubstance P (SP) is a member of the tachykinin family of neuropeptides, which are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and actively involved in inflammatory processes. SP is released early following acute injury to the CNS, promoting a neurogenic inflammatory response characterized by an increase in the permeability of the blood–brain barrier and the development of vasogenic edema. High levels of SP could lead to an exacerbated inflammatory response that could be fatal for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, the main goal of the present study was to determine whether serum SP levels are associated with injury severity and mortality in patients with severe TBI.MethodsThis multicenter, observational, prospective study was carried out in six Spanish intensive care units and included patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores ≤8. Patients with an Injury Severity Score ≥10 in non-cranial aspects were excluded. Blood samples were collected on day 1 of TBI to measure serum SP levels. The endpoint was 30-day mortality.ResultsWe found higher serum SP levels (P=0.002) in non-surviving patients (n =27) than in surviving patients (n =73). The area under the curve for serum SP levels with regard to predicting 30-day mortality was 0.70 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60 to 0.79;P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that patients with serum SP levels >299 pg/ml had higher 30-day mortality than patients with lower levels (hazard ratio =3.7; 95% CI, 1.75 to 7.94;P<0.001). Multiple binomial logistic regression analysis showed that serum SP levels >299 pg/ml were associated with 30-day mortality when we controlled for APACHE II score and Marshall computed tomography lesion classification (odds ratio (OR) =5.97; 95% CI, 1.432 to 24.851;P=0.01) and for GCS score and age (OR =5.71; 95% CI, 1.461 to 22.280;P=0.01). We found a negative association between serum SP levels and GCS score (Spearman’s ρ = −0.22;P=0.03).ConclusionsWe report, for the first time to our knowledge, that serum SP levels were associated with injury severity and mortality in patients with severe TBI. These results open the possibility that SP antagonists may be useful in the treatment of patients with severe TBI.
Capillary lactate as a tool for the triage nurse among patients with SIRS at emergency department presentation: a preliminary report
Authors: Manzon Cyril , Barrot Loïc , Besch Guillaume , Barbot Olivier , Desmettre Thibaut , Capellier Gilles , Piton Gaël 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
The triage nurse is involved in the early identification of the most severe patients at emergency department (ED) presentation. However, clinical criteria alone may be insufficient to identify them correctly. Measurement of capillary lactate concentration at ED presentation may help to discriminate these patients. The primary objective of this study was to identify the prognostic value of capillary lactate concentration measured by the triage nurse among patients presenting to the ED.

Methods
This was a prospective observational study, performed in the ED of a university hospital. At ED presentation, capillary lactate measurement was performed by the triage nurse among patients presenting with a clinical criteria of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Clinical variables usually used to determine severity were collected at presentation. Twenty-eight-day mortality and MEDS score were recorded.

Results
One hundred seventy-six patients with clinical SIRS presented to the ED. Median age was 72 years, and 28-day mortality was 16%. Capillary lactate at ED presentation was significantly higher among 28-day non-survivors than among survivors (5.7 mmol.L−1 [3.2 to 7.4] vs 2.9 mmol.L−1 [1.9 to 5.2], p = 0.003). A score based on mottling and capillary lactate concentration >3.6 mmol.L−1 was significantly associated with 28-day mortality (area under curve, AUC = 0.75), independently of the MEDS score (AUC = 0.79) for the prediction of 28-day mortality (AUC global model 0.87).

Conclusions
A high capillary lactate concentration measured by the triage nurse among patients presenting to the ED with clinical SIRS is associated with a high risk of death. A score calculated by the triage nurse, based on mottling and capillary lactate concentration, appears to be useful for identifying the most severe patients.
Testing the importance of search frictions and matching through a randomized experiment in Jordan
Authors: Groh Matthew , McKenzie David , Shammout Nour , Vishwanath Tara 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
We test the role of search and matching frictions in explaining the high unemployment of tertiary-educated youth in Jordan through a randomized experiment. Firms and job candidates were provided with a job-matching service based on educational backgrounds and psychometric assessments. Although more than 1,000 matches were made, youth rejected the opportunity of an interview in 28 percent of cases, and when a job offer was received, they rejected this offer or quickly quit the job 83 percent of the time. The results suggest voluntary unemployment in this context arises from preferences over non-wage job attributes.
How do teachers respond to tenure?
Authors: Jones Michael D 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
I use the 2007 Schools and Staffing Survey to estimate the effect of tenure on K-12 teacher behavior. Estimates are obtained by exploiting the cross-state variation in the probationary period length of novice teachers. I find that in the year that teachers are evaluated for tenure, they spend significantly more of their own money on classroom materials. The teachers also participate more in school committees and extracurricular activities during the evaluation year. After increased activity during the tenure evaluation year, behavior appears to return to the baseline established prior to evaluation.

JEL Classifications: I21; I28; J22; M5
Incision and stress regulation in borderline personality disorder: Neurobiological mechanisms of self-injurious behaviour
Authors: Reitz Sarah , Kluetsch Rosemarie , Niedtfeld Inga , Knorz Teresa , Lis Stefanie , Paret Christian , Kirsch Peter , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Baumgärtner Ulf , Bohus Martin , Schmahl Christian 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPatients with borderline personality disorder frequently show non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). In these patients, NSSI often serves to reduce high levels of stress.AimsInvestigation of neurobiological mechanisms of NSSI in borderline personality disorderMethodIn total, 21 women with borderline personality disorder and 17 healthy controls underwent a stress induction, followed by either an incision into the forearm or a sham treatment. Afterwards participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging while aversive tension, heart rate and heart rate variability were assessed.ResultsWe found a significant influence of incision on subjective and objective stress levels with a stronger decrease of aversive tension in the borderline personality disorder group following incision than sham. Amygdala activity decreased more and functional connectivity with superior frontal gyrus normalised after incision in the borderline personality disorder group.ConclusionsDecreased stress levels and amygdala activity after incision support the assumption of an influence of NSSI on emotion regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder and aids in understanding why these patients use self-inflicted pain to reduce inner tension.
Student perception about working in rural United States/Canada after graduation: a study in an offshore Caribbean medical school
Authors: Shankar P Ravi , Dubey Arun K , Nandy Atanu , Herz Burton L , Little Brian W 
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Rural residents of the United States (US) and Canada face problems in accessing healthcare. International medical graduates (IMGs) play an important role in delivering rural healthcare. IMGs from Caribbean medical schools have the highest proportion of physicians in primary care. Xavier University School of Medicines admits students from the US, Canada and other countries to the undergraduate medical (MD) course and also offers a premedical program. The present study was conducted to obtain student perception about working in rural US/Canada after graduation. Methods: The study was conducted among premedical and preclinical undergraduate medical (MD) students during October 2014. The questionnaire used was modified from a previous study. Semester of study, gender, nationality, place of residence and occupation of parents were noted. Information about whether students plan to work in rural US/Canada after graduation, possible reasons why doctors are reluctant to work in rural areas, how the government can encourage rural practice, possible problems respondents anticipate while working in rural areas were among the topics studied.Results: Ninety nine of the 108 students (91.7%) participated. Forty respondents were in favor of working in rural US/Canada after graduation. Respondents mentioned good housing, regular electricity, water supply, telecommunication facilities, and schools for education of children as important conditions to be fulfilled. The government should provide higher salaries to rural doctors, help with loan repayment, and provide opportunities for professional growth. Potential problems mentioned were difficulty in being accepted by the rural community, problems in convincing patients to follow medical advice, lack of exposure to rural life among the respondents, and cultural issues.Conclusions: About 40% of respondents would consider working in rural US/Canada. Conditions required to be fulfilled have been mentioned above. Graduates from Caribbean medical schools have a role in addressing rural physician shortage. Similar studies in other offshore Caribbean medical schools are required as Caribbean IMGs make an important contribution to the rural US and Canadian health workforce.
Signal-processing tools for core-collection selection from genetic-resource collections
Authors: Borrayo Ernesto , Takeya Masaru 
Published: April 2015

Selecting a representative core collection (CC) is a proven and effective strategy for overcoming the expenses and difficulties of managing genetic resources in gene banks around the globe. Because of the diverse applications available for these sub-collections, several algorithms have been successfully implemented to construct them based on genotypic, phenotypic, passport or geographic data (either by individual datasets or by consensus). However, to the best of our knowledge, no single comprehensive dataset has been properly explored to date. Thus, researchers evaluate multiple datasets in order to construct representative CCs; this can be quite difficult, but one feasible solution for such an evaluation is to manage all available data as one discrete signal, which allows signal processing tools (SPTs) to be implemented during data analysis. In this research, we present a proof-of-concept study that shows the possibility of mapping to a discrete signal any type of data available from genetic resource collections in order to take advantage of SPTs for the construction of CCs that adequately represent the diversity of two crops. This method is referred to as 'SPT selection.' All available information for each element of the tested collections was analysed under this perspective and compared, when possible, with one of the most used algorithms for CC selection. Genotype-only SPT selection did not prove as effective as standard CC selection algorithms; however, the SPT approach can consider genotype alongside other types of information, which results in well-represented CCs that consider both the genotypic and agromorphological diversities present in original collections.Furthermore, SPT-based analysis can evaluate all available data both in a comprehensive manner and under different perspectives, and despite its limitations, the analysis renders satisfactory results. Thus, SPT-based algorithms for CC selection can be valuable in the field of genetic resources research, management and exploitation.
Visual Communication in the Political Attitudes System
Authors: Грейдина  , Greydina N. 
Published: April 2015

The research article represents communication principles of functional and
speech realization of visual communication. Pragmalinguistic analysis is actualized
in the political attitudes system context. Communication component
of the notion “power” is indicated. The range of communication channels in
the format of visual symbolism within which the multichannel mechanism
has its impact. The whole complex of visual means that transmit the meaningful
component directly and indirectly is analyzed. The experimental data
of contradiction visual channels and specificity of their perception transmission
are represented. The obligatory multifactor principles of professional
visual political communication realization are given. The visualization national
cultural specificity, social etiquette component, gender differences
of communicators’ political thoughts is pointed out. The communication
manifestation bases of the strategic and tactical complex within visual political
communicative plane are stated. The conclusions dealing with correct
visual information production and perception parametres are formulated.
German and English Translations of А.S. Pushkin’s «The Song About Prince Oleg» Within the Framework of Intercultural Communication
Authors: Какзанова  , Kakzanova E. 
Published: April 2015

Communication and culture are the two key notions implied by the term
“intercultural communication”. The organic connection between culture and
communication makes the basis of modern cultural studies. The article
deals with the issues of intercultural communication within the framework
of translation traditions. The translation is an integral part of the intercultural
communication, and is viewed as a variety of and as a means of the
intercultural communication. The German and English translations of A.S.
Pushkin’s “The Song of Oleg the Wise” are analyzed in this article. The
foreign-language matrix perceived and narrated by a talented translator
becomes available to perception by other culture (other cultures), and
starts to sparkle with new colors. Thus, the accuracy of translation and,
consequently, effective intercultural communication depend at large on the
translator’s personality and talent. This article deals with translations made
by German writer and translator Friedrich Martin von Bodenstedt, English-
Russian translator A.L. Pogosky and English poet W.W. Gibson.