bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate global nomadism: The role of the transnational professional as consumer of popular management discourses
Authors: Whitehead Gabriela , Halsall Robert
Published: January 2017

An increasing body of research has paid particular attention to the role of different organizational actors in the consumption of popular management ideas, including their local diffusion, adaptation and enactment. However, with a few exceptions, these studies mostly focus on the organizational setting, thus neglecting the consumption of these kinds of discourses in other environments. Drawing on narrative analysis, this study follows this line of research by examining the ways in which a category of transnational professionals perceive and represent the discourse of corporate ‘global nomadism’ as part of their everyday life. This article contributes to management education by providing a critical approach to the ambiguous experiences involved in the ‘nomadic’ lifestyle that generally conflict with the idealized and glamourous views of corporate global mobility. In this way, a more rounded, critical and ultimately ethical type of management education for transnational mobility can be produced than currently is the case.
A systematic review of the research evidence for the benefits of teledentistry
Authors: Estai Mohamed , Kanagasingam Yogesan , Tennant Marc , Bunt Stuart
Published: January 2017

Objective

This review is designed to inform future decisions about the benefits of integrating teledentistry into routine health services, by presenting an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness and economic impact of teledentistry.

Methods

Two reviewers searched PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases through November 2016 to identify published peer-reviewed studies in English. Teledentistry studies were included if they were; (a) controlled (randomised or non-randomised) assessment studies; and (b) compared outcomes of a teledentistry intervention in terms of clinical or economic evaluation with the outcomes of traditional clinical alternatives. The quality of the studies was evaluated using a quality appraisal tool that considered study performance and design.

Results

This review identified 385 publications, of which 217 full-text articles were retrieved for further inspection. Of these, only 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Nine of the included articles showed some clinical outcomes; the other two were primarily economic analyses. The balance of these studies assesed the efficacy of teledentistry interventions rather than their effectiveness. Four studies (36%) achieved higher quality scores and have greater potential to influence health-care decision-making. To date, the most convincing published evidence regarding the efficacy of teledentistry was provided by studies on paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and oral medicine. The economic analysis referred only to cost-minimisation, suggesting that the use of teleconsultation in dentistry can be cost-saving when compared to a conventional consultation. However, high-quality economic studies on teledentistry are rare.

Conclusion

There is emerging evidence supporting the efficacy of teledentistry. However, there is not yet enough conclusive evidence, particularly for its effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and long-term use, to make evidence-based policy decisions on teledentistry.
Some trouble with repair: Conversations between children with cochlear implants and hearing peers
Authors: Church Amelia , Paatsch Louise , Toe Dianne
Published: January 2017

This article investigates differences in pragmatic abilities between children who have cochlear implants and their hearing peers. Recordings of 10-minute conversations between 10 children with cochlear implants (children with age-equivalent language scores) and a hearing peer were transcribed. Conversation analysis provides insights into interactional troubles not evident in broader measures of number of turns, requests for clarification, topic initiation and so on used in earlier studies. How the children go about repair proves of particular interest; other-initiated repair that prompts the speaker to repeat the prior utterance is, not surprisingly, more commonly produced by the children who have cochlear implants. The key contribution of this article, however, is to detail examples where children with cochlear implants choose not to initiate repair of an error made by their hearing friend. The discussion not only highlights the interactional cost of initiating repair, but also demonstrates that not doing repair can cause a breakdown in conversation.
Book Review: Urquhart, J., Acott, T.G., Symes, D. and Zhao, M., editors. 2014: Social Issues in Sustainable Fisheries Management
Authors: White Carole
Published: January 2017

Urquhart, J., Acott, T.G., Symes, D. and Zhao, M., editors. 2014: Social Issues in Sustainable Fisheries Management (Series Volume 9). MARE Publication Series. Netherlands: Springer. 355 pp. $129.00/€109, 99/£82.00. ISBN: 978–94-007–7910–5 (Hardcover). $99.00/€91.62/£64. ISBN: 99 978–94-007–7911–2 (eBook).
Control-oriented premixed charge compression ignition CA50 model for a diesel engine utilizing variable valve actuation
Authors: Halbe Mayura H , Fain David J , Shaver Gregory M , Kocher Lyle , Koeberlein David
Published: January 2017

Premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) is a promising combustion strategy for reducing in-cylinder NOx and particulate matter formation in diesel engines without incurring fuel penalty. However, one of the challenges in PCCI implementation is that the process does not allow direct control of the combustion timing. The crank angle of 50% heat release, known as the CA50, is generally a reasonable proxy for the quality of combustion in terms of maximum pressure rise rate, combustion noise, and fuel conversion efficiency. This paper outlines the development, and validation, of a real-time capable estimation strategy for diesel-fueled PCCI CA50 using production-viable measurements that do not include in-cylinder pressure. The CA50 estimation strategy considers both stages of diesel-fueled PCCI combustion—low-temperature heat release and high-temperature heat release, which contributes most to the cumulative heat released during combustion. The strategy is validated using a PCCI CA50 dataset generated with a wide range of positions of a variable geometry turbocharge, exhaust gas recirculation fractions, and intake valve closing timings. The model estimates CA50 within ±2 CAD for 65 out of 80 data points and exhibits an error standard deviation of 2.55 CAD.
Formal and Informal Training for Workers with Low Literacy: Building an International Dialogue
Authors: Taylor Maurice , Evans Karen
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate some of the kinds of formal and informal workplace training activities that workers with low literacy engage in from different parts of Canada and the United Kingdom. The study employed a multi-site case study research design with 31 employees and 18 instructors from seven different types of workplace literacy programmes in various regions of Canada and 42 employees and six supervisors/tutors from four workplace basic skills programmes in the north and south of Greater London, England. Data sources from each country were developed and were used for comparable purposes following a within case and cross case analysis. The findings are described under three main themes. The first theme depicts the range of formal workplace programmes in both countries that employees with low literacy have participated in. The second pattern highlights the main types of informal learning activities that emerged from the data which included: observing from knowledgeables; practicing without supervision; searching independently for information; focused workplace discussions and mentoring and coaching. The third theme describes some of the determining factors of the informal learning process. Implications of the study suggest that company sponsored workplace and essential skills programmes act as catalysts for further learning at work. As well, findings also seem to indicate that various forms of self-directed learning and the organisational context may play an important role as these workers engage in and shape everyday workplace practices. Suggestions for continuing the cross nation studies are also discussed.
Success Stories: Adult Learners Co-Constructing a Learning Context and the Implications for Identity Development
Authors: Worthman Christopher
Published: January 2017

Using Foucault's conceptualisation of power and Bahktin's theory of dialogism, the research data presented in this article show how three ‘successful’ learners and their instructor in one computerised GED programme that relied on standardised curriculum materials co-constructed the learning context. The nature of interaction between the instructor and learners and between learners and the curriculum is analysed using survey, interview, observational methods, and curriculum materials review. Although the focus is limited in scope to one context, one educator, and three learners, the description and analyses demonstrate how through the dialogical interaction of the learners with the curriculum materials, the disciplinary power of the materials are perpetuated and the learners' identities are shaped. Learners who successfully participated in the programme took up notions of knowledge, learning, and literacy promoted by the computerised curriculum materials and supported by the educator's pedagogical choices. Ultimately, while learners identified gains in some skill areas and spoke highly of the programme as a safe place to learn, the programme perpetuated the autonomous theory of literacy and failed to engage learners in critical types of learning experiences. The article concludes by suggesting that dialogic interaction does not necessarily facilitate resistance and emancipation but can serve the goals of monological dominating discourses. Thus, the challenge for educators is to facilitate consciously critical dialogical discourse that moves the focus from the individual to the social.
Woodturning for Older Learners: A Real ‘Turn On’
Authors: Ehrich Lisa C. , Delahaye Brian L.
Published: January 2017

The research reported in this study concerns older adults from Australia who voluntarily chose to learn the craft of woodturning. Semi-structured interviews and a survey questionnaire were distributed to members of a woodturning club to explore their motivations and the processes by which they learned how to woodturn. The findings indicated that participants' motivation could be construed as both intrinsic and extrinsic. They used seven approaches to learning – structured courses, instruction from convenors, modelling/watching/demonstrations, guided practice and monitoring by convenors, trial and error with practice, advice and help from peers and reading. Finally, the positive climate of the organisation was found to be particularly important to the older learners.
Foundation Degrees for Teaching Assistants: The Research Imperative
Authors: Morris Theresa
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes and discusses the need for research into foundation degrees which have been specifically developed for teaching assistants. This is necessary to develop knowledge and understanding due to the deficiency of pertinent research and potential consequences to all those involved. All relevant parties, from policy makers to individuals, need available to them the latest information rooted in knowledge, in order to support effective decision making. The author makes the case for undertaking this research through the interpretive approach, in that the ‘reality’ is what it is construed to be, to be accessed through the adoption of the frame of reference of the participants. By exploring the relevant context of the particular policies, social processes and social structures involved, the impact and association that exists could also be acknowledged, along with the environment in which the relevant population operates. These include those at the macro-level or socio-structural level, the meso-level or institutional/organisational level and at the micro-level or personal/individual perspective. Within these levels, foundation degrees will be discussed, examining their influence on areas such as widening participation and in particular – teaching assistants. It is proposed that the consequences of foundation degrees for teaching assistants may be so significant and wide ranging that it is imperative to research without delay the impact on all those involved.
Simulation-based development of adaptive fiber-elastomer composites with embedded shape memory alloys
Authors: Cherif Ch , Hickmann R , Nocke A , Fleischhauer R , Kaliske M , Wießner S
Published: January 2017

Fiber-reinforced composites are currently being used in a wide range of lightweight constructions. Function integration, in particular, offers possibilities to develop new, innovative products for a variety of applications. The large amount of experimental testing required to investigate these novel material combinations often hinders their use in industrial applications. This paper presents an approach that allows the layout of adaptive, fiber-reinforced composites by the use of numerical simulation. In order to model the adaptive characteristics of this functional composite with textile-integrated shape memory alloys, a thermo-elastic simulation is considered by using the Finite Element method. For the numerical simulation, the parameters of the raw materials are identified and used to generate the model. The results of this simulation are validated through deflection measurements with a specimen consisting of a glass fiber fabric with structurally integrated shape memory alloys and an elastomeric matrix system. The achieved experimental and numerical results demonstrate the promising potential of adaptive, fiber-reinforced composites with large deformation capabilities.
Full factorial experimental design for mechanical properties of electrospun vascular grafts
Authors: Enis Ipek Y , Sezgin Hande , Sadikoglu Telem G
Published: January 2017

In this study, single layer vascular grafts were produced by a custom designed electrospinning apparatus. Both polymer type and rotational speed of the rotating collector were varied in single layer designs. Surface morphology of the fibrous scaffolds was observed under scanning electron microscope. Fiber diameter was measured and fiber orientation was analyzed by Image J Software. Scanning electron microscope images and fiber orientation analysis results indicated that fiber orientation was improved with increased rotational speed. Ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break values of the scaffolds were tested in planar forms. In addition to the experimental analysis, statistical analysis was also realized; 22 full factorial design was adapted to the test results in order to investigate the effect of polymer type and the rotational speed on elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength values. Results have shown that both polymer type and the rotational speed of the collector significantly influenced ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break values of scaffolds tested in the radial direction. When the scaffolds tested in the horizontal direction were considered, while both factors have had a poor effect on ultimate tensile strength, they were either significant or were very close to the confidence limits. On the other hand, the interaction effect of factors had a statistically significant influence on mechanical properties of both testing directions. The achieved results supported by statistical analysis can provide a reference for further studies in designing multilayer vascular grafts.
The Perforation of the Superior Vena Cava Secondary to the Left Subclavian Dialysis Catheter
Authors: Turkyilmaz Atila , Karapolat Sami , Kilic Mehmet , Tekinbas Celal
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

The perforation of the superior vena cava during the placement of dialysis catheter and consequent hemothorax is a rare serious complication.

Case Report:

Dialysis catheter was placed in the left subclavian vein in a 69-year-old male patient with chronic renal insufficiency who was hospitalized for intracerebral hematoma. During hemodialysis a day after the procedure, the patient was noted having right-sided hemothorax, causing lethargy, dyspnea, hypotension, and bradycardia. Right tube thoracostomy was performed and 1500 cc of hemorrhagic fluid was drained. Under general anesthesia, the right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed and the tip of the dialysis catheter was found in the pleural space, penetrating the anteromedial side of the superior vena cava. The perforation area was repaired by suturing with 3-0 prolene, and the dialysis catheter was removed externally. Postoperative period was uneventful, and tube thoracostomy was terminated on day 4.

Conclusion:

Establishing the diagnosis early and accurately and performing appropriate surgery would be lifesaving in superior vena cava perforation due to dialysis catheter.
Concomitant Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease With a Coexisting Shamblin I Carotid Body Tumor
Authors: Hinojosa Carlos A. , Anaya-Ayala Javier E. , Laparra-Escareno Hugo , Torres-Machorro Adriana , Lizola Rene , Gamboa-Domínguez Armando
Published: January 2017

Symptomatic carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is an indication for carotid artery endarterectomy. The coexistence of carotid body tumors (CBTs) with symptomatic carotid disease is rarely encountered and adds significant challenges to vascular surgeons, with a reported overall mortality for patients who undergo endarterectomy and tumor excision of 8.8%, as opposed to the 2% for those who had CBT excision only. We describe the case of a 79-year-old female who experienced an acute cerebrovascular accident in the left hemisphere; duplex ultrasound revealed high-grade carotid stenosis in the left side and the presence of a Shamblin I CBT. The risks and benefits of the planned operation were reviewed, and the decision was made to proceed with early carotid endarterectomy and concomitant surgical resection of the tumor using the retrocarotid dissection technique. The patient recovered well, and at 11 months from the combined procedure, her neurological deficits improved significantly.
Family Quality of Life of Turkish Families Who Have Children with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
Authors: Meral Bekir Fatih , Cavkaytar Atilla , Turnbull Ann P. , Wang Mian
Published: January 2017

This study examined family quality of life (FQOL) of Turkish families who have children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism. To research the perceptions of FQOL and relevant predictive relationships, data were gathered from 3,009 families who have children with ID and autism. The data were collected by using a Socio-demographic Family Information Form, Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale, and the Family Support Scale. The FQOL and subdomain perceptions of families who have children with ID and autism were slightly above a moderate level; the highest perceptions were in the Family Interaction domain, and the lowest perceptions were in the Physical/Material Well-Being domain. We computed significant positive correlations between overall FQOL perception and family social support domains as well as between overall FQOL perception and sociodemographic variables. In the prediction of overall FQOL perception, the variable that mostly explained total variance was emotional support. For the covariates of care support, household/income, information support, socioeconomic status, age of child, type of disability, and affiliation support, the ability to predict FQOL was weak. Conversely, age of mothers, employment status of mothers, and material support domain were not important predictors in FQOL.
The Emergence of a Human Services Cooperative to Support Families and Young Adults with Disabilities: Implications for Disability Services and Supports
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Forber-Pratt Anjali J. , Nittrouer Christine , Aragon Steven R.
Published: January 2017

This paper documents the experiences of a group of parents who came together to form a human service cooperative in their local community to address the needs of their adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each parent felt that their child's needs were not (or could not be) met by existing providers. Parent leaders who formed the Board of Directors of the human service cooperative were interviewed, and key themes in the emergence and growth of the cooperative were identified. Issues in the development and implementation of innovative services and supports are summarized, and implications for policy, research, and practice are outlined.
Preventive maintenance for systems with repairable minor failures
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Shafiee Mahmood
Published: January 2017

Reliability modeling of repairable systems deals mostly with two types of repair. Perfect repair brings a system to “as good as new” state. Minimal repair, on the contrary, returns a system to the state immediately prior to failure. In this article, we consider perfect and imperfect preventive maintenance actions for a system subjected to minor and major failures. Minor failures are minimally repaired, whereas a major failure terminates the operational function of the system and can be considered as an end-of-life event. The preventive maintenance strategies that we propose and analyze increase mission success probability and extend the expected lifetime of the system. The modeling is illustrated with numerical examples.
Framing the economy of the East African Community: A decade of disparities and similarities found in Chinese and Western news media’s reporting on the East African Community
Authors: James Elizabeth K , Boukes Mark
Published: January 2017

This study examines how the economic climate of the East African Community was covered in Chinese and Western news media between 2005 and 2015. Framing devices measuring risk, opportunity, morality and valence were detected and analysed in four news agencies. A content analysis showed that both the Chinese and Western news media featured opportunism more prominently than risk, and this positivity regarding the East African Community increased with time. However overall, the Western media framed the East African Community more in terms of potential risks than the Chinese media. The Western media featured the voice of African actors more often, and in doing so, the economy of the East African Community was framed somewhat less optimistically. Altogether, this study provides insight into the different ways that the Chinese and the Western news media framed the East African Community over the past decade.
Novel emerging treatments for hepatitis C infection: a fast-moving pipeline
Authors: Kardashian Ara A. , Pockros Paul J.
Published: January 2017

Advances in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C has been one of the pinnacles of medical science in the last 25 years. The age of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has led to cure rates >95% with shorter duration and low toxicity regimens, thus changing the landscape of the era of pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV). However, there remain some challenges with these therapies as there are multiple regimens available with a fair amount of sophistication required to administer them. Treatment continues to require knowledge of prior treatment status, viral genotype and fibrosis assessment, thus affording an opportunity for improvement in future regimens. This update reviews some upcoming therapies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Useful Scientific Knowledge: What is Relevant Science for Society?
Authors: Stehr Nico
Published: January 2017

This essay examines the question, “What is socially relevant science?” in terms of scientific knowledge as a whole, undivided between humanities and social scientific knowledge and technical and natural scientific knowledge. I will lay out the considerations that lead to my answer in a series of steps: first of all, the concept of knowledge needs to be more precisely identified. This is, as we shall see, more than a matter of mere definition. There follows an attempt to answer the question posed to me under the rubric “The application of a theory is never one of strict resemblance”; with reference once again to the thesis of the two scientific cultures, I attempt to demonstrate that their chances of being put into practical use are subject to similar conditions. Finally, in a concluding section, I would like to draw attention to a series of contradictory conclusions. I place these conclusions in the context of the modern society as a knowledge society.
The Sociologist as Expert Witness: A Resource for Resolving Injustice in the Case of Personal Injury
Authors: Mulkey Lynn M.
Published: January 2017

This article expands the application of sociology in expert testimony by presenting a case study of personal injury. Experts in this matter are drawn typically from the domains of psychology, medicine, and economics. Reframing personal injury by summoning a sociological analytical framework shifts the analysis from a determination made on the basis of an absolute standard of injury to a relative one based on “cultural injury.” Individual damages are reasoned on the basis of a situational context analogous to the part of a musician in a symphony, whereby behavior cannot be understood apart from its milieu. An extensive literature review of “Machismo” and the ethnic character of Latinos, particularly Costa Rican males, provides the background for inferring the extent of impairment resulting from an automobile collision. Implications are for applied sociologists and for the legal community concerning a reassessment of conventional procedures for assigning monetary compensation to victims injured by liable others.
Homeless Men in Alcoholics Anonymous: Barriers to Achieving and Maintaining Sobriety
Authors: Rayburn Rachel , Wright James D.
Published: January 2017

An exploratory, qualitative study of homeless, recovering alcoholic men in a Twelve-Step program examines the problems they encounter maintaining sobriety. Using semistructured interviews, the experiences of these men were analyzed in order to learn how they stay sober without a formal place to live. Four kinds of special barriers to sobriety are inferred from their narrative histories: identification with a recovery community, sponsorship, step work, and time constraints. Implications for treatment and directions for future research are discussed.
The Master's Thesis: A Valuable (but Overlooked) Tool for Learning How to Apply Sociology
Authors: Ward Brian W.
Published: January 2017

Although attention has been given to the manner in which applied sociology is learned by students, the master's thesis is not often taken into account. In the following manuscript, I argue that the thesis should be considered as a tool for learning applied sociology. Graduate students can use the thesis to learn new skills and further develop skills already gained in the classroom and through outside of the classroom experiences. To provide an example, one student's thesis is used as a case study to show how it functioned as a learning tool for various skills including: developing research questions, grant writing, coordination with outside parties, applying sociological theory, developing methodological/analytical skills, and more. Based on the outcome of this example, it is suggested that departments which focus on applied sociology give further consideration to using the thesis as a tool to teach graduate students applied sociology.
Becoming a world Christian: Hospitality as a framework for engaging Otherness
Authors: Arrington Aminta
Published: January 2017

Hospitality is the Christian imperative of welcoming the stranger to our table, which serves as a living metaphor for the salvation God extends to all of us, welcoming us as sinners to his table of abundance. As we transition from the era of missions to the era of world Christianity, a hospitality framework is helpful for the concomitant task of developing world Christians. In this article I describe a Hospitality Project I assigned that required my students to read and reflect on the Christian practice of hospitality, and then to extend hospitality to someone from another culture. I suggest that hospitality is an appropriate framework for the development of world Christians because it cultivates empathy through intentional listening and learning, is inherently reciprocal as all bring gifts to the table, and engenders transformation because it forces us to leave familiar structures and view life through the eyes of the Other.
An Evidence-Based Study on Medicinal Plants for Hemorrhoids in Medieval Persia
Authors: Hashempur Mohammad Hashem , Khademi Fatemeh , Rahmanifard Maryam , Zarshenas Mohammad M.
Published: January 2017

Hemorrhoids is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. There are several therapeutic options associated with some complications. Therefore, researchers look for traditional medicines as a potential resource for introduction of new natural drugs. The current study reports an evidence-based review of herbal remedies for hemorrhoids in traditional Persian medicine. A comprehensive survey about hemorrhoids on the most important manuscripts of traditional Persian medicine was done. Then, scientific data banks were searched for possible related properties of each herb in the conventional medicine. We reported some historical aspects of traditional Persian medicine view on classification, examination, and predisposing factors of hemorrhoids. In addition, we have reported 105 medicinal plants belonging to 51 families. More than half of the reported herbs exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Although lack of human studies regarding the mentioned herbs is noted, positive results from experimental findings can be considered for new drug discovery supported by traditional and medieval experiences.
Decline in the Use of Medicalized Yoga Between 2002 and 2012 While the Overall Yoga Use Increased in the United States: A Conundrum
Authors: Patwardhan Avinash R. , Lloyd Lynne (Way)
Published: January 2017

We analyzed the National Health Institute Survey Alternative Medicine supplement yoga data for 2002, 2007, and 2012 to answer the following questions: (1) Do the claims about increase in the use of yoga hold true at the level of specific health problems? (2) Do trends support a proposition that yoga is believed to be helpful in amelioration of disease conditions? (3) Do the prescribing patterns of health care providers correspond with the increasing popularity of yoga? Data were analyzed using SAS software, version 9.4. Response percentages were compared using chi-square test after adjusting for age. Between 2002 and 2012, use of yoga increased but adherence failed to increase, and use for specific health problems and for back pain declined; use of health care providers’ referral–driven yoga declined between 2007 and 2012. All results were statistically significant. Our results suggest that the use of medicalized yoga declined between 2002 and 2012.
Using a Simultaneous Prompting Procedure to Embed Core Content When Teaching a Potential Employment Skill
Authors: Collins Belva C. , Terrell Misty , Test David W.
Published: January 2017

This investigation used a multiple-probe-across-participants design to examine the effects of using a simultaneous prompting procedure to teach four secondary students with mild intellectual disabilities the employment task of caring for plants in a greenhouse. The instructor also embedded photosynthesis science content as nontargeted information within instructional trials on the task analysis. Following the intervention, all four participants achieved criterion on the employment task and increased their knowledge of core science content. Maintenance data indicated students retained both skills for up to 8 weeks following intervention. Implications for practice and suggestions for research are discussed.
The Impact of an Online Transition Curriculum on Secondary Student Reading
Authors: Lombardi Allison R. , Izzo Margo V. , Rifenbark Graham G. , Murray Alexa , Buck Andrew , Monahan Jessica , Gelbar Nicholas
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the impact of an online transition curriculum embedded with literacy strategies on reading outcomes for secondary students in grades 9–12 across two states. The quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design had a sample of 338 students with and without disabilities and utilized the AIMS Web Maze Test for 8th Grade Reading Prompts to measure gain scores in reading comprehension. Multilevel linear modeling methods were used to examine the effects of the curriculum intervention on students nested within teachers. Findings show that while both groups increased in reading, the intervention group made larger gains that were statistically significant and corresponded to a large effect size. These results emphasize the importance of embedding reading comprehension strategies within transition services.
The foot abduction characteristics following Steenbeek foot abduction brace
Authors: Agarwal Anil , Kumar Anubrat , Mishra Madhusudan
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

We prospectively investigated the foot abduction characteristics following Steenbeek foot abduction brace (SFAB) use in corrected clubfeet. The foot abduction achievable in SFAB with knee flexion and extension was calculated to find the effectiveness and stretch exerted by it.

Methods:

Only children with corrected idiopathic clubfeet using SFAB for greater than 3 months were enrolled. The foot abduction with and without brace in knee extended and flexed positions was measured. Hip range of motion (ROM) with and without brace was also recorded.

Results:

The average age of 42 children ( 62 feet) was 24.25 months (range: 5–48 months). There was difference in foot abduction of 22.2° in knee extension and flexion with SFAB on. A significant change in foot stretch of 25.5° observed when the knee was moved from extended to flexed position indicated SFAB dynamicity. The SFAB was found to be an effective orthosis as it brought the corrected clubfoot into maximum abduction permissible in the foot during the phase of knee flexion. The tibial rotation accounted for a major component (61%) of apparent foot abduction with the brace on. A hip ROM of 52.2° was required for SFAB function.

Conclusion:

SFAB is a dynamic brace that functions better in flexed knee position. It is able to induce a near equivalent actual abduction available in the foot in flexed position of knee. There is a significant component of tibial external rotation in SFAB-induced foot abduction. SFAB function is also dependent on hip mechanics.
Refractory patella tendinopathy with failed conservative treatment—shock wave or arthroscopy?
Authors: Williams HLM , Jones SA , Lyons C , Wilson C , Ghandour A
Published: January 2017

Aim:

To identify whether the location of refractory patella tendinopathy (PT) has an effect on treatment modality (radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) or arthroscopic debridement).

Methods:

Between 2012 and 2014, 40 patients with PT underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This confirmed the diagnosis as either involving the tendon itself (group A, 20) or with retropatella fat pad extension (group B, 20). All patients underwent rESWT. If there was no improvement patients proceeded with surgery in the form of arthroscopic debridement (by senior authors CW and AG). Outcomes were assessed before and after treatment using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) score.

Results:

There were 18 males and 2 females in group A and 15 males and 5 females in group B. The mean age was 41.4 years in group A (23–59) and 34.7 in group B (19–52). Seventeen of 20 in group A reported good or excellent outcomes and did not require surgical intervention (remaining three improved after second course of ESWT). All patients in group B failed to improve with rESWT, resulting in arthroscopic debridement and reported good or excellent outcomes. After 6 months, group A mean VISA-P score increased from 50.2 to 65.0 ( p = 0.01) and group B from 39.6 to 78.4 ( p = <0.001).

Conclusion:

An MRI should be performed to determine the precise location of tendinosis in patients with refractory PT who fail standard conservative management. If the MRI scan shows intratendon changes only, ESWT should be performed and those with extension into the fat pad should proceed to arthroscopic debridement without rESWT.
Laboratory Abnormalities in Patients in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zak Margie B , Dmuchowski Carl F , Smythe Maureen A
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The goals of this article are to (1) identify the incidence of reported laboratory abnormalities in patients in the medical intensive care unit (ICU); (2) characterize the relationship between reported laboratory abnormalities and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III (APACHE III) score, length of stay, and mortality; and (3) evaluate therapeutic replacement in patients with electrolyte abnormalities.

Design:

Retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to the medical ICU between April 1, 1993 and June 30, 1993.

Setting:

Large teaching institution.

Participants:

Patients admitted to the medical ICU (n = 116).

Interventions:

The following data were collected: age, sex, admitting diagnosis, serum electrolyte and laboratory parameters, APACHE HI score, length of ICU stay, and mortality.

Results:

Ten individual laboratory abnormalities were found in more than 30% of all patients in the medical ICU (range 32.8–59.5%). Abnormalities in four laboratory parameters were associated with undesirable patient outcomes. Patients with hypoalbuminemia had a significantly higher APACHE HI score (p < 0.05). Hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypoalbuminemia all were associated with an increased length of stay in the ICU (p < 0.05). Overall mortality was significantly higher in patients with alkalosis (p = 0.002). Therapeutic replacement in those with low electrolyte concentrations often was delayed or missed. Fifteen to 75% of patients who had abnormally low serum electrolyte concentrations were not treated.

Conclusions:

A high incidence of laboratory abnormalities is reported in patients admitted to the medical ICU. Several of these abnormalities are associated with undesirable outcomes such as an increased length of ICU stay in patients with hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia and increased mortality in patients with alkalosis. Therapeutic replacement of electrolytes in patients with abnormalities often was delayed or missed.
In Search of Lactose
Authors: Russette Helen K , Oh Taeho
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To describe lactose in medications, answer commonly asked questions about lactose intolerance, and to provide useful information to pharmacists on how to identify lactose content in medications.

Design:

Descriptive.

Within the population of lactose-intolerant individuals, a wide variation exists concerning the degree to which the lactase enzyme is deficient. When asked whether lactose-intolerant individuals can take their lactose-containing product without complications, the surveyed drug manufacturers offered a number of suggestions, including the following: avoid the product; determine the patient's level of lactose intolerance and, depending on the severity of the condition, decide with the physician whether the medication should be taken or whether it can be substituted with a suitable formulation that does not contain lactose; and supplement each dosage with an exogenous lactase enzyme. Because drug manufacturers themselves acknowledge that even minute amounts of lactose in medications may be a problem for those who are severely intolerant of lactose, this agent may not be the ideal filler, as it is described in standard pharmacologic references. Although the original intent was to develop a comprehensive list of lactose-containing and lactose-free drugs, that proved to be an unmanageable task. Instead, from a literature search and primary investigation, information and discussion are provided in a question/answer format that is designed to help clinicians serve their lactose-intolerant patients.

Conclusions:

Primary healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential effects of lactose, not only in foods, but also in medications. If patients experience diarrhea, cramping, or bloating, or if babies become colicky for no medically apparent reason, a search for lactose content in medications or in infant formulas may reveal the cause. However, medical evaluation is always appropriate, as a small percentage of such patients may in fact have an underlying intestinal disease to which lactose intolerance is secondary. Because drug manufacturers acknowledge that even minute amounts of lactose in medications may be a problem for those who are severely intolerant of lactose, this agent may not be the ideal filler. A worthy subject for research in this area would be the discovery or development of a new filler for pharmaceuticals without the contraindications possible with lactose.
Single-cell molecular analysis defines therapy response and immunophenotype of stem cell subpopulations in CML
Authors: Warfvinge Rebecca , Geironson Linda , Sommarin Mikael N. E. , Lang Stefan , Karlsson Christine , Roschupkina Teona , Stenke Leif , Stentoft Jesper , Olsson-Strömberg Ulla , Hjorth-Hansen Henrik , Mustjoki Satu , Soneji Shamit , Richter Johan , Karlsson Göran
Published: January 2017

Key Points

Single-cell gene expression analysis reveals CML stem cell heterogeneity and changes imposed by TKI therapy. A subpopulation with primitive, quiescent signature and increased survival to therapy can be high-purity captured as CD45RA−cKIT−CD26+.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Quercetin-induced miR-200b-3p regulates the mode of self-renewing divisions in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Nwaeburu Clifford C. , Abukiwan Alia , Zhao Zhefu , Herr Ingrid
Published: January 2017

Background

Cancer stem cells are suggested to contribute to the extremely poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and dysregulation of symmetric and asymmetric stem cell division may be involved. Anticancer benefits of phytochemicals like the polyphenol quercetin, present in many fruits, nuts and vegetables, could be expedited by microRNAs, which orchestrate cell-fate decisions and tissue homeostasis. The mechanisms regulating the division mode of cancer stem cells in relation to phytochemical-induced microRNAs are poorly understood.

Methods

Patient-derived pancreas tissue and 3 established pancreatic cancer cell lines were examined by immunofluorescence and time-lapse microscopy, microRNA microarray analysis, bioinformatics and computational analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, self-renewal and differentiation assays.

Results

We show that symmetric and asymmetric division occurred in patient tissues and in vitro, whereas symmetric divisions were more extensive. By microarray analysis, bioinformatics prediction and qRT-PCR, we identified and validated quercetin-induced microRNAs involved in Notch signaling/cell-fate determination. Further computational analysis distinguished miR-200b-3p as strong candidate for cell-fate determinant. Mechanistically, miR-200b-3p switched symmetric to asymmetric cell division by reversing the Notch/Numb ratio, inhibition of the self-renewal and activation of the potential to differentiate to adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. Low miR-200b-3p levels fostered Notch signaling and promoted daughter cells to become symmetric while high miR-200b-3p levels lessened Notch signaling and promoted daughter cells to become asymmetric.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a better understanding of the cross talk between phytochemicals, microRNAs and Notch signaling in the regulation of self-renewing cancer stem cell divisions.
Pilot study of a culturally adapted psychoeducation (CaPE) intervention for bipolar disorder in Pakistan
Authors: Husain Muhammad Ishrat , Chaudhry Imran B. , Rahman Raza R. , Hamirani Munir M. , Mehmood Nasir , Haddad Peter M. , Hodsoll John , Young Allan H. , Naeem Farooq , Husain Nusrat
Published: January 2017

Background

Despite the use of maintenance medication, recurrence rates in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) are high. To date, there are no clinical trials that have investigated the use of psychological interventions in bipolar disorder in Pakistan.

Aim

The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted bipolar psychoeducation programme (CaPE) in Pakistan.

Methods

Thirty-four euthymic bipolar I and II outpatients were randomized to either 12 weekly sessions of individual psychoeducation plus Treatment As Usual (Intervention) or Treatment As Usual (TAU) (Control). Outcomes were assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), EuroQoL (EQ-5D), Bipolar Knowledge and Attitudes and Questionnaire (BKAQ), and a self-reported measure of medication adherence (Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4 items, MMAS-4). Effect sizes were derived from baseline adjusted standardized regression coefficients.

Results

Retention in the study was good, 80% of patients in the TAU follow-up assessment and 100% of patients in the CaPE group attended all 12 sessions. Patient satisfaction was higher in the CaPE group relative to control (ES = 1.41). Further, there were large effect sizes shown for CaPE versus TAU for medication adherence (MMAS-4: ES = 0.81), knowledge and attitudes towards bipolar (BKAQ: ES = 0.68), mania (YMRS: ES = 1.18), depression (BDI: ES = 1.17) and quality of life measures (EQ-5D: ES ⇒ 0.88).

Conclusions

Culturally adapted psychoeducation intervention is acceptable and feasible, and can be effective in improving mood symptoms and knowledge and attitudes to BPAD when compared with TAU. Larger scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Trial registration. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02210390
From Open Door to Nationalization: Oil and Development Visions in Bolivia, 1952–1969
Authors: Young Kevin A.
Published: January 2017

After the 1952 Bolivian Revolution, oil assumed an increasingly important role in Bolivia's economy and popular consciousness. Oil nationalists were deeply divided, however. While the Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario (MNR) regime sought economic modernization, labor and the Left also demanded major redistribution. These divisions influenced the multiple changes in hydrocarbon policy after 1952. An aversion to radicalization contributed to MNR leaders' 1955 decision to promote private investment in accordance with US wishes. Soon thereafter, a growing nationalist coalition challenged this open-door policy, culminating with the 1969 nationalization of Gulf Oil's properties by the military regime of Alfredo Ovando Candía. Ironically, though, the nationalization was driven partly by the same conservative logic that had animated the MNR's liberalization, in that Ovando favored nationalization as an alternative to redistribution. While tracing the rise and impact of Bolivian hydrocarbon nationalism, this case study also highlights common conflicts within resource nationalist coalitions and how those conflicts can influence policy decisions.
Bidirectionality and Metaphor: An Introduction
Authors: Goodblatt Chanita , Glicksohn Joseph
Published: January 2017

The authors first present the interaction theory of metaphor, emphasizing its notion of bidirectionality. They then discuss the relationship between bidirectionality and blending, making explicit the different expectations regarding bidirectionality deriving from interaction theory and blending theory. With this as a suitable background for this special issue on bidirectionality in metaphor, the authors then provide a brief introduction to each of the essays that appear in the issue.