bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatal Sulfasalazine-Induced Eosinophilic Myocarditis in a Patient with Periodic Fever Syndrome
Authors: Jeremic Ivica , Vujasinovic-Stupar Nada , Terzic Tatjana , Damjanov Nemanja , Nikolic Milos , Bonaci-Nikolic Branka
Published: December 2014

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report the first case of drug-induced eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) in a patient with hereditary periodic fever syndrome (PFS). Case: A 28-year-old man with hyper-IgD syndrome, one of the PFS, developed a sulfasalazine-induced systemic hypersensitivity reaction complicated by EM. Thirteen days after sulfasalazine introduction, which had been given for arthritis, the patient developed fever, facial/neck edema, rash and cardiogenic shock, and died within 8 h. The autopsy revealed hemophagocytosis, while acute heart failure caused by necrotizing EM was established as the cause of death. Conclusion: This was a case of drug-induced EM in a patient with PFS that had an atypical presentation, rapid evolution and poor outcome.
Calcinosis Cutis Long after Rhinoplasty with Silicone
Authors: Honda Yuki , Tanizaki Hideaki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyachi Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji
Published: December 2014

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to reconstruct the nose. Silicone alloplastic materials are most widely used as implants for rhinoplasty, but calcification on the surface occurs with long-term usage. Herein, we report a case of gruel-like calcification approximately 50 years after silicone implant rhinoplasty. In this case, calcification on the silicone surface might have transformed into gruel-like deposits, which presented as a subcutaneous mass at the dorsal area of the nose. The precise mechanism is unclear; a pH change in the tissue might have occurred during the process of inflammation, leading to the dissolution of calcified deposits.
Lipidomics
Authors: Hinterwirth Helmut , Stegemann Christin , Mayr Manuel
Published: December 2014

Lipidomics is the comprehensive analysis of molecular lipid species, including their quantitation and metabolic pathways. The huge diversity of native lipids and their modifications make lipidomic analyses challenging. The method of choice for sensitive detection and quantitation of molecular lipid species is mass spectrometry, either by direct infusion (shotgun lipidomics) or coupled with liquid chromatography. Although shotgun lipidomics allows for high-throughput analysis, low-abundant lipid species are not detected. Previous separation of lipid species by liquid chromatography increases ionization efficiency and is better suited for quantifying low abundant and isomeric lipid species. In this review, we will discuss the potential of lipidomics for cardiovascular research. To date, cardiovascular research predominantly focuses on the role of lipid classes rather than molecular entities. An in-depth knowledge about the molecular lipid species that contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases may provide better biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
High-Dose Simvastatin Exhibits Enhanced Lipid-Lowering Effects Relative to Simvastatin/Ezetimibe Combination Therapy
Authors: Snowden Stuart G. , Grapov Dmitry , Settergren Magnus , D’Alexandri Fabio Luiz , Haeggström Jesper Z. , Fiehn Oliver , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Pedersen Theresa L. , Newman John W. , Orešič Matej , Pernow John , Wheelock Craig E.
Published: December 2014

Statins are the frontline in cholesterol reduction therapies; however, their use in combination with agents that possess complimentary mechanisms of action may achieve further reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Thirty-nine patients were treated with either 80 mg simvastatin (n=20) or 10 mg simvastatin plus 10 mg ezetimibe (n=19) for 6 weeks. Dosing was designed to produce comparable low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reductions, while enabling assessment of potential simvastatin-associated pleiotropic effects. Baseline and post-treatment plasma were analyzed for lipid mediators (eg, eicosanoids and endocannabinoids) and structural lipids by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. After statistical analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures multivariate modeling, no changes were observed in lipid mediator levels, whereas global structural lipids were reduced in response to both monotherapy (
R
2
Y
=0.74;
Q
2
=0.66; cross-validated ANOVA
P
=7.0×10
−8
) and combination therapy (
R
2
Y
=0.67;
Q
2
=0.54; cross-validated ANOVA
P
=2.6×10
−5
). Orthogonal projections to latent structures modeling identified a subset of 12 lipids that classified the 2 treatment groups after 6 weeks (
R
2
Y
=0.65;
Q
2
=0.61; cross-validated ANOVA
P
=5.4×10
−8
). Decreases in the lipid species phosphatidylcholine (15:0/18:2) and hexosyl-ceramide (d18:1/24:0) were the strongest discriminators of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reductions for both treatment groups (
q
<0.00005), whereas phosphatidylethanolamine (36:3e) contributed most to distinguishing treatment groups (
q
=0.017). Shifts in lipid composition were similar for high-dose simvastatin and simvastatin/ezetimibe combination therapy, but the magnitude of the reduction was linked to simvastatin dosage. Simvastatin therapy did not affect circulating levels of lipid mediators, suggesting that pleiotropic effects are not associated with eicosanoid production. Only high-dose simvastatin reduced the relative proportion of sphingomyelin and ceramide to phosphatidylcholine (
q
=0.008), suggesting a pleiotropic effect previously associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Serum Leptin Measured in Early Pregnancy Is Higher in Women With Preeclampsia Compared With Normotensive Pregnant Women
Authors: Taylor Brandie D. , Ness Roberta B. , Olsen Jørn , Hougaard David M. , Skogstrand Kristin , Roberts James M. , Haggerty Catherine L.
Published: December 2014

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, plays an important role in reproduction and angiogenesis. Studies examining leptin in preeclampsia are inconsistent, possibly because of small sample sizes and variability in sampling and outcome. We conducted a nested case–control study to examine associations between serum leptin (measured: 9–26 weeks gestation) and preeclampsia among 430 primiparous preeclamptic women and 316 primiparous normotensive controls from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Median (interquartile range) leptin concentrations were calculated. Associations between leptin and preeclampsia (blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg), term preeclampsia (preeclampsia and delivery ≥37 weeks gestation), or preterm preeclampsia (preeclampsia and delivery <37 weeks gestation) were examined using generalized linear models adjusting for body mass index, gestational age at blood draw, maternal age, smoking, and socio-occupational status. As leptin is increased in obese women and the risk of preeclampsia increases with body mass index, we used the Sobel test to examine whether leptin is a mediator of this relationship. After adjustments, leptin concentrations were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia (30.5 [24.6];
P
=0.0117) and term preeclampsia (30.4 [24.9];
P
=0.0228) compared with controls (20.9 [28.3]). There was no significant difference between preterm preeclampsia (30.6 [23.4];
P
=0.2210) and controls. Leptin is a possible mediator of the association between body mass index and preeclampsia (
P
=0.0276). Leptin concentrations are higher in women with preeclampsia compared with normotensive controls and may mediate some of the relationship between body mass index and preeclampsia.
Lambda and the Edge of Chaos in Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Seifter Jared , Reggia James A.
Published: December 2014

The idea that there is an edge of chaos, a region in the space of dynamical systems having special meaning for complex living entities, has a long history in artificial life. The significance of this region was first emphasized in cellular automata models when a single simple measure, λCA, identified it as a transitional region between order and chaos. Here we introduce a parameter λNN that is inspired by λCA but is defined for recurrent neural networks. We show through a series of systematic computational experiments that λNN generally orders the dynamical behaviors of randomly connected/weighted recurrent neural networks in the same way that λCA does for cellular automata. By extending this ordering to larger values of λNN than has typically been done with λCA and cellular automata, we find that a second edge-of-chaos region exists on the opposite side of the chaotic region. These basic results are found to hold under different assumptions about network connectivity, but vary substantially in their details. The results show that the basic concept underlying the lambda parameter can usefully be extended to other types of complex dynamical systems than just cellular automata.
Active Inference, Evidence Accumulation, and the Urn Task
Authors: FitzGerald Thomas H. B. , Schwartenbeck Philipp , Moutoussis Michael , Dolan Raymond J. , Friston Karl
Published: December 2014

Deciding how much evidence to accumulate before making a decision is a problem we and other animals often face, but one that is not completely understood. This issue is particularly important because a tendency to sample less information (often known as reflection impulsivity) is a feature in several psychopathologies, such as psychosis. A formal understanding of information sampling may therefore clarify the computational anatomy of psychopathology. In this theoretical letter, we consider evidence accumulation in terms of active (Bayesian) inference using a generic model of Markov decision processes. Here, agents are equipped with beliefs about their own behavior—in this case, that they will make informed decisions. Normative decision making is then modeled using variational Bayes to minimize surprise about choice outcomes. Under this scheme, different facets of belief updating map naturally onto the functional anatomy of the brain (at least at a heuristic level). Of particular interest is the key role played by the expected precision of beliefs about control, which we have previously suggested may be encoded by dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. We show that manipulating expected precision strongly affects how much information an agent characteristically samples, and thus provides a possible link between impulsivity and dopaminergic dysfunction. Our study therefore represents a step toward understanding evidence accumulation in terms of neurobiologically plausible Bayesian inference and may cast light on why this process is disordered in psychopathology.
Characterizing the Diurnal Cycle of Low-Level Circulation and Convergence Using CFSR Data in Southeastern South America
Authors: Bueno Repinaldo Henrique Fuchs , Nicolini Matilde , Skabar Yanina García
Published: December 2014

The focus of this study is the characterization of the diurnal cycle of low-level wind and divergence field (under two different synoptic situations observed during the South American Low-Level Jet Experiment) within the South American domain encompassed between 20° and 35°S east of the Andes, using Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). The objective is to highlight the existence of a spatial variation of these quantities and differences in the strength of their diurnal cycle between the two synoptic situations. Inertial oscillations and thermally driven circulations as well as convection-related contributions to mesoscale convergence and their implications for deep convection initiation/maintenance are addressed in each selected subregion. Prevalence of synoptic-scale forcing over the diurnally forced circulations, or vice versa, is also analyzed. Both mesoscale wind diurnal cycle and related divergence fields are sensitive to varying synoptic conditions and display regional variability. Thermal circulations related to topographical features superpose on the diurnal inertial oscillation that, while present in the whole domain, dominates the central plain subregions. The most evident diurnal cycle in the divergence field is restricted to sloped areas just to the east of the Andes and the Sierras de Córdoba where the mesoscale component of the divergence field is responsible for modulating the total divergence. CFSR provides a broad perspective of low-level circulation over southeastern South America (SESA) during the specific 15-day period. Results from this study might stimulate future research on a relationship between low-level circulation and the initiation of convection in SESA using CFSR to perform high-resolution simulations.
Interannual Modality of Upper-Ocean Temperature: 4D Structure Revealed by Argo Data
Authors: Chen Ge , Chen Hanou
Published: December 2014

Using the newly available decade-long Argo data for the period 2004–13, a detailed study is carried out on deriving four-dimensional (4D) modality of sea temperature in the upper ocean with emphasis on its interannual variability in terms of amplitude, phase, and periodicity. Three principal modes with central periodicities at 19.2, 33.8, and 50.3 months have been identified, and their relationship with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is investigated, yielding a number of useful results and conclusions: 1) A striking tick-shaped pipe-like feature of interannual variability maxima, which is named the “Niño pipe” in this paper, has been revealed within the 10°S–10°N upper Pacific Ocean. 2) The pipe core extends downward from ~50 m at 130°E to ~250 m near the date line before tilting upward to the sea surface at about 275°E, coinciding nicely with the pathway of the Pacific equatorial undercurrent (EUC). 3) The double-peak zonal modality pattern of the Niño pipe in the upper Pacific is echoed in the subsurface Atlantic and Indian Oceans through Walker circulation, while its single-peak meridional modality pattern is mirrored in the subsurface North and South Pacific through Hadley circulation. 4) A coherent three-peak modal structure implies a strong coupling between sea level variability at the surface and sea temperature variability around the thermocline. Accumulating evidence suggests that Rossby/Kelvin wave dynamics in tandem with EUC-based thermocline dynamics are the main mechanisms of the three-mode Niño pipe in ENSO cycles.
Staying in the Zone
Authors: Roberts Ruby , Flin Rhona , Cleland Jennifer
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the cognitive components required for offshore drillers to develop and maintain situation awareness (SA) while controlling subsea hydrocarbon wells.

Background:

SA issues are often identified as contributing factors to drilling incidents, most recently in the Deepwater Horizon blowout. Yet, there is a limited body of research investigating SA in the offshore drilling environment.

Method:

In the first study, critical incident interviews were conducted with 18 experienced drilling personnel. Transcripts were subjected to theory-driven thematic analysis, producing a preliminary cognitive framework of how drillers develop and maintain SA during well control. In the second study, 24 hr of observations (in vivo and video) of drillers managing a high fidelity well-control simulator were analyzed to further develop the framework.

Results:

The cognitive components that enable drillers to build up an understanding of what is happening in the wellbore and surrounding environment, to predict how this understanding may develop, were identified. These components included cue recognition, interpretation of information in conjunction with the current mental model, and projection through mental simulation. Factors such as distracters, expectations, and information sharing between crew members can both positively and negatively influence the drillers’ SA.

Conclusion:

The findings give a preliminary understanding into the components of drillers’ SA, highlighting the importance of SA for safe and effective performance and indicating that Endsley’s model of SA can be applied to drilling.

Application:

The results have consequences for training, task management, and work design recommendations.
Ebola Crisis in the United States
Authors: Patwardhan Avinash Raghunath
Published: December 2014

This article is about readiness of the U.S. health care system to deal with crises. Using the Ebola crisis as a reference, first it examines the response to the current challenge. However, that is the smaller objective of the article. Lately, we are also being challenged to deal with other kinds of epidemics like obesity, mental health diseases, and violence. These crises are not dramatic like the Ebola crisis. However, these are no less insidious than Ebola. If we are not ready for them, then these crises have the potential to undermine the long-term health and prosperity of our society. In this context, and therefore mainly, this article is about two major long-standing systemic problems in the U.S. health care system that the unfolding of the Ebola crisis has bared. One is about how the inherent problem in the design of American federalist system regarding state autonomy on health matters is creating a dysfunctional health care system. The other is about the inertia of the research industry in the health care system in clinging to an archaic outdated inefficient mind-set and methodology that fails to generate the right information required for an appropriate decision making in matters of health care delivery, including crises. These problems are not small, nor their solutions easy. However, no matter how uncomfortable and tedious, facing them is necessary and inevitable. The discussions and arguments in this article are to outline their nature broadly and to make a call to further a dialogue.
A realist approach to science and practice in psychology
Authors: Maree David JF
Published: December 2014

The possibility of uniting science and practice in psychology is considered. The main aim is to explore the ability of a realist approach to address the various dichotomies prevalent in psychology. The multileveled demands of the society, government, and tertiary training are briefly discussed. The multitude of mental health needs in South African society is addressed by government with a number of policies and legislative processes. In addition, training of psychologists is under pressure because of the changing demands within higher education institutions. The pressure to function as research institutions necessitates a revisioning of the scientist–practitioner model. This model perpetuates bipolarity because of a scientistic understanding of what it means to be scientific. This article describes a realist model of science that avoids some of the more serious dichotomies so prevalent in South African psychology departments, namely, the quantitative–qualitative divide, the positivist–constructionist split, and possibly also the scientist–practitioner model. A realist image of science might achieve this integration because of the simple fact that both science and practice involve critical enquiry. Two examples of a realist psychology from neuropsychology are discussed.
Information literacy in academic and research libraries of Beijing, China
Authors: Jabeen Munazza , Yun Liu , Rafiq Muhammad , Jabeen Misbah , Tahir Muhammad Azam
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the information literacy (IL) practices, methods and techniques being implemented in China’s university and research libraries. The study selected a concurrent mixed-methods research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with professionals from 10 universities and research libraries in Beijing, China. Convenience sampling was used to collect data from the library professionals. The results show that university libraries are in far better positions than research libraries but that there is still a need for improvements. The findings indicate that IL training through library orientations and tours and introductory information skills are frequently and successfully being used in both types of libraries. For orientation, face-to-face delivery was used in 80 percent of university libraries and 60 percent of research libraries. IL programs were integrated into some subject units and available in 100 percent of the university libraries and 60 percent of the research libraries. University libraries performed better in implementing IL programs compared with the research institutes’ libraries. A number of gaps exist between university and research libraries in terms of information literacy practices. These gaps can be filled by overcoming barriers such as the absence of inactivity of professional library associations, the lack of government interest, the lack of faculty collaboration, and the failure to promote IL programs among the user community. In the light of this research, it is suggested that the Chinese government pay keen attention to formulating a national IL policy.
Effects of background music on young Japanese adults’ impressions of opposite-sex conversation partners
Authors: Shigeno Sumi
Published: December 2014

This study examines whether background music gives young Japanese adults a more favorable impression of conversation partners of the opposite sex for the first meeting during conversation for konkatsu. A total of 32 students in their teens and twenties (16 males and 16 females) participated in the experiment. The two conditions were as follows: the ‘with-music’ condition, where BGM was played during a 20-minute conversation, and the ‘no-music’ condition, where BGM was absent. The participants were divided into eight small groups, consisting of two males and two females each. Four other students (two males and two females) participated in pairs (two couples) in each group as the target conversation partners (called ‘guests’ here). The participants rated their impressions of the guests of the opposite sex before and after the conversation. The guests were instructed to keep the conversation smooth and amicable. The results showed that irrespective of the presence of background music, face-to-face conversation between young males and females led to a change in their impression of their partner and created intimacy between them. The biggest difference between the no-music and with-music conditions is the point that music facilitated the feelings of love for the partner of the opposite sex.
Influence of magnesium hydroxide on thermal decomposition of intumescent fire-retardant epoxy coatings
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Wenting , Cheng Yunfei
Published: December 2014

Intumescent fire-retardant epoxy (IFR-EP) coatings including ammonium polyphosphate (APP), pentaerythritol (PER), melamine (MEL), magnesium hydroxide (MH), epoxy resin (EP) and polyamide resin (PA) were prepared. Thermal decomposition processes of the pure EP-PA, APP, PER, MEL and MH by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique indicate that the decomposition temperature ranges of EP-PA, APP, PER and MEL are properly consistent with the intumescent mechanism of flame retardants. Thermal decomposition of IFR-EP coatings shows that 15 parts per hundred parts of resin MH is more appropriate to be selected in the formulation of IFR-EP coatings. Kinetic analysis of the TGA data based on the Kissinger methods revealed that activation energy could be used as an important parameter to judge the thermal decomposition process. The conversion dependencies of the activation energy plot show the complex effect of MH content on the thermal decomposition process of IFR-EP coatings.
Nonisothermal crystallization of isotactic polypropylene in carbon nanotube networks
Authors: Ji Xu , Chen Jing-Bin , Zhong Gan-Ji , Li Zhong-Ming , Lei Jun
Published: December 2014

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites with carbon nanotube (CNT) networks at relatively high loadings could have various applications such as electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal conductivity. The crystallization behavior of iPP inside CNT networks could be very much related to the above properties, which was found to be quite different from that of neat iPP in this work. In CNT networks, CNTs not only act as effective heterogeneous nucleating agents to noticeably increase the onset temperature (more than 18°C) of iPP crystallization but also bring strong confinement on the mobility of iPP chains and then reduce the overall crystallization rate of iPP matrix. It is interesting to find that CNT networks, especially in the case of ultrahigh loading (90 wt%), have remarkable confinement effect on crystallization of iPP, overcoming the heterogeneous nucleation of CNTs, resulting in a decline of crystallization rate of iPP. The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of iPP in the dense CNT network quite fits to the modified Avrami mode by Jeziorny, even more satisfactorily than the case of neat iPP. When confinement effect is dominated during crystallization, we found that the perfection and size of crystallites are extremely decreased at ultrahigh loading, leading to a very low melting point of iPP (approximately 140°C).
Study on in situ reinforced composites of thermoplastic resins
Authors: Xia Ying , Zhang Hui , Wang Qian , Guo Jing , Gong Yumei
Published: December 2014

Typical crystalline thermoplastic resin polypropylene (PP) and amorphous thermoplastic copolymer acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) were respectively blended with self-made novel low-melting point thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP) that contained phosphorus and nitrogen elements (PN-TLCP). Then, the PP/PN-TLCP and ABS/PN-TLCP in situ-reinforced composites were prepared. The effects of PN-TLCP on mechanical property, microstructure, processability, and thermal stability of these two composites were investigated. The results showed that the strength and rigidity of matrix were improved, indicating that PN-TLCP played a role of enhancement. Meanwhile, PN-TLCP could form microfibrillar structure in PP and ABS matrix, which was the main reason of the formation of in situ composites. In the forming process, PN-TLCP could induce PP resin to form β-crystal, which was why the toughness of PP was improved. In addition, PP and ABS exhibited better processing flowability and their melt flow rates were respectively increased 18% and 56% after blending with PN-TLCP. Besides, PN-TLCP was highly beneficial to improving the thermal stabilities of matrix. Various tests showed that this kind of TLCP was suitable for crystalline thermoplastic resin PP and its composites would have more outstanding comprehensive properties.
Evaluation of the Feasibility and Utility of a Pharmacist-Centered Collaborative Drug Therapy Management Program for Oncology-Based Symptom Management
Authors: Hansen Elizabeth A. , Pietkiewicz John M. , Blum Bonnie L.
Published: December 2014

Collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) is a practice agreement between a pharmacist and a physician, which allows the pharmacist to assume responsibility of drug therapy management. There has been limited documentation of CDTM practices in the oncology setting. Therefore, a CDTM program in the gynecology oncology clinic at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) was initiated to establish the feasibility and utility of CDTM and its effects on patient care and physician satisfaction. Primarily, 3 symptoms were managed by the CDTM pharmacists, namely chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and women’s health. The CDTM program showed favorable results after a short 4-month period. The CDTM pharmacists were referred a total of 12 consultations for CDTM purposes; 8 patients enrolled in the CIPN CDTM protocol, 3 in the CINV protocol, and 1 in the women’s health protocol. The CDTM pharmacists were able to perform a total of 54 consultations, with a mean time of 16.9 minutes spent with each patient per consultation. Additionally, the CDTM pharmacists made 70 interventions and identified 6 medication-related adverse effects. The patient and physician satisfaction survey demonstrated the value of the CDTM pharmacists, and respondents were supportive of the program.
Experimental study of flow control on delta wings with different sweep angles using pulsed nanosecond DBD plasma actuators
Authors: Zhao Guang-yin , Li Ying-hong , Hua Wei-zhuo , Liang Hua , Han Meng-hu , Niu Zhong-guo
Published: December 2014

A low-speed wind tunnel study of active flow control for improving aerodynamic performance of delta wings at high angles of attack is presented. A dielectric barrier discharge actuator driven by pulsed nanosecond voltage is used to create periodic perturbations along the leading edge of delta wing. Four wings with sweep back angles of Λ = 30°, 47°, and 60° are tested. Data obtained by means of force measurements show that the effectiveness of the actuation strongly depends on the wing’s sweep angles and the actuation frequency. For Λ = 30°, 47° delta wings, the pulsed actuation could increase the lift at post stall regions. For Λ = 60° delta wing, the pulsed actuation at the leading edge almost has no effect on its aerodynamic performance. At last, the control mechanism is discussed.
In vitro method for assessing the biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Coles LG , Gheduzzi S , Miles AW
Published: December 2014

The patellofemoral joint is a common site of pain and failure following total knee arthroplasty. A contributory factor may be adverse patellofemoral biomechanics. Cadaveric investigations are commonly used to assess the biomechanics of the joint, but are associated with high inter-specimen variability and often cannot be carried out at physiological levels of loading. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of a novel knee simulator for investigating patellofemoral joint biomechanics. This simulator specifically facilitated the extended assessment of patellofemoral joint biomechanics under physiological levels of loading. The simulator allowed the knee to move in 6 degrees of freedom under quadriceps actuation and included a simulation of the action of the hamstrings. Prostheses were implanted on synthetic bones and key soft tissues were modelled with a synthetic analogue. In order to evaluate the physiological relevance and repeatability of the simulator, measurements were made of the quadriceps force and the force, contact area and pressure within the patellofemoral joint using load cells, pressure-sensitive film, and a flexible pressure sensor. The results were in agreement with those previously reported in the literature, confirming that the simulator is able to provide a realistic physiological loading situation. Under physiological loading, average standard deviations of force and area measurements were substantially lower and comparable to those reported in previous cadaveric studies, respectively. The simulator replicates the physiological environment and has been demonstrated to allow the initial investigation of factors affecting patellofemoral biomechanics following total knee arthroplasty.
The relationship between maximal hip abductor strength and resultant loading at the knee during walking
Authors: Lewinson Ryan T , Worobets Jay T , Stefanyshyn Darren J
Published: December 2014

The peak external knee adduction moment (KAM) is implicated in progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Recently, hip abductor weakness has also been found in patients with knee OA; however, it remains unknown as to how or if this weakness is a consequence of OA, or a predisposing factor. If it is the latter, a direct relationship between hip strength and KAM magnitude would be expected. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hip abductor strength and KAM magnitude during walking. In fourteen adults, maximal isometric hip abductor strength was measured, and the KAM was quantified during gait. Additionally, internal hip abductor moments, vertical and medial ground-reaction-forces (GRFs), and GRF to knee joint center lever-arms were quantified during gait. The relationship between hip strength and GRFs, lever-arms and KAM were assessed using correlation. Internal hip abductor moments were compared to maximum hip strength by paired samples t-test. Correlations between hip strength and the vertical GRF ( r = −0.05, p = 0.87), medial GRF ( r = −0.24, p = 0.41), lever arm ( r = −0.01, p = 0.97), and KAM ( r = −0.24, p = 0.41) were not statistically significant. Peak internal hip abductor moments during gait (1.1 ± 0.2 Nm/kg) were significantly lower than maximal hip abductor strength (1.8 ± 0.3 Nm/kg, p < 0.001). It is concluded that hip abductor strength is not related to KAM magnitude. It seems more likely that hip abductor weakness is a consequence of OA rather than a predisposing factor.
Characterization of a pressure measuring system for the evaluation of medical devices
Authors: Bonnaire Rébecca , Verhaeghe Marion , Molimard Jérôme , Calmels Paul , Convert Reynald
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible use of four “FSA” thin and flexible resistive pressure mapping systems, designed by Vista Medical (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), for the measurement of interface pressure exerted by lumbar belts onto the trunk. These sensors were originally designed for the measurement of low pressure applied by medical devices on the skin. Two types of tests were performed: standard metrology tests such as linearity, hysteresis, repeatability, reproducibility and drift, and specific tests for this application such as curvature, surface condition and mapping system superposition. The linear regression coefficient is between 0.86 and 0.98; hysteresis is between 6.29% and 9.41%. Measurements are repeatable. The location, time and operator, measurement surface condition and mapping system superposition have a statistically significant influence on the results. A stable measure is verified over the period defined in the calibration procedure, but unacceptable drift is observed afterward. The measurement stays suitable on a curved surface for an applied pressure above 50 mmHg. To conclude, the sensor has acceptable linearity, hysteresis and repeatability. Calibration must be adapted to avoid drift. Moreover, when comparing different measurements with this sensor, the location, the time, the operator and the measurement surface condition should not change; the mapping system must not be superimposed.
A reconceptualization of significance testing
Authors: Perezgonzalez Jose D.
Published: December 2014

Significance testing has been controversial since Neyman and Pearson published their procedure for testing statistical hypotheses. Fisher, who popularized tests of significance, first noticed the emerging confusion between that procedure and his own, yet he could not stop their hybridization into what is nowadays known as Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST). Here I hypothesize why similar attempts to clarify matters have also failed; namely because both procedures are designed to be confused: their names may not match purpose, both use null hypotheses and levels of significance yet for different goals, and p-values, errors, alternative hypotheses, and significance only apply to one procedure yet are commonly used with both. I also propose a reconceptualization of the procedures to prevent further confusion.
Finding vulnerable subpopulations in the Seychelles Child Development Study: effect modification with latent groups
Authors: Love Tanzy MT , Thurston Sally W , Davidson Philip W
Published: December 2014

The Seychelles Child Development Study is a research project with the objective of examining associations between prenatal exposure to low doses of methylmercury from maternal fish consumption and children’s developmental outcomes. Whether methylmercury has neurotoxic effects at low doses remains unclear and recommendations for pregnant women and children to reduce fish intake may prevent a substantial number of people from receiving sufficient nutrients that are abundant in fish. The primary findings of the Seychelles Child Development Study are inconsistent with adverse associations between methylmercury from fish consumption and neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, whether there are subpopulations of children who are particularly sensitive to this diet is an open question. Secondary analysis from this study found significant interactions between prenatal methylmercury levels and both caregiver IQ and income on 19-month IQ. These results are sensitive to the categories chosen for these covariates and are difficult to interpret collectively. In this paper, we estimate effect modification of the association between prenatal methylmercury exposure and 19-month IQ using a general formulation of mixture regression. Our mixture regression model creates a latent categorical group membership variable which interacts with methylmercury in predicting the outcome. We also fit the same outcome model when in addition the latent variable is assumed to be a parametric function of three distinct socioeconomic measures. Bayesian methods allow group membership and the regression coefficients to be estimated simultaneously and our approach yields a principled choice of the number of distinct subpopulations. The results show three groups with different response patterns between prenatal methylmercury exposure and 19-month IQ in this population.
‘Stuck in structure’: How young leaders experienced the institutional frames at the Youth Olympic Games in Innsbruck, 2012
Authors: Bodemar Annika , Skille Eivind
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to explore how young leaders within the Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee experienced the degree of freedom within the institutionalized structure of the International Olympic Committee. Employing a theoretical framework of new institutionalism, a qualitative case study including observations and interviews was conducted. The concept of translation provides a framework for analysing institutional change in organizations, where new ideas are combined with existing institutional practices and translated into new practices to varying degrees. The Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee consisted of young people with experiences from the event industry. This resulted in greater pressure to introduce new institutional solutions to the field. Despite being constrained by coercive pressure from the International Olympic Committee, new innovative elements were translated by the young leaders in the Innsbruck Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee into the International Olympic Committee event. However, the innovations were restricted to areas that the International Olympic Committee defined as less important such as sustainability projects as opposed to important areas like marketing.
All the world’s a stage: evaluating psychiatry role-play based learning for medical students
Authors: King Joel , Hill Kathryn , Gleason Andrew
Published: December 2014

Objective:

This paper describes an evaluation of an innovative approach, role-play based learning (RBL), as a vehicle for teaching psychiatry. The aim of this intervention, where medical students perform both doctor and patients roles, was to provide an interactive learning format that engaged students while developing clinical knowledge and communication skills in a structured, reflective environment.

Method:

Questionnaires were completed by 107 students from three clinical schools of the University of Melbourne. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic content analysis.

Results:

Student evaluations of the RBL sessions were overwhelmingly positive. Respondents reported improvements in engagement, confidence and empathy, as well as in their learning, and that the sessions provided good preparation for internship as well as for exams.

Conclusion:

The RBL tutorial programme is unique and flexible and could readily be adapted for use in other specialty rotations. It is also timely, given the increased interest in simulation prompted by increasing pressure on training places across the health sciences in Australia.
What can psychiatrists do to better support victims of family violence?
Authors: O’Connor Manjula , Cox Joanne , Castle David J
Published: December 2014

Objective:

This article aims to draw psychiatrists’ attention to the problem of family violence and offer pragmatic guidance to detect and manage family violence in the psychiatric context.

Methods:

Selective narrative review.

Results:

Family violence involves complex interactions between societal, cultural, family and individual factors. Awareness and understanding of family violence is important for psychiatrists as engagement can result in enhanced opportunities for early intervention and harm reduction.

Conclusions:

There are barriers facing psychiatrists regarding successful family violence intervention outcomes. Concerted action is required to improve services and support to victims and perpetrators.
The Evolving Syntheses of Program Value
Authors: Stake Robert , Migotsky Christopher , Davis Rita , Cisneros Edith J. , Depaul Gary , Dunbar Christopher , Farmer Raquel , Feltovich Joan , Johnson Edna , Williams Brent , Zurita Martha , Chaves Iduina
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we object to Michael Scriven's claim that the basic logic of evaluation is criterial and standards-based. We note that valuing is an integral part of perception and that valuing within perception, repeatedly refined, is an even more basic logic of evaluation. We find unpersuasive his claim that making the final synthesis “governed” will diminish bias, noting that bias will find its way into the required statements of need, function, standards and weighting. We offer our alternative for disciplining the synthesis process, by urging more systematic and demanding critiques of emerging interpretations and values, and by more deliberately using competing conceptual organizers (e.g., goals, issues, decisions and elements of the rules Scriven advocates) as temporary and dialectical grounds for reconsidering the evolving meanings of the program, including its merit and shortcoming.
Empowerment Evaluation Examined
Authors: Scriven Michael
Published: December 2014

It is suggested that there are some serious problems with defining the concept of empowerment evaluation, with its underlying assumptions, and with its proposed justification.
Factors affecting international students’ travel behavior
Authors: Varasteh Hanieh , Marzuki Azizan , Rasoolimanesh S Mostafa
Published: December 2014

This article attempted to find out important factors influencing international students’ travel behavior. A total of 409 international postgraduate students studying in five Malaysian research universities (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) participated in this quantitative study through a self-administered questionnaire. A structural equation modeling–partial least squares using Warp PLS 3.0 was applied to analyze data. The study revealed that a number of demographic characteristics including age, marital status, nationality, and source of finance significantly affect preferred travel activities and preferences. In addition, travel behavior (as a third-order factor) was also affected by age, marital status, nationality, and source of finance. The moderating effect of information source on relationship between nationality and travel behavior has also been identified, with its main function being adjusting the strengths of relationships between nationality and travel behavior.
Understanding the development of Chinese EFL learners’ email literacy through Exploratory Practice
Authors: Chen Yuan-shan
Published: December 2014

While many empirical studies demonstrate the effects of instruction on enhancing second language (L2) learners’ pragmatic competence (Rose, 2005), few have attempted to gain an understanding of the quality of classroom life in addition to instructional efficacy. Drawing on the framework of Exploratory Practice (Allwright, 2005), the present study examines how intermediate-level Taiwanese students of English enrolled in an advanced writing class developed greater pragmatic awareness in email literacy. Instruction was divided into four distinct stages: Setting the context, Modelling, Joint construction and Independent construction. The outcomes, gleaned through questionnaires, class discussions, student presentations, and pre- and post-instruction emails, provide striking evidence of greater pragmatic awareness and positive attitudes towards instruction on email literacy, and pinpoint aspects of email literacy which may require more instructional attention. Overall, this Exploratory Practice offers interesting insights into how instruction on pragmatics in everyday life (email literacy) can contribute to the quality of classroom life for English language students and their teacher.
‘I WILL DO EVERYthing That Am Asked’: Scambaiting, Digital Show-Space, and the Racial Violence of Social Media
Authors: Nakamura Lisa
Published: December 2014

‘Trophy’ photographs of African men and women who pose holding signs, either naked or in outrageously bizarre outfits and positions, are prized memetic images produced by ‘scambaiters’. The unusual activities staged in these photographs and videos, such as men wearing bras, hitting each other in the face with fish, and pouring milk on each other’s heads, invite viewers to enjoy and speculate about their origins. Scambaiter trophy images originate in sites devoted to users who wish to deter would-be scammers and they circulate widely on image-boards where they are often reposted without their original context. This visual staging of the savage African digitally extends previous visual cultures of the primitive, showing how durable these have proven, despite our current ‘post-racial’ moment. Scambaiter trophy images extend colonialism’s show-space, rendering it even more powerful and far reaching, and allowing it to migrate freely into multiple contexts. This article argues for a new digital media archaeology that would investigate or acknowledge the conditions of racial coercion and enforced primitivism that gave rise to these digital imaging practice pictures. The author examines how sharing affordances on image boards and social media sites encourage users to unknowingly circulate abject images of race and gender.
Measurement and Evaluation for Health Educators
Authors: Brown David , Hou Su-I
Published: December 2014

Measurement and Evaluation for Health Educators provides health educators, health promotion practitioners, and students 13 chapters of practical information on many different aspects of measurement, instrument design, and evaluation techniques. A good selection of topics and well-written chapters encourages professionals to evaluate their own programs and procedures. This is a user-friendly text that provides valuable information for people who are or will be evaluating health education and/or health-promotion programs. It is an excellent guide for practitioners interested in using evidence-based techniques in their health promotion and health education activities.
Promoting Transformative Learning Through Reading Fiction
Authors: Hoggan Chad , Cranton Patricia
Published: December 2014

This article is a report on research into the role of fiction in promoting transformative learning in higher education settings. Participants were 131 undergraduate and graduate students from two universities in the United States. To determine the type of learning promoted by reading fiction, we performed qualitative analyses on participants’ written reflections following a learning activity that included the reading of a fictional short story. Our major findings consisted of the following three categories: promoting change (with subcategories of promotes desire for change and stimulates change), new perspectives (with subcategories of opens eyes to new perspectives and opens new/more holistic perspectives), and fosters critical reflections. Supplementary findings were connections with personal experiences, emotional responses, and role models in the story. The types of learning described by our participants coincide with processes that promote transformative learning.