bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birthing and Parenting a Premature Infant in a Cultural Context
Authors: Brooks Jada L. , Holdtich-Davis Diane , Docherty Sharron L. , Theodorou Christina S.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this longitudinal qualitative descriptive study was to explore American Indian mothers’ perceptions of parenting their premature infants over their first year of life in the context of their culture, including the birth and hospitalization experience. A convenience sample of 17 American Indian mothers and their premature infants were recruited from either a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or pediatric clinic in the southeast. Semistructured interviews were conducted at two time points. Through content analytic methods, three broad categories were revealed: descriptions of having a premature infant in the NICU, descriptions of parenting a premature infant, and the influence of Lumbee culture on parenting a premature infant. Certain aspects of American Indian culture appear to be important in having a premature infant in the NICU and in parenting a premature infant. We recommend that health care providers deliver culturally appropriate care that fully supports American Indian mothers and their premature infants.
Visualizing Everyday Racism
Authors: Pérez Huber Lindsay , Solorzano Daniel G.
Published: February 2015

Drawing from critical race and sociolinguistic discourse analysis, this article further develops the conceptual tool of racial microaggressions—the systemic, cumulative, everyday forms of racism experienced by People of Color—to articulate a type of racial microaggression, we call visual microaggressions. Visual microaggressions are systemic, everyday visual assaults based on race, gender, class, sexuality, language, immigration status, phenotype, accent, or surname that emerge in various mediums such as textbooks, children’s books, advertisements, film and television, dance and theater performance, and public signage and statuary. These microaggressions reinforce institutional racism and perpetuate ideologies of white supremacy. In this article, we use a racial microaggressions analytical framework to examine how the “Mexican bandit” visual microaggression has been utilized as a multimodal text that (re)produces racist discourses that in turn reinforce dominant power structures. These discourses have allowed for the Mexican bandit image to pervade the public imagination of Latinas/os for over 100 years.
Integrated Approach to Early Detection of Cardiovascular Toxicity Induced by a Ghrelin Receptor Agonist
Authors: Stokes Alan H. , Falls J. Greg , Yoon Lawrence , Cariello Neal , Faiola Brenda , Colton Heidi M. , Jordan Holly L. , Berridge Brian R.
Published: February 2015

Cardiovascular (CV) safety concerns are among the leading causes of compound attrition in drug development. This work describes a strategy of applying novel end points to a 7-day rodent study to increase the opportunity to detect and characterize CV injury observed in a longer term (ie, 28 days) study. Using a ghrelin receptor agonist (GSK894281), a compound that produces myocardial degeneration/necrosis in rats after 28 days at doses of 0.3, 1, 10, or 60 mg/kg/d, we dosed rats across a range of similar doses (0, 0.3, 60, or 150 mg/kg/d) for 7 days to determine whether CV toxicity could be detected in a shorter study. End points included light and electron microscopies of the heart; heart weight; serum concentrations of fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP); and a targeted transcriptional assessment of heart tissue. Histologic evaluation revealed a minimal increase in the incidence and/or severity of cardiac necrosis in animals administered 150 mg/kg/d. Ultrastructurally, mitochondrial membrane whorls and mitochondrial degeneration were observed in rats given 60 or 150 mg/kg/d. The FABP3 was elevated in rats given 150 mg/kg/d. Cardiac transcriptomics revealed evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction coincident with histologic lesions in the heart, and along with the ultrastructural results support a mechanism of mitochondrial injury. There were no changes in cTnI, cTnT, NT-proANP, or heart weight. In summary, enhancing a study design with novel end points provides a more integrated evaluation in short-term repeat dose studies, potentially leading to earlier nonclinical detection of structural CV toxicity.
Can clinical signs, clinicopathological findings and abdominal ultrasonography predict the site of histopathological abnormalities of the alimentary tract in cats?
Authors: Freiche Valerie , Faucher Mathieu R , German Alexander J
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Many cats with gastrointestinal signs have coexisting abnormalities in the intestine, liver and pancreas. Investigations typically involve clinicopathological tests, diagnostic imaging and biopsy, either at coeliotomy or by non-invasive means. While exploratory coeliotomy enables all organs to be sampled simultaneously, it is invasive and might not be necessary. The aim of the current study was to assess the performance of preliminary clinical information in predicting the histopathological presence of abnormalities in alimentary tract organs in cats.

Methods

The records of 38 cats with alimentary tract signs, which had ultimately undergone exploratory coeliotomy and surgical biopsy, were reviewed. The clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, diagnostic imaging findings and histopathology results were reviewed.

Results

On histopathological analysis, lesions were detected in 29/37 (78%) liver biopsies, in 29/35 (83%) gastrointestinal biopsies and in 17/37 (46%) pancreatic samples, the majority of which were inflammatory in nature. Clinical signs were generally poor markers of the presence of lesions in the alimentary tract. Further, while liver enzyme activity was relatively specific (88–100%) for detecting histopathological abnormalities in the liver, sensitivity was poor (11–50%). Pancreatic histopathological abnormalities were present in 1/3 of the cats with a positive pancreas-specific lipase result, and in 6/8 cats with a negative result. While relatively specific (57–100%) for both intestinal (57–100%) and hepatic (71–80%) histopathological abnormalities, abdominal ultrasonography lacked sensitivity for both organs (intestine 50–80%; liver 20–25%). In contrast, ultrasonography was relatively sensitive (50–80%), but not specific (17–22%) for detecting pancreatic lesions.

Conclusions and relevance

Clinical signs, and clinicopathological and ultrasonographic abnormalities lack precision for hepatic and pancreatic histopathological lesions in cats with alimentary tract signs, and cannot reliably predict from which organs biopsies should be collected. Arguably, therefore, exploratory coeliotomy is necessary to determine the site of histopathological abnormalities in feline alimentary tract disorders.
Follow-up of psychological outcomes of interventions in patients diagnosed with disorders of sexual development: A systematic review
Authors: Machado Paula Sandrine , Costa Angelo Brandelli , Nardi Henrique Caetano , Fontanari Anna Martha Vaitses , Araujo Igor Rabuske , Knauth Daniela Riva
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of articles that followed up the psychological outcomes of interventions in patients with disorders of sexual development. The analysis focused on the methodological quality of the studies and the assumptions on the evaluation of the intervention outcomes. The review signaled the need for better consideration about the complexity of intersexuality and for a shift from the anatomical/functional/aesthetic to the subjective outcomes related to patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, it is suggested that the interventions should be better investigated, given the lack of evidence for the necessity of early procedures.
Some extended psychological benefits of challenging social stereotypes: Decreased dehumanization and a reduced reliance on heuristic thinking
Authors: Prati Francesca , Vasiljevic Milica , Crisp Richard J. , Rubini Monica
Published: February 2015

One way to promote equality is to encourage people to generate counterstereotypic role models. In two experiments, we demonstrate that such interventions have much broader benefits than previously thought—reducing a reliance on heuristic thinking and decreasing tendencies to dehumanize outgroups. In Experiment 1, participants who thought about a gender counterstereotype (e.g., a female mechanic) demonstrated a generalized decrease in dehumanization towards a range of unrelated target groups (including asylum seekers and the homeless). In Experiment 2 we replicated these findings using alternative targets and measures of dehumanization. Furthermore, we found the effect was mediated by a reduced reliance on heuristic thinking. The findings suggest educational initiatives that aim to challenge social stereotypes may not only have societal benefits (generalized tolerance), but also tangible benefits for individuals (enhanced cognitive flexibility).
Process observations from an Australian cooperative inquiry project aimed at improving undergraduate student's experience
Authors: Howard A , Agllias K , Cliff K , Dodds J , Field A
Published: February 2015

This paper reports on a collaborative student-for-student research project conducted in 2012, which aimed to improve the first year experience for students at one Australian University. A cooperative inquiry group was established to focus on the issues experienced by first year students from low socio-economic backgrounds, raise critical consciousness, question existing ideological constructs and develop a response to the identified issues in the form of a V-pod. Thematic analysis of recorded data from meetings and written data from group wiki pages revealed three key themes related to: sharing experience, sharing power and sharing time. Findings suggest a clear place for cooperative inquiry in the higher educational sector, but this must be supported by the time and space to establish collaborative relationships. When academics and students recast their roles as ‘the researcher’ and ‘the researched’ in the pursuit of co-created knowledge they are more able to rally against structural barriers and produce more meaningful outcomes.
The Medical Innovation Bill: Still more harm than good
Authors: Richards Bernadette , Porter Gerard , Lipworth Wendy , Lysaght Tamra
Published: February 2015

The Medical Innovation Bill continues its journey through Parliament. On 23 January 2015, it was debated for the final time in the House of Lords and with one final amendment, the House moved to support the Bill, which then moved to the House of Commons on 26 January. It will be debated again on 27 February 2015. The Bill’s purpose is to encourage responsible innovation in medical treatment. Although this goal is laudable, it is argued that the Bill is unnecessary and has the potential to undermine the very cause it aims to advance. More useful for encouraging responsible innovation is the continued education of health-care professionals on how the law already supports practitioners who look to improve care through responsible innovation.
Graduate HRD Programs in South Korea
Authors: Lim Doo Hun , Cho Daeyeon
Published: February 2015

The Problem

To address national issues associated with societal development, many countries are recognizing the need to educate individuals who will lead developmental initiatives. While many previous studies have been conducted to examine how and what content of human resource development (HRD) has been taught in Western countries, similar research efforts have been rarely conducted in Asian countries such as South Korea. The lack of comparative study creates a research gap in understanding how HRD programs have been designed and implemented in different countries.

The Solution

In an effort to meet this research need, this study investigates the current status of graduate HRD programs and what constitutes the field of HRD in South Korea.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders are faculty members who are teaching in HRD programs in South Korea, HRD practitioners in South Korean organizations, and cross-cultural researchers focusing on curriculum studies.
Contextualizing Cambodia
Authors: Brehm Hollie Nyseth
Published: February 2015

Hollie Nyseth Brehm talks to Keith Chhe about escaping genocide and leaving his country–and its identity–behind.
From Ferguson to France
Authors: Beaman Jean
Published: February 2015

Jean Beaman compares the conditions that led to 2005 uprisings in French banlieues and 2014 protests in cities across the U.S.
Covering the Three Missouri Michaels
Authors: Thrasher Steven W.
Published: February 2015

Steven W. Thrasher on the three men who brought him to Missouri and how their stories converged.
What happened to the “War on Women?”
Authors: Rohlinger Deana A.
Published: February 2015

Deana A. Rohlinger contrasts the war on women with the war for women–or at least their votes.
Ferguson and “Rapid-Response” Teaching
Authors: Beer Christopher Todd
Published: February 2015

Christopher Todd Beer on bringing current events into the classroom without relying on the whims of a news cycle.
An Unexpected Box of Love Research
Authors: Janning Michelle
Published: February 2015

Michelle Janning finds scholarly inspiration in a shoebox.
Feasibility of Focused Stepping Practice During Inpatient Rehabilitation Poststroke and Potential Contributions to Mobility Outcomes
Authors: Hornby T. George , Holleran Carey L. , Leddy Abigail L. , Hennessy Patrick , Leech Kristan A. , Connolly Mark , Moore Jennifer L. , Straube Donald , Lovell Linda , Roth Elliot
Published: February 2015

Background. Optimal physical therapy strategies to maximize locomotor function in patients early poststroke are not well established. Emerging data indicate that substantial amounts of task-specific stepping practice may improve locomotor function, although stepping practice provided during inpatient rehabilitation is limited (<300 steps/session). Objective. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the feasibility of providing focused stepping training to patients early poststroke and its potential association with walking and other mobility outcomes. Methods. Daily stepping was recorded on 201 patients <6 months poststroke (80% < 1 month) during inpatient rehabilitation following implementation of a focused training program to maximize stepping practice during clinical physical therapy sessions. Primary outcomes included distance and physical assistance required during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Retrospective data analysis included multiple regression techniques to evaluate the contributions of demographics, training activities, and baseline motor function to primary outcomes at discharge. Results. Median stepping activity recorded from patients was 1516 steps/d, which is 5 to 6 times greater than that typically observed. The number of steps per day was positively correlated with both discharge 6MWT and BBS and improvements from baseline (changes; r = 0.40-0.87), independently contributing 10% to 31% of the total variance. Stepping activity also predicted level of assistance at discharge and discharge location (home vs other facility). Conclusion. Providing focused, repeated stepping training was feasible early poststroke during inpatient rehabilitation and was related to mobility outcomes. Further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of these training strategies on short- or long-term mobility outcomes as compared with conventional interventions.
Towards a framework for more robust validation and verification of simulation models for systems of systems
Authors: Zeigler Bernard P , Nutaro James J
Published: February 2015

We present a framework for verification and validation of simulation models of System of Systems that is based on an existing framework for modeling and simulation. The framework addresses problems arising especially in recently emerging Systems of Systems such as cyber-physical autonomous cooperative systems. The design of such systems presents challenges to the currently employed independent use of simplified models for formal verification or brute-force simulations which are severely limited in the range of conditions they can test. The proposed framework is applied to integration of formal analytic and simulation verification methods where there is a need to have confidence that the properties proved for idealized abstract models also hold in more realistic models which gave rise to the abstractions. Taking both logical and probabilistic perspectives clarifies the situation and suggests where more research is needed.
Derivation and implications of patient condition estimates
Authors: Wing Vern
Published: February 2015

Computer-based medical materiel item estimation is accomplished by clinically coupling injuries and illnesses to the supplies necessary to treat these conditions. In a relatively straightforward way, the materiel necessary to treat a stream of patients can be calculated by summing across the supplies necessary for each malady in any given patient stream. This method was formalized by the Naval Health Research Center in the patented process embodied in the Estimating Supplies Program. The success of this method depends on an accurate probability estimate for the occurrence of each illness and trauma.

There are several methods for estimating these discrete probabilities. This paper documents and defines the various types of estimates and explains the differences between them to reduce confusion and to standardize nomenclature.
Whole-Screen Metamorphosis and the Imagined Camera (Notes on Perspectival Movement in Animation)
Authors: Pierson Ryan
Published: February 2015

This article uses a special kind of distortion of spatial orientation in animation, which the author calls whole-screen metamorphosis, to problematize the relation that theories of camera movement often assume between a camera and its world. Recent developments in digital imaging have prompted confusion among scholars as to whether or not it makes still sense to talk about ‘camera movement’ – since, in many cases, real cameras were barely used (as in Gravity) or not at all (as in Frozen). The author argues that this confusion is frequently misguided: camera movement, as a tool of critical analysis, has always been based on a phenomenology of perspectival movement, regardless of any use (or non-use) of a real camera. However, animators sometimes play with perspectival movement in ways that undercut the more fundamental impression of a cinematic world, effectively metamorphosing our relation to it. Two kinds of this metamorphosis are explored. One, found in Norman McLaren’s Blinkity Blank, creates a Gestalt switch of our impression of space; the other, found in Caroline Leaf’s The Metamorphosis of Mr. Samsa, dissolves the sense of ground that is needed to support an impression of world, in a kind of becoming-animal of the camera. These phenomena point to a need for more nuanced accounts of relations between live-action, animated, and digital images.
Hybrid Image, Hybrid Montage: Film Analytical Parameters for Live Action/Animation Hybrids
Authors: Bruckner Franziska
Published: February 2015

The typology proposed in this article comprehensively illuminates the formal characteristics of live action/animation hybrid films. By reference to six film analytical categories, the interplay of animation and live action film is explored within single images as well as on the level of montage, and is illustrated by means of examples from a wide variety of films. The flexible and adaptable set of parameters comprises all animation techniques and is applicable to whole films as well as to longer or shorter sequences. A further goal is to disintegrate the boundary that is often drawn between so-called mélange films and digital hybrid films. The only requirement is that the disparity between animation and live action film must be discernible to the viewers. Ideally, the application of the proposed typology will lead to a new historical positioning of hybrid tendencies within film history.
Criteria for Defining Animation: A Revision of the Definition of Animation in the Advent of Digital Moving Images
Authors: Martinez Omar O Linares
Published: February 2015

The definition of animation has become problematic with the advent of digital media. The informational character of digital moving images has made it difficult to distinguish between what is animated and what is a reproduction of recorded movement. Previous definitions of animation, as a non-recorded (non-live action) illusion of motion and as a frame-by-frame production, do not encompass the automation of many digital illusions of motion, nor do they describe the way in which some digital moving images derive from records of movement. In this light, this article contends that animation can be distinguished in digital media by virtue of traits specific to its solely illusory motion and that are general to all animation production techniques, whether analogue or digital. The article develops a set of criteria to emphasize animation’s illusion of motion; it also examines which aspects are shared with other moving images and which are exclusive to animation. Additionally, the author deals with the persistence of the index in digital media and the authorship of automatic animations.
A pilot, longitudinal, 24-week study to evaluate the effect of interferon beta-1a subcutaneous on changes in susceptibility-weighted imaging-filtered phase assessment of lesions and subcortical deep-gray matter in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zivadinov Robert , Dwyer Michael , Markovic-Plese Silva , Hayward Brooke , Bergsland Niels , Heininen-Brown Mari , Carl Ellen , Kennedy Cheryl , Dangond Fernando , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca
Published: February 2015

Background:

Studies have shown a relationship between increased iron content and clinical progression, cognitive impairment, and brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis. Altered phase, as determined by susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), can potentially capture iron content changes.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate phase changes in white matter (WM) lesions and subcortical deep-gray matter (SDGM) of patients with relapsing–remitting (RR) MS treated with interferon beta-1a administered subcutaneously versus untreated healthy controls (HCs).

Methods:

We conducted a 24-week, nonrandomized, open-label pilot study of 23 patients with RRMS receiving interferon beta-1a administered subcutaneously and 15 HCs. Patients were imaged on a 3T scanner at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks; changes in phase behavior in WM lesions and regional SDGM [mean phase of low-phase voxels (MP-LPV)], and in SDGM volumes, were measured. Between- and within-group changes were tested using nonparametric statistics adjusted for multiple comparisons.

Results:

The number ( p = 0.003) and volume ( p < 0.001) of phase WM lesions both significantly decreased among RRMS patients over 24 weeks. At baseline, MP-LPV was lower (suggestive of greater iron content) in total SDGM among RRMS patients versus HCs ( p = 0.002). Week 24 MP-LPV changes from baseline were not significantly different between groups in total SDGM or any region except the putamen (−0.0025 radians in RRMS patients versus 0.0035 radians in HCs; p = 0.041).

Conclusions:

Over 24 weeks, phase lesions were reduced significantly in the RRMS group. These preliminary results suggest that SWI-filtered phase may become a useful tool for monitoring RRMS disease activity.
Community and contribution: Factors motivating students to participate in an extra-curricular online activity and implications for learning
Authors: Reeves Tony , Gomm Phil
Published: February 2015

The human desire to join and participate in communities can be seen as an attempt to satisfy some of our universal human needs. The theory of communities of practice has been widely used to explain how and why humans participate in multiple communities, and a key requirement of a community of practice (CoP) is that members engage in ‘joint activities and discussions’. In the current age where social media tools have facilitated the exponential growth of online communities, the term CoP is often used to describe a group of people engaging in online discussion. In the context of online learning, the use of CoP theory can often lead to online discussion being interpreted as a joint activity. This paper argues that the concept of a joint activity as something other than online discussion has been neglected, and that while online discussion may account for the presence of an online community, evidence of joint activities beyond the simple discussion of ideas is required for the community to constitute a true CoP. Using activity theory, the authors investigated the factors motivating students on the Digital Design and Animation course at West Midlands University to participate in a non-formal learning activity involving the co-creation of a digital artefact. The authors believe that a greater understanding of the concept of joint activity, and of the link between co-creating an artefact and members’ shared emotional connection, has the potential to refocus our understanding and application of the theory of CoP in the networked era.
What Does Remembering Racial Violence Do? Greensboro’s Truth Commission, Mnemonic Overlap, and Attitudes toward Racial Redress
Authors: Ghoshal Raj
Published: February 2015

In recent decades, African Americans have called for greater reckoning with historic race-related violence. One such violent incident took place in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1979, when Klansmen killed five Communist demonstrators. Greensboro’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission was created in 2004 as an intervention into collective memory of the killings. In this article, I draw on a unique survey of 716 respondents about this case to make three arguments. First, I argue that memory projects can induce mnemonic overlap between creators and audiences, modestly stimulating support for redress of historic injustice. Second, I show that while “preaching to the choir” and to undecided audiences is effective, building project awareness among ideological opponents triggers increased resistance, not persuasion. Third, I show that audiences filtered the project’s story through its key characters’ ingrained reputations, especially that of the Ku Klux Klan, which constrained and enabled the Commission’s effectiveness in surprising ways. I discuss implications for commemorative projects as a part of redress.
Inclusive Language Use in Multicultural Business Organizations: The Effect on Creativity and Performance
Authors: Lauring Jakob , Klitmøller Anders
Published: February 2015

Few studies have dealt with inclusive language use in multicultural organizations. This is unfortunate because it has been hypothesized that such organizations will be more creative and will perform better than mono-cultural organizations if communication issues are dealt with correctly by managers. In this study, we test the general hypothesis that inclusive language use by managers and employees in formal and informal situations will increase the creativity and performance in multicultural organizations. By use of responses from 676 individuals employed in privately owned multicultural companies, we found that management common language communication was strongly associated with performance but not with creativity. Openness to language diversity among employees, however, had strong relations with both creativity and performance. This indicates that management communication may provide information and a shared identity that can increase the performance of an organization. Yet in order to increase creativity, there is a need to also facilitate inclusive group processes. The findings provide new insights into the theoretical idea that diversity leads to creativity and performance if communication is managed correctly.
Structure and photoluminescence of the TiO2 films grown by atomic layer deposition using tetrakis-dimethylamino titanium and ozone
Authors: Jin Chunyan , Liu Ben , Lei Zhongxiang , Sun Jiaming
Published: February 2015

TiO2 films were grown on silicon substrates by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using tetrakis-dimethylamino titanium and ozone. Amorphous TiO2 film was deposited at a low substrate temperature of 165°C, and anatase TiO2 film was grown at 250°C. The amorphous TiO2 film crystallizes to anatase TiO2 phase with annealing temperature ranged from 300°C to 1,100°C in N2 atmosphere, while the anatase TiO2 film transforms into rutile phase at a temperature of 1,000°C. Photoluminescence from anatase TiO2 films contains a red band at 600 nm and a green band at around 515 nm. The red band exhibits a strong correlation with defects of the under-coordinated Ti3+ ions, and the green band shows a close relationship with the oxygen vacancies on (101) oriented anatase crystal surface. A blue shift of the photoluminescence spectra reveals that the defects of under-coordinated Ti3+ ions transform to surface oxygen vacancies in the anatase TiO2 film annealing at temperature from 800°C to 900°C in N2 atmosphere.
Cost‐effectiveness of clostridial collagenase ointment on wound closure in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: economic analysis of results from a multicenter, randomized, open‐label trial
Authors: Motley Travis A , Gilligan Adrienne M , Lange Darrell L , Waycaster Curtis R , Dickerson Jaime E
Published: February 2015

Background

Approximately 10%–15% of people with diabetes develop at least one foot ulcer during their lifetime. Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represents a significant economic burden. Enzymatic debridement with clostridial collagenase ointment (CCO) can be used to remove necrotic tissue from wounds. This study examined the impact of CCO as an effective adjunct therapy to serial sharp debridement (SSD) and assessed the cost‐effectiveness of CCO compared with standard DFU treatments over 1 year.

Methods

Adults 18 years or older with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes who had a neuropathic DFU were enrolled in a 12‐week, randomized, open‐label trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either treatment with CCO + SSD or to investigator‐selected supportive care + SSD (Control). A 3‐state Markov model with a 1‐week cycle length was developed using wound‐closure rates from the trial to estimate the number of healed‐wound weeks and the expected DFU cost per patient. The 3 states included unhealed, healed, and death. Results were extrapolated to 1 year to estimate the number of healed‐wound weeks per treatment and the average cost to achieve epithelialization. The perspective of the analysis was that of the payer, specifically, the third party payer.

Results

The study sample included 55 patients (28 in CCO group; 27 Control). The majority were men (74.5%) with a mean age of 57.9 years. Projected healing rates were greater for the CCO + SSD group compared to Control (89% vs. 80%, respectively). The expected number of epithelialized weeks accumulated over 1 year was 25% greater in the CCO + SSD group than for Control (35 vs. 28 weeks, respectively). Over a 1‐year time horizon, the expected cost per DFU was greater in the Control group than the CCO group ($2,376 vs. $2,099, respectively). The estimated cost per ulcer‐free week was 40% higher for Control ($85/closed‐wound week) than for CCO + SSD ($61/closed‐wound week).

Conclusions

CCO + SSD therapy is a cost‐effective method of debridement in the management of patients with DFUs, providing better outcomes at a lower cost. Further high quality trials are needed to confirm this finding.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT01408277.
What factors contributed to changes in employment during and after the Great Recession?
Authors: Farooq Ammar , Kugler Adriana D
Published: February 2015

Unemployment increased drastically over the course of the Great Recession from 4.5 percent prior to the recession to 10 percent at its peak in October 2009. Since then, the unemployment rate has come down steadily, and it stood at 5.8 percent in November 2014. Based on existing analyses and some new evidence, this paper establishes that much of the change in unemployment during the Great Recession and during the recovery can be attributed to cyclical factors rather than structural factors. The paper then presents new suggestive evidence to quantify the employment impacts of various counter-cyclical policies introduced during this time. We conduct a counter-factual and find that employment would have been between 4.2 percent and 4.5 percent lower had it not been because of the spending in Medicaid injected in local economies by the Recovery Act. In addition, we conduct a differences-in-differences and triple difference analysis, which suggests that the Work Opportunity Tax Credits increased the likelihood of employment by about 4.7 percent for disconnected youth but had no effect on disabled and unemployed veterans. Finally, we also find evidence that suggests that the Hiring Incentive to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act increased employment of the unemployed by 2.6 percent and that the reemployment reforms introduced in 2012 as part of the UI extensions increased employment by 6 percent for the long-term unemployed.

JEL codes: JE24, J23, J63, J64, J65, J68
High performance electrochemical and electrothermal artificial muscles from twist-spun carbon nanotube yarn
Authors: Lee Jae Ah , Baughman Ray H , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: February 2015

High performance torsional and tensile artificial muscles are described, which utilize thermally- or electrochemically-induced volume changes of twist-spun, guest-filled, carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns. These yarns were prepared by incorporating twist in carbon nanotube sheets drawn from spinnable CNT forests. Inserting high twist into the CNT yarn results in yarn coiling, which can dramatically amplify tensile stroke and work capabilities compared with that for the non-coiled twisted yarn. When electrochemically driven in a liquid electrolyte, these artificial muscles can generate a torsional rotation per muscle length that is over 1000 times higher than for previously reported torsional muscles. All-solid-state torsional electrochemical yarn muscles have provided a large torsional muscle stroke (53° per mm of yarn length) and a tensile stroke of up to 1.3% when lifting loads that are ~25 times heavier than can be lifted by the same diameter human skeletal muscle. Over a million torsional and tensile actuation cycles have been demonstrated for thermally powered CNT hybrid yarns muscles filled with paraffin wax, wherein a muscle spins a rotor at an average 11,500 revolutions/minute or delivers 3% tensile contraction at 1200 cycles/minute. At lower actuation rates, these thermally powered muscles provide tensile strokes of over 10%.
Economics and Anti-Semitism: The Case of Maffeo Pantaleoni
Authors: Michelini Luca , Maccabelli Terenzio
Published: February 2015

The relationship between economics and anti-Semitism has always been a controversial subject. The question is complex by nature: to describe an author as an anti-Semite means to cast a shadow over his thought, with consequences that are much more serious when there is a limited amount of documentation and firsthand accounts. In this article we examine the case of Maffeo Pantaleoni, one of the most influential Italian economists of the nineteenth century and at the same time an intellectual who was among those most closely involved in anti-Semitic propaganda. In the case of Pantaleoni, it is not necessary to ask the question of whether and to what extent his anti-Semitism could be defined as “mild” or “ambivalent” and therefore in line with that expressed by a large part of Western culture during the first half of the twentieth century. In this study we document a clear and open anti-Semitic attitude that, however, has remained ignored up to now by economic historiography. In this article we discuss the possible relationship between Pantaleoni’s anti-Semitism and his work as a theoretical economist, within a methodological framework inspired by Pierre Bourdieu’s philosophy and sociology of science.
Management of Information (Soft) Impacts on Projects and Programs
Authors: �����  , Teslya Yuriy , �������  , Kubyavka Lyubov
Published: February 2015

Modern concepts related to elimination of negative impacts consequences

on projects and programs have been considered. Approach of management

by the prime cause of emergence of risks, changes, conflicts, etc. � influence

management � has been offered. Classification of impacts on projects

and programs has been executed. It has been shown that for creation of

control systems for projects or programs it is necessary to deviate from the

traditional scheme of risks, problems and changes management as management

of such process, and to pass to management of these "diseases"

primary source � impacts on the project or the program.

It has been offered to use mathematical apparatus of soft interaction theory

as scientific and methodical basis for finding an optimum decision on minimization

of expenses for negative impacts consequences elimination.

Based on entered into soft interaction theory values of determination and

information awareness a mathematical model for calculation a measure of

impact on projects and programs has been offered. Strategies of management

by negative impacts on projects and programs have been presented.
Complex Project Management: Historical Background, Problems and Approaches
Authors: ����������  , Kharitonova Maria
Published: February 2015

The project management becomes more and more popular nowadays and is widely used around the world. As the science is only formed, it is obvious that its some areas are well developed, and some other ones lack for attention, contain contradictions, problems, weak places. At the moment a great deal of interesting researches is published in scientific magazines. However, despite it, today there is no structured information on the science�s status and development directions. This work purpose is to allocate the main tendencies of project management�s scientific development. An analysis related to results of researches concerning a question of project management�s scientific development vectors definition covering a time period from 1960 to 2003 has been presented in this paper, as well as a comparative analysis of results with tendencies received from conclusions based on research of scientific publications in the project management area�s leading magazine � ´International Journal of Project Management´ for 2013. Forecasts related to future tendencies of project management�s scientific development had been formulated based on the results of research.
Health Shaping Education in Abstracts and Definitions
Authors: ��������  , Naumenko Yuriy
Published: February 2015

Author�s socio-cultural concept of health-forming education is revealed by the article through detailing major basic ideas (health, healthy lifestyle, formation

of healthy lifestyle) and their derivatives (health preserving activity of general education, health preserving technologies in education). Each basic

idea has both philosophic methodological and concrete pedagogic interpretations. Core contents and elementary structure of �health� and �healthy

lifestyle� phenomena are described. The author implements a completely new socio-cultural approach to �health� and �healthy lifestyle� description that

provides new perspectives to form youngsters� healthy lifestyle with emphasis on sensible part of personality. Ideas disclosed in the article correspond

modern concepts of �health� and �healthy lifestyle� socio-cultural phenomena that have been developed in Pedagogics, Philosophy, Psychology and

even Medicine. Moreover, the article proposes a comparative analysis of existing ways of health preserving activity of general education institution

(school as health and educational centre, school and educational centre that protects children�s health, adaptive school). Contents of the article may

serve as a foundation for creating the entirely new methodology for �Pedagogics of Physical Education� program according to FSES HPE for 49.03.01

�Physical Education� (higher education � Bachelor�s degree).
A survey on pain assessment in patients with disorders of consciousness in Dutch hospitals and nursing homes
Authors: Vink Peter , Verweij Lotte , van Erp Willemijn Sabien , Lucas Cees , Vermeulen Hester
Published: February 2015

Background:

The extent of variation in the use of behavioural pain observation tools, documentation and pain protocols in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) and with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is unknown.

Methods:

A national survey was undertaken in Dutch hospitals with neurology and neurosurgery nursing wards and nursing homes.

Results:

From 43 facilities (35 hospital wards, 8 nursing homes), 106 surveys were analysed; completion/participation rate was 88% and 40% respectively. Some 16% of the facilities used a behavioural pain observation tool. This was more often in general hospitals (24%) than in university hospitals (10%) or nursing homes (0%). Variation in measuring/observing pain could be assumed in 72% of facilities and variation in documentation in 88%. A specific pain protocol was used in 14% of the facilities.

Conclusion:

This study shows an undesirable variation in pain management in ABI patients with DOC, which should be addressed in the future to enhance quality of care.
Theory and Water: A Co-taught Undergraduate Course (“Political Rhetoric”)
Authors: Van Den Berg Christopher
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses team-taught courses as one venue in which to introduce theory to students. I draw from experiences in a team-taught undergraduate course, Political Rhetoric, to address the role that theory has in the curriculum. The aims of the paper are twofold: first, to outline the ways in which team-teaching across fields makes it necessary to address the theoretical assumptions which foster and constrain the disciplines; second, to consider how classics, because of its unique historical and cultural perspectives, can remain part of larger conversations about contemporary theory.
Introduction: Literary Theory and Graduate and Undergraduate Classics Curricula
Authors: Nicholson Nigel
Published: February 2015

This introduction reviews the goals of this collection of essays, before briefly addressing some major points of difference in approach among the various authors.
Poetics and Theory: A Graduate Certificate Program at New York University
Authors: Lowrie Michèle
Published: February 2015

The Graduate Certificate Program in Poetics and Theory at New York University provides a flexible curricular structure for students to make room in their schedule for a more systematic exploration of theoretical approaches than can usually be accommodated within national or area-studies literature programs. It is a structure more than a canon and, while a common seminar, reading groups, and an annual conference provide community, the students are free to develop a set of courses within any theoretical domain. Since students add only one additional semester of class work, the program enhances their regular disciplinary course of study.
Literary Theory Survey Classes for Classics Undergraduates
Authors: Nicholson Nigel
Published: February 2015

After first arguing that literary theory should play a significant role in an undergraduate classics curriculum, this paper lays out the promises and pitfalls of one particular approach to making literary theory central: a full-unit survey class in literary theory, taught by a member of the classics faculty and responsive to (although not wholly structured by) the particular needs of classics majors. The basic model is evaluated through the exploration of a specific class taught by the author in a number of iterations.
Classics: That Dangerous Supplement?
Authors: Miller Paul Allen
Published: February 2015

Classics sees theory as a supplement and many comparative literature programs see premodern intellectual life the same way. This mutual suspicion accounts for much of the way theory is taught. In classics, it is often part of a quick proseminar. In comparative literature, theory is said to begin with Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud. Plato and Aristotle are nodded to, but not seriously read. The model adopted at the University of South Carolina sees classics and comparative literature as engaged with each other and co-constitutive of a larger conversation that seeks to define the basic objects of study across the humanities.
A Dedicated Theory Class for Graduate Students
Authors: Kurke Leslie
Published: February 2015

A required literary-theory class for classics graduate students was introduced at the University of California, Berkeley in the late 1980s. So how do we get beginning graduate students “from zero to 60” in a one-semester theory proseminar? This paper considers the content, structure, pacing, and pedagogical strategies of one version of such a course, including sample syllabuses and different writing and in-class projects. In particular, I address how such a course can be effectively integrated with the students’ other classics coursework, and how students can be motivated to regard the theory proseminar as just the first step in their ongoing education in theory.
Remembering and Restoring the Republic: Star Wars and Rome
Authors: Charles Michael B.
Published: February 2015

This essay argues that one of modern Western culture’s most-watched film series, the Star Wars double trilogy, derives much of its meaning by tapping into the age-old discourse of political freedom versus dictatorial oppression, which is at the core of early imperial reimaginings of the Roman Republic. Yet George Lucas’s films reveal that the longed-for era of freedom was hardly that at all, just as the era of libertas longed for in the Roman Principate was similarly illusory, particularly for lower echelons of Roman society.
Teaching “Theory” in Topical Graduate Seminars
Authors: Roller Matthew
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses a method of teaching theory to graduate students in the context of graduate seminars that are constructed around classical topics—particular ancient texts or authors, specific historical or art-historical or archaeological questions, and so forth. This method ties the necessary theory directly to the seminar’s topic, and thereby subordinates the exposition of theory to the overall problematic of the seminar. This approach contrasts with that of the dedicated theory survey course, which gives priority to the theory as such. Two examples of such seminar construction are provided, both from the Ph.D. program in classics at Johns Hopkins University.
Twenty Years of Ovid and Literary Theory
Authors: James Sharon L.
Published: February 2015

This essay reviews the history, design, and goals of “Ovid and Literary Theory,” a graduate course that divides its time between Ovid ( Amores, Ars amatoria ) and literary theory. The course, originated at Bryn Mawr College and migrated to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, meets a graduate Latin requirement but regularly enrolls undergraduates. Students read both an introductory overview of theory and primary theory during the semester. Written assignments require them to practice applying theory to aspects of Ovidian elegy.
Infusing Theory into the Undergraduate Classics Curriculum: Examples from Haverford College’s Senior Seminar, Translation and Transformation, and History of Literary Theory
Authors: Germany Robert , Mulligan Bret , Roberts Deborah H.
Published: February 2015

This article describes three courses at Haverford College in which theory is the object of attention: Translation and Transformation: Theory and Practice; History of Literary Theory: Plato to Shelley; and Senior Seminar. In the last of these, students survey a range of theoretical approaches in relation to classical literature and are thus encouraged to develop senior theses that are more sophisticated in their awareness and use of method. The theoretical focus of all three courses allows students to appreciate the capacities and limitations of theory for the critical analysis of texts and cultures.