bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household Maintenance and Decision Making in Lone Female Parent Families in Ghana
Authors: Kpoor Albert
Published: April 2013

This study investigates household maintenance and decision making among lone female parents in Accra using in-depth interviews and a survey. The study examines how lone mothers economically provide for their children and households and whether they make major decisions. The major findings are that the majority of single mothers through gainful employment bear the bulk of responsibility in the maintenance of children and the household in addition to making major decisions. Kin of lone mothers, on the other hand, mostly assist the women, especially the few unemployed mothers with providing for children, housing, and household chores. The majority of children’s fathers fulfill their responsibility in the payment of school fees; however, most do not provide for the nutritional and clothing needs of their children. The study concludes that single female parents to a large extent provide the needs of their households and are largely responsible for household decisions.
The Moderating Impact of Types of Caregiving on Job Demands, Resources, and Their Relation to Work-to-Family Conflict and Enrichment
Authors: Tement Sara , Korunka Christian
Published: April 2013

This research aims to examine for whom combining work and family/caregiving may be most harmful. Employed parents, elder caregivers, and the sandwiched generation were compared with their coworkers without such responsibilities. Based on the job demands–resources model, we assumed that high job demands/low job resources would relate to work-to-family conflict (WFC) and low job demands/high job resources to work-to-family enrichment. However, this effect would depend on employees’ family/caregiving responsibilities. Using a large sample of Slovenian employees ( N = 1,285), we found support for the moderating role of the type of caregiving responsibility between workload and WFC. In addition, the type of caregiving had a moderating effect on the relationship between coworker support and WFC. Support was also found for the differential impact of job resources on work-to-family enrichment. The results therefore indicate the relevance of types of caregiving responsibility in work–family research and practice.
The Evolution of Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity in US Otolaryngology Residency Programs
Authors: Schwartz Joseph S. , Young Meredith , Velly Ana M. , Nguyen Lily H. P.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To examine the evolution of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in US otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residency programs and compare these figures with other residency programs.

Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

US residency programs.

Methods

Information concerning minority and female representation in US residency programs was obtained from annually published graduate medical education reports by the Journal of the American Medical Association from 1975 to 2010. Minority representation among US population and university students was obtained from the US Census Bureau. The racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of otolaryngology residents was then compared with other medical fields (general surgery, family medicine, and internal medicine).

Results

Underrepresentation in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery is particularly disconcerting for African Americans (–2.3%/y, P =. 09) and Native Americans (1.5%/y, P =. 11) given their nonsignificant annual growth rates. Hispanic representation (17.3%/y, P <. 0001) is growing in otolaryngology but is half the rate of growth of the Hispanic American population (32.8%/y, P <. 0001). There is nonetheless promise for women (70.6%/y, P <. 0001) and Asian Americans (63.0%/y, P <. 0001), who demonstrated statistically significant growth trends

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the evolution of female and minority representation among US otolaryngology residents. Despite increasing gender, ethnic, and racial diversity among medical residents in general, female and certain minority group representation in US otolaryngology residency programs is lagging. These findings are in contrast to rising trends of diversity within other residency programs including general surgery.
Morbidity and Cost of Odontogenic Infections
Authors: Eisler Lindsay , Wearda Kaitlin , Romatoski Kelsey , Odland Rick M.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Cost analysis of deep neck space infections from odontogenic origin and review of the morbidity of potentially preventable complications.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Level 1 trauma center and academic safety net hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Patients treated for deep neck space infections due to an odontogenic source between 2001 and 2010 were reviewed. Two hundred patients were included in the study. Ninety‐eight patients required inpatient admission. Twelve percent of these patients had difficult airways, and 16% had at least 1 day in the intensive care unit. Cost data were available only for the later 3.5 years of the study period.

Results

The overall cost of treatment for these 71 individuals exceeded $1.1 million.

Conclusion

The cost of treatment for odontogenic infections is staggering. Based on assumptions of the percentage of infections in the metropolitan area captured at Hennepin County Medical Center, extrapolation to the total national cost of inpatient care approaches $200 million annually. This study highlights the importance of access to medical and preventative dental care for the general population and demonstrates the cost benefit that could be achieved through prevention of disease and, therefore, avoidance of its complications.
Validity and Responsiveness of VELO: A Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Quality of Life Measure
Authors: Skirko Jonathan R. , Weaver Edward M. , Perkins Jonathan A. , Kinter Sara , Eblen Linda , Sie Kathleen C.Y.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Test the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument for validity, reliability, and responsiveness.

Study Design

Observational cohort.

Setting

Academic tertiary medical center.

Subjects

Children with VPI (n = 59) and their parents (n = 84) were prospectively enrolled from a pediatric VPI clinic.

Methods

Pediatric speech language pathologists diagnosed VPI using perceptual speech analysis and rated VPI severity and speech intelligibility deficit (each as minimal, mild, moderate, or severe). All parents and youth 8+ years old (n = 24) completed the VELO instrument and other quality‐of‐life questionnaires at baseline; the first 40 subjects completed the VELO instrument again 2 weeks later. Treatments included Furlow palatoplasty (n = 20), sphincter pharyngoplasty (n = 14), or an obturator (n = 2), and 29 of 36 (81%) subjects completed the questionnaires 3 months posttreatment. VELO was tested with correlations for criterion validity against VPI severity, construct validity against speech intelligibility and velopharyngeal gap size, and concurrent validity against other quality‐of‐life measures (r >. 40 demonstrating validity); for test‐retest reliability using intraclass correlation (>.6 demonstrating reliability); and for responsiveness with the 3‐month posttreatment measure using the paired t test.

Results

Parental responses are reported; youth responses showed similar results. The VELO instrument did not meet criterion validity (r = –.18, P =. 10), or functional construct validity (r = –.37, P =. 001), but did meet anatomic construct and concurrent validity (each r >. 50, P <. 01). VELO scores demonstrated excellent test‐retest reliability (r =. 85, P <. 001) and responsiveness (baseline 54 ± 14 to posttreatment 70 ± 18, P <. 001).

Conclusion

VELO provides a VPI‐specific quality‐of‐life instrument that demonstrates concurrent validity, test‐retest reliability, and responsiveness to change in quality of life with treatment.
Rib Reconstruction of the Absent Mandibular Condyle in Children
Authors: Goerke Derek , Sampson Daniel E. , Tibesar Robert J. , Sidman James D.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To describe pediatric costochondral graft reconstruction of the absent mandibular condyle and to report the short‐term and long‐term outcomes and complications associated with performing this procedure in young children.

Study Design

Case series with a retrospective chart review.

Setting

Pediatric otolaryngology clinic and tertiary children's hospital in a metropolitan area.

Subjects and Methods

All children treated for an absent mandibular condyle with a costochondral graft at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota were identified from 2002 through 2011, and a retrospective chart review was performed.

Results

Ten patients aged 3 to 11 years were identified. The most common diagnosis, in 8 of 10 patients, was oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral syndrome. Three of the patients had a tracheostomy, of which 1 was decannulated following condylar reconstruction. Functional improvement, defined as improved symmetry, chewing, or better oral opening, was observed in 8 of 10 patients. Five patients have required no further surgeries to date, with a mean follow‐up time of 3.9 years. Severe overgrowth of the graft was noted in 1 case, and partial or complete resorption of the graft was also noted in 3 cases. Overgrowth occurred after 5.7 years, whereas resorption occurred after an average of 2.5 years.

Conclusions

Costochondral grafts are an excellent surgical treatment option for children with severe mandibular malformations. Short‐term results show particular improvement in function and mandibular alignment. The mean follow‐up time with no revision surgery was substantial and indicates that rib grafting is a good addition to the armamentarium of treatment for this patient population.
Assemblies in Art and Politics: An interview with Jacques Rancière
Authors: Papastergiadis Nikos , Esche Charles
Published: April 2013

This interview was conducted on 8 October 2011 at the Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven. It was held during a symposium that reflected on the work of Rancière and was a part of a broader engagement with the concept of autonomy and its relation to art organized by an umbrella group of universities and arts organizations under the name of ‘The Autonomy Project’. A number of the symposium’s participants – Peter Osborne, Gerald Raunig, Isabell Lorey, Ruth Sondregger, Kim Mereiene and Adrian Martin – contributed questions that formed the basis of this interview. The interview took place at a time when the longer-term possibilities of the Arab Spring and Occupy/Indignados movements were under general scrutiny. It was also a moment when the Van Abbemuseum itself was compelled to reflect on its own position of political autonomy in relation to neoliberal state directives, political populism at the local level and its own critique of aesthetic autonomy. Rancière’s work on aesthetics and politics has been as much appreciated as a clearance strategy against prevailing visual prejudices as it has served as a platform for rethinking the emancipatory potential of creative practice.
The role of intellectual resources, product innovation capability, reputational resources and marketing capability combinations in firm growth
Authors: O’Cass Aron , Sok Phyra
Published: April 2013

This article examines the extent to which combinations of intellectual resources and product innovation capability, and reputational resources and marketing capability, influence the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to meet or exceed performance goals. Empirical results drawn from 171 SMEs suggest that when the combination of intellectual resources and product innovation capability in addition to the combination of reputational resources and marketing capability are high, SME growth is enhanced. However, a high level of intellectual resources combined with a low level of product innovation capability as well as a combination of a high level of reputational resources with a low level of marketing capability (and vice versa) are not significantly related to growth. These results imply that a high level of resources cannot compensate for a low level of capabilities (and vice versa).
Large, Small and Median Groups in Group Analysis
Authors: Pisani Rocco Antonio
Published: April 2013

In the large group philogenetic regression is very easy. It concerns more ‘the masses’. The large group is more concerned with the primordial level of the Foulkes’ matrix, with the archetypal representations of the collective unconscious.

The small group, the ‘family group’, is more concerned with transferential phenomena of the matrix.

In the median group, the social group, the transference phenomena almost disappears and the specific non-transferential phenomena of group analysis occurs: mirroring, resonance, ego-self training in action etc., are in the foreground, together with the archetypal representations of the primordial level of the matrix.
Engaging with the Median Group
Authors: Rogers Cynthia
Published: April 2013

This article describes how an understanding of the dynamic processes activated in a median sized group can inform good clinical practice and influence the actions and attitudes of the group convenor and the participants. A median group can be used to encourage dialogue and understanding or to experience and engage with primitive unconscious processes. It sits at the interface of the public and the private sphere and provides a unique space to learn the skill of thinking and feeling in the presence of others.

The article indicates what the experience might be, why this particular size of group is employed, how resistances can be addressed, how to maximize creativity and what participants can expect to get from participation in median groups in different settings. Participants feel deskilled whilst learning how to engage. The reward is a window into a new level of awareness and relationships.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital staff management
Authors: Lakbala Parvin , Lakbala Mahboobeh
Published: April 2013

The proper handling and disposal of biomedical waste (BMW) is very imperative. There is a defined set of rules for handling BMW worldwide. Unfortunately, laxity and lack of adequate training and awareness in the execution of these rules leads to staid health and environment apprehension. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of hospital staff to BMW management. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 261 healthcare workers from 9 hospitals, which were randomized from 32 hospitals. The most important finding was a significant ( P < 0.05) relationship between the level of education attainments and training in BMW management. Twenty-nine (19.9%) members of government hospital staff and 37 (32.2%) members of staff from the private sector agreed that BMW management is not just the government’s responsibility, but one that every member of personnel should share. This finding will help to address the issue more appropriately, and plan for better training programs and monitoring of BMW management systems in hospitals.
Further Evaluation of the Scoring, Reliability, and Validity of the Hypertonia Assessment Tool (HAT)
Authors: Knights Shannon , Datoo Natasha , Kawamura Anne , Switzer Lauren , Fehlings Darcy
Published: April 2013

We assessed the impact of videotape analysis on scoring of the Hypertonia Assessment Tool (HAT) that discriminates between hypertonia subtypes. The HAT was administered to 28 children with cerebral palsy (mean age 9 years, range 4-17 years, 61% male). HAT examinations were videotaped; scores were assigned before and after videotape review. Neurological examination provided the gold standard diagnosis. Interrater reliability, criterion validity and individual item validation were assessed using prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). Videotape review did not significantly change the HAT item scores or diagnoses. Item validation eliminated 1 dystonia item. Interrater reliability was moderate for dystonia (PABAK = 0.43) and excellent for spasticity and rigidity (PABAK = 0.86-1.0). Criterion validity was substantial for spasticity (PABAK = 0.71), moderate for dystonia (PABAK = 0.43-0.57) and excellent for the absence of rigidity (PABAK = 1.0). The HAT can be administered without videotape review. Dystonia item 1 did not change the HAT hypertonia diagnosis and will be removed from the HAT.
Premorbid IQ Influence on Screening Tests’ Scores in Healthy Patients and Patients With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Alves Lara , Simões Mário R. , Martins Cristina , Freitas Sandra , Santana Isabel
Published: April 2013

Cognitive screening tests are well-established tools for detecting cognitive impairment, but concerns regarding the influence of premorbid intelligence on patient’s performance and cognitive status classification remain. Risk of inaccurate assessment especially affects the elders with high or low premorbid intelligence (who are more likely to be misclassified). The present study examines the influence of premorbid intelligence assessed by the TeLPI (an irregular words reading test) on 2 cognitive screening tests, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), in healthy participants and patients with cognitive impairments (mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease). Results show that premorbid IQ influences the MMSE and the MoCA scores in both the groups, predicting variance from 8.4% to 33.2%, according to test and group analyzed. Hence, we propose that whenever the MMSE or the MoCA is used, premorbid IQ evaluation should also be considered to ensure correct interpretation and classification.
The Effects of Goal Orientation and Client Feedback on the Adaptive Behaviors of Family Enterprise Advisors
Authors: Davis Walter D. , Dibrell Clay , Craig Justin B. , Green Judy
Published: April 2013

Family enterprise advisors work on complex and unique problems for their family enterprise clients. Little attention has been given to these professionals and their abilities to provide innovative solutions. In this study, our aim is to understand more about family enterprise advisors ( N = 231). To achieve this objective, we hypothesize that the effects of advisor goal orientation (i.e., learning orientation, proving orientation, and avoidance orientation) on adaptive behaviors (i.e., personal bricolage and individual innovative behavior) are mediated by the quality of feedback received from clients. The results indicate that quality of feedback partially mediates the relationships between goal orientation and these behaviors. We conclude by providing a practitioner model explaining how advisors may adapt to different family enterprise client role environments.
Agomelatine
Authors: Karakus E , Halici Z , Albayrak A , Polat B , Bayir Y , Kiki İ , Cadirci E , Topcu A , Aksak S
Published: April 2013

Paracetamol was shown to induce hepatotoxicity or more severe fatal acute hepatic damage. Agomelatine, commonly known as melatonin receptor agonist, is a new antidepressant, which resynchronizes circadian rhythms with subjective and objective improvements in sleep quality and architecture, as melatonin does. In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of agomelatine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and to understand the relationship between the hepatoprotective mechanism of agomelatine and antioxidant system and proinflammatory cytokines. A total of 42 rats were divided into 7 groups as each composed of 6 rats: (1) intact, (2) 40 mg/kg agomelatine, (3) 140 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC), (4) 2 g/kg paracetamol, (5) 2 g/kg paracetamol + 140 mg/kg NAC, (6) 2 g/kg paracetamol + 20 mg/kg agomelatine, and (7) 2 g/kg paracetamol + 40 mg/kg agomelatine groups. Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity was applied and liver and blood samples were analyzed histopathologically and biochemically. There were statistically significant increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and 8-iso-prostane, and decreases in the activity of superoxide dismutase and level of glutathione in the group treated with paracetamol. Administration of agomelatine and NAC separately reversed these changes significantly. In conclusion, agomelatine administration protects liver cells from paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity via antioxidant activity and reduced proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6.
A simple, sensitive and accurate method for rat paw volume measurement and its expediency in preclinical animal studies
Authors: Shejawal N , Menon S , Shailajan S
Published: April 2013

Several methods are used to evaluate the inflammatory changes. Measurement of edema is the most commonly used method for evaluating artificially induced inflammation in rat model. In this context, we present a method for the measurement of volume of rat paw, in which two glass columns containing fluid are connected by a glass tube. Paw is immersed in one column and the other column is placed on weighing balance. Upon immersion of paw, equal volume of fluid displaced applies a force F, which shows specific and proportional increment in the level of fluid in both the columns, which could then be detected by weighing balance, as ‘Force = Weight’ of displaced fluid, using the specific gravity of the fluid and the volume of paw, and thus the change in the volume of paw can be calculated. The rat paw immersed in column without touching the wall of the column facilitates the accurate measurement of volume of paw when measured several times. Present method is validated for its accuracy and reproducibility when internal radii of both the columns were same or different. Presented method is also cost-effective and hence can be used for the academic and the commercial animal research purpose, without compromising the precision of the evaluation.
Role of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced apoptosis in neuronal pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Xu G , Duan Z , Chen G , Nie X , Liu J , Zhang Y , Li Y , Wan C , Jiang J
Published: April 2013

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in neuronal death caused by many cytotoxins. Conventional MAPKs consist of three family members: extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. It has been originally shown that ERK1/2 is important for cell survival, whereas JNK and p38 are deemed stress responsive and thus involved in apoptosis. However, information describing the role of MAPKs in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced neurotoxicity is insufficient. The aim of this study was to identify the role of MAPK cascades in TCDD-induced neurotoxicity using differentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells as a model for neuronal cells. Cell viability assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that TCDD attenuated cell viability with a dose- and time-dependent manner and significantly induced apoptosis in primary cortical neurons and PC12 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that TCDD markedly activated the expression of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 in TCDD-treated PC12 cells. Furthermore, PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and SB202190 (p38 inhibitor) notably blocked the effect of TCDD on cell apoptosis. Based on the findings above, it is concluded that the activation of MAPK signaling pathways may be associated with TCDD-mediated neuronal apoptosis.
Simultaneous determination of methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol in human blood by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection
Authors: Schlatter J , Chiadmi F , Gandon V , Chariot P
Published: April 2013

Background:

Methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol, which are commonly used as biomarkers of several diseases, in acute intoxications, and forensic settings, can be detected and quantified in biological fluids. Gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry techniques are complex, require highly trained personnel and expensive materials. Gas chromatographic determinations of ethanol, methanol, and acetone have been reported in one study with suboptimal accuracy. Our objective was to improve the assessment of these compounds in human blood using GC with flame ionization detection.

Methods:

An amount of 50 µl of blood was diluted with 300 µl of sterile water, 40 µl of 10% sodium tungstate, and 20 µl of 1% sulphuric acid. After centrifugation, 1 µl of the supernatant was inje-cted into the gas chromatograph. We used a dimethylpolysiloxane capillary column of 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm.

Results:

We observed linear correlations from 7.5 to 240 mg/l for methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone and from 75 to 2400 mg/l for ethanol. Precision at concentrations 15, 60, and 120 mg/l for methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone and 150, 600, and 1200 mg/ml for ethanol were 0.8–6.9%. Ranges of accuracy were 94.7–98.9% for methanol, 91.2–97.4% for acetaldehyde, 96.1–98.7% for acetone, and 105.5–111.6% for ethanol. Limits of detection were 0.80 mg/l for methanol, 0.61 mg/l for acetaldehyde, 0.58 mg/l for acetone, and 0.53 mg/l for ethanol.

Conclusion:

This method is suitable for routine clinical and forensic practices.
Politics as Legal Action/Lawyers as Political Actors
Authors: Boukalas Christos
Published: April 2013

The ‘resolutions movement’ – a popular political mobilisation guided by lawyers, and expressed in exclusively legal terms and orientated towards legal objectives – has been an important expression of popular resistance to contemporary US counterterrorism policy. This article uses the resolutions movement as a vehicle for critically evaluating the cause lawyer literature and for reconceptualising ‘cause lawyers’. The article discusses two different approaches to the political implications of lawyering. The first approach draws on the ‘cause-lawyering’ literature that appears initially as a perfect context for analysing the movement. However, detailed examination shows this approach to be premised on a strong dichotomy between law and politics, something that impedes analysis. To overcome the resulting aporia, a ‘strategic-relational’ approach, which sees both law and politics as social relations and practices, is proposed as an alternative. This allows a more nuanced discussion of the law–politics relation that facilitates analysis of the movement and leads to a set of proposals capable of enabling cause-lawyering studies to transcend its conceptual rigidity.
StayFuse for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fusion
Authors: Fazal M. A. , James Lawrence , Williams R. L.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion is a commonly performed procedure for lesser-toe deformities. There are various techniques described to accomplish it. We report the results of PIP joint fusion carried out with an intramedullary fusion device in 150 consecutive toes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of PIP joint fusion with this technique.

Method:

A total of 150 toes in 140 consecutive patients who underwent PIP joint fusions of the lesser toes with a StayFuse implant were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 69.5 years, and the mean follow-up was 18 months. Clinical, radiologic, and subjective evaluations as well as preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were carried out.

Results:

Of the PIP joints, 95.3% were clinically asymptomatic, but the radiologic fusion was 73%. The mean preoperative AOFAS score improved from 22.9 to 81.6 at follow-up. There were implant-related complications in 8 toes. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure, and 3.3% of the patients needed revision surgery.

Conclusion:

This technique maintained PIP joint alignment and provided rotational and angular stability with high patient satisfaction and low complication and reoperation rates. We conclude that this is a reproducible technique and an alternative for PIP joint fusions.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Coping With the Effects of Myocardial Infarction From the Viewpoint of Patients’ Spouses
Authors: Salminen-Tuomaala Mari Helena , Åstedt-Kurki Päivi , Rekiaro Matti , Paavilainen Eija
Published: April 2013

The spouse of a patient who has experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) reportedly has psychological and social needs and challenges during the patient’s hospitalization but there is a lack of knowledge regarding spouses’ coping experiences and resources. The aim of this study was to develop a substantive theory to help explain the coping experiences of the spouse during the patient’s hospitalization following an acute MI. Twenty eight spouses of patients in two Finnish hospitals participated in an open-ended interview within 2 to 5 days of the MI and included 12 husbands and 16 wives. The core category “Seeking balance” included the spouses’ emotional, cognitive, and social coping experiences following an acute MI. This study adds new information about spouses’ coping experiences as well as tensions and problems in interaction between the patient and the spouse. Challenges were reported in talking about serious illness concerns between the spouse and patient and also with other family members.
Optimal Piezoelectric sensor/actuator placement of cable net structures using H2-norm measures
Authors: Wang Zuowei , Li Tuanjie
Published: April 2013

Active vibration control of cable net structures is becoming significant when large-size cable net structures are widely applied in various engineering fields, especially in satellite antennas. The placement of actuators and sensors will have a major influence on the control efficiency. This paper develops an H2-norm strategy for the optimal placement of sensors/actuators in controlled flexible cable net structures with active cables constructed by incorporating piezoelectric actuator into flexible cables. The dynamic model of cable net structures with active cables is established using a finite-element method. The optimization indexes for actuator and sensor locations are unified to an H2-norm of the closed-loop transfer matrix from the disturbance to the controlled output. A genetic algorithm is used to solve the resulting nonlinear optimization problem. The numerical examples of the flexible cable net structure widely applied to the parabolic reflectors of space antennas have been analyzed, and the results show that the proposed computational scheme is effectiveness for the optimal sensors/actuator placement problem of cable net structures with active cables.
Fractional order models of leaves
Authors: Lopes António M , Machado JA Tenreiro
Published: April 2013

Leaves are mainly responsible for food production in vascular plants. Studying individual leaves can reveal important characteristics of the whole plant, namely its health condition, nutrient status, the presence of viruses and rooting ability. One technique that has been used for this purpose is Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, which consists of determining the electrical impedance spectrum of the leaf.

In this paper we use EIS and apply the tools of Fractional Calculus to model and characterize six species. Two modeling approaches are proposed: firstly, Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance electrical networks are used to approximate the leaves’ impedance spectra; afterwards, fractional-order transfer functions are considered. In both cases the model parameters can be correlated with physical characteristics of the leaves.
Aeroelastic parameter identification in wind tunnel testing via the extended eigensystem realization algorithm
Authors: Rebolho Daniela C , Belo Eduardo M , Marques Flávio D
Published: April 2013

Aeroelastic instability may occur in aircraft during flight, therefore their prediction represents an important issue within aerospace engineering. Experimental aeroelasticity is still an important field in providing the tools to validate and understand instability phenomena analysis. As many industrial practices require fast evaluations of critical conditions, e.g. flight flutter testing, there exists a natural demand for on-line aeroelastic identification. A number of different methods have been proposed to characterize systems, but recently those showing most success for on-line identification have been based on subspace approaches. The eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) represents one of the first subspace methods for identification, with the advantage of dealing with multi-input, multi-output data. However, its need for repeated application of the singular value decomposition and a dependence on impulse response functions implies limitations to on-line identification. Generalization studies of the ERA method have led to recursive forms of that algorithm. A recursive form closely related to ERA has been developed in terms of a modified batch estimation approach, and it is denoted as the extended eigensystem realization algorithm (EERA). This work presents results on the application of extended EERA method viewing on-line aeroelastic parameters identification of an experimental apparatus in the wind tunnel. Designed to reproduce the conditions for typical section aeroelastic behavior, an apparatus has been used to show the EERA capabilities in identifying on-line aeroelastic frequency and damping parameters. Results have shown that the approach is robust and adequate for aeroelastic characterization during experimental activities.
Developing a Valid and Reliable Measure of Organizational Crisis Responsibility
Authors: Brown Kenon A. , Ki Eyun-Jung
Published: April 2013

This study intended to develop a reliable and valid measure of organizational crisis responsibility that could be uniquely applied to public relations research. The three-dimensional measure was constructed using rigorous two-step pilot tests and a nationwide panel full administration survey. The constructed measures were further refined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and resulted in a twelve-item scale, consisting of three items for intentionality, three items for locality, and six items for accountability. The confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the hypothesized factor structure and confirmed that the dimensions of the scale had reliable and valid factor structure.
One-dimensional problem of a fractional order two-temperature generalized thermo-piezoelasticity
Authors: Islam M , Kanoria M
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with the determination of the thermoelastic stress, strain and conductive temperature in a piezoelastic half-space body in which the boundary is stress free and subjected to thermal loading in the context of the fractional order two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity theory (2TT). The two-temperature three-phase-lag (2T3P) model, two-temperature Green–Naghdi model III (2TGNIII) and two-temperature Lord–Shulman (2TLS) model of thermoelasticity are combined into a unified formulation introducing unified parameters. The basic equations have been written in the form of a vector-matrix differential equation in the Laplace transform domain that is then solved by the state-space approach. The numerical inversion of the transform is carried out by a method based on Fourier series expansion techniques. The numerical estimates of the quantities of physical interest are obtained and depicted graphically. The effect of the fractional order parameter, two-temperature and electric field on the solutions has been studied and comparisons among different thermoelastic models are made.
Potential Epigenetic Mechanism(s) Associated With the Persistence of Psychoneurological Symptoms in Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Lyon Debra , Elmore Lynne , Aboalela Noran , Merrill-Schools Jacqueline , McCain Nancy , Starkweather Angela , Elswick R. K. , Jackson-Cook Colleen
Published: April 2013

Due to recent treatment advances, there have been improvements in the proportion of women surviving a diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). However, many of these survivors report persistent adverse side effects following treatment, such as cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain. Investigators have examined circulating levels of inflammatory markers, particularly serum cytokines, for a potential causal relationship to the development/persistence of these psychoneurological symptoms (PNS). While inflammatory activation, resulting from perceived stress or other factors, may directly contribute to the development of PNS, we offer an alternative hypothesis, suggesting that these symptoms are an early step in a cascade of biological changes leading to epigenetic alterations at the level of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone modifications, and/or chromatin structure/chromosomal instability. Given that epigenetic patterns have plasticity, if this conjectured relationship between epigenomic/acquired genomic alterations and the development/persistence of PNS is confirmed, it could provide foundational knowledge for future research leading to the recognition of predictive markers and/or treatments to alleviate PNS in women with BC. In this article, we discuss an evolving theory of the biological basis of PNS, integrating knowledge related to inflammation and DNA repair in the context of genetic and epigenetic science to expand the paradigm for understanding symptom acquisition/persistence following chemotherapy.
Conflict and expectancies interact to predict sexual behavior under the influence among gay and bisexual men
Authors: Wells Brooke E , Starks Tyrel J , Parsons Jeffrey T , Golub Sarit
Published: April 2013

As the mechanisms of the associations between substance use and risky sex remain unclear, this study investigates the interactive roles of conflicts about casual sex and condom use and expectancies of the sexual effects of substances in those associations among gay men. Conflict interacted with expectancies to predict sexual behavior under the influence; low casual sex conflict coupled with high expectancies predicted the highest number of casual partners, and high condom use conflict and high expectancies predicted the highest number of unprotected sex acts. Results have implications for intervention efforts that aim to improve sexual decision-making and reduce sexual expectancies.
The relationship between weight status and psychopathology in adolescence: The role of social support
Authors: Freitas-Rosa Marta , Gonçalves Sónia , Antunes Henedina
Published: April 2013

This study evaluated the differences between normal-weight and overweight adolescents in psychopathology, social support and emotional competences, and the role of social support in the relationship between psychopathology and weight. We examined a clinical group of 83 overweight/obese adolescents, a community group of 82 overweight/obese adolescents, and 205 adolescents with normal weight. No differences were found in psychopathology and emotional skills. Compared to healthy peers, however, the overweight/obese community group was less satisfied with their friendships, and the clinical group was less satisfied with their intimate support and social activities. Social support mediates the relationship between weight and psychopathology.
Sense of coherence in first-time parents: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ahlborg Tone , Berg Sofia , Lindvig Jenny
Published: April 2013

Background: Antonovsky’s idea of sense of coherence (SOC) is related to wellbeing and is of importance for individuals in public health care. SOC in parents with healthy children has not previously been studied. The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the SOC of first-time parents during the first 8 years of their child’s life, (2) to describe gender differences in regards to SOC, and (3) to describe covariates with SOC in the parents’ life situations. Methods: The study was longitudinal comprising three cross-sectional studies conducted when the first child was 6 months (T1), 4 years (T2), and 8 years (T3) of age. A sample of 258 mothers and fathers answered a questionnaire on the experienced quality of their partner relationship (QDR36) on all three occasions. SOC was measured using the SOC-13, and psychosocial variables were included at T2 and T3. Descriptive, comparative statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: SOC decreased for both genders at T2 and increased again at T3. At T1 and T2 the fathers’ SOC was statistically higher than that of the mothers, but at T3 this difference could no longer be statistically secured. Covariates at T2 were QDR index, social support, experience of parenthood, strained economy, and health. Covariates at T3 were experience of parenthood and social support, QDR index, and strained economy. Conclusions: SOC in first-time parents decreased at 4 years, especially in mothers, and social support can be of significance for parents of young children to be able to experience health.
Obtaining Consent for Organ Donation from a Competent ICU Patient Who Does Not Want to Live Anymore and Who is Dependent on Life-Sustaining Treatment; Ethically Feasible?
Authors: Epker Jelle L , De Groot Yorick J , Kompanje Erwin J O
Published: April 2013

We anticipate a further decline of patients who eventually will become brain dead. The intensive care unit (ICU) is considered a last resort for patients with severe and multiple organ dysfunction. Patients with primary central nervous system failure constitute the largest group of patients in which life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn. Almost all these patients are unconscious at the moment physicians decide to withhold and withdraw life-sustaining measures. Sometimes, however competent ICU patients state that they do not want to live anymore because of the severity of their illness or the poor prognosis and ask for withdrawal of life-sustaining measures like mechanical ventilation. Do we consider the unconscious patient as potential organ donor before withdrawal of mechanical ventilation? This is paradoxically rare in the case of the conscious ICU patient. Is it practically possible and ethically feasible to obtain consent for organ donation from this group of patients?
Ethics in Municipal Health Services: Working Systematically with, and Developing Competence in Ethics
Authors: Lillemoen Lillian , Pedersen Reidar
Published: April 2013

The Norwegian Parliament has decided to give priority to ethics in municipal health services. This priority is supposed to raise competence in ethics within municipal health services. As part of the national project, the participating municipalities were encouraged to develop and carry out local projects. In this article, we present a local ethics project in one of the participating municipalities in central eastern Norway. The local project for raising competence in ethics was carried out in cooperation with researchers at the Centre for Medical Ethics (CME) at the University of Oslo.

Most people agree that ethics are important in health services. However, there are many ways to increase competence in ethics and to stimulate ethical reflection. In this article we present a broad overview of this local ethics project, but special focus will be put on presenting the actions that have been used for increasing the level of ethical competence and stimulating ethical reflection among the participants. We describe our evaluation of the project and the research we carried out. Explanations will be given for the thought process behind the decisions that were made.
Discussion and Shared Decision-Making in a ‘State of Permanent Distress’
Authors: Prados Concepcion , Martinez-Ceron Elisabet , Barbero Javier , Santiago Ana , Alvarez-Sala Rodolfo
Published: April 2013

It is the case of a 66-year-old man in a permanent vegetative state which his family is blocked due to suffering. A process and a document of a shared decision-making between the family and the professional team allowed giving emotional support, unlocking the situation and preventing complicated grief.
The Effect of EEG Biofeedback on Reducing Postcancer Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Alvarez Jean , Meyer Fremonta L. , Granoff David L. , Lundy Allan
Published: April 2013

Background and hypotheses. Postcancer cognitive impairment (PCCI) is observed in a substantial number of breast cancer survivors, persisting for as long as 20 years in some subgroups. Although compensatory strategies are frequently suggested, no restorative interventions have yet been identified. This study examined the feasibility of EEG biofeedback (“neurofeedback”) and its potential effectiveness in reducing PCCI as well as the fatigue, sleep disturbance, and psychological symptoms that frequently accompany PCCI. Study design. This was a 6-month prospective study with a waitlist control period followed by an active intervention. Participants were female breast cancer survivors (n = 23), 6 to 60 months postchemotherapy, with self-reported cognitive impairment. Methods. Four self-report outcome measures (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function [FACT-Cog], Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue [FACIT-Fatigue], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], and Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]-18) were administered 3 times during a 10-week waitlist control period, 3 times during a 10-week (20-session) neurofeedback training regimen, and once at 4 weeks postneurofeedback. Results. All 23 participants completed the study, demonstrating the feasibility of EEG biofeedback in this population. Initially, the sample demonstrated significant dysfunction on all measures compared with general population norms. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed strongly significant improvements ( P < .001) on all 4 cognitive measures (perceived cognitive impairment, comments from others, perceived cognitive abilities, and impact on quality of life [QOL]), the fatigue scale, and the 4 psychological scales (somatization, depression, anxiety and global severity index) as well as on 3 of 8 sleep scales (quality, daytime dysfunction, and global). Two of the other sleep scales (latency and disturbance) were significant at P < .01, and 1 (use of medication) at P < .05; 2 were not significant. Improvements were generally linear across the course of training, and were maintained at the follow-up testing. At the follow-up testing, the sample no longer differed significantly from normative populations on 3 of the 4 FACT-Cog measures (impairment, impact on QOL, and comments), FACIT-Fatigue, PSQI sleep quality and habitual efficiency, or any of the BSI-18 measures of psychological disturbance. Conclusions. Data from this limited study suggest that EEG biofeedback has potential for reducing the negative cognitive and emotional sequelae of cancer treatment as well as improving fatigue and sleep patterns.
Meaning-Making and Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy
Authors: Nichols Andrea J.
Published: April 2013

Early domestic violence victim advocacy included survivor-defined, intersectional, and social change practices rooted in feminism. Yet, research specifically examining the ways that advocates identify with and make meaning of feminism, and the relationship of such meanings to advocates’ practices, is limited. Drawing from interviews with 26 domestic violence victim advocates, the interaction between feminist identity, ideology, and practices is examined. Findings indicated that advocates with feminist identities and ideologies held survivor-defined, social change, and intersectional approaches to advocacy. Nonfeminist advocates practiced survivor-defined advocacy, but did not maintain social change or intersectional practices. Implications for advocacy are provided.
Higher Education Change and Its Managers
Authors: Hotho Sabine
Published: April 2013

This article is based on a case study conducted in the context of UK higher education change. The article argues that ‘change’ is a construct created in discourses of change policy and change management, and resulting in reductivist change management discourses which may impede rather than facilitate effective change management in the fast-changing and policy driven context of HE.