bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the efficiency of the sub-map technique for large-scale simultaneous localization and mapping
Authors: Ihemadu Okechukwu Clifford , Naeem Wasif , Ferguson Stuart
Published: November 2014

A technique for optimizing the efficiency of the sub-map method for large-scale simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is proposed. It optimizes the benefits of the sub-map technique to improve the accuracy and consistency of an extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based SLAM. Error models were developed and engaged to investigate some of the outstanding issues in employing the sub-map technique in SLAM. Such issues include the size (distance) of an optimal sub-map, the acceptable error effect caused by the process noise covariance on the predictions and estimations made within a sub-map, when to terminate an existing sub-map and start a new one and the magnitude of the process noise covariance that could produce such an effect. Numerical results obtained from the study and an error-correcting process were engaged to optimize the accuracy and convergence of the Invariant Information Local Sub-map Filter previously proposed. Applying this technique to the EKF-based SLAM algorithm (a) reduces the computational burden of maintaining the global map estimates and (b) simplifies transformation complexities and data association ambiguities usually experienced in fusing sub-maps together. A Monte Carlo analysis of the system is presented as a means of demonstrating the consistency and efficacy of the proposed technique.
A Comparison of the Effects of Reading Interventions on Engagement and Performance for Fourth-Grade Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Bryant Brian R. , Kim Min Kyung , Ok Min Wook , Kang Eun Young , Bryant Diane Pedrotty , Lang Russell , Son Seung Hyun
Published: November 2014

Inexpensive software applications designed to teach reading, writing, mathematics, and other academic areas have become increasingly popular. Although previous research has demonstrated the potential efficacy of such applications, there is a paucity of research that compares applications instruction (AI) with traditional teacher-directed instruction (TDI), and the relative effectiveness and efficiency of these instructional approaches remains largely unknown. This study used an alternating treatment design to compare academic engagement and outcomes (i.e., word identification and reading fluency) during an AI condition and a TDI condition for four students with learning disabilities (LD) attending a charter school. Instructional conditions (i.e., TDI, AI) were randomly alternated 7 times each, for a total of 14 instructional sessions. Results indicated that both approaches fostered high levels of engagement although students were more engaged during AI. With regard to academic performance, visual and quantitative analysis suggest that TDI was more effective than AI in terms of passage fluency and word identification. Students completed social validity rating scales to examine instructional preference. Results indicated that both approaches, TDI and AI, were popular with the students.
Grandmother Involvement in Mexican American Families
Authors: Barnett Melissa A. , Mortensen Jennifer A. , Gonzalez Henry
Published: November 2014

Grandmothers often provide support for Mexican-origin mothers and young children. The factors influencing grandmother involvement, and the implications of this involvement for maternal well-being, particularly in the context of transborder family relationships, remain largely unexplored. This study considers the extent to which maternal, child, and intergenerational factors are linked with levels of grandmother involvement, and in turn grandmother involvement is associated with maternal psychological distress among an American community sample of 78 Mexican-origin families, for which over one third of grandmothers live in Mexico. Findings suggest that mother reported grandmother involvement is higher when children are temperamentally difficult, mothers perceive overall high-quality mother–grandmother relationships, and grandmothers live in the United States. Furthermore, extensive grandmother involvement when grandmothers live in Mexico is related to higher levels of psychological distress. These results highlight the importance of an intergenerational and transborder perspective on family relationships and well-being among Mexican-origin families.
An augmented cognitive behavioural therapy for treating post-stroke depression: description of a treatment protocol
Authors: Kootker Joyce A , Rasquin Sascha MC , Smits Peter , Geurts Alexander C , van Heugten Caroline M , Fasotti Luciano
Published: December 2014

Aim:

Currently, no evidence-based treatment is available for mood problems after stroke. We present a new psychological intervention designed to reduce depressive complaints after stroke.

Method of protocol development:

This intervention was based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles and was shown feasible in a pilot study. In order to meet the specific needs of stroke patients (concerning both sensori-motor, cognitive, and behavioural problems), we incorporated motivational interviewing, grief resolution, and psycho-education. We emphasised for each session to take into account the cognitive deficits of the patients (i.e. be concrete, accessible, structured, specific, and repeat information). Moreover, we augmented the psychologist-administered therapy with the contribution of an occupational or movement therapist aimed at facilitating patients’ goal-setting and attainment. The intervention consisted of 12 one-hour sessions with a psychologist and three or four one-hour sessions with an occupational or movement therapist. Currently, the effectiveness of the intervention is evaluated in a randomised controlled trial.

Discussion:

The proposed psychological treatment protocol is innovative, as it applies cognitive behavioural therapy in a stroke-specific manner; moreover, it supports goal attainment by incorporating occupational or movement therapy sessions.
Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of hepatocyte apoptosis (induced by right portal vein ligation) and necrosis (induced by combined right portal vein and right hepatic artery ligation) in rats
Authors: Huang Bingcang , Geng Daoying , Zhan Songhua , Li Huanhuan , Xu Xiaolan , Yi Chunyan
Published: December 2014

Objective

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this study aimed to demonstrate the appearance of hepatocytes following ligation of the right portal vein or combined ligation of the right portal vein and right hepatic artery, in a rat model.

Methods

Ninety adult Sprague–Dawley rats (body weight 250–300 g) were divided into three groups ( n = 30 per group): ligation of the right portal vein (Group A); combined ligation of the right portal vein and right hepatic artery (Group B); no intervention to obstruct blood supply (control group). Rats were then randomly subdivided into five groups that underwent examination at 3 h and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days postprocedure ( n = 6 per group). Livers were examined by routine MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). After examination, each group of rats was sacrificed. Right hepatic lobes were removed and examined by pathology in six rats per timepoint; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was undertaken in up to three rats per timepoint.

Results

Hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, by right portal vein ligation and combined right portal vein and right hepatic artery ligation respectively, were confirmed by pathology and TEM. In Group A, there were slight increases in intensity of T1- and T2-weighted images and in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). In addition there were larger areas under the lactic acid and lipid peaks on MRS. In Group B, there were increased T1 and T2 signals, a decrease in the ADC and an increase of the area under the lactic acid peaks on MRS.

Conclusions

Hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis induced by ligation procedures exhibited specific changes that were evident on MRI, DWI and MRS, and could be detected in vivo by MRI, in a rat model.
Mutations in and Expression of the Tumor Suppressor Gene p53 in Egg-Type Chickens Infected With Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus
Authors: Yue Q. , Yulong G. , Liting Q. , Shuai Y. , Delong L. , Yubao L. , Lili J. , Sidang L. , Xiaomei W.
Published: December 2014

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of the oncogenic effects of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), we examined mutations in and the expression of p53 in the myelocytomas distributed in the liver, spleen, trachea, and bone marrow, as well as in fibrosarcomas in the abdominal cavity and hemangiomas in skin from chickens that were naturally or experimentally infected with ALV-J. Two types of mutations in the p53 gene were detected in myelocytomas of both the experimentally infected and the naturally infected chickens and included point mutations and deletions. Two of the point mutations have not been reported previously. Partial complementary DNA clones with a 122-bp deletion in the p53 gene ORF and a 15-bp deletion in the C-terminus were identified in the myelocytomas. In addition, moderate expression of the mutant p53 protein was detected in the myelocytomas that were distributed in the liver, trachea, spleen, and bone marrow. Mutant p53 protein was not detected in the subcutaneous hemangiomas or in the abdominal fibrosarcomas associated with natural and experimental ALV-J infection, respectively. These results identify mutations associated with abnormal expression of p53 in ALV-J–associated myelocytomas, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis.
Fibroblast cell proliferation on photo-cured trehalose cinnamoyl ester thin films
Authors: Yano Shinya , Teramoto Naozumi , Miyamoto Rikako , Nakajima Eiichi , Hashimoto Kazuaki , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2014

Trehalose cinnamoyl esters (TCs) were synthesized by esterification of trehlaose with cinnamoyl chloride. Two TCs with different degrees of substitution were synthesized, and trehalose cinnamoyl ester thin film-coated glass plates were prepared by a dip-coating method. Photocuring of the TCs was confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectral changes. The surface of photo-cured TCs were found smooth as observed in a scanning electron microscope. The cell proliferation on the photo-cured TCs was investigated using 3T3 Swiss Albino mouse embryo fibroblasts. The results of the cell proliferation assay revealed that the photo-cured TCs with higher degrees of substitution promoted the cell proliferation compared with a polystyrene culture plate and the photo-cured TCs with lower degrees of substitution. The contact angle of the photo-cured TCs with higher degrees of substitution was 101.0° ± 1.6°, which is much higher than that of the polystyrene culture plate, and it is out of the range known to be suitable for cell adhesion. Nevertheless, the cell unexpectedly grew best on the photo-cured TCs with higher degrees of substitution. Fibronectin binding assay was carried out using fluorescent probe-modified fibronectin, and more fibronectin was found adsorbed onto photo-cured TCs than a polystyrene culture plate.
Law Enforcement Response to “Frequent Fliers”
Authors: Akins Scott , Burkhardt Brett C. , Lanfear Charles
Published: December 2014

This article examines a subset of justice-involved persons with mental illness who have repeated contacts with law enforcement officers. Previous work has alluded to this sub-population—often termed “frequent fliers”—but little research has empirically examined its size and nature. This study proposes a method of identifying frequent fliers that is based on the amount of time elapsed between multiple mental-health-related contacts with police. Using more or less stringent thresholds, the analysis defines several groups of frequent fliers, including rapid cyclers, those having very frequent contacts with police. In considering policy responses to the problem of justice-involved persons with mental illness, addressing the needs of the frequent flier population proves to be a way of targeting limited resources for the most impact.
Views From the Trenches
Authors: Able Harriet , Sreckovic Melissa A. , Schultz Tia R. , Garwood Justin D. , Sherman Jessica
Published: November 2014

The current prevalence rates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) coupled with the mandate to provide services to students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms warrants the need to examine the dynamics of inclusion for students with ASD. Focus groups were conducted with special and general educators at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to determine the needs of students with ASD in fully inclusive settings as well as teachers’ needs in facilitating their students’ success. The study was translational in nature by focusing on the practice and daily experiences of teachers for informing professional development. Teachers highlighted the knowledge and skills teachers need for students with ASD to fully benefit from inclusive educational placements. Those included the need to fully understand ASD, differentiation, and social support strategies for students with autism as well as the strong need for increased collaboration between general and special educators.
Synthesis and properties of fluorescence poly(benzoxazole–imide)s containing naphthalene
Authors: Ma X. , Ma X. , Qiu X. , Jin R. , Kang C. , Gao L.
Published: November 2014

Novel aromatic poly(benzoxazole–imide)s containing naphthalene were prepared from synthesized 1,4-di(5-aminobenzoxazol-2-yl)naphthalene and commercial dianhydrides by conventional two-step polymerization. The polymers showed high levels of tensile strength of up to 294 MPa and modulus of up to 6.5 GPa. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers were observed between 267°C and 345°C. The 5% weight loss temperatures of the polymers were tested in the range of 517–562°C in nitrogen atmosphere. The excellent properties of polymers were attributed to their rigid-rod-like molecular structure. The polymers emitted different fluorescence with maximum emission wavelengths in the range of 470–560 nm. Increasing the dianhydride electron affinity, the emission spectra peak value of polyimides (PIs) except PI6 increased gradually, but the fluorescent intensity of the PIs decreased. The 1,4-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)benzene dianhydride-derived PI film exhibit highly fluorescent characteristics; however, the PI film from pyromellitic dianhydride was nonfluorescent.
Unsteady boundary layer measurement on an oscillating (pitching) supercritical airfoil in compressible flow using multiple hot-film sensors
Authors: Haghiri AA , Mani M , Fallahpour N
Published: November 2014

Aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil in a dynamic motion are highly affected by the behavior of the viscous boundary layer. Boundary layer condition, and the related phenomena, depends on such different parameters as the oscillation type, flight Mach number, angle of attack, etc. In compressible and transonic regimes, the shock-boundary layer interaction causes complex phenomena such as λ-shock and separation bubble on the airfoil. When oscillation and unsteady effects are also added, a complicated flow is resulted which could not be easily investigated using theoretical and computational methods. Therefore, in this paper a series of static and dynamic (pitch) tests at pre stall angle of attacks were performed in a high speed wind tunnel to study the steady and unsteady behavior of the compressible boundary layer. Measurements involved pressure coefficient distribution and qualitative analysis of output voltage of hot films. Some sinusoidal pitching motions were performed on the SC (2)-0410 airfoil at Mach numbers of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 with the maximum Reynolds number of 8.8 million per meter. The effects of compressibility, reduced frequency, mean angle and oscillation amplitude and free stream Mach number were investigated. Results show asymmetry between transition and relaminarization during pitching motion, and delay in transition with respect to steady conditions. Also, the location of the shock, shock induced separation bubble, and their motions due to the change of instantaneous angle of attack were detected and interpreted using the outputs of hot-film sensors.
Copper mining on Isle Royale 6500–5400 years ago identified using sediment geochemistry from McCargoe Cove, Lake Superior
Authors: Pompeani David P , Abbott Mark B , Bain Daniel J , DePasqual Seth , Finkenbinder Matthew S
Published: November 2014

Isle Royale, in Lake Superior, contains evidence of indigenous copper mining; however, the timing and geographical extent of mining activity is poorly known. We analyzed metal, carbon, nitrogen, and organic matter concentrations to document past mining pollution in sediment cores recovered from McCargoe Cove; a long, narrow inlet of Lake Superior on Isle Royale that receives drainage from a watershed that contains numerous ancient copper mines. At McCargoe Cove, concentrations of lead, copper, and potassium increase in the sediments after ad 1860 and between 6500 and 5400 years before ad 1950 (yr BP). Metal pollution increases at McCargoe Cove exceed natural (or background) levels and coincide with radiocarbon dates associated with copper artifacts and existing lead pollution reconstructions from lakes on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Interestingly, a coherent cessation of lead emissions at multiple study sites after ~5400 yr BP coincides with the onset of dry conditions found in regional paleoclimate proxy records. After ~5000 yr BP, lead concentrations on both Isle Royale and the Keweenaw Peninsula remain at background levels until the onset of modern lead pollution ~ad 1860.
Progress in the Health and Nutrition of Girls in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Lee Mi Kyung
Published: December 2014

Since its inception 3 decades ago the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) has emphasized improving the health of disadvantaged and minority groups. In 1990, APACPH held a conference in Kathmandu with the theme, “The Girl Child in Asia: A Neglected Majority.” Over the past 3 decades, the mortality rates for all children, particularly girls, have improved in our region.
A kinematically-enhanced relaxation scheme for the modeling of displacive phase transformations
Authors: Bartel T , Kiefer B , Buckmann K , Menzel A
Published: November 2014

In this contribution, a micro-mechanically motivated, energy relaxation-based constitutive model for phase transformation, martensite reorientation and twin formation in shape memory alloys is proposed. The formulation builds on an idealized parametrization of the austenite-twinned martensite microstructure through first- and second-order laminates. To estimate the effective rank-one convex energy density of the phase mixture, the concept of laminate-based energy relaxation is applied. In this context, the evolution of the energetic and dissipative internal state variables, that describe characteristic microstructural features, is computed via constrained incremental energy minimization. This work also suggests a first step towards the continuous modeling of twin formation within the framework of energy relaxation and can be viewed as a generalization of earlier models suggested by Bartel and Hackl (2009) and Bartel et al. (2011). More specifically, in the current model the orientation of martensitic variants in space is not pre-assigned. Variants are rather left free to arrange themselves relative to the martensite-martensite interface in an energy-minimizing fashion, where, however, it is assumed that they form crystallographically-twinned pairs. The formulation also eliminates the need to introduce specific expressions for the Bain strains in each of the martensitic variants, by relating them to a master variant and utilizing the information about their absolute orientation. The predictive capabilities of the proposed modeling framework are demonstrated in several representative numerical examples. In the first part of the results section, the focus is placed on purely energetic analysis, and the particular influence of the different microstructural degrees of freedom on the relaxed energy densities and the corresponding stress-strain responses is investigated in detail. In the second part, macro-homogeneous uniaxial strain and shear loading cases are analyzed for the dissipative case. It is shown, that the proposed model, which, compared to purely phenomenological macro-scale models, has the advantage of strong micro-mechanical motivation, is capable of qualitatively predicting central features of single crystal shape memory alloy behavior, such as the phase diagram in stress-temperature space, and pseudo-elastic and pseudo-plastic responses, while simultaneously providing valuable insight into the underlying micro-scale mechanisms.
Concurrent Specialized Palliative Care Upon Initiation of First-Line Chemotherapy for Cancer Progression
Authors: Nakajima Nobuhisa , Abe Yasushi
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of specialized palliative care (PC) administered at the time of administration of first-line chemotherapy for cancer progression.

Methods:

Patients who received regular specialist PC concomitantly with first-line chemotherapy after being diagnosed with progressive disease assigned to PC group. Patients transferred to palliative care unit (PCU) after discontinuation of chemotherapy were assigned to standard care (SC) group. We evaluated quality of palliative care using Support Team Assessment Schedule, quality of life (QOL) using Good Death Inventory, and short-term mortality in PCU.

Results:

A total of 28 and 63 patients patients were assigned to PC and SC groups, respectively. Physical symptoms, anxiety, communication scores, and QOL scores were significantly higher in the PC group ( P < .001). Short-term mortality (<14 days) was significantly higher in the SC group ( P = .0005).

Conclusion:

This approach may facilitate high quality of PC.
A micro–macro model for porous geomaterials with inclusion debonding
Authors: Shen WQ , Shao JF
Published: November 2014

This paper is devoted to micromechanical modeling of the overall elastoplastic behavior and damage evolution in ductile porous geomaterials. The studied material is composed of a porous matrix that is embedded by linear elastic mineral inclusions. The solid phase of porous matrix is described by a pressure sensitive plastic model with a nonassociated flow rule. With a two-level homogenization procedure, the macroscopic plastic criterion of the heterogeneous material is deduced and takes into account the effects of pores and mineral inclusions. Then it is assumed that the material damage is related to progressive debonding of mineral inclusions. The Weibull’s statistical function is used to describe the varying probability of inclusion debonding. The debonded inclusions are considered as completely separated from the matrix and regarded as voids for simplicity. Finally, the proposed micro–macro model is applied to describe the macroscopic behavior of claystones. Comparisons between the numerical results and experimental data show that the proposed model is able to capture the main features of the mechanical behavior of the studied material.
Using an Evidence-Based Parenting Intervention with African American Parents
Authors: Kelch-Oliver Karia , Smith Chaundrissa Oyeshiku
Published: December 2014

There has been a rise over the past several years in behavior problems among preschoolers. Young children who exhibit disruptive behavior are at increased risk of problematic outcomes later in life. Children from racial or ethnic minority groups and/or disadvantaged backgrounds may be at greater risk for behavioral problems. Therefore, interventions are needed before these behaviors become more entrenched. Parents of children with disruptive behaviors have reported higher parenting stress levels, which has a negative effect on parenting behaviors. Three models of parenting styles and behaviors are discussed, with a focus on the literature on African American parenting styles. To contribute to the literature addressing parenting training programs with African American populations, a case is presented as an example of the usefulness of an evidence-based behavioral family intervention with a low-income African American single parent family. Treatment recommendations are presented when applying evidence-based parenting programs with African American and other racial or ethnic minority groups.
Cause analysis of low frequency vibration of flexible support stator frame for giant hydro generator
Authors: Jianwei Li , Liangyu Xiao , Chao Tian , Yongheng Li , Guangqing Que
Published: November 2014

There are low frequency horizontal vibration problems in varying degree on the stator frame for operating giant hydro generator unit, those who adopted flexible support. To determine the cause of excessive vibration, the horizontal vibration of the stator frame and core were measured under the operating conditions of variable rotate speed, variable load and variable excitation. The results showed that the low frequency vibration had similar vibration characteristics in each generator unit, that is, the vibration of the stator increased as the excitation increasing and it did not matter to the change of rotate speed and load. This low frequency vibration was obviously caused by the unbalance magnetic pull. Based on the uneven of air gap, which induced by uneven magnetic pole morphology and relative eccentricity of the stator-rotor, low frequency vibration was explained.
The Hollywood Beach Party Genre and the Exotification of Youthful White Masculinity in Early 1960s America
Authors: Andersen Pablo Dominguez
Published: November 2014

In the early 1960s, a wave of extremely successful Hollywood surfing and beach party films captivated the imagination of American teenage cinema audiences. This essay analyzes the Hollywood beach party cycle as part and parcel of the exotification of youthful white masculinity, a phenomenon that has received no scholarly attention to this date. Films like Gidget (1959), Beach Party (1963), Blue Hawaii (1961), or Ride the Wild Surf (1964) represented their male protagonist, the surfer, as a natural, rugged, and rebelliously masculine type unspoiled by domesticity and suburban conformity. While being exceedingly white, the figure of the surfer evidences postwar America’s ongoing fascination with racial difference. The surfer’s superior manliness depended on his association with the exotic. Simultaneously, however, it was this very association that threatened both the surfer’s masculinity and his whiteness.
Focal demyelinative damage and neighboring white matter integrity: an optic neuritis study
Authors: Raz N , Bick AS , Ben-Hur T , Levin N
Published: November 2014

Background:

Neuronal loss following damage is often greater than expected from the severity of injury to the nerve itself. The visual pathways, which comprise a well-defined system, and optic neuritis (ON), which is usually a discrete event, make a fine model to study this phenomenon.

Objective:

Understand the effect of focal optic nerve demyelination on neighboring white matter.

Methods:

Diffusion tensor imaging and probabilistic tractography were used to identify and characterize the optic tracts and radiations of 17 ON and matched controls. Data were correlated with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.

Results:

Patients’ optic tracts exhibited reduced axial diffusivity, which correlated with RNFL thickness values. Patients’ optic radiations demonstrated intact axial diffusivity but reduced fractional anisotropy and elevated radial diffusivity, which could be explained by intra-bundle lesions. No correlations were found between diffusivity measurements in patients’ optic tracts and radiations; or between RNFL thickness and optic radiations’ diffusivity.

Conclusions:

Following ON, chronic axonal loss develops distally in the optic tracts, demonstrating Wallerian degeneration. Degeneration did not proceed to the optic radiations, opposing anterograde trans-neuronal changes. DTI in ON provides fine in-vivo human model for studying histological abnormalities in normal appearing white matter, localized in close proximity to damaged bundle.
Experimental study of factors affecting Pt-TiO2 thermal catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde
Authors: Zhang Ge , Hong Yingying , He Wenna
Published: November 2014

TiO2-supported precious metal photo- (PCO) and thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO) are new kind of formaldehyde degradation air cleaning methods, characterized to have low energy consumption for operation in air conditioning system and would produce no harmful by-products. In this study, Pt-TiO2 thermal catalyst was prepared and its composition and pore structure was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods. The impact of reaction temperature, air-flow rate and initial concentration of formaldehyde to the catalytic degradation effect was investigated. The largest relative change rate of the specific degradation rate was 0.49%/℃ within the temperature range from 70 to 120℃. Compared with other relevant studies, the reaction temperature was reduced and made the catalyst more suitable for air conditioning systems in respect to energy consumption. When the specific degradation rate was less than 1500 mg/(g.h), the catalytic reaction was dominated by the diffusion rate of formaldehyde molecules onto the catalyst surface, and both the air-flow rate and initial formaldehyde concentration caused proportional change of the specific degradation rate. The maximum catalytic capacity could be as high as 1800 mg/(g.h), but was hard to achieve by changing reaction conditions.
Laparoscopic Surgery In The Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Matlok M. , Stanek M. , Pedziwiatr M. , Major P. , Kulawik J. , Budzynski P.
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. These lesions are characterized by different levels of malignancy. Only radical surgery offers a chance of curing the disease. The aim of this study is to present the results of gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment with minimally invasive surgery.

Material and Methods:

The study group included 27 patients operated laparoscopically on for gastrointestinal stromal tumor with laparoscopic surgery between September 2009 and December 2013. The most common location of the tumor was the stomach (21 patients, 77.8%) and the small intestine (4 patients, 14.8%). We analyzed early surgery results, the number and character of complications, lengths of hospital stays, histological types of the removed tumors, and long-term results of treatment.

Results:

There was no need for conversion to open surgery in any patient from the study group. Post-surgery complications occurred in 2 patients (7.4%). The median duration of the hospital stay was 4.5 days; none of the patients had to be readmitted to the hospital in the first 30 days after the procedure. In 26 out of 27 patients, microscopic examination confirmed the radicality of the surgical procedure (R0 resection). The mean size of the removed lesions was 4.1 cm. Using the Joensuu malignancy classification model, it was established that in 6 (22.2%) patients gastrointestinal stromal tumor was characterized by a very low level of malignancy, in 11 patients (40.7%) a low level, in 4 (14.9%) a medium level, and in 6 (22.2%) a high level. The average duration of follow-up was 13 months. During the observation period, there was no recurrence of the disease.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors is possible and allows for satisfactory results both in terms of the postoperative course and the oncological quality of the procedure.
Huizinga on America
Authors: Torpey John
Published: November 2014

The Dutch historian Johan Huizinga, perhaps best known for his writings on the Middle Ages and on play in human life, also wrote rather extensively on the United States. He both followed and, in certain respects, sharply criticized Alexis de Tocqueville’s views on America, while ultimately echoing many of Max Weber’s views of the United States and more generally of the rationalization of modern life. Given that Huizinga is known primarily for his writings about culture, it is intriguing that his perspective on America was heavily skewed toward an emphasis on the economic aspects of American life. Huizinga’s writings on America offer an intriguing Dutch perspective that has been widely missed in social scientific discussions of the United States and on the notion of American exceptionalism.
Implementation of a baby doll therapy protocol for people with dementia: Innovative practice
Authors: Braden Barbara A , Gaspar Phyllis M
Published: November 2014

Dementia is exhibited by both emotional and physical states such as agitation. Chemical restraints, often used for agitated behaviors, are not always effective and produce untoward effects. Baby doll therapy is a nonpharmacologic therapy that can affect agitated behavior in dementia patients, yet a protocol for the therapy did not exist. An implementation protocol for doll therapy for those with dementia was developed and implemented with 16 residents in a dementia care center. Outcomes were measurements of the impact of the dolls on six areas of the resident’s behavior and their reactions to the doll. Participants had an increase in level of happiness, activity/liveliness, interaction with staff and others, and ease of giving care. There was also a reduction in the level of anxiety. The increase in happiness was a statistically significant outcome. Baby doll therapy is an effective nonpharmacological approach for improving the well-being of patients with moderate to severe dementia.
Locating queer-mixed experiences: Narratives of geography and migration
Authors: Hudson Kimberly D , Mehrotra Gita R
Published: November 2014

Social work scholarship concerned with mixed-race and queer identities is growing and ever-changing, yet often treats race and sexuality as separate experiences independent from context and environment. In addition, in studies of mixed-race people, the legacy of the Black-White/US-based multiracial paradigm and the history of such research using race as the only or primary analytic has left a dearth of studies that seek to understand mixed-race experiences within geographical, transnational and intersectional contexts. In this paper, we extend previous work focused on situational and contextual multiracial identities through an interview-based study of a sample of 12 queer and mixed-race individuals. We employ a narrative analysis to explore how emergent themes of geography and migration are salient to self-making processes of participants. Findings include: (1) diverse geographic and migration histories among participants; (2) interviewees’ use of discursive strategies that draw upon experiences of geography and migration within the narrative structure; and (3) the critical role of geography and migration in expanding and changing participants’ identity discourses and in shaping individuals’ identity and sense of community. Ultimately, this work serves as a call for on-going attention to how geography and migration, as well as intersectional and transnational perspectives, add depth and texture to studies of queer-mixed people while also offering specificity to social work’s broader commitment to context and environment.
Attitudes About and Practices of Health Promotion and Prevention Among Primary Care Providers
Authors: Luquis Raffy R. , Paz Harold L.
Published: December 2014

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s emphasis on health promotion and prevention activities required an examination of the current practices of primary care providers in these areas. A total of 196 primary care providers completed a survey to assess current health promotion and prevention attitudes, practices, and barriers. Results of this study showed that family physicians in Pennsylvania recognize the importance of and their role in providing health promotion and prevention and offer advice in key behavioral and disease prevention areas. Results from the study suggest that their ability to provide these services is hindered by a lack of time and the heavy workload. Although most family physicians provided advice to patients in several health promotion and prevention areas, few participants reported that they referred patients to other health professionals. Finally, when it comes to preventive services, participants ranked blood pressure screening, tobacco use screening, and tobacco use cessation interventions as the most important services. Effective implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will require necessary resources and support of primary care providers to help patients achieve healthier lives.
Corresponding Geographies
Authors: Sanson Kevin
Published: November 2014

This essay makes three related claims about digital media creative clusters through a case study of the Hub in Glasgow, Scotland. First, online social networking platforms are an increasingly “common sense” feature that property developers include to attract media workers to purpose-built properties. Second, integrating and managing professional identities through the construction of place are considered necessary to promote that place to a larger audience. Finally, reorganizing place in this way refashions creative work as a more nebulous concept, a process that integrates formerly distinct aspects of our work and nonwork lives into the common pursuit of innovation for economic gain.
Role of WW domain proteins WWOX in development, prognosis, and treatment response of glioma
Authors: Liu Shin-Yi , Chiang Ming-Fu , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: November 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant brain tumor. Delicate microenvironment and lineage heterogeneity of GBM cells including infiltration, hypoxia, angiogenesis, and stemness make them highly resistant to current conventional therapies, with an average life expectancy for GBM patients of less than 15 months. Poor response to cytotoxic agents of GBM cells remains the major challenge of GBM treatment. Resistance of GBM to clinical treatment is a result of genomic alternation and deregulated signaling pathways, such as p53 mutation and apoptosis signaling blockage, providing cancer cells more opportunities for survival rather than cell death. WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is a tumor suppressor gene, commonly downregulated in various types of tumors, including GBM. It has been found that the reintroduction of WWOX induced p53-mutant GBM cells to undergo apoptosis, but not in p53 wild-type GBM cells, indicating WWOX is likely to reopen apoptosis pathways in a p53-independent manner in GBM. Identifying the crucial target modulated by WWOX deficiency provides a potential therapeutic target for GBM treatment. Here, we have reviewed the literatures about the role of WWOX in development, signaling pathway, prognosis, and treatment response in malignant glioma.
Turning around on experience: The ‘expanded view’ of memory within psychology
Authors: Brown Steven D , Reavey Paula
Published: December 2014

In this article, we argue that emergent interests in social interaction, wider context and culture with regards to memory have united formerly disparate approaches within the discipline of psychology, namely, that from the discursive and experimental cognitive paradigms. Here, we develop the argument on the centrality of interaction and continuity and present an expanded approach that is best able to incorporate distressing events, which we call ‘Vital Memory’. We argue here that this perspective provides an analysis of continuity and interactional dynamics, while not losing sight of what is ethically at stake when individuals remember, especially where memories that are vital to a sense of self in the present are concerned. This perspective encourages a view that treats memory as emerging through the ongoing flow of experience, across time, space and narrative.
The Use of Objective and Analytical Reporting as a Method of Professional Work
Authors: Mellado Claudia , Humanes María Luisa
Published: November 2014

Based on a cross-longitudinal content analysis of 3,624 political news stories published by Chilean national newspapers between 1990 and 2010, this study analyzes the changes and patterns in the reporting styles of the political press by examining the value of objective and analytical reporting used by professional journalists. The study presents empirical evidence on how journalists justify truth claims in political news and how journalistic performance has evolved in a post-dictatorial regime setting. The results show that objective reporting is more common than analytical reporting for both the popular and the elite press. However, although the Chilean traditional press assume objectivity as a criterion of good journalism, they reinterpret its meaning in practice. Specifically, the findings show that the use of analytical reporting has significantly increased in political coverage. The absence of formal separation between facts and opinions in the Chilean case confirms the global tendency toward more partisan journalism, especially in journalistic contexts closer to the “polarized pluralist” model. The differences in the use of objective and analytical reporting between the popular and the elite press do not show a clear pattern.
Factors Associated With Missed Opportunities for Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Djibo Djeneba Audrey , Peddecord K. Michael , Wang Wendy , Ralston Kimberly , Sawyer Mark H.
Published: November 2014

Objective: Annual influenza vaccination rates remain well below health objectives. Most primary care clinic visits present opportunities for vaccination. The purpose of this study was to quantify missed opportunities (MOs) during the entire influenza season. Patients and clinic characteristics associated with vaccination and MOs are identified. Methods: Influenza vaccinations recorded in random chart reviews of children 6 months to 5 years and of adults 50 years and older at 6 pediatric and 7 adult primary care clinics were assessed during the 2010-2011 influenza season. Patient-specific MOs accounted for variable timing and number of visits throughout the vaccination season. Data were assessed using descriptive, graphical, proportional hazards regression methods. Results: Data for 1136 children and 1329 adults were analyzed. By the end of the season, influenza vaccination coverage recorded in medical records reached 56% and 26% for children and adults, respectively. MOs are common throughout the season and rise sharply after December. By the end of the season, 30.2% of children and 44.9% of adults had 2 or more MOs. Characteristics associated with MOs included age, insurance type, number of visits, and type of medical practice. Conclusions: Missed opportunities abound, especially after December. Strategies targeting patients most likely to have MOs and encouraging the use standing orders, reminders, and monitoring in order to reduce them need to be sustained.
An Exploratory Assessment
Authors: Rivera Héctor H. , Murray Debra
Published: December 2014

This study seeks to examine programmatic efforts focused on developing a capacity building learning environment as a pathway to genomic science for underrepresented minority students. Students participated in a survey ( n = 51); a subsample participated in focus groups ( n = 11) as well as on a pre- and postskills assessment activity ( n = 17). Overall, findings indicate that the programmatic intervention has assisted students in several areas such as (a) creating opportunities in science fieldwork and research, (b) preparing them for graduate school, and (c) serving as a pipeline for science research and careers. Furthermore, focus group participants expressed that the program has assisted them in gaining concrete experiences in (a) science research, (b) learning about their options in science, and (c) learning how to continue in a science academic path. The program has also assisted students in achieving and successfully planning their long-term goals in science-related fields.
Trait Mindfulness and Cognitive Task Performance
Authors: Quickel Emalee J. W. , Johnson Susan K. , David Zhanna L.
Published: December 2014

Mindfulness meditation (MM) training has been shown to have positive effects on working memory and focused attention tasks. Clarifying the construct of mindfulness is important so that mindfulness can be studied effectively in individual differences and cognition research. The current study tested whether trait mindfulness alone explains any of the variability on task performance. Five commonly used mindfulness scales, as well as six standardized and experimental attention and working memory tasks were administered to 164 participants with no meditation experience. Confirmatory factor analysis found that the common variance denoted by measures of trait mindfulness is unrelated to the common variance among tasks requiring focused attention. These results indicate that mindfulness scales may not be capturing the attentional aspects of mindfulness. Individuals who score high on mindfulness scales do not perform better on focused attention tasks than those who score lower on mindfulness scales. These results have implications for defining and operationalizing mindfulness.
Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Using Tricalcium Phosphate Wedge
Authors: Zehir Sinan , Çalbıyık Murat , Şahin Ercan , Kalem Mahmut , Songür Murat , İpek Deniz
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

High tibial osteotomy is a standard procedure indicated for early medial sided osteoarthritis in varus knees. In this study, we present the early results of high tibial open wedge osteotomy cases using beta-tricalcium phosphate as a graft substitute and Otis-c plate.

Methods:

Between years 2010 and 2013, 47 cases of (34F, 13 M) medial compartmental gonarthrosis with genu varum deformity treated with high tibial osteotomy, were evaluated with at least one year follow-up, preoperatively both clinically and radiologically. Clinical evaluation involved functional assessment and pain evaluation using Lysholm and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, including knee range-of-motion. Radiological evaluation included medial joint space measurements on weight bearing knee radiographs with measurements of varus angle and posterior tibial slope. Surgical procedure included standard arthroscopy followed by medial sided opening wedge osteotomy with correction of the varus deformity using β- tricalcium phosphate graft substitute and fixation of the osteotomy site using Otis-C plate and locking screws. All patients were evaluated at the end of minimum one-year follow-up period.

Results:

Mean age of the patients was 56,7 (50- 65) years and mean follow-up period was 24,5 (12- 44) months. Mean duration of surgery was 47,4±10.2 minutes. No case of nonunion, delayed union, neurovascular injury or iatrogenic fracture was encountered. Two cases developed deep vein thrombosis and one case developed superficial wound infection managed successfully by local debridement with retention of implants and antibiotics. Mean duration of union was 13,4±2.7 weeks. Mean preoperative and follow-up range-of-motion were measured as 131±8.9 and 129±9.1 respectively with no statistical difference. Preoperative and follow-up VAS scores showed significant difference as 7.6±1.76 and 2.3±1.08 respectively (p=0.001). Also Lysholm scores improved significantly at the end of the follow-up period (43.23±4.01 vs. 76.3±3.7 p<0,001). Radiological evaluation revealed mean correction angle of 10.84±2.70 degrees at follow-up. Mean posterior tibial slope was measured relatively unchanged (8.6±1.70° degrees preoperatively versus 8.2±2.30° follow-up). Medial joint space width measurements showed a significant increase (pre-op 3.7±1.6 mm. versus 4.6±1.32 mm. at the follow-up (p<0.001)).

Conclusion:

Medial opening wedge osteotomy for treatment of early medial compartment gonarthrosis in varus knees is still a valuable option. Our short term preliminary results using beta-tricalcium phosphate wedge graft substitute and Otis-c plate-screw osteosynthesis revealed satisfactory short term clinical and radiological results with acceptable complication rates.