bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of magnetically maneuverable capsule endoscope system with direction reference for image navigation
Authors: Sun Zhen-Jun , Ye Bo , Sun Yi , Zhang Hong-Hai , Liu Sheng
Published: July 2014

This article describes a novel magnetically maneuverable capsule endoscope system with direction reference for image navigation. This direction reference was employed by utilizing a specific magnet configuration between a pair of external permanent magnets and a magnetic shell coated on the external capsule endoscope surface. A pair of customized Cartesian robots, each with only 4 degrees of freedom, was built to hold the external permanent magnets as their end-effectors. These robots, together with their external permanent magnets, were placed on two opposite sides of a “patient bed.” Because of the optimized configuration based on magnetic analysis between the external permanent magnets and the magnetic shell, a simplified control strategy was proposed, and only two parameters, yaw step angle and moving step, were necessary for the employed robotic system. Step-by-step experiments demonstrated that the proposed system is capable of magnetically maneuvering the capsule endoscope while providing direction reference for image navigation.
Statistical analysis with dilatation for development process of human fetuses
Authors: Naito Kanta , Notsu Akifumi , Udagawa Jun , Otani Hiroki
Published: July 2014

This paper is concerned with the development process of human fetuses. Though the development process of human fetuses still includes many unknown issues, it is known that a certain harmonious relationship between the organs can be observed. This knowledge is based on our intuition, but we have no theory which clarifies these harmonized developments. The paper aims to give a mathematical understanding of the notion of harmonized development through the use of dilatation, which is a measure of the departure from conformal mapping. The asymptotics for dilatation have been developed using certain efficient models of quasiconformal mapping. The proposed method of dilatation is effectively applied to the human fetus data.
What science are you singing? A study of the science image in the mainstream music of Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chun-Ju , Allgaier Joachim
Published: July 2014

Previous research showed that pop music bands in the Western world have sometimes included science imagery in their lyrics. Their songs could potentially be helpful facilitators for science communication and public engagement purposes. However, so far no systematic research has been conducted for investigating science in popular music in Eastern cultures. This study explores whether science has been regarded as an element in the creation of popular mainstream music, and examines the content and quantity of distribution through an analysis of mainstream music lyrics, to reflect on the conditions of the absorption of science into popular culture. The results indicate that expressions related to astronomy and space science feature very prominently. Most of the lyrics are connected to emotional states and mood expressions and they are only very rarely related to actual issues of science. The implications for science communication and further research are discussed in the final section.
The Pre-Anschluss Vienna School of Medicine – The surgeons: Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865), Theodor Billroth (1829–1894) and Robert Bárány (1876–1936)
Authors: Shaw Lily BZL , Shaw Robert A
Published: July 2014

A brief history of the Vienna School of Medicine is sketched out from its founding in the mid-18th century by Gerard van Swieten until the Anschluss in March 1938. The pioneering work of Ignaz Semmelweis on the causes and the prevention of puerperal fever is discussed. This is followed by ground-breaking innovations, particularly in abdominal surgery, by Theodor Billroth and by Robert Bárány’s Nobel Prize winning work inter alia on defining the pathology and physiology of the human vestibular apparatus. The lives and work of these three outstanding medical practitioners are described, together with their successes and failures. Only Billroth’s achievements were appreciated in Vienna during their lifetimes. Semmelweis’ work was belittled during his lifetime and he died obscurely in a mental institution. Bárány had to immigrate to Sweden to achieve recognition.
The pre-Anschluss Vienna School of Medicine – the physicians: Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), Julius Wagner-Jauregg (1857–1940) and Karel Wenckebach (1864–1940)
Authors: Shaw Lily BZL , Shaw Robert A
Published: July 2014

Three physicians are discussed. Sigmund Freud, probably the best-known member of the Vienna School of Medicine, was the path-breaking pioneer in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Julius Wagner-Jauregg was a psychiatrist who discovered the link between iodine deficiency and goitre and also developed malaria therapy to treat progressive paralysis caused by syphilis for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. Karel Wenckebach, the pioneering Dutch cardiologist, is best known for the Wenckebach block. After the Anschluss, fate dealt very different hands to these three physicians. Freud fled to London where he soon died. Wagner-Jauregg, who had some pan-Germanic sympathies as well as views on eugenics, left a controversial legacy. The Dutch cardiologist Wenckebach died in Vienna shortly after his homeland had been invaded in 1940 by that of his hosts.
Taiwanese College Students’ Motivation and Engagement for English Learning in the Context of Internationalization at Home
Authors: Chen Yih-Lan Ellen , Kraklow Deborah
Published: July 2014

To promote internationalization in Taiwan’s higher education system, one initiative is to create international programs that accommodate both international and domestic students and that use English as the medium of instruction (EMI). Most EMI studies have focused on program results; however, the current study investigates the factors that lead students to participate in EMI programs in the first place, particularly the relationship between motivation and engagement. An instrument based on Self-Determination Theory was used to collect data about second language (L2) motivation and engagement from 276 Taiwanese college students. Data analysis using MANOVA indicated significant differences in both intrinsic motivation and English learning engagement between the students participating in EMI and non-EMI programs. Multiple regressions reveal significant predictive power of both intrinsic motivation and external regulation on English learning engagement. The results suggest gradual implementation of EMI that supports faculty and student adjustment is most effective. Inclusion of practical aspects, such as internships and service learning, into EMI programs may also enhance motivation in academic engagement.
Investigation on a new Fe83Ga17 wire–based magnetoelastic resonance biosensor
Authors: Sang Shengbo , Cheng Peng , Zhang Wendong , Li Pengwei , Hu Jie , Li Gang , Jian Aoqun
Published: July 2014

Iron–gallium alloy, as an emerging class of magnetoelastic material, has attracted a great deal of attention due to its excellent mechanical and magnetostriction properties. This article proposes a magnetoelastic biosensor involving the Fe83Ga17 wire. The resonant frequency and S11 magnitude responses for the different length Fe83Ga17 wires were tested. Furthermore, the response characteristics were improved by optimizing the coil parameters, for example, wire diameter, turn number, and tube diameter. In addition, the annealing treatment to the Fe83Ga17 can also enhance the response characteristics. Finally, the Fe83Ga17 wire–based biosensor was used to measure the ethanol concentration and has good linearity.
Shape memory polymer composites with woven fabric reinforcement for self-deployable booms
Authors: Roh Jin-Ho , Kim Hye-Jung , Bae Jae-Sung
Published: July 2014

To characterize the nonlinear relationship between load and displacement and its dependency on temperature and time variations, the rate form of thermomechanical constitutive equations for shape memory polymers is newly derived. Experimental tests of the shape memory polymers are analyzed to acquire the parameters needed for the model. In order to generate a fast recovery rate and a higher recovery ratio, an asymmetric shape memory polymer composite reinforced with woven fabrics is developed and fabricated. Moreover, the efficiency of the asymmetric shape memory polymer composite is evaluated through shape recovery tests after bending. A numerical model of the shape memory polymer composite is newly established. In addition, the structural nonlinear behavior of the asymmetric shape memory polymer composite is analyzed with time and temperature dependence. A “[Formula: see text]”-shaped cross-sectional shape memory polymer composite boom is fabricated, and its deployment procedures are demonstrated for the application of self-deployable booms in gossamer space structures.
Modal signal analysis of conical shells with flexoelectric sensors
Authors: Li Hua , Hu Shundi , Tzou Hornsen
Published: July 2014

Flexoelectricity is known as the electromechanical coupling effect between the strain gradient and the polarization. In this study, a flexoelectric sensor is laminated on conical shells to monitor the natural modal signal distributions. The sensing mechanism of a generic flexoelectric sensor patch is presented first. Then, the spatially distributed microscopic sensing signal with respect to coordinates is evaluated in detail to reveal the modal signal distributions. Due to the gradient effect, the bending strain component is the only contribution to the total sensing signal. The total signal consists of two components resulting from the circumferential and longitudinal bending strain components. Analytical results show that the flexoelectric sensing signal induced by the longitudinal bending strain is the dominant contribution to the total signal for lower order modes; the contribution of the circumferential bending strain components increases while increasing the circumferential mode number. In lower modes, the optimal location of flexoelectric sensor is at the minor end and shifts to the middle for shallow shells. In higher modes, the optimal location is at the middle of the shell, but first shifts to the major end and then shifts to the minor end while increasing the semi-apex angle.
New Methodological Insights Into Communicative Acts That Promote New Alternative Masculinities
Authors: Rodríguez-Navarro Henar , Ríos-González Oriol , Racionero Sandra , Macías Fernando
Published: July 2014

Communicative acts include verbal and non-verbal acts as well as the analysis of the dialogic relationships and power relationships associated to each of those acts. This article discusses data from two case studies in education, where communicative acts were analyzed to identify those that promote new alternative masculinities that help to prevent gender violence. One of the main methodological challenges was how to conduct the data collection and the analysis of the interactions and non-verbal language. Communicative methodology was used to face this challenge. Specifically, thanks to communicative organization (a) a preliminary analysis with different stakeholders was conducted to define relevant aspects to be covered in the fieldwork, (b) data analysis performed by a multidisciplinary team to guarantee that the focus would not be deviated from the communicative act, and (c) an Advisory Council was created to validate the results obtained through equal dialogue between researchers and participants.
Frames in Contestation
Authors: Krizsan Andrea , Popa Raluca Maria
Published: July 2014

The article looks at the translation of international norms on domestic violence to the national level in five Central and Eastern European countries. It argues that translation brings a concept of domestic violence, which stretches gender equality ideas underpinning international norms so as to be easier to endorse by mainstream policy actors, and results in policies framed in degendered individual rights terms. The potential for keeping gender equality in focus is then guaranteed by gendering policy processes through empowerment of gender equality actors at all stages. Absence of ownership of the policy by gender equality actors risks co-optation by frames contesting gender equality.
Homelike Living for Elderly People
Authors: Jännes Jere , Hämäläinen Päivi , Hanski Jyri , Lanne Marinka
Published: July 2014

Changes in global demographics have resulted in major consequences and implications in the economic, social, and political fields. These changes have created a growing market for aging-related technology. However, those who are responsible for purchasing solutions for the elderly do not always fully understand both the needs and limitations of the end user, and technological solutions are not usually developed from the perspective of the elderly in the first place. A technology review, in-depth and semi-structured interviews, and a questionnaire regarding the needs of the elderly and their views on technology were used to create the framework for technology selection. The emphasis is on comprehensive solutions and a move from single sales to public–private co-operation and collaboration. Technology is, however, not the answer to everything. It cannot replace human relationships, but suitable technological solutions can support a social life.
Using maternity capital: Citizen distrust of Russian family policy
Authors: Borozdina Ekaterina , Rotkirch Anna , Temkina Anna , Zdravomyslova Elena
Published: July 2014

During the last decade Russian politics have aimed at stimulating the birth rate, most famously by the maternity capital program. This article provides results from the first extensive study of citizen use and attitudes to this benefit and concludes that Russian women and families harbor a deep distrust of the program and Russian social policy, as it sends contradictory messages combining paternalistic and liberal trends. Many eligible mothers have not activated their capital due to various bureaucratic obstacles they encounter. Contrary to the expectations of economists and sociologists, the results indicate that middle-class families have more resources to use their capital.
Use of a mental health emergency care-rural access programme in emergency departments
Authors: Saurman Emily , Lyle David , Kirby Sue , Roberts Russell
Published: July 2014

Hospital emergency departments (EDs) are common providers of emergency mental health care. Access to specialist expertise can affect and improve patient outcomes. The Mental Health Emergency Care-Rural Access Programme (MHEC) provides access to mental health specialists for rural and remote communities in western New South Wales. In 2011, 46 of the 48 EDs used the MHEC programme, which provided 1487 clinical services, an average of 29 services per week. This represented 60% of all MHEC activity. A video assessment was conducted during 571 (38%) of these MHEC contacts. Patients attending a non-base hospital (<50 beds) were twice as likely to receive a video assessment as those attending the larger base hospitals, and video was used more with increasing remoteness. Patients from non-base hospitals were also more likely to be admitted locally after a video assessment. When a decision to admit was made, patients from non-base hospital EDs assessed by video were less likely to be transferred out of their community to a mental health inpatient unit than those assessed by telephone triage only (46% vs 62%; P = 0.016). The MHEC programme is a practical, relevant and responsive solution that was designed for the Australian health system, but the same model could be adapted for implementation in other countries.
Effect of visual support on the processing of multiclausal sentences
Authors: Hagiwara Akiko
Published: July 2014

Processing morphemic elements is one of the most difficult parts of second language acquisition (DeKeyser, 2005; Larsen-Freeman, 2010). This difficulty gains prominence when second language (L2) learners must perform under time pressure, and difficulties arise in using grammatical knowledge. To solve the problem, the current study used the tenets of multimedia learning theory (Mayer, 2005) to help L2 learners’ reconstruct multiclausal sentences. This theory assumes that limitations in cognitive capacity are reduced when information is given to learners both visually and aurally. Given this assumption, the current study examined whether pictorial information helps L2 learners process morphemic elements in multiclausal sentences presented aurally. Thirty-two learners of Japanese engaged in elicited imitation both with and without pictorial support. The results revealed that the learners performed significantly better with pictorial support, lending support to multimedia learning theory for L2 learners’ processing of morphemic elements. However, a limited effect of pictorial support was found for the processing of an element that the L2 learners had learned recently, and that was in sentence-final position, suggesting that these types of items are difficult to automatize regardless of cognitive support.
Cultural contrasts and commonalities in inspiring language teaching
Authors: Lamb Martin , Wedell Martin
Published: July 2014

Inspiring teaching is the kind of pedagogy that motivates pupils to study autonomously, in their own time, of their own volition beyond the classroom, and may be particularly important for long-term endeavours such as learning a second language. This study aimed to find out the prevalence and nature of inspiring English language teaching in the state school systems in two Asian contexts, Guangzhou, China and Jakarta, Indonesia, using an open-item survey which asked learners to nominate and describe inspiring teachers they had had in school. Seven of these teachers were then visited in their schools, interviewed and observed teaching in class. The response to the survey (n = 279) indicated that inspiring teaching was probably not common but when it did occur, learners usually recalled that the teacher had a wide range of qualities, though some systematic differences were noted between Chinese and Indonesian respondents. Cultural differences were even more noticeable in the observed lessons, suggesting that the teachers worked hard to ensure their practice was contextually appropriate. All the teachers evinced an intrinsic motivation to teach, indicating that this factor might underlie inspiring pedagogy wherever it takes place. We argue for more research on inspiring teaching to complement that on motivational strategies.
Identifiability and accessibility in learning definite article usages: A quasi-experimental study with Japanese learners of English
Authors: Hinenoya Kimiko , Lyster Roy
Published: July 2014

The present study investigated the effects of instruction on the use of the definite article the by Japanese learners of English by implementing two instructional treatments that varied in the extent to which they emphasized identifiability and accessibility. One instructional treatment, referred to as the traditional (TR) treatment, emphasized the linguistic/semantic notion of identifiability in which the serves to identify the referent. The other instructional treatment, operationalized as a mental space (MS) treatment, emphasized the cognitive notion of accessibility whereby the serves to mark an access path to the referent. The purpose of the comparison was to assess which types of metalinguistic information might be most effective for helping L2 learners of English to understand specific definite article usages.

Three computer-assisted language learning (CALL) lessons averaging from 1.5 to 2 hours each were given individually to 83 Japanese learners of English, 42 in the TR group and 41 in the MS group. Counterbalanced versions of an article test were administered as a pre-test (Time 1), an immediate post-test (Time 2), and a delayed post-test (Time 3). Both groups exhibited significant increases at Time 2, which were maintained at Time 3, while the between-group comparisons showed that the MS group significantly outperformed the TR group at both Times 2 and 3. The different treatments had differential effects depending on the article types, with the MS group performing especially well on the most difficult conceptual usages.
Evaluating TBLT: The case of a task-based Spanish program
Authors: González-Lloret Marta , Nielson Katharine B
Published: July 2014

The need for foreign language education in the US has increased in recent years, and teaching methods based on traditional textbooks are unlikely to meet the real-world needs of current learners. As a response, interest in Language for Specific Purposes programs has grown and so has Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) methodology. This article describes and evaluates a recently developed, task-based Spanish course for a governmental agency, which was put in place to help employees conduct their jobs more efficiently. Three exploratory empirical studies undertaken to evaluate this program are presented and discussed: (1) a pilot study comparing the oral proficiency of students in the grammar-based course and students in the TBLT course; (2) a study to establish whether the students’ overall proficiency had improved as a result of the TBLT program; and (3) a qualitative study of students’ perceptions about the Spanish TBLT program. The results indicate that the task-based course not only prepares trainees to complete critical job tasks in the L2, but it also improves participants’ overall Spanish proficiency. These results contribute to the increasing evidence of the potential of TBLT for language learning.
Vitamin D deficiency and lifestyle risk factors in a Norwegian adolescent population
Authors: Öberg Johanna , Jorde Rolf , Almås Bjørg , Emaus Nina , Grimnes Guri
Published: July 2014

Aim: The aim was to study vitamin D status in a healthy adolescent Norwegian population at 69°N. Methods: The data presented come from The Tromsø Study: Fit Futures, during the school year 2010/2011 (not including the summer months), where 1,038 (92% of those invited) participated. Physical examinations, questionnaires and blood samples were collected, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Results: Results are presented from 475 boys and 415 girls (15–18 years old) with available blood samples. A total of 60.2% had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/l), 16.5% were deficient (<25 nmol/l) and 1.6% had severe vitamin D deficiency (<12.5 nmol/l). Only 12.4% had levels >75 nmol/l. A significant gender difference with a mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D level of 40.5 (20.5) nmol/l in boys and 54.2 (23.2) nmol/l in girls ( p <0.01) was present. Furthermore, 51.3% of girls had levels >50 nmol/l in comparison to 29.7% of boys ( p <0.01). There was an inverse correlation between parathyroid hormone levels and 25(OH)D, rs= −0.30 ( p<0.01). Explanatory factors that were significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D levels in multivariate models were use of snuff, consumption of vitamin D fortified milk, cod liver oil and vitamin/mineral supplements, physical activity, sunbathing holiday and use of solarium in boys, and vitamin/mineral supplements, physical activity, sunbathing holiday and use of solarium in girls . Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent during the school year among adolescents in northern Norway, particularly among boys.
Cardiovascular risk factors in 2011 and secular trends since 2007: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Nuotio Joel , Oikonen Mervi , Magnussen Costan G , Jokinen Eero , Laitinen Tomi , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Taittonen Leena , Tossavainen Päivi , Jula Antti , Loo Britt-Marie , Viikari Jorma SA , Raitakari Olli T , Juonala Markus
Published: July 2014

Aims: Cardiovascular risk factor levels in 2011 and 4-year changes between 2007 and 2011 were examined using data collected in follow-ups of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Methods: The study population comprised 2063 Finnish adults aged 34–49 years (45% male). Lipid and blood pressure levels, glucose and anthropometry were measured and life style risk factors examined with questionnaires. Results: Mean total cholesterol level in 2011 was 5.19 mmol/l, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol 3.27 mmol/l, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol 1.33 mmol/l, and triglycerides 1.34 mmol/l. Using American Diabetes Association criteria, Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was observed in 4.1% and prediabetes (fasting glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/l or glycated hemoglobin 5.7–6.4%) diagnosed for 33.8% of the participants. Significant changes ( P < 0.05) between 2007 and 2011 included an increase in waist circumference (3.3%) in women. In both sexes, systolic (−3.0% in women, −4.0% in men) and diastolic (−3.0% in women, −3.3% in men) blood pressure and triglycerides (−3.4% in women, −6.5% in men) decreased during follow-up. Conclusions: Previously observed favorable trends in LDL-cholesterol levels have leveled off among a sample of young and middle-aged adults in Finland. Triglyceride and blood pressure levels have decreased. Over one-third of the study population had prediabetes and may be at increased risk for T2D.
Depressive symptoms postpartum among parents are associated with marital separation: A Swedish cohort study
Authors: Kerstis Birgitta , Berglund Anders , Engström Gabriella , Edlund Birgitta , Sylvén Sara , Aarts Clara
Published: July 2014

Aims: To study whether there is an association between dyadic consensus, depressive symptoms, and parental stress during early parenthood and marital separation 6–8 years after childbirth, among couples in Sweden. Methods: At baseline, 393 couples were included. The couples answered three questionnaires, including: Dyadic consensus at 1 week post-partum, depressive symptoms at 3 months post-partum and parental stress at 18 months post-partum. The parents’ addresses were followed up after 6–8 years, to study the marital separation rate. Results: We found, 6–8 years after childbirth, that 20% of study couples were separated. Separation was associated with less dyadic consensus (mothers p < 0.001; fathers p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (mothers p = 0.022; fathers p = 0.041) and parental stress (mothers p = 0.002; fathers p = 0.040). The hazard ratio (HR) for marital separation was related to dyadic consensus for fathers (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28–0.92), depressive symptoms for mothers (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.01–2.84) and fathers (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.12–3.28), and the mother’s parental stress (HR 2.16; 95% CI 1.14–4.07). Conclusions:Understanding how dyadic consensus, depressive symptoms and parental stress are associated with marital separation is important for health professionals. It could be useful in developing interventions to provide parents with adequate support during pregnancy and early parenthood. This knowledge is also important for the public. Parents should get support in pregnancy and while bringing up children, which may help prevent marital separation and optimize conditions for the children.
Self-reported musculoskeletal pain predicts long-term increase in general health care use: A population-based cohort study with 20-year follow-up
Authors: Hartvigsen Jan , Davidsen Michael , Søgaard Karen , Roos Ewa M , Hestbaek Lise
Published: July 2014

Aims: Musculoskeletal pain and disability is a modern epidemic and a major reason for seeking health care. The aim of this study is to determine absolute and relative rates of care seeking over 20 years for adults reporting musculoskeletal complaints. Methods: Interview data on musculoskeletal pain reported during the past two weeks from the Danish National Cohort Study were merged with data from the Danish National Health Insurance Registry and the National Patient Registry containing information on consultations in the Danish primary and secondary care sector. Absolute and relative rates for all seeking of care with general practitioners, physiotherapists, chiropractors, outpatient hospital contacts and hospital admissions are reported for persons reporting no musculoskeletal pain and for persons reporting pain in the neck, shoulder, wrist/hands, mid back, low back, hips, knees and ankles/feet. Results: Regardless of site, persons experiencing a musculoskeletal complaint had a statistically increased risk of consulting a general practitioner when compared with persons reporting no musculoskeletal complaint. For physiotherapists and chiropractors, only persons complaining of neck pain and back pain had an increased risk of seeking care. Regardless of pain site, except for shoulder pain, persons reporting musculoskeletal pain had a statistically significant increased risk of outpatient hospital consultations and hospital admissions. Few differences were found between pain sites in relation to any of the outcomes. Conclusions: Self-report of musculoskeletal pain reported within the past two weeks predicts a statistically significant long-term increase in general use of health care services in both the primary and the secondary health care sector.
Factors associated with in-hospital outcomes in 594 consecutive patients suffering from severe blunt chest trauma
Authors: Söderlund T. , Ikonen A. , Pyhältö T. , Handolin L.
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims:

Blunt thoracic injury is a common cause for hospital admission after trauma. The effect of the number of rib fractures on the outcome is controversial. In this study, our hypothesis was that an increasing number of rib fractures correlates with mortality and hospital resource utilization. In addition to mortality, our focus was on the length of stay at hospital and in the intensive care unit, ventilator days, and the days in continuous positive airway pressure.

Material and Methods:

The present investigation is a retrospective study from a single trauma center. The study includes patients with severe thoracic injury (thoracic Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) > 2) admitted to hospital after blunt trauma. Patients with isolated thoracic spine injuries and patients who were dead on arrival were excluded. Vital signs, laboratory results on admission, given care, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, injuries, and in-hospital mortality were collected for the study.

Results:

A total of 594 patients from a 5-year period (2003–2007) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 45 years, and 76.9% of the patients were males. The average Injury Severity Score was 22, and the patients had on average 5.5 injuries. Overall mortality was 6.4%. In the multivariate analysis, the mortality was associated with base excess and tromboplastin time in admission. The number of rib fractures did not correlate with the outcome measures, but the presence of bilateral rib fractures correlated with the outcome measures other than mortality.

Conclusions:

The number of rib fractures does not correlate with mortality or the length of stay in the intensive care unit in blunt trauma patients with severe thoracic injury. Mortality in these patients correlated with the degree of hypoperfusion (base excess) and coagulation abnormalities (tromboplastin time) on admission.
Risk factors for the periprosthetic fracture after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Y. , Chen W. , Sun T. , Zhang X. , Liu S. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2014

Background and Aims:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors associated with periprosthetic fracture after total hip arthroplasty.

Material and Methods:

We searched potential studies in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Cochrane CENTRAL up to December 2013. Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality, and Stata 11.0 was used to perform all the analyses.

Results:

Seven studies altogether, including 1069 cases of periprosthetic fractures and 74,776 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to those absent following demographic or medical conditions, patients involved with female gender (odds ratio, 1.534; p < 0.001), advanced age (>80) (odds ratio: 4.203; p < 0.001), revision (odds ratio: 4.398; p < 0.001), rheumatoid arthritis (odds ratio: 2.503; p < 0.001), osteonecrosis (odds ratio: 1.563; p = 0.009), and implant type of Exeter (odds ratio: 1.511; p = 0.017) were more likely to sustain periprosthetic fractures. Osteoarthritis (vs not) (odds ratio: 0.449; p < 0.001) was identified a protective factor for periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty. The other factors, including lower ages, American Society of Anesthesiologists ≥ 3, and other implant types, were not significant risk factors for periprosthetic fractures.

Conclusions:

These medical conditions as reminder should be kept in clinicians’ mind and close follow-up should be implemented in patients involved for preventing the occurrence of periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty.
Digital stress: Adolescents’ personal accounts
Authors: Weinstein Emily C , Selman Robert L
Published: July 2014

Based on a thematic content analysis of 2000 anonymous posts to the website AThinLine.org , this article explores adolescents’ personal accounts of digital stress. Six kinds of digital stressors that engender two distinctive types of digital stress are identified. Type 1 stressors—“mean and harassing personal attacks,” “public shaming and humiliation,” and “impersonation”—reflect the migration of common forms of relational hostility onto the online space and echo discussions of harassment, drama, and bullying. Type 2 stressors stem from adolescents’ use of digital technologies in the service of seeking relational connection. These lesser-discussed Type 2 stressors—“feeling smothered,” “pressure to comply with requests for access,” and “breaking and entering into digital accounts and devices”—transpire in the context of adolescents’ attempts to form and maintain intimacy or close connections with others.
Sounding ruins: reflections on the production of an ‘audio drift’
Authors: Gallagher Michael
Published: July 2014

This article is about the use of audio media in researching places, which I term ‘audio geography’. The article narrates some episodes from the production of an ‘audio drift’, an experimental environmental sound work designed to be listened to on a portable MP3 player whilst walking in a ruinous landscape. Reflecting on how this work functions, I argue that, as well as representing places, audio geography can shape listeners’ attention and bodily movements, thereby reworking places, albeit temporarily. I suggest that audio geography is particularly apt for amplifying the haunted and uncanny qualities of places. I discuss some of the issues raised for research ethics, epistemology and spectral geographies.
History of Journalism Education
Authors: Folkerts Jean
Published: July 2014

From its beginning, American journalism has been anchored in both the printing trades and the world of intellectuals who recognized the value of newspapers in shaping public opinion. These dual origins influenced the debate over journalism education from the mid-nineteenth century. News professionals and university educators pondered whether journalists needed to be college-educated, whether they needed a liberal arts degree, or whether they needed professional education that combined liberal arts and practical training. These debates were complex and political, representing issues of localism versus nationalism, the role of professional schools within the American university, and the rise of social science. The tension between educating reporters and editors to improve the quality of journalism or contribute to a democracy versus training them to function efficiently in a newspaper office—or any media environment—continues today.
Electoral Incentives and Legislative Organization: An Examination of Committee Autonomy in U.S. State Legislatures
Authors: Bagashka Tanya , Clark Jennifer Hayes
Published: July 2014

We investigate the relationship between electoral institutions and committee autonomy in the context of U.S. state legislatures. The distributive theories of legislative organization suggest that electoral rules that make personal reputations more important motivate legislators to decentralize power and enhance committee autonomy to be able to target particularistic goods to their local constituencies. We argue that the distributive theories have direct implications for the relationship between candidate selection procedures and committee autonomy. The need to reach out to a large number of voters and to amass significant financial resources in states with more inclusive candidate selection procedures such as the open primary makes representatives more dependent on special interests, which is conducive to legislative particularism and committee autonomy. We take advantage of the great variation across the American states to investigate the effects of candidate selection procedures, a factor neglected in the previous literature. Examining 24 state legislatures from 1955 to 1995, we find that the inclusiveness of the selectorate, or the body electing candidates, has a significant effect on committee autonomy with more inclusive primary elections leading to more autonomous committee systems. By contrast, however, term limits were not a significant predictor of committee autonomy. This contributes to our understanding of how legislators amend institutional arrangements to achieve their electoral goals.
Featured Article: Induction of heme oxygenase with hemin improves pericardial adipocyte morphology and function in obese Zucker rats by enhancing proteins of regeneration
Authors: Ndisang Joseph Fomusi , Tiwari Shuchita
Published: July 2014

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in tissue remodeling, hypertrophy, and organ malfunction. Since heme-oxygenase (HO) is a cytoprotective enzyme with effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, we investigated the effects of upregulating HO with hemin on adipocyte hypertrophy, proteins of repair/regeneration including beta-catenin, Oct3/4 and Pax2 as well as pro-fibrotic/remodeling proteins like osteopontin and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in pericardial adipose tissue from obese Zucker rats (ZRs). Treatment with hemin significantly reduced pericardial adipose tissue inflammation/oxidative stress, suppressed osteopontin and TGF-β, and attenuated pericardial adipocyte hypertrophy in obese ZRs. These were associated with enhanced expression of the stem/progenitor-cell marker cKit; the potentiation of several proteins of regeneration including beta-catenin, Oct3/4, Pax2; and improved pericardial adipocyte morphology. Interestingly, the amelioration of adipocyte hypertrophy in hemin-treated animals was accompanied by improved adipocyte function, evidenced by increased levels of pericardial adipose tissue adiponectin. Furthermore, hemin significantly reduced hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesteromia in obese ZRs. The protective effects of hemin were accompanied by robust potentiation HO activity and the total antioxidant capacity, whereas the co-administration of hemin with the HO inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin abolished the effects of hemin. These data suggest that hemin improves pericardial adipocyte morphology and function by enhancing proteins of repair and regeneration, while concomitantly abating inflammatory/oxidative insults and suppressing extracellular-matrix/profibrotic and remodeling proteins. The reduction of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesteromia, pericardial adiposity, and pericardial adipocyte hypertrophy with corresponding improvement of adipocyte morphology/function in hemin-treated animals suggests that HO inducers may be explored for the design of novel remedies against cardiac complications arising from excessive adiposity.
“Who Am I?”
Authors: Wendler Zoe Ann
Published: July 2014

Portal and Portal 2 are quests for narrative identity, whereby players attempt to understand who exactly the player is playing the game as—a woman who can outsmart a supercomputer and survive chambers full of deadly neurotoxin. Valve provides this answer gradually but does not do so explicitly—rather, as they play the games, the players must come to a conclusion on their own as to who Chell really is. By using this very complex form of procedural rhetoric as the core narrative heart of their games, Valve has created a story that relies upon procedural rhetoric, psychological models of identity, identification, and sociological bond formation in the player in order to rhetorically craft a narrative that is cocreated by the player during gameplay. Such rhetorical narrative cocreation has been a longtime goal of game designers, and Valve’s achievement in Portal and Portal 2 illustrate the rhetorical power of a procedurally generated narrative.
Digital Mortification of Literary Flesh
Authors: Servitje Lorenzo
Published: July 2014

Since its release, Visceral Games Inferno has received much criticism in the popular press but little critical attention from game studies. The game’s transformation of the medieval poet into a crusader not only raises concerns about the intersections between video games and war, as Patrick Crogan has observed using other examples, but also asks us to consider the implications of remediating a canonical textual form into an interactive one. I examine the specific textual uses of violence in the game to argue that the appropriation of Inferno presents the mortification of the cross on the hero’s flesh as an emblem for the narrative’s critique of the modern War on Terror as a crusade. Furthermore, I suggest that, simultaneously, the cross emblematizes the remediation of the 14th-century poem into the video game, accounting for a paratextual “war” between the original poem and the appropriated video game.
Relations between psychological avoidance, symptom severity and embarrassment in essential tremor
Authors: Holding Sophie J , Lew Adina R
Published: July 2014

Research with community- and clinic-based samples of essential tremor (ET) sufferers has identified embarrassment as a common consequence of the condition, leading to social anxiety and avoidance. We sought to ascertain whether psychological avoidance was related to embarrassment in ET, and whether any such relation was independent of symptom severity. Establishing whether psychological avoidance is related to embarrassment in ET would be a first indicator that mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches may be appropriate for sufferers of ET. Ninety-two participants were recruited through online support groups run by the International Tremor Foundation and the UK National Tremor Foundation, with the self-reported inclusion criteria being a clinical diagnosis of ET. Participants completed three validated questionnaires concerning ET-related embarrassment, ET symptom severity and psychological avoidance. Females had slightly higher embarrassment scores than males, and symptom severity and psychological avoidance made significant moderate (each accounting for 10–15% of variance approximately), but independent contributions to embarrassment scores. These results suggest that to address the potentially debilitating effects of embarrassment in ET, both symptom severity and psychological avoidance need to be targeted, with intervention research being required.
The benefits of related and unrelated diversification strategies in the Spanish context: What is the difference that executive leadership style can make?
Authors: Martínez-Campillo Almudena
Published: July 2014

This article builds on the agency-stewardship approach to examine if the impact of related and unrelated diversification strategies on firm performance is contingent on the leadership style of diversifying Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) ranging from the agent model to the steward model. For this purpose, it proposes four hypotheses which are empirically tested using data from a sample of 183 Spanish firms. The findings provide new insights about the relevance of CEOs’ leadership style so that a right fit between diversification type and executive leadership style seems to be crucial for firms pursuing growth and profitability benefits.
Comparative evaluation of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis on recommended doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Fabule John , Adebajo Ade
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectives:

We conducted an analysis to explore whether the cardiovascular outcomes associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when used in licensed doses by patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, was class or compound dependent.

Methods:

Using the Ovid technology search engine, we conducted a search of the literature for relevant studies published between 1995 and 2011. We also retrieved further studies following manual searches. The primary endpoint was major vascular events and the secondary endpoints were stroke, hypertension and congestive heart failure. A total of 19 studies were analysed. Studies conducted in the osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients’ population that reported on cardiovascular events were included in the analysis. The analysis was conducted using the software Review Manager 5.1 and Cochrane methodology.

Results:

Using the primary endpoint of major vascular events (MVE) and a prespecified cutoff point of 1.30, diclofenac ( versus 1 comparator) and rofecoxib ( versus 2 comparators) had increased risk for MVE [odds ratio (OR) >1.30]. Using the same criteria, diclofenac ( versus 1 comparator) had an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Although celecoxib had a slightly increased risk for MI (OR 1.33, versus 1 comparator), the confidence interval included 1 and was not significant. For the secondary endpoints, etoricoxib and rofecoxib were significantly worse off for HT ( versus 1 comparator each) and naproxen was significantly worse off for stroke ( versus 1 comparator). Although ibuprofen was worse off for HT ( versus 1 comparator) the increased risk was not significant.

Conclusion:

From the analysis conducted, it appears that the risk for cardiovascular events in arthritis patients on licensed doses of NSAIDs varies considerably and is likely to depend on the individual compound.
Balancing the Risk of Complications in Foot and Ankle Surgical Patients Taking Antithrombotic Medication
Authors: Miller Steven , Nitzki-George Diane , Caprini Joseph A.
Published: July 2014

This review intends to provide guidance regarding perioperative management of anticoagulation and antiplatelet drug therapy as they relate to foot and ankle surgery. Venous and arterial thromboembolism are conditions in which the blood clots inappropriately, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. With an increase in awareness of thromboembolic risk factors and expansion of therapeutic options, more patients are routinely taking antithrombotic medication. When these patients require invasive procedures, a decision needs to be made if antithrombotic medication should be held perioperatively and if additional precautions are needed in the interim. Understanding the factors affecting the management of thromboembolism during the perioperative period can reduce the potential for complications.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V: Expert opinion