bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reexamining the United Kingdom’s Greatest Tornado Outbreak: Forecasting the Limited Extent of Tornadoes along a Cold Front
Authors: Apsley Miriam L. , Mulder Kelsey J. , Schultz David M.
Published: April 2016

On 23 November 1981, a strong cold front swept across the United Kingdom, producing tornadoes from the west to the east coasts. An extensive campaign to collect tornado reports by the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) resulted in 104 reports, the largest U.K. outbreak on record. The front was simulated with a convection-permitting numerical model down to 200-m horizontal grid spacing to better understand its evolution and meteorological environment. The event was typical of tornadoes in the United Kingdom, with convective available potential energy (CAPE) less than 150 J kg−1, 0–1-km wind shear of 10–20 m s–1, and a narrow cold-frontal rainband forming precipitation cores and gaps. A line of cyclonic absolute vorticity existed along the front, with maxima as large as 0.04 s−1. Some hook-shaped misovortices bore kinematic similarity to supercells. The narrow swath along which the line was tornadic was bounded on the equatorward side by weak vorticity along the line and on the poleward side by zero CAPE, enclosing a region where the environment was otherwise favorable for tornadogenesis. To determine if the 104 tornado reports were plausible, first possible duplicate reports were eliminated, resulting in as few as 58 tornadoes to as many as 90. Second, the number of possible parent misovortices that may have spawned tornadoes is estimated from model output. The number of plausible tornado reports in the 200-m grid-spacing domain was 22 and as many as 44, whereas the model simulation was used to estimate 30 possible parent misovortices within this domain. These results suggest that a number of 90 reports was plausible.
‘Drug dogs unleashed’: An historical and political account of drug detection dogs for street-level policing of illicit drugs in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Lancaster Kari , Hughes Caitlin , Ritter Alison
Published: April 2016

This article provides an historical and descriptive account of the introduction and development of the use of drug detection dogs as a tool for street-level illicit drugs policing in one Australian jurisdiction, NSW. Within this account, the legal and political context in which drug detection dogs emerged and gained prominence is described. The introduction of drug detection dogs was contingent on the political imperatives at work throughout the 1990s in NSW, and the increased salience of both policing and illicit drugs issues at this time. In documenting the emergence of the use of drug detection dogs from the early 2000s, and the associated legal challenges and rapid legislative responses, the role of third sector organisations and the media in generating debate is notable. Debates concerning the dogs’ effectiveness emerged in the mid- to late-2000s, giving rise to anomalies between policy and evidence. The more recent legislative developments and public and political debate about drug detection dogs from 2012 to 2014 can be seen in light of this history. By taking a different view which situates decisions and events in their historical and political context, we begin to see the dynamic processes and contingency involved in the development and implementation of particular illicit drugs policing policies over time. As debate about drug detection dogs continues to play out, generating new insights into drugs policing policy processes is imperative.
Social comparisons and organizational support: Implications for commitment and retention
Authors: Vardaman James M , Allen David G , Otondo Robert F , Hancock Julie I , Shore Lynn M , Rogers Bryan L
Published: April 2016

Organizational support theory (OST) suggests that employees develop a general perception of the extent to which the organization values their contributions and cares about their well-being (perceived organizational support – POS), and respond to that support through attitudes and behaviors that are beneficial toward the organization. Although OST emphasizes both social exchange and self-enhancement processes, most accounts of POS’s effects are rooted in social exchange. For example, POS’s linkages with commitment and retention have been explained as an exchange of support for positive attitudes and continued employment. This research sheds light on self-enhancement’s less-understood role in fostering these reactions by demonstrating the influence of social comparison effects. Drawing on a sample of 342 employees nested in 82 work-units of a US hospitality company, our analysis demonstrates that favorable POS comparisons with peers in one’s work-unit are positively associated with commitment and retention, whereas unfavorable comparisons are negatively related. Results also show that comparisons taking place in less-supported work-units have stronger impact than comparisons made in those with better support. Our findings extend OST by revealing the importance of social comparisons in engendering responses to organizational support, and in so doing potentially explicate the differential ways social exchange and self-enhancement operate with regard to POS.
Implementing Dialogic Teaching in a Singapore English Language Classroom
Authors: Lee Rachel
Published: April 2016

Despite the fact that Singaporean students consistently perform well in literacy tests such as the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, employers have reported that Singaporean employees in general lack confidence in articulating their views in the workplace. This may be attributed to the practice of teacher-fronted and monologic classroom discourse, which does not allow opportunities for teachers and students to construct knowledge and understanding together during curriculum time. The article reports on one classroom-based research conducted on a Secondary Three (age 15) class in one Singaporean government school. The purpose of this article is to show how classroom talk could be made more dialogic, through an intervention, to enhance students’ talk opportunities and to build up literacy skills. The article argues that over time, the habitual practice of a dialogic form of teacher-student talk would help to open up the space of learning for students. To do that, it would be necessary to begin with raising teachers’ awareness of the benefits of dialogic talk.
Can Institutionalized Adolescent Females With a Substantiated History of Sexual Abuse Benefit From Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Targeting Disruptive and Delinquent Behaviors?
Authors: Van Vugt Eveline , lanctôt Nadine , Lemieux Annie
Published: April 2016

The present study examined to what extent adolescent females in residential care with a substantiated history of sexual abuse can benefit from a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) targeting disruptive and delinquent behaviors. In total, 104 adolescent females in the treatment group and 78 adolescent females in the comparison group were included in the evaluative design. Latent growth models (LGM) were performed to model change in adolescent females’ conduct and anger problems. In the short term, 3 months after the treatment, adolescent females with sexual abuse experiences receiving CBT showed stronger declines in trait anger and anger expression compared with the other groups. Furthermore, in the long term, 18 months after admission, this group of females showed larger declines in proclivity for trading sex compared with the other groups. Results are discussed in the light of the “what works” literature for effective interventions.
The Network Firm as a Political Coalition
Authors: Whitford Josh , Zirpoli Francesco
Published: April 2016

The article uses a qualitative case study of fifteen years in the production network that revolves about Fiat Auto to depict the “network firm” as a political coalition. The analysis touches on Fiat’s radical outsourcing of production in the 1990s, a short-lived and ill-fated alliance with General Motors in 2001, a descent to the brink of bankruptcy in 2004, a return to profitability by 2007, and, finally, the acquisition of control of Chrysler in 2009. The article reconstructs James March’s classic Carnegie model of the firm in light of the blurring of organizational boundaries. By marrying that model with ideas drawn from the literatures on organizational networks, social movements, and organizational politics, the article demonstrates that strategic decision-making at Fiat and at key suppliers shaped, and was shaped by, an interplay of frames and relational embedding within and across organizational boundaries. This shows how coalitional politics shape and are shaped by the shifting boundaries of the firm, and how those politics affect the evolution of the production networks that prevail across many contemporary industries.
A Systematic Review of Patient‐ or Proxy‐Reported Validated Instruments Assessing Pediatric Dysphagia
Authors: Myer Charles M. , Howell Rebecca J. , Cohen Aliza P. , Willging J. Paul , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Pediatric dysphagia occurs in 500,000 children each year; however, there is not a common tool to assess these children. Our aim was to identify validated patient‐ or parent‐reported outcome assessment tools evaluating pediatric dysphagia.

Data Sources

Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL electronic databases (all indexed years through August 2014).

Review Methods

Inclusion criteria included English‐language articles containing instruments evaluated in children. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles, and the review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses).

Results

The initial search yielded 1697 abstracts; 158 studies were assessed further. Four symptom questionnaires, validated in adults, were used to report pediatric dysphagia outcomes. Four outcomes tools assessing dysphagia were validated in pediatrics in selected populations. The Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis questionnaire and the Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire for eosinophilic esophagitis were validated in adolescents and adults. The Symptom Questionnaire for Eosinophilic Esophagitis was validated in children with eosinophilic esophagitis. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module, validated in children with gastrointestinal disorders, includes 2 domains that assess swallowing function.

Conclusion

We did not identify any validated patient‐ or parent‐reported outcome assessment tools examining dysphagia symptoms in a general pediatric population. However, we identified 4 questionnaires that have been validated in specific pediatric disease cohorts. Having a standardized assessment instrument validated in all children would allow clinicians to systematically report symptoms and compare results of pediatric clinical trials. With this in mind, we recommend establishing a standard questionnaire for the broader pediatric population.
Salivary Stone Pneumatic Lithotripsy in a Live Porcine Model
Authors: Walvekar Rohan R. , Hoffman Henry T. , Kolenda Jack , Hernandez Stephen
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic fragmentation and removal of artificial calculi in a live porcine model employing intracorporeal pneumatic lithotripsy. In this experimental study, 7 submandibular ducts were accessed and artificial calculi placed. A salivary pneumatic lithotripter probe was inserted through an interventional sialendoscope to fragment the calculi. A salivary duct catheter was then used to flush stone fragments, followed by endoscopy to assess complete fragmentation and ductal trauma. Ultimately, 7 artificial stones (3‐10 mm, 4F/5F) were successfully fragmented without causing significant endoluminal trauma. Number of pulses for adequate stone fragmentation averaged 20 (range, 5‐31). In all cases, stone fragments were successfully flushed out with the salivary duct catheter. Postprocedure endoscopy confirmed ductal integrity in all 7 ducts. While more studies are needed, this preliminary animal model demonstrates efficacy of endoscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for the management of sialolithiasis.
Retromaxillary Pneumatization of Posterior Ethmoid Air Cells
Authors: Herzallah Islam R. , Saati Faisal A. , Marglani Osama A. , Simsim Rehab F.
Published: April 2016

Objective

Retromaxillary pneumatization of posterior ethmoid (PE) air cells is an area that is yet to have appropriate description in rhinologic literature.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects and Methods

First, 524 sides in 262 paranasal sinus computed tomography scans were analyzed: 350 normal sides were examined for PE pneumatization lateral to the sagittal plane of the medial wall of maxillary sinus posteriorly, and 174 diseased sides were similarly reviewed to check how pathology may affect identification and measurements. Following that, 153 operated sides in 84 cases prepared for revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were studied for residual diseased cells at different anatomic locations.

Results

Overall, retromaxillary PE pneumatization was identifiable in 416 of the 524 sides (79.4%). Lateral retromaxillary extension varied from 0.5 to 12.3 mm (mean ± SD, 4.8 ± 2.3 mm). This area of pneumatization is bounded anteroinferiorly by the junction between the posterior and superior walls of the maxillary sinus. Three cell types were described depending on the degree of lateral extension (type I, <3 mm; type II, 3‐6 mm; type III, >6 mm). This cell, which we refer to as the Herzallah cell, was distinguishable from the anterior ethmoid Haller cell and was found to have residual disease in 50.3% of cases prepared for revision ESS.

Conclusion

Retromaxillary extension of PE air cells varies considerably and requires attention during ESS. Residual undissected retromaxillary cell is a common finding in revision ESS and can contribute to inadequate disease clearance.
A Low‐Cost Method of Ciliary Beat Frequency Measurement Using iPhone and MATLAB
Authors: Chen Jason J. , Lemieux Bryan T. , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

(1) To determine ciliary beat frequency (CBF) using a consumer‐grade cellphone camera and MATLAB and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.

Study Design

Prospective animal study.

Setting

Academic otolaryngology department research laboratory.

Methods

Five ex vivo tracheal samples were extracted from 3 freshly euthanized (<3 hours postmortem) New Zealand white rabbits and incubated for 30 minutes in buffer at 23°C, buffer at 37°C, or 10% formalin at 23°C. Samples were sectioned transversely and observed under a phase‐contrast microscope. Cilia movement was recorded through the eyepiece using an iPhone 6 at 240 frames per second (fps). Through MATLAB programming, the video of the 23°C sample was downsampled to 120, 60, and 30 fps, and Fourier analysis was performed on videos of all frame rates and conditions to determine CBF. CBF of the 23°C sample was also calculated manually frame by frame for verification.

Results

Recorded at 240 fps, the CBF at 23°C was 5.03 ± 0.4 Hz, and the CBF at 37°C was 9.08 ± 0.49 Hz (P <. 001). The sample with 10% formalin did not display any data beyond DC noise. Compared with 240 fps, the means of other frame rates/methods (120, 60, 30 fps; manual counting) at 23°C all showed no statistical difference (P >. 05).

Conclusion

There is no significant difference between CBF measured via visual inspection and that analyzed by the developed program. Furthermore, all tested acquisition rates are shown to be effective, providing a fast and inexpensive alternative to current CBF measurement protocols.
Neural Mechanisms Contributing to Dysphagia in Mouse Models
Authors: Hinkel Cameron J. , Sharma Rishi , Thakkar Mahesh M. , Takahashi Kazutaka , Hopewell Bridget L. , Lever Teresa E.
Published: April 2016

Investigative research into curative treatments for dysphagia is hindered by our incomplete understanding of the neural mechanisms of swallowing in health and disease. Development of translational research models is essential to bridge this knowledge gap by fostering innovative methodology. Toward this goal, our laboratory has developed a translational research assessment tool to investigate the neural mechanistic control of swallowing in unrestrained, self‐feeding mice. Here we describe our initial development of synchronous brainstem neural recordings with a videofluoroscopic swallow study assay in healthy mice across the life span. Refinement of this combined methodology is currently underway. Ultimately, we envision that this assessment tool will permit systematic analysis of therapeutic interventions for dysphagia in preclinical trials with numerous mouse models of human conditions that cause dysphagia, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and advanced aging.
Analysis of Outcome Domains in Adult Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Vila Peter M. , Hullar Timothy E. , Buchman Craig A. , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine the breadth of outcome domains used in the reporting of adult cochlear implant surgery for the purpose of registry and quality measure development.

Data Sources

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Review Methods

In consultation with a medical librarian, search strategies were constructed to identify randomized controlled trials studying adults undergoing cochlear implantation. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were searched from database inception to July 2015. Studies were evaluated for level of evidence and risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool, and outcome domains were extracted from each study.

Results

Of 4473 unique citations found, 8 studies were included in this review. All 8 trials were evidence level 1B. Risk of bias was low in 2 trials and high in the other 6. Reported outcome domains included speech perception in quiet and noise, speech tracking, quality of life, timbre perception, hearing preservation, vestibular function, electrode insertion technique, functional measures, functional imaging, fitting time, and tinnitus.

Conclusions

An analysis of randomized controlled trials studying cochlear implantation in adults yielded a wide spectrum of outcome domains. This is the first study to comprehensively describe the breadth of outcome domains in adult cochlear implantation. Validated instruments from these domains could be considered for potential inclusion as quality measures and registry use.
Randomized Trial of Vitamin C/E Complex for Prevention of Radiation‐Induced Xerostomia in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Chung Man Ki , Kim Do Hun , Ahn Yong Chan , Choi Joon Young , Kim Eun Hye , Son Young‐Ik
Published: April 2016

Objective

The present study was conducted to determine the preventive efficacy of vitamin C/E complex supplementation for radiotherapy (RT)–induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer.

Study Design

Prospective, double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled study.

Setting

A single tertiary referral institution.

Subjects and Methods

The trial group (n = 25) received antioxidant supplements (100 IU of vitamin E + 500 mg of vitamin C) twice per day during RT, while the control group (n = 20) received an identical placebo. Pre‐RT and 1 and 6 months post‐RT, patient‐reported xerostomia questionnaires, observer‐rated xerostomia score, and salivary scintigraphy were serially obtained to compare xerostomia severity between the 2 groups.

Results

The trial group showed greater improvements in xerostomia questionnaire and score at 6 months post‐RT when compared with those at 1 month post‐RT (P =. 007 and. 008, respectively). In contrast, the control group showed no changes between 1 and 6 months post‐RT. By salivary scintigraphy, there was no difference in maximal accumulation or ejection fraction between the 2 groups. However, the trial group maintained significantly better oral indices at the prestimulatory (P =. 01) and poststimulatory (P =. 009) stages at 1 month post‐RT, compared with the control group. At the final follow‐up, there was no difference in overall survival and disease‐free survival between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that short‐term supplementation with an antioxidant vitamin E/C complex exerts a protective effect against RT‐induced xerostomia.
Effects of Nasal Septum Deviation and Septoplasty on Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk
Authors: Uluyol Sinan , Kilicaslan Saffet , Gur Mehmet Hafit , Karakaya Nermin Erdas , Buber Ipek , Ural Sedef Gulcin
Published: April 2016

Objective

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) can result in cardiac complications, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Nasal septum deviation (NSD) is a common cause of UAO. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with NSD. To assess this risk, we measured noninvasive indicators of atrial arrhythmia (P‐wave dispersion [Pd]) and ventricular arrhythmia (corrected QT dispersion [QTcd]) and compared these values between NSD patients and healthy subjects.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Settings

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

This study included 53 consecutive patients who had underwent septoplasty due to marked NSD. Electrocardiographic records were used to determine Pd and QTcd values preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Fifty‐three consecutive age‐ and sex‐matched subjects without any UAO were also examined as a control group.

Results

Preoperative Pd and QTcd values were significantly higher in NSD patients than in the control group (Pd: 57.40 ± 14.21 vs 34.11 ± 7.12 milliseconds, P <. 001; QTcd: 81.77 ± 16.39 vs 50.25 ± 11.51 milliseconds, P <. 001, respectively). In addition, Pd and QTcd values were significantly greater in preoperative NSD patients when compared with the same patients postoperatively (Pd: 57.40 ± 14.21 vs 36.32 ± 8.9 milliseconds, P =. 013; QTcd: 81.77 ± 16.39 vs 55.76 ± 11.4 milliseconds, P =. 012, respectively).

Conclusion

In conclusion, NSD patients are at risk for both atrial and ventricular cardiac arrhythmias; however, septoplasty in these patients can relieve UAO and reduce the risk of arrhythmias.
National Prevalence of Mental Disorders among Incoming Canadian Male Offenders
Authors: Beaudette Janelle N. , Stewart Lynn A.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

A current estimate of prevalence rates of mental disorder among Canadian federal offenders is required to facilitate treatment delivery and service planning.

Method:

The study determined prevalence rates of major mental disorders among newly admitted male offenders entering the federal correctional system in Canada. Data were collected at each regional reception site on consecutive admissions for a 6-month period ( N = 1110). Lifetime and current prevalence rates were estimated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and the SCID Axis II Disorders (SCID-II). Degree of impairment was estimated using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Results were disaggregated by Aboriginal ancestry.

Results:

The national prevalence rate for any current mental disorder was 73%. The highest rates were for alcohol and substance use disorders; however, over half of participants met the lifetime criteria for a major mental disorder other than alcohol or substance use disorders or antisocial personality disorder. Thirty-eight percent met the criteria for both a current mental disorder and one of the substance use disorders. Fifty-seven percent of offenders with a current Axis I mental disorder were rated as experiencing minimal to moderate functional impairment based on the GAF, indicating that most participants do not require intensive psychiatric services.

Conclusions:

These results underscore the challenge posed to Canadian federal corrections in providing the necessary mental health services to assist in the management and rehabilitation of a significant percentage of the offender population with mental health needs.
Problem-Based Learning in Multimodal Learning Environments
Authors: Ioannou Andri , Vasiliou Christina , Zaphiris Panayiotis
Published: April 2016

In this study, we enhanced a problem-based learning (PBL) environment with affordable, everyday technologies that can be found in most university classrooms (e.g., projectors, tablets, students’ own smartphones, traditional paper–pencil, and Facebook). The study was conducted over a 3-year period, with 60 postgraduate learners in a human–computer interaction course, following a PBL approach to teaching and learning. First, this article contributes a detailed description of how PBL can be enacted in a multimodal, technology-rich classroom. Second, the study presents evaluation data on learners’ technology adoption experience while engaging in PBL. Overall, the participants positively endorsed the learning environment, rating their experience highly on scales of communication and interaction, reflection, perceived learning, and satisfaction. In addition, quantitative content analysis of Facebook use documented how the physical and digital tools in the environment, coupled with the capability of Facebook as a recordkeeping and communication tool, were integral part of the PBL process.
Elastic-plastic behavior of sandwich cylindrical shell panels with a flexible core
Authors: Shokrollahi H , Fallah F , Naghdabadi R , Kargarnovin MH
Published: April 2016

The linear static elastic-plastic behavior of sandwich cylindrical shell panels under a generally distributed loading with thick flexible core is studied. The core modeling is based on high-order theory of sandwich structures in which the in-plane stresses of the core are neglected. The faces are modeled based on Kirchhoff–Love shell theory. The materials of the faces and the core are assumed to be isotropic with linear work hardening behavior. The incremental Prandtl–Reuss plastic flow theory is used in this analysis. Using the principle of virtual displacements, the governing equations are derived and solved for any sort of boundary conditions based on elastic-plastic harmonic differential quadrature method. To validate the results of present study, various responses in different sandwich shell panel configurations are compared with the results from finite element software Ansys. The effect of core flexibility and its plastic properties as well as the initiation of yield in faces and the core are studied in detail.
Neuroenergetics
Authors: Killeen Peter R. , Russell Vivienne A. , Tannock Rosemary
Published: April 2016

The brain uses 20% of the body’s energy. The processes delivering that energy to neurons can fail in numerous ways. The neuroenergetics theory draws out the implications of failure in the supply chain between blood capillaries and neurons. The theory is implemented as a diffusion model that yields response-latency distributions, error rates, and other predictions for typical individuals engaged in focused activities and for special populations such as those with neurodevelopmental disorders. It predicts the effects of stimulants, trial spacing, and fatigue. Here, the implications of energetic insufficiency are explored in the context of the positive manifold of abilities, disabilities, and psychiatric comorbidities.
Rajni Kothari’s Ideas of Freedom: ‘Rethinking’ State, Democracy, Development and ‘New’ Social Movements in India
Authors: Lahiry Sujit
Published: April 2016

Ideas of freedom have been an integral part of the discourses on nationalism and national movements in most of the post-colonial societies, including especially India. These ideas of freedom and anti-colonial movement in India can be looked at from diverse perspectives—it may be liberal, Marxist, neo-Marxist, revolutionaries and even pacifists like Gandhi. This article makes a modest attempt to understand Rajni Kothari’s ideas of freedom, essentially through the prisms of his critical reflections and intervention on state, democracy, development and ‘new’ social or grass-roots movements. Kothari argued that freedom meant both ‘autonomy of man’ as well as ‘autonomy of states’. Embedded in Kothari’s ideas of freedom was the idea of a strong, deep and decentralized democratic structure, politics as a form of social transformation and rather an indigenous, autonomous, self-reliant and an ‘alternative’ model of economic development. However, contemporary India represents and reflects none of these ideas of freedom, whether it will be individual freedom or community freedom. With the decline of the welfare state as an agency pursuing socio-economic development, Kothari invents a ‘new’ idea of freedom as articulated by the grass-roots or ‘new’ social movements, which are essentially ‘non-class’, ‘non-materialistic’, ‘humanist’ and ‘universalist’ in their outlook and approach.
Evaluation of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate Dosing Strategies in the Inpatient Management of Hyperkalemia
Authors: Mistry Mielen , Shea Amanda , Giguère Pierre , Nguyen My-Linh
Published: April 2016

Background: Hyperkalemia occurs frequently in an inpatient setting, for which sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is a common treatment modality. Few studies have investigated the dose-response of SPS. Objective: To quantify the change in serum potassium after 15-, 30-, and 60-g oral and 30-g rectal doses of SPS. Secondary objectives were to compare the proportion of patients attaining post–SPS dose normokalemia between dosing groups and to investigate the effect of certain characteristics on SPS dose-response. Methods: The reduction in serum potassium after 15-, 30-, and 60-g oral and 30-g rectal doses of SPS administered to adult inpatients was evaluated through a retrospective chart review. Ottawa Hospital Research Ethics Board approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: A total of 118 patients were included in the analysis. Serum potassium levels were reduced by 0.39, 0.69, 0.91, and 0.22 mEq/L following 15-, 30-, and 60-g oral doses and a 30-g rectal dose of SPS, respectively. A greater proportion of patients (50% vs 23%) remained hyperkalemic in the 15-g versus the 60-g group ( P = 0.018), and all patients in the rectal group remained hyperkalemic. No patient in any group experienced postdose hypokalemia. The influence of all studied interindividual characteristics on SPS dose-response was clinically nonsignificant. Conclusion: Mild hyperkalemia can be effectively treated with a single 60-g oral dose of SPS as monotherapy, with minimal risk of hypokalemia. Moderate to severe hyperkalemic episodes warrant alternative therapy. The potassium-lowering effect is correlated to SPS dose and is independent of interindividual characteristics.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing as Treatment for Chronic Pain Syndromes
Authors: Tefft Angela J. , Jordan Irma O.
Published: April 2016

Background: Chronic pain is public health problem in the United States, costing upwards of $560 to $635 billion annually. Guidelines consistently recommend psychological treatment for chronic pain. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy may provide an alternate approach to treating chronic pain. Objective: Review of literature to evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain. Method: A literature search of seven databases was conducted to find relevant studies addressing the use of EMDR for chronic pain. Results: Most studies reported improvement in pain and psychological indices with EMDR. Conclusions: Because most literature reported case studies, the results have limited generalizability. However, for clients who suffer from chronic pain, EMDR is a reasonable treatment alternative.
Young children with autism spectrum disorders imitate in the context of others’ prior intention
Authors: Huang Chi-Tai , Chiang Chung-Hsin , Hung Chao-Yi
Published: April 2016

Many studies have shown that children with autism spectrum disorder have some understanding of intentions behind others’ goal-directed actions on objects. It is not clear whether they understand intentions at a high level of abstraction reliant on the context in which the actions occur. This study tested their understanding of others’ prior intentions with typically developing and developmentally delayed children. We replicated Carpenter et al.’s test of the ability to understand prior intentions embedded in the social situation with an additional context of no prior intention. Results showed that when the experimenter’s intention was made known before the demonstration, children without autism spectrum disorder performed not only better than the autism spectrum disorder children but also better than themselves when there was no information about prior intention. No between-condition difference was found in the autism spectrum disorder group. It thus appears that children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty decoupling intentions from the context of the situation. The present findings, together with previous evidence for the intactness of the ability to understand and to imitate goal-directed actions, suggest that asymmetrical imitation performance occurs at different levels of understanding of intention by children with autism spectrum disorder.
Mechanical and tribological properties of carbon nanotube reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Mertens A Johnney , Senthilvelan S
Published: April 2016

In this work, carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites (0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 wt%) were developed using the melt compounding process. The developed composites were injection-molded into tensile specimens and pins to evaluate the mechanical and tribological properties of the composites. As the CNT content increased, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the PP composites increased. The addition of the CNTs to the PP matrix beyond 1 wt% demonstrated agglomeration, and fractured tensile specimens confirmed this behavior. Developed materials demonstrated enhanced crystallinity up to 1 wt% CNT and, subsequently, decreased crystallinity beyond 1 wt% CNT, and an X-ray diffraction investigation confirmed this behavior. The measured coefficient of friction, online wear, and weight loss from the sliding wear test confirmed the least frictional resistance and maximum wear resistance for the 1 wt% CNT–PP composite. As the CNT content increased, the hardness of the CNT–PP composite increased up to 1 wt% CNT and decreased beyond this threshold. The worn-out surfaces of the CNT–PP composite observed using a scanning electron microscope and noncontact three-dimensional profiler confirmed the superior wear resistance of the 1 wt% CNT–PP composite. The CNT–PP composites considered in this study exhibited increased surface temperatures in the sliding wear condition because of the addition of the CNTs. The addition of the CNTs to the PP material increased the thermal conductivity of the composite.
Revisiting the importance of visitation: Public perceptions of park benefits
Authors: Moyle Brent D , Weiler Betty
Published: April 2016

The personal and community-wide benefits of parks are well documented in previous studies. Despite a strong recognition of park benefits in the literature, there has been limited inquiry focused on the relationship between visitation and perceptions of the personal and community-wide benefits of parks. Consequently, this paper revisits the influence of visitation, as well as other key variables, on public perceptions of the benefits of parks. To achieve this objective, a survey was administered to 1584 participants from Australia. Overall, the Australian public was quite positive about the benefits of parks. Results revealed a strong association between visitation, age, gender and public perceptions of park benefits. Residing in an urban or regional location had little effect on perceptions of park benefits. Future research and management attention should be directed towards improving non-visitors', young people's and males' perceptions of the benefits of parks.
Pilot test of a six-week group delivery caregiver training program to reduce sleep disturbances among older adults with dementia (Innovative practice)
Authors: Tewary Sweta , Cook Nicole , Pandya Naushira , McCurry Susan M
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the pilot program was to examine the adaptability and feasibility of a modified group-delivery sleep education program (NITE-AD) designed to reduce nocturnal disturbances in community-dwelling older adults with dementia. We recruited seven caregivers of persons with dementia from two adult day care centers in South Florida into a six-week group program at adult day care centers. A trained sleep educator taught caregivers about the impact of aging and dementia on sleep and how non-pharmacological interventions such as increasing light, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene strategies can improve sleep in persons with dementia. The curriculum incorporated ongoing problem solving and goal setting. Results suggest improvement in caregiver depression and persons with dementia sleep problems. Caregivers reported that the program provided them support and valuable strategies that they will continue to apply. Educating caregivers in a group setting about non-pharmacologic strategies for managing sleep may reduce caregiver burden and improve sleep among persons with dementia.
When the mountains move: A Chinese post-disaster psychosocial social work model
Authors: Sim Timothy , Dominelli Lena
Published: April 2016

The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake provided an opportunity to develop a Chinese psychosocial social work model in post-disaster contexts using constant feedback from service users including school children, their parents and teachers for more than seven years. Through critical reflection based on the practice wisdom acquired during that time, discussion with workers and service user feedback, this paper delineates a model which emphasises a step-by-step approach for social workers and mental health practitioners to promote local participation; culturally relevant ways of being, knowing and coping; self-help; mutual help; inter/transdisciplinary approaches among stakeholders; and ethical behaviour. This model may resonate with post-disaster situations within China and overseas.
Performing Urban Archives – a starting point for exploration
Authors: Sachs Olsen Cecilie
Published: April 2016

This paper introduces a special issue section of cultural geographies in practice on Performing Urban Archives. The section discusses the idea of seeing the city as an archive as a method to examine the various social processes through which our environment is produced. Performing Urban Archives opens up a field of inquiry that takes on an explorative approach. Theoretical reflections are here combined with practice-based experiments that emphasise creative discoveries, which may provide new ways for thinking and writing about how we inhabit urban space.
Epidemiological investigation of muscle-strengthening activities and cognitive function among older adults
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D
Published: April 2016

Limited research has examined the association of muscle-strengthening activities and executive cognitive function among older adults, which was this study’s purpose. Data from the 1999–2002 NHANES were employed (N = 2157; 60–85 years). Muscle-strengthening activities were assessed via self-report, with cognitive function assessed using the digit symbol substitution test. After adjusting for age, age-squared, gender, race-ethnicity, poverty level, body mass index, C-reactive protein, smoking, comorbid illness and physical activity, muscle-strengthening activities were significantly associated with cognitive function (βadjusted = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7–5.1; P < 0.001). Compared to those not engaging in aerobic exercise and not meeting muscle-strengthening activity guidelines, those doing 1 (βadjusted = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.9–5.4; P < 0.001) and both (βadjusted = 6.6; 95% CI: 4.8–8.3; P < 0.001) of these behaviors had a significantly higher executive cognitive function score. In conclusion, muscle-strengthening activities are associated with executive cognitive function among older U.S. adults, underscoring the importance of promoting both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities to older adults.
Tenecteplase versus alteplase in stroke thrombolysis: An individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Xuya , MacIsaac Rachael , Thompson John LP , Levin Bruce , Buchsbaum Richard , Haley E Clarke , Levi Christopher , Campbell Bruce , Bladin Christopher , Parsons Mark , Muir Keith W
Published: April 2016

Background

Tenecteplase, a modified plasminogen activator with higher fibrin specificity and longer half-life, may have advantages over alteplase in acute ischemic stroke thrombolysis.

Aims

We undertook an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared alteplase with tenecteplase in acute stroke.

Methods

Eligible studies were identified by a MEDLINE search, and individual patient data were acquired. We compared clinical outcomes including modified Rankin Scale at three months, early neurological improvement at 24 h, intracerebral hemorrhage, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality at three months between all dose tiers of tenecteplase and alteplase.

Results

Three relevant studies (Haley et al., Parsons et al., and ATTEST) included 291 patients and investigated three doses of tenecteplase (0.1, 0.25, 0.4 mg/kg). There were no differences between any dose of tenecteplase and alteplase for either efficacy or safety end points. Tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg had the greatest odds to achieve early neurological improvement (OR [95%CI] 3.3 [1.5, 7.2], p = 0.093), excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–1) at three months (OR [95%CI] 1.9 [0.8, 4.4], p = 0.28), with reduced odds of intracerebral hemorrhage (OR [95%CI] 0.6 [0.2, 1.8], P = 0.43) compared with alteplase. Only 19 patients were treated with tenecteplase 0.4 mg/kg, which showed increased odds of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage compared with alteplase (OR [95% CI] 6.2 [0.7, 56.3]).

Conclusions

While no significant differences between tenecteplase and alteplase were found, point estimates suggest potentially greater efficacy of 0.25 and 0.1 mg/kg doses with no difference in symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and potentially higher symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage risk with the 0.4 mg/kg dose. Further investigation of 0.25 mg/kg tenecteplase is warranted.
Treatment in patients who are not eligible for intravenous alteplase: MR CLEAN subgroup analysis
Authors: Mulder Maxim JHL , Berkhemer Olvert A , Fransen Puck SS , Beumer Debbie , van den Berg Lucie A , Lingsma Hester F , Roos Yvo BWEM , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , van Zwam Wim H , Majoie Charles BLM , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik WJ ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN investigators
Published: April 2016

Background and purpose

Patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial large vessel occlusion benefit from intra-arterial therapy. Uncertainty exists about the effect of intra-arterial therapy in patients with contraindications for treatment with intravenous alteplase treatment. Our aim was to describe the clinical characteristics of this subgroup of patients and whether intra-arterial therapy is as safe and effective as it is after intravenous alteplase treatment.

Methods

All 500 MR CLEAN patients were included and we distinguished between patients who were and were not treated with intravenous alteplase treatment. We estimated the effect of intra-arterial therapy on the shift on the modified Rankin Scale score with ordinal logistic regression analysis and tested for interaction of intravenous alteplase treatment with intra-arterial therapy on outcome. Furthermore, safety parameters and serious adverse events were analyzed.

Results

Fifty-five patients (11%) were not treated with intravenous alteplase treatment, mostly because of prolonged coagulation time tests or recent surgery. These patients were older and more often had atrial fibrillation or other vascular comorbidity. There was no interaction between intravenous alteplase treatment and intervention effect ( p =  0.927). Intra-arterial therapy effect size in patients without intravenous alteplase treatment was 2.06 [95% CI: 0.69–6.13] and in patients with intravenous alteplase treatment 1.71 [95% CI: 1.22–2.40]. There were no safety issues.

Conclusions

For patients with acute ischemic anterior circulation stroke caused by intracranial large vessel occlusion, who have contraindications for intravenous alteplase, intra-arterial treatment is not less effective or less safe than in patients who receive the treatment after intravenous alteplase.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical trial registration-URL: http://www.trialregister.nl . Unique identifier: (NTR)1804. Clinical trial registration-URL: http://www.controlled-trials.com . Unique identifier: ISRCTN10888758.
The Structure of Human Prosociality
Authors: Böckler Anne , Tusche Anita , Singer Tania
Published: April 2016

Prosocial behavior is crucial for functioning societies. However, its reliable scientific assessment and the understanding of its underlying structure are still a challenge. We integrated 14 paradigms from diverse disciplines to identify reliable and method-independent subcomponents of human prosociality; 329 participants performed game theoretical paradigms and hypothetical distribution tasks commonly used in behavioral economics and completed interactive computer tasks and self-reports typically employed in psychology. Four subcomponents of prosociality were identified by exploratory factor analysis and verified by confirmatory factor analysis in an independent sample: altruistically motivated prosocial behavior, norm motivated prosocial behavior, strategically motivated prosocial behavior, and self-reported prosocial behavior. Altruistically motivated behavior was related to gender, to enhanced cognitive skills, and to reduced negative affect. Our study provides a crucial step toward an overarching framework on prosocial behavior that will benefit future research on predictors, neural underpinnings, and plasticity of human cooperation and prosociality.
Endovascular treatment of frontopolar artery aneurysm
Authors: Karanam Lakshmi S Prasanna , Alurkar Anand , Chakka Sivaramakrishna
Published: April 2016

Traumatic intracranial aneurysms are rare and usually present with subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, or intraventricular hemorrhage. These are usually not true aneurysms; hence treatment of these cases poses a therapeutic challenge. In this case report, we describe a young Asian male who presented with a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the distal branch of the anterior cerebral artery. It was treated successfully with endovascular embolization. To our knowledge, there are few reports of this entity in the literature.