bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of position-dependent dynamic characteristics for machine tools using a variable-coefficient linear model
Authors: Liu Haitao , Wang Lei , Zhao Wanhua
Published: February 2014

The dynamic characteristics of the machine tool will change greatly in the whole working process, which must be considered in design and control stage, and the model based on single state cannot predict these position-dependent variations. In this paper, a variable-coefficient linear dynamic model is established by employing two unfixed nodes, so that the explicit representations of the mass, stiffness matrices with respect to position parameters are set up. Sensitivity method is used to analyze the sensitive position parameters that affect the eigenvalues of the system greatly. The variations of the frequencies and frequency response functions with respect to position parameters are also calculated. Experimental validations are conducted to verify the accuracy of the model and some limitations are discussed.
Development and validation of a distal radius finite element model to simulate impact loading indicative of a forward fall
Authors: Burkhart Timothy A , Quenneville Cheryl E , Dunning Cynthia E , Andrews David M
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a finite element model of the distal radius to simulate impact loading. Eight-node hexahedral meshes of the bone and impactor components were created. Three separate impact events were simulated by altering the impact velocity assigned to the model projectile (pre-fracture, crack and fracture). Impact forces and maximum and minimum principal strains were calculated and used in the validation process by comparing with previously collected experimental data. Three measures of mesh quality (Jacobians, aspect ratios and orthogonality) and four validation methods (validation metric, error assessment, fracture comparisons and ensemble averages) assessed the model. The element Jacobians, aspect ratios and orthogonality measures ranged from 0.08 to 12, 1.1 to 26 and −70° to 80°, respectively. The force and strain validation metric ranged from 0.10 to 0.54 and 0.35 to 0.67, respectively. The estimated peak axial force was found to be a maximum of 28.5% greater than the experimental (crack) force, and all forces fell within ±2 standard deviation of the mean experimental fracture forces. The predicted strains were found to differ by a mean of 33% across all impact events, and the model was found to accurately predict the location and severity of bone damage. Overall, the model presented here is a valid representation of the distal radius subjected to impact.
A case of syphilitic osteitis in a patient with HIV infection
Authors: Elopre Latesha , Morell Venita , Bosshardt Charles , Geisler William M
Published: February 2014

Osteitis is an under-recognised clinical manifestation of early syphilis, especially in patients with HIV. We report here a case of syphilitic osteitis of the skull and review its clinical presentation, diagnosis and management.
Management of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV infection in the era of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Adler Hugh , De Gascun Cillian F , McSweeney Fionnuala , Acheson Robert W , Brannigan Eimear T , Duffy Margaret , Keegan David J , Lambert John S
Published: February 2014

The incidence of cytomegalovirus retinitis has decreased significantly since the advent of antiretroviral therapy. However, it remains an important problem in both the developed and developing worlds. Furthermore, long-term antiviral suppression is associated with a significant increase in viral resistance. We present the case of a 46-year-old man who developed cytomegalovirus retinitis one year after being diagnosed with HIV. While he initially demonstrated an excellent clinical response to ganciclovir, his cytomegalovirus viral load remained persistently elevated. Over the subsequent years, his virus developed ganciclovir resistance with a concomitant deterioration in his visual acuity. He responded poorly to salvage therapy with foscarnet and cidofovir. This case highlights the ongoing difficulty of managing cytomegalovirus disease nearly two decades into the era of antiretroviral therapy and underlines the need to develop new treatment strategies.
Testicular self-examination amongst genitourinary medicine clinic attendees
Authors: Kennett Alexandra , Shaw Jonathan W , Woolley Paul D
Published: February 2014

Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer now give a five-year survival rate of 97.2%. Delayed presentation remains the primary cause of poor outcome and recommendations have stressed that men, particularly those with risk factors, should undertake regular testicular self-examination. This study aimed to determine testicular self-examination knowledge and practices amongst 740 unselected men attending a genitourinary medicine clinic via questionnaire survey. Of respondents, 75.8% of men had heard of testicular cancer, and 79.9% had heard of testicular self-examination. Of these, 41% of men had been taught testicular self-examination; 73.9% of them by a doctor or nurse. Importantly, 79.2% had previously performed testicular self-examination. The most common reason for not performing testicular self-examination was ‘ Don’t really know what to look for’ (59.5%). Men previously taught testicular self-examination were 11.5 times more likely to perform the practice than those untaught. Of respondents, 74.1% wanted more information regarding testicular self-examination whilst attending the clinic. This study shows an increased level of testicular self-examination amongst genitourinary medicine attendees than has been previously demonstrated in other patient groups. There remains room for improvement via further health promotion and research on the effectiveness of testicular self-examination.
A prospective study of haematological changes after switching from stavudine to zidovudine-based antiretroviral treatment in HIV-infected children
Authors: Singh Archana , Hemal Alok , Agarwal Sheetal , Dubey NK , Buxi Gurdeep
Published: February 2014

Long-term use of stavudine is associated with a high incidence of lipodystrophy, warranting its substitution with zidovudine in first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. In a prospective observational study, we determined the spectrum and severity of haematological changes after switching from stavudine- to zidovudine-based ART in Indian children aged 2–18 years who had received a stavudine-based ART regimen for at least 48 weeks. They were followed for 48 weeks for changes in haematological parameters and CD4 cell counts after switching to zidovudine. Of the 60 children analysed, 45 (75%) showed a significant fall in Hb (>1 g/dl). A majority developed grade 1 anaemia (14 [31%]) while only three (6%) developed grade 4 anaemia. The lowest Hb was recorded between 12 and 16 weeks with spontaneous improvement noticed after 28 weeks. A significant drop in absolute neutrophil count (5067 cells/mm3 to 3625 cells/mm3; p = 0.004) was also observed but none developed severe neutropenia. No significant changes were observed in platelet and CD4 cell counts. Since the incidence of severe drug toxicity was low with zidovudine and the majority of children recovered without intervention, drug toxicity should not preclude its routine use in poor countries.
High prevalence of the UGT1A1*28 variant in HIV-infected individuals in Greece
Authors: Panagopoulos P , Paraskevis D , Katsarolis I , Sypsa V , Detsika M , Protopapas K , Antoniadou A , Papadopoulos A , Petrikkos G , Hatzakis A
Published: February 2014

Hyperbilirubinaemia with or without jaundice is one of the side effects of atazanavir boosted with low-dose ritonavir (ATV/rit) related to the drug plasma levels, as a result of its metabolism by UGT1A1 – uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase. Genotyping for UGT1A1*28 before initiation of antiretroviral therapy containing atazanavir may aid in identifying individuals at risk of hyperbilirubinaemia. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of the UGTA1A1*28 polymorphism in HIV-infected individuals in Greece and to determine its potential association with hyperbilirubinaemia in patients receiving ATV/rit. The prevalence of the UGTA1A1*28 variant was estimated in 79 HIV-infected patients prior to the administration of the first-line treatment. The UGTA1A1*28 variant was detected in 46 out of 79 individuals (58.2%). Antiretroviral therapy was administered to 64/79 patients (81%). Among them, 26/64 (40.6%) received ATV/rit. Of the ATV/rit-treated patients, 14 were found to be carriers of the UGT1A1*28 variant (54%), and maximum serum bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the carrier population (4.71 vs. 2.69 mg/dL, p = 0.026). In 50% of the population, maximum levels were recorded in the first month of follow-up. Although carriage of UGT1A1 is linked with the development of hyperbilirubinaemia, the implementation of a pharmacogenomic approach in clinical practice cannot yet be recommended as a standard of care.
Evaluation of syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections within the Kisumu Incidence Cohort Study
Authors: Otieno Fredrick Odhiambo , Ndivo Richard , Oswago Simon , Ondiek Johnson , Pals Sherri , McLellan-Lemal Eleanor , Chen Robert T , Chege Wairimu , Gray Kristen Mahle
Published: February 2014

Summary

While laboratory aetiological diagnosis is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), syndromic management has been presented as a simplified and affordable approach for STI management in limited resource settings. STI signs and symptoms were collected using staff-administered computer-assisted personal interview and audio computer-assisted self-interview. Participants underwent a medical examination and laboratory testing for common STIs. The performance of syndromic management was assessed on the agreement between interviewing methods as well as accurate diagnosis. We screened 846 participants, of whom 88 (10.4%) received syndromic STI diagnosis while 272 (32.2%) received an aetiological diagnosis. Agreement between syndromic and aetiological diagnoses was very poor (overall kappa = 0.09). The most prevalent STI was herpes simplex virus type 2 and the percentage of persons with any STI was higher among women (48.6%) than men (15.6%, p < 0.0001). Agreement between audio computer-assisted self-interview and computer-assisted personal interview interviewing methods for syndromic diagnosis of STIs ranged from poor to good. Our findings suggest that syndromic management of STIs is not a sufficient tool for STI diagnosis in this setting; development and improvement of STI diagnostic capabilities through laboratory confirmation is needed in resource-limited settings.
Biomarker-based reconstructions of Holocene lake-level changes at Lake Gahai on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: He Yuxin , Zheng Yanwei , Pan Anding , Zhao Cheng , Sun Yuanyuan , Song Mu , Zheng Zhuo , Liu Zhonghui
Published: February 2014

Holocene hydrological changes in regions dominated by the westerlies significantly differ from those by the Asian summer monsoon. The high-elevated northeastern Tibetan Plateau, located in between, is likely influenced by the interactions of both circulation systems. Here, we attempt to use biomarkers, n-alkanes and alkenones, to reconstruct Holocene lake-level changes at Lake Gahai in the Qaidam Basin. We choose a sediment core drilled at the lake shore, where biomarkers would be sensitive to lake-level changes. The n-alkane records show high average chain length (ACL), high carbon preference index (CPI), and low proportion of aquatic macrophyte (Paq) values at 7–2 kyr (thousand calibrated years ago) with peaked values around 6 kyr, whereas low ACL, low CPI, and high Paq values occurred after 2 kyr and before 7 kyr. No alkenones were detected at 7–2 kyr, suggesting that lake level at this period was incapable of constantly reaching to the coring site. Therefore, combined results provide unambiguous evidence of relatively low lake level at 7–2 kyr, probably lowest at ~6 kyr. Holocene lake-level changes in this marginal region thus display a different pattern from either of the core regions dominated by the westerlies (anti-phase) and the Asian summer monsoon (out-of-phase). We suggest that in the arid marginal region, temperature-induced evaporation could significantly affect regional hydrological balance, resulting in the discrepancy with the Holocene long-term precipitation decreasing trend in Asian monsoon-dominated regions.
Late-Holocene expansion of a south Swedish peatland and its impact on marginal ecosystems: Evidence from dendrochronology, peat stratigraphy and palaeobotanical data
Authors: Edvardsson Johannes , Poska Anneli , Van der Putten Nathalie , Rundgren Mats , Linderson Hans , Hammarlund Dan
Published: February 2014

In this study, a reconstruction of the long-term development and lateral expansion of a south Swedish peat bog was performed using a multi-proxy approach, including dendrochronology, peat stratigraphy and macrofossil and pollen analyses. By combining mapping of cross-dated subfossil trees with radiocarbon-dated peat sequences, an improved approach to reconstruction of lateral peat expansion was applied. Apart from providing approximate ages of tree burial episodes, the ring-width records offer information on hydrological variations prior to the bog expansion. New bog oak, pine and alder chronologies are presented and their potential as a dating tool for peatland expansion as well as for local to regional environmental interpretations is examined. Our tree-replication records show that increased amounts of bog trees in the central parts can be linked to drier bog-surface conditions, whereas an increase in wood remains in the marginal zone is related to enhanced preservation due to lateral bog expansion. Our reconstructions of the development of the peat deposit and associated changes in the distribution of vegetation communities provide new insight into peatland responses to climate change at the end of the ‘Holocene Thermal Maximum’ (5000–4000 cal. yr BP).
Neonicotinoid insecticide exposures reported to six poison centers in Texas
Authors: Forrester MB
Published: February 2014

Neonicotinoids are a relatively newer class of insecticide. Used primarily in agriculture, neonicotinoids are also used for flea control in domestic animals. Information on human exposures to neonicotinoids is limited. Neonicotinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2000–2012 were identified and the distribution by selected factors examined. Of 1,142 total exposures, most products contained imidacloprid (77%) or dinotefuran (17%). The exposures were seasonal with half reported during May–August. The most common routes of exposure were ingestion (51%), dermal (44%), and ocular (11%). The distribution by patient age was 5 years or less (28%), 6–19 years (9%), 20 years or more (61%), and unknown (2%); and 64% of the patients were female. Of all, 97% of the exposures were unintentional and 97% occurred at the patient’s own residence. The management site was on-site (92%), already at/en route to a health care facility (6%), and referred to a health care facility (2%). The medical outcomes included no effect (22%), minor effect (11%), moderate effect (1%), not followed judged nontoxic (14%), not followed minimal effects (46%), unable to follow potentially toxic (1%), and unrelated effect (4%). The most commonly reported adverse clinical effects were ocular irritation (6%), dermal irritation (5%), nausea (3%), vomiting (2%), oral irritation (2%), erythema (2%), and red eye (2%). The most frequently reported treatments were dilution/wash (85%) and food (6%). In summary, these data suggest that the majority of neonicotinoid exposures reported to the poison centers may be managed outside of health care facilities with few clinical effects expected.
Family histories of school bullying: implications for parent-child psychotherapy
Authors: Allison Stephen , Roeger Leigh , Smith Bradley , Isherwood Linda
Published: February 2014

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a parent’s past history of peer victimisation predicted their children’s risk of being bullied at school.

Method:

In face-to-face interviews, a representative community sample of 1895 mothers and fathers were asked about exposure to traumatic bullying during their schooling. Parents completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to measure possible links with health-related quality of life. The interviews also inquired whether their children were victims of traumatic bullying at school.

Results:

Parental victimisation was associated with an increased risk for their children being bullied (55% with a positive parental history compared with 25% with no parental history: relative risk=2.17). In a multivariate logistic model controlling for the parents’ age, gender, socioeconomic status and health-related quality of life (physical and emotional components), parental victimisation remained a strong predictor for the children’s victimisation at school (relative risk=2.00). In 9.3% of the sample, both parent and child experienced bullying during their schooling.

Conclusions:

Parent and child dyads can be exposed sequentially to school bullying. In some instances, they may share familial characteristics that are exploited by bullies. These experiences can be explored in parent-child psychotherapy.
Va’a fakalelei ‘atamai: restoring the mind in the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Nielssen Olav , Fukui Atsumi , Fawkner Lisa , Walker Kipling
Published: February 2014

Objective:

We aim to report on the practice of psychiatry in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Method:

We provide a description of the findings from a visit to Vaiola Hospital and data provided by the chief psychiatrist of Tonga.

Results:

The practice of psychiatry in Tonga reflects the difficulties of providing health care in a middle-income micro state. Interesting features include the use of kava as a calmative for some acutely disturbed and anxious patients, the high proportion of patients receiving treatment with fluphenazine decanoate and the possibility that the observed increase in psychosis among Tongan migrants to Australia is at least partly due to a high prevalence of psychosis in Tonga itself.

Conclusions:

A prevalence of psychosis study would need to be undertaken to confirm the report of a higher rate of psychosis in Tonga compared with that in Australia
Automated physiological recovery of avocado plants for plant-based adaptive machines
Authors: Damian Dana D , Miyashita Shuhei , Aoyama Atsushi , Cadosch Dominique , Huang Po-Ting , Ammann Michael , Pfeifer Rolf
Published: February 2014

Interfacing robots with real biological systems is a potential approach to realizing truly adaptive machines, which is a long-standing engineering challenge. Although plants are widely spread and versatile, little attention has been given to creating cybernetic systems incorporating plants. Producing such systems requires two main steps: the acquisition and interpretation of biological signals, and issuing the appropriate stimulation signals for controlling the physiological response of the biological part. We investigate an automated physiological recovery of young avocado plants by realizing a closed interaction loop between the avocado plant and a water-control device. The study considers the two aforementioned steps by reading out postural cues (leaf inclination) and electrophysiological (biopotential) signals from the plant, and controlling the water resource adaptive to the drought condition of an avocado plant. Analysis of the two signals reveals time-frequency patterns of increased power and global synchronization in the narrow bands when water is available, and local synchronization in the broad bands for water shortage. The results indicate the feasibility of interface technologies between plants and machines, and provide preliminary support for achieving adaptive plant-based ‘machines’ based on plants’ large and robust physiological spectrum and machines’ control scheme diversity. We further discuss fundamental impediments hindering the use of living organisms like plants for artificial systems.
What is the relationship between visual environment and the form of ant learning-walks? An in silico investigation of insect navigation
Authors: Dewar Alex DM , Philippides Andrew , Graham Paul
Published: February 2014

The learning walks of ants are an excellent opportunity to study the interaction between brain, body and environment from which adaptive behaviour emerges. Learning walks are a behaviour with the specific function of storing visual information around a goal in order to simplify the computational problem of visual homing, that is, navigation back to a goal. However, it is not known at present why learning walks take the stereotypical shapes they do. Here we investigate how learning-walk form, visual surroundings and the interaction between the two affect homing performance in a range of virtual worlds when using a simple view-based homing algorithm. We show that the ideal form for a learning walk is environment-specific. We also demonstrate that the distant panorama and small objects at an intermediate distance, particularly when the panorama is obscured, are important aspects of the visual environment both when determining the ideal learning walk and when using stored views to navigate. Implications are discussed in the context of behavioural research into the learning walks of ants.
Efficacy and Safety of Alternate Day Therapy With Atorvastatin and Fenofibrate Combination in Mixed Dyslipidemia
Authors: Harivenkatesh Natarajan , David Darling Chellathai , Haribalaji Natarajan , Sudhakar Muthiah Kothandaramanujam
Published: February 2014

Introduction:

The long half-life of atorvastatin and fenofibrate makes them suitable for alternate day therapy. Hence, we aimed to study the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of alternate day therapy with atorvastatin and fenofibrate combination in mixed dyslipidemia.

Methods:

Eligible patients with mixed dyslipidemia were randomly allotted into 2 equal parallel groups—alternate day therapy group (group 1) and daily therapy group (group 2). Patients in groups 1 and 2 received fixed dose combination of atorvastatin 10 mg and fenofibrate 160 mg on alternate days and daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. Mean percentage change from baseline in triglycerides (TGLs), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and TC–HDL ratio, incidence of adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness were compared in both the groups.

Results:

Among 110 patients randomized, 99 completed the study till 12 weeks treatment duration. The TGLs, non-HDL-C, TC, and LDL-C decreased by 56.4%, 49.7%, 36.5%, and 39.2%, respectively, in alternate day therapy group and by 57.5%, 51.2%, 37.5%, and 39.4%, respectively, in daily therapy group. The HDL-C levels increased by 20.1% in alternate day therapy group compared to 21.8% in daily therapy group. No statistically significant difference was seen between both the groups in mean percentage change in lipid parameters from baseline to end of 12 weeks. Incidence of adverse events was reasonably less in alternate day therapy group.

Conclusion:

Alternate day therapy with atorvastatin–fenofibrate combination is an effective and safe alternative to daily therapy in mixed dyslipidemia. Apart from significant cost savings, reasonable reduction in the incidence of adverse events is seen with alternate day regimen. However, larger studies are needed to more reliably confirm our interesting but preliminary results.
A nonlocal rod model for axial vibration of double-walled carbon nanotubes including axial van der Waals force effects
Authors: Aydogdu Metin
Published: February 2014

In this study, the axial vibration of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) is studied using nonlocal elasticity theory. The nonlocal constitutive equations of Eringen are used in the formulations. The van der Waals forces are considered in the axial direction.An interaction coefficient is obtained in terms of the previously proposed van der Waals coefficient and effective thickness of the single-walled carbon nanotubes. The effect of various parameters like geometry of nanotubes, van der Waals forces and nonlocal parameters on the axial vibration of DWCNTs is discussed. Some mode shapes are also depicted in order to show the relative motion of the nested tubes. The van der Waals forces have strong effects on the axial vibration characteristics of DWCNTs. The present results can be used in the continuum modeling of nanoscale linear motors and oscillators.
Are Urbanites More Permissive? Germany’s Urban Geography of Prejudice
Authors: Dirksmeier Peter
Published: February 2014

Traditionally, bowing to the migration history of Germany, larger proportions of foreigners live in major German cities than in other parts of the country. According to contact theory, famously developed by social psychologist Gordon Allport in the 1950s, intergroup contacts between different ethnic groups reduce prejudice. The main aim of the article is to examine whether the level of prejudice toward foreigners is lower among the German urban population due to greater contact opportunities and habituation among different ethnic groups in Germany’s major cities, which reduces prejudice as well. The presented findings show, first, that prejudice is only slightly lower in the major cities. Second, this finding crucially depends on the quality of contacts. Only friendships between Germans and foreigners show a significant impact on reducing prejudice. Clearly, beyond the level of acquaintance with individual members of an out-group, only voluntary contacts are able to diminish prejudice. Third, in terms of spatial context effects, the switch between majority and minority group positions in residential areas appears to be a tipping point for prejudice, which means that even people with low levels of prejudice wish to live as the ethnic majority in their respective residential area.
Neurofilament light antibodies in serum reflect response to natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Amor Sandra , van der Star Baukje J , Bosca Isabel , Raffel Joel , Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Watchorn Jonathan , Kuhle Jens , Giovannoni Gavin , Baker David , Malaspina Andrea , Puentes Fabiola
Published: February 2014

Background:

Increased levels of antibodies to neurofilament light protein (NF-L) in biological fluids have been found to reflect neuroinflammatory responses and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To evaluate whether levels of serum antibodies against NF-L correlate with clinical variants and treatment response in MS.

Methods:

The autoantibody reactivity to NF-L protein was tested in serum samples from patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) ( n=22) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) ( n=26). Two other cohorts of RRMS patients under treatment with natalizumab were analysed cross-sectionally ( n=16) and longitudinally ( n=24). The follow-up samples were taken at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after treatment, and the NF-L antibody levels were compared against baseline levels.

Results:

NF-L antibodies were higher in MS clinical groups than healthy controls and in RRMS compared to SPMS patients ( p<0.001). NF-L antibody levels were lower in natalizumab treated than in untreated patients ( p<0.001). In the longitudinal series, NF-L antibody levels decreased over time and a significant difference was found following 24 months of treatment compared with baseline measurements ( p=0.001).

Conclusions:

Drug efficacy in MS treatment indicates the potential use of monitoring the content of antibodies against the NF-L chain as a predictive biomarker of treatment response in MS.
Party preferences in the digital age
Authors: Alvarez R Michael , Levin Ines , Mair Peter , Trechsel Alexander
Published: February 2014

Election campaigns in modern democracies are increasingly affected by the rise of Internet-based information and communication technologies. Here, one of the most significant developments concerns the rapidly spreading ‘voting advice applications’ (VAAs). VAAs help online users to find their parties by matching a series of party positions with the positions taken up by the users themselves. This article analyses whether such tailor-made campaign information affects the party preferences of voters. It hypothesizes that the impact of the VAA-produced information is dependent on the ‘representative deficit', a concept which captures the part of political preferences of a user that are not reflected by any party in the political system. The empirical analysis is conducted using a dataset stemming from users of the ‘EU Profiler', a VAA produced for the 2009 European Parliamentary elections campaign. We find that less than one out of five users matches best with her initially preferred party. While a large majority of those users who are advised to vote for a better-fitting party are hardly affected by the VAA output, 8 percent of these do change their first preference to the party proposed by the VAA. Switching party preferences can be explained by the size of the representative deficit: the higher the deficit, the lower the probability that the initial party preference will be changed. This finding shows that users of VAAs are responsive to the match calculated by the online tool. They do not blindly follow the personalized suggestions but do so only when they are shown convincing levels of overlap between their views and the best-ranked party's positions.
Perceptions of crime at the Olympic Games
Authors: Schroeder Ashley , Pennington-Gray Lori
Published: February 2014

While mega sport event planners seek to foster a positive destination image (Roche, 2008), the media is often more interested in negative stories about the host destination (Beirman, 2003), which can affect destination risk perceptions (Sönmez and Graefe, 1998a, 1998b). There is, however, a lack of empirical research in this area. Thus, this study examined whether information received through the media, travel advisories, and social media affected perceptions of increased crime in a host destination during a mega sport event, using the case of London 2012. The role of information in reshaping destination risk perceptions in the context of mega sport events was partially supported. Particularly, Australian leisure travelers who were exposed to written media about London and Canadian travelers who were exposed to travel advisories surrounding the United Kingdom had higher perceptions of the likelihood that London would experience increased crime at the time of the Olympics.
Teledermatology consultation using a smartphone multimedia messaging service for common skin diseases in the Korean army: a clinical evaluation of its diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Shin Hyoseung , Kim Dong Hyun , Ryu Hyeong Ho , Yoon So Young , Jo Seong Jin
Published: February 2014

Summary

We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of teleconsultations for skin diseases common in the army using a smartphone multimedia messaging service (MMS). Images of skin lesions were obtained from 100 army patients using digital cameras built into smartphones. Three remotely located dermatologists received the dermatology images and associated clinical information via the MMS. The teledermatologists’ diagnoses were compared with those obtained from face-to-face examinations. The three most common diagnoses made at the dermatology clinics were eczema, viral warts and fungal infections. The mean diagnostic agreement between face-to-face and teledermatology consultations was 71% (SD 2). The mean kappa coefficient was 0.73 (SD 0.06) for the three most common diagnostic categories. The mean values for sensitivity were 78% (SD 0), 88% (SD 21) and 61% (SD 11) for eczema, viral warts and fungal infections, respectively, and the specificity values were above 90% for these skin diseases. Teledermatology consultation using smartphones is simple. Although diagnoses using telemedicine do not perfectly match diagnoses from face-to-face consultations the diagnostic accuracy using smartphones is superior to that of clinicians who are not specialized in dermatology.
Ranking health between countries in international comparisons
Authors: Brønnum-Hansen Henrik
Published: February 2014

Cross-national comparisons and ranking of summary measures of population health sometimes give rise to inconsistent and diverging conclusions. In order to minimise confusion, international comparative studies ought to be based on well-harmonised data with common standards of definitions and documentation. Calculation methods and results should be communicated clearly and exactly.
The role of transactive memory in the formation of organizational routines
Authors: Miller Kent D , Choi Seungho , Pentland Brian T
Published: February 2014

This study addresses how individuals combine their diverse skills during the process of forming organizational routines. Our explanation centers on the development of transactive memory, which forms during the initial performances of a routine, as actors search for (and subsequently remember) other actors with the capabilities needed to complete a routine. We present an agent-based model to analyze how the distribution and availability of individual capabilities influence the set of actors involved in performing routines, initially and over time. The model shows that even when the pattern of actions stays the same, the pattern of actors involved in performing an organizational routine can change continuously. Variations in the efficiency of routine formation that are inexplicable in terms of action sequences may be readily explained when we examine actor sequences. Transactive memory contributes to the theory of organizational routines by serving as a bridge between individuals’ skills and collective capabilities.
Coaching, HRD, and Relational Richness
Authors: Egan Toby , Hamlin Robert G.
Published: February 2014

The Problem

Coaching is becoming a ubiquitous form of human resource development (HRD) that experiences regular annual gains in both interest and participation. Yet it lacks theoretical framing and has not been conceptually well developed. There is a need for further framing of coaching as a dyadic, or group-based phenomenon, occurring in a set of diverse, but often commonly utilized contexts.

The Solution

Contributors to this issue inform this growing HRD area by elaborating upon coaching in terms of conceptualization, theoretical foundations, and measurement tools. They provide perspectives on coaching in its many forms, including executive, managerial, and action learning coaching. These perspectives on coaching most often share a dyadic/one-on-one context, and elaborate on coaching practices in terms of interactional richness, learning, and development.

The Stakeholders

Researchers and scholarly practitioners in the HRD field, internal and external coaches, and line managers who are committed to improving the practice of and expanding empirical research on coaching will benefit from this special issue on coaching.
Research on structure characteristics and filtration performances of PET-PA6 hollow segmented-pie bicomponent spunbond nonwovens fibrillated by hydro entangle method
Authors: Heng Zhang , Xiaoming Qian , Qi Zhen , Zhaohang Yang
Published: February 2014

Bicomponent spunbond technology is considered to be the most rapid process of ultrafine fiber nonwoven material. The cross-section of 70% PET and 30% PA6 bicomponent hollow-segmented pie filaments with diameter range from 2 D to 4 D was made by the bicomponent spunbond technology, and fibrillated by the high-pressure water jets at the same time bonded to microfiber nonwoven materials with the dense structure. The structure characteristics of materials were tested to study the feasibility for the air filter, including fineness of the fiber and pore size distribution of the webs. The filtration efficiency and filtration resistance of the webs were studied with the dioctyl phthalate particles in range of 0.3–2.7 micron at face velocity in range of 1.8–4.8 m/min.

It was found that the hollow segmented-pie bicomponent fibers are splitted to microfibers and bonded mechanically by subjecting the web to high-pressure water jets, the total high pressure water jets energy was 5610.2 kJ/kg. The microfibers fibers gathered into fiber bundles on the surface of the webs were found from the 3D images. The filtration efficiency and filtration resistance of the webs followed typical behavior for fibrous filtration media, and the filtration efficiency and filtration resistance of the webs is increased with the weight increases.
Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of High-Intensity Stepping Training in Variable Contexts in Subacute and Chronic Stroke
Authors: Holleran Carey L. , Straube Don D. , Kinnaird Catherine R. , Leddy Abigail L. , Hornby T. George
Published: February 2014

Background. Previous data suggest that the amount and aerobic intensity of stepping training may improve walking poststroke. Recent animal and human studies suggest that training in challenging and variable contexts can also improve locomotor function. Such practice may elicit substantial stepping errors, although alterations in locomotor strategies to correct these errors could lead to improved walking ability. Objective. This unblinded pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of providing stepping practice in variable, challenging contexts (tasks and environments) at high aerobic intensities in participants >6 months and 1-6 months post-stroke. Methods. A total of 25 participants (gait speeds <0.9 m/s with no more than moderate assistance) participated in ≤40 training sessions (duration of 1 hour) within 10 weeks. Stepping training in variable, challenging contexts was performed at 70% to 80% heart rate reserve, with feasibility measures of total steps/session, ability to achieve targeted intensities, patient tolerance, dropouts, and adverse events. Gait speed, symmetry, and 6-minute walk were measured every 4 to 5 weeks or 20 sessions, with a 3-month follow-up (F/U). Results. In all, 22 participants completed ≥4 training weeks, averaging 2887 ± 780 steps/session over 36 ± 5.8 sessions. Self-selected (0.38 ± 0.27 to 0.66 ± 0.35 m/s) and fastest speed (0.51 ± 0.40 to 0.99 ± 0.58 m/s), paretic single-limb stance (20% ± 5.9% to 25% ± 6.4%), and 6-minute walk (141 ± 99 to 260 ± 146 m) improved significantly at posttraining. Conclusions. This preliminary study suggests that stepping training at high aerobic intensities in variable contexts was tolerated by participants poststroke, with significant locomotor improvements. Future studies should delineate the relative contributions of amount, intensity, and variability of stepping training to maximize outcomes.
Early Evaluation of Nerve Regeneration After Nerve Injury and Repair Using Functional Connectivity MRI
Authors: Li Rupeng , Hettinger Patrick C. , Liu Xiping , Machol Jacques , Yan Ji-Geng , Matloub Hani S. , Hyde James S.
Published: February 2014

Resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging studies in rat brain show brain reorganization caused by nerve injury and repair. In this study, distinguishable differences were found in healthy, nerve transection without repair (R−) and nerve transection with repair (R+) groups in the subacute stage (2 weeks after initial injury). Only forepaw on the healthy side was used to determine seed voxel regions in this study. Disturbance of neuronal network in the primary sensory region of cortex occurs within two hours after initial injury, and the network pattern was restored in R+ group in subacute stage, while the disturbed pattern remained in R− group. These are the central findings of the study. This technique provides a novel way of detecting and monitoring the effectiveness of peripheral nerve injury treatment in the early stage and potentially offers a tool for clinicians to avoid poor clinical outcomes.
Community-Based Exercise for Upper Limb Paresis
Authors: Benvenuti Francesco , Stuart Mary , Cappena Veruska , Gabella Sara , Corsi Sara , Taviani Antonio , Albino Antonio , Scattareggia Marchese Sandro , Weinrich Michael
Published: February 2014

Background. Arm paresis remains a major impairment after stroke despite the best conventional rehabilitation. Randomized, controlled trials of intensive exercise programs have demonstrated improvements in arm function for patients with chronic stroke. However, the gains achieved have been relatively modest for the large investments in patient and therapist time. Objective. To evaluate the safety, acceptance, adherence, and effectiveness of a community-based exercise program for upper limb paresis in patients with chronic stroke and the effects of telerehabilitation monitoring in kiosks distributed through the community. Methods. Longitudinal cohort with geographic control group. The experimental group received devices needed for a home exercise program based on the Carr and Shepherd “Motor Learning Program” and were instructed to practice the exercises at least twice a week at the kiosk and at least 3 more days a week at home. The control group received usual care. Results. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group demonstrated significant gains in arm function as measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test, 9-Hole Peg Test, Motricity Index, and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire. The intervention received high satisfaction ratings and produced no adverse events. Only 30% of the subjects attended kiosks regularly. Outcomes for this group did not differ significantly from those who only practiced at home. Conclusions. Home- and community-based exercise for arm paresis is safe and effective. Telerehabilitation interventions will need additional enhancements to improve effectiveness. The optimal upper extremity exercise prescription poststroke remains to be established.
Eliciting Upper Extremity Purposeful Movements Using Video Games
Authors: Rand Debbie , Givon Noa , Weingarden Harold , Nota Ayala , Zeilig Gabi
Published: February 2014

Background. Video games have become popular in stroke rehabilitation; however, the nature of this intervention is not fully understood. Objectives. To compare the number of ( a) purposeful and nonpurposeful repetitions of the weaker upper extremity (UE) and ( b) movement accelerations as assessed by accelerometer activity counts of the weaker and stronger UEs of individuals with chronic stroke while playing video games or participating in traditional therapy. Methods. Twenty-nine individuals (mean age 59 years, 1-7 years poststroke) took part in a group intervention of video -games (n = 15) or traditional therapy (n = 14) as part of a randomized controlled trial. During 1 - 2 sessions, participants were video-taped while wearing wrist accelerometers. Assessors counted the number of repetitions and classified movements as purposeful or nonpurposeful using videotapes. The weaker UE motor impairments were correlated to movement accelerations, to determine if participants were using their potential during the sessions. Results. Participants in the video game group performed a median of 271 purposeful movements and 37 970 activity counts compared to 48 purposeful movements and 14 872 activity counts in the traditional group ( z = −3.0, P = .001 and z = −1.9, P = .05, respectively). Participants in the traditional group performed a median of 26 nonpurposeful (exercises) compared with 0 in the video game group ( z = −4.2, P = .000). Strong significant correlations were found between the motor ability of the weak UE to repetitions of participants in both groups ( r = .86, P < .01). Participants with higher motor ability performed more repetitions. Conclusions. Video games elicited more UE purposeful repetitions and higher acceleration of movement compared with traditional therapy in individuals with chronic stroke.
High-stakes educational testing and democracy – antagonistic or symbiotic relationship?
Authors: Ydesen Christian
Published: February 2014

This article argues that high-stakes educational testing, along with the attendant questions of power, education access, education management and social selection, cannot be considered in isolation from society at large. Thus, high-stakes testing practices bear numerous implications for democratic conditions in society. For decades, advocates of high-stakes educational testing have argued that testing would result in meritocracy, ensuring that everyone would be afforded the same opportunities to find success in adulthood. Examined from a critical perspective, however, we learn that testing is also extremely well designed as a bulwark against opposing or alternative outlooks and opinions, because testing is a complex tool requiring highly specialised knowledge to administer effectively. This article sets out to investigate the relation between high-stakes educational testing and democracy drawn from the experiences of 20th-century high-stakes educational testing practices in the Danish history of education. Among other things, the article concludes that a combination of different evaluation technologies – some formative and some summative – might be the safest way to go from a democratic perspective.
Advocates in odd places: Social justice for behaviorally challenged, minority students in a large urban school district
Authors: Weiland Christine A , Murakami Elizabeth T , Aguilera Evangeline , Richards Michael G
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study is to explore the journey of one large urban inner-city school district with a high population of Hispanics in South Texas as it worked to implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Support into primary (elementary) schools. We questioned, ‘How does a large urban inner-city school district serving a majority of Hispanics, and low income population, implement PBIS into its schools?’ First, we describe Positive Behavior Intervention and Support for the purpose of this article and provide a historical and demographic overview of the school district. Then, a thematic analysis of the processes, practices, and changes is included to describe what the school and central office administrators underwent to successfully implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Support into their school and include behaviorally challenged students and students of color in the general education program.