bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variants Are Not Associated with Outcome in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Results of the Genetic Substudy of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) Trials
Authors: Feldman Arthur M. , She Lilin , McNamara Dennis M. , Mann Douglas L. , Bristow Michael R. , Maisel Alan S. , Wagner Daniel R. , Andersson Bert , Chiariello Luigi , Hayward Christopher S. , Hendry Paul , Parker John D. , Racine Normand , Selzman Craig H. , Senni Michele , Stepinska Janina , Zembala Marian , Rouleau Jean , Velazquez Eric J. , Lee Kerry L.
Published: January 2015

Objectives and Background: We evaluated the ability of 23 genetic variants to provide prognostic information in patients enrolled in the Genetic Substudy of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trials. Methods: Patients assigned to STICH Hypothesis 1 were randomized to medical therapy with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Those assigned to STICH Hypothesis 2 were randomized to CABG or CABG with left ventricular reconstruction. Results: In patients assigned to STICH Hypothesis 2 (n = 714), no genetic variant met the prespecified Bonferroni-adjusted threshold for statistical significance (p < 0.002); however, several variants met nominal prognostic significance: variants in the β2-adrenergic receptor gene (β2-AR Gln27Glu) and in the A1-adenosine receptor gene (A1-717 T/G) were associated with an increased risk of a subject dying or being hospitalized for a cardiac problem (p = 0.027 and 0.031, respectively). These relationships remained nominally significant even after multivariable adjustment for prognostic clinical variables. However, none of the 23 genetic variants influenced all-cause mortality or the combination of death or cardiovascular hospitalization in the STICH Hypothesis 1 population (n = 532) by either univariate or multivariable analysis. Conclusion: We were unable to identify the predictive genotypes in optimally treated patients in these two ischemic heart failure populations.
Oxygen Saturation Index and Severity of Hypoxic Respiratory Failure
Authors: Rawat Munmun , Chandrasekharan Praveen K. , Williams Ashley , Gugino Sylvia , Koenigsknecht Carmon , Swartz Daniel , Ma Chang Xing , Mathew Bobby , Nair Jayasree , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: January 2015

Background: The oxygenation index (OI = mean airway pressure, MAP × FiO2 × 100 : PaO2) is used to assess the severity of hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). An indwelling arterial line or arterial punctures are necessary to obtain PaO2 for the calculation of OI. Oxygenation can be continuously and noninvasively assessed using pulse oximetry. The use of the oxygen saturation index (OSI = MAP × FiO2 × 100 : SpO2) can be an alternate method of assessing the severity of HRF. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between OSI and OI in the following: (1) neonates with HRF and (2) a lamb model of meconium aspiration syndrome. Methods: Human neonates: a retrospective chart review of 74 ventilated late preterm/term neonates with indwelling arterial access and SpO2 values in the first 24 h of life was conducted. OSI and OI were calculated and correlated. Lamb model: arterial blood gases were drawn and preductal SpO2 was documented in 40 term newborn lambs with asphyxia and meconium aspiration. OI and OSI were calculated and correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Results: Mean values of OSI and OI showed a correlation coefficient of 0.952 in neonates (mean value of 308 observations in 74 neonates) and 0.948 in lambs (mean value of 743 observations in 40 lambs). In lambs, with increasing PVR, there was a decrease in OI and OSI. Conclusion: OSI correlates significantly with OI in infants with HRF. This noninvasive measure may be used to assess the severity of HRF and PPHN in neonates without arterial access.
Novel Antitussive Effect of Suplatast Tosilate in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Zhou Jian-Rong , Syono Ryo-ichi , Fukumi Syu-ichi , Kimoto Kenji , Shirasaki Tetsuya , Soeda Fumio , Takahama Kazuo
Published: January 2015

We studied the antitussive effects of suplatast, a Th2 cytokine inhibitor, and compared them with the effects of codeine using an experimental cough model in guinea pigs. Suplatast and codeine dose-dependently inhibited cough caused by mechanical stimulation of the larynx, but they did not inhibit cough caused by mechanical stimulation of the bifurcation of the trachea. In guinea pigs with bronchitis, suplatast had an antitussive effect on cough caused by stimulation of the larynx, whereas codeine did not inhibit such cough. In SO2-exposed guinea pigs, suplatast tended to inhibit cough caused by mechanical stimulation of the tracheal bifurcation. Further, suplatast inhibited citric acid-induced cough augmented by pretreatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, whereas codeine did not inhibit such cough. Suplatast also inhibited bradykinin-induced discharges of airway vagal afferent nerves and significantly inhibited 4-aminopyridine-induced discharges of airway vagal afferent nerves. These findings indicate that the antitussive effects of suplatast are mediated by a novel mechanism involving the peripheral nervous system.
Modified Muscle Transposition Procedure for a Case of Inferior Rectus Muscle Aplasia
Authors: Makino Shinji , Hozawa Kozue , Kondo Reiko , Kanai Mika , Suto Haruko , Mawatari Go , Ito Kanako
Published: January 2015

Purpose: We report a case of inferior rectus muscle aplasia in a 65-year-old woman. Methods: Images were obtained using ocular motility photography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and operative findings were analyzed. Results: A 65-year-old woman presented with marked right hypertropia. The right eye also had microcornea, iris coloboma, and completely restricted downward movement. MRI showed absence of the inferior rectus muscle in both eyes. During surgery, it was confirmed that the right inferior rectus muscle was absent. The patient underwent a muscle transposition procedure without tenotomy or muscle splitting. A superior rectus muscle tenotomy was also performed. Postoperatively, the right eye showed hypotropia and improved downward movement. Conclusion: Muscle transposition without tenotomy or tendon splitting is a surgical option for the unusual abnormality presented in this paper.
Cardiac Transcriptome and Dilated Cardiomyopathy Genes in Zebrafish
Authors: Shih Yu-Huan , Zhang Yuji , Ding Yonghe , Ross Christian A. , Li Hu , Olson Timothy M. , Xu Xiaolei
Published: January 2015

Background—

Genetic studies of cardiomyopathy and heart failure have limited throughput in mammalian models. Adult zebrafish have been recently pursued as a vertebrate model with higher throughput, but genetic conservation must be tested.

Methods and Results—

We conducted transcriptome analysis of zebrafish heart and searched for fish homologues of 51 known human dilated cardiomyopathy–associated genes. We also identified genes with high cardiac expression and genes with differential expression between embryonic and adult stages. Among tested genes, 30 had a single zebrafish orthologue, 14 had 2 homologues, and 5 had ≥3 homologues. By analyzing the expression data on the basis of cardiac abundance and enrichment hypotheses, we identified a single zebrafish gene for 14 of 19 multiple-homologue genes and 2 zebrafish homologues of high priority for
ACTC1
. Of note, our data suggested
vmhc
and
vmhcl
as functional zebrafish orthologues for human genes
MYH6
and
MYH7
, respectively, which are established molecular markers for cardiac remodeling.

Conclusions—

Most known genes for human dilated cardiomyopathy have a corresponding zebrafish orthologue, which supports the use of zebrafish as a conserved vertebrate model. Definition of the cardiac transcriptome and fetal gene program will facilitate systems biology studies of dilated cardiomyopathy in zebrafish.
DNA Methylation of Lipid-Related Genes Affects Blood Lipid Levels
Authors: Pfeiffer Liliane , Wahl Simone , Pilling Luke C. , Reischl Eva , Sandling Johanna K. , Kunze Sonja , Holdt Lesca M. , Kretschmer Anja , Schramm Katharina , Adamski Jerzy , Klopp Norman , Illig Thomas , Hedman Åsa K. , Roden Michael , Hernandez Dena G. , Singleton Andrew B. , Thasler Wolfgang E. , Grallert Harald , Gieger Christian , Herder Christian , Teupser Daniel , Meisinger Christa , Spector Timothy D. , Kronenberg Florian , Prokisch Holger , Melzer David , Peters Annette , Deloukas Panos , Ferrucci Luigi , Waldenberger Melanie
Published: January 2015

Background—

Epigenetic mechanisms might be involved in the regulation of interindividual lipid level variability and thus may contribute to the cardiovascular risk profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between genome-wide DNA methylation and blood lipid levels high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Observed DNA methylation changes were also further analyzed to examine their relationship with previous hospitalized myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were determined in whole blood samples of 1776 subjects of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg F4 cohort using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina). Ten novel lipid-related CpG sites annotated to various genes including
ABCG1
,
MIR33B/SREBF1
, and
TNIP1
were identified. CpG cg06500161, located in
ABCG1
, was associated in opposite directions with both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β coefficient=−0.049;
P
=8.26E-17) and triglyceride levels (β=0.070;
P
=1.21E-27). Eight associations were confirmed by replication in the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg F3 study (n=499) and in the Invecchiare in Chianti, Aging in the Chianti Area study (n=472). Associations between triglyceride levels and
SREBF1
and
ABCG1
were also found in adipose tissue of the Multiple Tissue Human Expression Resource cohort (n=634). Expression analysis revealed an association between
ABCG1
methylation and lipid levels that might be partly mediated by
ABCG1
expression. DNA methylation of
ABCG1
might also play a role in previous hospitalized myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval=1.06–1.25).

Conclusions—

Epigenetic modifications of the newly identified loci might regulate disturbed blood lipid levels and thus contribute to the development of complex lipid-related diseases.
Intention, Effort, and Restraint: The EMG in Musical Performance
Authors: Tanaka Atau
Published: January 2015

The author presents the challenges and opportunities in the use of the electromyogram (EMG), a signal representing muscle activity, for digital musical instrument applications. The author presents basic mapping paradigms and the place of the EMG in multimodal interaction and describes initial trials in machine learning. It is proposed that nonlinearities in musical instrument response cannot be modelled only by parameter interpolation and require strategies of extrapolation. The author introduces the concepts of intention, effort, and restraint as such strategies, to exploit, as well as confront limitations of, the use of muscle signals in musical performance.
Plant-parasitic nematode feeding tubes and plugs: new perspectives on function
Authors: Eves-van den Akker Sebastian , Lilley Catherine J. , Jones John T. , Urwin Peter E.
Published: January 2015

Several structures associated with feeding by plant-parasitic nematodes have been described using two terms, feeding tubes and feeding plugs. However, both of these terms encompass multiple structures of independent evolution, some of which are functionally distinct. We have reviewed the literature on both structures and provide a new perspective on the function of intracellular feeding tubes to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the feeding site. We propose that they provide sufficient hydraulic resistance against the feeding site pressure to prevent it from collapsing during feeding. In addition, we propose that extracellular feeding tubes of migratory ectoparasites should be considered as the functional analogue of the stylet of all other plant-parasitic nematodes for withdrawal of host cell cytoplasm and, therefore, provide an example of convergent evolution. We also suggest that the main role of the feeding plug, irrespective of origin or composition, may be in adhesion.
Potential Jurisprudential Adaptation for the Tripartite Credit Card Transaction from an Islamic Perspective
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Jassem , Ismail Rahmah , Markom Ruzian
Published: January 2015

The credit card represents one of the most important financial instruments at present. The credit card concept originated and was developed in the West under the rules of conventional law. Over time the credit card has invaded the Islamic markets. A credit card transaction does not fall under any of the known financial contract categories in Islamic principles. Therefore, determining the Islamic rulings and finding a jurisprudential adaptation for such credit card transactions is essential for clarifying relevant jurisprudential rulings, as one cannot specify whether a specific transaction is permitted or prohibited without a jurisprudential adaptation on the matter. Islamic researchers have taken great effort to clarify the jurisprudential adaptation of a credit card transaction. This article will examine the potential legitimate nature of the credit card transaction in order to determine Islamic rulings. The concept ‘credit card’ originated in the West and developed under the rules of conventional law. Although credit cards have since invaded the Islamic markets, their transactions do not fall under any of the known categories for Islamic financial contracts; therefore, one must determine the Islamic rulings that relate to such transactions. Islamic scholars have exerted much effort to find a jurisprudential adaptation for the credit card transaction, which is essential in order to clarify jurisprudential rulings on transactions and to specify whether a transaction is permitted or prohibited. This article examines the potential legitimate nature of the credit card transaction in order to determine the Islamic rulings.
First records of the mealybug Rastrococcus invadens Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in French Guiana and the Americas
Authors: GERMAIN Jean-François , LAPLACE DAMIEN , DEVARIEUX ANTONIN , BOAVIDA Conceição
Published: January 2015

At the end of August 2014, a visitor to the French National Plant Protection service (NPPO) in Cayenne (French Guiana) brought in mango twigs covered with a significant amount of sooty mould. From these branches, the NPPO officers took large numbers of mealybugs from the underside of the leaves (Fig. 1). The sample was sent to the Plant Health Laboratory (LSV) in Montpellier where it was identified as Rastrococcus invadens Williams. This is the first record of this species in French Guiana and in the Americas.
A new species of Equinoxiodus (Dipnoi: ?Neoceratodontidae) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: SOUSA ELIANE PINHEIRO DE , MEDEIROS MANUEL ALFREDO , TOLEDO CARLOS EDUARDO VIEIRA , BERTINI REINALDO J. , PEREIRA AGOSTINHA ARAÚJO , LINDOSO RAFAEL MATOS
Published: January 2015

A noteworthy diversity of Dipnoi tooth plates has been collected in the fossiliferous conglomerates of the Alcântara Formation, early Cenomanian (Cretaceous) of Brazil. This sequence was deposited under transitional (estuarine) conditions, gathering reworked dissociated fossils represented by plants, fishes, crocodylomorphs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs. A new species of Dipnoi is reported in this work, Equinoxiodus schultzei sp. nov. whose genus is endemic of northern South America and lived probably in fresh water. The presence of several species of dipnoan in the mid-Cretaceous of north/northeastern Brazil indicates that the environmental conditions were very suitable to this group, confirming the well-marked seasonality of the climate, with frequent prolonged droughts, as interpreted in previous publications.
Polsko-czechosłowackie konwencje turystyczne jako przykład współpracy transgranicznej
Authors: Lewkowicz Łukasz
Published: January 2015

Polish-Czechoslovak tourist conventions as an example of transfrontier cooperationThe article provides a general description of Polish-Czechoslovak tourist conventions from inter- and post-war periods. It presents the conditions of signing of these unique international agreements, the decision-making process, as well as the basic principles of the conventions. Overall, the tourist conventions are special kinds mostly bilateral international agreements aimed at simplifying the rules of transfrontier traffic within a region attractive to tourists, such as the Carpathian and Sudetic borderlands. Poland and Czechoslovakia were the precursors of this kind of transfrontier cooperation across Europe. The first tourist convention was signed in 1925 as a direct result of so-called Cracow Protocols, which aimed at regulating economic, communication and tourist issues with Czechoslovakia after the Jaworzyna Spiska conflict. The next tourist agreement of 1955 was adopted as a result of the post-Stalinist Thaw, which allowed a certain liberalization of the border regime between the two countries. The agreement was amended and extended in  1961-1962, and was in force till the early 1980s. The experiences of the functioning of the tourist conventions became a model for Euroregions which stared to emerge in the area under discussion. Moreover, they also served as a model for central authorities in liberalizing the border regime in the 1990s. Polsko-czechosłowackie konwencje turystyczne jako przykład współpracy transgranicznejCelem artykułu była ogólna charakterystyka polsko-czechosłowackich konwencji turystycznych z okresu między- i powojennego. Przedstawione zostały uwarunkowania podpisania tych unikatowych umów międzynarodowych, proces decyzyjny, poddano analizie również podstawowe założenia konwencji. Generalnie konwencje turystyczne to specyficzny rodzaj, najczęściej bilateralnych, umów międzynarodowych służących uproszczeniu zasad ruchu transgranicznego w obrębie atrakcyjnego turystycznie regionu, w tym przypadku pogranicza karpackiego i sudeckiego. Polska i Czechosłowacja były prekursorami tego rodzaju współpracy transgranicznej w całej Europie. Pierwsza konwencja turystyczna została podpisana w 1925 roku jako bezpośredni rezultat tzw. protokołów krakowskich mających na celu uregulowanie kwestii gospodarczych, komunikacyjnych i turystycznych z Czechosłowacją po zakończeniu konfliktu o Jaworzynę Spiską. Kolejna umowa turystyczna z 1955 roku przyjęta została jako efekt postalinowskiej odwilży, która pozwoliła na pewną liberalizację reżimu granicznego między obu państwami. Umowa była nowelizowana i poszerzana w latach 1961-1962 i obowiązywała do początku lat 80. XX wieku. Doświadczenia funkcjonowania konwencji turystycznych stały się wzorcem dla tworzących się na badanym obszarze euroregionów. Stanowiły również wzorzec dla władz centralnych podejmujących działania liberalizujące reżim graniczny w latach 90.
Properties of a Mesoscale Convective System in the Context of an Isentropic Analysis
Authors: Mrowiec Agnieszka A. , Pauluis O. M. , Fridlind A. M. , Ackerman A. S.
Published: January 2015

Application of an isentropic analysis of convective motions to a simulated mesoscale convective system is presented. The approach discriminates the vertical mass transport in terms of equivalent potential temperature. The scheme separates rising air at high entropy from subsiding air at low entropy. This also filters out oscillatory motions associated with gravity waves and isolates the overturning motions associated with convection and mesoscale circulation. The mesoscale convective system is additionally partitioned into stratiform and convective regions based on the radar reflectivity field. For each of the subregions, the mass transport derived in terms of height and an isentropic invariant of the flow is analyzed. The difference between the Eulerian mass flux and the isentropic counterpart is a significant and symmetric contribution of the buoyant oscillations to the upward and downward mass fluxes. Filtering out these oscillations results in substantial reduction of the diagnosed downward-to-upward convective mass flux ratio. The analysis is also applied to graupel and snow mixing ratios and number concentrations, illustrating the relationship of the particle formation process to the updrafts.
A Triggering Mechanism for the Indian Ocean Dipoles Independent of ENSO
Authors: Sun Shuangwen , Lan Jian , Fang Yue , Tana  , Gao Xiaoqian
Published: January 2015

Although the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) and ENSO are significantly correlated, there are indeed some IODs independent of ENSO. In this research, the characteristics of independent IOD are investigated and a new triggering mechanism is proposed based on case study and statistical analysis. Results show that the independent IODs peak in an earlier season and have a weaker intensity compared with the IODs associated with ENSO. The wind anomaly associated with the independent IOD is very unique and shows a monsoonlike pattern, in addition to the equatorial easterly wind anomaly (EEWA) common to all IODs. The evolution of the EEWA associated with the independent IOD is well captured by the second EOF mode of the equatorial zonal wind interannual variability, suggesting that the independent IOD is an important climate mode inherent to the tropical Indian Ocean. The EEWA associated with the independent IOD is tightly linked to Indian summer monsoon activities in spring, and the convection anomalies associated with early summer monsoon onset in the Bay of Bengal plays a key role in inducing the EEWA. The EEWA can persist through spring and summer and causes a series of processes similar to those related to the IODs associated with ENSO. The correlation between the independent IOD and Indian summer monsoon activities increases dramatically after the 1980s, which is probably due to the mean state change in the tropical Indian Ocean climate system.
Estimating the Eddy Viscosity Profile from Velocity Spirals in the Ekman Boundary Layer
Authors: Yoshikawa Yutaka , Endoh Takahiro
Published: January 2015

Turbulent mixing induced by tidal currents near the sea bottom plays a key role in coastal and shallow sea environments. Many attempts have been made to quantify turbulent mixing near the seabed, such as velocity microstructure measurements with microstructure profilers and turbulent Reynolds stress measurements using acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs). This study proposes an alternative method in which the Ekman balance equations are solved with measured velocity spirals to estimate the eddy viscosity profile. Three schemes (schemes 1, 2, and 3) are described in this paper; schemes 1 and 2 were used in previous studies, while scheme 3 is newly proposed in the present study. The performance of the three schemes was tested using velocity spirals simulated with an idealized eddy viscosity profile, showing that scheme 2 is useful if the random measurement errors are small, while scheme 3 is useful when the errors in the Ekman balance are small. The performance was also evaluated using measured velocity spirals. This method utilizes velocity measured with standard ADCPs operated in normal modes, allowing for easier and more frequent quantifications of the mixing averaged over longer periods.
Rethinking Multiculturalism After its “Retreat”
Authors: Winter Elke
Published: January 2015

At the beginning of the 21st century, many countries until the 1990s implemented multicultural policies that have backtracked. This article examines how multiculturalism as an idea and normative framework of immigrant integration evolved in Canada, the country that initiated it. Juxtaposing two recent time periods, the 1990s and the early 2000s, I conduct an analysis of dominant media and government discourses, which are interpreted against the backdrop of relevant policy changes. The theoretical framework underlines the relevance of socioethnic leveraging, which takes places as one group is constructed as socially, culturally, or morally more (or less) deviant from the dominant norm than the other. The outcome of leveraging can be fairly integrative. It can also reinforce minority marginalization. The analysis documents the importance of Québécois nationalism for the construction of Canadian multicultural identity in the 1990s and its relative absence during the reinvigoration of an Anglo-Saxon Canadian national core in the following decade. The article concludes that, from a comparative perspective, multiculturalism in Canada remains strong. However, its meaning has changed from being “about us” to being “about them.” Hence, although it was originally meant to be a national identity for all Canadians, it now risks becoming a minority affair. The fact that even in Canada multiculturalism has lost much of its original meaning should serve as a wake-up all. It suggests, among others, that the relationship between the national majority and minority groups need rethinking.
Once, Sometimes, or Always in Special Education
Authors: Schulte Ann C. , Stevens Joseph J.
Published: January 2015

This study used a statewide longitudinal sample to examine mathematics achievement gaps and growth in students with and without disabilities and to examine the impact of different methods of determining disability group membership on achievement gaps and growth. When disability status was determined on the basis of special education placement each year, the achievement gap was larger across grades than when the subgroup of students with disabilities (SWDs) was defined more broadly, including students who had exited special education or who were in special education anytime between Grades 3 and 7. Regardless of the identification criteria, the SWD subgroup showed lower average achievement and slower growth than students without disabilities. The results suggest that the present way of identifying the SWD subgroup in reporting achievement outcomes may be biased and that even students who exit special education continue to be at risk for lower mathematics achievement.
Using Modeling and Simulation to Predict Operator Performance and Automation-Induced Complacency With Robotic Automation
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Sebok Angelia , Li Huiyang , Sarter Nadine , Gacy Andrew M.
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a computational model of the automation complacency effect, as operators work on a robotic arm task, supported by three different degrees of automation.

Background:

Some computational models of complacency in human–automation interaction exist, but those are formed and validated within the context of fairly simplified monitoring failures. This research extends model validation to a much more complex task, so that system designers can establish, without need for human-in-the-loop (HITL) experimentation, merits and shortcomings of different automation degrees.

Method:

We developed a realistic simulation of a space-based robotic arm task that could be carried out with three different levels of trajectory visualization and execution automation support. Using this simulation, we performed HITL testing. Complacency was induced via several trials of correctly performing automation and then was assessed on trials when automation failed. Following a cognitive task analysis of the robotic arm operation, we developed a multicomponent model of the robotic operator and his or her reliance on automation, based in part on visual scanning.

Results:

The comparison of model predictions with empirical results revealed that the model accurately predicted routine performance and predicted the responses to these failures after complacency developed. However, the scanning models do not account for the entire attention allocation effects of complacency.

Applications:

Complacency modeling can provide a useful tool for predicting the effects of different types of imperfect automation. The results from this research suggest that focus should be given to supporting situation awareness in automation development.
The Need for Instructional Sensitivity and Construct Clarity in PACT
Authors: Wilkerson Judy R.
Published: January 2015

This commentary on the article titled “Examining the Internal Structure Evidence for the Performance Assessment for California Teachers: A Validation Study of the Elementary Literacy Teaching Event for Tier 1 Teacher Licensure” provides an overview of Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT), its relationship to edTPA and the construct (domains) measured, a summary of the major findings of the article commented on, a discussion of PACT validity issues and rubrics, and the need for instructionally sensitive and formative assessments. It concludes with recommendations to the State of California that include attention to construct validity, improved rubrics, formative use of the data, and attention to utility as well as validity and reliability.
Development of the four-dimensional Motives for Listening to Music Questionnaire (MLMQ) and associations with health and social issues among adolescents
Authors: Kuntsche Emmanuel , Le Mével Lydie , Berson Irina
Published: January 2015

In order to develop the Motives for Listening to Music Questionnaire (MLMQ) and to confirm its construct and concurrent validity, data from a nationally representative sample of 4,524 adolescents in Switzerland were used. The results confirmed the MLMQ’s four-dimensional factor structure (i.e., social, enhancement, coping and conformity motives) in general and across gender, age and linguistic region. Girls listened to music more frequently for coping, enhancement and social motives than boys. Structural equation modelling confirmed the hypothesized associations between coping motives and health-related outcomes (somatic complaints, aggressive and depressed mood, school pressure, low life satisfaction etc.), between social motives and peer-related activities (spending evenings with friends, bullying others etc.), and between conformity motives and being depressed and a victim of bullying. To conclude, confirming its psychometric qualities, the MLMQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing music motives in adolescent populations. In health care, the MLMQ could be used to identify individuals and to help applying music therapy in accordance with their motives for listening to music.
The Treatment Perspectives of Mentally Ill Offenders in Medium- and High-Secure Forensic Settings in Flanders
Authors: To Wing Ting , Vanheule Stijn , De Smet Stefaan , Vandevelde Stijn
Published: January 2015

There is an increasing interest in mentally ill offenders’ (MIOs) treatment experiences in forensic settings. This study focuses on the treatment perspectives of MIOs in treatment as well as in prison settings in Flanders. Seventeen MIOs were interviewed about the treatment they received. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to derive key themes while acknowledging the individuality of the participants’ experiences. Treatment perspectives of MIOs in both settings revolved around similar themes, including “good” staff and privacy. However, their views differed on two themes: MIOs in treatment settings reported on feelings of lacking control and experiencing too much pressure, whereas MIOs in prison settings reported the opposite. The positive experiences in prison settings may complicate the transition from prison to a forensic treatment setting. The study further underscores the major challenge to create more opportunities for MIOs to meet their needs of self-determination in secure forensic treatment settings.
A point-based variation propagation model for multi-pass machining process
Authors: Yanlong Cao , Bo Li , Jiayan Guan , Jiangxin Yang
Published: January 2015

In a machining process, the workpiece is usually machined by several passes to achieve the desired dimension and form. Workpiece deviation generated in the previous pass will affect the next pass. A new point-based variation propagation model for a single machining process with multi-passes was proposed in this article to investigate the relationships between different passes. The effects of locating errors, geometric errors of machine tool, and tool deflection on workpiece deviation are analyzed. Based on these analyses, a point-based variation propagation model for a machining process with multi-passes was derived. By including the influence of the tool deflection, a linkage between workpiece deviation and the cutting parameters is established. Since different passes are distinguished by their cutting parameters, the relationships between different passes are built up via this model. At the end of this article, case studies were carried out to validate the model and its application in cutting parameters’ optimization.
Automated generation of the computer-aided design model from the system structure for mechanical systems based on systems modeling language
Authors: Fan Hongri , Liu Yusheng , Liu Donghong , Ye Xiaoping
Published: January 2015

The system-level structure model significantly affects the subsequent development process. However, such a model cannot be used directly due to its document-based representation. A significant gap exists between the system-level model and the detailed domain-specific model. The model integration method significantly facilitates the design scenario involving different design phases because it supports tasks such as complexity management and consistency maintenance. However, the automated generation of the computer-aided design model from the systems modeling language-based structure model of the mechanical system is a typical issue. In this study, a meta-model-based approach is proposed to generate the initial computer-aided design model represented by the STEP file from the systems modeling language-based system structure model. A geometry-related system structure modeling method is described, and the triple graph grammar is introduced to transform the systems modeling language model into the EXPRESS model. An automated generation algorithm is proposed to construct the initial computer-aided design model for mechanical systems against the ISO 10303-203 (AP 203) standard by parsing the EXPRESS model. Our approach facilitates model integration and helps reduce the gap between the system-level structure model and the computer-aided design model. This reduction would be beneficial for eliminating misunderstandings between different designers and thus to accelerate the design process. Finally, an example of an engine is provided to illustrate the proposed method.
Resilience trade-offs: addressing multiple scales and temporal aspects of urban resilience
Authors: Chelleri Lorenzo , Waters James J , Olazabal Marta , Minucci Guido
Published: January 2015

The concept of urban resilience has so far been related mainly to climate change adaptation and disaster management perspectives. Here we aim to broaden the discussion by showing how the framework of urban resilience should be related to wider sustainability challenges, including i) climate change and natural hazard threats, ii) unsustainable urban metabolism patterns and iii) increasing social inequalities in cities. Using three case studies (flood risk management in the Dutch polders, urban–rural teleconnections driving the Bolivian quinoa market, and spatial diversity in the adaptive capacity of Kampala slums),(1) we draw out significant insights related to scales and sustainability, which will push urban resilience research forward. The key “move” is to consider both spatial and temporal interactions, in order to shift from the mainstreaming of the resilience-building paradigm toward a critical understanding and management of resilience trade-offs. While urban resilience emerges not necessarily as a normatively positive concept anymore, we argue that addressing multi-scale and temporal aspects of urban resilience will allow greater understanding of global sustainability challenges.
Discursive strategies of blame avoidance in government: A framework for analysis
Authors: Hansson Sten
Published: January 2015

Governments’ policies and actions often precipitate public blame firestorms and mediated scandals targeted at individual or collective policy makers. In the face of losing credibility and resources, officeholders are tempted to apply strategies of blame avoidance which permeate administrative structures, operations and language use. Linguistic aspects of blame avoidance are yet to be studied by discourse analysts in great detail. In this article, I contribute to filling this gap in knowledge by proposing an improved heuristic for understanding typical macroconversational discursive practices adopted by officeholders in the circumstances of blame risk to achieve the goal of positive self-presentation. Based on a multidisciplinary review of scholarly literature, I show how personal and institutional risk aversion involves the application of certain strategies of argumentation, framing, denial, social actor and action representation, legitimation and manipulation. I use concrete textual examples from public statements of UK government officeholders to illustrate how blame avoidance works at the highest level of administration. I argue that to understand blame avoidance as a dominant recurring theme in public communication we should look beyond current linguistic approaches to conflict talk. This could lead to the application of new useful analytic tools within discourse studies and open new avenues of critical research into language use in politics and bureaucratic organisations.
Clinical Experiences With Clients Who Are Low-Income
Authors: Thompson Mindi N. , Nitzarim Rachel S. , Cole Odessa D. , Frost Nickholas D. , Ramirez Stege Alyssa , Vue Pa Tou
Published: January 2015

The experiences of nine licensed mental health practitioners regarding their work with clients from low-income backgrounds were examined utilizing grounded theory methodology. Themes that emerged from the semi-structured interviews highlighted a rich narrative that portrayed the work as both deeply satisfying and inherently complex. Participants described the personal nature of this work, including countertransference elicited because of their own personal economic contexts and emotional reactions experienced within and outside the therapy room. Their stories acknowledged systematic challenges that act as barriers to treatment. Some participants noted that this has contributed to feelings of disillusionment toward the field as well as fears about the future of the mental health care. Based on these findings, we discuss implications for training, future research, and clinical practice.
Decoupling Responsible Management Education
Authors: Rasche Andreas , Gilbert Dirk Ulrich
Published: January 2015

This article examines under what conditions business schools may decouple the structural effects of their engagement in responsible management education from actual organizational practices. We argue that schools may be unable to match rising institutional pressures to publicly commit to responsible management education with their limited internal capacity for change. Our analysis proposes that decoupling is likely if schools (a) are exposed to resource stringency, (b) face overt or covert resistance against change processes, (c) are confronted with competing institutional pressures, and (d) perceive institutional demands as ambiguous. We discuss two implications of this proposition. On one hand, decoupling can cause dissonant legitimacy perceptions, leading to cynicism around responsible management education within business schools. On the other hand, a temporary inconsistency between talk and action may help schools to articulate future ambitions for responsible management education, which, over time, could inspire recoupling effects.
Cigarette Smoking Increases Complication Rate in Forefoot Surgery
Authors: Bettin Clayton C. , Gower Kellen , McCormick Kelly , Wan Jim Y. , Ishikawa Susan N. , Richardson David R. , Murphy G. Andrew
Published: January 2015

Background:

Cigarette smoking is known to increase perioperative complication rates, but no study to date has examined its effect specifically in forefoot surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cigarette smoking increased complications after forefoot surgery.

Methods:

The records of 602 patients who had forefoot surgery between 2008 and 2010, and for whom smoking status was known, were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on smoking status: active smoker, smoker in the past, or nonsmoker. Medical records were reviewed for occurrence of complications, including nonunion, delayed union, delayed wound healing, infection, and persistent pain.

Results:

Active smokers were found to have a notably higher complication rate (36.4%) after forefoot surgery than patients who previously (16.5%) or never (8.5%) smoked. Patients who continued to smoke in the perioperative period had the highest percentage of delayed union (3.0%), infection (9.1%), delayed wound healing (10.6%), and persistent pain (15.2%). Active cigarette smokers were 4.3 times more likely to have a complication than nonsmokers. Patients who smoked at any point in the past but quit prior to surgery were 1.9 times more likely than nonsmokers to incur a complication. The average time of smoking cessation for patients who had smoked at any point in the past but had quit prior to surgery was 17 years. For active smokers, those with a complication smoked an average of 18 cigarettes daily, while those without a complication smoked 14 cigarettes daily.

Conclusions:

Before forefoot surgery, surgeons should educate patients who smoke about their increased risk of complications and encourage smoking cessation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Sensory integration balance training in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Gandolfi Marialuisa , Munari Daniele , Geroin Christian , Gajofatto Alberto , Benedetti Maria Donata , Midiri Alessandro , Carla Fontana , Picelli Alessandro , Waldner Andreas , Smania Nicola
Published: January 2015

Background:

Impaired sensory integration contributes to balance disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to compare the effects of sensory integration balance training against conventional rehabilitation on balance disorders, the level of balance confidence perceived, quality of life, fatigue, frequency of falls, and sensory integration processing on a large sample of patients with MS.

Methods:

This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial involved 80 outpatients with MS (EDSS: 1.5–6.0) and subjective symptoms of balance disorders. The experimental group ( n = 39) received specific training to improve central integration of afferent sensory inputs; the control group ( n = 41) received conventional rehabilitation (15 treatment sessions of 50 minutes each). Before, after treatment, and at one month post-treatment, patients were evaluated by a blinded rater using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), number of falls and the Sensory Organization Balance Test (SOT).

Results:

The experimental training program produced greater improvements than the control group training on the BBS ( p < 0.001), the FSS ( p < 0.002), number of falls ( p = 0.002) and SOT ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Specific training to improve central integration of afferent sensory inputs may ameliorate balance disorders in patients with MS. Clinical Trial Registration (NCT01040117).
Long-term safety and efficacy of dalfampridine for walking impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: Results of open-label extensions of two Phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Goodman Andrew D , Bethoux Francois , Brown Theodore R , Schapiro Randall T , Cohen Ron , Marinucci Lawrence N , Henney Herbert R , Blight Andrew R ,   on behalf of the MS-F203, MS-F204, and Extension Study Investigators, Agius M , Arnason BGW , Bethoux FA , Bever CT , Bowen JD , Brown TR , Dietrich DW , Edwards K , Freedman MS , Freedman M , Kachuck NJ , Kaufman MD , Keilson M , Khan O , Krupp LB , Leist TP , Lindsey JW , Lublin FD , Mass MK , Mattson D , McGowan D , Naismith R , O’Connell C , Oger JJ , Panitch H , Picone MA , Rammohan KW , Schapiro RT , Schwid SR , Scott T , Short C , Thrower BW , Vollmer TL , Camac A , Cooper JA , Chumley WF , Cross A , Dunnigan RT , Gitt JS , Hillen M , Jeffrey DR , Khatri BO , Kresa-Reahl K , Moon S , Preiningerova J , Tullman M , Weinstock-Guttman B , Wynn DR
Published: January 2015

Background:

In Phase 3 double-blind trials (MS-F203 and MS-F204), dalfampridine extended release tablets 10 mg twice daily (dalfampridine-ER; prolonged-release fampridine in Europe; fampridine modified or sustained release elsewhere) improved walking speed relative to placebo in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

Evaluation of long-term safety and efficacy of dalfampridine-ER in open-label extensions (MS-F203EXT, MS-F204EXT).

Methods:

Patients received dalfampridine-ER 10 mg twice daily; and had Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) assessments at 2, 14 and 26 weeks, and then every 6 months. Subjects were categorized as dalfampridine-ER responders or non-responders, based on their treatment response in the double-blind parent trials that assessed T25FW.

Results:

We had 269 patients enter MS-F203EXT and 154 patients complete it; for a maximum exposure of 5 years. We had 214 patients enter MS-F204EXT and 146 complete it; for a maximum exposure of 3.3 years. No new safety signals emerged and dalfampridine-ER tolerability was consistent with the double-blind phase. Improvements in walking speed were lost after dalfampridine-ER was discontinued in the parent trial, but returned by the 2-week assessment after re-initiation of the drug. Throughout the extensions, mean improvement in walking speed declined, but remained improved, among the double-blind responders as compared with non-responders.

Conclusions:

The dalfamipridine-ER safety profile was consistent with the parent trials. Although walking speed decreased over time, dalfampridine-ER responders continued to show improved walking speed, which was sustained compared with non-responders.
The role of self-concept in cross-cultural communication
Authors: Pekerti Andre A , Thomas David C
Published: January 2015

Empirical evidence supports the notion that communication behaviors in intercultural encounters are effectively extensions of cultural values as well as epistemologies. Study 1 established communication behaviors of Asians and New Zealanders (NZs) as consistent with vertical collectivism and horizontal individualism, respectively. In particular, argumentativeness is positively related to independent self-construal (SC) and negatively related to interdependent SC. This supports Markus and Kitayama’s SC theory. Study 2 showed that NZs exhibited more idiocentric and argumentative behavior, while Asians displayed more sociocentric and less argumentative behavior during two actual interactions; specifically, participants diverged in their communication styles to be more consistent with their cultural values during intercultural interactions. Analyses of decision outcomes provide support that culture moderates cognitive consistency behaviors such that NZs exhibited more inconsistency-reduction behaviors, which is rooted in adherence to noncontradiction. In contrast, Asians exhibited more inconsistency-support behaviors, suggesting that naive dialecticism rooted in acceptance of contradiction is customary in Asian social interaction.