bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family therapy and fundamentalism: One family therapist’s exploration of ethics and collaboration with religious fundamentalist families
Authors: Sherbersky Hannah
Published: December 2015

What are the therapeutic limitations of systemic psychotherapy when working with families who hold religious fundamentalist beliefs? At a time of debate about religious fundamentalism, terrorism and radicalisation, where do family therapists position themselves when confronted by extreme beliefs in the therapy room? Research suggests that the increase in modernity within our society equates not just with an increase in secularisation, but rather an increase in pluralism. Contemporary models of family therapy pay explicit attention to issues of gender, culture, ethnicity, discrimination and societal contexts. The author, therefore, proposes that family therapists need to examine their position regarding religious fundamentalism in relation to the social constructionist relativist continuum and engage with uncomfortable questions about whether they believe that fundamentalism has essentially pathological roots. This article will explore whether the dualist position within some religious movements set against a more secular psychotherapeutic and psychiatric cultural milieu can invite a fundamentalised response from clinicians. The author draws on her own work with families who hold religious fundamentalist beliefs and enquires about ethics, transparency and collaboration within family therapy practice. This article invites complex ongoing challenging questions and debate.
Effect of injection timing on combustion, performance and emissions of lean-burn syngas (H2/CO) in spark-ignition direct-injection engine
Authors: Hagos Ftwi Yohaness , Aziz Abd Rashid A , Sulaiman Shaharin A
Published: December 2015

This article is aimed at exploring syngas as an alternative fuel for the modern gas engines. It presents the experimental results on the effect of start of injection on combustion, performance and emissions of a direct-injection spark-ignition engine powered by syngas of H2/CO composition. The engine was operated with wide open throttle at minimum advance to achieve maximum brake torque. Two different start of injections were selected to represent before and after inlet valve closing and the excess air ratio (λ) was set at 2.3. The engine operation at start of injection = 120° before top dead center was found to be best for combustion and performance at speed up to 2100 r/min. At engine speed higher than 2100 r/min, this start of injection does not permit maximum performance due to injection duration limitation. Hence, early injection at start of injection = 180° before top dead center was adopted at higher speed with better combustion and performance. Therefore, best performance of syngas in direct-injection spark-ignition engine could be attained by setting start of injection at 120° before top dead center for lower speeds and at 180° before top dead center for speed greater than 2100 r/min. Even though fast combustion of syngas suggested late injection for better combustion, performance and emissions, its lower calorific value resulted in operational limitations for direct-injection system particularly at higher speeds maintaining air–fuel ratio close to the stoichiometry.
Starting out: New migrants’ socio-cultural integration trajectories in four European destinations
Authors: Diehl Claudia , Lubbers Marcel , Mühlau Peter , Platt Lucinda
Published: December 2015

Migration trends are highly dynamic and the recent period has seen a transformation of migration to Europe. Studies of existing migrant stocks provide only limited information on these new migration flows and their implications for receiving societies. In the Norface-funded SCIP project (‘Socio-cultural integration processes among New Immigrants in Europe’), about 8000 recent migrants to four European destinations were surveyed soon after their arrival with many re-interviewed about 1.5 years later. The goal of the project was to obtain a more complete picture of integration processes in Europe and of the role of individual traits, group characteristics and reception contexts.

SCIP data shed light on a highly dynamic phase in migrants’ integration that has important implications for what happens later in the adaptation process. Furthermore, these data reveal the extent to which differences in integration patterns are apparent from the very beginning of migrants’ stay or evolve over time. The SCIP project is comparative on the group and country level and thus helps to clarify whether country-specific integration patterns reflect characteristics of host country institutions and their ethnic boundaries – or can be attributed to the particularities of the immigrants these countries attract.

This special issue demonstrates the potential of the data for addressing such questions, fundamental to our understanding of current and future migrant integration by bringing together six articles that tackle migrants' early adaptation, for example their language acquisition, the role of religiosity in finding a job, group differences in identification and acculturation, and experiences of discrimination across contexts. It also gives an insight into some limitations of the data set, describes the methodological challenges and possibilities in using it, and aims to inspire further research based on this unique data source.
The meaning of slow nursing in dementia care
Authors: Lillekroken Daniela , Hauge Solveig , Slettebø Åshild
Published: December 2015

Research literature in the dementia field lacks examples of ‘best-practices’ demonstrating concretely how it is possible to support the sense of coherence in people with dementia. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the nurses’ views concerning a caring approach that may support the sense of coherence in people with dementia. The data were collected through participant observation and focus group interviews during a four-month period in 2011. Sixteen registered nurses recruited from two Norwegian nursing homes participated in this study. The data were interpreted using a phenomenological-hermeneutical method. Three themes were identified: ‘being in the moment’, ‘doing one thing at a time’, and ‘creating joy and contentment’. An overall interpretation of these themes is described by the metaphor ‘slow nursing’, a caring approach that may lead to supporting the sense of coherence in people with dementia.
Mating and Memory
Authors: Baker Michael D. , Sloan H. Nicole , Hall Alexandra D. , Leo Jennifer , Maner Jon K.
Published: December 2015

The literature on sexual selection and the social brain hypothesis suggest that human cognition and communication evolved, in part, for the purpose of displaying desirable cognitive abilities to potential mates. An evolutionary approach to social cognition implies that proximate mating motives may lead people to display desirable mental traits. In signaling such traits, one can increase the likelihood of attracting a potential mate. Two experiments demonstrated that exposure to mating cues—highly attractive opposite-sex faces—led people to display enhancements in declarative memory—a process underlying a variety of abilities such as resource acquisition, intelligence, and creativity. Experiment 1 showed that men (but not women) displayed enhanced memory for details of a story that was presented during exposure to highly attractive opposite-sex faces. Experiment 2 demonstrated that heightened displays of declarative memory reflect an enhancement in retrieval rather than in encoding. Findings contribute to the literatures on human mating and cognitive performance and provide novel insight into links between social processes and basic cognition.
Guiding principles for indigenous research practices
Authors: Snow Kevin C , Hays Danica G , Caliwagan Guia , Ford David J , Mariotti Davide , Mwendwa Joy Maweu , Scott Wendy E
Published: December 2015

Based upon expansions of indigenous research methodologies in the literature, researchers are encouraged to understand indigenous research conceptualization and implementation within various communities. The purpose of this review is to outline six tenets or principles that are intended to engage researchers in practices that privilege the voices and goals of indigenous populations: indigenous identity development; indigenous paradigmatic lens; reflexivity and power sharing; critical immersion; participation and accountability; and methodological flexibility. Future research directions for expanding and operationalizing principles of indigenous research practices are also provided.
Factors Affecting Penetration of Ciprofloxacin in Lower Extremity Ischemic Tissues
Authors: Vella Janis , Vella Maria , Cassar Kevin , Camilleri Liberato , Serracino-Inglott Anthony , Azzopardi Lilian M. , LaFerla Godfrey
Published: December 2015

The aims of this study were to evaluate factors influencing the distribution of ciprofloxacin in tissue of patients suffering from varying degrees of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Blood and tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing debridement or amputation procedures and the amount of ciprofloxacin in them was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. All patients were administered a 200-mg dose of intravenous ciprofloxacin prior to the debridement or amputation procedure. Data, including patient gender, age, type of diabetes, presence of neuropathy, medications taken, and severity of PAD were collected. These data were then analyzed to determine factors influencing the concentrations of ciprofloxacin in tissue of the lower limbs. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and chi-square test were used to relate covariates and fixed factors with the concentration of ciprofloxacin in tissue. Following bivariate analysis, a 3-predictor regression model was fitted to predict tissue concentrations of ciprofloxacin given information about these predictors. Blood and tissue samples were collected from 50 patients having an average age of 68 years. Thirty-three patients were males and 35 patients suffered from type 2 diabetes. The average number of medications that these patients were taking was 10. The majority of patients (n = 35) were suffering from severe PAD. Tissue concentrations of ciprofloxacin were mainly related to plasma concentrations of ciprofloxacin, number of medications that the patients were taking and severity of PAD.
Osteoporosis-Related Health Behaviors in Men With Prostate Cancer and Survivors
Authors: Lassemillante Annie-Claude M. , Skinner Tina L. , Hooper John D. , Prins John B. , Wright Olivia R. L.
Published: December 2015

This descriptive study aimed to (a) determine the extent of osteoporosis knowledge, perceived health beliefs, and self-efficacy with bone healthy behaviors in men with prostate cancer and survivors and (b) identify how dietary bone healthy behaviors are associated with these psychobehavioral and psychosocial factors. Three different questionnaires were used to measure osteoporosis knowledge, health beliefs, and self-efficacy in a group of men with prostate cancer and survivors. Bone health was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and calcium intake using a diet history. The prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass was high at over 70%. Participants had inadequate osteoporosis knowledge with a mean score of 43.3% ( SD = 18%) on the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz. Participants scored low on the subscale measuring barriers to exercise (median = 11; interquartile range [IQR] = 6.5), indicating minimal barriers to exercise participation, and the subscale measuring the benefits of exercise scored the highest (median = 24; IQR = 3.5) compared with the other subscales. Men with prostate cancer and survivors were highly confident in their exercise and calcium self-efficacy (83.0%, IQR = 24.0% and 85.7%, IQR = 27.0%, respectively). Participants did not meet their calcium requirements or consume enough dairy products for optimum bone health. Men with prostate cancer and survivors have poor osteoporosis knowledge, but are confident in their self-efficacy of undertaking bone healthy behaviors. This confidence did not translate to specific dietary behaviors as they did not meet their calcium or dairy intake requirements. Implications for cancer survivors is that there is a need for bone health education programs among prostate cancer survivors. These programs should go beyond education and empowerment to provide practical guidance to maximize uptake of bone healthy behaviors.
Management of epilepsy during pregnancy: an update
Authors: Patel Sima I. , Pennell Page B.
Published: December 2015

The clinical management of women with epilepsy on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy presents unique challenges. The goal of treatment is optimal seizure control with minimal in utero fetal exposure to AEDs in an effort to reduce the risk of structural and neurodevelopmental teratogenic effects. This paper reviews the following key issues pertaining to women with epilepsy during pregnancy: AED pharmacokinetics; clinical management of AEDs; seizure frequency; major congenital malformation; neurodevelopmental outcomes; perinatal complications; and breast feeding.
Examining the Impact of Consumer Innovativeness and Innovative Restaurant Image in Upscale Restaurants
Authors: Jin Naehyun (Paul) , Line Nathaniel D. , Merkebu Jerusalem
Published: December 2015

Long-term customer retention in the upscale restaurant industry requires successful management of postconsumption service evaluations. The purpose of this research is to identify drivers of price fairness and postconsumption behavioral intentions within the context of upscale/fine dining restaurant patronage. Specifically, this study identifies the dual roles of consumer innovation and restaurant image as drivers of price fairness and behavioral intentions. Based on a review of the literature, a construct nomology was proposed. The model was then tested using data collected from a sample of upscale restaurant patrons residing in the United States. Results of a structural equation analysis suggest, for innovative consumers, the perception that a restaurant is likewise innovative results in increased perceptions of price fairness and positive postconsumption behavioral intention. Innovative customers, grateful to the restaurant for having their needs for novelty satisfied, were more likely to perceive prices as fair and were more likely to report positive behavioral intentions. The academic and managerial implications of these findings are considered.
Effects of Customer Participation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs on the CSR-Brand Fit and Brand Loyalty
Authors: Cha Moon-Kyung , Yi Youjae , Bagozzi Richard P.
Published: December 2015

This paper reports the findings of a study on the effects of corporate social responsibility–brand fit (CSR-brand fit) on service brand loyalty via brand identification in a brand coffee shop industry. The authors also examine how customer participation in a firm’s CSR activities strengthens the formation of service brand loyalty. Using structural equation analysis, the proposed model was tested with 237 actual customers of brand coffee shops. The results indicate that CSR-brand fit strengthens both personal and social brand identification, which in turn increase consumers’ service brand loyalty. The results also indicate that personal identification has a larger influence on service brand loyalty than social identification does. The greater effect for personal versus social identification occurs when customers participate in companies’ CSR activities. This study deepens our understanding of the link between CSR-brand fit and loyalty via personal and social identification. The research is also the first to examine how customers’ active participation in CSR activities influences the process of loyalty formation.
Effectiveness of long-acting antipsychotics in clinical practice : 1. A retrospective, 18-month follow up and comparison between paliperidone palmitate, risperidone long-acting injection and zuclopenthixol decanoate
Authors: Cordiner Matthew , Shajahan Polash , McAvoy Sarah , Bashir Muhammad , Taylor Mark
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

In the UK, nine different compounds are available as long-acting antipsychotic injections (LAIs). There are few clinical guidelines for determining which LAIs are most effective in specific patient groups. To measure the clinical effectiveness of LAIs we aimed to determine the now-established concept of antipsychotic discontinuation rates and measure Clinical Global Impression (CGI) outcomes.

Method:

The population ( n was approximately 560,000) was a secondary care NHS adult mental health service in Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK. This was a retrospective, electronic case note search of LAI-naïve patients commenced on paliperidone palmitate ( n = 31), risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) ( n = 102) or zuclopenthixol decanoate ( n = 105), with an 18-month follow up. Kaplan–Meier survival statistics for discontinuation rates and hospital admission were calculated. CGI severity and improvement scores were retrospectively assigned by the investigating team.

Results:

Paliperidone palmitate performed less favourably than risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) or zuclopenthixol decanoate. Paliperidone palmitate had higher discontinuation rates due to any cause, inefficacy and increased hospitalization risk. Paliperidone palmitate had the smallest proportion of patients assigned a clinically desirable CGI-I score of 1 (very much improved) or 2 (much improved).

Conclusions:

Paliperidone palmitate had less favourable discontinuation and CGI outcomes compared with RLAI and zuclopenthixol decanoate. This could not be adequately explained by patients in the paliperidone group being more chronically or severely unwell, nor by the presence of comorbidities such as alcohol or substance misuse, or by the use of lower mean dosages compared with RLAI or zuclopenthixol decanoate. We considered that prescribers are familiarizing themselves with paliperidone and outcomes may improve over time.
Continuing clozapine treatment with lithium in schizophrenic patients with neutropenia or leukopenia: brief review of literature with case reports
Authors: Aydin Memduha , Ilhan Bilge Cetin , Calisir Saliha , Yildirim Seda , Eren Ibrahim
Published: December 2015

Objective:

Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Despite its effectiveness, clozapine is largely underused due to serious side effects such as leukopenia or neutropenia. We aimed to review whether to continue, discontinue or rechallenge clozapine treatment after such haematological side effects.

Methods:

We reviewed and summarized the literature on the use of clozapine, how to deal with its side effects, and suitable options in case of any haematological problems. Then, we described several cases successfully treated with clozapine and lithium after development of neutropenia or leukopenia

Results:

We present three patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. While they had demonstrated poor response to multiple antipsychotic trials, clozapine was started. Clozapine induced neutropenia; or leukopenia developed in some cases that was successfully reversed after lithium onset. Increased serious side effects related with coprescription of lithium and clozapine were not observed.

Conclusion:

Lithium increases neutrophil and total white blood cell count as a side effect that may be useful in patients who develop neutropenia or leukopenia while being treated with clozapine.
Mind the gap: A review of simulation designs for Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Rohlfing Ingo
Published: December 2015

In a simulation-based analysis of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), Krogslund et al. (2015) conclude that its performance is suboptimal in several settings. I review their simulation setups and discuss three errors that were made in their analysis. First, the simulations involving inclusion thresholds are overpowered based on a misunderstanding of their role in truth table analyses. Second, the fact that a truth table analysis could exhibit model ambiguity and yield more than one model is ignored. If multiple models are derived from a truth table and they are combined into one, one overestimates the complexity of the models and underestimates their number, making it impossible to retrieve the target model of the simulation. Third, the simulations on the consequences of including irrelevant conditions intermingle sensitivity to overfitting with sensitivity to varying the inclusion thresholds. A reconsideration of KCP’s simulations correcting for the errors confirms some of their findings, but also reveals that some of those errors lead to an underestimation of QCA’s robustness. On a broader level, the review underscores that simulations are useful for the evaluation of QCA, but that simulation designs need to match QCA’s mechanics and principles to produce valid conclusions about its performance.
Trichomonosis in cats with diarrhoea in Hong Kong, China, between 2009 and 2014
Authors: Köster Liza S , Chow Carla , Yao Chaoqun
Published: December 2015

Case series summary

Infection of the domestic cat by Tritrichomonas blagburni, previously referred to as T foetus, may lead to a disease called feline trichomonosis, which manifests clinically as large bowel diarrhoea. The disease has a wide geographical distribution, including numerous countries in Europe, North America and Australia/Oceania. Nevertheless, it has occasionally been reported in Asia, South Korea and Japan. A retrospective study was carried out to include all domestic cats with diarrhoea, presented to two veterinary clinics in Hong Kong, China, between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2014. A total of 29 cats with diarrhoea were diagnosed with Tritrichomonas species infection by means of quantitative PCR and direct microscopy. Tritrichomonas species was more frequently found in young (median age 10 months), male (66%) and purebred cats (86%). Giardia species was found in 31% of Tritrichomonas species-positive cats. The recommended dose of ronidazole (30 mg/kg q24h for 14 days) resolved clinical signs in 83% of diagnosed cats.

Relevance and novel information

This case series describes Tritrichomonas species as a cause for feline chronic diarrhoea in cats in China. The high rate of failure (17%) in those cats receiving a standard regimen of ronidazole might be due to owner or patient compliance rather than protozoal resistance to the drug.
Surgical resolution of an oesophageal duplication cyst causing regurgitation in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Doran Ivan CP , Dawson Lou J , Costa Marta
Published: December 2015

Case summary

An 18-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of a 6 month period of regurgitation. Contrast radiography indicated an intramural oesophageal structure. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the area retrieved viscous fluid containing high numbers of squamous epithelial cells. Computed tomography disclosed a thin-walled contrast-enhancing structure containing non-enhancing homogenous contents. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed an intramural cystic oesophageal structure, which was resected. Histopathological analysis of the resected tissue demonstrated an intramural oesophageal duplication cyst. A 12 month follow-up period has seen complete resolution of the cat’s clinical signs.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report of successful oesophageal duplication cyst removal in a cat. Oesophageal duplication cysts should be included on the differential list for dysphagia and regurgitation in cats. Complete surgical removal in this cat carried a good long-term outcome.
Disseminated Peripheral Mycotic Aneurysms and Septic Embolizations Related to an Infected Stent Deployed for Restenosis of Surgically Repaired Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Koray Ak , Akalın Figen , Şaylan Çevik Berna , İsbir Selim , Arsan Sinan
Published: December 2015

Percutaneous treatment of supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) by means of balloon dilation and stent deployment has been rarely reported in the literature. In this report, we present the case of a patient with mycotic aneurysms, disseminated peripheral and cerebral septic embolizations, and infected vegetations associated with a stent that had previously been deployed to treat restenosis of surgically corrected SVAS in the infancy.
Clinical Issues and Controversies in Heart Failure and Transplantation
Authors: Rossano Joseph W. , Hoffman Timothy M. , Jefferies John L. , Lorts Angela , Kirsch Roxanne E. , Thiagarajan Ravi R.
Published: December 2015

Heart failure is a common problem among children admitted in the intensive care unit and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As such, the 2014 meeting of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society included a session on Clinical Controversies in Heart Failure and Transplantation. This review contains the summaries of the podium presentations of this session and will cover some of the challenging aspects of caring for these patients including medical and mechanical support, fluid overload states, high-risk populations including those after heart transplantation, and end-of-life considerations.
Vasoactive Drugs and Hemodynamic Monitoring in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care
Authors: Rizza Alessandra , Bignami Elena , Belletti Alessandro , Polito Angelo , Ricci Zaccaria , Isgrò Giuseppe , Locatelli Alessandro , Cogo Paola
Published: December 2015

Background:

Little is known about practitioner preference, the availability of technology, and variability in practice with respect to hemodynamic monitoring and vasoactive drug use after congenital heart surgery. The aim of this study was to characterize current hospital practices related to the management of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) across Italy.

Methods:

We issued a 22-item questionnaire to 14 Italian hospitals performing pediatric cardiac surgery.

Results:

Electrocardiogram, invasive blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulse oximetry, diuresis, body temperature, arterial lactate, and blood gas analysis were identified as routine in hemodynamic monitoring. With regard to advanced hemodynamic monitoring, pulmonary arterial catheter and transpulmonary thermodilution were available in 43% of the centers, uncalibrated pulse contour methods in 29% of the centers, and transesophageal/transthoracic echocardiograms in all of the centers. Dopamine added to milrinone was the most frequent drug regimen for LCOS prevention after cardiopulmonary bypass. Overall, 86% of centers used milrinone alone as the initial treatment for LCOS with elevated systemic vascular resistances and levosimendan, the second preferred choice. In cases of LCOS with low vascular resistance, epinephrine was the first choice (10 centers), dopamine was the second choice (4 centers), followed by vasopressin and norepinephrine (3 centers). For treatment of LCOS with elevated pulmonary resistances, milrinone was the first choice (eight centers), followed by inhaled nitric oxide (five centers).

Conclusions:

The survey shows that advanced hemodynamic monitoring is rarely performed. The most commonly used vasoactive drugs are milrinone, levosimendan, dopamine, epinephrine, vasopressin, and norepinephrine. Guidelines on the topic are warranted.
Nicardipine for Hypertension Following Aortic Coarctectomy or Superior Cavopulmonary Anastomosis
Authors: Mastropietro Christopher W. , Arango Uribe Diego
Published: December 2015

Background:

Literature on the use of nicardipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, in children recovering from cardiac surgery is sparse and, to our knowledge, nonexistent in children with single ventricle anatomy. We aimed to report our experience with nicardipine in these patient populations.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of children recovering from aortic coarctectomy or superior cavopulmonary anastomoses who received nicardipine for hypertension at our institution between 2007 and 2013. Hemodynamic variables prior to and after nicardipine initiation were compared using paired t tests.

Results:

Seven children recovering from aortic coarctectomy (median age 8.6 months, range: 1.5 months-7.9 years) and four children recovering from superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (median age: seven months, range: five-nine months) were reviewed. For all patients, at six hours after initiation of nicardipine, mean systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased, 123 ± 19 versus 103 ± 14 mm Hg ( P = .001), as were diastolic blood pressure, 68 ± 20 versus 53.5 ± 10 mm Hg ( P = .041), and sodium nitroprusside dose, 4.3 ± 2.9 versus 1.3 ± 1.7 mcg/kg/min ( P = .002). Further, within 24 hours, serum lactate decreased from 1.45 ± 0.82 to 0.81 ± 0.29 mg/dL ( P = .016). Heart rate, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine measurements were statistically unchanged.

Conclusions:

Nicardipine effectively decreased blood pressure without apparent adverse events in a small cohort of children with postoperative hypertension while recovering from aortic coarctectomy or superior cavopulmonary anastomosis. Further research comparing nicardipine to more conventional titratable antihypertensive agents in these patient populations is warranted.
Training Pathways in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care
Authors: Anand Vijay , Kwiatkowski David M. , Ghanayem Nancy S. , Axelrod David M. , DiNardo James , Klugman Darren , Krishnamurthy Ganga , Siehr Stephanie , Stromberg Daniel , Yates Andrew R. , Roth Stephen J. , Cooper David S.
Published: December 2015

The increase in pediatric cardiac surgical procedures and establishment of the practice of pediatric cardiac intensive care has created the need for physicians with advanced and specialized knowledge and training. Current training pathways to become a pediatric cardiac intensivist have a great deal of variability and have unique strengths and weaknesses with influences from critical care, cardiology, neonatology, anesthesiology, and cardiac surgery. Such variability has created much confusion among trainees looking to pursue a career in our specialized field. This is a report with perspectives from the most common advanced fellowship training pathways taken to become a pediatric cardiac intensivist as well as various related topics including scholarship, qualifications, and credentialing.
Reversible Closure of the Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Pozzi Marco , Quarti Andrea , Iezzi Federica
Published: December 2015

There are cases in which ligation of the ductus arteriosus is part of a palliative or reparative procedure where the opportunity to reopen the ductus in the early period after surgery could be beneficial. This applies, particularly, to patients with borderline left ventricle in whom a biventricular repair is performed or in small babies in whom a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt is performed, particularly when a very small polytetrafluoroethylene graft is used. Conventional ductal ligation is generally irreversible. We describe a technique of ductal closure that allows easy reopening of the duct in the early postoperative period.
Complexity of the Paradigms Present in Quality Criteria of Qualitative Research Grids
Authors: Santiago-Delefosse Marie , Bruchez Christine , Gavin Amaelle , Stephen Sarah Lilian , Roux Pauline
Published: December 2015

With qualitative methods being increasingly used in health science fields, numerous grids proposing criteria to evaluate the quality of this type of research have been produced. Expert evaluators deem that there is a lack of consensual tools to evaluate qualitative research. Based on the review of 133 quality criteria grids for qualitative research in health sciences, the authors present the results of a computerized lexicometric analysis, which confirms the variety of intra- and inter-grid constructions, including within the same field. This variety is linked to the authors’ paradigmatic references underlying the criteria proposed. These references seem to be built intuitively, reflecting internal representations of qualitative research, thus making the grids and their criteria hard to compare. Consequently, the consensus on the definitions and the number of criteria becomes problematic. The paradigmatic and theoretical references of the grids should be specified so that users could better assess their contributions and limitations.
Media Event, Racial Ramblings, or Both? An Analysis of Media Coverage of the Tamworth Council Sudanese Refugees Resettlement Case (2006)
Authors: Kwansah-Aidoo Kwamena , Mapedzahama Virginia
Published: December 2015

This article presents our analysis of Australian media reporting of the 2006 Tamworth City Council’s decision to refuse the resettlement of five Sudanese families in Tamworth (NSW) and subsequent reversal, supposedly due to the pressure brought to bear on the council as a result of the media “hype.” The question at the core of our analyses is as follows: Did the media play a role in the over-(re)presentation of this case as racist or was it just a case of the media reporting racism? Informed by media framing theory, we examine print media reports for patterns of presentation as well as representations of both the council and the refugees who were the focus of the reporting. We conclude that while the media played a significant role in making visible a case built on racial stereotypes, their reporting also contained racializing and paternalistic stereotyping that contribute to the reproduction of both everyday and systemic racism.
Capital Matters
Authors: Mabeya Danvas Ogeto
Published: December 2015

This article investigates accrual, role, and impact of social capital of the southern Sudanese formerly known as the Sudanese refugee Lost Boys living in the greater Kansas City area. Since their resettlement in the United States in 2000, Sudan has seen a dramatic transition in its long geo-political conflict since its independence in 1956 ending up in cessation of the south from the north. This cessation has created the newest country in the world (South Sudan). Simultaneously, a group of refugee Boys commonly known as the Lost Boys of Sudan has renounced being called so. Instead, they prefer being called “South Sudanese.” The study uses semi-structured interviews to assess the degree of social capital of each refugee participant relative to types of “capital” valued in mainstream American society. An adjunct inquiry is finding what type of social capital endured by each of these Boys played a key role in helping them cope/integrate into American mainstream society.
Assessing Spoken EFL Without a Common Rating Scale
Authors: Bøhn Henrik
Published: December 2015

This study investigated teacher cognition and behavior in a high-stakes, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) school context where no common rating scale exists. 24 EFL teachers at the upper secondary level in Norway were asked to rate the performance of a student taking her oral English exam and to give an account of what kind of performance aspects they pay attention to in the rating process. The study showed that while the raters had the same general ideas of the constructs to be assessed, there were differences in how they perceived the relative importance of these constructs, particularly as regards topical knowledge. The study has implications for language teaching and assessment practices at the intermediate to upper-intermediate levels (Common European Framework of Reference, level B1/B2), particularly with regard to the role of topical knowledge.
Incremental Beliefs About Ability Ameliorate Self-Doubt Effects
Authors: Zhao Qin , Wichman Aaron
Published: December 2015

Past research has typically shown negative effects of self-doubt on performance and psychological well-being. We suggest that these self-doubt effects largely may be due to an underlying assumption that ability is innate and fixed. The present research investigated the main hypothesis that incremental beliefs about ability might ameliorate negative effects of self-doubt. We examined our hypotheses using two lab tasks: verbal reasoning and anagram tasks. Participants’ self-doubt was measured and beliefs about ability were measured after participants read articles advocating either for incremental or entity theories of ability. American College Testing (ACT) scores were obtained to index actual ability level. Consistent with our hypothesis, for participants who believed ability was relatively fixed, higher self-doubt was associated with increased negative affect and lower task performance and engagement. In contrast, for participants who believed that ability was malleable, negative self-doubt effects were ameliorated; self-doubt was even associated with better task performance. These effects were further moderated by participants’ academic ability. These findings suggest that mind-sets about ability moderate self-doubt effects. Self-doubt may have negative effects only when it is interpreted as signaling that ability is immutably low.
Reversibility in radionuclide/bentonite bulk and colloidal ternary systems
Authors: Sherriff Nick , Issa Ragiab , Morris Katherine , Livens Francis , Heath Sarah , Bryan Nick
Published: December 2015

Ternary systems of 152Eu(III), bulk bentonite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) ([Eu] = 7.9 × 10–10 M; pH = 6.0–7.0) have been studied. Without EDTA, there was slow uptake in a two-stage process, with initial rapid sorption of Eu(III) (96%), followed by slower uptake of a much smaller fraction (3.0% over a period of one month). The reversibility of Eu(III) binding was tested by allowing Eu(III) to sorb to bentonite for 1–322 days. EDTA was added to the pre-equilibrated Eu bentonite systems at 0.01 M, a concentration that was sufficient to suppress sorption in a system where EDTA was present prior to the contact of Eu(III) with bentonite. A fraction of the Eu was released instantaneously (30–50%), but a significant amount remained bound. With time, the amount of Eu(III) retained by the bentonite reduced, with a slow fraction dissociation rate constant of approximately 4.3 × 10–8 s–1 (values in the range 2.2 × 10–8 – 1.0 × 10–7 s–1) for pre-equilibration times ≥7 days. Eventually, the amount of Eu(III) remaining bound to the bentonite was within error of that when EDTA was present prior to contact (4.5% ± 0.6), although in systems with pre-equilibration times >100 days, full release took up to 500 days. Europium interactions with colloidal bentonite were also studied, and the dissociation rate constant measured by a resin competition method. For the colloids, more Eu was found in the slowly dissociating fraction (60–70%), but the first-order dissociation rate constant was faster, with an average rate constant of 8.8 × 10–7 s–1 and a range of 7.7 × 10–7 –9.5 × 10–7 s–1. For both bulk and colloidal bentonite, although slow dissociation was observed for Eu(III), there was no convincing evidence for 'irreversible' binding.
Characterizing mineralogy and redox reactivity in potential host rocks for a UK geological disposal facility
Authors: Quirke J. , Henderson C. M. B. , Pattrick R. A. D. , Rosso K. M. , Dent A. , Sharples J. W. , Pearce C. I.
Published: December 2015

Geological disposal facilities (GDF) are intended to isolate and contain radioactive waste within multiple protective barriers, deep underground, to ensure that no harmful quantities of radioactivity reach the surface environment. The last line of defense in a multi-barrier GDF is the geosphere, where iron is present in the host rock mineralogy as either Fe(II) or Fe(III), and in groundwater as Fe(II) under reducing conditions. The mobility of risk-driving radionuclides, including uranium and technetium, in the environment is affected significantly by their valence state. Due to its low redox potential, Fe(II) can mediate reduction of these radionuclides from their oxidized, highly mobile, soluble state to their reduced, insoluble state, preventing them from reaching the biosphere. Here a study of five types of potential host rocks, two granitoids, an andesite, a mudstone and a clay-rich carbonate, is reported. The bulk rocks and their minerals were analysed for iron content, Fe(II/III) ratio, and for the speciation and fine-grained nature of alteration product minerals that might have important controls on groundwater interaction. Total iron content varies between 0.9% in clays to 5.6% in the andesite. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals that Fe in the granitoids and andesite is predominantly Fe(II), and in mudstones, argillaceous limestone and terrestrial sandstone is predominantly Fe(III). The redox reactivity of the potential host rocks both in the presence and absence of Fe(II)-containing 'model' groundwater was investigated using an azo dye as a probe molecule. Reduction rates as determined by reactivity with the azo dye were correlated with the ability of the rocks to uptake Fe(II) from groundwater rather than with initial Fe(II) content. Potential GDF host rocks must be characterized in terms of mineralogy, texture, grain size and bulk geochemistry to assess how they might interact with groundwater. This study highlights the importance of redox reactivity, not just total iron and Fe(II)/(III) ratio, when considering the host rock performance as a barrier material to limit transport of radionuclides from the GDF.
Manufacturing technology for implementing geological disposal: electroforming of copper canisters
Authors: Hernandez-Selva T. , Engelberg D. L. , Scenini F. , Fox D. , McClusky A.
Published: December 2015

The existing capability and current development needs for implementing electroforming as a viable manufacturing process to produce copper cylinders with dimensions comparable to the Swedish KBS-3 design are discussed. Large freestanding copper cylinders can be produced readily, but there is a need to address challenges associated with controlling the electro-deposition process to conform to compositional and mechanical requirements of the copper layers produced. The methodology to optimize the manufacturing process, based on a study of key parameters, such as the effects of electrolyte additives on grain size and the chemical composition of electroformed layers, is described here. Possible ways to introduce a robust manufacturing route are also presented.
Thermal cycling: impact on bentonite permeability
Authors: Zihms S. G. , Harrington J. F.
Published: December 2015

Due to its favourable properties, in particular, low permeability and swelling capacity, bentonite has been favoured as an engineered-barrier and backfill material for the geological storage of radioactive waste. To ensure its safe long-term performance it is important to understand any changes in these properties when the material is subject to heat-emitting waste. As such, this study investigates the hydraulic response of bentonite under multi-step thermal loading subject to a constant-volume boundary condition, to represent a barrier system used in a crystalline or other hard-rock host rock. The experimental set up allows continuous measurement of the hydraulic and mechanical responses during each phase of the thermal cycle. After the initial hydration of the bentonite, the temperature was raised in 20°C increments from 20 to 80°C followed by a final step to reach 120°C. Each temperature was held constant for at least 7–10 days to allow the hydraulic transients to equilibrate. The data suggest that the permeability of bentonite appears to be sensitive to changes in temperature which may extend beyond those explained by simple changes in water viscosity. However, permeability may be boundary-condition dependent and this should be considered when designing experiments or applying these results to other repository host rocks. Either way, the magnitude of the change in permeability observed in this study is minor and its impact on the hydraulic performance of the barrier is negligible.
The 'long tail' of anthropogenic CO2 decline in the atmosphere and its consequences for post-closure performance assessments for disposal of radioactive wastes
Authors: Lord N. S. , Ridgwell A. , Thorne M. C. , Lunt D. J.
Published: December 2015

The extended timescales involved in the decay of radioactive wastes to safe levels mean that geological disposal facilities must continue to function effectively long into the future. It is therefore essential to consider long-term climate evolution in post-closure performance assessments in order to evaluate a geological disposal system's response and robustness to a variety of potential environmental changes, driven by both natural and anthropogenic forcings. In this paper, we illustrate the multiple decay components that characterize the primary driver of climate change – atmospheric CO2 – in response to fossil fuel carbon emissions. We perform a multi-exponential analysis on a series of atmospheric CO2 decay curves predicted by an Earth system model and create an empirical response function that encapsulates the long-term (>1 kyr) removal of excess CO2 from the atmosphere. We present this response function as a simple tool for rapidly projecting the future atmospheric CO2 concentration resulting from any plausible cumulative release of CO2. We discuss the implications of the long 'tail' to this atmospheric CO2 decay curve, both in terms of future climate evolution as well as potential impacts on radioactive waste repositories.
The carbon-14 IPT: an integrated approach to geological disposal of UK wastes containing carbon-14
Authors: Lever David , Vines Sarah
Published: December 2015

Carbon-14 is a key radionuclide in the assessment of the safety of a geological disposal facility because of the calculated assessment of the radiological consequences of gaseous carbon-14-bearing species. Radioactive Waste Management Limited has established an Integrated Project Team (IPT) in which partners are working together to develop an holistic approach to carbon-14 management in the disposal system. We have used an 'AND' approach to structure and prioritize our technical work. For a waste stream to be of concern, there has to be a significant inventory, AND carbon-14-bearing gas has to be generated, AND this gas has to be entrained by bulk gas, AND it has to migrate through the engineered barriers, AND it has to migrate through the overlying geological environment (either as gas or in solution), AND there have to be consequences in the biosphere. We are also using this approach to consider alternative treatment, packaging and design options.
Immunovirotherapy with vesicular stomatitis virus and PD-L1 blockade enhances therapeutic outcome in murine acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shen Weiwei , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Ruiz Autumn , Russell Stephen J. , Peng Kah-Whye
Published: December 2015

Key Points

IV therapy with oncolytic VSV-IFNβ-NIS virus extends survival of immunocompetent mice with AML. The therapeutic outcome of VSV-IFNβ-NIS–treated mice with AML is augmented by anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy.