bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health literacy predicts cardiac knowledge gains in cardiac rehabilitation participants
Authors: Mattson Colleen C , Rawson Katherine , Hughes Joel W , Waechter Donna , Rosneck James
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Health literacy is increasingly recognised as a potentially important patient characteristic related to patient education efforts. We evaluated whether health literacy would predict gains in knowledge after completion of patient education in cardiac rehabilitation.

Method:

This was a re-post observational analysis study design based on Summa Health System’s Phase-II cardiac rehabilitation programme in Akron, Ohio, USA. The Medical Term Recognition Test, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, and the Newest Vital Sign were administered to 191 patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation between May 2010–April 2011. The Cardiac Knowledge Assessment Tool is routinely administered at the beginning and prior to discharge from cardiac rehabilitation. Consent was obtained in order to access patients’ cardiac rehabilitation medical chart for information such as age and education level.

Results:

Participants were 72% men with a mean of 66.4 years of age, and with an average level of education of 13.7 years. Health literacy was strongly related to cardiac knowledge at both the beginning and end of cardiac rehabilitation ( r=0.46, p<0.001; r=0.41, p<0.001). Controlling for cardiac knowledge at the beginning of cardiac rehabilitation, health literacy predicted gains in cardiac knowledge at the end of cardiac rehabilitation ( p<0.01).

Conclusion:

Health literacy can be used to predict gains in knowledge from patient education programming in cardiac rehabilitation. Health literacy screening may help to identify those who may struggle with patient-education portions of cardiac rehabilitation or who may need additional education to reach a desired knowledge level.
Extrusion foaming of PHBV
Authors: Szegda Damian , Duangphet Sitthi , Song Jim , Tarverdi Karnik
Published: February 2014

This paper reports work on extrusion foaming of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) with a chemical blowing agent based on sodium bicarbonate and citric acid and calcium carbonate nucleation agent. It includes investigations in the effects of rheological behaviour of the polymer, blowing agent, nucleation agent and processing conditions on the foam density and morphology. The poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) is a natural biodegradable polyester with high crystallinity, low melt viscosity and slow crystallisation rate and high sensitivity to the thermal degradation at temperatures above its melting point, making it particularly difficult to control the foaming process. Use of negative gradient temperature profile was found beneficial to minimise the thermal degradation and achieve necessary melt strength to stabilise the cell structure. Solidification of the super-cooled polymer melt occurring at the die was discussed in relation to the selection of the temperature profile and rheological behaviour and solidification of the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) characterised by rotational rheometry. In addition to extrusion foaming conditions, effect of the blowing and nucleation agents on rheology of the polymer, the cell refinement on foam density and morphology were discussed. The poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) was extruded with a twin screw extruder fitted with a strand die yielding up to 60% density reduction with uniform fine cell structure.
The Role of Media in the Repression–Protest Nexus
Authors: Kim HeeMin , Whitten-Woodring Jenifer , James Patrick
Published: February 2014

Idealized independent media function as “watchdogs.” Indeed, human rights nongovernmental organizations have argued that media freedom will improve human rights. This makes sense intuitively, yet recent formal and empirical studies show that the effect of independent media varies across regime types. We explore the relationship among media, government, and citizen protest movements and employ a game-theoretic model to investigate how the equilibria vary depending on regime type and media independence. In terms of equilibrium, we find that media watchdogging is most active in autocracies (and not in democracies), especially when the government’s perceived capability to repress public protest is declining. Uncertainty about the government’s ability to repress plays a central role in accounting for the manifestation of media watchdogging in conjunction with public protest. Illustrations from Tunisia and North Korea are provided to highlight equilibria derived from the formal model that vary as a product of perceptions about the government’s ability to repress.
Soft-tissue Wound Healing by Anti-advanced Glycation End-products Agents
Authors: Chang P.-C. , Tsai S.-C. , Jheng Y.-H. , Lin Y.-F. , Chen C.-C.
Published: February 2014

The blocking of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) has been shown to reduce diabetic complications and control periodontitis. This study investigated the pattern of palatal wound-healing after graft harvesting under the administration of aminoguanidine (AG), an AGE inhibitor, or N-phenacylthiazolium bromide (PTB), a glycated cross-link breaker. Full-thickness palatal excisional wounds (5.0 x 1.5 mm2) were created in 72 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of normal saline (control), AG, or PTB and were euthanized after 4 to 28 days. The wound-healing pattern was assessed by histology, histochemistry for collagen matrix deposition, immunohistochemistry for AGE and the AGE receptor (RAGE), and the expression of RAGE, as well as inflammation- and recovery-associated genes. In the first 14 days following AG or PTB treatments, wound closure, re-epithelialization, and collagen matrix deposition were accelerated, whereas AGE deposition, RAGE-positive cells, and inflammation were reduced. RAGE and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly down-regulated at day 7, and heme oxygenase-1 was persistently down-regulated until day 14. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, periostin, type I collagen, and fibronectin were all increased at day 14. In conclusion, anti-AGE agents appeared to facilitate palatal wound-healing by reducing AGE-associated inflammation and promoting the recovery process.
Microbiologically Induced Corrosive Properties of the Titanium Surface
Authors: Fukushima A. , Mayanagi G. , Nakajo K. , Sasaki K. , Takahashi N.
Published: February 2014

Corrosion of titanium is the major concern when it is used for dental treatment. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the microbiologically induced corrosive properties of titanium. An experimental well was made of polymethyl methacrylate with pure titanium at the bottom. Viable or killed cells of Streptococcus mutans were packed into the well, and pH at the bacteria-titanium interface was monitored with and without glucose. Before and after 90-minute incubation, the electrochemical behavior on the titanium surface was measured by means of a potentiostat. The oxygen concentration under bacterial cells was monitored with oxygen-sensitive fluorescent film. The amount of titanium eluted was measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The corrosion current and passive current under killed cells were low and stable during 90 min, while those under viable cells increased, regardless of the glucose-induced pH fall. The polarization resistance and oxygen concentration under killed cells were high and stable, while those under viable cells decreased. No elution of titanium was detected. Viable bacterial cells may form ‘oxygen concentration cells’ through metabolism-coupled oxygen consumption and subsequently induce corrosive properties of the titanium surface.
Tending to the Heart of Communities of Color
Authors: Matias Cheryl E. , Liou Daniel D.
Published: February 2014

Critical Race Theory and Critical Whiteness Studies assert colorblindness flourishes when most urban teachers who are White feel emotionally uncomfortable to engage in dynamics of race in the classroom. Colorblind ideology distorts urban teaching because it presumes (a) many White teachers are missionaries trained to save and (b) urban schools are pathological deficits that need to be saved. We propose a community of color epistemological approach that draws from emotional strengths found inside urban communities of color and supports the pedagogical and emotional investment needed to (a) operate critical race activism inside urban classrooms and (b) disrupt the normalcy of Whiteness in schools. We present a counterstory of how one urban teacher engaged in critical race teacher activism.
Isolated cold abscess of the thigh in an immunocompetent infant
Authors: Sharma Juhi , Sharma Tanya , Bhatt Girish Chandra , Bhargava Ruchika
Published: February 2014

Isolated cold abscess of the thigh without active tuberculosis elsewhere in the body is a rare entity, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of isolated cold abscess of the thigh following DPT vaccination in an immunocompetent child. The association with DPT vaccination is intriguing and requires further research.
Unveiling the Value Creation Process of Electronic Human Resource Management
Authors: Wahyudi Eri , Park Sung Min
Published: February 2014

Information and communication technologies (ICT) advancement, coupled with an ever-increasing demand for the human resource management (HRM) function to be more efficient, effective, and capable of supporting the strategic goals of every business function, has led to the adoption of electronic human resource management (e-HRM). This study aims to provide both insight and empirical evidence on the success enabler of e-HRM acceptance and e-HRM value creation in the public sector. The study confirms that perceived usefulness (PU) is found to be a strong predictor of e-HRM usage. From an organizational and managerial standpoint, HRM strength has a positive influence on e-HRM usage. In the creation of HRM values, we find e-HRM usage to be a strong predictor of perceived human resource (HR) service quality but not a predictor of the creation of a strategic role for the HRM function. Furthermore, the study indicates that HRM strength is an important direct predictor of the creation of HRM values. Hence, this relationship suggests the importance of policy clarity and consistency. To ensure that e-HRM is used in a more strategic way, the core business functions of an organization, HRM strategy and IT management, should be clearly aligned and integrated. A set of theoretical and practical implications as well as the limitations of this research are also discussed.
Moral Dilemmas, Theoretical Confusion
Authors: Overeem Patrick , Verhoef Jelle
Published: February 2014

In philosophical ethics, value pluralism is the idea, often associated with Isaiah Berlin, that there are many objective, conflicting, even incommensurable values and that this necessitates often tragic moral choices. Several administrative theorists (notably Wagenaar and Spicer) have argued that value pluralism has far-reaching implications for public administration. The cogency of their arguments is, however, questionable. This article critically examines the uses of value pluralism in administrative theory and concludes that its claimed implications are neither valid, nor exhaustive, nor congruent. Hence, the implications of value pluralism for public administration (if any) remain open to debate.
Vicarious Revenge and the Death of Osama bin Laden
Authors: Gollwitzer Mario , Skitka Linda J. , Wisneski Daniel , Sjöström Arne , Liberman Peter , Nazir Syed Javed , Bushman Brad J.
Published: February 2014

Three hypotheses were derived from research on vicarious revenge and tested in the context of the assassination of Osama bin Laden in 2011. In line with the notion that revenge aims at delivering a message (the “message hypothesis”), Study 1 shows that Americans’ vengeful desires in the aftermath of 9/11 predicted a sense of justice achieved after bin Laden’s death, and that this effect was mediated by perceptions that his assassination sent a message to the perpetrators to not “mess” with the United States. In line with the “blood lust hypothesis,” his assassination also sparked a desire to take further revenge and to continue the “war on terror.” Finally, in line with the “intent hypothesis,” Study 2 shows that Americans (but not Pakistanis or Germans) considered the fact that bin Laden was killed intentionally more satisfactory than the possibility of bin Laden being killed accidentally (e.g., in an airplane crash).
Rethinking religion and political legitimacy across the Islam–West divide
Authors: Hashemi Nader
Published: February 2014

The relationship between religion and politics is a bone of political contention and a source of deep confusion across the Islam–West divide. When most western liberals cast their gaze on Muslim societies today, what they see is deeply disconcerting. From their perspective there is simply too much religion in public life in the Arab-Islamic world, which raises serious questions for them about the prospects for democracy in this part of the world. This article critically explores the relationship between religion and political legitimacy with a geographical and cultural focus on the Muslim Middle East. The broad historical question that shapes this inquiry is: Why is religion a source of political legitimacy in Muslim societies today while in the West, broadly speaking, religion is a source of disagreement and illegitimacy?
Political Criticism From the Soviet Kitchen to the Russian Internet: A Comparative Analysis of Russian Media Coverage of the December 2011 Election Protests
Authors: Popkova Anna
Published: February 2014

The election protests in Moscow in December 2011 signified an important moment for Russian society. Political dissent, historically reserved for the private domain of Soviet kitchens and in recent years to the regulation-free space of the Russian Internet (RuNet), entered the public space of Moscow streets. Just like the protests revealed the long-held tension between the political discussion (and action) in Russian public and private spheres, the coverage of the protests by different media brought to light similar struggles in Russian journalism. This project combines the textual analysis of the protests’ coverage by two progovernment and two oppositional media with the analysis of their connections to the RuNet—a space that played an important role in the protests’ organization and coordination. The project aims to gain a deeper understanding of the role RuNet—a private space that increasingly becomes more public—plays in the development of Russian journalism.
Virchow’s triad and intestinal ischemia post cardiac surgery
Authors: Warwick Richard , Mediratta Neeraj , Chalmers John , McShane James , Shaw Matthew , Poullis Michael
Published: February 2014

Background

Intestinal ischemia is associated with a very high mortality rate. We combined the principles of Virchow’s triad to produce preoperative and postoperative models for the development of intestinal ischemia.

Methods

A single institutional study was undertaken involving 18,325 consecutive patients from April 1997 to March 2012. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Mortality was 87% in 91 patients who developed bowel ischemia. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that age, peripheral vascular disease, intraaortic balloon pump support, female sex, and preexisting renal failure were significant determinates of intestinal ischemia preoperatively. Logistic regression demonstrated that age, peripheral vascular disease, creatine kinase-MB level, reoperation for bleeding, and blood product usage were significant determinates of intestinal ischemia postoperatively.

Conclusions

Potentially remedial causes of intestinal ischemia include blood product usage, reoperation for bleeding, and creatine kinase-MB release. Age, female sex, peripheral vascular disease, intraaortic balloon pump usage, and preexisting renal failure are fixed risk factors. Despite the continuing trend of reduced blood product usage in the field of cardiac surgery, the increase in patients’ risk factors will mean that incidences of intestinal ischemia may increase in the future.
A case of high-output heart failure caused by a femoral arteriovenous fistula after endovenous laser ablation treatment of the saphenous vein
Authors: Hashimoto Osamu , Miyazaki Takuya , Hosokawa Joji , Shimura Yumi , Okuyama Hiroshi , Endo Masahiro
Published: February 2014

Endovenous laser ablation treatment has become the less invasive therapeutic choice for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency and varicose veins. A 64-year-old woman presented at our hospital with varicose veins and prior endovenous laser ablation treatment. The patient had high-output heart failure caused by a right femoral arteriovenous fistula. She was treated medically and underwent an open repair of the right superficial femoral artery and the right femoral vein with complete resolution of the arteriovenous fistula and heart failure. Here, we have reviewed the literature and discussed possible causes of the complication of arteriovenous fistula after endovenous laser ablation treatment.
Development of a tendon-driven robotic finger for an anthropomorphic robotic hand
Authors: Shirafuji Shouhei , Ikemoto Shuhei , Hosoda Koh
Published: February 2014

Our paper proposes a tendon-driven robotic finger based on an anatomical model of a human finger and a suitable method for its analysis. Our study aims to realize an anthropomorphic robotic hand that has the same characteristics and dexterity as that of a human hand, and it also aims to identify the advantages of the human musculoskeletal structure for application to the design and control of robot manipulators. When designing an anthropomorphic robotic hand, several devices are required to apply the human finger structure to a tendon-driven robotic finger. Reasons for this include that one of the human finger muscles, namely, the lumbrical muscle, is situated between tendons, which is an unfavorable configuration for the tendon-driven mechanism. Second, unlike a standard pulley used in a tendon-driven mechanism, some moment arms of the human finger change nonlinearly according to the joint angle. In our robotic finger design, we address these difficulties by rearranging its tendons and develop a mechanism to change the moment arm. We also propose a method to analyze and control this robotic fingers coordinating joints using non-stretch branching tendons based on the human extensor mechanism with a virtual tendon Jacobian matrix and the advantage is that this constraint virtually reduces the degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of the mechanism. Further, we build a prototype to confirm its motion using this method. In addition, we show that the state with the reduced DOF can be lost by external forces acting on the mechanism, and this condition can be changed manually by adjusting the tendon forces. This makes it possible to control the virtual DOFs to satisfy the requirements of the task. Finally, we discuss the benefits from anthropomorphic structures including the tendon arrangement, which mimic the human lumbrical muscle, and the above mentioned mechanism with non-linear moment arms from the perspective that there are two states of DOFs. These insights may provide new perspectives in the design of robotic hands.
MRI of the lumbar spine: comparison of 3D isotropic turbo spin-echo SPACE sequence versus conventional 2D sequences at 3.0 T
Authors: Lee Sungwon , Jee Won-Hee , Jung Joon-Yong , Lee So-Yeon , Ryu Kyeung-Sik , Ha Kee-Yong
Published: February 2014

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) fast spin-echo sequence with variable flip-angle refocusing pulse allows retrospective alignments of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in any desired plane.

Purpose

To compare isotropic 3D T2-weighted (T2W) turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE-SPACE) with standard two-dimensional (2D) T2W TSE imaging for evaluating lumbar spine pathology at 3.0 T MRI.

Material and Methods

Forty-two patients who had spine surgery for disk herniation and had 3.0 T spine MRI were included in this study. In addition to standard 2D T2W TSE imaging, sagittal 3D T2W TSE-SPACE was obtained to produce multiplanar (MPR) images. Each set of MR images from 3D T2W TSE and 2D TSE-SPACE were independently scored for the degree of lumbar neural foraminal stenosis, central spinal stenosis, and nerve compression by two reviewers. These scores were compared with operative findings and the sensitivities were evaluated by McNemar test. Inter-observer agreements and the correlation with symptoms laterality were assessed with kappa statistics.

Results

The 3D T2W TSE and 2D TSE-SPACE had similar sensitivity in detecting foraminal stenosis (78.9% versus 78.9% in 32 foramen levels), spinal stenosis (100% versus 100% in 42 spinal levels), and nerve compression (92.9% versus 81.8% in 59 spinal nerves). The inter-observer agreements (κ = 0.849 vs. 0.451 for foraminal stenosis, κ = 0.809 vs. 0.503 for spinal stenosis, and κ = 0.681 vs. 0.429 for nerve compression) and symptoms correlation (κ = 0.449 vs. κ = 0.242) were better in 3D TSE-SPACE compared to 2D TSE. 3D TSE-SPACE with oblique coronal MPR images demonstrated better inter-observer agreements compared to 3D TSE-SPACE without oblique coronal MPR images ( κ = 0.930 vs. κ = 0.681).

Conclusion

Isotropic 3D T2W TSE-SPACE at 3.0 T was comparable to 2D T2W TSE for detecting foraminal stenosis, central spinal stenosis, and nerve compression with better inter-observer agreements and symptom correlation.
Mapping of the femoral trochlea in a newborn population: an ultrasonographic study
Authors: Øye Christian R , Holen Ketil J , Foss Olav A
Published: February 2014

Background

The anatomy of the femoral trochlea is of vital importance to the stability of the patellofemoral joint. Knowing the characteristics of the femoral trochlea in newborns might prove useful when considering the predisposing factors to patellar instability.

Purpose

To define the normal anatomy and the natural variances of the femoral trochlea in a newborn population as well as evaluation of ultrasonography as a method of imaging.

Material and Methods

The femoral trochlea of both knees of 174 newborns (82 girls and 92 boys) was examined using ultrasonography within 3 days after birth. For evaluation of the repeatability of the method, a separate population of 40 newborns was examined by two examiners.

Results

The sulcus angle (SA) and Trochlear Index (TI) proved to be the most reliable and reproducible parameters. The overall mean SA was 148° (SD 5.6). An angle of more than 159° was defined as dysplastic, and 17 of the knees were categorized in this group. The overall mean TI was 2.21 (SD 0.05). A value of less than 2.11 was defined as dysplastic and 11 of the newborns fell into this category.

Conclusion

As a method of visualizing the newborn femoral trochlea and the position of the patella, ultrasonography is a reliable tool and might be of vital importance. In a further perspective, knowledge of the anatomy of a normal versus a dysplastic newborn trochlea renders it possible to study the predisposing factors to patellar instability and methods of treatment. Our results indicate that dysplasia of the femoral trochlea may be congenital.
Effect of nerve localization using a pen device on the success of axillary brachial plexus block
Authors: Saracoglu Seçkin , Bigat Zekiye , Ertugrul Fatma , Karsli Bilge , Kayacan Nurten
Published: February 2014

Objective

The effectiveness of axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) performed using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) alone was compared with PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device, enabling nerve mapping without puncturing the skin.

Methods

Patients undergoing unilateral hand or forearm surgery suitable for ABPB were randomly assigned to receive either PNS alone (pen − group) or PNS preceded by nerve localization using a pen device (pen + group). Parameters related to the block procedure and patient comfort were assessed.

Results

Thirty patients were included in each group. The block performance time was longer in the pen + group than the pen − group despite a reduced number of needle insertions. The complete block rate was higher and intraoperative analgesic usage lower in the pen + group compared with the pen − group. Patient satisfaction and complication rates were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

The pen device seems to be a helpful addition to PNS for ABPB, with improved results in terms of block success and patient comfort, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Bioavailability of paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride and guaifenesin in a fixed-combination syrup versus an oral reference product
Authors: Janin Annick , Monnet Joelle
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to compare the bioavailability of paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochoride and guaifenesin in a new oral syrup with an established oral reference product. The secondary objective was to compare the safety of the new syrup and the reference product.

Methods

This was a single-centre, open-label, randomized, reference-replicated, crossover study. Healthy adult volunteers received one dose of syrup and two separate doses of a reference oral liquid formulation in a randomized sequence over three study periods, with a washout interval of ≥7 days between study periods. Blood samples were taken regularly postdose and analysed for paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochoride and guaifenesin concentrations; adverse events were recorded.

Results

This study enrolled 45 subjects. For paracetamol and guaifenesin, the syrup and reference product were considered to be bioequivalent. Bioequivalence was not shown for phenylephrine hydrochoride. All adverse events were mild or moderate, most of which were considered formulation related.

Conclusions

The syrup did not reach bioequivalence with the reference product, as bioequivalence could not be shown for phenylephrine hydrochoride. This may be due to differences in the excipients between the two products. Both the syrup and the reference product had a good safety profile and were well tolerated.
Does posterior pericardial window technique prevent pericardial tamponade after cardiac surgery?
Authors: Zhao Jian , Cheng Zhaoyun , Quan Xiaoqiang , Zhao Ziniu
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of the intraoperative posterior pericardial window technique in preventing pericardial tamponade following open heart surgery.

Patients and methods

Adult patients undergoing coronary and/or valve surgery were randomly divided into a control (traditional) or a pericardial window (PW) technique group. Pre-, intra-, peri- and postoperative clinical data were collected prospectively, including incidence of pericardial tamponade, cardiac arrest, drainage volume, ventilation assistance time and moderate-to-large pericardial effusion.

Results

In total, 458 patients were included: 230 controls and 228 in the PW group. The incidence of pericardial tamponade in the PW group was significantly lower than in controls. Cardiac arrest occurred in one patient (0.4%) in the PW group and five (2.2%) controls; this difference was not statistically significant. Moderate-to-large pericardial effusion after drainage extubation and new-onset atrial fibrillation were significantly more common in controls than in the PW group. After stratification by age (≤70 versus >70 years), there was no between-group difference in duration of endotracheal intubation, although in the PW group, after removal of the tracheal cannula, duration of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was significantly longer in older patients.

Conclusions

The pericardial window procedure did not increase the rate or severity of procedure-related complications. This simple technique significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative pericardial tamponade and new-onset atrial fibrillation.
Visa Regimes as Power
Authors: Aygül Cenk
Published: February 2014

This article examines the significance of labor mobility for capitalism and analyzes the visa regimes of the European Union (EU) and Turkey. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, labor mobility originating from Eastern Europe has been redirected to the West, taking the form of circular migrations and replacing the previous rotation system. While the new forms of circular mobility created insecure employment conditions for many people, it also required a visa regime to classify people when they arrive at the borders. Both nation-states and supranational organizations such as the EU continue to build regulatory capacities. The second half of the article examines the Schengen agreement and the ways in which French German sensitivities were “communitized.” While other East European countries chose to be a part of the Schengen agreement’s restrictive visa policies, this option was not possible for Turkey, which established a fully liberal regime.
Physical geography on the methodological fence: David Stoddart (1965) Geography and the ecological approach: The ecosystem as a geographic principle and method. Geography 50: 242–251
Authors: Malanson George P.
Published: February 2014

The concept and use of ‘systems’ in geography has had a difficult history. While it is considered to be at the core of physical geography, systems thinking has never united the discipline. Stoddart’s (1965) exhortation reveals some of the reasons for both the allegiance to the concept and the difficulties in putting it into practice. In 1965 the fissures in geography separated the spatial from the chorological tradition and both from that of human-environment; Stoddart attempted to identify a methodology, with a clear role for physical geography, that could address such divisions. Stoddart’s thinking illustrates why it is so difficult for any single methodology to cover geography’s concerns. Moreover, it represents a particular moment in the history of geography that helps us understand the current position of physical geography in the discipline.
Self-reported neck pain is associated with migraine but not with tension-type headache in adolescents
Authors: Blaschek Astrid , Decke Siona , Albers Lucia , Schroeder Andreas Sebastian , Lehmann Steffi , Straube Andreas , Landgraf Mirjam N , Heinen Florian , von Kries Rüdiger
Published: February 2014

Aim

The aim of the present analysis is to confirm or refute the association of neck pain to migraine or tension-type headache and to assess whether this association is independent of other risk factors for headache.

Methods

Secondary school students were invited to complete a questionnaire on headache and lifestyle factors in a cross-sectional study. Neck pain was assessed via (a) a screening question concerning neck pain and (b) denoting affected areas in schematic drawings of the human body.

Results

Absolute increment in prevalence of headache with pain in the shoulder-neck region was between 7.5% and 9.6%. Gender, grade, stress and lifestyle factors were assessed as potential confounding factors. Nearly all factors were associated with shoulder-neck pain and most with headache. After adjustment for confounders, the association of neck pain with headache was almost completely confined to migraine (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.48–3.85) and migraine + tension-type headache (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.50–2.99), whereas the association with isolated tension-type headache was negligible (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.87–1.69).

Conclusion

Neck pain is associated with migraine but not with tension-type headache. A possible link between migraine and neck pain may be the cervico-trigeminal convergence of neck and meningeal sensory afferents or a disturbed descending inhibition in migraine.
Test Anxiety and College Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Nelson Jason M. , Lindstrom Will , Foels Patricia A.
Published: February 2014

Test anxiety was examined in college students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Results indicated that, relative to college students without ADHD, college students with ADHD reported higher total test anxiety as well as specific aspects of test anxiety, including worry (i.e., cognitive aspects of test anxiety) and emotionality (i.e., physiological aspects of test anxiety). Effect sizes were large for total test anxiety and the worry aspect of test anxiety. Nearly half of college students with ADHD reported clinically significant levels of the worry aspect of test anxiety. Females with ADHD reported higher levels of the emotionality aspect of test anxiety than did males with ADHD. Those with combined type and inattentive type ADHD did not differ on any aspect of test anxiety. Implications for assessment and intervention are discussed.
Study of Body Composition, Lung Function, and Quality of Life Following Use of Anabolic Steroids in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Daga Mradul Kumar , Khan Naushad Ahmad , Malhotra Varun , Kumar Suman , Mawari Govind , Hira Harmanjit Singh
Published: February 2014

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airflow limitation and is associated with weight loss and decreased muscle strength and exercise capacity. Methods: A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial of 32 male COPD patients (age, 54.94 ± 11.27 years) was carried out to assess effects of anabolic steroid in terms of a daily high‐protein, high‐calorie diet alone or one combined with anabolic steroids on body composition, lung function, and health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Outcomes were assessed by anthropometric and spirometric measurements, peak expiratory flow rate, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), hand grip test, and HRQL index scores. Measurements were made at baseline and end of treatment (6 weeks). Results: All patients showed significant difference (P < .001) in pulmonary function parameters and anthropometric measurements after 6 weeks of intervention (within‐group changes); however, no significant improvement occurred in the pulmonary function parameters between the groups. The difference in exercise capacity (6MWT) and HRQL scores in the treatment group were statistically significant (P < .001) compared with control group after 6 weeks of intervention. In the treatment group, the average 6MWT distance increased from 213.5 m to 268.5 m at 6‐week follow‐up, and HRQL scores increased from 101.25 to 118.45. Also, HRQL and 6MWT parameters were positively correlated in response to steroid supplementation at the end of the study. Conclusion: Weekly administration of anabolic steroids during 6 weeks increased exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD.
Immiscible blends of sulfonated polyetheretherketone and fluorinated polyimide for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Cao Xueying , Jing Liwei , Liu Yuanyuan , Hu Wei , Jiang Zhenhua , Liu Baijun
Published: February 2014

Both multitrifluoromethylated polyimide (12F-PI) and sulfophenylated polyetheretherketone (Ph-SPEEK) were synthesized in order to build immiscible blends for proton exchange membranes (PEMs). The 12F-PI/Ph-SPEEK blend membranes had improved dimensional stability and oxidation stability in comparison with pure Ph-SPEEK. Despite the introduction of the hydrophobic 12F-PI content, the proton conductivity of blends 1 and 2 showed significantly increased proton conductivity at 80–100°C. The interesting phase-separation morphology, in which the “inorganic-like” particles formed by 12F-PI dispersed in Ph-SPEEK, was observed. This morphology similar to inorganic–organic blends could be highly related to the big differences in the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and backbones of two polymers. The obtained results suggest that this series of blend membranes may be potential PEMs for fuel cells.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(pyridine–imide)s with tert-butyl substituents
Authors: Lu Yunhua , Wu Yuane , Xiao Guoyong , Dong Yan , Zhao Hongbin , Hu Zhizhi
Published: February 2014

The aromatic diamine monomer containing a pyridine heterocyclic group and a tert-butyl substituent, 4-[(4′- tert-butyl)phenyl]-2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)pyridine (BPAP), was successfully synthesized by a modified Chichibabin reaction of 4-nitro-acetophenone and 4- tert-butyl benzaldehyde, followed by a reduction of the resulting dinitro compound 4-[(4′- tert-butyl)phenyl]-2,6-bis(4-nitrophenyl)pyridine with palladium/carbon and hydrazine monohydrate, successively. A series of poly(pyridine–imide)s were prepared from the diamine BPAP with the alicyclic anhydride 1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride, aromatic anhydride pyromelitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) via the conventional two-step method and further chemical imidization to obtain poly(pyridine-imide) powders. Due to the introduction of tert-butyl group, the polyimides (PIs) derived from BPAP were amorphous and displayed good solubility in amine-type polar solvents, such as DMF, dimethyl sulfoxide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Because of the presence of rigid triphenylpyridine units and bulky substituents, the final PIs held a good thermal stability with 10% weight loss temperatures above 504°C and left more than 55% residue even at 700°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of tert-butyl substituents on the properties of the PIs was studied by comparing with 4-phenyl-2,6-bis(4-nitrophenyl)pyridine. These PIs exhibited some fluorescent properties because of the triphenylpyridine units, and the chemical structure of dianhydrides took an effect on the fluorescent property of these PIs.
An integrated approach on cut planning and nesting for metal structures manufacturing
Authors: Qi Dezhong , Rao Yunqing
Published: February 2014

An integrated approach is put forward to solve the combined cut planning and nesting problem for metal structures manufacturing. In this article, a three-stage solution procedure is framed, which involves dividing the cutting parts into several groups by rules, generating different layouts or patterns in different strategy, and selecting apt cutting patterns. As some layouts with less trim-loss may lead to high setup cost and high stock level, a multiobjective mathematical model, which takes into account the trim-loss, setup cost, labor cost, and their tradeoffs, is developed. Furthermore, a method with ant colony optimization for solving the mathematical model is proposed. The key research of this article is to focus on the nesting problem by using parallel optimization on a variety of steel plates and choosing an apt cutting pattern by weighing the trim-loss, setup cost, and labor cost. The computational results and comparison prove that the presented approach is quite effective for solving the problem.
Risk factors for intestinal parasitosis among antiretroviral-treated HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia
Authors: Mahmud Mahmud Abdulkader , Bezabih Afework Mulugeta , Gebru Rezene Berhe
Published: February 2014

Summary

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with intestinal parasitosis in HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Socio-demographic information was collected and faecal samples were analysed from 384 randomly selected patients on ART. Data on CD4+ T-cell counts and World Health Organization clinical staging were obtained from the medical records at the hospital. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51% to 61%). No opportunistic intestinal parasites or Schistosoma haematobium eggs were detected. Unavailability of latrine and lack of hand washing with soap were associated with Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.75; 95% CI: 1.77 to 4.27 and AOR, 2.67; 95% CI: 1.60 to 4.44, respectively) and Giardia lamblia (AOR, 2.08; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.99 and AOR, 2.46; 95% CI: 1.06 to 5.75, respectively) infections. Intestinal parasitosis was significantly associated with low CD4 cell count ( p = 0.002). In contrast, intestinal parasitic infections were not associated ( p > 0.05) with the World Health Organization disease staging. In summary, poor personal hygiene and sanitation practice contributed to the high prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Routine diagnosis for intestinal parasitic infections should be performed in patients attending ART clinics in this setting.
Later Maturation of the Beneficial Than the Detrimental Effect of Selective Memory Retrieval
Authors: Aslan Alp , Bäuml Karl-Heinz T.
Published: February 2014

In adults, selective memory retrieval can both impair and improve recall of other memories. The study reported here examined whether children also show these two faces of memory retrieval. Employing a variant of the directed-forgetting task, we asked second, fourth, and seventh graders to study a list of target and nontarget words. After study, the participants received a cue to either forget or continue remembering the list. We subsequently asked some participants to recall the nontarget words before we tested their memory for the target words; for the remaining participants, we tested memory only for the target words. Prior retrieval of nontarget words impaired retrieval of to-be-remembered target words, regardless of children’s age. In contrast, prior retrieval of nontarget words improved recall of to-be-forgotten target words in seventh graders, though not in fourth and second graders. These results suggest a developmental dissociation between the two faces of memory retrieval and indicate later maturation of the beneficial effect than of the detrimental effect of selective memory retrieval.
Employee participation in corporate governance: Implications for company resilience
Authors: Kleinknecht Robert H
Published: February 2014

How do works councils and employee board-level representation affect company performance? Research on employee participation provides mixed and sometimes contradictory findings. This article argues that the performance effects of employee participation depend on the business cycle. Specifically, the conservative impact of employee participation on strategy may be associated with lower company value in good times, but may also provide a buffer against a loss of value in bad times. This argument is supported by data from 726 European firms in the period surrounding the financial crash of 2006–2008.
Serum milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 elevation may subdivide systemic lupus erythematosus into two pathophysiologically distinct subsets
Authors: Yamamoto N , Yamaguchi H , Ohmura K , Yokoyama T , Yoshifuji H , Yukawa N , Kawabata D , Fujii T , Morita S , Nagata S , Mimori T
Published: February 2014

Objective

Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells is a potential trigger of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) plays an important role in the clearance of dying cells. Previously, we reported serum MFG-E8 was elevated in some SLE patients. Here we further investigated the prevalence of MFG-E8 in active SLE and other autoimmune diseases and also tried to clarify the characteristics of MFG-E8-positive and -negative SLE.

Methods

Serum MFG-E8 was measured in 40 active non-treated SLE patients, 104 disease controls and 104 healthy controls by ELISA. Clinical characteristics and serum cytokine profiles were compared between MFG-E8-positive and MFG-E8-negative SLE patients.

Results

Prevalence of MFG-E8 was significantly higher in SLE patients (40%) than in various controls ( p < 0.05). MFG-E8 level became negative after treatment, and increased again upon relapse. When compared, MFG-E8-positive SLE patients showed higher immune complex ( p = 0.021) and lower complement ( p = 0.004 for CH50). In contrast, MFG-E8-negative SLE patients tended to show higher CRP ( p = 0.094). There was a positive correlation between MFG-E8 level and immune complex level ( rs = 0.49, p = 0.049). TNF-α ( p = 0.019), IFN-γ ( p = 0.031) and IL-10 ( p = 0.013) were significantly higher in MFG-E8-positive SLE.

Conclusion

MFG-E8-positive SLE and -negative SLE may have different clinical features, the one with stronger immunological response and the other with stronger inflammatory response, and those two groups may be two distinct subtypes of SLE driven by different mechanisms. Further, MFG-E8 could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity in certain SLE patients.
Serum immunoglobulin G level in patients with lupus nephritis and the effect of treatment with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Yap DYH , Yung S , Ma MKM , Mok MMY , Kwan LPY , Chan GCW , Chan TM
Published: February 2014

Background

Reduced serum IgG level is associated with increased risk of infection. We investigated the circulating IgG level and its determining factors in active lupus nephritis patients treated with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Methods

This was a retrospective study on the longitudinal IgG profile in Class III/IV ± V lupus nephritis patients treated with prednisolone and MMF.

Results

46 patients were included. At baseline, 34 (73.9%) patients (Group I) had normal or elevated IgG (1444.0 ± 600.5 mg/dL) while 12 (26.1%) (Group II) had IgG levels (567.8 ± 160.9 mg/dL) below the lower limit of normal. IgG levels at baseline, three, six and 12 months after treatment were 1215.4 ± 649.7 mg/dL, 843.9 ± 347.6 mg/dL, 914.5 ± 362.4 mg/dL and 1034.6 ± 452.5 mg/dL respectively. Treatment with prednisolone and MMF led to a significant drop in IgG after two weeks, reaching a nadir at eight weeks, followed by gradual normalization. Similar changes in IgG were observed in Group I patients but there was non-significant change in Group II within the first 24 weeks. Eighteen (39.1%) patients had low IgG by six months, and only one patient had IgG <300 mg/dL, at both three and six months. IgG level was negatively associated with proteinuria at six months ( r = −0.711, p = 0.010). Five of 18 patients with low IgG had infections within the first year, while IgG levels below the lower limit of normal did not increase infection risk (relative risk 1.863; 95% confidence interval 0.466 to 6.818, p = 0.280).

Conclusion

Reduced IgG occurred in 26% of active lupus nephritis patients and the IgG levels are significantly influenced by the severity of proteinuria. Treatment with prednisolone and MMF does not result in clinically important suppression of IgG.
Analogies, metaphors, and wondering about the future: Lay sense-making around synthetic meat
Authors: Marcu Afrodita , Gaspar Rui , Rutsaert Pieter , Seibt Beate , Fletcher David , Verbeke Wim , Barnett Julie
Published: February 2014

Drawing on social representations theory, we explore how the public make sense of the unfamiliar, taking as the example a novel technology: synthetic meat. Data from an online deliberation study and eighteen focus groups in Belgium, Portugal and the UK indicated that the various strategies of sense-making afforded different levels of critical thinking about synthetic meat. Anchoring to genetic modification, metaphors like ‘Frankenfoods’ and commonplaces like ‘playing God’ closed off debates around potential applications of synthetic meat, whereas asking factual and rhetorical questions about it, weighing up pragmatically its risks and benefits, and envisaging changing current mentalities or behaviours in order to adapt to scientific developments enabled a consideration of synthetic meat’s possible implications for agriculture, environment, and society. We suggest that research on public understanding of technology should cultivate a climate of active thinking and should encourage questioning during the process of sense-making to try to reduce unhelpful anchoring.