bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Issues: An Area of Concern for Occupational Therapists?
Authors: Couldrick Lorna
Published: April 2015

Sexual expression is a motivating force that pervades all aspects of being human. Occupational therapists work at intimate levels with their clients. However, it is not clear if the profession regards sexuality and sexual function as much at the heart of its purpose as personal care, work and leisure. This article provides an historical perspective on the changing attitudes towards sex and towards the sexuality of the client. This is related to occupational therapy's professional values which suggest that occupational therapists could have a positive role in sexual habilitation and rehabilitation.
The User's Perspective on the Provision of Electronic Assistive Technology: Equipped for Life?
Authors: Cowan Donna M , Turner-Smith Alan R
Published: April 2015

The variety of electronic assistive technology (EAT) available for people with physical disabilities is constantly increasing. It includes items such as powered wheelchairs, equipment for communication and environmental control systems. The timely provision of this equipment can enhance the quality of life of users and carers alike.

This paper presents the findings of a survey of the experiences of people with physical disabilities who used this equipment. This was part of a project investigating the provision of EAT in two regional health authorities. The survey asked questions covering subjects such as funding sources, referrers, training and maintenance, time delays, the range of equipment used by individuals and the problems encountered obtaining the equipment.

The response rate was 54% (135 out of 250 questionnaires were returned). The results showed that the majority of the equipment was used regularly, with many respondents using between three and six items. Sixty per cent of respondents reported a problem with current provision processes. The most common of these were funding issues, information availability, maintenance, training, switches, assessment and delays. The role that all services can play in eliminating these problems is discussed and the importance of cooperation and effective links between services is emphasised.
How do Occupational Therapists define their Role in a Community Mental Health Setting?
Authors: Taylor Alexandra , Rubin Rona
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to examine how occupational therapists define their role in a community mental health setting, within a framework of current concern about a lack of knowledge and recognition of the profession among both other health professionals and the general public, including clients of the service. Nineteen practising occupational therapists were interviewed by telephone and invited to give their definitions of occupational therapy.

The main finding was that there was a lack of a uniform definition of occupational therapy in community mental health settings. The need for the development of agreed definitions of occupational therapy is discussed.
The Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS): Measurement Properties
Authors: Forsyth Kirsty , Lai Jin-Shei , Kielhofner Gary
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS). The ACIS is an observational rating scale designed to capture, in detail, a person's social Interactional ability while he or she is participating in a meaningful social context. Fifty-two occupational therapists, trained to administer the ACIS, completed 244 ACIS assessments of 117 subjects with psychosocial disabilities. The subjects had a wide range of communication and interaction abilities. Many-faceted Rasch analysis was used to analyse the data.

The results supported internal, construct and person response validity of the ACIS. Both intrarater and inter-rater reliability were established. The scale was shown to discriminate between people with psychosocial dysfunction who had varying communication and interaction abilities. In addition, the results indicated a need to do minor revisions to the assessment.
The Lived Experience of Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Authors: Tryssenaar Joyce
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the lived experience of becoming an occupational therapist. The complexity of the journey is illustrated using a phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through two semi-structured interviews and the reflective writings of a newly graduated occupational therapist after 4 months of clinical practice. The lived experience is described within three broad themes: through rose-coloured glasses, the impact of reality, and onward and upward. Within the broad themes a number of sub-themes are discussed. Reflection on the experiential meaning of becoming a therapist includes suggestions for curriculum change and further research.
The Relevance of Vocational Education for Occupational Therapy Support Workers
Authors: Newton Lesley , Kirk Helen
Published: April 2015

This article examines the development of the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Occupational Therapy Support against the background of recent reforms and changes in health, social and educational arenas. Learning theories relevant to educational initiatives are addressed briefly and a rationale for liberal humanism is proposed. The significance of role clarification, task analysis and skill mixing is highlighted within the context of the drive for effectiveness and efficiency of services.

Eternal shortages of occupational therapists necessitate an increasing use of support staff. It is suggested that their role is now, more than ever, Important in terms of client care and raising the profile of the profession, and that support staff may be empowered to become more flexible and reflective practitioners. Employers demand a trained and responsive workforce. Competence-based vocational education, such as the HNC, employs experiential learning programmes to encourage the link between theory and practice, thus encouraging staff to develop and update their knowledge continually.
Content Validity of an Assessment Tool to Identify Home Fall Hazards: The Westmead Home Safety Assessment
Authors: Clemson Lindy , Fitzgerald Maureen H , Heard Robert
Published: April 2015

Identifying hazards in the homes of elderly people adequately is of central importance to reducing the risk of falls; however, no assessment tool has demonstrated validity in the area of, or focuses specifically on, home fall hazards. Content validity was undertaken to develop further and refine the Westmead Home Safety Assessment (WeHSA).

A list of stimulus attributes was generated from an extensive literature review and contributed to an expert review by providing a descriptive scheme of the tool's domain of interest. A content analysis of the literature and the expert review process established the tool as having a high degree of content validity and an overall content validity index of 0.80. The rigorous process ensured that the items in the tool were complete and relevant to the focus of the assessment and helped to guide manual development. The WeHSA provides a meaningful tool to enhance therapists' ability to observe and judge hazards.
A National Survey of Occupational Therapy Managers in Mental Health
Authors: Craik Christine , Austin Chris , Schell Donna
Published: April 2015

This study, part of the College of Occupational Therapists' Mental Health Project, surveyed occupational therapy managers in mental health to gather data about them, the services they managed and their opinions on current and future issues of importance. A questionnaire was sent to the 184 managers who it was believed worked in mental health and it achieved a 65.2% response rate.

The majority of the 120 respondents were female, with Head II therapists between the ages of 31 and 40 forming the largest group. Two-thirds had additional qualifications and 71% had worked in mental health for more than 11 years. In addition to managing occupational therapy services, 86% carried a caseload or managed other services. Aspects of professional management were ranked highest in a list of tasks undertaken. Contradictions were noted in the managers' opinions on recruitment and retention of staff and the importance of staff supervision. The managers displayed commitment to the principles and philosophy of occupational therapy and a determination to demonstrate its effectiveness through research and evidence-based practice.

This study contributed to the position paper on the way ahead for occupational therapy in mental health (Craik et al 1998a) and provided information for occupational therapy managers to assist them to review their role.
Clinical Audit of the Outcome of Individualised Occupational Therapy Goals
Authors: Eames Julia , Ward Gillian , Siddons Leonie
Published: April 2015

To reflect on clinical effectiveness and revise practice to ensure quality of patient care, the Community Occupational Therapy Service in Leicester developed an individualised outcome measure and audit system. Audits were undertaken in 1997 and 1998 and the results showed a positive outcome in 88% and 90% of individual goals respectively. Improvements to practice achieved through auditing the outcomes of occupational therapy were increased patient involvement in goal setting, improved documentation and treatment planning and positive marketing of the service to general practitioners.
Quality Assurance and Clinical Audit: Information and Equipment Provision
Authors: Packham Gill
Published: April 2015

This article examines the use of a quality correction cycle and clinical audit to investigate the issues surrounding the provision of information with the supply of equipment to clients in their homes to promote independence and safety. An analysis was undertaken, adopting a model of quality with a grounded demonstration of clinical audit which informed the process of potential for change.

The findings demonstrated that a low level of information given at the time of issue of equipment resulted in poorly fitting equipment, with some safety issues around the continued use of the equipment. As a result of this audit, the benefit of a working party to examine and implement standards for the provision of information with equipment issue has been raised with management, with an intention to reaudit. It is acknowledged that clinical audit must be viewed as a positive tool in promoting clinical effectiveness, which must be driven multiprofessionally and from the client's perspective.
The Employment Implications of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and a Suggested Format for Developing Reasonable Adjustments
Authors: Thurgood Judy
Published: April 2015

The main tenets of the employment section of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 are described, together with an audit process to consider work adjustments when a person's impairment causes a disability. The interface between sickness or ill-health and disability is discussed, including the question of whether a person should be considered sick and stay off work until a maximum recovery has been achieved.
Occupational Therapy and Health Promotion: A Focus on Elderly People
Authors: Seymour Suzanne
Published: April 2015

This study looked at occupational therapists working in Wales and examined the possibilities and constraints of their developing a role in health promotion. The study focused on occupational therapists who worked with elderly people as part of their patient/client group. This client group was chosen because the elderly population is continuing to rise, elderly people constitute one of the main client groups for occupational therapists and almost half of Government spending on health and social services is spent on people aged over 65 years.

On the whole, the 76 (76%) occupational therapists who responded were shown to have a mixed attitude towards health promotion, with some considering it a luxury and others an important part of their role. Several constraints were identified as affecting the development of the occupational therapist's role in health promotion. The main constraint was the pressure of work through limitations on time, funding and resources.

The implications of these findings for occupational therapy and health promotion are discussed. It is argued that occupational therapists practising in Wales need to develop their role as health advocates and give greater consideration to the broader issues of community development.
Dyspraxia: Guidelines for Intervention
Authors: Jackson Thérèse
Published: April 2015

‘Clinicians wishing to base their assessment on sound, empirically and theoretically based principles are soon daunted by the diverse, poorly integrated and sometimes contradictory nature of apraxia research’ (Tate and McDonald 1995). This paper attempts to identify some of the common ground in research and, by using this along with clinical experience, identifies guidelines for occupational therapists working with adults who have acquired dyspraxia.

Much of the neuropsychological literature refers to the term ‘apraxia’; however, many occupational therapists use the term ‘dyspraxia’ and it is therefore the term of choice in this paper. Literature searches should make use of both terms.
Food Skills of People with a Chronic Mental Illness: The Need for Intervention
Authors: Porter Judi , Capra Sandra , Watson Gary
Published: April 2015

This study quantified the food skills of people with a mental illness living in hospital-based care and the community using the Functional Needs Assessment — Nutritional Management Program (Dombrowski 1990). There were clear and marked food skills deficits among people living in hospital-based care. There were no significant differences between the food skills of male and female participants. The deficits that were identified may place patients at nutritional risk if they are moved into community accommodation without appropriate support mechanisms for the provision of food. Recommendations are made for intervention through the implementation of food skills training and incidental learning.
An Analysis of Tetraplegic Hand Grips
Authors: Curtin Michael
Published: April 2015

To investigate the aspects involved in using the hands successfully to grasp an object, 30 British people with complete C6, C7 or C8 tetraplegia who had been injured for more than 12 months were divided into three groups according to their level of injury. The results indicated differences between the participants depending on their level of injury in the types of pre-grip preparation used, whether one or both hands were used and the speed with which a subtest was completed. These were considered intrinsic to the successful use of the hands when grasping objects. It is suggested that the aspects identified in this research could be used to formulate guidelines to be used by clients and therapists within a tetraplegic hand rehabilitation programme.
Action Research: A Dynamic Discipline for Advancing Professional Goals
Authors: Roth Linda M , Esdaile Susan A
Published: April 2015

Action research methodology, a cyclical problem-solving process including the steps of planning, acting and reflecting, was used to facilitate organisational and scholarly development of academic staff in a clinically focused mid-western university occupational therapy department in the USA. An experienced staff development consultant worked with the professor and chair to create a 3-year developmental programme of several half-day and full-day workshops, graduate seminars and courses, team projects and individual career development consultations.

Staff members created individual vision and mission statements and professional career plans and integrated these with departmental vision and mission statements and a strategic plan. Developmental efforts resulted in identifiable achievements of department members in improving teaching, clarifying community/professional service goals and involvement, and becoming more knowledgeable about, skilful at and actively engaged in academic scholarship.
Arm Abduction Provides a Better Reduction of the Bankart Lesion During Immobilization in External Rotation After an Initial Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Itoi Eiji , Kitamura Toshio , Hitachi Shin , Hatta Taku , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Sano Hirotaka
Published: April 2015

Background:

Shoulder dislocation often recurs, especially in the younger population. Immobilization in external rotation, in which a Bankart lesion is displaced in the anterior, medial, and inferior directions, was introduced as a new method of nonoperative treatment, but its clinical efficiency is controversial. In terms of reducing the lesion, it is reasonable to incorporate not only external rotation, which makes the anterior soft tissues tight to push the lesion posteriorly and laterally, but also abduction, which makes the inferior soft tissues tight to push the lesion superiorly.

Hypothesis:

Abducting the arm during immobilization in external rotation will improve the reduction of a Bankart lesion.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

There were 37 patients with initial shoulder dislocation enrolled in this study. After reduction, MRI was taken in 4 positions of the shoulder: adduction and internal rotation (Add-IR), adduction and external rotation (Add-ER), 30° of abduction and 30° of external rotation (Abd-30ER), and 30° of abduction and 60° of external rotation (Abd-60ER). On radial slices, the separation, displacement of the labrum, and opening angle of the capsule were measured.

Results:

Add-ER improved the reduction of the anterior labrum but not the inferior labrum when compared with Add-IR. Both Abd-30ER and Abd-60ER improved the reduction of the inferior labrum as compared with Add-IR. Furthermore, Abd-60ER improved the reduction more than Add-ER.

Conclusion:

Among the 4 positions tested, Abd-60ER is the best position in terms of reducing the Bankart lesion.

Clinical Relevance:

Abducting the shoulder during immobilization in external rotation is demonstrated to improve the reduction of the Bankart lesion. Therefore, this position is expected to reduce the recurrence rate after initial dislocation of the shoulder. Future clinical trials are necessary.
Analysis of Il-10 gene sequence in patients with sinonasal polyposis
Authors: Malagutti N , Stomeo F , Pelucchi S , Ronchin R , Ceccon M , Malacrida G , Ciorba A , Pastore A , Borin M , Rizzo R
Published: April 2015

Sinonasal polyposis (SNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of nasal and paranasal cavities. Human leukocyte antigen-G molecules (HLA-G) are non-classic HLA-I molecules with anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic properties. HLA-G production is mainly induced by interleukin (IL)-10. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines and induces HLA-class II down-modulation. Recent studies suggest that HLA-G could play a role in SNP pathogenesis; in SNP patients physiological levels of IL-10 (produced by activated peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes) are not able to induce production of HLA-G. Different mechanisms could justify these findings: genomic or amino-acidic sequence alterations in IL-10 lower IL-10 receptor expression, lower IL-10 receptor affinity, or alterations of the intracellular signal transmission. This study analyzes nucleotidic sequence of IL-10 gene in SNP patients. Sequencing of IL-10 gene shows that the lack of HLA-G production by peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes is not related to alterations in IL-10 gene nucleotidic sequence.
On Structure and Leadership in Mentalization-based Group Therapy and Group Analysis
Authors: Karterud Sigmund
Published: April 2015

Mentalization-based group therapy (MBT-G) has its roots in group analytic psychotherapy. Modifications were made in order to suit the needs of more disturbed personality disordered patients, and to avoid the chaotic and destructive processes often encountered in groups dominated by these patients. In this article I outline the kind of leadership, structure and authority that MBT proscribes and discuss these principles in comparison with group analysis. I also comment upon a study of a MBT group that failed to establish a good mentalizing culture, with reference to Bion’s concept of ‘attack on linking’. This study reminds us that strong professional support and competent supervision is necessary in order to achieve sound communicational ideals, when the group is composed of members who easily resort to prementalistic modes of thinking.
A Qualitative Study of a Mentalization-based Group for Borderline Patients
Authors: Sagen Inderhaug Tryggve , Karterud Sigmund
Published: April 2015

In this article we present a video-based explorative study of three consecutive mentalization-based group therapy (MBT-G) sessions at a Norwegian Mental Health Centre. MBT-G has its roots in group analytic psychotherapy, but is modified to avoid the chaotic and destructive processes often encountered in groups consisting of severely personality disordered patients. Among the most notable differences from the Foulkesian group analytic approach are the therapists handling of authority and a ‘not-knowing stance’ (as opposed to an interpretative stance). Contrary to our expectations we found the typical chaotic borderline group processes that MBT-G was designed to avoid. An in-depth examination of the data, employing qualitative Thematic Analysis, revealed that the therapists failed to establish themselves as authoritative leaders of the group and misconstrued the ‘not-knowing stance’. We present transcripts of some typical sequences and discuss their clinical and therapeutic implications.
The Notion of the ‘Matrix’: New Perspectives in Group Psychotherapy for Psychotic Patients
Authors: Vollon Clarisse , Gimenez Guy , Bonnet Christian
Published: April 2015

Following on from the work of Foulkes (1964), we propose in this article to take up the concept of ‘group matrix’. We set out to provide new clinical–theoretical perspectives via the notion of group as ‘envelope’ elaborated by Anzieu (1975). This formulation will provide us with a canvas within which to apprehend the organizational and structural evolution of a therapeutic group for chronic psychotic patients. We will suggest models of the networks forming the matrix and the texture of the psychic envelope of the group. The aim is to bring out the peculiarities of the matrix in this type of group as well as its impact on the psychic positioning of the therapist and on his/her therapeutic work within the group.
Techniques of Neutralization and Persistent Sexual Abuse by Clergy
Authors: Spraitz Jason D. , Bowen Kendra N.
Published: April 2015

The sexual abuse problem in the Catholic Church has received considerable attention by the media in recent years and growing attention from empirical researchers. Despite this growth, there is a lack of theoretical research that uses neutralization techniques to examine clergy offending. Using Sykes and Matza’s theory, this study examines the techniques of neutralization used by accused priests in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Priests’ personnel files, which were made publicly available by the Archbishop of Milwaukee in July 2013, were analyzed retrospectively through a qualitative content analysis of all direct statements and correspondences from the accused. The findings indicate that many priests denied responsibility or injury in an effort to justify their sexually abusive behaviors, but that no discernible patterns of technique use emerged. The need for continued research using recently released personnel files from other dioceses is also discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of new soluble polyimides based on pyridine unit with flexible linkages
Authors: Amutha N. , Tharakan Simi A. , Sarojadevi M.
Published: April 2015

A series of new polyimides were synthesized by condensation of pyridine-bridged novel diamine monomers, bis(4-aminobenzoyloxy-3,5-dimethyl phenyl)-3′-pyridyl methane and 2,6-bis(2-amino-3-pyridyloxy)pyridine, with various aromatic anhydrides. The monomers and precursors were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The structure of the polymers were characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and the physical properties of the polymers, including the glass transition temperature (in the range of 199–319°C), thermal and thermo-oxidative stability (10% weight loss temperature is in the range of 375–539°C in air and 403–542°C in nitrogen atmospheres), the char yield in the range of 37.91–56.65% at 800°C, solubility, solution viscosity (0.81–1.81), molecular weight data, optical properties, crystallinity, mechanical properties like tensile strength (86–102 MPa), elongation at break (12.5–16.5%), tensile modulus (1.2–1.8 GPa), and moisture absorption were also studied.
Realizing “strategic” voting in presidential primaries
Authors: Culbert Gar
Published: April 2015

Those who study vote choice in presidential nominating contests often ask, “Are voters sincere (voting with their ‘true’ preferences), are they sophisticated (giving more weight to a candidate’s chances of winning the nomination), or are they strategic (placing greater value on a candidate’s chances of winning a general election)?” By analyzing survey data from the 1984, 1988, 2000, and 2004 presidential nominating contests, this study argues that voters are more strategic than previously understood, and that prior studies, confined by methodology and data, are often mistaken when they maintain that primary voters are sophisticated. In actuality, primary voters are more likely to cast strategic votes, and not sophisticated ones.
Living a Calling, Nationality, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Douglass Richard P. , Duffy Ryan D. , Autin Kelsey L.
Published: April 2015

The present study examined the differences in the experience of a calling among working adults in the Unites States and India. First, we examined group differences in perceiving a calling and living a calling between Americans and Indians, with Indians being more likely to endorse perceiving and living out a calling than Americans. Second, we tested a moderated, multiple mediator model to investigate the mediating role of life meaning and job satisfaction in the relation of living a calling to life satisfaction and the moderating role of nationality. Supporting prior research, both life meaning and job satisfaction were found to mediate the relation between living a calling and life satisfaction. Furthermore, we found that nationality moderated the living calling–life meaning and living calling–job satisfaction links. These results indicate the importance of nationality in the link between living a calling and life satisfaction. Implications for research are discussed.
How Many Nurse Practitioners Provide Primary Care? It Depends On How You Count Them
Authors: Spetz Joanne , Fraher Erin , Li Yin , Bates Timothy
Published: April 2015

This study compares different approaches to measuring the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) providing primary care services using data from the 2012 U.S. National Sample Survey of Nurse Practitioners, North Carolina licensing data from 2011, and a 2010 California survey of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. Estimates of the number and share of NPs providing primary care depend on how one defines primary care. If the definition is based on the field of NP education, the estimated shares in primary care specialties are 83.5% in North Carolina and 90.7% in California; if the definition is based on current or past fields of certification, the estimated shares are 79.9% in North Carolina and 74.5% nationally. The estimated number is even smaller if one considers employment setting (58.4% in North Carolina, 66.8% in California, and 67.8% nationally), and shrinks to about half of NPs if focusing on current field of clinical specialization.
“Out of Sight and Out of Mind”
Authors: Antevska Aleksandra , Gavey Nicola
Published: April 2015

It is generally accepted that pornography is widely consumed by young men and that mainstream heterosexual pornography is characterized by a dynamic of male sexual dominance and female submission. What is less agreed upon is whether such pornography is a source of “sexist education” (Flood 2010) for men or whether men engage with it in an empathic and ethical manner. In this study, we discuss findings from interviews with twenty-one young men about pornography and its consumption. They described it as normative for men to watch pornography and they described “extreme” content as “normal.” It was clear that they were unused to having to account for the appeal of pornography. Men’s discussion of male sexual dominance and female submission, and violence against women, within pornography was characterized by detachment. Most of the men did not take up the challenge to notice and critically respond to the sexism within the material they described. There were some exceptions, with a minority of the participants reflecting on the ethical dilemmas posed by their consumption of such pornography.
Replication in criminology: A necessary practice
Authors: McNeeley Susan , Warner Jessica J.
Published: April 2015

Although researchers acknowledge the importance of replication in building scientific knowledge, replication studies seem to be published infrequently. The present study examines the extent to which replications are conducted in criminology. We conduct a content analysis of the five most influential journals in criminology. We also compare the replication rate in criminology with that in the social sciences and natural sciences. The results show that replication research is rarely published in these disciplines. In criminology journals in particular, replication studies constitute just over 2 percent of the articles published between 2006 and 2010. Further, those replication studies that were published in criminology journals in that period tended to conflict with the original studies. These findings call into question the utility of empirical results published in criminology journals for developing theory and policy. Strategies for promoting replication research in criminology are suggested.
Targeting TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor by natural products as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer therapy
Authors: Dai Xiaoyun , Zhang Jingwen , Arfuso Frank , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Zayed ME , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Kumar Alan Prem , Ahn Kwang Seok , Sethi Gautam
Published: April 2015

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to selectively induce apoptotic cell death in various tumor cells by engaging its death-inducing receptors (TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2). This property has led to the development of a number of TRAIL–receptor agonists such as the soluble recombinant TRAIL and agonistic antibodies, which have shown promising anticancer activity in preclinical studies. However, besides activating caspase-dependent apoptosis in several cancer cells, TRAIL may also activate nonapoptotic signal transduction pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinases, AKT, and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, which may contribute to TRAIL resistance that is being now frequently encountered in various cancers. TRAIL resistance can be overcome by the application of efficient TRAIL-sensitizing pharmacological agents. Natural compounds have shown a great potential in sensitizing cells to TRAIL treatment through suppression of distinct survival pathways. In this review, we have summarized both apoptotic and nonapoptotic pathways activated by TRAIL, as well as recent advances in developing TRAIL–receptor agonists for cancer therapy. We also briefly discuss combination therapies that have shown great potential in overcoming TRAIL resistance in various tumors.
Transient magnetohydrodynamic free convective flow in vertical micro-concentric annuli
Authors: Jha Basant K , Aina Babatunde , Isa Sani
Published: April 2015

This article analyses the transient magnetohydrodynamic free convective flow in vertical micro-concentric annuli in the presence of velocity slip and temperature jump at the outer surface of the inner cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder. The Laplace transform technique has been used to find the solutions for the velocity and temperature fields by solving the governing partial differential equations in Laplace domain. However, the Riemann-sum approximation method is used to invert the Laplace domain to the time domain. The solution derived is validated by assenting comparison with exact solutions derived for the steady state which has been derived separately. An excellent agreement was found for transient and steady state at large value of time. The solution obtained for the velocity has been used to compute the skin friction, while the temperature has been used to compute the Nusselt number. The effect of various flow parameters entering into the problem such as time, Prandtl number, curvature radius ratio, Hartmann number, rarefaction parameter, and fluid–wall interaction parameter are discussed with the aid of line graphs.
Women’s experiences of principalship in two South African high schools in multiply deprived rural areas
Authors: Faulkner Caroline
Published: April 2015

This article draws on data collected from a wider, longitudinal life history study conducted in South Africa between 2010 and 2014. The study focussed specifically on the personal and professional pathways to principalship of a sample of women leaders of co-educational high schools in South Africa, in both rural and peri-urban provinces: a role that, in gender terms, remains a minority position in South Africa and internationally. The data revealed valuable insights into how two of the women experienced principalship of high schools in multiply deprived rural areas. This article focusses only on these two women’s experiences of, and not their pathways to, principalship. The women, one black and one white, work in rural schools which, through historic demographics, still serve black communities only. Their leadership roles are beset by the problems of the multiple deprivation prevailing in their school and community contexts. Though the findings are not generalisable from this small sample, they indicate that there are commonalities of experiences in two key areas: issues of authority and power contestation, and the manifestation of deeply entrenched cultural traditions and patriarchy. These impact adversely on the execution of principalship for women leaders in deeply rural, traditional communities.
Online Support Groups for Depression
Authors: Breuer Louise , Barker Chris
Published: April 2015

This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the initial process of engagement with an online support group (OSG) for depression. Fifteen British National Health Service patients experiencing depression who had not previously used an OSG for depression were offered facilitated access to an existing peer-to-peer OSG for 10 weeks. Pre- and post-measures of depression, social support, and self-stigma were taken in addition to a weekly measure of OSG usage. A follow-up qualitative interview was conducted with a subsample of nine participants. Depression and self-stigma reduced over the 10-week period, but perceived social support did not change. There was no evidence of adverse outcomes. Perceived benefits of OSG participation included connection to others, normalization of depression, and stigma reduction. However, engagement with the OSG was generally low. Barriers included concerns over causing harm to others or being harmed oneself, feeling different from others in the group, and fears of being judged by others. OSGs may potentially reduce depressive symptoms and perceived self-stigma. However, considerable barriers may hinder people with depression from engaging with OSGs. Further work is needed to determine who will benefit most from participating in OSGs for depression and how best to facilitate engagement.
Knowledge and Training Regarding the Link Between Trauma and Health
Authors: Andersen Judith P. , Papazoglou Konstantinos , Koskelainen Mari , Nyman Markku
Published: April 2015

Research regarding what police officers currently know (or want to know) about the impact of trauma exposure on mental and physical health is rare. Given that police training and educational practices differ based on country or territory, studies using standardized surveys to discover police officer’s preferences or openness to learning further information about the relationship between stress and health are not available. The goal of this study was to develop a survey to answer the following questions: (a) What do police officers know about stress, trauma, and health? (b) Are police officers interested in attaining more knowledge (and in what ways) about stress, trauma, and health? (c) Are police officers open to seeking help for trauma and/or stress-related issues, and if so, where do they prefer to seek help? The survey was fielded to all of the officers serving in the National Police Service in Finland during the spring and summer of 2014. Results suggest that officers were generally aware of the impact of police work on physical health problems (e.g., sleep disorders, heart-related issues) but had not received formal training about how trauma is related to mental and physical health or personal health risks. Officers were open to learning about both traditional (e.g., peer support) and alternative therapeutic techniques (e.g., relaxation), and many reported willingness to enroll in such programs if offered by the organization. Implications include incorporating evidence-based information regarding the trauma-health link into standard police curricula and providing officers with organizationally supported clinical and peer supports and therapeutic opportunities.
Arthroscopic Removal and Rotator Cuff Repair Without Acromioplasty for the Treatment of Symptomatic Calcifying Tendinitis of the Supraspinatus Tendon
Authors: Ranalletta Maximiliano , Rossi Luciano Andrés , Bongiovanni Santiago Luis , Tanoira Ignacio , Piuzzi Nicolas , Maignon Gastón
Published: April 2015

Background:

Calcified rotator cuff tendinitis is a common cause of chronic shoulder pain that leads to significant pain and functional limitations. Although most patients respond well to conservative treatment, some eventually require surgical treatment.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcome with arthroscopic removal of calcific deposit and rotator cuff repair without acromioplasty for the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study retrospectively evaluated 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 49.2 years. The mean follow-up was 35 months (range, 24-88 months). Pre- and postoperative functional assessment was performed using the Constant score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH). Pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to evaluate the recurrence of calcifications and the indemnity of the supraspinatus tendon repair.

Results:

Significant improvement was obtained for pain (mean VAS, 8.7 before surgery to 0.8 after; P < .001). The mean Constant score increased from 23.9 preoperatively to 85.3 postoperatively ( P < .001), the mean Quick DASH score decreased from 47.3 preoperatively to 8.97 postoperatively ( P < .001), and the UCLA score increased from 15.8 preoperatively to 32.2 postoperatively ( P < .001). MRI examination at last follow-up (70% of patients) showed no tendon tears, and 96.2% of patients were satisfied with their results.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic removal and rotator cuff repair without acromioplasty can lead to good results in patients with symptomatic calcifying tendonitis of the supraspinatus tendon.
Load to Failure and Stiffness
Authors: Esquivel Amanda O. , Duncan Douglas D. , Dobrasevic Nikola , Marsh Stephanie M. , Lemos Stephen E.
Published: April 2015

Background:

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a frequent cause of shoulder pain that can lead to decreased strength and range of motion. Failures after using the single-row technique of rotator cuff repair have led to the development of the double-row technique, which is said to allow for more anatomical restoration of the footprint.

Purpose:

To compare 5 different types of suture patterns while maintaining equality in number of anchors. The hypothesis was that the Mason-Allen–crossed cruciform transosseous-equivalent technique is superior to other suture configurations while maintaining equality in suture limbs and anchors.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 25 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were randomized into 5 suture configuration groups: single-row repair with simple stitch technique; single-row repair with modified Mason-Allen technique; double-row Mason-Allen technique; double-row cross-bridge technique; and double-row suture bridge technique. Load and displacement were recorded at 100 Hz until failure. Stiffness and bone mineral density were also measured.

Results:

There was no significant difference in peak load at failure, stiffness, maximum displacement at failure, or mean bone mineral density among the 5 suture configuration groups ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

According to study results, when choosing a repair technique, other factors such as number of sutures in the repair should be considered to judge the strength of the repair.

Clinical Relevance:

Previous in vitro studies have shown the double-row rotator cuff repair to be superior to the single-row repair; however, clinical research does not necessarily support this. This study found no difference when comparing 5 different repair methods, supporting research that suggests the number of sutures and not the pattern can affect biomechanical properties.
Lack of Evidence for Ectopic Sprouting of Genetically Labeled Aβ Touch Afferents in Inflammatory and Neuropathic Trigeminal Pain
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Yong , Liedtke Wolfgang , Wang Fan
Published: April 2015

Background

Mechanical and in particular tactile allodynia is a hallmark of chronic pain in which innocuous touch becomes painful. Previous cholera toxin B (CTB)-based neural tracing experiments and electrophysiology studies had suggested that aberrant axon sprouting from touch sensory afferents into pain-processing laminae after injury is a possible anatomical substrate underlying mechanical allodynia. This hypothesis was later challenged by experiments using intra-axonal labeling of A-fiber neurons, as well as single-neuron labeling of electrophysiologically identified sensory neurons. However, no studies have used genetically labeled neurons to examine this issue, and most studies were performed on spinal but not trigeminal sensory neurons which are the relevant neurons for orofacial pain, where allodynia oftentimes plays a dominant clinical role.

Findings

We recently discovered that parvalbumin::Cre (Pv::Cre) labels two types of Aβ touch neurons in trigeminal ganglion. Using a Pv::CreER driver and a Cre-dependent reporter mouse, we specifically labeled these Aβ trigeminal touch afferents by timed taxomifen injection prior to inflammation or infraorbital nerve injury (ION transection). We then examined the peripheral and central projections of labeled axons into the brainstem caudalis nucleus after injuries vs controls. We found no evidence for ectopic sprouting of Pv::CreER labeled trigeminal Aβ axons into the superficial trigeminal noci-receptive laminae. Furthermore, there was also no evidence for peripheral sprouting.

Conclusions

CreER-based labeling prior to injury precluded the issue of phenotypic changes of neurons after injury. Our results suggest that touch allodynia in chronic orofacial pain is unlikely caused by ectopic sprouting of Aβ trigeminal afferents.
A novel method for expert finding in online communities based on concept map and PageRank
Authors: Rafiei Majid , Kardan Ahmad A
Published: April 2015

An online community is a virtual community where people can express their opinions and their knowledge freely. There are a great deal of information in online communities, however there is no way to determine its authenticity. Thus the knowledge which has been shared in online communities is not reliable. By determining expertise level of users and finding experts in online communities the accuracy of posted comments can be evaluated.

In this study, a hybrid method for expert finding in online communities is presented which is based on content analysis and social network analysis. The content analysis is based on concept map and the social network analysis is based on PageRank algorithm. To evaluate the proposed method java online community was selected and then correlation between our results and scores prepared by java online community was calculated. Based on obtained results Spearman correlation for 11 subcategories of java online community using this method is 0.904, which is highly an acceptable value.
Marine CSEM of the Scarborough gas field, Part 2: 2D inversion
Authors: Myer David , Key Kerry , Constable Steven
Published: April 2015

We explored the application of 2D inversion of marine controlled-source electromagnetic and marine magnetotelluric data to image an ambiguous target. The Scarborough gas reservoir off the west coast of Australia lies in close repose to a layer in the overburden of similar resistivity-thickness product and also is not far above the resistive basement, making it a difficult electric target. We found that the standard 2D smooth-inversion method yielded models that were unable to resolve this ambiguous structural configuration. We solved this problem by developing a two-step workflow, in which we first invert for a coarse background resistivity model (e.g., anisotropic layers), then invert for the minimum deviation from this background using a much finer model discretization. The main purpose of our two-stage workflow is to inject the knowledge into the inversion that the subsurface is composed of self-similar geologic domains. Though the resulting models did not resolve fine-scale structural details, they might still be used to map the overall extent and bulk qualities of a target in an otherwise confounding setting.
“A Climate . . . More Prolific . . . in Sorcery”: The Black Vampyre and the Hemispheric Gothic
Authors: Bray Katie
Published: April 2015

“‘A Climate . . . More Prolific . . . in Sorcery’: The Black Vampyre and the Hemispheric Gothic” proposes that Uriah Derick D’Arcy’s pseudonymous The Black Vampyre (1819) exemplifies the hemispheric gothic through its exposure of the connected, but disavowed histories of the Haitian Revolution and the United States. This sensational gothic novel invokes the Haitian Revolution even as its paratexts self-consciously worry about its place in the New York literary scene. The novel comments on the rise of a transatlantic literary market in which unfamiliar and aspiring figures such as D’Arcy and John Polidori sought to eclipse familiar, canonical authors such as Lord Byron. Then, it connects this literary market, with its concerns about originality, copying, and plagiarism, to the transatlantic slave system through the metaphor of vampirism, which, as theorized here, involves the theft of labor. While The Black Vampyre appears to contain the gothic horrors of a version of the Haitian Revolution with the end of a slave revolt and the end of the main characters’ vampirism, the text titillates readers with the possibility that a vampiric descendant of its eponymous hero has moved on from Haiti to haunt New Jersey. Thus, The Black Vampyre challenges both the easy relegation of the Haitian Revolution to the category of history and simple national narratives that ignore the intertwining histories of Haiti and the United States.