bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of repeat blood cultures in neonatal patients receiving antibiotic treatment
Authors: Al-lawama Manar , Badran Eman
Published: November 2014

Objective

Retrospective database study to determine the clinical usefulness of repeat blood cultures in antibiotic-treated neonates.

Methods

Data regarding blood culture indication and findings for patients admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a 2-year period were obtained from the hospital database. Repeat blood culture was defined as culture performed <7 days from initial testing in a patient receiving antibiotic treatment.

Results

Repeat cultures made up 21.3% of all blood cultures originating in the NICU (500/2352 cultures; 338 initial positive cultures; 210 patients). The most common indications for repeat culture were follow-up of clinically well babies with previous positive culture findings and the development of new symptoms. The majority of culture findings were negative (60.2%), with 7.2% indicating the presence of a new pathogen. Cultures repeated on day 5 were significantly more likely to reveal a new pathogen than those repeated on days 1–4.

Conclusions

Repeat blood cultures in neonatal patients who have developed new symptoms >4 days after initial testing may be beneficial. The use of repeat blood culture is not recommended for any other indication.
Ágnes Heller finds her voice
Authors: Grumley John
Published: November 2014

The paper is a reflection on the biography and philosophy of Ágnes Heller. It considers questions of emigration, personality, politics, change, continuity, and friendship in the development of her philosophy.
Bond strength of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars in concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures
Authors: El-Gamal Sherif
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the test results of an experimental study to investigate the effect of elevated temperatures on the bond properties of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars in concrete. For this purpose, a total of 39 pullout specimens with glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars were cast for bond strength tests. In addition to the laboratory temperature, specimens were exposed to heating regimes of 100, 200, 300 and 350℃ for a period of 1, 2 or 3 h. The test results are presented in terms of bond strength, bond–slip relationship, and mode of failure. All specimens failed by shearing of the concrete corbels surrounding the bars and almost no damage was seen in the glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars. The results showed that the bond strength decreased as the temperature or exposure period increased. Reductions of about 20% of the original bond strength were recorded after exposure to 100 and 200℃ for 3 h. Significant reductions of about 50% in the bond strength were recorded after exposure to 350℃ for periods of 2 and 3 h. A modification to the ACI (American Concrete Institute) and CEB-FIP (Comité Euro-International du Béton-Fédération Internationale de la Précontrainte) equations was developed to consider the effect of elevated temperatures and it showed good agreement with test results.
Parameters sensitivity and optimization for composite scarf repair
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Fei , Yan Rui , Ji Zhe , Li Wenying
Published: November 2014

Scarf repair is the preferred method to restore the load-carrying capacity of the damaged structure of fiber-reinforced composite material when stiffness, strength, and flushness are needed. However, shear stress concentration occurs along the scarf bond line coinciding with the location of 0° plies. Previous studies did not consider the sensitivity of parameters systematically and involve the interaction effect. In this paper, sensitivities of scarf angle, adhesive thickness, and stacking sequence are evaluated synthetically through main effect and interaction effect by using the method of design of experiment. The general strategy of decreasing scarf angle needs to remove more materials from parent laminate. Thus, a new strategy of changing the stacking sequence of repair is performed to reduce the adhesive stress concentration by means of the optimization based on genetic algorithm. In spite of this, optimization results may not have good reliability especially when manufacture, load, and other fluctuations happen. Robustness analysis based on Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the reliability of optimization results.
Experimental and numerical studies on seismic behavior of hollow bridge columns retrofitted with carbon fiber reinforced polymer
Authors: Han Qiang , Wen Jianian , Du Xiuli , Jia Junfeng
Published: November 2014

Seismic behavior of reinforced concrete hollow rectangular bridge columns retrofitted with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) was carried out under constant axial loading and lateral bending. The failure characteristics, flexural ductility, dissipated energy, and hysteretic behavior were analyzed based on cyclic testing of eight specimens retrofitted with CFRP. A simplified CFRP-confined concrete model is developed by considering effective strength coefficient and area distribution ratio of CFRP sheets. The hysteretic behavior and its influencing parameters were studied using fiber element model in the OpenSees program. The results indicate that the failure modes and damages region would be changed and the ductility and dissipated energy of the rectangular hollow bridge columns with CFRP were improved greatly, but the lateral load capacity was not improved obviously. The simplified analytical method presented in this paper is effective for analyzing lateral force and deformation hysteretic behavior of hollow rectangular bridge columns retrofitted with CFRP.
Determinants of State Innovations in American Sentencing and Corrections Policy
Authors: Sliva Shannon M.
Published: November 2014

Recently, government officials, policy makers, and practitioners are taking a closer look at present day sentencing and corrections approaches. State policy decisions have in large part determined how justice is administered, and a variety of contextual factors determine which policies states are likely to adopt. This review synthesizes the empirical literature on determinants of state sentencing and corrections policy innovations and discusses their relative value in predicting state policy adoptions across studies. Results indicate that sentencing and corrections policies are less likely to be predicted by functional explanations such as crime rates than by certain economic, political, and social variables. The most consistently predictive determinants of state policy adoptions are the external influences of other states and the federal government.
Assessing the Agreement Between 3-Meter and 6-Meter Walk Tests in 136 Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lyons Jennifer G. , Heeren Tim , Stuver Sherri O. , Fredman Lisa
Published: November 2014

Objective: Walking speed is an important marker of functionality that is measured over courses of varying lengths, but it is unclear if course length affects measured pace. Method: A total of 136 older adults completed two consecutive trials each of 3-m and 6-m walking courses, the order of which was randomly assigned. We calculated concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and created Bland–Altman plots to evaluate the relationship between the two course distances. Results: Average walking speed was faster for the 6-m course and the second trial of each course. There was high concordance between the first and second trials for both the 3-m and 6-m courses. Discussion: The 3- and 6-m courses had excellent test–retest reliability and faster walking speed in later than earlier trials. Higher concordance between courses for later trials suggests the utility of practice trials and adjusting for course length when combining walking speed measurements between different course lengths.
Numerical study of the heat transfer effect on a centrifugal compressor performance
Authors: Gu Lili , Zemp Armin , Abhari Reza S
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a study of the heat transfer influence on the centrifugal compressor performance. The compressor studied in this paper is based on the scale-up of a turbocharger compressor equipped with a shroudless impeller. To account for the heat transfer effect, a conjugate heat transfer analysis is performed with computational fluid dynamics techniques. The heat transfer phenomena not only externally but also internally are investigated at the design point. The grids adopted in the study are verified at the baseline, with an excellent agreement found between numerical simulations and measurements. The results provide an insight into the dependence of the heat transfer influences on the heat flux paths. The path of the external heat flux passing through the impeller shaft is found to have a great impact on the compressor performance. The study of internal heat transfer shows that the shroud surface dominates the internal heat transfer effect on the efficiency loss. Furthermore, the heat transfer influence is also investigated on the compressor performance at other operating points. The results imply a positive potential margin for the improvement of compressor efficiency by means of heat transfer control.
Conceptual Processing of Distractors by Older but Not Younger Adults
Authors: Amer Tarek , Hasher Lynn
Published: November 2014

Evidence from perceptually based implicit memory tasks demonstrates greater priming from distracting information among older compared with younger adults. We examined whether older adults also show greater conceptually based implicit priming from distracting information. We measured priming using a general-knowledge test that was preceded by an incidental-encoding task (a color-naming Stroop task in one experiment and a 1-back task involving pictures with irrelevant words superimposed in a second experiment). Younger adults showed no priming from the distracting information in either experiment, whereas older adults showed reliable priming in both experiments. Thus, unlike young adults, older adults process irrelevant information conceptually and then can use that information to boost their performance on a subsequent task.
Haematological and histopathological effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin based on uterotrophic assay in immature Wistar female albino rats
Authors: Barlas N , Karabulut G
Published: November 2014

In this study, it is aimed to determine the histopathological and haematological effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin on Wistar immature female rats using Tier 2 of the uterotrophic assay. The female rats were divided into 17 groups with 6 rats in each group. There was a negative control group and positive control dose groups that contained 0.07 µg/kg/day, 0.7 µg/kg/day and 7 µg/kg/day of ethinyl estradiol (EE), 0.7 µg/kg/day 17α-ethinyl estradiol + 1 mg/kg/day tamoxifen and genistein. The other dose groups contain 1 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day of apigenin, myricetin and phloretin. All chemicals had been given to Wistar immature female rats with oral gavage for three consecutive days. At the end of the study, blood samples were analysed for haematological parameters. Tissue samples that were taken from the liver, kidney, spleen and thyroid were histopathologically and histomorphometrically examined. There were no significant differences between oil control and other dose groups for glomerular histomorphometry. However, there were siginificant differences for thyroid histomorphometry. Especially, 10 and 100 mg/kg/day of phloretin dose groups had a siginificant increase in colloid surface area in thyroid compared with the 1 mg/kg/day of phloretin and oil control groups. Significant histopathological changes (congestion, degeneration, fibrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration) were noted in the tissue specimens obtained from the treatment groups compared with the control group. According to the results of the haematological analysis of the groups, especially the values of erythrocytes and haematocrit were increased significantly in most of the dose groups according to the oil control group.
Implementation of Global Framework Agreements
Authors: Sydow Jörg , Fichter Michael , Helfen Markus , Sayim Kadire Zeynep , Stevis Dimitris
Published: November 2014

Over the past decade Global Union Federations have signed an increasing number of Global Framework Agreements, most of which – over 80 per cent – have been with European-based Transnational Corporations. But while Global Framework Agreements are slowly, but continually, increasing in numbers, the results of our empirical research reveal extensive deficits in their implementation. This article begins with a review of these implementation problems and challenges. Drawing on two exemplary case studies, we introduce our multi-organizational practice perspective to illuminate how the contents of Global Framework Agreements as negotiated are linked to implementation, conflict monitoring and resolution procedures. We conclude that there is a need for a systematic and integrated implementation procedure as a means of dealing with the complexity of the Global Framework Agreement process. Our proposal is built on three sets of practices – information dissemination and communication; training programmes; and operational measures – and encompasses both unilateral and joint policies and actions pursued by Global Union Federations and the management of Transnational Corporations.
Addressing informality, gender and ethnicity in domestic labour
Authors: Pla-Julián Isabel
Published: November 2014

The legal framework concerning household employment has undergone a number of changes worldwide. The 100th International Labour Conference in June 2011 was highly significant as it adopted the first international labour standards specifically for domestic workers: Convention No. 189 and the supplementing Recommendation No. 201. This article analyses recent Spanish reforms (2011–2013) in order to assess the effects of these changes, taking into account the characteristics of domestic work: feminized, informal, ethnicized and vulnerable. Although aimed at improving employment and working conditions, the new Spanish legislation has resulted in a number of setbacks as well as some progress. These ambiguous effects should make policy-makers cautious when seeking to improve the situation of domestic workers. Any effective efforts to reduce informality in this sector should encompass labour, migration and gender, without disregarding the complex reality, including subjective and interpersonal factors, that might hinder the objectives of formal regulation.
Stimulating Psychological Attachments in Narrative Games
Authors: Mallon Bride , Lynch Ronan
Published: November 2014

Aim. This article aims to help game creators discover ways to make players feel involved, and engage with game characters. It outlines how players can have rich playing experiences with multi-faceted, dynamic, and interactive characters.

Background. We consider two kinds of relationships: the first between the player and their avatar and the second between the player (as represented by their avatar) and non-player characters. More broadly, the article will provide information on the reasons why players engage with game characters and factors that enhance such engagement.

Method. We synthesize findings as assessment criteria, for formative evaluation of an emerging game design. The research focuses on players’ experiences and opinions about the factors that make games an enjoyable experience for them, or, conversely, do not. We asked two groups of first-year Irish undergraduate games students to select and play two games and record in diary style their reactions, impressions, feelings, and reflections. We then analyzed what seemed to be generating positive and negative reactions. We used content analysis to analyze the players’ diaries of their experiences and self-analysis.

Conclusion. This article thus examines the issues significant to players in relation to factors that engage them in narrative games, focusing on what makes dynamic, engaging, and interactive characterization. We envisage that this study will assist game creators in developing more responsive characters and overall engaging games.
Measuring Video Game Engagement Through the Cognitive and Affective Dimensions
Authors: Sharek David , Wiebe Eric
Published: November 2014

Aim. This study investigates a novel technique for measuring video game engagement by capturing behavioral data with little task interference.

Background. Flow Theory and Cognitive Load Theory provide insight into understanding engagement by analyzing the interactions between skill and task challenge. The development of this real-time measurement of engagement provides a more precise diagnostic method for designing challenging, yet cognitively engaging, tasks.

Method. Flow Theory guided the design of three conditions (Boredom, Flow, and Frustration) for a video game played by 156 participants. The authors tested a potential measure of engagement based on the number of times a participant clicked a game-clock during gameplay and during intermissions, along with performance and workload data. We differentiated the three conditions by synthesizing game-clock clicks during gameplay, during intermission, and overall cognitive load.

Results. Boredom showed lower cognitive load than Flow and Frustration. Frustration had significantly lower game-clock clicks during gameplay and significantly higher clicks during intermission than Flow or Boredom.

Conclusion. This study’s measurement approach could potentially be used to measure cognitive and affective elements of engagement, helping to identify where in a task a person may reach a point of disengagement, and where they may choose to reengage.
Decorative Integration or Relevant Learning? A Literature Review of Studio Arts-Based Management Education With Recommendations for Teaching and Research
Authors: Katz-Buonincontro Jen
Published: November 2014

This review presents a synthesis of the state of arts-based management education scholarship, with teaching and research recommendations. To begin, the lack of creativity and empathy development in management students is presented. Next, literature-based descriptions of arts-based management exercises focus on how to use improvisational theatre, visual arts (film, collage, drawing, sculpture, and photo-captioning), poetry, narrative writing and storytelling, and music in the management classroom. Then, each art form is analyzed in terms of its capacity to develop creativity (the ability to produce new, useful, and high-quality ideas and products) and empathy (the ability to understand another person’s feelings and want justice for him or her), as conceptualized in recent psychological research. Based on these descriptions and analysis, three arts-based teaching challenges are proposed for advancing practice in this area: confronting the shifting role of instructor and learner; forging collaborations with professional artists, art faculty, and students; and promoting active arts-participation in students. Finally, research recommendations are offered for extending the field with a table of eight design elements.
Radiological Prevalence of Degenerative Arthritis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Howard Nicholas , Cowen Christopher , Caplan Mark , Platt Simon
Published: November 2014

Background:

The prevalence of osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) has not been completely determined in a population-based study. The aim of the study was to determine the age- and gender-related prevalence of radiological first MTPJ arthritis.

Methods:

We analyzed 517 consecutive radiographs of adult patients who presented with acute foot injuries to the accident and emergency department over a 6-month period. Radiographs were assessed independently by 2 authors using the Hattrup and Johnson grading system for osteoarthritic changes in the first MTPJ.

Results:

The radiographic prevalence of MTPJ arthritis in our population was 25% (127/517). Overall incidence was higher in females, with 32% (85/269) of females affected in comparison to 18% (44/248) of males. Variance between the sexes was insignificant until the age of 60, at which point the prevalence rose to 66% (53/80) in females compared with 47% (18/38) in males of the same age.

Conclusions:

The development of first MTPJ arthritis follows a typical pattern of degenerative arthritis, as shown in other joints, with increasing age being an important factor. The results of this study suggest that first MTPJ arthritis begins to appear in most cases in middle age and is significantly more apparent in females.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative case series.
Salvage of Failed Total Ankle Replacement Using Tantalum Trabecular Metal: Case Series
Authors: Sagherian Bernard H. , Claridge Richard J.
Published: November 2014

Background:

Although newer generations of total ankle arthroplasty designs have better clinical outcomes, failure due to aseptic loosening remains a frequent major complication. Arthrodesis is the most common salvage procedure for a failed total ankle replacement. There are several arthrodesis techniques each with its advantages and disadvantages. We present a technique of ankle arthrodesis for failed total ankle replacements using tantalum Trabecular Metal™ (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) with internal fixation, thus sparing the subtalar joint.

Methods:

Three patients who had undergone arthrodesis for a failed total ankle replacement using tantalum Trabecular Metal were retrospectively reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 57 (range, 31-86) months. The mean age at ankle arthroplasty was 57 (range, 33-72) years and at ankle arthrodesis was 63 (range, 44-74) years. The mean time from arthroplasty to arthrodesis was 7 (range, 2-11) years.

Results:

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score improved from 30.7 (range, 20-39) preoperatively to 72.7 (range, 65-77) postoperatively at the time of last follow-up. Arthrodesis was achieved at a mean of 3 months, and there were no complications.

Conclusion:

The technique described has several advantages when compared to other methods of salvage ankle arthrodesis. The subtalar joint is not included in the fusion unless it is degenerative and symptomatic. Height of the ankle is maintained throughout the fusion process. Furthermore, Trabecular Metal is abundantly available; it avoids donor site morbidity and eliminates the risk of transmissible diseases.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, expert opinion.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Genetic Studies
Authors: He Ji , Mangelsdorf Marie , Fan Dongsheng , Bartlett Perry , Brown Matthew A.
Published: November 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease of obscure etiology. Multiple genetic studies have been conducted to advance our understanding of the disease, employing a variety of techniques such as linkage mapping in families, to genome-wide association studies and sequencing based approaches such as whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing and a few epigenetic analyses. While major progress has been made, the majority of the genetic variation involved in ALS is yet to be undefined. The optimal study designs to investigate ALS depend on the genetic model for the disease, and it is likely that different approaches will be required to map genes involved in familial and sporadic disease. The potential approaches and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed.
The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Thrombin Generation Assessed by the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram
Authors: Saliba Walid , Awad Karem , Ron Gilat , Elias Mazen
Published: November 2014

Observational and in vitro studies suggest that vitamin D may have antithrombotic activity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and thrombin generation. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and thrombin generation parameters were measured in 73 healthy volunteers. Participants with serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L (n = 53) were treated with vitamin D3 and tested for 25(OH)D and thrombin generation at the end of treatment. Lag time and time to peak decreased after treatment by a mean of −0.49 ± 0.51 minute ( P < .001) and −0.76 ± 0.70 minute ( P < .001), respectively, whereas endogenous thrombin potential and peak height increased after treatment by a mean of 170.1 ± 339.8 nmol/L minute ( P = .001) and 34.2 ± 47.8 nmol/L ( P < .001), respectively. Treatment with vitamin D supplementation seems to have prothrombotic effect in patients with vitamin D insufficiency. These findings should be interpreted with caution and need to be replicated in future studies.
Effect on Primary Sleep Disorders When Children With ADHD Are Administered Guanfacine Extended Release
Authors: Rugino Thomas A.
Published: November 2014

Objective: To evaluate children with ADHD and sleep problems with polysomnography (PSG) after guanfacine extended-release (GXR) administration. Method: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was terminated early due to treatment-emergent concerns after enrolling 29 children aged 6 to 12 years. After >4 weeks dose adjustment and >1 week dose stabilization, 11 children received GXR and 16 controls underwent analyses with PSG. Results: Although GXR improved ADHD symptoms, the primary outcome variable, total sleep time, was shorter in contrast to placebo (−57.32, SD = 89.17 vs. +31.32, SD = 59.54 min, p = .005). Increased time awake after sleep onset per hour of sleep was the primary factor for the reduction. Although rapid eye movement (REM), non-REM, and N3/slow wave sleep times were reduced, these were proportional to the overall sleep reduction. Sedation was common with GXR (73% vs. 6%). Conclusion: Morning-administered GXR resulted in decreased sleep and may contribute to sedation.
Distributed region-based memory allocation and synchronization
Authors: Symeonidou Christi , Pratikakis Polyvios , Nikolopoulos Dimitrios S , Bilas Angelos
Published: November 2014

We present DRASync, a region-based allocator that implements a global address space abstraction for MPI programs with pointer-based data structures. The main features of DRASync are: (a) it amortizes communication among nodes to allow efficient parallel allocation in a global address space; (b) it takes advantage of bulk deallocation and good locality with pointer-based data structures; (c) it supports ownership semantics of regions by nodes akin to reader–writer locks, which makes for a high-level, intuitive synchronization tool in MPI programs, without sacrificing message-passing performance. We evaluate DRASync against a state-of-the-art distributed allocator and find that it produces comparable performance while offering a higher-level abstraction to programmers.
From Here On Out, We’re All Blue: Interaction Order, Social Infrastructure, and Race in Police Socialization
Authors: Conti Norman , Doreian Patrick
Published: November 2014

Motivated by the complicated history of race relations in policing, this article offers a social network analysis of the formation of relationships between recruits in a police academy. While the quantitative analysis is the core of this article, it is framed by an ethnographic description of how the interaction order within the academy functions as a mechanism for maintaining racism within police organizations. The academy’s social infrastructure was designed to generate encounters between recruits of various races. Recruits were divided into subgroups, which generally reflected the overall demographics of the cohort, so recruits of different races could get to know each other. While this academy had some success in forming ties between Black, Latino, and White recruits, it fell short of achieving the stated ideal of “we’re all blue.” Our results suggest that achieving this ideal lies in a distant future.
Thermal buckling analysis of porous circular plate with piezoelectric sensor-actuator layers under uniform thermal load
Authors: Farzaneh Joubaneh E , Mojahedin A , Khorshidvand AR , Jabbari M
Published: November 2014

This study presents the thermal buckling analysis of solid circular plate made of porous material bounded with piezoelectric sensor-actuator patches. The porous material properties vary through the thickness with specific function. The general mechanical nonlinear equilibrium and linear stability equations are derived using the variational formulations to obtain the governing equations of piezoelectric porous plate. Thermal buckling load is derived for solid circular plates under uniform temperature load for the clamped edge condition. In recent paper the effects of porous plate’s thickness, porosity, porous thermal expansion coefficient, piezoelectric thickness, piezoelectric thermal expansion coefficient, and feedback gain on thermal stability of the plate are investigated.
Short-term treatment with a novel HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (GSK1278863) failed to improve measures of performance in subjects with claudication-limited peripheral artery disease
Authors: Olson Eric , Demopoulos Laura , Haws Thomas F , Hu Erding , Fang Zixing , Mahar Kelly M , Qin Pu , Lepore John , Bauer Timothy A , Hiatt William R
Published: November 2014

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) stabilization by HIF-prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors may improve ischemic conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety and efficacy of GSK1278863 (an oral PHD inhibitor) in subjects with PAD. The study assessed two active treatment paradigms: single dosing and subchronic daily dosing (300 mg single dose and 15 mg daily for 14 days, respectively). Neither regimen improved exercise performance compared with placebo (change from baseline in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT; feet), (GSK1278863, placebo): single dose (–46, –44), p=0.96; repeat dose (9, 8), p=0.99; change in number of contractions to onset of claudication (goniometry): single dose (4, –1), p=0.053; repeat dose (–2, 1), p=0.08). A calf-muscle biopsy substudy showed no increases in mRNA or protein levels of HIF target genes. More subjects receiving GSK1278863 than placebo experienced adverse events, particularly following the 300 mg single dose. Thus, assessing the safety of GSK1278863 in this setting would require a larger population exposed to the agent for a longer duration. These data do not support a benefit of GSK1278863 in PAD using the regimens tested. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01673555
The inherent tensions and ambiguities of hope: Towards a post-formal analysis of experiences of advanced-cancer patients
Authors: Brown Patrick , de Graaf Sabine , Hillen Marij
Published: November 2014

Sociological and anthropological analyses of hope in health-care contexts have tended to address institutional processes, especially the power dynamics that function through such systems or political economies of hope, which in turn shape interactions through which hopes are managed. This article extends this approach through a more detailed consideration of the experience of hoping itself. Our post-formal analysis denotes the tensions that are intrinsic and defining features of lifeworlds around hope, emphasising the dissonance and fragility of hoping. Drawing upon interview and observational data involving patients with advanced-cancer diagnoses who were taking part in clinical trials, we explore three main tensions which emerged within the analysis: tensions involving time and liminality between future and present; ontological tensions involving the concrete and the possible, the ‘realistic’ and the positive; and tensions in taken-for-grantedness between the reflective and the mundane, the specific and the ambiguous. Rather than three separate sets of tensions, those involving time, ontology and taken-for-grantedness are very much interwoven. In denoting the influence of social processes in engendering tensions, we bridge sociological and anthropological approaches with a more definition-oriented literature, developing understandings of hoping and its key characteristics in relation to other processes of coping amidst vulnerability and uncertainty.
Sleep and school attendance in adolescence: Results from a large population-based study
Authors: Hysing Mari , Haugland Siren , Stormark Kjell Morten , Bøe Tormod , Sivertsen Børge
Published: November 2014

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the link between adolescent sleep and non-attendance in school. Methods: A large population-based study from Norway conducted in 2012, the youth@hordaland study, surveyed 8,347 adolescents aged 16–19 years (54% girls). Self-reported sleep measures included bedtime, rise time, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), insomnia symptoms, tiredness, and sleepiness. School attendance was obtained from national administrative registries. Results: Most sleep parameters were associated with increased risk of school non-attendance. After adjusting for gender and socioeconomic status, short sleep duration and sleep deficiency were the sleep measures with the highest odds of non-attendance (OR=4.61, CI 95% 3.29–6.46) and (OR=3.26, CI 95% 2.67–3.99), respectively). Also, large bedtime discrepancies in weekend versus weekdays were associated with non-attendance (OR=2.43, CI 95% 1.93–2.02), as well as insomnia (OR=2.25, CI % 1.89–2.67) and daytime tiredness (OR=2.09, CI 95% 1.70–2.57). The associations were somewhat reduced after additional adjustment for depression, but remained significant in the fully adjusted model. Conclusion: The demonstrated relationship between sleep problems and school absence suggests that careful assessment of sleep is warranted when adolescents present with extensive school absence. Future studies on how the sleep–school absence relationship in adolescence may impact later work affiliation in adulthood are needed.
Animal Cards, supermarket stunts, and the World Wide Fund for Nature: Exploring the educational value of a business–environmental non-governmental organization partnership for sustainable consumption
Authors: Kopnina Helen
Published: November 2014

This article explores cooperation between a commercial supermarket chain and an environmental non-governmental organization linking it to consumer perception of the “The Super Animals” collectable cards promotion initiative. The case study focuses on one particular joint project involving Animal Cards that was initiated by the supermarket Albert Heijn and the World Wide Fund for Nature in The Netherlands. Based on this case, environmental non-governmental organizations’ strategic choices in the context of contesting discourses of sustainability and consumption, as well as implications for environmental education, are addressed. This article combines three strands of the literature – on sustainable consumption, on strategic cooperation between commercial companies and environmental non-governmental organizations and on environmental education. It is argued that the Animal Cards initiative presents an ambiguous case by both attempting to enhance environmental awareness and promoting consumption, opening up questions about the value of such cooperative ventures to the objectives of environmental education. It is concluded that cross-sector partnerships have the potential to lead to improvements in corporate social responsibility and environmental awareness among consumers but simultaneously pose the danger of undermining the critical stance toward consumption.
Ethnographic refusal as research method: Example from a study of a family court child custody mediation program
Authors: Crampton Alexandra
Published: November 2014

Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which a third party neutral facilitates discussion towards amicable agreement. Parents in Wisconsin filing disputed claims in family court over child custody or physical residence must attend mediation before going back to court. I began research on the Milwaukee Family Court Child Custody Mediation program three years ago with anticipation of data collection challenges due to sensitivity of the topic and need for multiple research permissions. Multiple and ongoing permission is necessary given an ethnographic extended case study research design. This approach was chosen to analyze the meanings of mediation within larger social contexts of court process and private family lives. While refusal from potential research subjects was understandable, I did not anticipate my difficulty staying with the research both in data collection and initial analysis. This essay explains my dilemma as an example of what anthropologist Sherry Ortner calls “ethnographic refusal,” which is also an occupational hazard of using direct engagement to understand lived experience. First, I explain how refusal can become part of ethnographic fieldwork and then use my study as an example. I focus on describing how emotional intensity within the research sites brought refusal that was eventually addressed as a productive rather than obstructive part of the research process. While it is important to avoid risk in going too far in trying to fully engage with others, there is also risk in not going far enough to engage with the full humanity of people struggling in difficult contexts.
Characteristics of Young Children Close to the Onset of Stuttering
Authors: Cavenagh Penny , Costelloe Sarah , Davis Steve , Howell Peter
Published: November 2014

Five factors (gender, handedness, some aspects of general health, family history, and intelligence) that could assist speech–language pathologists in identification of children who stutter (CWS) in 42 CWS and 34 fluent control children (children who do not stutter [CWNS]) were investigated. The data reported here were obtained from assessments made within 1 year of the reported onset of stuttering. The results from the initial assessments showed significant differences between CWS and CWNS on the five factors considered. Although there were some differences on intelligence scores, it is emphasized that the scores of all CWS were within normal limits, and in fact, both groups scored higher than the population average. These factors are important for the initial assessment of stuttering and may be useful for establishing what intervention is appropriate.
Primary Systems and Candidate Ideology
Authors: Rogowski Jon C. , Langella Stephanie
Published: November 2014

The nomination of ideologically extreme candidates in party primaries has led many scholars and observers to speculate about the role played by different kinds of primary systems. Models of candidate competition that account for the two-stage nature of the electoral process suggest that more restrictive primary systems produce more ideologically extreme candidates. In contrast with previous research that examines the relationship between primaries and legislative ideology, we focus on how primary systems affect the ideological extremity of candidates’ campaign platforms. Using data on more than 85,000 major party candidates for Congress and state legislatures from 1980-2012, we find no evidence that the restrictiveness of primary participation rules is systematically associated with candidate ideology.
Aplysin induces apoptosis in glioma cells through HSP90/AKT pathway
Authors: Gong An-jing , Gong Li-li , Yao Wei-cheng , Ge Na , Lu Lu-xiang , Liang Hui
Published: November 2014

Glioma is one of the most common malignancies in the world. However, an effective regiment is lacking. Increasing evidence indicated that PI3K/AKT signaling is critical for the survival of glioma. In this study, we aimed to study the effect of aplysin on the survival and proliferation of GL26 glioma cells and the involved mechanisms. The data showed that aplysin suppressed the viability of glioma cells in both dose- and time-dependent manners. It also induced G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in glioma cells. Western blot assays revealed that aplysin treatment changed p-AKT expression by impairing the formation of Heat shock protein 90/AKT complex. Aplysin significantly increased the survival time of mice-bearing glioma and reduced the weights of the established gliomas. Collectively, aplysin can inhibit the proliferation of GL26 glioma cells and induce apoptosis in vitro, perhaps through suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway. It can also inhibit glioma growth in vivo and prolong the survival of mice. Thus, aplysin may be a novel therapeutic drug for glioma.
The Effect of Mixed-Task Basic Training in the Acquisition of Advanced Laparoscopic Skills
Authors: Loukas Constantinos , Lahanas Vasileios , Kanakis Meletios , Georgiou Evangelos
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to assess whether mixed practice of basic tasks on a virtual reality (VR) simulator improves the performance of advanced tasks on the same device used for training as well as on a video trainer (VT). Thirty-six novices were allocated into 3 equal groups. Each group practiced on different combinations of basic tasks on a VR simulator: (A) peg transfer, (B) peg transfer and clipping, and (C) peg transfer, clipping, and cutting. Before and after training, each group performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) scenario on the simulator and intracorporeal knot tying (KT) on a VT. Assessment metrics included time, instrument’s path length, penalty score, and hand motion synchronization. Results showed that for the common training tasks, plateau values were statistically equivalent for most assessment metrics ( P > .05). For LC, all groups showed significant performance improvement ( P < .05). For KT, group C improved significantly in pathlength ( P < .005), penalty score ( P < .05), and hand motion synchronization ( P < .05); the other groups failed to show an improvement ( P > .05). In conclusion, training on different VR tasks seems to have no effect on the performance of more demanding tasks on the same device. However, the number of different tasks practiced on the VR simulator seems to favorably affect the performance of advanced tasks on the VT.
Porcine Abdominal Wall Simulator for Laparotomy Incision and Closure
Authors: Khan Sadaf , Cipriano Cassie , Marks Jeffrey M. , Schomisch Steve J.
Published: November 2014

We describe an economical and simple abdominal wall model that provides a realistic experience for trainees as they develop the skills of creating an abdominal incision through the midline, followed by closure of the fascia and skin.
A Comparative Study of Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Levic Katarina , Donatsky Anders Meller , Bulut Orhan , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Conventional laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice for many abdominal procedures. To further reduce surgical trauma, new minimal invasive procedures such as single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) have emerged. The aim of this study was to compare the early results of SPLS versus RALS in the treatment of rectal cancer. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on patients who had undergone SPLS (n = 36) or RALS (n = 56) in the period between 2010 and 2012. Operative and short-term oncological outcomes were compared. Results. The RALS group had fewer patients with low rectal cancer and more patients with mid-rectal tumors ( P = .017) and also a higher rate of intraoperative complications (14.3% vs 0%, P = .021). The rate of postoperative complications did not differ ( P = .62). There were no differences in circumferential resection margins, distal resection margins, or completeness of the mesorectal fascia. The RALS group had a larger number of median harvested lymph nodes (27 vs 13, P = .001). The SPLS group had fewer late complications ( P = .025). There were no locoregional recurrences in either of the groups. There was no difference in median follow-up time between groups ( P = .58). Conclusion. Both SPLS and RALS may have a role in rectal surgery. The short-term oncological outcomes were similar, although RALS harvested more lymph nodes than the SPLS procedure. However, SPLS seems to be safer with regard to intraoperative and late postoperative complications.
User-Generated Video Gaming
Authors: Comunello Francesca , Mulargia Simone
Published: November 2014

Digital technology users are growingly involved in what has been described as convergence culture or participatory cultures. In this context, a major role is played by user-generated content. This article focuses on the participatory practices related to Little Big Planet (LBP) 1, a PlayStation platform video game that encourages users to create and share their own gaming levels. Our theoretical framework refers both to convergence culture and to a specific perspective of game studies that focuses on the cultural and social dimensions that are to be found in gaming and modding practices. A total of 8,829 Italian PlayStation Network (PSN) users were surveyed regarding their gaming practices, their attitude toward digital technology, and their LBP usage experiences. The results show that familiarity with digital technology and a socially oriented attitude to digital technology are clearly related to “active LBP engagement.” Moreover, PSN users are more likely than other digital platforms users to create their own content.
Leadership for Social Justice
Authors: Rivera-McCutchen Rosa L. , Watson Terri N.
Published: November 2014

This case highlights the challenges faced by the principal of Forest Middle/Senior High School. In the surrounding school community, White middle-class families are increasingly opting to send their children to private schools. Within the school, critical incidents between White teachers and Black and Latino/a teachers and students mirror the neighborhood unrest. Privately, the principal, a White male, acknowledges that deeply held deficit perspectives about race and class are the underlying causes of the tension, but has failed to do so publicly. This case highlights critical junctures involving trust, race, ethnicity, and class, and examines how this particular leader promotes equity and social justice.
Using a Crisis to Redefine School Culture
Authors: Huddleston Lisa
Published: November 2014

This case involves a small town in the southwestern United States. Background descriptions of the community and school are provided, including historical and demographic information. As the community and school transition from a small ranching town into a bedroom community for the large city nearby, tensions related to race and wealth erupt in a confrontation on school grounds between students from the high school and a local doctor. School employees, in particular the principal, must address how to repair and transform their school culture following this crisis.
Fraud and Corruption Control at Education System Level
Authors: Bandaranayake Bandara
Published: November 2014

This case describes the implementation of a fraud and corruption control policy initiative within the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (the Department) in Australia. The policy initiative was administered and carried out by a small team of fraud control officials, including the author of this article, in the Department. The policy context represents a large, devolved and fragmented governance and accountability system. This case highlights the complexity of the policy initiative, the contextual constraints that challenged the implementation, and the pragmatic approach taken by the Department. While there are no easy solutions for fraud and corruption control or proven models to follow, this case presents helpful lessons for the professionals working in large and devolved education systems.
A Feather in Her Cap
Authors: Head-Dylla Candace , Faircloth Susan
Published: November 2014

In this case, the authors explore the tensions that emerge when students exert their right to visibly demonstrate their cultural values and beliefs at school or school-sponsored activities and events. This case was designed for educational leadership courses dealing with diversity, pluralism, multiculturalism, and democratic values. Students should be encouraged to discuss pluralism and democratic education juxtaposed with multiculturalism. They should consider ways in which the principal and teachers in this case either missed or tried to use opportunities to engage students in transformative, cross-cultural pedagogies that could prove to be socially reconstructive.