bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Figuration of a Liquid Modern and Globalized Team Since the Acquisition by TV Azteca
Authors: Añorve Añorve Daniel
Published: November 2015

This article analyzes the transition from a solid modern soccer-scape into a liquid modern soccer-scape in professional soccer in Morelia, Mexico. The acquisition of the club by TV Azteca is considered the milestone that separates both soccer-scapes. The figurational sociology of Elias and the liquid modern analysis of Bauman serve as the foundations of this study. The analysis involves a time component as well as a spatial component. There are two central arguments: (a) the liquid modern soccer-scape is characterized by an ever-increasing turnover speed of rosters, a time acceleration of advertisement in soccer spaces, as well as the intensification in the use of spaces involved in soccer; (b) the liquid modern cultural framework has preceded and paved the way for its globalized economic-material realization.
Accountable Preferences? Discourse, Identity, and the Anti-Prejudice Norm
Authors: Stapleton Karyn
Published: November 2015

There is, today, a powerful social norm against the expression of prejudice. Hence, as shown in many discursive studies, speakers treat prejudice as an accountable matter and use various strategies (e.g., disclaimers, mitigation, denials, and reformulations) to avoid being seen as personally prejudiced. Analysts have identified this practice as a “new” form of discriminatory discourse, which allows expression of prejudice without negative identity repercussions. Relevant studies are generally undertaken from a critical perspective and focus on structural inequalities (particularly race and gender). However, speakers may also demonstrate sensitivity around unexpected issues which lack overt prejudice connotations. This article examines one such example of unexpected sensitivity to the anti-prejudice norm. It analyses how five young female academics problematise and resolve their preference for an “intelligent” romantic partner. Their preference is uncontroversial in relationship terms, but here, in the academic context, it is clearly treated as accountable and as possibly inviting negative attributions. The data show functional and lexical features of “new” discriminatory discourse. The speakers orient towards attributions of intellectual elitism and use various means to deflect these, while ultimately upholding their stated preference for an intelligent partner. The analysis demonstrates how the anti-prejudice norm extends across settings/topics and how accountability is occasioned and context specific. This has implications for how prejudice itself, as a discursive construct, may be identified and evidenced. Specifically, it might be argued that analysts only have empirical access to accountability (occasioned in specific contexts), rather than to exclusionary or prejudiced ideologies per se.
Making polycentrism: Governance innovation in small and medium-sized cities in the West Midlands and Barcelona metropolitan regions
Authors: Pradel-Miquel Marc
Published: November 2015

The development of metropolitan regions shows increasing patterns of polycentrism, with growing relevance of small and medium-sized municipalities, suburbs and outskirts, which become economic subcentres within enlarging metropolitan realities. Nevertheless, governance analysis has focused primarily on the role of central cities or on the metropolitan region as a whole. This article focuses on the social configuration of small and medium-sized municipalities as collective actors and their role in the emergence of polycentrism. The article analyses how the economic, political and social hegemonic actors in these cities organise innovative strategies to ensure the centrality of their area in the metropolitan region presenting the analysis of two areas in two European metropolitan regions; the Black Country in the West Midlands conurbation (United Kingdom) and the Vallès Occidental area in the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (Spain). In both areas, innovative forms of governance oriented towards local economic development and social cohesion have emerged involving municipalities, chambers of commerce, trade unions and third sector actors. Beyond the implementation of local policies these forms of governance reinforce specific scales for economic agglomeration to reinforce subcentrality of certain municipalities. The analysis of these cases shows that there are dynamics of competitiveness and collaboration within metropolitan regions in which subcentres are trying to compete with the central city and but at the same time taking profit from the overall metropolitan strategy in the global arena.
Scientific progress, risk, and development: Explaining attitudes toward science cross-nationally
Authors: Price Anne M , Peterson Lindsey P
Published: November 2015

Declining public confidence in science is a concern in the US and Europe, but it is unclear what predicts confidence in science in developed countries, let alone in developing countries. This article examines how development and ‘risk society’ shape individual attitudes toward science across 47 diverse countries, using four theoretically driven measures of risk society. It is found that people in affluent societies have lower support for science than those in less affluent societies. Specifically, individuals holding post-materialist attitudes and living in countries with greater human and economic development (measured by higher internet access and tertiary enrollment, and lower infant mortality) have lower confidence in future-oriented science. The article concludes that the scientific gains that are brought by affluence are accompanied by heightened fears of human-made risks.
Linking Stakeholder Involvement to Policy Performance: Nonlinear Effects in Dutch Local Government Policy Making
Authors: Schalk Jelmer
Published: November 2015

Current research in public management generally hypothesizes that the involvement of external stakeholders by governments positively affects the performance of policies. Recent research, however, has demonstrated diminishing returns of involvement on performance, as well as different effects of involvement for different types of stakeholder organizations. The present article combines these insights. We distinguish between professional and client-interest stakeholder organizations, and assess the effect of their involvement on policy performance in terms of client outcomes. The hypotheses are tested using a combined longitudinal data set consisting of a representative sample of 69 Dutch local governments and 3,434 clients of the Social Support Act, which aims to increase the independent functioning of individuals with mental or physical impediments. Multilevel analyses show that only the involvement of professional stakeholder organizations is related to policy performance, with negative returns on policy performance at higher levels of involvement.
Renal Pathology in a Nontraditional Aging Model
Authors: Delaney M. A. , Kinsel M. J. , Treuting P. M.
Published: November 2015

The naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber) is growing in popularity as a model for aging research due to its extreme longevity (up to 30 years), highly adapted physiology, and resistance to cancer, particularly when compared with traditional aging models such as laboratory mice and rats. Despite the NMR’s seemingly lengthy health span, several age-related lesions have been documented. During a 15-year retrospective evaluation of a zoo-housed population, histologic changes in the kidneys were reported in 127 of 138 (92%) adult NMRs. Of these, renal tubular mineralization was very common (115 of 127; 90.6%) and found in NMRs without concurrent renal lesions (36 of 127; 28.3%). Many of the other described lesions were considered progressive stages of a single process, generally referred to as chronic nephritis or nephropathy, and diagnosed in 73 of 127 (57.5%), while end-stage renal disease was reported in only 12 (9.4%) NMRs. Renal lesions of these NMRs were comparable to disease entities reported in laboratory rats and certain strains of inbred and noninbred mice. Although many lesions of NMR kidneys were similar to those found in aged laboratory rodents, some common urinary diseases were not represented in the examined colonies. The goal of this study was to describe renal lesions in NMRs from a zoologic setting to familiarize investigators and pathologists with an apparently common and presumably age-related disease in this nontraditional model.
Detection of Copy Number Imbalance in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma With Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Mochizuki H. , Shapiro S. G. , Breen M.
Published: November 2015

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common neoplasm of the canine urinary tract. Clinical presentation of UC is shared with several other, more common urinary tract disorders, and this often delays diagnosis of the UC. Definitive diagnosis of UC requires histopathologic examination of a biopsy specimen, but the cost and invasiveness for these diagnostic tests often result in most diagnoses being made on the basis of clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, and cytologic examination of urine sediment. Regardless of the diagnostic process used, most UCs currently are not diagnosed until they are at an advanced clinical stage and so are associated with poor prognosis. Improved methods for earlier and less invasive detection are needed. In a previous study, the authors demonstrated the presence of highly recurrent DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs) in canine UC and hypothesized that detection of these CNAs in tumor cells can be used as a molecular diagnostic for UC. In this study, a multiplexed droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay was detected to detect and quantify CNAs of specific regions of canine chromosomes 8, 13, 19, and 36. The assay was effective at differentiating 31 neoplastic and 25 nonneoplastic bladder tissues based on copy number, with 100% sensitivity and specificity in tissue samples. CNAs were also detected by ddPCR in 67% (12 of 18) of urine DNA specimens derived from UC patients. The findings show that ddPCR is a useful molecular technique to detect CNAs and may be used as a noninvasive molecular diagnostic test for canine UC.
Exploring the role of occupation for spouse-carers before and after the death of a spouse with dementia
Authors: Mattock Sarah , McIntyre Anne
Published: November 2015

Introduction

When a person with dementia dies, their former spouse-carer can find their personal resources so depleted that re-engaging in life can be difficult, leaving their mental health vulnerable. This qualitative study aimed to explore whether the occupations of spouse-carers contribute in the transition to the post-care period.

Method

Purposive sampling was used to recruit nine spouse-carers, who were between 1 and 5 years post-bereavement, via two branches of the Alzheimer’s Society, in the United Kingdom. In-depth interviews collected data for this interpretative phenomenological study, which were subject to template analysis.

Findings

Exploration of the data produced themes of continuity, roles and occupations, support and change and transition. Many of the findings supported published literature. However, a new finding emerged, where spouse-carers’ engagement in a ‘sustaining occupation’ (researcher’s term) appeared to counter the effect of role overload.

Conclusion

Four key ways that occupations of spouse-carers contributed to the transition to post-care were identified: ‘sustaining occupations’; occupations that maintain spouse-carers’ identity; continuing bonds with the deceased care-recipient; developing new roles. The first two of these began before bereavement and assisted in equipping spouse-carers for the transition to post-care. The second two followed bereavement and enabled spouse-carers to build confidence and re-engage with life.
Victimization by Bullying and Attachment to Parents and Teachers Among Student Who Report Learning Disorders and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Klomek A. Brunstein , Kopelman-Rubin D. , Al-Yagon M. , Berkowitz Ruth , Apter A. , Mikulincer M.
Published: November 2015

This is the first study examining the association between victimization by bullying and attachment to both parents and teachers among students who report Learning Disorders (LD) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A total of 1,691 seventh- and eighth-grade students in six junior high schools completed questionnaires about LD/ADHD diagnosis, victimization, and attachment to mother, father, and teacher. A regression analysis was conducted to estimate the probability for victimization (infrequent and frequent) through the various variables. Only students who reported both LD and ADHD (but not one of them) were at greater risk of frequent victimization compared with students who did not report LD/ADHD. In addition, having a secure attachment pattern to mother was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of being frequently bullied. Attachment patterns to father and teacher were not significantly associated with victimization group membership. Results suggest that children’s perception of support and attachment to mother is important above and beyond their report on LD/ADHD diagnosis.
The Case Study in Family Business
Authors: Leppäaho Tanja , Plakoyiannaki Emmanuella , Dimitratos Pavlos
Published: November 2015

In this study, we identified and analyzed 75 articles in the family business (FB) literature between 2000 and 2014 as to the case study design they adopted. We found that the positivistic case study approach is the FB disciplinary convention. The two alternative approaches of critical realism and interpretivism are used to a significantly lesser extent. We anticipate that in the future the positivistic approach will continue to be used widely. The other two approaches can be employed to a higher extent since their use is likely to contribute to a scientific pluralism in FB case study research.
A rapid microwave-induced synthesis of polyamides–containing amino acid moieties
Authors: Rafiee Zahra
Published: November 2015

5-(2-(9,10-Dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboximido)propanoylamino)isophthalic acid as a novel aromatic dicarboxylic acid monomer was prepared in four steps. In the first step, cis-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboxylic acid anhydride was reacted with l-alanine in acetic acid solution and the resulting imide acid was obtained in high yield. In the second step, treatment of this imide acid with excess thionyl chloride gave acid chloride in good yield. In the last step, this acid chloride was reacted with 5-aminoisophthalic acid to provide novel bulky chiral aromatic dicarboxylic acid. The direct polycondensation reactions of this diacid with several aromatic diamines were carried out under microwave irradiation. In order to compare this technique with classical heating, the polymerization reactions were also performed under solution polycondensation conditions. The polymerization reactions occurred rapidly under microwave conditions and produced a series of novel optically active polyamides (PAs)–containing pendent 9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboximido)propanoylamino group, with good yields and moderate inherent viscosities of 0.27–0.47 dL g−1. The resulting new PAs showed good solubility and are readily soluble in organic solvents. PAs were thermally stable, with 10% weight loss recorded at 411°C and 450°C under nitrogen atmosphere and char yields at 800°C higher than 44% and glass transition temperature above 163°C.
In-Group Ostracism Increases High-Fidelity Imitation in Early Childhood
Authors: Watson-Jones Rachel E. , Whitehouse Harvey , Legare Cristine H.
Published: November 2015

The Cyberball paradigm was used to examine the hypothesis that children use high-fidelity imitation as a reinclusion behavior in response to being ostracized by in-group members. Children ( N = 176; 5- to 6-year-olds) were either included or excluded by in- or out-group members and then shown a video of an in-group or an out-group member enacting a social convention. Participants who were excluded by their in-group engaged in higher-fidelity imitation than those who were included by their in-group. Children who were included by an out-group and those who were excluded by an out-group showed no difference in imitative fidelity. Children ostracized by in-group members also displayed increased anxiety relative to children ostracized by out-group members. The data are consistent with the proposal that high-fidelity imitation functions as reinclusion behavior in the context of in-group ostracism.
Fast sliding mode control on air-breathing hypersonic vehicles with transient response analysis
Authors: Mu Chaoxu , Sun Changyin , Xu Wei
Published: November 2015

This article studies the tracking control of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles to the reference velocity and the reference altitude with a fast non-linear sliding mode control scheme. By the feedback linearization technology, the longitudinal model of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles is divided into the velocity subsystem and the altitude subsystem. Two lumped tracking error variables are developed based on velocity and altitude subsystems, and non-singular terminal sliding mode control is used so that the two lumped error variables converge to the origin in finite time. During the tracking process, transient properties of non-singular terminal sliding mode control are investigated from the mathematical and theoretical standpoint. The simulation results have shown that the fast non-linear sliding mode control is effective for the tracking control of air-breathing hypersonic vehicles and have demonstrated that the relevant transient response analysis is correct.
Legislative regulation of global value chains to protect workers: A preliminary assessment
Authors: Rawling Michael
Published: November 2015

This article argues for domestic legislative regulation of global value chains to protect offshore workers. First, it outlines the policy reasons necessitating such legislation. Empirical evidence confirms that global value chains are a dominant feature of the global economy. It is contended that lead firms wield influence in global value chains in a manner which leads to poor outcomes for offshore workers. Second, the article sets out the minimum steps necessary for a domestic state to attribute the responsibility for transparency of global value chains to lead firms. Then, it proceeds to explore the possibilities and limits of the proposed scheme of regulation. Despite some complexities with implementing the scheme, it is argued that if domestic legislative regulation of global value chains strengthens even to a small extent the monitoring of global labour issues, it is worth pursuing.
Quality of Life and School Absenteeism in Children With Chronic Illness
Authors: Emerson Natacha D. , Distelberg Brian , Morrell Holly E. R. , Williams-Reade Jackie , Tapanes Daniel , Montgomery Susanne
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Children and adolescents with a chronic illness (CI) tend to demonstrate diminished physical and social functioning, which contribute to school attendance issues. We investigated the role of social and physical functioning in reducing school absenteeism in children participating in Mastering Each New Direction (MEND), a family-based psychosocial intervention for youths with CI.

Methods:

Forty-eight children and adolescents with a CI (70.8% female, Mage = 14.922, SD = 2.143) and their parent(s) completed a health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure pre- and postintervention. Using multiple mediation, we examined whether parent- and child-rated physical and social HRQOL mediated the relationship between school attendance before and after MEND. Once the mediational model was not supported, we investigated whether HRQOL moderated the relationship between missed school days pre- and postintervention.

Results:

Neither physical nor social functioning mediated or moderated the relationship between missed school days pre- and postintervention. Instead, higher parent-rated physical functioning directly predicted decreased number of missed school days, while lower parent-rated social and child-rated physical functioning predicted increased missed school days.

Conclusions:

Parent-perceived HRQOL may have a direct effect on health-related behaviors such as school attendance. Future research should determine whether gains in parent-rated QOL are maintained in the long term and whether these continue to impact markers of functional well-being.
Magnetic levitation force exerted on the cylindrical magnet in a ferrofluid damper
Authors: Yang Wenming
Published: November 2015

The levitation phenomenon of permanent magnets immersed in ferrofluid is the foundation of ferrofluid dampers. According to the model built using bipolar coordinates, the analytical equation describing the force exerted on the cylindrical magnets in ferrofluid dampers is obtained, which is different from that of the previous results. The analysis of the equation indicates that the magnetic levitation force increases with the eccentricity of the magnet, the radius of the magnet and the permeability of ferrofluid, respectively, when other factors are definite. As a result, we can increase the permeability of ferrofluid and decrease the radius ratio of the magnet and the tube to enhance the levitation stability.
Dynamic behavior of an embedded rail track coupled with a tram vehicle
Authors: Ling Liang , Han Jian , Xiao Xinbiao , Jin Xuesong
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an investigation into the dynamic behavior of an embedded rail track coupled with a tram vehicle in time domain. A new designed embedded rail track structure firstly introduced into the Chinese tramways is described and the results of vibration tests of the embedded rail track (ERT) and another fastened slab track (FST) are discussed. A three-dimensional (3D) dynamic model of a tram vehicle coupled with an embedded rail track was developed on the basis of the multi-body dynamics approach and the finite element method. In the model, the tram vehicle was modeled as a multi-body system. The embedded rail track was modeled as a two layer system consisting of two rails, filling material, slabs, and adjustment layer beneath slabs. The rails were treated as Timoshenko beams with continuous elastic supports, in which the modal superposition method was used to reduce the order of the partial differential equations of beams. Continuous viscoelastic elements were used to represent the filling material and rail pad that connecting the rails and the slabs. The concrete slabs were modelled using the 3D finite element method, while the modal superposition method was adopted to improve the computational efficiency. Uniformly viscoelastic elements were introduced to model the elastic layer beneath the concrete slabs. The proposed model was then applied to compare the dynamic response of the innovative embedded rail track with respect to a conventional fastened slab track. The numerical results indicate that the innovative embedded rail track has advantages over the fastened slab track for its potentialities to reduce the dynamic wheel/rail force, the vibration level and deformation of the track parts, and the track defects and damages.
Time-delay control of a switchable stiffness system
Authors: Tran Thai , Liu Kefu
Published: November 2015

This paper focuses on suppression of free vibration of single degree-of-freedom systems that possess time delay. The switchable stiffness (SS) control strategy is reviewed. The implication of time delay is examined. It shows that the system delay can cause malfunction of the direct SS control. To overcome this problem, the two time-delay control strategies are proposed. The first strategy named as half period delay SS control introduces an intentional delay such that the switch action takes place in a half of oscillation period later. The second strategy named as quarter period delay SS control is to add an intentional delay such that the switch action occurs in a quarter of oscillation period later. In this case, the SS control law is inverted. An apparatus consisting of an electromagnetic (EM) spring is developed to validate the proposed strategies. The stiffness models of the system are established. In computer simulation, three cases have been examined. In case A, the system is simplified as linear and the dynamics of the EMs is neglected. In case B, the stiffness models are used and the dynamics of the EMs is neglected. In case C, the stiffness models are used and the dynamics of the EMs is considered. An experimental study is conducted in real time. The results have validated the observations obtained from the computer simulations.
Empathy as a motivator of dyadic helping across group boundaries: The dis-inhibiting effect of the recipient’s perceived benevolence
Authors: Lotz-Schmitt Katharina , Siem Birte , Stürmer Stefan
Published: November 2015

A growing body of work suggests that group-based dissimilarity limits the influence of empathy on helping across group boundaries. The present research examines under which conditions empathy becomes “dis-inhibited” as a motivator of out-group helping. We propose that, when intergroup dissimilarity is high, empathy’s influence on helping critically depends upon the out-group target’s perceived benevolence, i.e. sociability and trustworthiness. Study 1 ( N = 123) and 2 ( N = 176) manipulated an out-group target’s intercultural dissimilarity and his or her individual features. Results confirmed that when dissimilarity was high, the target’s sociability (Study 1) and benevolence (Study 2) had a facilitative effect on the empathy-helping intentions relationship. When dissimilarity was low, in contrast, empathy predicted helping intentions independent of the target’s individual features. Study 3 ( N = 178) manipulated trustworthiness and sociability orthogonally and confirmed the primary role of the out-group target’s trustworthiness over the target’s sociability in dis-inhibiting the empathy-helping relationship among participants with a conservative political orientation.
The taxidermist’s apprentice: stitching together the past and present of a craft practice
Authors: Patchett Merle
Published: November 2015

How do you witness the development and reproduction of a craft practice? This essay explores this provocation in relation to the craft practice of taxidermy and, in so doing, aims to stitch together non-representational and historical geographic concerns within the discipline. Mobilising and developing on an Ingoldian perspective on the process of skill, the author places herself in the position of apprentice to a practising taxidermist in recognition that the position of learner is a highly instructive context in which to enquire into how present-day practice relates to a representational culture charting the development of the craft in historical ‘how-to-do’ manuals. When juxtaposing contemporary ethnographies of taxidermy practice with descriptions of practice in historical ‘how-to-do’ manuals, the author shows how past and present practice resonates rather than replicates. Overall, this article aims to introduce and develop theoretical and methodological pathways for studying and storying (historical) geographies of craft and skilled practices.
Transformations in the field of symbolic control and their implications for the Greek educational administration
Authors: Tsatsaroni Anna , Sifakakis Polychronis , Sarakinioti Antigone
Published: November 2015

This paper theorises the field of symbolic control and reflects on the critical literature of policy studies, exploring the possibilities that the former might offer to the analysis of global policy discourses and their up-take in specific national and local contexts. Starting from the rapidly expanding literature on the ‘globalising’ and ‘globalised’ projects that ‘modern’ nation states have been implementing to ‘manage change’, the paper argues that theories on governance can be developed considerably – theoretically and in terms of their capacity to guide empirical research – through their exposure to Bernstein’s sociological theory of symbolic control and Totally Pedagogised Society. Drawing data from an empirical study carried out in Greece, it explores changes in the field of educational administration towards the systematic implementation of ideas and practices of new public management, evident in processes of the selection, training and professional practice of middle level administrative staff. Semi-structured interviews with the new Heads of Primary and Secondary Educational Directorates were focused on how they perceive their position, roles and activity as important agents within the field of symbolic control, through which global policy discourses are enacted within the national education system, instituting new forms of practice at local levels.
Educational reform and modernisation in Europe: The role of national contexts in mediating the new public management
Authors: Hall David , Grimaldi Emiliano , Gunter Helen M , Møller Jorunn , Serpieri Roberto , Skedsmo Guri
Published: November 2015

This article examines the spread of new public management (NPM) across European education systems as it has traversed national boundaries. While recognising the transnational dimensions of the spread of NPM, the authors offer new insights into the importance of national contexts in mediating this development in educational settings by focusing upon NPM within three European countries (England, Italy and Norway). We reveal its recontextualisation in these sites and the interplay between NPM, and local and national conditions. This analysis is underpinned by a theoretical framework that seeks to capture the relationship between education and the state and to reveal tensions produced by NPM both as a shaping force and an entity shaped by local conditions in these contexts. The article concludes by focusing upon the complexities and specificities of NPM recontextualisation in the three countries as a basis for a reflection upon possible future policy trajectories.
Love and Other Grades
Authors: Schmidt Julia , Lockwood Brian
Published: November 2015

Of the few studies that have examined the effects of romantic relationships on academic performance, most have been concerned with adolescent students. This study analyzes a data set of more than 300 students at a midsized, private University in the northeast United States to determine if participating in a romantic relationship predicts grade point average or course attendance. The results of multivariate analyses indicate that being in a romantic relationship while in college is significantly associated with class absences, but not with grade point average. Specifically, logistic regression models show that participation in a romantic relationship more than doubles the odds of failing to attend three or more class meetings per course in a semester. Practical implications of these findings include the consideration of romantic relationships among the undergraduate student body by university administrators and faculty when attempting to address course attendance concerns. Additionally, this study suggests that future researchers examine the characteristics of romantic relationships and romantic partners in order to more fully understand how such relationships might affect the academic performance of university students.
Endovascular Therapy for Femoropopliteal Artery Disease and Association of Risk Factors With Primary Patency
Authors: Nishibe Toshiya , Yamamoto Kiyohito , Seike Yoshimasa , Ogino Hitoshi , Nishibe Masayasu , Koizumi Jun , Dardik Alan
Published: November 2015

The treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease remains controversial, without clear guidelines specifying the indications for endovascular therapy (EVT). Accordingly, we retrospectively examined our experience of using EVT to treat femoropopliteal artery disease. A total of 91 limbs in 82 patients underwent EVT for the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty alone was performed in 20 limbs, and additional stenting was performed in 71 limbs. The 1-year primary patency, primary-assisted patency, limb salvage, and survival rates were 76%, 88%, 96%, and 92%, respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis of primary patency showed that critical limb ischemia (CLI; hazard ratio [HR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-5.33; P < .01) and TASC II C/D disease (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.14-6.39; P < .05) were independent predictors of decreased primary patency. In conclusion, patients with CLI or extensive lesions have reduced patency after EVT for femoropopliteal artery disease.
A Case Study of Source Triangulation
Authors: Papautsky Elizabeth Lerner , Crandall Beth , Grome Anna , Greenberg James M.
Published: November 2015

The importance of triangulating multiple sources of data in the design of tools, technology, and clinical workspaces has not been explicitly addressed in the applied human factors literature. In this paper, we describe an applied human factors case study in which Cognitive Task Analysis was used to triangulate the needs, goals, and design requirements from various stakeholder groups for the design of a Newborn Intensive Care Unit. To facilitate development of common ground on the design goals, in our interviews, we asked questions about (a) stated design goals to elicit the perspectives of meaning across the user groups and (b) schematic renderings of the proposed space. They served as a way to establish a representative definition of each design goal accounting for the perspectives of all user groups. We found that each role brought a perspective and a level of detail based on his/her role goals and lived experience to the design goals. The goals and tradeoffs illuminated by our approach can only be identified when multiple perspectives are collected. Source triangulation should be pursued as part of standard human factors methods to achieve design and evaluation objectives in the context of complex sociotechnical systems.
Serotonin and Histamine Therapy Increases Tetanic Forces of Myoblasts, Reduces Muscle Injury, and Improves Grip Strength Performance of Dmdmdx Mice
Authors: Gurel Volkan , Lins Jeremy , Lambert Kristyn , Lazauski Joan , Spaulding James , McMichael John
Published: November 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive X-linked fatal disorder caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. Although several therapeutic approaches have been studied, none has led to substantial long-term effects in patients. The aim of this study was to test a serotonin and histamine (S&H) combination on human skeletal myoblasts and Dmdmdx mice for its effects on muscle strength and injury. Normal human bioartificial muscles (BAMs) were treated, and muscle tetanic forces and muscle injury tests were performed using the MyoForce Analysis System. Dmdmdx mice, the murine model of DMD, were administered serotonin, histamine, or S&H combination twice daily for 6 weeks, and functional performance tests were conducted once a week. The S&H combination treatment caused significant increases in tetanic forces at all time points and concentrations tested as compared to the saline controls. Dose response of the BAMs to the treatment demonstrated a significant increase in force generation at all concentrations compared to the controls after 3 to 4 days of drug treatment. The highest 3 concentrations had a significant effect on lowering contractile-induced injury as measured by a reduction in the release of adenylate kinase. Histamine-only and S&H treatments improved grip strength of Dmdmdx mice, whereas serotonin-only treatment resulted in no significant improvement in muscle strength. The results of this study indicate that S&H therapy might be a promising new strategy for muscular dystrophies and that the mechanism should be further investigated.
Specific Strategies for Promotion of Physical Activity in Kids—Which Ones Work? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: McDonald Samantha M. , Clennin Morgan N. , Pate Russell R.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) interventions that were implemented in specific school settings on children’s PA in those settings. Four research databases were searched to identify PA interventions. Of the 13 706 articles identified, 1352 abstracts were screened and 32 intervention studies were reviewed. Five intervention settings were identified (active travel, after school, classroom, physical education, and recess). Among these settings, a greater proportion of positive findings (ie, significant increase in PA) were found in the classroom (75%) and active travel (67%) settings. Additionally, a higher proportion of interventions implemented in these settings were of high methodological quality (active travel [33%] and classroom [33%]). These findings indicate that interventions in active travel and classrooms settings positively influence youth PA. Importantly, as evidenced in this review, evaluating intervention effects in the targeted setting may provide unique information for future researchers to consider when developing school-based multicomponent PA interventions.
Avoiding bias and incorrect confidence interval coverage in prescription drug labeling
Authors: Levin Gregory
Published: November 2015

Background:

The primary purpose of prescription drug labeling is to give healthcare professionals the information needed to prescribe drugs appropriately. Therefore, labeling typically reports the effects that the treatment might be expected to have on several efficacy measures, including not only the primary endpoint used to establish effectiveness but also a number of key secondary endpoints that are important to practitioners and patients.

Methods:

One possible regulatory approach to drug labeling is to include results on important secondary efficacy endpoints in labeling only if there is statistical evidence of a treatment effect and a clinically meaningful estimated effect. We evaluate the statistical consequences of this approach by deriving and discussing the potential bias in point estimates and deviation from nominal coverage in confidence intervals that are reported in labeling.

Results:

Such an approach can lead to substantial conditional bias in point estimates (toward spuriously greater effects than the truth) and undercoverage in confidence intervals.

Conclusion:

These statistical properties may have important and undesirable regulatory and public health implications. We discuss an alternative approach to include results in labeling for a selected set of reliably ascertained, clinically important endpoints whether or not there is evidence of a treatment effect.
Lost in Translation: A Critique of Copyright and the Aesthetics of Re-production in China
Authors: Brisbin Christopher
Published: November 2015

Widely derided for its materialistic culture of ‘‘cheap knock-offs,’’ the growing Chinese middle class has struggled to wean itself from the re-production and status-based consumption of counterfeit goods and Western aesthetics. From the Chinese re-production of canonical icons of Western modernity, to the more recent copying of the aesthetics of contemporary architecture abroad, the legality of copying has centered on the visual like-ness of a copy to its original. However, this preoccupation with visual aesthetics has suppressed more productive questions about the critical cultural functioning of copying in better understanding what a copy says about its copier and Chinese national identity.
Challenging Return to Play Decisions
Authors: Asplund Chad A. , O’Connor Francis G.
Published: November 2015

Context:

Sports medicine providers frequently return athletes to play after sports-related injuries and conditions. Many of these conditions have guidelines or medical evidence to guide the decision-making process. Occasionally, however, sports medicine providers are challenged with complex medical conditions for which there is little evidence-based guidance and physicians are instructed to individualize treatment; included in this group of conditions are exertional heat stroke (EHS), exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER), and exertional collapse associated with sickle cell trait (ECAST).

Evidence Acquisition:

The MEDLINE (2000-2015) database was searched using the following search terms: exertional heat stroke, exertional rhabdomyolysis, and exertional collapse associated with sickle cell trait. References from consensus statements, review articles, and book chapters were also utilized.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

These entities are unique in that they may cause organ system damage capable of leading to short- or long-term detriments to physical activity and may not lend to complete recovery, potentially putting the athlete at risk with premature return to play.

Conclusion:

With a better understanding of the pathophysiology of EHS, ER, and ECAST and the factors associated with recovery, better decisions regarding return to play may be made.
Survey of pharmacy involvement in hospital medication reconciliation programs across the United States
Authors: Stein Gregory R , Yudchyts Anya , Iglin Mikhail Y , Claudio Maria M
Published: November 2015

Objective:

The objective of this study is to conduct a review of pertinent literature, assess pharmacy involvement in medication reconciliation, and offer insight into best practices for hospitals to implement and enhance their medication reconciliation programs.

Method:

Pharmacists in hospitals nationwide were asked to complete an anonymous survey via the American College of Clinical Pharmacy online database. The multiple choice survey analyzed the roles that healthcare professionals play in medication reconciliation programs at hospitals.

Results:

Of the survey responses received, 32/91 (35%) came from pharmacists at hospitals with a pharmacy-led medication reconciliation program. Of these pharmacy-led programs, 17/32 (53%) have a dedicated pharmacist or pharmacy staff to perform medication reconciliation.

Conclusion:

A comprehensive review of literature suggests that pharmacy involvement has the potential to reduce medication reconciliation errors and may improve patient satisfaction. Focused, full-time medication reconciliation pharmacists can help hospitals save time and money, improve outcomes, and meet higher standards issued by the Joint Commission. Data obtained in this study show the extent to which pharmacists contribute to achieving these goals in healthcare systems nationwide. This baseline study provides a strong case for hospitals to implement a pharmacy-led medication reconciliation program.
Primary Care Physicians’ Attitudes Toward Postpartum Depression
Authors: Glasser Saralee , Levinson Daphna , Bina Rena , Munitz Hanan , Horev Ze’ev , Kaplan Giora
Published: November 2015

Objectives: This study surveyed Israeli primary care physicians’ attitudes and practice regarding postpartum depression (PPD). Methods: Participants included 224 pediatricians and family practitioners responding to an online survey (65% response rate). Results: Almost all respondents (98.0%) considered it important that they be able to recognize the signs of PPD. Most (89.8%) noted that if they suspected PPD, they would become somewhat involved: clarifying, keeping attentive, consulting with colleagues, and/or referring the woman to another professional. Six respondents—only family practitioners—stated that they would treat the case themselves ( P = .01). Family practitioners were significantly more willing to screen for PPD than were pediatricians (91.2% vs 64.6%; P < .0001). There were no differences between physicians by region or between males and females when comparing all respondents, as well as when comparing within medical specialty ( P < .05). Conclusions: There is a clear difference between considering the importance of recognizing signs of PPD and acting on it. Family practitioners had more favorable attitudes than did pediatricians, however screening in pediatric facilities is considered by many to be optimal. Hopefully future directions for medical education and health policy for family practitioners and pediatricians, as well as obstetrician/gynecologists, will meet the challenge of early identification and treatment of PPD for the benefit of women, infants and families.
Effectiveness of Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure in Primary Care
Authors: Aekplakorn Wichai , Suriyawongpaisal Paibul , Tansirisithikul Rassamee , Sakulpipat Thida , Charoensuk Phikul
Published: November 2015

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) in a randomized controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up in a community hospital. Methods: A total of 224 eligible patients with hypertension were randomly allocated to the SMBP (n = 111) and usual care groups (n = 113). Each patient in the SMBP group was provided with a blood pressure (BP) monitor for home BP measurement. Mixed model regression was used to compare changes in BP at months 6 and 12 and compare between groups. Results: At month 12, compared with usual care, the SMBP group had average systolic BP decreased by 2.5 mm Hg. The benefit of the SMBP was found in those aged ≥60 years, which significantly decreased by −8.9 mm Hg (95%CI = −15.1 to −2.7) compared with those in the usual care. For individuals aged 60 years and older in the SMBP group, the proportion of those with uncontrolled BP decreased from 90.9% at baseline to 38.2% at month 12 ( P < .05). However, among those aged <60 years, SMBP did not perform better than the usual care group. Conclusion: For primary care setting in urban area, the SMBP resulted in lower BP in the older persons with hypertension at 12 months. Further study on effectiveness of SMBP in other settings may be warranted.
Shifting Patterns of Physician Home Visits
Authors: Sairenji Tomoko , Jetty Anuradha , Peterson Lars E.
Published: November 2015

Objectives: Home visits have been shown to improve quality of care and lower medical costs for complex elderly patients. We investigated trends in physician home visits and domiciliary care visits as well as physician characteristics associated with providing these services. Design: Longitudinal analysis of Medicare Part B claims data for a national sample of direct patient care physicians in 2006 and 2011. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the physician sample and to determine numbers of home visits and domiciliary visits in total and by physician specialty. Setting: Patient homes, nursing homes, and domiciliary care facilities. Participants: Direct patient care physicians (n = 22 186). Measurements: Physician demographics, specialty, practice characteristics (practice type, geographic location), number of home visits, and domiciliary visits in 2006 and 2011. Results: We found a small increase (n = 63 501) in total number of home visits made to Medicare beneficiaries between 2006 and 2011 performed by a decreasing percentage of physicians (5.1%, n = 18 165 in 2006; 4.5%, n = 15 296 in 2011). There was substantial growth in domiciliary care visit numbers (n = 218 514) and a small increase in percentage of physicians delivering these services (2.0% in 2006, 2.3% in 2011). Physicians who performed home visits were more likely to be older, in rural locations, specialists in primary care, and more likely to provide nursing home and domiciliary care compared with physicians who did not make any home visits ( P < .05). Conclusion: Home visits and domiciliary visits to Medicare beneficiaries are increasing. General internal medicine physicians provided the highest number of home and domiciliary care visits in 2006, and family physicians did so in 2011. Such delivery models show promise in lowering medical costs while providing high-quality patient care.