bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relational Capital and Individual Exploration: Unravelling the Influence of Goal Alignment and Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: Mom Tom J.M. , van Neerijnen Pepijn , Reinmoeller Patrick , Verwaal Ernst
Published: April 2015

We investigate how the relational capital of a person within an organization affects the extent to which she or he conducts exploration activities. Our theory separates out a negative effect that comes from aligning goals with other organizational members from a positive effect that stems from acquiring knowledge from them. Our data from 150 members of the R&D teams of three leading R&D-intensive firms support the theoretical model. By developing and testing this theory, we contribute to the literature on exploration, which lacks understanding of the antecedents of individual exploration in organizations. We also contribute to relational capital literature, which has focused on organizational and group-level exploration, but which has shown inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between relational capital and exploration. A reason for this may be that this body of research has emphasized positive effects of relational capital for exploration only, and has not accounted for the different mechanisms that mediate the effects of relational capital on individual exploration activities. Our theory offers a more comprehensive view by explaining how relational capital may provide both benefits and liabilities to individual exploration activities.
Family Background and Propensity to Engage in Infidelity
Authors: Weiser Dana A. , Weigel Daniel J. , Lalasz Camille B. , Evans William P.
Published: April 2015

The current study explored how a variety of family-of-origin experiences are related to individuals’ infidelity history. A survey was completed by 294 participants and we found that parental infidelity, parental marital status, parental conflict, and parental marital satisfaction were associated with the likelihood of offspring having ever engaged in infidelity. When considered together, parent infidelity and parent satisfaction were uniquely related to offspring infidelity. Additionally, parental marital status moderated the relationship between parent infidelity and offspring infidelity, as individuals who experienced neither event were particularly unlikely to have ever engaged in infidelity. Little evidence was found that individuals’ infidelity beliefs were linked with their family-of-origin experiences or their own infidelity behavior. Results indicate that family-of-origin experiences are related to individuals’ infidelity behavior, a finding that has implications for future research as well as clinical intervention.
Pregnancy Intention and Positive Parenting Behaviors Among First-Time Mothers
Authors: Claridge Amy M. , Lettenberger-Klein Cassandra G. , VanDonge Christine M.
Published: April 2015

Mothers and children often experience negative outcomes following unintended pregnancies. The current study examined for whom and under what conditions unintended pregnancy was associated with negative outcomes among a sample of 682 first-time mothers, recruited as part of the Predicting and Preventing Child Neglect in Teen Mothers study. Specifically, maternal demographic characteristics were examined as moderators of the association between pregnancy intention and parenting behaviors when children were 18 months old. Results revealed that unintended pregnancy was associated with fewer positive parenting behaviors; however, both maternal race and education moderated the association. Among mothers who identified as Black or Hispanic, those who intended to get pregnant were less likely to demonstrate positive parenting behaviors, and those with less education tended to demonstrate fewer positive parenting behaviors regardless of pregnancy intention. Implications for research, prevention, and intervention are discussed.
Brief Report
Authors: Royer Allison K. , Wilson Paul F. , Royer Mark C. , Miyamoto Richard T.
Published: April 2015

The sound pressure levels (SPLs) of common infant humidifiers were determined to identify the likely sound exposure to infants and young children. This primary investigative research study was completed at a tertiary‐level academic medical center otolaryngology and audiology laboratory. Five commercially available humidifiers were obtained from brick‐and‐mortar infant supply stores. Sound levels were measured at 20‐, 100‐, and 150‐cm distances at all available humidifier settings. Two of 5 (40%) humidifiers tested had SPL readings greater than the recommended hospital infant nursery levels (50 dB) at distances up to 100 cm. In this preliminary study, it was demonstrated that humidifiers marketed for infant nurseries may produce appreciably high decibel levels. Further characterization of the effect of humidifier design on SPLs and further elucidation of ambient sound levels associated with hearing risk are necessary before definitive conclusions and recommendations can be made.
Academic logic and corporate entrepreneurial intentions: A study of the interaction between cognitive and institutional factors in new firms
Authors: Fini Riccardo , Toschi Laura
Published: April 2015

This article studies the extent to which corporate entrepreneurial intentions are enacted differently by academic and non-academic entrepreneurs. Using constructs from cognitive research and exploiting the theory of institutional logics, we observe that academic entrepreneurs, notwithstanding their engagement in entrepreneurship, still implement their corporate entrepreneurial intentions acting in accordance with the academic institutional environment to which they belong. Using a matched-pairs research design, our results show that academic entrepreneurs (compared to non-academic ones) leverage their awareness of technical competencies significantly more and their entrepreneurial self-efficacy and awareness of managerial skills considerably less. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications related to how cognitive and institutional factors interact to foster entrepreneurial value in newly established firms.
Incorporating movement in species distribution models
Authors: Miller Jennifer A , Holloway Paul
Published: April 2015

Movement in the context of species distribution models (SDMs) generally refers to a species’ ability to access suitable habitat. Movement ability can be determined by some combination of dispersal constraints or migration rates, landscape factors such as patch configuration, disturbance, and barriers, and demographic factors related to age at maturity, mortality, and fecundity. Including movement ability can result in more precise projections that help to distinguish suitable habitat that is or can be potentially occupied, from suitable habitat that is inaccessible. While most SDM studies have ignored movement or conceptualized it in overly simplistic ways (e.g. no dispersal versus unlimited dispersal), it is increasingly important to incorporate realistic information on movement ability, particularly for studies that aim to project future distributions such as climate change forecasting and invasive species applications. This progress report addresses the increasingly complex ways in which movement has been incorporated in SDM and outlines directions for further study.
Detoxification in medication-overuse headache, a retrospective controlled follow-up study: Does care by a headache nurse lead to cure?
Authors: Pijpers JA , Louter MA , de Bruin ME , van Zwet EW , Zitman FG , Ferrari MD , Terwindt GM
Published: April 2015

Aim

J.A.P. and M.A.L. contributed equally to this manuscript. The aim of this article is to determine whether support by a headache nurse in the treatment of medication-overuse headache (MOH) increases successful withdrawal, and to study determinants of response to withdrawal therapy.

Methods

A retrospective, controlled follow-up study was performed with 416 MOH patients. All patients were treated with outpatient withdrawal therapy, with two treatment arms: with or without the support of a specialised headache nurse. The outcome measures were: i) successful withdrawal, defined as discontinuation of all headache medication according to the study protocol; and ii) the responder rate, defined as the percentage of patients with ≥50% reduction in headache days after successful withdrawal and iii) relative reduction in headache days after successful withdrawal.

Results

Successful withdrawal percentages were significantly higher in the group supported by the headache nurse than in the group without support (73.1% vs. 60.7%; p = 0.008), which was confirmed in multivariate analysis (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.11–2.71, p = 0.016). Support by a headache nurse was not associated with response. The underlying primary headache diagnosis, determined after withdrawal, was significantly correlated with response.

Conclusion

The support by a headache nurse results in an increased adherence to detoxification.
Neurochemical impact of bisphenol A in the hippocampus and cortex of adult male albino rats
Authors: Khadrawy Yasser A , Noor Neveen A , Mourad Iman M , Ezz Heba S Aboul
Published: April 2015

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonated plastics and epoxy resins and line metal beverage cans. Growing evidence suggests that BPA acts directly on neuronal functions as it is lipophilic and could accumulate in the brain. The present study aims to investigate the effect of two doses of BPA (10 mg/kg for 6 and 10 weeks and 25 mg/kg for 6 weeks) on excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid, glycine, and taurine) amino acid neurotransmitter levels in the cortex and hippocampus. This study extends to investigate the effect of BPA on acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and some oxidative stress parameters in the two regions. In the cortex, a significant increase in the excitatory and a significant decrease in the inhibitory amino acids occurred after BPA (10 mg/kg for 10 weeks and 25 mg/kg for 6 weeks). This was accompanied by a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and reduced glutathione after 6 weeks of BPA (25 mg/kg). In the hippocampus, a significant increase in the excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters occurred after 6 weeks of BPA. Hippocampal lipid peroxidation increased significantly after BPA exposure and hippocampal reduced glutathione increased significantly after 6 weeks of BPA exposure (10 mg/kg). BPA induced a significant increase in cortical and hippocampal AchE activity. The present neurochemical changes in the cortex and hippocampus suggest that BPA induced a state of excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. This may raise concerns about the exposure of humans to BPA due to its wide applications in industry.
Properties of kapok husk-filled linear low-density polyethylene ecocomposites
Authors: Chun Koay Seong , Husseinsyah Salmah , Syazwani Nurul Fatin
Published: April 2015

This research focuses on utilization of kapok husk (KH) as a natural filler in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) ecocomposites. The effect of KH content and coupling agent on tensile properties, thermal properties, water absorption behavior, and morphology of ecocomposites were studied. The addition of KH had increased tensile modulus and water absorption of ecocomposites, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break decreased. However, the polyethylene-grafted acrylic acid (PEAA) was used as a polymeric-coupling agent to enhance the properties of LLDPE/KH ecocomposites. The incorporation of PEAA improved the tensile strength, tensile modulus, crystallinity, and thermal stability as well as reduced the water absorption of LLDPE/KH ecocomposites. The improvement of those properties was caused by the enhanced interfacial bonding, which was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. The Fourier transmission infrared spectra also confirmed the presence of ester linkage between PEAA and KH.
Cardiometabolic Risk, Socio-Psychological Factors, and Trajectory of Grip Strength Among Older Japanese Adults
Authors: Botoseneanu Anda , Bennett Joan M. , Nyquist Linda , Shinkai Shoji , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Yoshida Hiroto , Aiello Allison , Cigolle Christine T. , Liang Jersey
Published: April 2015

Objective: To examine the association between cardiometabolic risk (percent body fat [BF%], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), socio-psychological factors (education and self-rated health [SRH]), and trajectories of grip strength (GS) in older adults. Method: Longitudinal 8-year data from 1,381 Japanese adults aged 65 years or above were analyzed using hierarchical linear models, stratified according to gender. Results: GS declined following a linear trajectory. In both genders, higher BF% was associated with weaker GS, but not with the rate of decline. GS trajectory did not correlate with baseline TG, HDL-C, or HbA1c. Cardiometabolic factors mediated educational differences in GS intercept in both genders. In women, better SRH predicted stronger GS. The effect of SRH was robust to adjustments for cardiometabolic risk. Discussion: In older adults, GS and its rate of decline are selectively associated with both cardiometabolic risk and socio-psychological characteristics. Cardiometabolic risk mediates educational disparities in GS but not differences in subjective assessments of health.
Construction of discursive illusions in the ‘Umbrella Movement’
Authors: Bhatia Aditi
Published: April 2015

Using the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong as an example, this article explores the construction of discursive illusions in the South China Morning Post’s (SCMP) coverage of the event under discussion. More specifically, the article investigates how a multi-perspective analytical approach, namely that of the discourse of illusion, can allow a closer look at how and to what extent abstract constructs with significant social implications are discursively formed. In this respect, the framework draws on three interrelated components: historicity (habitus as key to the creation of discursive illusions, dealing as it does with the growth and change of perceptions over time), linguistic and semiotic action (subjective conceptualisations of the world give rise to certain linguistic and semiotic actions, often through metaphorical and dominant rhetoric) and the degree of social impact (as language and actions of individuals and groups engender many categories and stereotypes). The analysis reveals the use of various linguistic and rhetorical tools, including insinuation, temporal referencing, metaphor, recontextualisation and (re)framing by the SCMP, the most prominent English newspaper in Hong Kong, in its creation of multiple identity categories.
Amelioration of ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats by diallylsulfide
Authors: Ansar S , Iqbal M
Published: April 2015

Garlic contains diallylsulfide (DAS) and other structurally related compounds that are widely believed to be active agents in preventing cancer. This study shows the effect of DAS (a phenolic antioxidant used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products) on ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male albino rats of Wistar strain weighing 125–150 g were given a single dose of Fe-NTA (9 mg kg−1 body weight, intraperitoneally) after 1 week of treatment with 100 and 200 mg kg−1 DAS in corn oil respectively administered through the gavage. Fe-NTA administration led to 2.5-fold increase in the values of both alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, respectively, and 3.2-fold increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, microsomal lipid peroxidation to approximately 2.0-fold compared to saline-treated control. The activities of glutathione (GSH) and other antioxidant enzymes decreased to a range of 2.2–2.5-fold. These changes were reversed significantly ( p < 0.001) in animals receiving a pretreatment of DAS. DAS protected against hepatic lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide generation, preserved GSH levels, and GSH metabolizing enzymes to 60–80% as compared to Fe-NTA alone-treated group. Present data suggest that DAS can ameliorate the toxic effects of Fe-NTA and suppress oxidant-induced tissue injury and hepatotoxicity in rats.
Italian parliamentary debates on energy sustainability: How argumentative ‘short-circuits’ affect public engagement
Authors: Brondi Sonia , Sarrica Mauro , Caramis Alessandro , Piccolo Chiara , Mazzara Bruno M.
Published: April 2015

Public engagement is considered a crucial process in the transition towards sustainable energy systems. However, less space has been devoted to understand how policy makers and stakeholders view citizens and their relationship with energy issues. Nonetheless, together with technological advancements, policies and political debates on energy affect public engagement as well as individual practices. This article aims at tackling this issue by exploring how policy makers and stakeholders have socially constructed sustainable energy in Italian parliamentary debates and consultations during recent years (2009–2012). Results show that societal discourses on sustainable energy are oriented in a manner that precludes public engagement. The political debate is characterised by argumentative ‘short-circuits’ that constrain individual and community actions to the acceptance or the refusal of top-down decisions and that leave little room for community empowerment and bottom-up innovation.
Cultural aspects related to informed consent in health research
Authors: Halkoaho Arja , Pietilä Anna-Maija , Ebbesen Mette , Karki Suyen , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: April 2015

Background:

In order to protect the autonomy of human subjects, we need to take their culture into account when we are obtaining informed consent.

Objective and research design:

This study describes the cultural aspects related to informed consent in health research and is based on electronic searches that were conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases published between 2000 and 2013. A total of 25 articles were selected.

Findings:

Our findings indicate that cultural perspectives relating to the informed consent process are essential during the whole research process and particularly crucial in the planning phase of a study. Our study indicates that appropriate communication between different stakeholders plays a vital role in cultural understanding.

Discussion and conclusion:

The researchers’ awareness of cultural differences and their ability to work in a culturally sensitive way are key factors in improving study participation and retention in a multicultural context. Taking cultural aspects into account during the whole research process improves the quality of research.
A Note on Nominal and Real Devaluation in Laos
Authors: Kyophilavong Phouphet , Shahbaz Muhammad , Uddin Gazi Salah
Published: April 2015

In this article, we investigate whether or not nominal devaluation leads to real devaluation in Laos by using autoregressive-distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing and the Granger causality test in a vector error correction model (VECM) framework. Our empirical evidence shows that nominal devaluation Granger causes real devaluation in the short run and the long run. This finding implies that nominal devaluation leads to real devaluation.
Information Content of Derivatives under Varying Market Conditions and Moneyness: The Case of S&P CNX Nifty Index Options
Authors: Pathak Rajesh , Bhattacharjee Kaushik , Reddy V. Nagi
Published: April 2015

When homogeneous or closely linked securities trade in multiple markets, the market where the price discovery takes place becomes vital. We investigate the information content in equity index options trading using S&P CNX Nifty Index options traded on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), India. We account for different market conditions (for example, Uptrend, Downtrend, Recovery phases) and option’s moneyness which potentially can affect the venue preference of the trader and can bring anomalies in the price discovery process. We use the linear regression method to investigate the contemporaneous relationship and the bi-variate vector auto-regression (VAR) model to study information content of the markets. The contemporaneous relationship between trading activity and spot returns is found to be significant in the cases of the two most liquid contracts based on moneyness, that is, the at-the-money and out-of-the-money options. However, we find a change in magnitude and direction of this relationship when the market cycle is taken into consideration. VAR results suggest that at-the-money options are the favourite contracts of informed traders in the Indian market consistently across periods of study. However, we find the spot market is leading significantly for the in-the-money and out-of-the-money classes and across market trends.
A Comment on the Extension of the OLI Framework to Emerging Economies
Authors: Purkayastha Saptarshi
Published: April 2015

Does Dunning’s Ownership–Location–Internalization (OLI) framework explain the internationalization of business groups in emerging economies? I argue that business groups do not have traditional ‘firm specific advantages’ (FSAs) that the OLI framework talks about, but their ownership advantages derive from the home country locational advantages. However, as pro-market reforms get implemented in emerging economies, these FSAs of business groups will increasingly provide less marginal benefits. Under such conditions, business groups will develop a new range of FSAs, which are independent of their locational advantages. I extend the debate as to whether the internationalization of business groups is unique enough to require new theories.
Stock Price Reactions to Earnings Announcements: Evidence from India
Authors: Sehgal Sanjay , Bijoy Kumar
Published: April 2015

In this study we examine the stock price reaction around earnings announcement for India. The data are used for 469 companies and the study period spans from December 2002 to December 2011 covering 37 quarterly periods. Significant pre-event abnormal returns are observed for 32 out of 37 quarters which may be an outcome of superior analysis coupled with information asymmetry. Significant post-event abnormal returns are observed for 35 out of 37 quarters implying strong rejection of semi strong efficiency with regards to earning announcements. There are strong continuation patterns in earnings suggesting that investors are able to anticipate the informational contents of earnings. Post-event abnormal returns are higher for financial vis-à-vis non-financial closing quarters. A large part of abnormal returns is observed over an elongated event window rather than very close to event date. Lower post-event abnormal returns are reported for periods of high aggregate earnings and vice versa. The findings shall be useful for market regulator, investment managers, companies as well as researchers. The study contributes to stock market efficiency and behavioural finance literature for an emerging market.
Frail Elders in an Urban District Setting in Malaysia
Authors: Sathasivam Jeyanthini , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul Bahyah , Hairi Farizah , Ng Chiu Wan , Chinna Karuthan
Published: April 2015

In the past decade, the population in Malaysia has been rapidly ageing. This poses new challenges and issues that threaten the ability of the elderly to independently age in place. A multistage cross-sectional study on 789 community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 60 years and above was conducted in an urban district in Malaysia to assess the geriatric syndrome of frailty. Using a multidimensional frailty index, we detected 67.7% prefrail and 5.7% frail elders. Cognitive status was a significant correlate for frailty status among the respondents as well as those who perceived their health status as very poor or quite poor; but self-rated health was no longer significant when controlled for sociodemographic variables. Lower-body weakness and history of falls were associated with increasing frailty levels, and this association persisted in the multivariate model. This study offers support that physical disability, falls, and cognition are important determinants for frailty. This initial work on frailty among urban elders in Malaysia provides important correlations and identifies potential risk factors that can form the basis of information for targeted preventive measures for this vulnerable group in their prefrail state.
Assessing Statistical Change Indices in Selected Social Work Intervention Research Studies
Authors: Ham Amanda D. , Huggins-Hoyt Kimberly Y. , Pettus Joelle
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

This study examined how evaluation and intervention research (IR) studies assessed statistical change to ascertain effectiveness.

Methods:

Studies from six core social work journals (2009–2013) were reviewed ( N = 1,380). Fifty-two evaluation ( n = 27) and intervention ( n = 25) studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were categorized by the statistical change indices and effect sizes reported. Only intervention studies were included in the final analysis.

Results:

Multivariate analysis of variance (28%) was the most frequently used primary change statistic and χ2 (43%) was the most frequent secondary indicator. About 68% of studies reported effect sizes with Cohen’s d (28%) being the most frequent.

Conclusion:

In addition to assessing statistical significance, the extent of rigor lies in determining the size of any change or effect in evaluation and IR. Implications for social work practice and research are discussed.
A Strengths-Based Group Intervention for Women Who Experienced Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Walker-Williams Hayley J. , Fouché Ansie
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

This study evaluated the benefits of a “survivor to thriver” strengths-based group intervention program to facilitate posttraumatic growth in women survivors of child sexual abuse.

Method:

A quasi-experimental, one group, pretest, posttest, time-delay design was employed using qualitative methods to evaluate the benefits of the intervention with 10 purposively selected women with a history of child sexual abuse. Six group sessions were conducted as well as a delayed follow-up session. Qualitative data were collected using drawings, narratives, and transcriptions.

Results:

Qualitative thematic content data analysis portrayed enabling processes of PTG such as emotional awareness, decisive action, posttrauma identity, and a healing group context.

Conclusion:

These themes suggest growth outcomes. However, a longitudinal study is recommended to establish efficacy and to inform practice with replicable interventions.
The New York Statement on the Evolving Definition of Practice Research Designed for Continuing Dialogue
Authors: Epstein Irwin , Fisher Mike , Julkunen Ilse , Uggerhoj Lars , Austin Michael J. , Sim Timothy
Published: April 2015

This Statement on Practice Research is a work in progress. It emerges out of deliberations from three international conferences on defining and operationalizing practice research. It seeks to capture both a process and outcome in which practitioners, researchers, service users, and educators collectively engage in a negotiated process of inquiry. One of the goals of this form of research is to place equal emphasis on improving practice and improving services. Practice research also seeks to rebalance the power relations in terms of integrating the voices of service users, service providers, service researchers, and instructors preparing future and current service providers. This third statement emerges out of the most recent international conference in New York City (2012) and continues the construction of the social science and social philosophy foundation of practice research. It seeks to expand the dialogue on practice research to include more international voices while also searching for linkages with the evolving process of defining the mixed methods approach to evidence-informed practice. This Statement provides a platform for the 4th International Conference on Practice Research planned for Hong Kong in 2017.
Leadership for Knowledge Translation
Authors: Spyridonidis Dimitrios , Hendy Jane , Barlow James
Published: April 2015

Calls for successful knowledge translation (KT) in health care have multiplied over recent years. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) program is a policy initiative in the United Kingdom aimed at speeding-up the translation of research into health care practice. Using multiple qualitative research methods and drawing on the ongoing processes used by individuals to interpret and contextualize information, we explore how new organizational forms for KT bridge the gap between research and practice. We pay particular attention to the relationship between the organization and practices of KT and leadership. Our empirical data demonstrate how the relationship between leadership and KT shifted over time from a push model where the authoritarian top-down leadership team set outcome measures by which to judge KT performance to one which aimed to distribute leadership capacity across a wide range of stakeholders in health and social care systems. The relationship between the organization and practices of KT and leadership is affected by local contextual influences on policies directed at increasing the uptake of research in clinical practice. Policy makers and service leaders need to recognize that more dispersed type of leadership is needed to accommodate the idiosyncratic nature of collective action.
Sleep as a Gendered Family Affair
Authors: Zarhin Dana
Published: April 2015

This study contributes to the emerging sociological literature on sleep, family, and gender by examining the experience and management of snoring within families. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Jewish–Israeli men and women who snore as well as their family members, this article suggests that sleep is a gendered family affair. Family members attempt to face the challenges of snoring by using several management strategies to mend and sustain family ties, which are part of how they “do family.” Nevertheless, men and women experience and manage snoring in different ways, thereby “doing gender” in their sleep management, only to find that “doing gender” and “doing family” often conflict. As a result, both the occurrence and management of snoring make relationships stressful, thereby affecting their quality. This research sheds light on the underexplored micro-processes involved in sleep management while providing unique insight into couple dyads and gender differences.
Partner Facilitation and Partner Interference in Individuals’ Weight Loss Goals
Authors: Theiss Jennifer A. , Carpenter Amanda M. , Leustek John
Published: April 2015

Drawing on the logic of the relational turbulence model, this study examined the ways in which romantic partners facilitate and interfere with individuals’ weight loss goals. Participants ( N = 122) described the ways in which their romantic partner had recently helped or hindered their weight loss at four times over the course of 2 months. We conducted a content analysis of responses to identify themes of partner facilitation (Research Question 1 [RQ1]) and partner interference (RQ2) in individuals’ weight loss goals. Results revealed seven themes of partner facilitation: (a) partner enabling diet, (b) motivation and encouragement, (c) emotional support and positive reinforcement, (d) exercising together, (e) partner enabling exercise, (f) dieting together, and (g) relationship influence and priorities. Four themes of partner interference emerged in the data: (a) inability to plan for healthy meals, (b) inability to control the food environment, (c) preventing or discouraging exercise, and (d) emotional or relational discouragement.
Subtalar Fusion Rate in Patients With Previous Ipsilateral Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Zanolli Diego H. , Nunley James A. , Easley Mark E.
Published: April 2015

Background:

Isolated subtalar arthrodesis is generally successful, with reported fusion rates of 84% to 100%. However, alteration of subtalar joint mechanics and talar body vasculature after ankle fusion may negatively influence subsequent ipsilateral subtalar joint fusion. Because there is very limited information on the subtalar fusion rate in patients with previous ipsilateral ankle fusion, the purpose of this study was to describe fusion rates in subtalar joint arthrodesis with and without preexisting ankle fusion in a large consecutive series of primary subtalar arthrodesis cases.

Methods:

All primary subtalar fusions performed between January 2000 and December 2010 were reviewed. Thirteen of 151 consecutive cases were in patients with existing ipsilateral ankle fusions. All patients were evaluated for clinical and radiographic evidence of nonunion at follow-up, and fusion rates in the groups with and without previous ipsilateral ankle fusion were compared.

Results:

Five nonunions occurred in the 13 cases with prior ipsilateral ankle arthrodesis, a 61.5% fusion rate. Twelve nonunions were identified in the 138 cases without prior ankle arthrodesis, a significantly higher fusion rate of 91.3% ( P = .007).

Conclusion:

In our series, the subtalar fusion rate in patients with previous ipsilateral ankle arthrodesis was significantly lower than that for subtalar arthrodesis in the absence of ipsilateral ankle arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Families Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cridland Elizabeth K. , Jones Sandra C. , Stoyles Gerard , Caputi Peter , Magee Christopher A.
Published: April 2015

There is currently a limited understanding of adolescent sibling relationships where Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is present. This research gap remains despite preliminary findings suggesting that neurotypically developing (NTD) siblings undertake extra caregiving responsibilities and experience differential treatment from family members. Using a Family Systems approach, this qualitative study investigated NTD adolescent sisters’ roles and responsibilities for their younger adolescent brother with ASD from the perspectives of 11 family members (including NTD sisters, brothers with ASD, mothers, and fathers). Findings indicate the sisters undertook various caregiving roles and responsibilities, particularly at school, which had both positive and negative influences on the family system. Additionally, sisters perceived they undertook unfair household responsibilities, received reduced parental attention, and desired both distance from and engagement with their families. These perceptions varied amongst other family members. Implications of these findings and strategies for best supporting adolescent NTD siblings are discussed.
A qualitative study of patients’ experience of living with inflammatory bowel disease: A preliminary focus on the notion of adaptation
Authors: Matini Lawrence , Ogden Jane
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the lived experience of inflammatory bowel disease with the aim of examining the process of adapting to life with inflammatory bowel disease. Adaptation is often referred to as the desirable outcome in chronic illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease; yet little is known as to how this is achieved. A total of 10 Crohn’s and 12 ulcerative colitis patients recruited from online support networks participated in individual, semi-structured interviews. The study has identified the notion of a ‘new normal’ as central to adaptation, whereby patients seek to recover a sense of normality by finding an equilibrium between their lives before and after diagnosis.
Maintaining foveal fixation during a peripheral detection task
Authors: Fotios S , Uttley J , Cheal C
Published: April 2015

Using road lighting to improve the detection of potential hazards may contribute to reduced accident rates for pedestrians, drivers and other road users. In past studies carried out to measure peripheral detection, the test participant was instructed to maintain fixation on a target during presentation of the peripheral target, but these studies did not question the degree to which this fixation was maintained. We therefore used eye tracking to record fixations during a peripheral detection task and introduced a fixation task designed to encourage fixation. It was found that observers were good at maintaining foveal fixation and there was little benefit in introducing a fixation task although this might be of greater benefit if the peripheral field contains more interesting distractions.
Talking the Talk but Not Walking the Walk
Authors: McDermott Monika L. , Schwartz Douglas , Vallejo Sebastian
Published: April 2015

Aggregate, survey, and experimental research into political scandal teaches us how the public reacts to revelations of misdeeds on behalf of its elected representatives. One common scenario, however, has been largely overlooked in scandal studies: the effects of hypocrisy in scandal. Examples abound of politicians who campaign on values that they then directly betray with their actions in office. Conventional wisdom, however, holds that such hypocrisy is an unpardonable transgression. We examine whether and how hypocrisy affects public reactions to political scandal and its perpetrators. Using a Quinnipiac University survey experiment, we demonstrate that negative judgments of a hypothetical politician caught in an adulterous relationship not only vary by degree depending on the presence or absence of hypocrisy but that they also vary by type of judgment. Individuals generally react more negatively to politicians in hypocritical scandal situations than nonhypocritical ones. In addition, a hypocritical situation affects public judgments of a politician’s competence in office, above and beyond other judgments, demonstrating an added professional aspect to judgments of scandals when they involve hypocrisy.
Poorly placed tracheostomy tubes: Effects on flow and resistance
Authors: Moorhouse Joshua , Ali Tahir , Moorhouse Tobias , Owens David
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an incorrectly positioned tracheostomy tube on flow resistance. A laboratory-based model of the trachea was used with both cuffed and uncuffed tracheostomy tubes inserted to variable depths. With a constant metered flow through the model, the pressure for given depths of insertion was recorded. The model was then re-run to test the effect of different flow rates on the system. A total of 468 individual results were grouped and statistically analysed. They showed that both over- and under-insertion increase the pressure within the circuit and that a cuffed tracheostomy tube offers a degree of protection against this. These results were statistically significant with P < 0.05 demonstrating that incorrect positioning has a greater resistance to flow. These results provide an essential scientific basis for further work to assess the clinical significance of incorrect positioning as well as suggesting the need to monitor tube position.
Morvan Syndrome
Authors: Maskery Mark , Chhetri Suresh K. , Dayanandan Rejith , Gall Claire , Emsley Hedley C. A.
Published: April 2015

A 74-year-old gentleman was admitted to the regional neurosciences center with encephalopathy, myokymia, and dysautonomia. Chest imaging had previously identified an incidental mass in the anterior mediastinum, consistent with a primary thymic tumor. Antivoltage-gated potassium channel (anti-VGKC) antibodies were positive (titer 1273 pmol/L) and he was hypokalemic. Electromyogram and nerve conduction studies were in keeping with peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome, and an electroencephalogram was consistent with encephalopathy. A diagnosis of Morvan syndrome was made, for which he was initially treated with high-dose steroids, followed by a 5-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. He also underwent thymectomy, followed by a postexcision flare of his symptoms requiring intensive care management. Further steroids, plasmapheresis, and IVIG achieved stabilization of his clinical condition, enabling transfer for inpatient neurorehabilitation. He was commenced on azathioprine and a prolonged oral steroid taper. A subsequent presumed incipient relapse responded well to further IVIG treatment. This case report documents a thymoma-associated presentation of anti-VGKC-positive Morvan syndrome supplemented by patient and carer narrative and video, both of which provide valuable further insights into this rare disorder. There are a limited number of publications surrounding this rare condition available in the English literature. This, combined with the heterogenous presentation, association with underlying malignancy, response to treatment, and prognosis, provides a diagnostic challenge. However, the association with anti-VGKC antibody-associated complexes and 2 recent case series have provided some scope for both accurate diagnosis and management.
Water
Authors: Futehally Ilmas
Published: April 2015

While access to freshwater has not traditionally been a source of conflict between nations, present trends indicate that it could become a serious bone of contention in the near future. Implementing new methods for measuring water need and use can reduce competition, avoid waste, and help guarantee equitable distribution of this vital resource to businesses, communities, and nations—especially those close to major lakes and rivers.
Right ventricle failure associated wıth trastuzumab
Authors: Bayar Nermin , Küçükseymen Selçuk , Göktaş Sevil , Arslan Şakir
Published: April 2015

Trastuzumab (TZ), a monoclonal antibody against human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), is an important biological agent used for the treatment of positive breast cancer. This paper presents a 46-year-old female patient who developed right heart failure and right ventricular dysfunction while on TZ due to breast cancer, and returned to normal following the discontinuation of the drug. As far as we know, this is the first case report related to a patient presenting with right ventricular dysfunction and induced cardiotoxicity while on TZ.
Overexpression of the shortest isoform of histone demethylase LSD1 primes hematopoietic stem cells for malignant transformation
Authors: Wada Taeko , Koyama Daisuke , Kikuchi Jiro , Honda Hiroaki , Furukawa Yusuke
Published: April 2015

Key Points

LSD1 is barely expressed in normal hematopoietic stem cells, but is overexpressed in leukemias especially those of a T-cell origin. LSD1 overexpression forms preleukemic stem cells with an increased self-renewal potential in a transgenic mice model.
Clinical impact of stress dose steroids in patients with septic shock: insights from the PROWESS-Shock trial
Authors: Póvoa Pedro , Salluh Jorge I F , Martinez Maria L , Guillamat-Prats Raquel , Gallup Dianne , Al-Khalidi Hussein R , Thompson B Taylor , Ranieri V Marco , Artigas Antonio
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the administration of intravenous steroids, alone or in conjunction with drotrecogin-alfa (activated) (DrotAA), on the outcomes in septic shock patients.

Methods

We performed a sub-study of the PROWESS-Shock trial (septic shock patients who received fluids and vasopressors above a predefined threshold for at least 4 hours were randomized to receive either DrotAA or placebo for 96 hours). A propensity score for the administration of intravenous steroids for septic shock at baseline was constructed using multivariable logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards model using inverse probability of treatment weighting of the propensity score was used to estimate the effect of intravenous steroids, alone or in conjunction with DrotAA, on 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 1695 patients were enrolled of which 49.5% received intravenous steroids for treatment of septic shock at baseline (DrotAA + steroids N = 436; DrotAA + no steroids N = 414; placebo + steroids N = 403; placebo + no steroids N = 442). The propensity weighted risk of 28-day as well as 90-day mortality in those treated vs. those not treated with steroids did not differ among those randomized to DrotAA vs. placebo (interaction p-value = 0.38 and p = 0.27, respectively) nor was a difference detected within each randomized treatment. Similarly, the course of vasopressor use and cardiovascular SOFA did not appear to be influenced by steroid therapy. In patients with lung infection (N = 744), abdominal infection (N = 510), Gram-positive sepsis (N = 420) and Gram-negative sepsis (N = 461), the propensity weighted risk of 28-day as well as 90-day mortality in those treated vs. those not treated with steroids did not differ among those randomized to DrotAA vs. placebo nor was a difference detected within each randomized treatment.

Conclusions

In the present study of septic shock patients, after adjustment for treatment selection bias, we were unable to find noticeable positive impact from intravenous steroids for treatment of septic shock at baseline either in patients randomized for DrotAA or placebo.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00604214. Registered 24 January 2008.
A sufficient and necessary condition for the convergence of the sequence of successive approximations to a unique fixed point II
Authors: Suzuki Tomonari , Alamri Badriah
Published: April 2015

Using the concept of a Boyd-Wong contraction, we obtain a simple, sufficient, and necessary condition for the convergence of the sequence of successive approximations to a unique fixed point.
Hepatic angiomyolipoma with special attention to radiologic imaging
Authors: Kuramoto Kunitaka , Beppu Toru , Namimoto Tomohiro , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Imai Katsunori , Nitta Hidetoshi , Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Ishiko Takatoshi , Iyama Ken-Ichi , Ikeda Osamu , Yamashita Yasuyuki , Baba Hideo
Published: April 2015

Background

Angiomyolipoma is a unique mesenchymal neoplasm composed of blood vessels as well as smooth muscle and adipose cells. The liver is a less common site of origin, and hepatic angiomyolipoma is often an incidental finding on diagnostic imaging or is identified on evaluation of nonspecific symptoms.

Case presentation

We experienced four patients who were diagnosed histologically with hepatic angiomyolipoma. The preoperative diagnoses were angiomyolipoma in two patients, hepatocellular carcinoma in one, and cavernous hemangioma in one. Three patients were treated with hepatectomy (one laparoscopic and two open approaches), and the diagnosis was completed by histological investigation of the resected specimen. The remaining one was diagnosed from tumor needle biopsy. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with respiratory triggering using b values of 0 and 800 s/mm2 was employed. An apparent diffusion coefficient map was generated from b values of 0 and 800 s/mm2 for calculation of the apparent diffusion coefficient. The apparent diffusion coefficient values were calculated as 3.66, 1.21, 1.80, and 0.91 in patients 1 to 4, respectively. In MRI imaging, fat component was clearly demonstrated with chemical shift imaging in three patients. Early venous return was detected in three patients with computed tomography angiography.

Conclusion

Fat component and early venous return are important for a correct diagnosis of hepatic angiomyolipoma. Unfortunately, apparent diffusion coefficient values in hepatic angiomyolipoma were overlapping with those in other benign and malignant tumors.