bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alveolar Proteinosis and Phospholipidoses of the Lungs
Authors: Hook Gary E. R.
Published: April 2017

Three pulmonary disease conditions result from the accumulation of phospholipids in the lung. These conditions are the human lung disease known as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, the lipoproteinosis that arises in the lungs of rats during acute silicosis, and the phospholipidoses induced by numerous cationic amphiphilic therapeutic agents. In this paper, the status of phospholipid metabolism in the lungs during the process of each of these lung conditions has been reviewed and possible mechanisms for their establishment are discussed. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is characterized by the accumulation of tubular myelin-like multilamellated structures in the alveoli and distal airways of patients. These structures appear to be formed by a process of spontaneous assembly involving surfactant protein A and surfactant phospholipids. Structures similar to tubular myelin-like multilamellated structures can be seen in the alveoli of rats during acute silicosis and, as with the human condition, both surfactant protein A and surfactant phospholipids accumulate in the alveoli. Excessive accumulation of surfactant protein A and surfactant phospholipids in the alveoli could arise from their overproduction and hypersecretion by a subpopulation of Type II cells that are activated by silica, and possibly other agents. Phospholipidoses caused by cationic amphiphilic therapeutic agents arise as a result of their inhibition of phospholipid catabolism. Inhibition of phospholipases results in the accumulation of phospholipids in the cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages and other cells. While inhibition of phospholipases by these agents undoubtedly occurs, there are many anomalous features, such as the accumulation of extracellular phospholipids and surfactant protein A, that cannot be accounted for by this simplistic hypothesis.
MNC Pharmaceutical Compensation in China: A Predictor for Human Capital Trends
Authors: Hickey Will
Published: April 2017

The pharmaceutical sector provides useful learning for other competency-based or hi-tech, people intensive industries entering the Chinese market. Getting the balance right between rewarding short-term sales and building long-term relationships is critical.
A dynamic model of trust development and knowledge sharing in strategic alliances
Authors: Marshall R. Scott , Nguyen Thang V. , Bryant Scott E.
Published: April 2017

Building on the recent advances in research on trust and knowledge sharing in strategic alliances, we weave together the existing literature to develop a dynamic model of trust development and knowledge sharing (TD/KS). We set forth three objectives for this paper. First, to review the literatures on trust and knowledge sharing and establish dynamic conceptualisations of both concepts. Second, to develop an integration of trust development and knowledge sharing in a dynamic setting; and finally, to offer the TD/KS model, which describes how alliances are formed, developed and dissolved, based on levels of trust and knowledge sharing between partners. We conclude our paper with theoretical and practical applications of our proposed model.
Corporate identity: concept, components and contribution
Authors: Melewar T. C. , Karaosmanoglu Elif , Paterson Douglas
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the corporate identity concept. This investigation initially provides a brief review of the literature and clarification of the various components of the corporate identity concept. Then, through a series of in-depth interviews with 32 individuals from twenty different organisations in different industries, it aims to develop an understanding of the benefits organisations believe can be derived from a strong identity. The study shows that many practitioners and academics believe that a virtuous corporate identity is pivotal to their success. Many interviewees stated that the benefits of a strong and positive corporate identity could boost employee motivation, increase the ability of the organisation to recruit and retain high quality employees, provide a strong base for organisational culture in the event of mergers and acquisitions, increase transparency of business practices, bring competitive advantage, help to develop better relationships with other businesses and aid investment into the company. The study recommends that businesses should try to develop systematic methods of measuring and managing their corporate identity.
Adapt or adapt: lessons for strategy from the US telecoms industry
Authors: Eunni Rangamohan V. , Post James E. , Berger Paul D.
Published: April 2017

Using multiple measures of performance, we related performance differentials between the most and least adaptive firms in the telecommunications equipment industry in the United States to differences in their alignment properties. We found that winners excel uniformly in terms of internal alignment as well as external alignment as compared to losers on all the performance measures considered. However, the contribution of the alignment characteristics to different dimensions of performance varies. This finding has important managerial implications for how these characteristics could be configured for superior strategic adaptation in a rapidly changing industry.
The evolution of directors duties: bridging the divide between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Clarke Thomas
Published: April 2017

However challenging the prospects, there are growing indications of large corporations taking their social and environmental responsibilities more seriously, and of these issues becoming more critical in the business agenda. The substance of company reports is changing, from purely environmental reporting up until 1999, to sustainability reporting (social, environmental and economic), which has become the mainstream approach of global companies. Though some of the expressed concern may be part of the discourse of political correctness, there does appear to be a significant shifting of opinion among executives. At the confluence of these multiple emerging initiatives and trends towards greater corporate social and environmental responsibility, there is emerging a dynamic stakeholder model for driving enlightened shareholder value (or more expansively, stakeholder values).

This article examines how the duty to promote the success of the company offers legal encouragement to pursue responsible strategies on the part of directors and managers, and how legal and moral liability is converging. Similarly, the effect of the modern prudent investor rule is that institutional investor decision-makers are given latitude to follow a wide range of diversified investment strategies, provided their choice of investments is rational and economically defensible, they may sustain a portfolio balanced by environmental, social and governance criteria.
Perceived Corporate Identity/Strategy Dissonance: Triggers and Managerial Responses
Authors: He Hong-Wei , Balmer John M. T.
Published: April 2017

An emerging critical theme in the nascent field of corporate marketing and corporate identity is the identity/strategy dyad. However, little empirical research has been undertaken to explore such an interface in the field of marketing. This article reports a theory-building case study relating to identity and strategy during a period of environmental transformation. It was found that identity and strategy were perceived dissonant by senior managers under the presence of a strong industry-wide generic identity and associated perceived corporate strategy controversy. The study revealed that managers responded to such dissonance by means of attributing, self-legitimating and adjusting their perceptions of the organisation's identity and strategy.
The Impact of Geographic Expansion on Intended Identity of an Organisation
Authors: Spittal Ryan D. , Abratt Russell
Published: April 2017

As organisations grow and expand past their operational headquarters, individual branches may reflect a different identity than that of the headquarters. The question then is, ‘Is senior management able to transcend geographical boundaries and communicate the identity that has shaped their strategy for the organisation?.’ The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of geographical expansion on the reflected perceptions of internal stakeholders related to the organisation's intended identity as defined by the senior management. The authors review the literature on identity in relation to image and reputation in order to seek answers to this question. The paper concludes with four propositions that need to be tested empirically in the future.
Managing Stakeholders for Project Management Success: An Emergent Model of Stakeholders
Authors: Assudani Rashmi , Kloppenborg Timothy J.
Published: April 2017

The world is in a state of constant flux and the systems perspective in the management literature has concerned itself with the adaptations that reflect this dynamic. However, while project management literature recognises the robustness of salient stakeholders, the literature has given little attention to managing the dynamic and shifting process of stakeholder management during the project life cycle. This conceptual paper uses both social network and stakeholder theories to integrate and extend the current theoretical body of literature in the field of project management to describe a more fine grained approach to managing stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. This in turn allows broader insights into the behavioural complexities of project management success. This is important because many authors and practicing managers forcefully state the importance of behavioural foundations in attaining project success.
The liberalisation and diversification of the European electricity industry
Authors: Schiavone Francesco
Published: April 2017

European Commission directives for the liberalisation and deregulation of the European electricity industry were adopted almost at the same time in several nations. But each country had specific market structures and internal conditions. The aim of this paper is to analyse descriptively if and how differences between the home countries of European electricity firms affected, quantitatively and/or qualitatively, their diversification strategies after liberalisation. Research consisted of collecting and analysing data on the strategic actions of the main European electricity firms. The analysis covers a period often years (1998–2007), i.e. the first ten years after the first European directive. This paper sheds light on the link between pre-liberalisation specificities and attributes of a national electricity market and the post-liberalisation diversification strategy of its national electricity companies.
Health Service Delivery in Australia: Gaps and Solutions
Authors: Perrott Bruce E.
Published: April 2017

This paper is intended to stimulate discussion on the issue of health service delivery. It will examine some of the underlying characteristics of services and review them from a health service perspective. It will then explore the nature and implications of health service failure. Key findings from a recent Australian study of practice in open disclosure in public hospitals will be reviewed for the purpose of discussing the implications of the impact of service failure in a health care setting. The paper then goes on to explore the process and nature of health service delivery in terms of potential shortcomings and flaws with its implication for service quality. To assist in the analysis of this topic and to begin the debate on potential solutions, a matrix table is developed to highlight the key areas of health service failure, suggest possible causes, and then go on to suggest prescriptive measures to help manage the risks involved in the health service delivery process.
Physician leadership development: Evidence-informed design tempered with real-life experience
Authors: Jolemore Shawn , Soroka Steven D.
Published: April 2017

This article describes key considerations for creation of evidence-informed in-house physician leadership development. Ten elements extracted from a scan of the peer-reviewed and grey literature are presented, and key learnings at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, a quaternary academic health sciences centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, are highlighted. Each element is briefly described with practical considerations and challenges to implementation outlined in the context of the former Capital District Health Authority, where the authors collaborated to create in-house physician leadership development prior to the consolidation of health districts in that province. The purpose of this article is to share how the authors used evidence to plan physician leadership development and to explore the additional situational and contextual factors and considerations needed for implementation.
Evaluation of Functional Mobility Outcomes Following Electrical Stimulation in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rupsha , Lenka Prasanna K. , Biswas Abhishek , Mahadevappa Manjunatha
Published: April 2017

This study investigated the clinical feasibility of electrical stimulation in enhancing ankle dorsiflexion of the tibialis anterior muscle to improve mobility in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The intervention group received electrical stimulation therapy for 30 minutes and physiotherapy for another 30 minutes for 5 days a week, up to 12 weeks. Gait parameters, Gross Motor Function Measure, Physiological Cost Index, surface electromyogram, and electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded pre- and posttreatment. Data were compared with the control group, which received only conventional physiotherapy for 60 minutes. There was an increase in walking speed (17.67%) and Gross Motor Function Measure scores (2.1%) while the Physiological Cost Index value was decreased (19.7%). The analysis of features extracted from the surface electromyogram showed an increase in muscle strength and that of EEG showed increased motor activities. Hence, electrical stimulation combined with conventional physiotherapy improve gait, muscle strength, and motor activities in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
Low Resting Heart Rate and Stalking Perpetration
Authors: Boisvert Danielle , Wells Jessica , Armstrong Todd , Lewis Richard H. , Woeckener Matthias , Nobles Matt R.
Published: April 2017

There is consistent evidence to suggest that individuals with low resting heart rate are more likely to engage in a variety of antisocial behaviors. The present study examines whether this finding can be extended to stalking perpetration. Drawing from fearlessness theory and stimulation-seeking theory, as well as conceptual work of Meloy and Fisher, we find that individuals with low resting heart rates had significantly greater odds of engaging in stalking behavior, net of controls for sex, age, race, self-control, parental affection, delinquent peers, attitudes/beliefs toward crime, and aggression. When disaggregated by sex, the heart rate–stalking relationship was found to be significant for males, but not for females. The implications of these findings are discussed from a biosocial perspective.
Romania and the Jews in the BBC Monitoring Service Reports, 1938–1948
Authors: Stone Dan
Published: April 2017

Using the little-known BBC Monitoring Service (BBCM) archives, this article shows how Romanian governments in the period 1938–1948 chose to represent themselves via the medium of radio to the rest of the world. After introducing the BBCM and discussing the problems of using such Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) material, the article shows how four key aspects of Romanian history were presented by the Romanian authorities at this time: the wartime expropriation of Jews prior to their planned deportation; Romania’s changing of sides in the war as of 23 August 1944; the return of Jewish deportees after the war; and the communist governments’ changing attitudes towards Palestine/Israel and Jewish emigration. The article suggests that these sources are highly revealing but that they need to be used with considerable caution when trying to understand the tumultuous events of wartime Romanian history.
Leadership development practices and hospital financial outcomes
Authors: Crowe Daniel , Garman Andrew N , Li Chien-Ching , Helton Jeff , Anderson Matthew M , Butler Peter
Published: April 2017

Affordable Care Act legislation is requiring leaders in US health systems to adapt to new and very different approaches to improving operating performance. Research from other industries suggests leadership development can be a helpful component of organizational change strategies; however, there is currently very little healthcare-specific research available to guide design and deployment. The goal of this exploratory study is to examine potential relationships between specific leadership development practices and health system financial outcomes. Results from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership survey of leadership development practices were correlated with hospital and health system financial performance data from the 2013 Medicare Cost Reports. A general linear regression model, controlling for payer mix, case-mix index, and bed size, was used to assess possible relationships between leadership practices and three financial performance metrics: operating margin, days cash on hand, and debt to capitalization. Statistically significant associations were found between hospital-level operating margins and 5 of the 11 leadership practices as well as the composite score. Relationships at the health system level, however, were not statistically significant. Results provide preliminary evidence of an association between hospital financial performance and investments made in developing their leaders.
Automotive aeroacoustics: An overview
Authors: Oettle Nicholas , Sims-Williams David
Published: April 2017

Vehicle aeroacoustic performance has a major influence on customer perception and also has importance for safety and comfort. Wind noise performance was once differentiated by the quality of sealing. Today, achieving competitive wind noise performance also depends on minimising aeroacoustic noise sources generated by the vehicle form, and on attenuation in the noise pathway from sources on the exterior to the vehicle interior. The reduction in noise transmission, especially through glazed surfaces, will continue to play an important role in controlling cabin noise, with a particular emphasis on achieving attenuation efficiently in terms of component mass. The human brain is not only sensitive towards the level of steady broadband noise, but distinctive features such as tonality or modulation draw the attention of the vehicle occupant and impact negatively on perception. Complex indices are often required to define good wind noise performance. This includes the consideration of multiple frequency bands and effects of the range of yaw angles experienced on-road. A key to achieving future vehicle refinement is bringing together an understanding of unsteady onset flow conditions, their impact on cabin sound pressure level and modulation and, in turn, the impact of noise level and modulation on psychoacoustic perception.
Pitch and flight path controller design for F-16 aircraft using combination of LQR and EA techniques
Authors: Mortazavi Mohammad Reza , Naghash Abolghasem
Published: April 2017

In a linear regulator problem with a quadratic cost function, there are two weighting matrices which determine the feedback gain matrix, and thereby the closed loop eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system. To find the weighting matrices leading to a desired eigenstructure, trial and error is a common approach. In spite of its simplicity, trial and error is too time-consuming and does not guarantee achieving expected results. In this regard, this paper presents a step-by-step algorithm for calculation of state and control weighting matrices in such a way that the pre-specified eigenstructure is generated with acceptable accuracy. Accordingly, once the designer chooses preferred eigenvalues and eigenvectors, the feedback gain matrix will be available uniquely. In design procedure, tracking of flight path and pitch attitude commands for an F-16 aircraft will be provided. To achieve this aim completely, the feedforward gain matrix necessary for getting a zero steady state error is calculated based on the mathematical model of the aircraft as well as the pseudoinverse matrix concept. Various simulations demonstrate that the resulted controller has good performance, gives the desired eigenstructure satisfactorily and also shows the expected robustness of a linear quadratic regulator.
Numerical investigation of hypersonic flow with repetitive-pulsed plasma actuators
Authors: Wang Chin-Cheng , Hsu Li-Chung
Published: April 2017

Repetitive-pulsed plasma actuators have become the key enabler for flights in the hypersonic flow control. A numerical study focuses on the effect of the repetitive-pulsed plasma actuators at Mach 6. The geometric effects of circular, square, and triangular cylinders as well as a sphere on the aerodynamic performance are considered in the present study. For flow over the circular cylinder and sphere, shock control by repetitive-pulsed discharges is investigated, respectively. The baseline results are successfully validated with the theoretical and published numerical values for flow past a circular cylinder at Mach 6. Without flow control, results show that the shapes of the triangular cylinder and sphere have much smaller high-pressure regions compared to that of the square and circular cylinders. With repetitive-pulsed plasma, the time-average drag reduction has been reduced by a maximum of 0.8% and the stagnation pressure ratio is reduced by 2.1% for Mach 6 flow over a circular cylinder. Thus, this research shows a great benefit of repetitive-pulsed discharges to the state-of-the-art in high-speed flight design.
Clarifying the concept of validity: From measurement to everyday language
Authors: Buntins Matthias , Buntins Katja , Eggert Frank
Published: April 2017

Test validity is widely understood as the degree to which a test measures what it should measure. We argue that this conceptualization does not refer to a psychometric problem but to the correspondence between scientific language and everyday language. Following Stevens, test results give an operational definition of attributes, qualifying any test as valid by definition. Following the representational theory of measurement, an attribute is defined by an empirical relational structure and a corresponding measurement model. Since measurement depends on the specified empirical structure, if a test measures anything, it must be valid. However, the question of validity can be asked in a meaningful way, if one interprets test results in the context of everyday language. We conclude that validity can be understood as the degree to which the variable measured by a test corresponds to concepts of everyday language.
Strategies of Iranian nurses to overcome professional discrimination: An explorative qualitative study
Authors: Shohani Masoumeh
Published: April 2017

Background:

Discrimination is a situation in which individuals receive unequal social benefits in return for equal roles they play. They react to such a situation in different ways.

Objective:

This study aims at identifying the strategies used by Iranian nurses to overcome professional discrimination.

Research design:

This qualitative study was conducted with the participation of 23 nurses who worked in hospitals in the cities of Tehran, Tabriz, and Ilam. They were selected based on purposive sampling. Data were collected using deep and unstructured interviews in a period of time between May 2013 and June 2014. Interviews were simultaneously analyzed using conventional content analysis method after being transcribed.

Ethical consideration:

This study was approved by the Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics. Also, voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality were considered.

Finding:

“Presenting a positive image of oneself,” “objection,” and “expectation” were three themes extracted through data analysis.

Discussion:

Organizational discrimination puts nurses under stress and pressure. Nurses react to unfair behavior in different ways. These reactions are harmful to an organization and lead to negative consequences.

Conclusion:

Professional discrimination has made nurses adopt strategies which would lead to such consequences, which in turn influences their performance as nurses.
Ethics interventions for healthcare professionals and students: A systematic review
Authors: Stolt Minna , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Ruokonen Minka , Repo Hanna , Suhonen Riitta
Published: April 2017

Background:

The ethics and value bases in healthcare are widely acknowledged. There is a need to improve and raise awareness of ethics in complex systems and in line with competing needs, different stakeholders and patients’ rights. Evidence-based strategies and interventions for the development of procedures and practice have been used to improve care and services. However, it is not known whether and to what extent ethics can be developed using interventions.

Objectives:

To examine ethics interventions conducted on healthcare professionals and healthcare students to achieve ethics-related outcomes.

Research design:

A systematic review.

Methods:

Five electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Philosopher’s Index, PubMed and PsycINFO. We searched for published articles written in English without a time limit using the keywords: ethic* OR moral* AND intervention OR program OR pre-post OR quasi-experimental OR rct OR experimental AND nurse OR nursing OR health care. In the four-phased retrieval process, 23 full texts out of 4675 citations were included in the review. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Ethical consideration:

This systematic review was conducted following good scientific practice in every phase.

Findings:

It is possible to affect the ethics of healthcare practices through professionals and students. All the interventions were educational in type. Many of the interventions were related to the ethical or moral sensitivity of the professionals, such as moral courage and empowerment. A few of the interventions focused on identifying ethical problems or research ethics.

Conclusion:

Patient-related outcomes followed by organisational outcomes can be improved by ethics interventions targeting professionals. Such outcomes are promising in developing ethical safety for healthcare patients and professionals.
How work setting and job experience affect professional nurses’ values
Authors: Fernández-Feito Ana , Palmeiro-Longo María del Rosario , Hoyuelos Salomé Basurto , García-Díaz Vanesa
Published: April 2017

Background:

The development of professional values in nursing is directly related to quality and ethical clinical practise and may also increase practitioner and patients’ satisfaction. Some factors, such as work setting or work experience, can influence the importance granted to the professional values of nursing.

Objectives:

To compare in primary care nurses and hospital care nurses the importance granted to professional values and to contrast this perception as a function of professional experience.

Research design, participants and research context:

Descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants were 380 nursing professionals from the public health system (primary care and hospital care). Three dimensions were analysed: ethics, professional expertise and professional mastery. Data were collected from January to June 2015.

Ethical considerations:

We obtained permission from the Ethics Committee and participants’ informed consent.

Findings:

Hospital care professionals attached more importance to all the values analysed, regardless of their work experience. Ethical values, such as confidentiality and respect for the person, were considered to be very important in both systems. Values related to professional expertise obtained lower scores, especially in primary care. In general, professionals with more than 20 years’ experience granted less importance to the values.

Conclusion:

The professional setting influenced the importance assigned to professional nursing values, and clear differences were observed between primary and hospital care. The domain of ethics was considered the most important. It is necessary to reflect on the significance attributed to professional values, especially in more expert nursing staff.
Regulatory B Cells Are Functionally Impaired in Patients Having Hemophilia A With Inhibitors
Authors: Boulassel Mohamed-Rachid , Al-Ghonimi Maryam , Al-Balushi Badriya , Al-Naamani Amal , Al-Qarni Zahra , Wali Yasser , Elshinawy Mohamed , Al-Shezawi Maryam , Khan Hamad , Nazir Hanan , Khater Doaa , Pathare Anil , Al-Kindi Salam
Published: April 2017

Development of inhibitors remains a major clinical complication in patients with hemophilia A receiving replacement therapy with factor VIII (FVIII). Understanding the immune mechanisms involved in the development of inhibitors can provide valuable information about pathways to human tolerance. Recent evidence indicates that B regulatory (Breg) cells play a pivotal role in controlling the production of antibodies (Abs) while promoting follicular T helper (Tfh) cells and monocytes, expressing the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP/CD91), which is involved in FVIII intake from the circulation. We studied circulating levels of Breg cells along with Tfh cells and the expression of LRP/CD91 on monocytes in patients with hemophilia A using 8-color flow cytometry and cell culture. Compared to healthy controls, patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors showed a severe reduction in levels of Breg cells and produced less interleukin-10 when activated via the CD40 signaling pathway. In addition, patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors exhibited an overexpression of LPR/CD91 on monocytes and normal levels of Tfh cells. Levels of Breg cells were not significantly related to LPR/CD91 although negative associations were evidenced. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the role of Breg cells and LPR/CD91 in the development of inhibitors in patients with hemophilia A.
Not Aggressive or Just Faking It? Examining Faking and Faking Detection on the Conditional Reasoning Test of Aggression
Authors: Wiita Nathan E. , Meyer Rustin D. , Kelly Elnora D. , Collins Brian J.
Published: April 2017

Substantial research has been dedicated to examining and combating respondent misrepresentation (i.e., “faking”) on personality assessments. Two approaches to combat faking that have garnered particular attention include: (a) designing systems to identify likely fakers and (b) developing difficult-to-fake measures. Consistent with suggestions to combine these strategies, the present article examines a new faking detection system specifically designed for a difficult-to-fake measure (i.e., the Conditional Reasoning Test for Aggression; CRT-A). Four studies (a) help elucidate the conditions under which the CRT-A is fakeable, (b) provide initial construct validity evidence for the faking detection system developed here, (c) examine the effects of faking and faking detection on the CRT-A’s criterion-oriented validity, and (d) show that participants identify CRT-based faking detection items at worse-than-chance levels even when they are fully informed about how these items work. Taken together, these studies reinforce the importance of maintaining the indirect nature of CRTs but also show that the faking detection system developed here represents a promising method of identifying those who may have used inside information to manipulate their scores.
The Enemy Is The Centre: The Dilemma of Normative Masculinity in Darwyn Cooke’s DC: The New Frontier
Authors: Gordon Neta
Published: April 2017

The article explores Darwyn Cooke’s 2004 comic DC: The New Frontier as a retrospective history for DC’s comic book characters of the 1950s; though this history takes into account certain problematic aspects of 1950s American culture—in particular the problem of racism and fear of the minoritized other—the comic does not in any way produce a critique of normative American masculinity. Making use of a critical framework that discusses white masculinity, nostalgia, and the “falling” man, and the conceptual work of scholars such as Sally Robinson, Michael Kimmel, Elizabeth Anker, and Hamilton Carroll, this article argues that Cooke’s comic recenters the white male adventurer/hero not only as a product of nostalgia but also as a post-9/11 response to the idea of the “falling man.” Cooke promotes a fraternal code as a way to resolve the problematics of diversity, constructs the flyboy as a falling man, whose rehabilitation as an everyday hero reflects the text’s idealization of retrograde masculinity, and transforms narratives about othering into celebrations of colonialism and American manifest destiny.
Urban Regeneration and “Resistance of Place”: Foregrounding Time and Experience
Authors: Degen Monica
Published: April 2017

Time and experience lie at the heart of urban life. While extensive research on the social implications of the spatial transformation of urban landscapes has been undertaken since the 1980s, the discussion of the impact that manifold temporalities and sensory experiences might have in shaping or constraining the physical and social change of a neighbourhood have been limited, however. Existing research has a tendency to focus on a specific period in time within the remaking of a neighbourhood and draws conclusions from this window in time on the impact of the regeneration. By drawing on a longitudinal ethnographic study of the regeneration of el Raval, Barcelona from 1996 to now, this article interrogates how a focus on temporality and experience produce interruptions of power in contemporary urban regeneration processes leading to what I define as a `resistance of place’. While there have been attempts to regenerate el Raval since the early 20th century, most dramatically during the last 20 years to create Barcelona’s new cultural quarter, the neighbourhood has not been gentrified and developed as expected by Barcelona’s city council. I argue that while elements of control, discipline and gentrification are certainly part of global contemporary regeneration strategies, temporal and experiential dynamics destabilise their full implementation so that these elements are only partial in their imposition.
Investigation of the effect of CuO and AL2O3 nanolubricants on the surface roughness in the forging process of aluminum alloy
Authors: Alimirzaloo V , SheydayiGurchinQaleh S , MashhadiKeshtiban P , Ahmadi S
Published: April 2017

Lubrication is an essential factor in the metal forming processes such as forging, since it leads to reducing friction at contact surfaces and increasing the surface quality of the forged parts. In order to create desirable tribological properties in the base lubricants, various metal oxide nanoparticles are mostly used as additives. In the present study, the effects of the nanolubricants made by copper oxide (CuO) and alumina (AL2O3) nanoparticles on the surface quality of the forging process have been investigated. The effects of the nanolubricants have been compared with the graphite as a conventional lubricant. Upsetting forging operation of a ring shape workpiece was used for evaluating the lubricants. Experiments were designed and analyzed using Taguchi method and analysis of variance. Results show that the nanolubricants cause a significant improvement on the surface roughness compared to conventional lubricants. Best condition is obtained when 0.8 wt% of CuO nanoparticles is added in paraffin lubricant. Compared with the case of base lubricants with no additives, roughness reduced by 41% and 33% for paraffin and oil10, respectively. Also, the surface roughness decreased by 496% and 235% compared with dry graphite powder and paraffin with 25% graphite, correspondingly.
Dysregulation of energy metabolism in multiple sclerosis measured in vivo with diffusion-weighted spectroscopy
Authors: Bodini Benedetta , Branzoli Francesca , Poirion Emilie , García-Lorenzo Daniel , Didier Mélanie , Maillart Elisabeth , Socha Julie , Bera Geraldine , Lubetzki Catherine , Ronen Itamar , Lehericy Stephane , Stankoff Bruno
Published: April 2017

Objective:

We employed diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy (DW-MRS), which allows to measure in vivo the diffusion properties of metabolites, to explore the functional neuro-axonal damage and the ongoing energetic dysregulation in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with MS and 18 healthy controls (HC) underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DW-MRS. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of total N-acetyl-aspartate (tNAA) and creatine–phosphocreatine (tCr) were measured in the parietal normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and in the thalamic grey matter (TGM). Multiple regressions were used to compare metabolite ADCs between groups and to explore clinical correlations.

Results:

In patients compared with HCs, we found a reduction in ADC(tNAA) in the TGM, reflecting functional and structural neuro-axonal damage, and in ADC(tCr) in both NAWM and TGM, possibly reflecting a reduction in energy supply in neurons and glial cells. Metabolite ADCs did not correlate with tissue atrophy, lesional volume or metabolite concentrations, while in TGM metabolite ADCs correlated with clinical scores.

Conclusion:

DW-MRS showed a reduction in tCr diffusivity in the normal-appearing brain of patients with MS, which might reflect a state of ongoing energy dysregulation affecting neurons and/or glial cells. Reversing this energy dysregulation before neuro-axonal degeneration arises may become a key objective in future neuroprotective strategies.
The genesis of classroom discursive practices as history-in-person processes
Authors: Donato Richard , Davin Kristin J.
Published: April 2017

This article reports findings from an investigation into how novice teachers’ classroom discursive practices were influenced by history-in-person processes. Thought-based and practice-based data sources of two novice teachers were analysed to understand how history is brought to the present through the minds and bodies of individuals as they are addressed by external forces. Findings suggested that one’s history-in-person interacts in complex and unpredictable ways with external factors and can result in contentious local practice. Thus, attention to both personal history and to institutional constraints must figure into interpretations of how novice teachers perform and how changing practice is approached.
The Prevalence of Self-Reported Elder Abuse Among Older Women in Community Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yon Yongjie , Mikton Christopher , Gassoumis Zachary D. , Wilber Kathleen H.
Published: April 2017

The abuse of older women appears to be a significant problem. Developing a better understanding of the extent of the problem is an important step toward preventing it. We conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis of existing prevalence studies, in multiple languages, that occurred in the community settings from inception to June 26, 2015, in order to determine the extent of abuse against women aged 60 years and over. To disentangle the wide variations in prevalence estimates, we also investigated the associations between prevalence estimates and studies’ demographic and methodological characteristics. A total of 50 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The combined prevalence for overall elder abuse in the past year was 14.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) [11.0, 18.0]). Pooled prevalence for psychological abuse was 11.8% (95% CI [9.2%, 14.9%]), neglect was 4.1% (95% CI [2.7%, 6.3%]), financial abuse was 3.8% (95% CI [2.5%, 5.5%]), sexual abuse was 2.2% (95% CI [1.6%, 3.0%]), and physical abuse was 1.9% (95% CI [1.2%, 3.1%]). The studies included in the meta-analysis for overall abuse were heterogeneous indicating that significant differences among the prevalence estimates exist. Significant associations were found between prevalence estimates and the following covariates: World Health Organization–defined regions, countries’ income classification, and sample size. Together, these covariates explained 37% of the variance. Although robust prevalence studies are sparse in low- and middle-income countries, about 1 in 6, or 68 million older women experience abuse worldwide. More work is needed to understand the variation in prevalence rates and implications for prevention.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Nonoperative Treatment of Scaphoid Nonunions: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seger Edward W. , Jauregui Julio J. , Horton Steven A. , Davalos Gerardo , Kuehn Erika , Stracher Michael A.
Published: April 2017

Background: Scaphoid fractures progress to nonunion rates of up to 15% when non-displaced, and are even more frequent when the fracture is displaced. Standard treatment in these cases is surgery; however, individuals unable to undergo this operation, or for those who wish to try more conservative measures, there may be benefit from nonoperative options. Of these, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been shown to improve fracture nonunion healing. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of relevant literature to determine success of the use of LIPUS for treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods: Utilizing PubMed, Embase, and Ovid databases, we performed a literature search using key terms for scaphoid nonunions. A total of 686 studies met initial search criteria. Studies reporting fewer than 5 cases, those not published in English, those not related to LIPUS nonoperative scaphoid nonunion treatment, and those without sufficient data were excluded. Five studies met these criteria, and statistical analysis was performed to determine overall union rates. Results: The use of LIPUS on 166 nonunions reported a mean healing index of 78.6%. The average time to union following LIPUS treatment was 4.2 months. Conclusions: While surgical intervention is still the standard, our results show that LIPUS may serve as a nonoperative alternative to scaphoid nonunion in certain cases. The results are encouraging in which these challenging fracture a nonunions can heal without further surgical intervention in the majority of patients.
Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of the DNA-decoy AYX1 for the prevention of acute and chronic post-surgical pain
Authors: Mamet Julien , Harris Scott , Klukinov Michael , Yeomans David C , Donahue Renee R , Taylor Brad K , Eddinger Kelly , Yaksh Tony , Manning Donald C
Published: April 2017

Background

AYX1 is an unmodified DNA-decoy designed to reduce acute post-surgical pain and its chronification with a single intrathecal dose at the time of surgery. AYX1 inhibits the transcription factor early growth response protein 1, which is transiently induced at the time of injury and triggers gene regulation in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord that leads to long-term sensitization and pain. This work characterizes the AYX1 dose-response profile in rats and the link to AYX1 pharmacokinetics and metabolism in the cerebrospinal fluid, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord.

Results

The effects of ascending dose-levels of AYX1 on mechanical hypersensitivity were measured in the spared nerve injury model of chronic pain and in a plantar incision model of acute post-surgical pain. AYX1 dose-response profile shows that efficacy rapidly increases from a minimum effective dose of ∼ 0.5 mg to a peak maximum effective dose of ∼ 1 mg. With further dose escalation, the efficacy paradoxically appears to decrease by ∼ 30% and then returns to full efficacy at the maximum feasible dose of ∼ 4 mg. The reduction of efficacy is associated to doses triggering a near-saturation of AYX1 metabolism by nucleases in the cerebrospinal fluid and a paradoxical reduction of AYX1 exposure during the period of early growth response protein 1 induction. This effect is overcome at higher doses that compensate for the effect of metabolism.

Discussion

AYX1 is a competitive antagonist of early growth response protein 1, which is consistent with the overall increased efficacy observed as dose-levels initially escalate. Chemically, AYX1 is unprotected against degradation by nucleases. The sensitivity to nucleases is reflected in a paradoxical reduction of efficacy in the dose-response curve.

Conclusions

These findings point to the importance of the nuclease environment of the cerebrospinal fluid to the research and development of AYX1 and other intrathecal nucleotide-based therapeutics.
Impact of Design on Patient Participation in Healthcare in a Rural Health Clinic in Appalachia: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Haddox John Christopher
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

A pilot study exploring how elderly patients of a rural outpatient health clinic in Appalachia perceive design elements of the facility as imposing barriers to healthcare participation.

Background:

Outpatient clinics play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare in rural settings in Appalachia. While the concept of patient participation in healthcare does not enjoy a widely adopted, standardized definition, it is believed that patients who are more actively engaged in their healthcare will potentially realize improved health outcomes. This study examines the role facility design could play in participation.

Methods:

A pilot qualitative study was conducted involving focus groups with a targeted elderly population of a rural outpatient clinic in southern West Virginia. The goal was to assess the perceptions of impacts of clinical design elements on participation.

Results:

Patients identified and characterized 10 design-related elements they felt impacted participation.

Conclusions:

The design of the outpatient clinic has the potential to impact the level of engagement of patients in the healthcare process, thus providing another leverage point for improving population health in rural settings.
Self-tracking and mobile media: New digital materialities
Authors: Pink Sarah , Fors Vaike
Published: April 2017

In this article we take the novel step of bringing together recent scholarship about mobile media and communications with new ethnographic research and scholarship about mobile self-tracking. The correspondences and entanglements between mobile media and self-tracking technologies, and scholarship, we argue, are usefully considered in relation to each other both empirically and theoretically. Indeed, we propose that the convergence between self-tracking and mobile media means that we will increasingly need to account for their entanglements in mobile media research, and that there is therefore a need to explore the implications of taking the new step of approaching self-tracking research through the prism of mobile media scholarship.
A case of acute acquired obstructive hydrocephalus in a cat with suspected ischaemic cerebellar infarct
Authors: Raimondi Francesca , Lourinho Filipa , Scott Harry , Shihab Nadia
Published: April 2017

Case summary

A case of acquired acute obstructive hydrocephalus that developed as a complication of an ischaemic infarct in the vascular territory of the rostral cerebellar artery is described in an adult domestic shorthair cat. The clinical findings, diagnostic investigations, treatment and prognosis are reported. MRI findings are described in detail.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report of obstructive hydrocephalus as a complication of an ischaemic infarct in the region of the rostral cerebellar artery in a cat. MRI findings are described in detail with regard to the recognition of the early signs of obstructive hydrocephalus. A brief review of the literature is included, as this complication has been frequently reported in humans.