bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Effect of Three Low-Intensity Pediatric Obesity Interventions
Authors: Looney Shannon M. , Raynor Hollie A.
Published: July 2014

Background. Primary care is an ideal setting to treat pediatric obesity. Effective, low-intensity (≤25 contact hours over 6 months) interventions that reduce standardized body mass index ( z-BMI) and can be delivered by primary care providers are needed. Objective. This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of 3 low-intensity (≤25 contact hours over 6 months) pediatric obesity treatments on z-BMI. Methods. Twenty-two families (children 8.0 ± 1.8 years, z-BMI of 2.34 ± 0.48) were randomized into 1 of 3, 6-month, low-intensity conditions: newsletter (N), newsletter and growth monitoring (N + GM), or newsletter and growth monitoring plus family-based behavioral counseling (N + GM + BC). Anthropometrics and child eating and leisure-time behaviors were measured. Results. Mixed-factor analyses of variance found a significant ( P < .05) main effect of time for z-BMI and servings per day of sugar sweetened beverages, with both decreasing over time. Conclusion. Low-intensity obesity treatments can reduce z-BMI and may be more feasible in primary care.
Vitamin D Status in Irish Children and Adolescents
Authors: Carroll Aoife , Onwuneme Chike , McKenna Malachi J. , Mayne Philip D. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Murphy Nuala P.
Published: July 2014

Background. Vitamin D has important skeletal and extraskeletal roles but those living at northerly latitudes are at risk of suboptimal levels because of reduced sunlight exposure. Aim. To describe the vitamin D status of Irish children and identify factors predictive of vitamin D status. Methods. A prospective cross sectional study was undertaken over a 12 month period. Two hundred and fifty two healthy children attending for minor medical or surgical procedures were recruited. All had 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone and bone profiles measured. Results. The mean (standard deviation) for 25OHD was 51(25) nmol/L (20.4 (10) ng/mL). Forty-five percent had levels >50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL). The following variables were significantly associated with 25OHD levels >50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL): sample drawn in April-September, use of vitamin D supplements, consumption of formula milk, and non-African ethnicity. Conclusion. More than half of the children in this study had 25OHD levels less than 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL). Vitamin D status was significantly improved by augmented oral vitamin D intake.
Advanced Placement English Exam Scores
Authors: Koch Bevan , Slate John R. , Moore George W.
Published: July 2014

We compared the performance of Hispanic students from California, Texas, and Arizona on the two Advanced Placement (AP) English exams (i.e., English Language and Composition and English Literature and Composition) using archival data from the College Board from 1997 through 2012. Pearson chi-square tests yielded statistically significant differences in all 16 comparisons for the English Language and Composition exams and in 15 of the 16 comparisons for the English Literature and Composition exams. Students from Arizona had the highest passing rate in 21 comparisons, California had the highest passing rate in 11 comparisons, and Texas had the lowest passing rate in all 32 comparisons. The majority of Hispanic students who took an AP English exam failed to earn a score that would result in college credit. Implications of our findings are discussed.
Gendered vulnerabilities to a neglected disease: A comparative investigation of the effect of women’s legal economic rights and social status on malaria rates
Authors: Austin Kelly F , Noble Mark D , Mejia Maria Theresa
Published: July 2014

Although seldom noted in scholarly accounts, malaria represents a leading cause of death and underdevelopment in poor nations. Enormous cross-national variation in malaria rates across its endemic zones suggests the importance of large-scale factors in explaining comparative disease trends. While the biological vulnerability of women and children to malaria is often acknowledged, the literature has yet to investigate how gender inequalities contribute to patterns of malaria prevalence. Utilizing structural equation modeling on a sample of 90 less-developed nations and engaging insights from gender stratification perspectives, we consider the influence of both legal economic status and social dimensions of women’s status on malaria rates. We find that women’s legal economic status has an indirect relationship on malaria rates by enhancing women’s social standing and strengthening general health provisions. The results suggest that addressing issues of gender inequality in poor nations is central to tackling this persistent pandemic.
Contextualizing South Africa’s Freedom Songs
Authors: Mtshali Khondlo , Hlongwane Gugu
Published: July 2014

This article offers an examination of Lee Hirsch’s Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony. Beginning with the liberation songs that gained salience during the National Party’s implementation of apartheid policy in 1948 and ending with the struggle songs of a post-1994 democratic South Africa, the documentary’s aim is to retrieve and recount the role of freedom songs in antiapartheid struggle. Using the writings of Ernesto Laclau, John Mbiti, Paul Ricoeur, and Alfred Schutz, this essay will argue that liberation songs are ancestral text that were partly used by antiapartheid activists to create their collective identities. This essay will further argue that Amandla! set itself the task of retrieving South Africa’s liberation songs and liberation’s praise singers from the ancestral region John Mbiti calls Zamani to a region he calls Sasa. However, this essay will assert that the ancestral retrieval task of this documentary is compromised by the documentary’s privileging of the hegemonic groups within the African National Congress (ANC), the documentary’s presentation of the ANC as a monolithic and univocal organization, and the producer’s snowball sampling method. Arguing that this documentary relegates some of the South African struggle experiences into Zamani, this essay will attempt to correct these omissions and broaden the context of liberation songs.
Pressure to Change Drinking Behavior
Authors: Korcha Rachael A. , Polcin Douglas L. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Kerr William C. , Bond Jason
Published: July 2014

General population studies have shown that pressure from others to change drinking can come from different sources. Receipt of informal pressure (IP) and formal pressure (FP) is known to vary by quantity and consequences of drinking, but less is known about how pressure varies among subgroups of the population. This exploratory study utilizes data from the National Alcohol Surveys from 1995 to 2010 ( N = 26,311) and examines associations between receipt of pressure and subgroups of drinkers. Increased relative risk of receiving IP and FP were observed for individuals reporting an arrest for driving after drinking and illicit drug use while poverty and lack of private health insurance increased risk of receipt of FPs. Regular marijuana use increased IP. The subgroups that were studied received increased pressures to change drinking behavior, though disentangling the societal role of pressure and how it may assist with interventions, help seeking, and natural recovery is needed.
Systematic Review of Existential Anxiety Instruments
Authors: van Bruggen Vincent , Vos Joël , Westerhof Gerben , Bohlmeijer Ernst , Glas Gerrit
Published: July 2014

Existential anxiety (EA) is an expression of being occupied with ultimate concerns such as death, meaninglessness, and fundamental loneliness. Philosophers and psychologists have claimed its importance for the study of human thinking, emotion, decision making, and psychopathology. Until now research has mainly focused on death anxiety. Several death anxiety instruments have been developed and evaluated. This article is the first to review instruments measuring EA in a comprehensive way, that is, by covering several existential themes. Such instruments might be useful to gain insight in the interrelatedness of the aspects of EA, and application in clinical practice. Four models of EA were reviewed and compared resulting in a working definition. This definition was used to develop a search strategy that, after an initial screening, yielded 532 potentially relevant articles. A total of 78 instruments were identified, most of them measuring death anxiety. Five instruments were included that had a comprehensive perspective on EA. These were further evaluated using the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) criteria for publications about test development. The Existential Anxiety Questionnaire, turned out to be the most thoroughly examined, with promising results. The article concludes with recommendations about development and use of EA instruments.
Excavating the Teacher Pipeline
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Cowan James
Published: July 2014

We analyze the placement and attrition patterns of teachers by preparation programs and document large differences in the rate at which teachers exit both their schools and the profession. These differences are robust to within-school comparisons. Moreover, assumptions about turnover and the persistence of program effects prove important for predicting the likely changes in student achievement that would result from varying the proportion of graduates from the most and least effective programs within a state.
Is there seasonal variation in symptom severity, uroflowmetry and frequency–volume chart parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms?
Authors: Cartwright Rufus , Mariappan Paramananthan , Turner Kevin J , Stewart Laurence H , Rajan Prabhakar
Published: July 2014

Purpose

There is a widely held perception that lower urinary tract symptoms may be exacerbated by cold weather. In this study, we examine the effect of seasonal variation in ambient temperatures on frequency–volume chart derivatives, symptom severity scores and uroflowmetry parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptom.

Methods

Between January 2000 and April 2004, men presenting with lower urinary tract symptom were prospectively recruited and assessed in Edinburgh, UK (55°52′N) with maritime temperate climates (Köppen classification Cfb). Local monthly temperatures were extracted from national meteorological records. Patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and 3-day frequency volume chart before undergoing free uroflowmetry with post-micturition volume measurement. Exclusion criteria were previous bladder outflow surgery and anti-cholinergic medication.

Results

Data on 296 patients were suitable for analysis. Mean age was 62.3 years (range, 26–90). Over the period of study, the coldest month was January (mean = 4.7℃) and the warmest month was August (mean = 15.8℃). There was no significant variation in either International Prostate Symptom Score symptom scores by season ( p > 0.05) or any frequency–volume chart parameters, with the exception on an increase in median actual nightly voids over the summer months ( p = 0.021). There was no significant correlation between maximal flow rate and post-micturition residual volumes and mean monthly temperatures ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Seasonal variation in nocturia, but not other frequency–volume parameters, symptom severity or uroflowmetry parameters, is significant in men with lower urinary tract symptom. Future work should consider the impact of seasonal variation in lower urinary tract symptoms in both sexes across a wider range of climates.
The Influence of Materialism on Ecotourism Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Lu Allan Cheng Chieh , Gursoy Dogan , Del Chiappa Giacomo
Published: July 2014

This study examined the relationships among materialism, ecotourism attitude, ecotourism interest, ecotourism intention, and willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism utilizing a model that was developed based on the literature. Data for this study were collected from 2,352 Italian travelers and proposed hypotheses were tested using a structural equation modeling approach. Findings indicated that individuals’ materialistic value has negative relationships with their ecotourism attitude, ecotourism interest, ecotourism intention, and willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism products and services. Findings also suggested that individuals’ ecotourism attitude would positively influence ecotourism intention, ecotourism interest, and willingness to pay a premium for ecotourism products and services.
Locus of Uncertainty and the Relationship Between Contractual and Relational Governance in Cross-Border Interfirm Relationships
Authors: Abdi Majid , Aulakh Preet S.
Published: July 2014

The relationship between contractual and relational arrangements in interorganizational relationships has been subject to an ongoing debate. We propose that in the context of cross-border partnerships, the governance mechanisms can be both substitutes and complements depending upon contingencies posed by uncertainties of two different origins: environmental and behavioral. We argue that environmental uncertainty (i.e., instability and unpredictability of the external environment) drives the formal and relational arrangements into a more substitutive relationship by elevating the adaptation complications in which increasing reliance on either form of governance inhibits the effective operation of the other. Contrastingly, behavioral uncertainty (in the form of inadequate common grounds and shared frameworks among collaborating firms) encumbers the understanding of partner behavior and conduct and drives the governance mechanisms into a more complementary relationship in which contractual and relational mechanisms facilitate the effective operation of each other. Empirical results from 205 cross-border partnerships of large U.S. firms support our theorized relationships.
Industrial railroad to digital memory routes: remembering the last railway in Singapore
Authors: Liew Kai Khiun , Pang Natalie , Chan Brenda
Published: July 2014

The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Berhad railway line was a crucial mode of transport for goods and passengers moving between Singapore and its neighbouring country Malaysia. Tanjong Pagar railway station – the terminus of the KTM railway line in Singapore – ceased operation from 1 July 2011, and KTM railway tracks in Singapore were slated for removal, after the relocation of the terminus to a border station between the two countries. This event has led to various initiatives by the state and civil society to remember the KTM railway. This article explores how people utilize Web 2.0 technologies to archive and share railway memories in Singapore. The differences between state-initiated websites and grassroots efforts of remembering the KTM railway bring into question the nature of state–society relations in the practices of memory-making in the digital era. Once reliant on state-run museums, Singaporeans are now remembering the KTM railway tracks through volumes of still and moving images that they have captured themselves, enabled by digital cameras and social media tools. The use of digital media has shaped not only how the railway in Singapore is remembered, but also who participates in remembering.
Nova Scotia Teachers’ ADHD Knowledge, Beliefs, and Classroom Management Practices
Authors: Blotnicky-Gallant Pamela , Martin Cheron , McGonnell Melissa , Corkum Penny
Published: July 2014

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a significant impact on children’s social, emotional, and academic performance in school, and as such, teachers are in a good position to provide evidence-based interventions to help ensure optimal adjustment of their students. The current study examined teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about ADHD, their self-reported use of evidence-based instructional and behaviour management strategies in the classroom, and the relationships between knowledge, beliefs, and classroom practices. It was expected that teachers would have a moderate amount of knowledge about ADHD, mixed positive and negative beliefs about ADHD, that they would regularly use less intensive evidence-based behaviour management strategies, and that more knowledge and positive beliefs about ADHD would be correlated with higher use of effective classroom practices. Web-based questionnaires were completed by 113 teachers from six school boards across Nova Scotia. Results indicated that the mean teacher knowledge score was ~68% and that they had more knowledge about symptoms/diagnosis of ADHD and less knowledge about general ADHD facts and about evidence-based treatments. Teachers had slightly more positive than negative beliefs about ADHD and reported occasional use of evidence-based instructional and behaviour management practices in their classrooms. There was a significant correlation between teachers’ beliefs about ADHD and their use of evidence-based behaviour management practices, but there was no significant correlation between specific ADHD knowledge and classroom practices. Information gained from this study has implications for the content of ADHD teacher training and professional development programs as well as for school psychologists and those in teacher consultation roles.
Exploitation in economies with heterogeneous preferences, skills and assets: An axiomatic approach
Authors: Veneziani Roberto , Yoshihara Naoki
Published: July 2014

This paper provides a novel axiomatic analysis of exploitation as the unequal exchange of labour in economies with heterogeneous optimising agents endowed with unequal amounts of physical and human capital. A definition of exploitation is proposed, which emphasises the relational nature of exploitation and the resulting inequalities in the allocation of labour and income. It is shown that, among all of the major definitions, this is the only one which satisfies two formally weak and normatively salient axioms, and allows one to generalise a number of core insights of exploitation theory.
Comparison of numerical and neural network methods for the kinematic modeling of a hybrid structure robot
Authors: Kang Rongjie , Chanal Hélène , Dai Jian S , Ray Pascal
Published: July 2014

A combination of parallel and serial mechanisms allows for stiff and dexterous motion of the robotic end-effector but increases the complexity of the kinematic problem. Many of the geometric parameters for such robots are difficult to obtain. This paper presents the numerical and neural network methods to solve the kinematics for such a hybrid robot named Exechon®. Both methods avoid the geometric measurement in the real robot. The geometric parameters used in the numerical model are identified by a particle swarm optimization algorithm. At the same time, a radial basis function-based neural network is trained to approximate the kinematics of the Exechon robot. The resultant models are then compared in terms of modeling accuracy and real-time ability. The presented methods are generic and can be applied to other robots with similar structures.
Young people’s comparative recognition and recall of an Australian Government Sexual Health Campaign
Authors: Lim Megan SC , Gold Judy , Bowring Anna L , Pedrana Alisa E , Hellard Margaret E
Published: July 2014

In 2009, the Australian Government’s National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program launched a multi-million dollar sexual health campaign targeting young people. We assessed campaign recognition among a community sample of young people. Individuals aged 16–29 years self-completed a questionnaire at a music festival. Participants were asked whether they recognised the campaign image and attempted to match the correct campaign message. Recognition of two concurrent campaigns, GlaxoSmithKline’s The Facts genital herpes campaign (targeting young women) and the Drama Downunder campaign (targeting gay men) were assessed simultaneously. Among 471 participants, just 29% recognised the National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program campaign. This compared to 52% recognising The Facts and 27% recognising Drama Downunder. Of 134 who recognised the National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program campaign, 27% correctly recalled the campaign messages compared to 61% of those recognising the Facts campaign, and 25% of those recognising the Drama Downunder campaign. There was no difference in National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program campaign recognition by gender or age. Campaign recognition and message recall of the National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program campaign was comparatively low. Future mass media sexual health campaigns targeting young people can aim for higher recognition and recall rates than that achieved by the National Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program campaign. Alternative distribution channels and message styles should be considered to increase these rates.
Holocene peatland carbon dynamics in the circum-Arctic region: An introduction
Authors: Yu Zicheng , Loisel Julie , Charman Daniel J , Beilman David W , Camill Philip
Published: July 2014

Peatlands represent the largest and most concentrated carbon pool in the terrestrial biosphere, and their dynamics during the Holocene have had significant impacts on the global carbon cycle. In this Introduction paper, we provide an overview of the contributions presented in this Special Issue on Holocene peatland carbon dynamics. We also provide a brief history and current status of peat-core-based research on peatland carbon dynamics. Finally, we identify and discuss some challenges and opportunities that would guide peatland carbon research in the near future. These challenges and opportunities include the need to fill data gaps and increase geographic representations of peat carbon accumulation records, a better understanding of peatland lateral expansion process and improved estimate of peatland area change over time, developing regional carbon accumulation histories and carbon pool estimates, and projecting and quantifying overall peatland net carbon balance in a changing world.
A comparison of marginal odds ratio estimators
Authors: Loux Travis M , Drake Christiana , Smith-Gagen Julie
Published: July 2014

Uses of the propensity score to obtain estimates of causal effect have been investigated thoroughly under assumptions of linearity and additivity of exposure effect. When the outcome variable is binary relationships such as collapsibility, valid for the linear model, do not always hold. This article examines uses of the propensity score when both exposure and outcome are binary variables and the parameter of interest is the marginal odds ratio. We review stratification and matching by the propensity score when calculating the Mantel–Haenszel estimator and show that it is consistent for neither the marginal nor conditional odds ratio. We also investigate a marginal odds ratio estimator based on doubly robust estimators and summarize its performance relative to other recently proposed estimators under various conditions, including low exposure prevalence and model misspecification. Finally, we apply all estimators to a case study estimating the effect of Medicare plan type on the quality of care received by African-American breast cancer patients.
Tourism Satellite Accounts of India, 2009–10
Authors: Kolli Ramesh , Munjal Poonam , Sharma Amit
Published: July 2014

Tourism is an increasingly popular global activity and contributes significantly to the GDP and employment of an economy. However, its contribution to an economy is difficult to quantify as it does not fall in the system of national accounts (SNA) due to the demand-driven nature of activity. Where core national accounts cannot provide the required information, SNA suggests the development of satellite accounts within the framework, concepts and definitions of SNA highlighting the particular aspect of the economy, which in this case is tourism. Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is the most comprehensive way to measure the economic importance of tourism in national economies. This article presents a summary of the study on India’s second TSA for 2009–10. It reveals that tourism’s direct share in India’s GDP is around 3.7 per cent and in employment is 4.4 per cent. Taking the indirect effects into account, these shares escalate to 6.8 and 10.2 per cent, respectively.

JEL Classification: L830, C670, D570
Differences in End-of-life Care Decision Making Between Patients With and Without Cancer
Authors: Park In Ki , Jun Hyun Jung , Park Sung Jae , Lim Ga Jin , Cho Sung-Ja , Song Aeran , Oh So Yeon
Published: July 2014

Background:

Most patients and families do not want invasive life-sustaining procedures when recovery is unlikely. We compared the clinical features of advance directives (ADs) of patients with and without cancer.

Methods:

The ADs were obtained from retrospectively reviewing electronic medical records of 699 consecutive patients who died from April 2011 to July 2012.

Results:

Patients with cancer were more likely to have written ADs: 265 (85.8%) patients with cancer and 277 (71.0%) noncancer patients ( P < .001). Significantly more noncancer patients were in the intensive care unit, indicating that they had received or were receiving invasive treatments. Noncancer patients requested life-sustaining treatment more frequently but symptom control less frequently than patients with cancer.

Conclusion:

Advance care planning in patients with incurable, noncancer disease is important to guarantee patient autonomy at the end of life.
Buffer sizing of critical chain based on attribute optimization
Authors: Zhang Junguang , Song Xiwei , Díaz Estrella
Published: July 2014

This research proposes an innovative buffer sizing method based on optimizing attributes in order to improve the efficiency of buffer management and optimize the estimation accuracy of a project buffer. The Monte Carlo simulation results show that the buffer obtained using this method is smaller than the cut and paste method, but larger than the root square error method. These findings indicate that the proposed method gives full consideration to the interdependencies between the activities, thus avoiding the excessive protection provided by the cut and paste method and overcoming the insufficient consideration of root square error method project attributes based on the central limit theorem. The proposed method can provide the project with effective protection, along with an appropriate buffer size.
The Personality Stereotypes of Three Cohabiting Ethnic Groups
Authors: Allik Jüri , Alyamkina Ekaterina , Meshcheryakov Boris
Published: July 2014

The personality stereotypes of two Finno-Ugric ethnic groups, Erzians and Mokshans, who live together with Russians in the Republic of Mordovia, Russian Federation, were studied. As in previous studies, we found little support for the idea that ethnic personality stereotypes describe accurately, or even in an exaggerated manner, actual personality dispositions to think, feel, and behave in a characteristic way. The mean self-reported personality traits of participants were mostly identical, irrespective of the ethnic group they belong to. Erzians’ personality stereotypes about a typical Mokshan and, in turn, Mokshans’ stereotypes about a typical Erzian were socially less favorable compared with the way in which both ethnic groups perceived a typical Russian and, especially, a representative of their own ethnic group. As both in-group and out-group personality stereotypes were largely unfounded, there was no support for the primordial or essentialist account of ethnic stereotypes. The main function of the polarization of personality stereotypes may, thus, be symbolic self-identification and differentiation from other very similar ethnic groups.
A Bifactor Model of Disgust Proneness
Authors: Olatunji Bunmi O. , Ebesutani Chad , Reise Steven P.
Published: July 2014

The current research evaluated a bifactor model for the Disgust Emotion Scale (DES) in three samples: N = 1,318 nonclinical participants, N = 152 clinic-referred patients, and N = 352 nonclinical participants. The primary goals were to (a) use bifactor modeling to examine the latent structure of the DES and in turn (b) evaluate whether the DES should be scored as a unidimensional scale or whether subscales should also be interpreted. Results suggested that a bifactor model fit the DES data well and that all DES items were strongly influenced by a general disgust proneness dimension and by five content dimensions. Moreover, model-based reliability analyses suggested that scoring a general disgust dimension is justified despite the confirmed multidimensional structure. However, subscales were found to be unreliable after controlling for the general disgust factor with the potential exception of the Mutilation/Death and Animals subscale. Subsequent analysis also showed that only the general disgust factor robustly predicted an obsessive-compulsive disorder symptom latent factor—a clinical condition closely related to disgust proneness; latent variables representing DES domains displayed weak relations with an obsessive-compulsive disorder factor above and beyond the general disgust factor. Implications for better understanding the structure of DES responses and its use in clinical research are discussed.
A fifth-order model for shells which combines bending, stretching and transverse shearing deduced from three-dimensional elasticity
Authors: Pruchnicki Erick
Published: July 2014

We approximate the displacement field in a shell by a fifth-order Taylor–Young expansion in thickness. The model is derived from the truncation of the potential energy at fifth order. The equilibrium equations imply local constraints on the through-thickness derivatives of the zero-order displacement field. This leads to an analytical expression for the two-dimensional potential energy of a shell in terms of the zero-order displacement field and its derivatives that include non-standard transverse shearing and normal stress energy. Then we derive the equation of equilibrium and the boundary conditions.
Pulmonary Endarterectomy
Authors: Banks Dalia A. , Pretorius Gert Victor D. , Kerr Kim M. , Manecke Gerard R.
Published: July 2014

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from recurrent or incomplete resolution of pulmonary embolism. CTEPH is much more common than generally appreciated. Although pulmonary embolism (PE) affects a large number of Americans, chronic pulmonary thromboembolic hypertension remains underdiagnosed. It is imperative that all patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) be screened for the presence of CTEPH since this form of PH is potentially curable with pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgery. The success of this procedure depends greatly on the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team approach that includes pulmonary medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and cardiac anesthesiology. This review, based on the experience of more than 3000 pulmonary endarterectomy surgeries, is divided into 2 parts. Part I focuses on the clinical history and pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and intraoperative echocardiography. Part II focuses on the surgical approach, anesthetic management, postoperative care, and complications.
Child behaviour problems, parenting behaviours and parental adjustment in mothers and fathers in Sweden
Authors: Salari Raziye , Wells Michael B , Sarkadi Anna
Published: July 2014

Aims: We aim to examine the relationship between child behavioural problems and several parental factors, particularly parental behaviours as reported by both mothers and fathers in a sample of preschool children in Sweden. Methods: Participants were mothers and fathers of 504 3- to 5-year-olds that were recruited through preschools. They completed a set of questionnaires including the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Parenting Scale, Parent Problem Checklist, Dyadic Adjustment Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Results: Correlational analyses showed that parent-reported child behaviour problems were positively associated with ineffective parenting practices and interparental conflicts and negatively related to parental competence. Regression analyses showed that, for both mothers and fathers, higher levels of parental over-reactivity and interparental conflict over child-rearing issues and lower levels of parental satisfaction were the most salient factors in predicting their reports of disruptive child behaviour. Conclusions: This study revealed that Swedish parents’ perceptions of their parenting is related to their ratings of child behaviour problems which therefore implies that parent training programs can be useful in addressing behavioural problems in Swedish children.
Tyre model development using co-simulation technique for helicopter ground operation
Authors: Wang Yun , Blundell MV , Woodand G , Bastien C
Published: July 2014

This paper describes the development of a new aircraft tyre model applied using a co-simulation approach for the multibody dynamic simulation of helicopter ground vehicle dynamics. The new tyre model is presented using a point follower approach that makes a novel contribution to this area by uniquely combining elements of two existing tyre models used by the aircraft industry, namely the NASA R64 model developed by Smiley and Horne and the Engineering Sciences Data Unit (ESDU) Mitchell tyre model. Before the tyre model was used with a full helicopter model, a virtual tyre test rig was used to examine the tyre and to predict the tyre forces and moments for a range of tyre states. The paper concludes by describing the successful application of the new tyre model with a full helicopter model and the simulation of representative landing, take-off and runway taxiing manoeuvres. The predictive capability of the model is demonstrated to show the open-loop ground vehicle dynamics response of the helicopter and also the ground load predictive capability for the distribution of loads through the tyres, wheels and landing gears.
The Christmas celebration of secondary consumers: Observations from food banks in Finland
Authors: Salonen Anna Sofia
Published: July 2014

This article explores what Christmas entails to people with limited consumer options and how they cope in their difficult life situations. Previous research suggests that in the contemporary consumer society in which people construct and maintain their identities by participating in consumer culture, those who lack the means to consume face social exclusion. Secondary consumption is a way for poor consumers to come closer to prevailing consumption standards. Drawing from an ethnographic study of Christmas celebrations in four faith-based food assistance organizations within one Finnish city, this study shows that for secondary consumers, Christmas simultaneously entails both more resources and a more intense sense of social exclusion. Christmas highlights the paradoxical dual position of secondary consumers where they are both excluded from and dependent on the prevailing practices of consumer culture. To cope with their situation, food receivers use different strategies: they may refuse to celebrate, distance themselves from their dependence on charity or reframe their situation by considering the food donations as gifts from God.
Inhibition of EZH2 expression is associated with the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of SW620 colorectal cancer cells in vitro
Authors: He Song-Bing , Zhou Hao , Zhou Jian , Zhou Guo-Qiang , Han Tuo , Wan Dai-Wei , Gu Wen , Gao Lin , Zhang Yi , Xue Xiao-Feng , Zhang Li-Feng , Fei Min , Hu Shui-Qing , Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhu Xin-Guo , Wang Liang , Li De-Chun
Published: July 2014

Epigenetic changes have been recently recognized as important in human cancers. Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 gene (EZH2) has been shown the overexpression in various human cancers, consistent with a straightforward role of EZH2 as an oncogene, but its function in carcinogenesis is partly contradictory. The role of EZH2 in development of human colorectal cancer (CRC) has not yet been clarified. In the present study, we observed up-regulation of EZH2 expression in tumor tissues from CRC patients. The expression of EZH2 in CRC cell lines is consistent with the trend in cancer tissues using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We showed that TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in CRC patients are significantly correlated with EZH2 expression levels. EZH2 level of transcription and protein is inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA). More importantly, EZH2-siRNA inhibits the proliferation and migration of SW620 cells while promoting their apoptosis, and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of SW620 cells. Collectively, our results suggest that upregulated EZH2 expression may contribute to the progression of the patients with CRC. A comprehensive study of epigenetic mechanisms and the relevance of EZH2 in CRC is important for fully understanding this disease and as a basis for developing new treatment options in patients with CRC.
Anti-Muslim prejudice in the virtual space: A case study of blog network structure and message features of the ‘Ground Zero mosque controversy’
Authors: Yang Aimei , Self Charles
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study is to understand how an extremist blog advanced its perspective in the public sphere and further generated public support for prejudicial opinions against Muslims in the US. The authors utilize the case study method, hyperlink network analysis and centering resonance analysis to uncover details of the linkage and message features of the blog. The findings show that this blog developed a highly polarized network that engaged like-minded others, prominent public figures and mainstream media. Additionally, content of the blog employed cultural stereotypes that resonated deeply with public sentiments. Further, the network position and content features of the blog were not static attributions, but constantly evolved as the issue developed. Theoretical and political implications are discussed.
History from the grave? Politics of time in Spanish mass grave exhumations
Authors: Bevernage Berber , Colaert Lore
Published: July 2014

During the last decade, a Spanish memory movement has exhumed a great number of mass graves from the Civil War (1936–1939) and Francoist repression (1939–1975). This exhumation campaign is often interpreted in psychopathological terms as a natural reaction to a traumatic past, and as proving that this past should be healed by a therapeutic memory that fosters closure—a vision that we call “trauma-therapy-closure (TTC) time.” Although this vision is in line with an internationally widespread “transitional justice” discourse, it should be critically analyzed. We argue that the Spanish situation does not prove the naturalness and universal applicability of trauma-therapy-closure time. Although we do identify aspects of this trauma-therapy-closure vision in an influential exhumation group, this vision is contested by local actors and sections within the memory movement that engage in alternative politics of time. Therefore, we demonstrate how the case of Spain reveals how trauma-therapy-closure time, rather than being natural or universal, is actively disseminated on a local level.
Spontaneous Zone III rupture of the flexor tendons of the ulnar three digits in elderly Korean farmers
Authors: Lee G. J. , Kwak S. , Kim H. K. , Ha S. H. , Lee H. J. , Baek G. H.
Published: July 2014

Spontaneous flexor tendon rupture is a rare condition and the aetiology is not clear. We report 12 elderly Korean farmers with spontaneous flexor tendon ruptures. We found the rupture in the dominant hand in ten patients. A rupture in the little finger was found in all 12 patients (seven with both flexor tendons ruptured and five with only the profundus ruptured), in the ring finger in four patients (the profundus ruptured in all and both flexor tendons in two patients), and in the middle finger a partial rupture of the profundus in one patient. The tendons were ruptured close to the hook of the hamate. Repetitive friction between the flexor tendons and the hamate hook may cause the ruptures. The hamate hook was excised and the ruptured profundus tendons were reconstructed with tendon transfers with quite favourable functional recovery at follow-up of 1 to 2 years. The ruptured superficialis tendons were not reconstructed.

Level of Evidence IV
Development of a Real-Time Smartphone Solution for the Management of Women With or at High Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Mackillop Lucy , Loerup Lise , Bartlett Katy , Farmer Andrew , Gibson Oliver J. , Hirst Jane E. , Kenworthy Yvonne , Kevat Dev A. , Levy Jonathan C. , Tarassenko Lionel
Published: July 2014

Background:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as new onset or recognition of glucose intolerance in pregnancy. Evidence supports tight blood glucose regulation to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Finger-prick blood glucose (BG) testing with frequent clinic review remains the most common method of managing diabetes in pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM is rising globally, pressuring resource-limited services.

Objectives:

We have developed an intuitive, interactive, reliable, and accurate management system to record BG measurements and deliver management of GDM remotely.

Methods:

Following an initial scoping phase, a prototype software application was developed using an Android smartphone with BG meter linkage via Bluetooth. A custom website was built for clinician review of the data transmitted by the smartphone. After system refinement, further evaluation was undertaken for usability and reliability in a 48-patient service development project.

Results:

Women used the system for an average of 13.1 weeks. In all, 19 686 BG measures were transmitted, 98.6% of which had a meal tag. A total of 466 text messages were transmitted. A mean of 30 BG readings per woman per week were transmitted, and 85% of women submitted the minimum requirement of 18 readings per week.

Discussion:

We have developed a novel, real-time, smartphone-based BG monitoring management system that allows clinician review of real-time patient-annotated BG results. Results indicate high usage and excellent compliance by women.

Conclusion:

Robust clinical, economic, and satisfaction evaluations are required. To address these requirements, we are currently conducting a randomized controlled pilot trial.
Examining the Relationship Between Pathologies of the Peroneal, Achilles, and Posterior Tibial Tendons
Authors: Galli Melissa M. , Protzman Nicole M. , Mandelker Eiran M. , Malhotra Amit D. , Wobst Garrett M. , Schwartz Edward , Brigido Stephen A.
Published: July 2014

The hindfoot and ankle are dynamic structures to which the interplay of tendinous pathologies is scarcely understood. Five hundred consecutive ankle magnetic resonance imaging examinations, obtained between December 27, 2011 and April 9, 2013, were reviewed. Patients without a history of hindfoot or ankle trauma or lateral ankle pain were included. The 108 MRIs that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were then re-evaluated by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Of these, 55.56% demonstrated pathology of the Achilles tendon (AT), 44.44% demonstrated pathology of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), 35.19% demonstrated pathology of the peroneus brevis (PB), and 37.96% demonstrated pathology of the peroneus longus (PL). In our asymptomatic patient population, 16 (14.81%) patients demonstrated concomitant pathology of the AT, PTT, and peroneal tendons. There were positive, moderate correlations between graded pathology of the AT and the PTT, rs(106) = 0.32, P = .001; the AT and PB, rs(106) = 0.38, P = 0.001; and the AT and PL, rs(106) = 0.46, P = .001. However, there were no statistically significant correlations between pathology of the PTT and PB, rs(106) = 0.17, P = .08, or the PTT and PL, rs(106) = 0.14, P = .15. These findings suggest an intimate relationship between the AT, PTT, and the peroneal tendons. These individual anatomic structures may have underappreciated functional relationships that could lead to future investigations.

Level of Clinical Evidence: Level IV
Crisis, Credibility, and the Press
Authors: Bucy Erik P. , D’Angelo Paul , Bauer Nichole M.
Published: July 2014

This paper develops a model of press-priming in which public evaluations of press performance are examined in the context of media scandals where news organizations through their own ethical lapses become the subject and conduit of priming effects. We argue that judgments about the press during a crisis depend on the activation of standing attitudes toward press freedom and media responsibility, which come into play with close attention to ongoing developments. Our model is tested with original survey data collected around two salient press scandals in Britain, one involving the now-defunct News of the World tabloid, the other the storied British Broadcasting Corporation. Support for the model is found. In the aftermath of a press crisis, attitudes toward press freedom and media responsibility are situationally activated by the unique attributes of each scandal, and these attitudes shape evaluations of credibility and support for regulation. Implications for improved understanding of the news evaluation process are discussed.
The Vivekananda Kendra in India: Its ideological translations and a critique of its social service
Authors: Pandya Samta P.
Published: July 2014

This article is based on field work with the Vivekananda Kendra in Kanyakumari, India. The Vivekananda Kendra (“the Kendra”) is a Hindu spiritual organization founded in 1972, based on principles promoted by Swami Vivekananda. The organization’s members translate Vivekananda’s Vedanta and Yoga ideals into national reconstruction. The efforts of Eknath Ranade as the key transmitter of Vivekananda’s ideals, the way he effectively wove austerity, renunciation, and service to realize them, and the Kendra’s strategy of social service and its effects are discussed. In particular, the Kendra’s social service is analyzed on the basis of its social consciousness, its views on social issues and gender, its Hindu nationalist stance, and its relationship with the establishment and the global political economy. This critical discourse highlights the Kendra’s emphasis on Vedantic socialism as opposed to traditional socialism. The lenses by which the Kendra views society are gendered and ethnonationalist. It deals with matters of justice, equity, and state relations from a benevolent patriarchal vantage point.
Approaches to reading intercultural communication in the Qur’an and the politics of interpretation
Authors: Ibrahim Hanan
Published: July 2014

The Qur'an depicts fluctuating relations between Muslims and non-Muslims. While at times such relations can be conciliatory and harmonious, at others they are inimical, uneasy, or distant. Still, the Qur'an acknowledges the necessary ontological reality of the human difference. This is evidenced in many verses. Thus, I will argue that an “attentive” and “worldly” reading of the Qur'an is crucial to curb misunderstanding of the way ‘difference’ is perceived in Islam by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A close reading is primarily a multiple form of communication. It is needed to resist the networked systems of power and control dominated by images and mass media in the Arab world and Western. It is exceptionally important to free the interpretation of Qur'an from the grip of Muslim and non-Muslim extremists and Islamophobes who read some of its verses as evidence of essentialized enmity harbored by Muslims towards all non-Muslims.