bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needs and Concerns of Family Caregivers of American Indians, African Americans, and Caucasians With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Scarton Lisa J. , Bakas Tamilyn , Poe G. Doug , Hull Margie A. , Ongwela Loice A. , Miller Wendy R.
Published: December 2014

Although type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness affecting the entire family, scant literature exists in this area. This study’s purpose was to identify needs of family caregivers of persons with type 2 diabetes across cultures. Using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions, a convenience sample of 33 family caregivers of American Indians ( n = 14), African Americans ( n = 11), and Caucasians ( n = 8) with type 2 diabetes were interviewed by telephone. Qualitative content analysis was conducted based on five pre-determined categories derived from an existing conceptual model. Results were similar across groups and provided support for the conceptual model with themes emerging within the five pre-determined categories: (a) information about type 2 diabetes, (b) managing emotions and behaviors, (c) physical care, (d) instrumental care, and (e) personal responses to caregiving. No additional themes emerged. Although small and exploratory, findings provide information that may be useful to the future development of culturally based interventions.
Are Good Citizens Good Transformational Leaders as Well? An Employee-Centric Perspective on Transformational Leadership
Authors: Marinova Sophia , Van Dyne Linn , Moon Henry
Published: December 2014

Research has demonstrated robust positive relationships between transformational leadership and employee attitudes and behaviors. To date, the preponderance of the literature has been leader-centric and focused on individuals who are already in leader roles. In this article, we adopt an employee-centric perspective and focus on behaviors of professionals who are not in formal leader roles. Specifically, we apply evolutionary theory as a theoretical lens for proposing that those who perform organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) will be seen as transformational leaders. We hypothesize linkages between four types of OCBs and four dimensions of transformational leadership. Multi-source field sample results based on more than 1,000 participants provide general support for the predictions. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.
Corporate Social Performance and the Psychological Contract
Authors: Rayton Bruce A. , Brammer Stephen J. , Millington Andrew I.
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the role of corporate social performance (CSP) within the psychological contract to better illuminate the micro-processes through which CSP promotes improved firm–stakeholder relationships. It extends the study of psychological contract breach beyond the dyadic relationship between the organization and the employee through an analysis of the impact of employee perceptions of internal and external CSP on psychological contract breach. In so doing, we add significantly to the growing evidence base in relation to if, how, and when affective commitment is enhanced by CSP by explicitly accounting for the role of employee expectations in respect of their employers’ socially responsible initiatives in shaping employees’ attitudinal outcomes.
The Association Between Influenza Vaccination and Other Preventative Health Behaviors in a Cohort of Pregnant Women
Authors: Scheminske Megan , Henninger Michelle , Irving Stephanie A. , Thompson Mark , Williams Jenny , Shifflett Pat , Ball Sarah W. , Avalos Lyndsay Ammon , Naleway Allison L. ,   for The Pregnancy and Influenza Project Workgroup
Published: December 2014

Objectives. Although pregnant women are a high-priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination, vaccination rates in this population remain below target levels. Previous studies have identified sociodemographic predictors of vaccine choice, but relationships between preconception heath behaviors and seasonal influenza vaccination are poorly understood. This prospective cohort study followed pregnant women during the 2010-2011 influenza season to determine if certain health behaviors were associated with vaccination status. Method. Participants were pregnant women receiving prenatal care from Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Women were surveyed about preconception smoking, alcohol consumption, and vitamin/supplement use. Vaccination data were obtained from health plan databases and state immunization records. Results. Data from 1,204 women were included in this analysis. Most participants (1,204; 66.4%) received a seasonal influenza vaccine during the study period. Women vaccinated prior to pregnancy were more likely to use a supplement containing folic acid (80%) or vitamin D (30%) compared with women who were vaccinated during pregnancy (72% and 15%, respectively) or unvaccinated women (62% and 12%, respectively, p < .001). Women vaccinated prior to or during pregnancy were more likely (75%) to have never smoked compared with women who were not vaccinated (70%, p = .005). There were no significant differences in alcohol use or household cigarette smoke exposure by vaccination group. Conclusions. Women who engaged in specific preconception health behaviors were more likely to receive seasonal influenza vaccination. Failure to participate in these health behaviors could alert health care practitioners to patients’ increased risk of remaining unvaccinated during pregnancy.
CEO Overconfidence and the Effects of Equity-Based Compensation on Strategic Risk-Taking in the U.S. Restaurant Industry
Authors: Seo Kwanglim , Sharma Amit
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) the moderating effect of CEO overconfidence on the relationship between equity-based compensation and strategic risk-taking and (b) the relationship between franchising and strategic risk-taking in the U.S. restaurant industry. Given wide use of a franchise system among U.S. restaurant firms, an understanding of the association between equity-based compensation and strategic risk-taking relative to CEOs’ risk behaviors seems particularly important. We conducted our empirical analysis in the U.S. restaurant industry using a sample of 659 firm-year observations from 1992 to 2013. Our findings showed that (a) overconfident CEOs, while holding equity-based compensation, tended to take on more strategically risky investments, and (b) there was a positive relation between franchising and risk-taking. Considering the behavioral and industry-specific characteristics, study findings could provide a more comprehensive understanding of how equity-based compensation influences strategic risk-taking in the U.S. restaurant industry.
Destination Personality: Scale Development And Validation
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Nayak Jogendra K.
Published: December 2014

The main objective of this research was to develop a scale for measuring destination personality of India. A list of human personality traits was generated from previous personality scales, and in-depth interviews were conducted among foreigners visiting India. A two-phase study was conducted to reduce the personality traits and to identify the underlying factor structure. The results indicate that destination personality of India is a multidimensional construct composed of six main dimensions: courteousness, vibrancy, conformity, liveliness, viciousness, and tranquility. In the first phase, a survey was conducted among a sample of 177 foreigners. In the second phase, a sample of 152 foreigners was collected to further refine the scale. A reduced scale with 23 items having the same psychometric properties and stability as the full 35-item scale was proposed. The article discusses the marketing applications of the scale for positioning destinations and estimating the relative impact of the personality dimensions on attitudes toward product-destination attitudes, and travel-destination attitude, and overall destination attitude.
The Principle of Reciprocity in Hospitality Contexts: The Relationship Between Tipping Behavior and Food Servers’ Approaches to Handling Leftovers
Authors: Seiter John S. , Weger Harry
Published: December 2014

Based on the norm of reciprocity, this study hypothesized that food servers would earn higher tips when they boxed customers’ leftovers compared with having customers’ box leftovers themselves. In addition, the effect of writing messages (i.e., the date and/or customer’s name) on boxes of leftovers was explored. Two female food servers waited on 608 diners and boxed or did not box leftovers, and wrote or did not write messages on boxes. The hypothesis was supported. However, writing messages was not associated with tipping behavior.
A survey of the views of US veterinary teaching faculty to owned cat housing practices
Authors: Salo Allen L , Stone Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

According to the American Pet Products Association, in the USA there are an estimated 86.4 million owned cats, and approximately 40% of these are allowed to roam outdoors. Little has been written about the contribution of owned cats to problems attributed to feral cats, including wildlife predation, spread of zoonotic diseases and overpopulation. A recent study found that 64% of cats have visited the veterinarian within the past year, suggesting frequent opportunity for veterinarians to communicate risks and benefits of indoor vs outdoor living. We conducted the following survey to evaluate current views about this role of veterinarians, by surveying veterinary school faculty (n = 158). Our objectives were to assess (i) the degree to which veterinary teaching faculty believe that the issue of clients maintaining owned cats indoors vs outdoors is appropriate for discussion with students within the veterinary school curriculum; (ii) the degree of agreement and understanding there is among the faculty as to the reasons that clients maintain cats either inside or outside the home; and (iii) the degree to which veterinary faculty believe owned cats that are allowed to go outdoors contribute to various identified problems. The results indicated that many participants believed that the discussion of maintaining cats indoors is relevant to the profession, that it belongs in the veterinary school curriculum, that they understand client motivations, that they feel that more practicing veterinarians should discuss cat housing practices with clients and that cat overpopulation continues to be a significant concern for owned cats being outdoors. Additional ways to help maintain the health and wellbeing of cats that are primarily housed indoors is briefly discussed, including through such means as environmental enrichment or by providing cats access to safe areas while outdoors.
Steady state characteristics of misaligned multiple axial groove water-lubricated journal bearing
Authors: Mallya Ravindra , Shenoy Satish B , Pai Raghuvir
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with the influence of misalignment on the static performance of bearings having three axial grooves that are equi-spaced in the circumferential direction. The lubricant (water) is supplied from one end of the bearing that flows both in axial and circumferential direction and exits from its other end. Effects of misalignment in both vertical and horizontal plane are numerically computed for groove angles 36° and 18° using the modified Reynolds equation and finite difference method. The influence of misalignment on the steady state characteristics such as load capacity, friction coefficient, and side leakage is analyzed for both the groove angles with different eccentricity ratios. The load capacity and the side leakage flow, which is slightly more for bearing with groove angle 18° when compared with 36° groove angle, increases with the degree of misalignment (DM). The friction coefficient is less for bearing with groove angle 18°, when compared with bearing with 36° groove angle. The friction coefficient decreases with increase in DM for vertical misalignment for both the bearings.
Habermas and the aporia of translating religion in democracy
Authors: Arfi Badredine
Published: December 2014

In his recent attempt to make democracy more politically hospitable to religion, Habermas calls for the potential contributions of religion to democratic politics not to be neglected. He simultaneously calls for translating religious meanings into neutral reasons as a way of including them at the level of formal politics and for maintaining the necessity of an institutional translational proviso to immunize the neutral character of the state. This article presents three arguments. First, what Habermas effectively calls for is not conventional translation in which meaning is transferred from one language (signification system) into another. Rather, his call is for an anasemic translation which is an operation of de-signification of the truth contents of religious contributions and then a re-signification. Second, because Habermas calls for translation, he necessarily runs into the aporia of translation in the sense that certain aspects of religion are untranslatable into his generally acceptable language. Therefore, Habermas’ translation proviso creates an asymmetry between religious and non-religious citizens, which is detrimental to the conditions of political legitimacy. Third, it is suggested that to address this problem the citizens must adopt an ethos of hospitality toward the untranslatable of religion as part of the conditions of political legitimacy.
Associations of physical activity with self-rated health and well-being in middle-aged Finnish men
Authors: Engberg Elina , Liira Helena , Kukkonen-Harjula Katriina , From Svetlana , Kautiainen Hannu , Pitkälä Kaisu , Tikkanen Heikki
Published: December 2014

Aims: We examined the associations of physical activity (PA) frequency with self-rated health (SRH), self-rated well-being (SRW) and depressive symptoms, in middle-aged men in Finland. Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised 665 men (mean age 41 ± 3 SD years; body mass index (BMI) 26.8 ± 4.2 SD kg/m2), who had completed the screening questionnaire of an intervention for men with cardiovascular risk factors. Their weekly frequency of PA was assessed by a questionnaire, SRH and SRW by visual analog scales (VAS), and depressive symptoms by the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). Results: The mean SRH ± SD (range of scale 0–100) by PA frequency categories was 56.2 ± 18.5 for PA sometimes or never, 63.8 ± 16.2 for PA about 1–2 times/week, and 71.1 ± 15.5 for PA at least 3 times/week. The mean SRW ± SD (range of scale 0–100) was 59.0 ± 20.4, 65.6 ± 17.6, and 68.9 ± 17.1, respectively. The mean PHQ-2 score ± SD (range of scale 0–6) by PA categories was 1.83 ± 1.40 for PA sometimes or never, 1.68 ± 1.28 for PA about 1–2 times/week, and 1.60 ± 1.31 for the PA at least 3 times/week group. SRH and SRW improved linearly with increasing PA frequency (both p < 0.001), and the results remained similar after adjustment for BMI, education and smoking status. No association existed between PA frequency and PHQ-2. Conclusions: More frequent PA was linearly associated with better SRH and SRW, but not with depressive symptoms that were measured by a brief depression screening tool.
Gender inequality at home is associated with poorer health for women
Authors: Eek Frida , Axmon Anna
Published: December 2014

Background: As more women have joined the work force, the difference in employment rate between men and women has decreased, in Sweden as well as many other countries. Despite this, traditional gender patterns regarding, for example, responsibility for household duties still remain. Women are on sick leave more often than men, and previous studies have indicated that an unequal split of household responsibilities and perceived gender inequality could be associated with negative health outcomes. Aims: The aim of the present study was to explore whether an unequal distribution of responsibilities in the home was related to various health related outcomes among women. Methods: A sample consisting of 837 women living in a relationship, and working at least 50% of full time, responded to a questionnaire including information about division of responsibilities at home as well as various psychological and physiological health related outcomes. Results: The results showed that women living in relationships with perceived more unequal distribution of responsibility for house hold duties showed significantly higher levels of perceived stress, fatigue, physical/psychosomatic symptoms, and work family conflict compared with women living in more equal relationships. They also had significantly increased odds for insufficient time for various forms of recovery, which may further contribute to an increased risk of poor health. Conclusions: Although an increasing employment rate among women is valuable for both society and individuals, it is important to work towards greater gender equality at home to maintain this development without it having a negative effect on women’s health and well-being.
Open Duodenal Switch for Treatment of Super Obesity—Surgical Technique
Authors: Sundbom M.
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims:

Bariatric surgery is increasing worldwide; however, standard techniques, for example, gastric bypass, are often insufficient in super obese patients, body mass index > 50 kg/m2. Duodenal switch, a more powerful procedure, is often considered technically demanding and is, therefore, underutilized according to some authors. This might result in nonoptimal surgical care for super obese patients, not having the possibility to obtain massive weight loss.

Material and Methods:

In this report, we present our open duodenal switch technique, which we have found durable in an academic center performing 30–40 cases annually, parallel to other upper abdominal surgery. The present technique, performed through a short upper midline incision, consists of a gastric tube, a 1.5-m alimentary limb, and a 1-m common limb of the distal ileum.

Conclusion:

With correct follow-up to reduce the risk of malnutrition, we encourage the use of duodenal switch and see no rational surgical obstacles.
Openness and censorship in the European Union: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Cross James P , Bølstad Jørgen
Published: December 2014

This study examines transparency and censorship in the Council of Ministers of the European Union from 1999 to 2009. We measure transparency by considering the timeliness of record release and the levels of censorship applied to records when (and if) they are released. We show that legislation introduced in 2001 (Regulation 1049) triggered a massive shift towards greater transparency, in line with its intention. However, we also show that the trend towards greater transparency has been interrupted by the enlargement rounds in 2004 and 2007. We attribute this fact to inexperience on the part of the new member states and the resulting need for censorship while these states adjusted to the negotiation styles in the Council.
Thermal and chemical effects of fuel direct injection on kinetically controlled combustion of alcohol and gasoline fuels
Authors: Tongroon Manida , Zhao Hua
Published: December 2014

Direct fuel injection into hot residual gases is an effective means to promote and control the autoignition timings during controlled autoignition combustion of gasoline engines. In order to understand better the underlying physical and chemical processes involved, a systematic experimental study was carried out on a single-cylinder engine with optical access by means of thermodynamic analysis, high-speed chemiluminescence imaging, and in-cylinder sampling-based gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy measurements. The relative effects of enthalpy of evaporation and gas expansion from direct liquid fuel injection were quantified. Alcohol fuels (methanol and ethanol), gasoline, and primary reference fuels were investigated and clarified. Chemiluminescence imaging and heat release analysis demonstrated the presence of fuel reforming reactions during the recompression stroke. In-cylinder gas speciation measurement showed that the fuel pyrolysis was the dominant process. In addition, exothermic fuel reformation reactions of alcohol resulted in an increase in the gas temperature and produced many intermediate species during negative valve overlap period. As a result, the start of main heat release process of alcohol fuel occurred earlier in the subsequent compression stroke.
Modeling soot emissions from wall films in a direct-injection spark-ignition engine
Authors: Jiao Qi , Reitz Rolf D
Published: December 2014

Due to the new challenge of meeting number-based regulations for particulate matter in spark-ignition engines, and the important contributions of wall films to soot emissions, a computational fluid dynamics model was formulated and improved to enable the prediction of soot emissions (mass and number density) from spark-ignition engines, with consideration of multi-component fuel surrogates to represent real gasoline and with full three-dimensional cylinder engine grids. A chemistry mechanism including n-heptane/iso-octane/toluene/polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (89 species and 506 reactions) was formulated, and the model was also validated based on available experimental data from laminar premixed flame burners and the SANDIA engine combustion network spray combustion data. Fuel pyrolysis was also found to be a significant process for soot formation in direct-injection spark-ignition engines. The vaporization of the wall films plays a significant role in soot formation, and a grid-independent wall film model was achieved for predicting soot emissions near wall films. The improved models were then applied to study of soot emissions from late-injection strategies in a four-valve single-cylinder gasoline direct-injection spark-ignition engine, and the trends seen are consistent with experimental data.
Three-dimensional numerical analysis of diesel combustion under cold ambient conditions
Authors: Imaoka Yoshihiro , Nishizawa Toru , Iio Shuichi , Hasegawa Manabu , Teraji Atsushi , Kawamoto Keiji
Published: December 2014

A lower compression ratio has been demanded for diesel engines in recent years to improve fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and maximum power recently. However, low compression ratio may have combustion instability issues under cold temperature condition, especially just after engine started. As the first step in this study, cold temperature combustion was investigated on the basis of an in-cylinder pressure analysis, and it was found that higher heat release around top dead center, which was mainly attributed to pilot injection, was a key factor in reducing engine speed fluctuation. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations were conducted to obtain a better understanding of combustion under cold condition, particularly mixture formation near the glow plug. Specifically, for this purpose, a time-scale interaction combustion model was developed for simulating combustion phenomena. This model was based on a reasonable combustion mode, taking into account the characteristic time scale of chemical reactions and turbulence eddy breakup. In addition, the parameters of the ignition model and computational grids near the glow plug were improved for application to cold start conditions.
Adiponectin gene polymorphisms contributes to ischemic stroke risk: A meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Dingzhu , Xing Sanli , Chen Chuan
Published: December 2014

Background:

Previous studies have reported the relation between the adiponectin polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke. However, the findings is inclusive. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the relation between the adiponectin polymorphisms and the stroke.

Methods:

Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, Wanfang database in China, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases (CNKI) through July 2013 and other method such as reviewing the reference of retrieved literatures. We selected literatures that reported Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the relation between the ischemic stroke and the adiponectin genetic polymorphisms. With 1720 stroke cases and 5549 controls, were included. Our results showed that rs2241766 was associated with the risk of ischemic stroke in a recessive model (GG vs (TT+TG), OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64, p = 0.04). However, rs1501299 and rs266729 were not found to be associated with ischemic stroke in our analysis.

Conclusion:

The present study suggested that rs2241766 polymorphism of adiponectin gene was associated with the risk for ischemic stroke.
Polymorphism and synergism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) genes in coronary artery disease
Authors: Sakhteh Maryam , Poopak Behzad , Amirizadeh Naser , Shamshiri Ahmadreza , Bagheri Abdolhamid , Faranoush Mohammad
Published: December 2014

Introduction:

Among the genetic factors for coronary artery diseases, PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE I/D polymorphisms can be noted. This study was carried out to investigate the association of these two polymorphisms and their synergism in coronary artery disease (CAD) from a sample of the Iranian population.

Materials and methods:

Sixty-one patients with a history of CAD and 92 healthy controls participated in our study. After DNA extraction from leukocytes, PCR was performed to characterize PAI-1 4G/5G and ACE I/D polymorphisms, using an amplification refractory mutation system technique.

Results:

In the studied patients, PAI-1 polymorphisms were 24.6%, 45.9%, and 29.5% for 4G/4G, 4G/5G and 5G/5G, respectively; the values for controls were 20.7%, 42.2% and 37.0%. The distribution rates of genotypes I/I, I/D and D/D in patients accounted for 29.5%, 45.9% and 24.6%; in the control group these figures were estimated to be 40.2%, 40.2% and 19.6%.

Conclusion:

Single and multivariate analyses showed a significant difference for the conventional risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking and family history, for CAD between patients and controls ( p value ≤ 0.001). However, no significant correlation was demonstrated considering ACE and PAI-1 polymorphisms either in association with 4G/4G or D/D genotypes or a combination of them in the Iranian population in the current study.
Dexmedetomidine protects spatial learning and memory ability in rats
Authors: Su Zhiyuan , Xu Shiyuan , Chen Tao , Chen Junxing
Published: December 2014

Background:

The authors tested the hypothesis that combined use of dexmedetomidine on fetal rats during isoflurane exposure in maternal anesthesia can attenuate the abnormal spatial learning and memory abilities in adults via the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.

Methods:

Fifty timed-pregnancy rats were randomly assigned to five groups (Dex+Iso, Sal+Iso, Sal+Oxy, Dex+Oxy, and a control group ) on embryonic day 14 to receive five different dispositions, i.e. combined injection of dexmedetomidine (Dex) or saline (Sal) and inhalation of isoflurane (Iso), oxygen (Oxy), or normal air for 4 h ( n = 10).

Results:

The latency time(s) from day 1 to day 4 all showed a decreasing tendency in all four groups. The synaptic count of the Sal+Iso group was significantly lower than the Control group (p < 0.05), suggesting that severe neurodegeneration occurred under the influence of fetal isoflurane exposure. In contrast, the synapse count of the Dex+Iso group was near to that of Control group. The rats are protected in neurodevelopmental, normal development.

Conclusion:

Combine use of dexmedetomidine during exposure to isoflurane in utero during middle-pregnancy can attenuate the impairment of spatial learning and memory abilities for the rats in adulthood.
Role of MiR-30a in cardiomyocyte autophagy induced by Angiotensin II
Authors: Huang Jionghua , Huang Chunlin , Luo Yishan , Liu Shiming , Chen Ximing
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether MiR-30a regulates autophagy by regulating the Beclin-1 protein, which is the marker for autophagosomes during myocardial injury, when induced by angiotensin II (Ang II).

Methods:

We randomly assigned 20 rats into two equal groups: Control group and Ang II group. We detected the expression of MiR-30a by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and we employed western blotting to detect the protein expression of Beclin-1.

Results:

In this study, we found that Ang II induced cardiomyocyte autophagy, together with down-regulation of MiR-30a and upregulation of the Beclin-1 protein. We also found that the Beclin-1 protein is regulated by MiR-30a, by transferring a MiR-30a mimic or AMO-204 into the cardiomyocytes.

Conclusion:

These studies provided evidence that MiR-30a plays an important role in regulating autophagy through the Beclin-1 protein, during myocardial injury induced by Ang II.
Indigenous Young People and Hyperincarceration in Australia
Authors: White Rob
Published: December 2014

This article describes and analyses the over-representation of Indigenous, young people in Australian juvenile justice. It contextualises this over-representation, through a brief discussion of colonialism and its continuing impacts. The concept of hyperincarceration is then used to describe the patterns of Indigenous detention, one that is overwhelmingly, disproportionate in terms of Indigenous status compared to non-Indigenous status. This article provides recent empirical evidence of the gross over-representations of Indigenous young people, especially in the harshest parts of the juvenile justice system. Alternative forms of intervention, such as justice reinvestment, are briefly discussed.
Engaging Youth in Youth Justice Interventions: Well-being and Accountability
Authors: Henry Samuel , Henaghan Mark , Sanders Jackie , Munford Robyn
Published: December 2014

This article argues that youth justice interventions which combine both accountability and well-being components (comprehensive) are most likely to be effective in terms of improving quality of life of youth and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. It also argues that effective interventions are those that actively engage youth and their families in the development of plans and in intervention processes (engagement). It draws on two case studies from a large national mixed-methods study: The Pathways to Resilience research programme.
Visibility and discomfort glare of LED road studs
Authors: Villa C , Bremond R , Saint Jacques E
Published: December 2014

Traffic management and road safety may benefit from self-powered LED road studs but to be effective they need to be visible to road users, without glare, whatever the environmental conditions. Some parameters, such as dry versus wet road surfaces, have not been investigated previously for LED installations. In this context, two experiments have been conducted to study the visibility and discomfort glare produced by a LED road stud. The results suggest tuning the luminous intensity of LED road studs according to the illumination and road surface conditions to ensure visual perception by road users while controlling energy consumption. A quantitative model is provided in order to link the dimming to the environmental parameters.
We Are the Drama and the Drama Is in Us
Authors: Martinez Alejandra
Published: December 2014

In this essay, I reflect on my experience as a social sciences researcher critically analyzing children’s movies for more than 10 years. I also reflect on my work as a university professor. This essay is also a play that remains unfinished. I summarize here an experience I have shared with my students since May 2013, in which we co-create the script for a play to criticize, shatter, and rebuild legitimatized social models that have shaped our dreams as media-consumer-children.
Endovenous ablation of incompetent truncal veins and their perforators with a new radiofrequency system. Mid-term outcomes
Authors: Spiliopoulos Stavros , Theodosiadou Vasiliki , Sotiriadi Athanasia , Karnabatidis Dimitrios
Published: December 2014

This is a prospective trial investigating endovenous radiofrequency ablation with the EVRF® system for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins. Primary endpoints include one-year anatomical and clinical success and procedure-related complications. Secondary endpoints include adjunctive procedures and recanalization rates, periprocedural pain assessment, and time return to normal activities. In 60 patients with 74 limbs, 58 great saphenous vein, 11 small saphenous vein, 2 anterior accessory saphenous vein, and 3 perforators were ablated. Additional ablations for further improvement were necessary in 28.4%. Clinical success was 94.6%. Anatomical success was 96.0% at one month and 89.2% at one year. Primary ablation success was 77%. Revascularization occurred in 12.1%. Clinically driven repeat ablation rate was 4.0%. Perforator ablation due to segmental revascularization was performed in 5.4%. Complications included one puncture-site infection, three scars, two cases of transient paresthesia, and one skin pigmentation. Periprocedural mean pain score was 2.4 ± 2.6. In 27.0% cases, the patients used analgesics and mean time return was 1.2 ± 0.5 days. The EVRF® system yields satisfactory clinical and anatomical midterm outcomes with very low complication rates.
Improving ice hockey slap shot analysis using three-dimensional optical motion capture: A pilot study determining the effects of a novel grip tape on slap shot performance
Authors: Frayne Ryan J , Dean Rebecca B , Jenkyn Thomas R
Published: December 2014

There have been significant improvements in ice hockey equipment technology within the last decade; however, little is known about how these improvements are affecting puck mechanics. The purpose of this study was to develop a testing protocol using three-dimensional motion capture to improve ice hockey shot analysis by providing additional information to traditional shot analysis techniques. Then, the feasibility of this protocol was tested by performing a pilot study that analyzes the effects of a new grip tape on slap shot performance. Four elite hockey players performed four slap shots in each of the four conditions: (1) bare hockey stick/normal hockey gloves, (2) traditional hockey tape stick/normal gloves, (3) Greptile™ tape stick/normal gloves and (4) Greptile™ tape stick/Greptile™ gloves. Reflective markers attached to the puck, stick and target were tracked by a three-dimensional optical motion capture system recording at 200 Hz. Linear and angular velocities of the puck, accuracy and puck topple were not different between condition 1 and the remaining three grip conditions; however, there were accuracy differences between conditions 1 and 3. In addition, there were no correlations between angular velocity and shot accuracy, and puck topple and shot accuracy. Due to the small sample size, the effects of Greptile™ tape on slap shot performance must be further tested in order to compare the four conditions with more advanced statistics; however, the developed research strategy, using three-dimensional motion analysis, provides an approach to researchers and companies that are interested in identifying the effects of new hockey equipment/technologies on slap shot performance.
Repeatable techniques for assessing changes in passive swimming resistance
Authors: Webb Angus P , Taunton Dominic J , Hudson Dominic A , Forrester Alexander IJ , Turnock Stephen R
Published: December 2014

Two different methods of measuring the passive resistance of swimmers are used to compare system accuracy and repeatability. Method I uses a submerged glide tow, and Method II, a novel, simpler approach, is based on measuring deceleration during a submerged push-off glide. The comparison of each method is made for specific changes in passive resistance. A set of three male and three female swimmers compare the use of drag shorts to make swimmer-specific increases in drag. In a second study, the effect of hair removal is quantified on a single male swimmer (Method I 9.7% reduction and Method II 9.4% reduction). For five repeat tests, a 1.8% difference in resistance can be resolved with 95% and 70% confidence levels for the passive tow and push-off glide experiments, respectively.
The pharmacological profile and clinical prospects of the oral 5-HT1F receptor agonist lasmiditan in the acute treatment of migraine
Authors: Reuter Uwe , Israel Heike , Neeb Lars
Published: December 2014

More than 20 years have passed without the launch of a new substance class for acute migraine therapy. Triptans were the latest class of substances which successfully passed all developmental stages with a significant antimigraine efficacy and a sufficient safety profile. New drugs with a better adverse event profile and at least similar efficacy are needed for migraine subjects who cannot tolerate triptans for attack treatment. Lasmiditan is a novel highly specific 5-HT1F receptor agonist currently in clinical trials for acute migraine therapy and devoid of vasoconstriction in coronary arteries as determined in a surrogate assay. In both phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trials in acute migraine the primary endpoint was met. For the intravenous formulation a clear dose-dependent effect on headaches could be determined. Lasmiditan tablets in doses of 50–400 mg show significant headache relief after 2 hours compared with placebo and improved accompanying symptoms. This substance is chemically clearly different from other antimigraine drugs, which is also reflected by its dose-dependent adverse event profile chiefly including dizziness, vertigo, paresthesia and fatigue. Adverse events are usually linked to the central nervous system. Future phase III clinical trials with an active triptan comparator or in a preferential trial design will allow a better comparison of lasmiditan and triptans. They will also determine whether lasmiditan will become available to the migraine patient.
Switch from intravenous to subcutaneous immunoglobulin in CIDP and MMN: improved tolerability and patient satisfaction
Authors: Hadden Robert D. M. , Marreno Fabrizio
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

To assess clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) or multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) who were switched from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG).

Methods:

Eight consecutive patients, four with MMN and four with CIDP, already on long-term, hospital-based IVIG were switched to home-based SCIG. These patients were selected on the basis of their requirement for relatively low treatment doses, problems experienced with IVIG, and their willingness to switch to SCIG.

Results:

After a mean 33 [standard deviation (SD) 19] months receiving SCIG, 7 patients remained neurologically stable and 6 remained on a similar mean weekly immunoglobulin dose relative to their original intravenous dose. A good outcome was reported by 7 of the 8 patients: there were improvements in nausea and headache ( n = 4), need to travel to hospital ( n = 4), venous access problems ( n = 3), immunoglobulin-induced neutropenia ( n = 3), treatment wearing-off fluctuations ( n = 2), IVIG-induced allergy requiring antihistamine/hydrocortisone ( n = 1) and time taken off work ( n = 1). The eighth patient required increasing doses of immunoglobulin to maintain strength but still wanted to continue SCIG. Seven patients completed a questionnaire: there was a very high overall satisfaction level with immunoglobulin treatment [mean 96 (SD 5), visual analogue scale (VAS) where 0 = very unsatisfied, 100 = very satisfied]; and very strong preference for subcutaneous over intravenous immunoglobulin (VAS mean 93 [SD 12] where 0 = prefer IVIG, 100 = prefer SCIG).

Conclusions:

In seven of the eight patients, SCIG gave improved tolerability and patient satisfaction with similar efficacy compared with IVIG.
The double urethra: revisiting the surgical classification
Authors: AbouZeid Amr AbdelHamid , Safoury Hesham Soilman , Mohammad Shaimaa AbdelSattar , El-Naggar Osama , Zaki Ahmed Medhat , Hassan Tarek Ahmed , Hay Sameh Abdel
Published: December 2014

Aim:

The aim of this article was to describe our experience with 14 patients with double urethra.

Patients and methods:

We retrospectively examined the patients’ records including their clinical presentations, investigations, operative findings, and outcome. In addition to Effmann’s classification, we used a newly proposed classification that depends on the orientation of the double urethral channels.

Results:

During the last 15 years, 18 patients were diagnosed to have double urethra at our pediatric surgical unit. We excluded four patients with ‘Y-type’ urethral duplication. The remaining 14 patients were divided into either sagittal or collateral duplication. Their age at presentation ranged from the neonatal period to 9 years. The sagittal urethral duplication included 12 male patients. All patients had two urethral channels, one above the other. The dorsal urethral channel was always characterized by poor function and ectopic course. The ventral channel was always the more functioning urethra, with a normal course from the urinary bladder to end either at an orthotopic meatus (subgroup A), or more proximally in a hypospadiac location (subgroup B). The collateral urethral duplication included two patients. Both patients were associated with duplication of the urinary bladder and the external genitalia as a part of caudal duplication syndrome. In this group, both urethrae had comparable function, lying side by side, and each draining a separate urinary bladder.

Conclusion:

The double urethra is a diverse spectrum comprising different pathologies. Our proposed classification system of duplicated urethras is clinically relevant as it guides surgical management and allows prognostication of outcome.
Does metabolic syndrome or its components associate with prostate cancer when diagnosed on biopsy?
Authors: Telli Onur , Sarici Hasmet , Ekici Musa , Ozgur Berat Cem , Doluoglu Omer Gokhan , Eroglu Muzaffer , Telli Tugba Akin
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer risk in Turkish men.

Methods:

We examined data from 220 patients with prostate cancer and 234 men in a control group with benign biopsy results, who had a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ⩾ 4 ng/ml, or an abnormal digital rectal examination finding and who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy at two main training and research hospitals between February 2009 and April 2013. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to The Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Turkey metabolic-syndrome criteria. Age, total PSA, waist circumference, body mass index, lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar level, blood pressure level and metabolic syndrome were considered for analysis.

Results:

A total of 454 patients were enrolled: 85 cases in group 1 (38.6% of 220 prostate cancer cases) and 104 control subjects in group 2 (40.4% of 234 controls) were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Higher ages and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were two parameters that were significant only in the prostate cancer group with metabolic syndrome. There was no significant predictor factor for prostate cancer alone; however, higher triglycerides (odds ratio [OR], 1.286; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.82 and 1.142; 95% CI 1.06–1.62) and fasting glucose levels (OR, 1.222; 95% CI 1.08–1.61 and 1.024; 95% CI 1.07–1.82) were significant predictors in both the prostate cancer group and control group.

Conclusions:

We found little evidence to support the hypothesis that increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (or its components) contributes to increased incidence of prostate cancer. A larger, prospective, multicentre investigation is mandatory to confirm if there is any relationship between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer.
Successful cases of difficult inferior vena cava filter retrieval with the use of biopsy forceps: Biopsy forceps technique
Authors: Nakashima Masaya , Kobayashi Hideaki , Takenouchi Yasushi , Nakayama Takashi , Kobayashi Masayoshi
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

For treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and pulmonary embolism(PE), retrievable inferior vena cava(IVC) filters have commonly been used as an effective bridge to anticoagulation. However, we experienced unexpected difficulty in endovascular retrieval of some IVC filters. Most problems were due to endovascular treatment devices issues, filter intimal migration, filter disintegration, filter-associated thrombosis, and right atrium/ventricle migration.

Methods:

Disposable biopsy forceps was used to engage the filter hook and reform the shape of the filter struts. Endovascular retrieval assisted by use of the biopsy forceps via a similar vein was effective and provided a less-invasive, low cost method for removal of problematic IVC filters.

Results:

We described easily performed methods that uses disposable biopsy forceps for the retrieval of IVC filters that are difficult to remove because of filter hook migration into the caval wall.

Conclusion:

We developed an easily performed method that uses intestine biopsy forceps for the retrieval of IVC filter that are difficult to remove.
Rectus Femoris Tendon Calcification
Authors: Zini Raul , Panascì Manlio , Papalia Rocco , Franceschi Francesco , Vasta Sebastiano , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: December 2014

Background:

Since it was developed, hip arthroscopy has become the favored treatment for femoroacetabular impingement. Due to recent considerable improvements, the indications for this technique have been widely extended. Injuries of the rectus femoris tendon origin, after an acute phase, could result in a chronic tendinopathy with calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition, leading to pain and loss of function. Traditionally, this condition is addressed by local injection of anesthetic and corticosteroids or, when conservative measures fail, by open excision of the calcific lesion by an anterior approach.

Purpose:

To assess whether arthroscopic excision of calcification of the proximal rectus is a safe and effective treatment.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Outcomes were studied from 6 top amateur athletes (age range, 30-43 years; mean, 32.6 years) affected by calcification of the proximal rectus who underwent arthroscopic excision of the calcification. Patients were preoperatively assessed radiographically, and diagnosis was confirmed by a 3-dimensional computed tomography scan. To evaluate the outcome, standardized hip rating scores were used pre- and postoperatively (at 6 and 12 months): the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Oxford Hip Score, and Modified Harris Hip Score. Moreover, visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, sport activity level (SAL), and activities of daily living (ADL) were also used.

Results:

One year after surgery, all patients reported satisfactory outcomes, with 3 of 6 rating their return-to-sport level as high as preinjury level, and the remaining 3 with a percentage higher than 80%. Five patients ranked their ability to carry on daily activities at 100%. Statistical analysis showed significant improvement of the Oxford Hip Score, the Modified Harris Hip Score, and all 3 VAS subscales (pain, SAL, and ADL) from pre- to latest postoperative assessment ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic excision of rectus femoris tendon calcification yields satisfying results with few risks to the patient as well as rapid recovery.

Clinical Relevance:

The recent improvements in hip arthroscopy give the opportunity to address an increasing number of hip conditions effectively and safely, with rapid recovery for the patient. Arthroscopic excision of rectus femoris tendon calcification can be considered a feasible option, with few risks to the patient, rapid recovery, and satisfying outcomes.