bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering later adulthood music education: A case study of a rock band for third-age learners
Authors: Laes Tuulikki
Published: February 2014

This article presents a case study of a group of approximately 70-year-old women who are learning to play rock band instruments in a formal music school context. The study examines the individual and shared meanings that the participants assigned to taking part in the rock band. The study aligns with John Dewey’s view that the meanings of present learning experiences are constructed in a continuum of the past and the future. Narrative techniques are utilized to report the three main themes that emerged from the participants’ accounts, which have implications for increasing empowerment and musical agency: the meanings assigned to learning music in a rock band context, playing rock music repertoire, and performing publicly in a rock band. The study contributes to the increasingly relevant discussion of a growing field in music education, and challenges the common assumptions of what is designated in this article as ‘later adulthood music education’.
Journeys to remain childless
Authors: Lee Kyung-Hee , Zvonkovic Anisa M.
Published: February 2014

The goal of this study was to illuminate the processes of how spouses reach an agreement to remain childless, specifically finding out what spouses do, say, and feel in the process using grounded theory methods. This study conceptualized reaching an agreement not to have children as a dyadic process. Based on in-depth conjoint interviews with 20 married couples, 3 decision-making types were identified: mutual early articulator couples, mutual postponer couples, and nonmutual couples. The decision-making processes of voluntarily childless couples included three phases, agreement, acceptance, and closing of the door as well as two driving forces of the process, the strength of conviction and the importance of the relationship. The three types of couples navigated the process differently. The implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Bilateral catheter-directed thrombolysis in a patient with deep venous thrombosis caused by a hypoplastic inferior vena cava
Authors: Sloot S , Nierop J Van , Kootstra JJ , Wittens C , Fritschy WM
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Deep venous thrombosis treatment using catheter-directed thrombolysis is advocated over systemic thrombolysis because it reduces bleeding complications. With the development of a catheter that combines ultrasound vibrations and the local delivering of thrombolytics, new and safer treatments appear that are suitable for more complex problems.

Report

An adolescent male presented with bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis based on a hypoplastic inferior vena cava that had existed for more than two weeks. He was succesfully treated by bilateral ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis using EkoSonic® (Small Vessel) Endovascular System (EKOS) and stenting of the inferior vena cava. After eight months of follow-up, the inferior vena cava is still patent.

Conclusion

EKOS thrombolysis of longer existing bilateral deep venous thrombosis in the central venous system is a succesful treatment modality in congenital inferior vena cava anomalies.
No correlations between radiological angles and self-assessed quality of life in patients with hip dysplasia at 2–13 years of follow-up after periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Birch Sara , Liljensøe Anette , Hartig-Andreasen Charlotte , Søballe Kjeld , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: February 2014

Background

Only few studies have described patients’ health-related quality of life (QoL) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Thus, there is a lack of data on the self-assessed outcome of patients operated with PAO, and none of the existing studies correlate the results from Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) with the radiological parameters.

Purpose

To investigate the health-related QoL for patients with hip dysplasia operated with PAO and to investigate whether QoL is associated with the acetabular angles or hypermobility.

Material and Methods

Out of 388 patients, 228 patients (mean age, 40.5 years; mean follow-up, 7.1 years) returned the SF-36 and Beighton questionnaires. The patient’s QoL was compared to reference data from a Danish population. Center-edge (CE) and acetabular index (AI) angles were measured before and after PAO and the association with the patients’ QoL was tested with logistic regression .

Results

For both men and women the postoperative SF-36 score was significantly lower than for the reference data for a Danish population, especially for those dimensions concerning physical health. No association was found between the patients’ CE or AI angles before or after PAO and their subsequent QoL. Significant associations were found between both Physical Component Score (PCS) and physical function (PF) and follow-up time after the operation. The adjusted OR for a PCS ≥ 50 was 0.87 (95% CI 0.76–0.99) and for a PF ≥ 85 0.81 (95% CI 0.71–0.91). No association between hyper mobility and PCS, PF, or bodily pain (BP) was found.

Conclusion

The physical components of QoL in patients undergoing PAO are significantly lower than the Danish population used as reference. Furthermore, the results suggest that physical function after PAO decreases with longer follow-up time. Neither the acetabular angles nor hypermobility is associated with the physical components of QoL.
Unwarranted Disparity in Federal Sentencing
Authors: Wu Jawjeong , D’Angelo Jill M.
Published: February 2014

Research has recently shown a renewed interest in the effect of citizenship status on sentencing outcomes. This line of investigation, however, is limited to the individual-level analysis. In addition, research on the threat hypothesis has overwhelmingly focused on racial and ethnic threat. This study extends prior research by testing the social/group threat hypothesis in terms of citizenship and examines two primary variables of interest—the size of the noncitizen population and offender citizenship status. This study seeks to find how the size of the noncitizen population as a macro-level factor and offender citizenship status as a micro-level factor independently and jointly affect federal sentencing. The independent effects of other macro-level factors in the context of courts and areas on sentencing decisions, as well as their interactions with offender citizenship status, are also examined. With all offenses considered together, the cross-level finding provides support for social threat posed by noncitizen offenders, revealing that judges in districts with a large noncitizen population impose longer sentences on noncitizen offenders than those in districts with a small noncitizen population.
Attitudes and behaviour of Greek households regarding food waste prevention
Authors: Abeliotis Konstadinos , Lasaridi Katia , Chroni Christina
Published: February 2014

Food waste is a waste stream with serious economic, environmental and social implications. The emphasis of the reported research is on the food waste generated by households in Greece. A structured questionnaire was utilised in order to identify the attitudes of the respondents and investigate the prevalence of certain behavioural good practices that can prevent the generation of food waste. The research, to our knowledge the first of its kind in Greece, took place in February and March 2012. Face-to-face interviews were employed, resulting to a total of 231 consumers fully completing the questionnaire. Results indicate that, based on self-reported behaviour, people in Greece have positive attitudes towards food waste prevention and that their habits are close to the good practices suggested in the literature for reducing food waste. For instance, most respondents do plan their food shopping in a multitude of ways and are very careful in their purchases of fresh food supplies. However, about 40% misunderstand the meaning of food date labels. The positive findings are strongly influenced by the severe recession experienced in the country, which makes consumers more conscious of their spending. Results may serve as a yardstick to further promote and establish food waste prevention behaviour at the household level on an environmental and social awareness basis that may outlast the economic crisis.
Severe Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis With Clinical Findings of Transverse Myelitis After Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
Authors: Sarioglu Berrak , Kose Seda Sirin , Saritas Serdar , Kose Engin , Kanik Ali , Helvaci Mehmet
Published: February 2014

Background:

ADEM is a central nervous disease that leads to myelin damage as a result of autoimmune response that develops after infections or vaccination. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection rarely leads to ADEM.

Patient:

25-month-old male due to urinary retention, paradoxical respiration and muscle weakness after herpetic gingivostomatitis diagnosed as transverse myelitis. In follow-up with cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging multiple lesions were demonstrated. Electroneuromyography findings were compatible with acute sensorimotor neuropathy, serum anti-GM2 antibodies and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1/2 IgM / IgG detected negative and positivite, respectively. With these findings he was diagnosed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following HSV infection. Although acyclovir, intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis therapies, he is still in intensive physical therapy program with heavy sequel.

Results:

In our case, ADEM demonstrated transverse myelitis clinic after HSV infection which is rarely seen in literature. As well as clinic and spinal imaging findings, cranial imaging findings helped establishment of ADEM diagnosis.

Conclusion:

To our best knowledge, HSV is a rare etiological and probably the poor prognostic factor of ADEM.
Early Postoperative Tube Feeding in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hasse Jeanette M.
Published: February 2014

We published one of the first prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating early postoperative tube feeding (TF) in liver transplant recipients nearly 20 years ago. That first study showed that early posttransplant TF was safe and well tolerated; the study results also suggested that early TF could reduce posttransplant infection rates. This Pivotal Paper review evaluates the past, present, and future of early postoperative TF in liver transplantation. This article identifies what nutrition support findings more than 2 decades ago were the basis for attempting postoperative TF in liver transplantation. The results of our study, its unique findings, and shortcomings are summarized. Other subsequent studies of post–liver transplant TF are evaluated with a focus on effects on posttransplant infection rates. Finally, current transplant challenges, including donor organ shortage, increased severity of patients' pretransplant condition, expansion of living donor options, changes in immunosuppression, and use of specialized nutrients, are discussed in the context of how and why these factors affect nutrition support.
Layer-by-layer assembly of epidermal growth factors on polyurethane films for wound closure
Authors: Kulkarni Abhilash , Diehl-Jones William , Ghanbar Sadegh , Liu Song
Published: February 2014

To facilitate the healing of chronic wounds, growth factors such as epidermal growth factor need to be safely encapsulated for their sustained and effective delivery to the wound bed. Using a layer-by-layer assembly technique, epidermal growth factor is successfully encapsulated on the surface of poly(acrylic acid)-modified polyurethane film. The amount of encapsulated epidermal growth factor is controlled by adjusting the number of chitosan/epidermal growth factor bilayers. A controlled release of epidermal growth factor from the surface of polyurethane film for a period of five days is achieved with well-retained bioactivity (over 90%) as evidenced by a cell proliferation assay. In an in vitro cellular wounding assay, the cell gap covered with the epidermal growth factor-loaded polyurethane film closes at a rate more than twice as fast as that covered with a control polyurethane film. Fluorescent staining of F-actin reveals that the released epidermal growth factor induces differences in cytoskeletal organization, suggesting that stimulated cell migration also contributes to the close of the cell gap.
Autonomous jumping robot with regulable trajectory and flexible feet
Authors: Chai H , Ge WJ , Yang F , Yang GM
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a prototype of jumping robot with flexible feet is proposed to surmount obstacle efficiently. A six-bar adjustable mechanism for regulating jumping height and distance as well as a self-righting mechanism for uprighting after falling down are presented. The jumping height, jumping distance and energy conversion efficiency (ECE) are analyzed and tested, respectively, through dynamics modeling and jumping experiments. Taking advantage of flexible feet whose parameters are optimally designed, both the ground impulse acting on the robot and external kinetic energy relating to the movement of robot’s center of mass increase, so the performance of jumping height and distance as well as ECE of the robot with flexible feet is better than that of the one without flexible feet. By reducing leg mass and take-off angle as well as increasing stored energy, the external kinetic energy is enlarged, and ECE of the robot with flexible feet could be further improved. Meanwhile, simulation results show that the existing jumping robots which adopt four- or six-bar jumping mechanism are capable of enhancing jumping height and distance as well as ECE by exploiting flexible feet.
Propulsion at low Reynolds numbers by multiple traveling waves
Authors: Setter Eyal , Bucher Izhak , Haber Shimon
Published: February 2014

Microorganisms or micro-robotic swimmers employ traveling waves as a common swimming mechanism involving time-irreversible deformations of their outer surface. Normally, the deforming surfaces constitute of multiple spatial waves, some standing and others propagating forward or backward. A unique technique is developed here to experimentally decompose a waving surface into its spatial wavelengths in each time instance by processing a sequence of photographs. This information is curve fitted to yield the phase velocity, frequency, and amplitudes of the propagating and receding waves of each component. The significance of the harmonic decomposition is demonstrated using an experimental macro-scale swimmer that utilizes small amplitude circumferential waves. A numerical image processing and curve-fitting procedure is shown and a theoretical model is also developed to account for the hydrodynamic effects of multiple wavelengths. The theoretical results fit well with the experimental data at low speeds, although the contribution of higher harmonics was small in experiment, but the higher harmonics are clearly visible and successfully identified. Still, the importance of the multiharmonics analysis for swimmers, which utilize traveling waves mechanisms, found both in nature and in man-made machines, was formulated and partially verified.
Interaction model between capsule robot and intestine based on nonlinear viscoelasticity
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Liu Hao , Tan Renjia , Li Hongyi
Published: February 2014

Active capsule endoscope could also be called capsule robot, has been developed from laboratory research to clinical application. However, the system still has defects, such as poor controllability and failing to realize automatic checks. The imperfection of the interaction model between capsule robot and intestine is one of the dominating reasons causing the above problems. A model is hoped to be established for the control method of the capsule robot in this article. It is established based on nonlinear viscoelasticity. The interaction force of the model consists of environmental resistance, viscous resistance and Coulomb friction. The parameters of the model are identified by experimental investigation. Different methods are used in the experiment to obtain different values of the same parameter at different velocities. The model is proved to be valid by experimental verification. The achievement in this article is the attempted perfection of an interaction model. It is hoped that the model can optimize the control method of the capsule robot in the future.
Three-dimensional hemodynamic design optimization of stents for cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Lee Chang-Joon , Srinivas Karkenahalli , Qian Yi
Published: February 2014

Flow-diverting stents occlude aneurysms by diverting the blood flow from entering the aneurysm sac. Their effectiveness is determined by the thrombus formation rate, which depends greatly on stent design. The aim of this study was to provide a general framework for efficient stent design using design optimization methods, with a focus on stent hemodynamics as the starting point. Kriging method was used for completing design optimization. Three different cases of idealized stents were considered, and 40–60 samples from each case were evaluated using computational fluid dynamics. Using maximum velocity and vorticity reduction as objective functions, the optimized designs were identified from the samples. A number of optimized stent designs have been found from optimization, which revealed that a combination of high pore density and thin struts is desired. Additionally, distributing struts near the proximal end of aneurysm neck was found to be effective. The success of the methods and framework devised in this study offers a future possibility of incorporating other disciplines to carry out multidisciplinary design optimization.
The First-Mover Disadvantage
Authors: Loschelder David D. , Swaab Roderick I. , Trötschel Roman , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: February 2014

The current research establishes a first-mover disadvantage in negotiation. We propose that making the first offer in a negotiation will backfire when the sender reveals private information that an astute recipient can leverage to his or her advantage. In two experiments, we manipulated whether the first offer was purely distributive or revealed that the sender’s preferences were compatible with the recipient’s preferences (i.e., the negotiators wanted the same outcome on an issue). When first offers contained only distributive issues, the classic first-mover advantage occurred, and first offers predicted final prices. However, a first-mover disadvantage emerged when senders opened with offers that revealed compatible preferences. These effects were moderated by negotiators’ social value orientation: Proself negotiators were more likely to take advantage of compatible information than were prosocial negotiators. Overall, the key factor that determined whether the first-mover advantage or disadvantage emerged was whether the offer revealed compatible preferences. These results demonstrate that first offers not only provide numerical value but also convey qualitative information.
Intelligent computationally efficient modelling of multi-input multi-output non-linear dynamical process plants: An industrial steam generator case study
Authors: Nozari Hasan A , Banadaki Hamed D
Published: February 2014

Most of the process plants have intrinsic non-linear, time-varying, non-minimum phase and coupling characteristics that result in a highly time-consuming and tedious task to derive complicated non-linear dynamic equations governing on such types of processes. On the other hand, even though such equations can be analytically extracted, they have not worked out in most cases yet. To find a simple fix that can address these hurdles associated with analytical modelling, two types of non-analytical models, namely, simulator and predictor, are proposed based on a computationally efficient technique so-called locally linear neuro-fuzzy modelling. That is, a simulator model as well as a specially structured long-term predictor model that is built based on a sequential arrangement of single-stage predictor models is presented for multi-input multi-output non-linear dynamical process plants and feasibly applied to a real water-tube steam generator for the first time. An adaptive evolving algorithm named linear model tree contributes to estimate the parameters of neuro-fuzzy simulator and predictor models. Furthermore, an order selection method based on Lipschitz theory, whose merit is being totally independent from developing any model prior to commencing tedious modelling trials, is also proposed for the first time by defining a modified Lipschitz index to remedy the order determination problem within the very first steps of black-box non-linear system identification. The blend of such a fully modelling-independent order selection algorithm and a unique type of computationally inexpensive non-linear neuro-fuzzy model lessens the overall computational burden of modelling procedure that represents a great concern in a black-box system identification approach. The recorded data from a real water-tube steam generator operating at Abbot Power plant unit of Champaign, IL, were exploited to carry out experimental modelling in order to reveal the pros and cons of the presented models.
The effect of comorbidity on hospital mortality in patients with SLE from an Asian tertiary hospital
Authors: Yang Y , Thumboo J , Earnest A , Yong SL , Fong KY
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The objective of the study was to assess the disease burden of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the usefulness of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) as risk-adjusted hospital mortality predictors in patients with SLE using a hospital administrative database.

Methods

A historical cohort study of a hospital discharge database from 2004 to 2011 was used to identify cases with SLE and comorbidity using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, ninth revision, Australian modification (ICD-9-AM) codes.

Results

Over the eight years, 841 patients met the criteria of SLE with a hospital mortality rate of 9.2%. The hospital mortality rates (2.4%, 15.7%, 25.0%, and 30.4%, respectively, p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (geometric mean, 3.5, 5.6, 8.8, and 7.5 days, respectively, p < 0.001) were consistently increased for patients with CCI ranging from none, low, moderate to high grade, respectively. Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that CCI (hazard ratio (HR) 7.8 high vs. none, p < 0.001) and infectious disease (HR 2.0, p = 0.016) were significant and independent predictors of hospital mortality. Similar results were also seen with hospital length of stay by zero-truncated negative binomial regression model analysis.

Conclusion

The SLE burden is high in this population. Comorbidities and infectious disease were some of the most important contributors to hospital mortality and resource utilization.
A combined gamma frailty and normal random-effects model for repeated, overdispersed time-to-event data
Authors: Molenberghs Geert , Verbeke Geert , Efendi Achmad , Braekers Roel , Demétrio Clarice GB
Published: February 2014

This paper presents, extends, and studies a model for repeated, overdispersed time-to-event outcomes, subject to censoring. Building upon work by Molenberghs, Verbeke, and Demétrio (2007) and Molenberghs et al. (2010), gamma and normal random effects are included in a Weibull model, to account for overdispersion and between-subject effects, respectively. Unlike these authors, censoring is allowed for, and two estimation methods are presented. The partial marginalization approach to full maximum likelihood of Molenberghs et al. (2010) is contrasted with pseudo-likelihood estimation. A limited simulation study is conducted to examine the relative merits of these estimation methods. The modeling framework is employed to analyze data on recurrent asthma attacks in children on the one hand and on survival in cancer patients on the other.
Voices within the winds of change: The demise of KMG Kendons
Authors: Baskerville Rachel F , Bui Binh , Fowler Carolyn J
Published: February 2014

During the 1970s and 1980s, the accounting professional environment underwent major changes. This case study, largely based on oral history narratives of retired partners, focuses on KMG Kendons, a well-known and respected New Zealand national accounting firm that did not survive the 1980s. Utilising organisational change-focused theories, longitudinal archival data is used to examine how an organisation, and two competing sets of institutions within it, interact with these professional environmental changes, and then trigger significant deinstitutionalisation processes. This study also seeks to determine whether the demise of KMG Kendons might have been predicted, and thus prevented. It is argued that strong leadership, strategic direction, and a strong organisational culture and identity are critical factors in firm survival; and if these had been present at KMG Kendons, it may have survived.
A study of the emergence of the Kuwaiti Association of Accountants and Auditors
Authors: Altaher Noura A , Dyball Maria Cadiz , Evans Elaine
Published: February 2014

This study contributes to the accounting literature on professionalization projects and is specifically located in the literature on projects in the British Empire. The study investigates the case of Kuwait, which was a British protectorate (neither settler nor non-settler) from 1899 to 1961. It deploys the enabling factors identified by Poullaos and Sian (2010) in professionalization projects in former British colonies to explore whether these factors were present in Kuwait as an Arabic British protectorate. The study also explores the role of the state in facilitating the creation of indigenous accountants and the Kuwaiti Association of Accountants and Auditors (KAAA). An outline of the Dewaniya, a distinctive aspect of Kuwaiti culture, is provided to help explain the motivation for the creation of the KAAA in 1973. This study finds that the nature of the protectorate treaty and the rise of Arabic nationalism movements led to minimal British imperial influence on Kuwait’s accounting profession, and to a greater reliance on Arabic laws and accountants. The data to support this study’s interpretation of events were obtained from semi-structured interviews with founders of the KAAA and a pioneer professional accountant, and from surviving archival records.
Ocular glioneuroma with medulloepitheliomatous differentiation in a goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Mandrioli Luciana , Sirri Rubina , Gustinelli Andrea , Quaglio Francesco , Sarli Giuseppe , Chiocchetti Roberto
Published: February 2014

An intraocular mass in the left eye causing chronic severe exophthalmia in an adult female goldfish ( Carassius auratus) is described. The fish shared an aquarium with another goldfish found dead with gross and microscopic lesions consistent with mycobacteriosis. Histological examination of the left eye, histochemical (periodic acid–Schiff [PAS], Alcian blue, Ziehl–Neelsen) and immunohistochemical tests (glial fibrillary acidic protein, human neuronal protein, vimentin, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3) were carried out on the intraocular mass. Neoplastic cells forming an unencapsulated highly cellular proliferation partially covered by an intact corneal epithelium were stained with Alcian blue, which demonstrated an abundant hyaluronic acid–rich extracellular matrix. Multifocally, there were cyst-like dilatations bordered by neuroepithelial cells, which were PAS-positive. The complex neoplastic proliferation was composed of glial-like cells, neuronal-like cells (immunoreactive to glial fibrillary acidic protein and human neuronal protein, respectively) and neuroepithelium, which suggested a retinal origin.
Longitudinal study of the detection of Bluetongue virus in bull semen and comparison of real-time polymerase chain reaction assays
Authors: Gu Xingnian , Davis Rodney J. , Walsh Susan J. , Melville Lorna F. , Kirkland Peter D.
Published: February 2014

Infection with Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a significant impediment to the global movement of bovine semen. Repeat testing of blood from donor animals is specified in the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Manual for the export of semen from regions where BTV may be present. Screening of blood or semen samples has usually been carried out by virus isolation (VI) either by inoculation of chicken embryos followed by passage onto insect and mammalian cell cultures or in vivo inoculation of sheep followed by serology to detect seroconversion. Direct testing of semen for BTV would enable earlier release of semen samples and avoid repeat testing of the donor, as well as provide an option for releasing batches of semen that were collected without certification of the donor. Quantitative (real-time) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays overcome most of the limitations of other methods and have the potential to provide higher sensitivity. The present study compared 5 qRT-PCR assays, including 2 commercially available kits, for the detection of BTV in semen serially collected from 8 bulls over a period of 90 days after experimental infection. The results of the study show that at least one of the qRT-PCR assays is extremely reproducible and has both very high sensitivity and specificity to reliably detect all available serotypes. The preferred qRT-PCR gave consistently superior results to VI, sheep inoculation, and conventional RT-PCR. Therefore, the assay can be recommended for the screening of bovine semen for freedom from BTV.
Jejunal hematoma in cattle
Authors: Adaska John M. , Aly Sharif S. , Moeller Robert B. , Blanchard Patricia C. , Anderson Mark , Kinde Hailu , Uzal Francisco
Published: February 2014

Sixteen years of adult cattle submissions to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System were examined and data captured from cases with anaerobic cultures of intestinal content. Analysis was performed to determine if there were statistical differences between case submission types (nonbloody intestinal content [129 cases], bloody intestinal content [134 cases], and jejunal hematoma [JH; 51 cases]) for the presence of Clostridium perfringens (314 cases), C. perfringens toxinotypes (35 cases), and C. perfringens toxins (51 cases) in the content. Across submission types, significant differences were found in the isolation of C. perfringens between different specimen types (live cow, dead cow, or tissue from a field necropsy) with field samples being the most likely to have C. perfringens detected and live animals the least likely ( P = 0.001). In cases of JH, detection of C. perfringens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was more likely when a live or dead animal was submitted ( P = 0.023) or when a live animal was submitted ( P = 0.019) compared with submission of field necropsy tissues. These differences were not observed when cultures were performed to detect C. perfringens in cases of JH. There were no statistical differences between submission types with regard to any other variables evaluated. Detailed histologic examination of 21 cases of JH suggested disturbance of normal vascular or lymphatic function as the underlying problem in this entity.
Congenital portosystemic shunts and hepatic encephalopathy in goat kids in California
Authors: Kinde Hailu , Pesavento Patricia A. , Loretti Alexandre P. , Adaska John M. , Barr Bradd C. , Moore Janet D. , Anderson Mark L. , Rimoldi Guillermo , Hill Ashley E. , Jones Megan E. B.
Published: February 2014

Between 1999 and 2012, 11 cases of congenital portosystemic shunts (cPSS) resulting in hepatic encephalopathy were diagnosed in goat kids necropsied at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System and at the Department of Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis. Affected animals included 6 females and 5 males of various breeds including Boer (5/11), Nigerian Dwarf (1/11), Saanen (1/11), Toggenburg (1/11), and mixed-breed (3/11) aged between 1.5 months and 11 months, submitted live (2/11) or dead (9/11) for necropsy. The most frequent clinical signs in these goats were ataxia, blindness, tremors, head bobbing, head pressing, seizures, circling, weakness, and ill thrift. Bile acids were measured in 2 animals, and were elevated in both cases (134 and 209 µmol/l, reference interval = 0–50 µmol/l). Necropsy findings were poor to fair body condition. Grossly, the livers of 4 animals were subjectively small. Microscopic lesions included portal spaces with increased numbers of arteriolar profiles and hypoplastic or absent portal veins, diffuse atrophy of the hepatic parenchyma with the presence of small hepatocytes and, in some cases, multifocal hepatocellular macrovesicular vacuolation. In the brain and spinal cord of all animals, there was bilateral and symmetric spongy degeneration affecting the cerebrum, mesencephalon, cerebellum, brainstem, and cervical spinal cord. In all cases, the brain lesions were consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Congenital portosystemic shunts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young goats with a history of ill thrift, and nonspecific neurological signs.
End-of-Life Care Beliefs Among Muslim Physicians
Authors: Saeed Fahad , Kousar Nadia , Aleem Sohaib , Khawaja Owais , Javaid Asad , Siddiqui Mohammad Fasih , Holley Jean L
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Physicians' religiosity affects their approach to end-of-life care (EOLC) beliefs. Studies exist about end-of-life care beliefs among physicians of various religions. However, data on Muslim physicians are lacking. This study explores the beliefs centering on aspects of end-of-life care among Muslim physicians in the US and other countries.

Design:

A 25 item, online survey was created and distributed via Survey Monkey®. The survey was targeted toward Muslim physicians in the US and other countries.

Results:

A total 461 Muslim physicians responded to our survey. The primary end point was if the Muslim physicians thought that making a patient DO NOT RESUSCITATE (DNR) is allowed in Islam?. Nearly 66.8 % of the respondents replied yes as compared to 7.38 % of the respondents who said no. Country of origin, country of practice, and if physicians had talked about comfort care in the past had the most impact on the yes vs. no response (p=0.0399, p=0.0092 and 0.0023 respectively).

Conclusion:

Muslim physicians' beliefs on EOLC issues are affected more by the area of practice, country of origin and previous experience in talking about comfort care than the religious beliefs.
Withdrawal of Artificial Nutrition
Authors: Leheup Benoît F. , Piot Elise , Goetz Christophe , Quilliot Didier , Niemier Jean-Yves , Wary Bernard , Ducrocq Xavier
Published: February 2014

Context:

In spite of the existence of clinical guidelines and a legal framework in France, the withdrawal of artificial nutrition (AN) in palliative care remains a difficult situation for caregivers who are confronted with this reality.

Objectives:

To describe the perception of caregivers on the withdrawal of AN and to compare this perception between caregivers who have already been confronted with this situation and those who have not.

Methods:

Cross-sectional survey questionnaire of nurses and nurses’ aides (n = 274) working in medicine, surgery, and palliative care departments of a regional hospital.

Results:

Of the caregivers, 59.5% declared having been confronted with the withdrawal of AN in their professional practice. This was associated with a better perception by these caregivers even if their knowledge on the criteria to be considered in the decision was not significantly modified.

Conclusion:

The coherence of the withdrawal of AN with the personal beliefs of the caregivers, already high in the absence of being confronted with this practice, is better among caregivers who have been confronted with this situation. The lack of information perceived by caregivers should prompt us to develop additional training on the withdrawal of AN, its objectives, and its clinical consequences.
Undergraduate music education majors’ perceptions of their development as conductors: Insights from a basic conducting course
Authors: Silvey Brian A. , Major Marci L.
Published: February 2014

This multiple case study examined undergraduate music majors’ perceptions of their experiences while enrolled in a basic conducting course. During the semester, three sophomore music majors with an emphasis in band, choir, or orchestra each participated in three interviews, completed weekly reflection logs, and attended an end-of-the-semester videotaped conducting review. Analysis of the data revealed that participants focused on issues related to conducting gesture, often expressed uncertainty about their leadership and conducting abilities, believed that score study increased their confidence and conducting effectiveness, and that only after conducting an ensemble did they begin to gain awareness of the complexities of conducting. Furthermore, participants expressed the desire for more individualized feedback and conducting opportunities. These results suggest that undergraduates enrolled in conductor preparation programs might benefit from pedagogical activities that (a) connect their nonverbal conducting behavior to score study practices and (b) help students gain greater confidence when leading an ensemble.
Differential effects of fingolimod on B-cell populations in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nakamura Masakazu , Matsuoka Takako , Chihara Norio , Miyake Sachiko , Sato Wakiro , Araki Manabu , Okamoto Tomoko , Lin Youwei , Ogawa Masafumi , Murata Miho , Aranami Toshimasa , Yamamura Takashi
Published: February 2014

Background:

Fingolimod is an oral drug approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) with an ability to trap central memory T cells in secondary lymphoid tissues; however, its variable effectiveness in individual patients indicates the need to evaluate its effects on other lymphoid cells.

Objective:

To clarify the effects of fingolimod on B-cell populations in patients with MS.

Methods:

We analysed blood samples from 9 fingolimod-treated and 19 control patients with MS by flow cytometry, to determine the frequencies and activation states of naive B cells, memory B cells, and plasmablasts.

Results:

The frequencies of each B-cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were greatly reduced 2 weeks after starting fingolimod treatment. Detailed analysis revealed a significant reduction in activated memory B cells (CD38int-high), particularly those expressing Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation. Also, we noted an increased proportion of activated plasmablasts (CD138+) among whole plasmablasts, in the patients treated with fingolimod.

Conclusions:

The marked reduction of Ki-67+ memory B cells may be directly linked with the effectiveness of fingolimod in treating MS. In contrast, the relative resistance of CD138+ plasmablasts to fingolimod may be of relevance for understanding the differential effectiveness of fingolimod in individual patients.
The contribution of assessing cognitive impairment in radiologically-isolated syndrome (RIS): a single case report follow-up study
Authors: D’Anna L , Lorenzut S , Perelli A , Zanchettin B , Valente M , Gigli GL
Published: February 2014

Radiologically-isolated syndrome (RIS) is a recently-defined entity, described as the incidental discovery of lesions suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans demonstrating dissemination in space (DIS) without symptom expression and with a normal neurological examination. Recent studies demonstrate that RIS patients present similar features of cognitive impairment as MS patients. We describe a case of a RIS patient in whom investigating cognitive functions was a useful tool for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
‘Searching for a centre that holds’ in the network society: Social construction of knowledge on, and with, English Wikipedia
Authors: Bilić Paško
Published: February 2014

The communication model of the network society is not horizontal and flat. Different mediated constructions and centreing performances on new media platforms work towards integrating the symbolic environment, and towards representing the imagined mediated centres. Wikipedia aspires to become ‘the sum of all human knowledge’. Despite being built on anonymous contributions its underlying dynamic is a process of empirically traceable social construction of knowledge. A case study of English Wikipedia’s In the news (ITN) section will be presented. Through flexible mediated content production, based on the routinization of the process in policies and guidelines, Wikipedia constructs social centres through consensus-driven media rituals, based on the neutral point of view. Wikipedia has blurred the border between different types of knowledge in the process of ‘searching for a centre that holds’. It constantly negotiates the border between its internal collaboration and its external symbolic environment.
Stories from the Walking Library
Authors: Heddon Deirdre , Myers Misha
Published: February 2014

From August 17 to September 17, 2012, Deirdre Heddon and Misha Myers created and carried a Walking Library, made for the Sideways Arts Festival. Sideways, an art festival ‘in the open’ and ‘on the go’, aimed to connect ecology and culture through using the ‘slow ways’ or ‘slow paths’ of Flanders. The Walking Library was comprised of more than 90 books suggested as books ‘good to take for a walk’ and functioned as a mobile library for Sideways’ artists and public participants. In addition to carrying a curated stock, the Library offered a peripatetic reading and writing group. Drawing on the Library’s resources and the experience of reading, writing and walking one’s way across Belgium, Heddon and Myers consider how reading in situ affects the experience of the journey and the experience of walking; how journeying affects the experience of reading; how reading affects the experience of writing; and how a walk, as a space of knowledge production, is written and read.
Evaluating Programs That Address Ideological Issues
Authors: Lieberman Lisa D. , Fagen Michael C. , Neiger Brad L.
Published: February 2014

There are important practical and ethical considerations for organizations in conducting their own, or commissioning external, evaluations and for both practitioners and evaluators, when assessing programs built on strongly held ideological or philosophical approaches. Assessing whether programs “work” has strong political, financial, and/or moral implications, particularly when expending public dollars, and may challenge objectivity about a particular program or approach. Using a case study of the evaluation of a school-based abstinence-until-marriage program, this article discusses the challenges, lessons learned, and ethical responsibilities regarding decisions about evaluation, specifically associated with ideologically driven programs. Organizations should consider various stakeholders and views associated with their program to help identify potential pitfalls in evaluation. Once identified, the program or agency needs to carefully consider its answers to two key questions: Do they want the answer and are they willing to modify the program? Having decided to evaluate, the choice of evaluator is critical to assuring that ethical principles are maintained and potential skepticism or criticism of findings can be addressed appropriately. The relationship between program and evaluator, including agreements about ownership and eventual publication and/or promotion of data, should be addressed at the outset. Programs and organizations should consider, at the outset, their ethical responsibility when findings are not expected or desired. Ultimately, agencies, organizations, and programs have an ethical responsibility to use their data to provide health promotion programs, whether ideologically founded or not, that appropriately and effectively address the problems they seek to solve.
Nonlinguistic Cognitive Effects of Language Treatment for Children With Primary Language Impairment
Authors: Ebert Kerry Danahy
Published: February 2014

Children with Primary (or Specific) Language Impairment (PLI) demonstrate subtle deficits in nonlinguistic cognitive processing skills such as processing speed, working memory, and sustained selective attention (SSA). Previous research has suggested that intensive language treatment may influence nonlinguistic cognitive skills, particularly attention. The present study explored this hypothesis to inform future treatment studies and to provide a unique perspective on cognitive-linguistic interaction in children with PLI. A single-subject multiple-baseline design was used to track changes in key nonlinguistic cognitive processing skills before and during language treatment for three school-aged children with PLI. Results were mixed across tasks and participants, with stronger evidence for change on the working memory and processing speed tasks than on SSA. Performance variability was substantial. Results suggest that cognitive-linguistic interactions during language treatment for children with PLI may occur; however, additional research is needed, particularly studies that are sensitive to within-child performance variability.
Detection of Amyloid β Signature in the Lens and Its Correlation in the Brain to Aid in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kerbage Charles , Sadowsky Carl H. , Tariot Pierre N. , Agronin Marc , Alva Gustavo , Turner F. Darell , Nilan Dennis , Cameron Anne , Cagle Gerald D. , Hartung Paul D.
Published: February 2014

We report the findings from a clinical trial in which a group of patients clinically diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were discriminated from an age-matched group of healthy volunteers (HVs) with statistical significance ( P < .001). The results from 20 patients with AD and 20 HVs were obtained by a Fluorescent Ligand Eye Scanning (FLES) technique that measures a fluorescent signature specific to an exogenous ligand bound to amyloid-β in the lens of the eye. Sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 95%, respectively, have been achieved in predicting clinical diagnosis. Additionally, amyloid brain imaging using florbetapir F18 positron emission tomography shows significant correlation with the results obtained in the eye. Results of the study demonstrate the safety of the FLES system.
Clinical Significance in Dementia Research
Authors: Shabbir Syed H. , Sanders Amy E.
Published: February 2014

Clinical research traditionally relies on measures of statistical significance to assess the strength of evidence while less attention is paid to the practical import of the results. The objective of this study was to provide a critical overview of the current approaches to measuring clinical significance in dementia research and to provide suggestions for future research. A systematic search was conducted of Medline and Embase for original, English-language, peer-reviewed articles published before July 2012. A total of 18 articles met the inclusion criteria, of which 13 used multiple approaches to measure clinical significance. In all, 5 articles used expert opinion as anchors; 4 also used distribution-based approaches. In all, 8 articles used Goal Attainment Scaling; 7 of these also relied on clinician-based impressions of change. Another 3 articles used only clinical global impressions of change, 1 article used changes in symptomatology, and another used the value from literature.