bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe design of skyrise greenery in Singapore
Authors: Behm Michael , Choon Hock Poh
Published: August 2012

Purpose

Singapore is transforming from a “garden city” to a “city‐in‐a‐garden”. Designing for safety is recognized by researchers and some governments as a best practice in facilitating eventual worker safety within the built environment. The purpose of undertaking this research was to understand and describe the status of safe design for skyrise greenery in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 41 rooftop and vertical greenery systems were observed with a focus on access, fall from height, and planting considerations.

Findings

Rooftop greenery systems in Singapore were found to be adhering to safe design principles. Vertical and ledge greenery systems, on the other hand, are newer arrangements and were found to be in need of design for safety guidance.

Originality/value

The results add to the body of knowledge in the area of safe design and skyrise greenery and will aid those seeking to understand from a policy and practice perspective.
Mentoring to reproduce or change discourse in schools
Authors: Lonergan Jeanne , Mooney Simmie Geraldine , Moles Joanne
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share findings from a Master's study exploring teacher professional learning needs with the purpose of elucidating the needs of teachers, and mentor teachers, within the school cultural context in the Republic of Ireland. This study coincides with a relentless neo‐liberal drive to outsource most of what was traditionally seen as state investment across all public services, including education.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is a small scale qualitative research study exploring the perceptions of experienced teachers in two secondary schools. It examines the conditions which may account for different levels of engagement in this regard.

Findings

The key findings show very different levels of engagement in school based teacher professional learning in the two secondary schools.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have serious implications for the type of whole school mentoring that needs to be offered within schools at a time when policymakers are mandating teacher professional learning and requiring the development of critical reasoning capacities for all pupils in a global knowledge world.

Originality/value

This study is concerned with the readiness of the experienced teacher to mentor beginning teachers, and student teachers, in ways that value co‐inquiry, care, agency and critical thinking within the ecology of a whole school environment. Mentoring has become a popular construct in everyday usage. The originality of this research lies in the use of productive mentoring as a framework developed by the authors and under continual interrogation.
De novoTardive Tourette‐like syndrome after prolonged combination depot and oral neuroleptic therapy
Authors: Yogaratnam Jegan , Xu Changqing , Thinn Daw San San , Yoong Lee Kim , Khoo Chai Ling , Sim Kang
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Tardive Tourette‐like syndrome is recognised by the observation of several motor and vocal tics often in individuals receiving psychotropic medications and can happen within 1–3 months of treatment.

Clinical case

We report a case which is unique in its onset of Tardive Tourette‐like syndrome comprising of vocal, motor tics and coprolalia after more than three decades of treatment with combination depot and oral neuroleptics.

Discussion

Use of the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale indicates a probable relationship between the onset of Tardive Tourettism and the antipsychotic therapy in this patient. This was in contrast to earlier reports which noted earlier onset and partial reversal with termination or change of medications. Clinicians need to pay heed to the emergence of late‐onset Tourettism in order to better manage its manifestation and prevent its worsening in the context of holistic care for patients with neuropsychiatric conditions including schizophrenia.
Psychiatric phenomena as initial manifestation of encephalitis by anti‐NMDAR antibodies
Authors: Maat Peter , de Graaff Esther , van Beveren Nico M. , Hulsenboom Esther , Verdijk Robert M. , Koorengevel Kathelijne , van Duijn Martijn , Hooijkaas Herbert , Hoogenraad Casper , Sillevis Smitt Peter A.
Published: September 2012

Objective

Autoimmune encephalitis associated with autoantibodies against the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) often presents with behavioural change. Our objective was to describe in detail the psychiatric presentation and pathways to care in order to aid the early diagnosis of NMDAR encephalitis.

Methods

Sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with suspected NMDAR encephalitis were tested on HEK 293 cells transfected with the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR. Clinical information was obtained from the referring psychiatrists and neurologists and by review of the clinical records.

Results

Samples from 15 patients (13 female, 2 male, mean age 24 years, range 5–56 years) tested anti‐NMDAR positive. Twelve of the 15 patients (80%) presented with prominent psychiatric symptoms and 8 were initially referred to a psychiatric service. The most prominent initial psychiatric symptoms were anxiety in seven (47%), behavioural change (often bizarre) in six (40%) and agitation in five (33%). All patients developed psychiatric symptoms in the first 6 weeks of illness. Thirteen patients received psychotropic medications: antipsychotics in 12 and benzodiazepines in 11. Treating physicians considered the psychotropic medication not effective in 11 patients resulting in many drug switches. At nadir, all patients were in a very poor condition. However, eight patients (53%) recovered (almost) completely. Outcome tended to be better in patients who had received early immunotherapy or tumour removal.

Conclusions

Autoimmune encephalitis and anti‐NMDAR testing in serum and CSF should be considered in patients, especially young females, presenting with atypical psychiatric phenomena. Early diagnosis and treatment will likely improve the prognosis of NMDAR encephalitis.
Interrelationship of oral health status, swallowing function, nutritional status, and cognitive ability with activities of daily living in Japanese elderly people receiving home care services due to physical disabilities
Authors: Furuta Michiko , Komiya‐Nonaka Manae , Akifusa Sumio , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Adachi Munehisa , Kinoshita Toshinori , Kikutani Takeshi , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Malnutrition and cognitive impairment lead to declines in activities of daily living (ADL). Nutritional status and cognitive ability have been shown to correlate with oral health status and swallowing function. However, the complex relationship among the factors that affect decline in ADL is not understood. We examined direct and indirect relationships among oral health status, swallowing function, nutritional status, cognitive ability, and ADL in Japanese elderly people living at home and receiving home care services because of physical disabilities.

Methods

Participants were 286 subjects aged 60 years and older (mean age, 84.5 ± 7.9 years) living at home and receiving home care services. Oral health status (the number of teeth and wearing dentures) was assessed, and swallowing function was examined using cervical auscultation. Additionally, ADL, cognitive ability, and nutritional status were assessed using the Barthel Index, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form, respectively. Path analysis was used to test pathways from these factors to ADL.

Results

The mean number of teeth present in the participants was 8.6 ± 9.9 (edentates, 40.6%). Dysphagia, malnutrition, and severe cognitive impairment were found in 31.1%, 14.0%, and 21.3% of the participants, respectively. Path analysis indicated that poor oral health status and cognitive impairment had a direct effect on denture wearing, and the consequent dysphagia, in addition to cognitive impairment, was positively associated with malnutrition. Malnutrition as well as dysphagia and cognitive impairment directly limited ADL.

Conclusions

A lower number of teeth are positively related to swallowing dysfunction, whereas denture wearing contributes to recovery of swallowing function. Dysphagia, cognitive impairment, and malnutrition directly and indirectly decreased ADL in elderly people living at home and receiving home nursing care. The findings suggest that preventing tooth loss and encouraging denture wearing when teeth are lost may indirectly contribute to maintaining or improving ADL, mediated by recovery of swallowing function and nutritional status.
Mid‐pregnancy maternal leptin levels, birthweight for gestational age and preterm delivery
Authors: Shroff Monal R. , Holzman Claudia , Tian Yan , Evans Rhobert W. , Sikorskii Alla
Published: August 2012

Objective

Maternal blood leptin levels are positively associated with adiposity. Recent studies suggest that leptin is also abundantly produced by the placenta and may function as a regulator of foetal growth. Our goal was to examine mid‐pregnancy levels of leptin in maternal blood in relation to birthweight for gestational age (BW/GA) and timing of delivery after accounting for maternal prepregnancy body mass index (prepreg‐BMI) and pregnancy complications.

Patients

Data were from 1304 subcohort mother/infant pairs who participated in the Pregnancy Outcomes and Community Health (POUCH) Study (1998–2004).

Measurements

Leptin levels, measured at 16–27 weeks' gestation, were log‐transformed. Geometric mean (GMean) leptin levels were estimated by weighted linear regression with gestational age at blood draw as a covariate. GMean was re‐transformed to the original scale for reporting.

Results

Using the GMeans leptin in mothers of term appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) neonates as the referent (25·2 μg/l), we observed lower levels in mothers of preterm‐AGA (21·9 μg/l), term small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) (20·3 μg/l) and preterm‐SGA neonates (21·7 μg/l). Results were largely unchanged after adjustment for prepreg‐BMI. Leptin levels were higher in mothers who delivered large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) neonates, both preterm (33·6 μg/l) and term (29·1 μg/l), but the GMeans were markedly attenuated after adjustment for prepreg‐BMI.

Conclusion

The association between BW/GA and maternal leptin levels after adjustment for prepreg‐BMI may represent: (i) a residual effect of maternal adiposity that is not fully captured by BMI; and/or (ii) variation in placental leptin levels entering the maternal circulation. In conclusion, mid‐pregnancy maternal blood leptin levels may be an early indicator of foetal growth status.
Reversible, non‐plaque‐induced loss of osseointegration of successfully loaded dental implants
Authors: Mattheos Nikos , Schittek Janda Martin , Zampelis Antonios , Chronopoulos Vasilios
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Excess loading has been often cited as a reason for the failure of dental implants or bone loss post‐osseointegration. The available data from animal studies have failed to show a clear role for excessive loading in the loss of osseointegration. The present case documentations aimed at providing a deeper insight into the medium‐ to long‐term influence of occlusal loading on osseointegrated implants, and describe the clinical manifestations of such pathology.

Material and methods

Two cases of loss of osseointegration are documented with single implants in the posterior maxilla. Implant mobility was in both cases the first and only sign of pathology, with the absence of plaque‐induced inflammation and marginal bone loss.

Results

Re‐osseointegration of the implants was achieved after the removal of the prosthetic reconstruction.

Conclusions

The two cases reported that the loss of osseointegration in the absence of plaque‐induced peri‐implant inflammation is possible, although the clinical manifestations were very different to these of peri‐implantitis. Once the occlusal loading was withdrawn, re‐osseointegration was clinically confirmed in a period of 6–8 months.
Association mapping of genetic risk factors for chronic wasting disease in wild deer
Authors: Matsumoto Tomomi , Samuel Michael D. , Bollinger Trent , Pybus Margo , Coltman David W.
Published: August 2012

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting North American cervids. We assessed the feasibility of association mapping CWD genetic risk factors in wild white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) using a panel of bovine microsatellite markers from three homologous deer linkage groups predicted to contain candidate genes. These markers had a low cross‐species amplification rate (27.9%) and showed weak linkage disequilibrium (<1 cM). Markers near the prion protein and the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) genes were suggestively associated with CWD status in white‐tailed deer (P = 0.006) and mule deer (P = 0.02), respectively. This is the first time an association between the NF1 region and CWD has been reported.
Biochemical nutrient requirements of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus: co‐limitation by sterols and amino acids
Authors: Wacker Alexander , Martin‐Creuzburg Dominik
Published: September 2012

It has been proposed that growth and reproduction of animals is frequently limited by multiple nutrients simultaneously. To improve our understanding of the consequences of multiple nutrient limitations (i.e. co‐limitation) for the performance of animals, we conducted standardized population growth experiments using an important aquatic consumer, the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus.

We compared nutrient profiles (sterols, fatty acids and amino acids) of rotifers and their diets to reveal consumer–diet imbalances and thus potentially limiting nutrients. In concomitant growth experiments, we directly supplemented potentially limiting substances (sterols, fatty acids, amino acids) to a nutrient‐deficient diet, the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, and recorded population growth rates.

The results from the supplementation experiments corroborated the nutrient limitations predicted by assessing consumer–diet imbalances, but provided more detailed information on co‐limiting nutrients. While the fatty acid deficiency of the cyanobacterium appeared to be of minor importance, the addition of both cholesterol and certain amino acids (leucine and isoleucine) improved population growth rates of rotifers, indicating a simultaneous limitation by sterols and amino acids.

Our results add to growing evidence that consumers frequently face multiple nutrient limitations and suggest that the concept of co‐limitation has to be considered in studies assessing nutrient‐limited growth responses of consumers.
Patients' family satisfaction with needs met at the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Khalaila Rabia
Published: August 2012

Aims

The current study investigated the perceived importance and the perceived met needs of family members in the medical intensive care unit and assessed family members' satisfaction with needs met.

Background

Studies conducted throughout the world over the past 30 years indicate that family needs are still neglected. Unmet needs of family members of patients in the intensive care unit lead to dissatisfaction with care.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

A total of 70 family members of critically ill patients were included in this study conducted in a medical intensive care unit in Israel between October 2007–September 2008, using a structured interview. Three outcomes measured by the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit Inventory were regressed separately for baseline variables and family needs met subscales as measured by the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to detect factors that could have predicted each outcome.

Findings

The results showed differences between the perceived importance and the perceived met needs of family members. Satisfaction with care was positively related to meeting all needs domains except the information need. However, satisfaction with information and decision‐making was related only to meeting information and emotional support needs.

Conclusion

Continued unmet needs of family members of intensive care unit patients have a negative impact on family satisfaction. Only sweeping changes in clinical practice will succeed in meeting the unmet needs of patients' families.
Postpartum Corticosterone Administration Reduces Dendritic Complexity and Increases the Density of Mushroom Spines of Hippocampal CA3 Arbours in Dams
Authors: Workman J. L. , Brummelte S. , Galea L. A. M.
Published: August 2012

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 15% of mothers after giving birth. A complete understanding of depression during the postpartum period has yet to be established, although disruptions in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and stress during the postpartum may be involved. To model these components in rats, we administered high corticosterone (CORT) postpartum, which increases immobility in the forced swim test (FST), and reduces maternal care, body weight and hippocampal cell proliferation in dams. The hippocampus is altered in response to chronic stress, exposure to high glucocorticoids and in major depression in humans. In the present study, we examined whether high CORT reduced dendritic complexity and spines in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Additionally, housing complexity was manipulated so that dams and litters were housed either with tubes (complex) or without tubes (impoverished) to investigate the consequences of new animal care regulations. Dams received 40 mg/kg/day of CORT or oil starting on day 2 postpartum for 23 days. Maternal behaviours were assessed on postpartum days 2–8 and dams were tested using the FST on days 21 and 22. Dams were killed on day 24 and brains were processed for Golgi impregnation. Pyramidal cells in the CA3 subfield were traced using a camera lucida and analysed for branch points and dendritic complexity, as well as spine density and type on both basal and apical arbours. As previously established, high CORT postpartum reduced maternal care and increased immobility in the FST, which is a measure of depressive‐like behaviour. High CORT postpartum reduced the complexity of basal arbours and increased mushroom spines on both apical and basal dendrites. Housing complexity had no effect on spines of CA3 pyramidal cells but modest effects on cell morphology. These data show that chronic high CORT in postpartum females alters hippocampal morphology and may provide insight regarding the neurobiological consequences of high stress or CORT during the postpartum period, as well as be relevant for postpartum stress or depression.
Identification of source‐sink dynamics in mountain lions of the Great Basin
Authors: Andreasen Alyson M. , Stewart Kelley M. , Longland William S. , Beckmann Jon P. , Forister Matthew L.
Published: August 2012

Natural and anthropogenic boundaries have been shown to affect population dynamics and population structure for many species with movement patterns at the landscape level. Understanding population boundaries and movement rates in the field for species that are cryptic and occur at low densities is often extremely difficult and logistically prohibitive; however genetic techniques may offer insights that have previously been unattainable. We analysed thirteen microsatellite loci for 739 mountain lions (Puma concolor) using muscle tissue samples from individuals in the Great Basin throughout Nevada and the Sierra Nevada mountain range to test the hypothesis that heterogeneous hunting pressure results in source‐sink dynamics at the landscape scale. We used a combination of non‐spatial and spatial model‐based Bayesian clustering methods to identify genetic populations. We then used a recently developed Bayesian multilocus genotyping method to estimate asymmetrical rates of contemporary movement between those subpopulations and to identify source and sink populations. We identified two populations at the highest level of genetic structuring with a total of five subpopulations in the Great Basin of Nevada and the Sierra Nevada range. Our results suggest that source‐sink dynamics occur at landscape scales for wide‐ranging species, such as mountain lions, and that source populations may be those that are under relatively less hunting pressure and that occupy refugia.
HLA‐B*15:02 is associated with anemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin
Authors: Tseng C.‐W. , Hsieh Y.‐H. , Chang C.‐K. , Lai N.‐S. , Hung T.‐H. , Wu S. ‐F. , Tseng K.‐C.
Published: August 2012

To investigate the relationship between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II alleles and treatment‐induced anemia in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients receiving combination therapy with pegylated interferon‐α (PEG‐IFN‐α) and ribavirin (RBV). One hundred six naïve CHC patients (59 females and 47 males; mean age, 53.08 years) who underwent combination treatment were enrolled. The patients were considered positive for hemoglobin (Hb)‐related side effects if the Hb concentrations dropped below 10 g/dl during PEG‐IFN‐α plus RBV treatment. The HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR, and ‐DQ loci were investigated by sequence‐based genotyping. The effects of the clinical characteristics, virologic variables, and the HLA alleles on treatment‐induced anemia were evaluated by a logistic regression analysis. Forty patients (37.7%) had Hb levels below 10 g/dl during the treatment course. Low baseline Hb levels and an advanced liver fibrosis stage were associated with decreases in Hb levels to below 10 g/dl. The occurrence of treatment‐related anemia (Hb < 10 g/dl) was significantly associated with HLA‐B*15:02 as shown by multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 8.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.19–55.70; P‐value after Holm's procedure, 0.03). HLA‐B*15:02 is associated with treatment‐induced anemia in Taiwanese CHC patients receiving combination therapy with PEG‐IFN‐α plus RBV.
Humoral immunity is involved in the development of pericentral fibrosis after pediatric live donor liver transplantation
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Kondou Hiroki , Kimura Takeshi , Ikeda Kayo , Tachibana Makiko , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Kiyohara Yuki , Ueno Takehisa , Miyoshi Yoko , Mushiake Sotaro , Ozono Keiichi
Published: August 2012

Yamada H, Kondou H, Kimura T, Ikeda K, Tachibana M, Hasegawa Y, Kiyohara Y, Ueno T, Miyoshi Y, Mushiake S, Ozono K. Humoral immunity is involved in the development of pericentral fibrosis after pediatric live donor liver transplantation.

Abstract:  Although LT can be successful for treating end‐stage liver disease in children, some patients develop fibrosis around the central vein area (PCF). This raises the possibility that PCF could lead to later cirrhosis and graft failure. Here, we report a retrospective immunohistochemical study of 28 patients who received a live donor liver transplant. We assessed the incidence and etiology of PCF using CD3, CD20, HLA‐DR, and C4d‐specific antibodies. Histological evidence of PCF was found in 13 cases (46.4%), of which 11 (84.6%) had experienced ACR and/or CP events post‐transplant. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed significantly stronger staining with these antibodies in the central vein area in PCF, especially for CD20 and C4d. This implies humoral immunopathology and suggests involvement of humoral immunity in the development of PCF. These results further imply that suppression of cellular immunity alone is insufficient to prevent PCF. We therefore suggest that suppression of both humoral and cellular immunity in combination would be required for prevention of PCF.
Successful treatment of a left ventricular assist device infection with daptomycin non‐susceptible methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Levy D.T. , Steed M.E. , Rybak M.J. , Guo Y. , Gialanella P. , Hanau L. , Muggia V. , Ostrowsky B.
Published: August 2012

Recipients of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are highly susceptible to the development of infections with multidrug‐ resistant (MDR) organisms. We describe the case of a patient with an LVAD who developed a device‐related, daptomycin non‐susceptible, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, highlighting this patient population as highly vulnerable to the development of such antimicrobial resistance. This report includes a thorough review of the literature on the mechanisms of development of daptomycin non‐susceptibility and suggests ways to prevent its emergence. We also provide and underscore the appropriate guidelines to abide by when attempting to control infections with such resistant isolates. This case also demonstrates the importance of definitive treatment with LVAD removal and transplantation as a component of appropriate management of invasive LVAD infections. In addition, we suggest that even infections with MDR organisms may not adversely affect post‐transplant outcomes.
Whole‐genome scanning for mapping determinacy in Pigeonpea (Cajanus spp.)
Authors: Mir Reyazul Rouf , Saxena Rachit K , Saxena Kul Bhushan , Upadhyaya Hari D , Kilian Andrzej , Cook Douglas R , Varshney Rajeev K
Published: August 2012

Determinacy is an agronomically important trait in several crop species including pigeonpea. With an objective to investigate determinacy in pigeonpea, a set of 94 pigeonpea lines including 11 determinate (DT) and 83 indeterminate (IDT) lines were used for genotyping with DArT arrays (with 6144 features) and 768 SNP markers using GoldenGate assay. The polymorphism information content (PIC) for these markers varied from 0.02 to 0.50. Association analysis on marker genotyping and phenotyping data showed a significant association (P ≤ 0.01) of determinacy with 19 SNP and 6 DArT markers explaining 8.05–8.58% and 7.26–14.53% phenotypic variation, respectively. Clustering based on entire DArT and SNP markers could not discriminate DT lines from IDT lines; however, analysis with associated markers discriminated DT lines from the IDT lines. Marker–trait associations after validation may prove useful in marker‐assisted selection (MAS) involving the development of ideal DT genotypes for environments with moderate growth, tolerance to drought and water logging. This is the first report on mapping of determinacy trait as well as the first report on association mapping for any trait in pigeonpea.
Test–retest reliability of computerised hand dynamometry in adults with acquired brain injury
Authors: Barden Hannah L. H. , Nott Melissa T. , Baguley Ian J. , Heard Robert , Chapparo Christine
Published: August 2012

Background/aim

The ability to objectively and reliably measure hand performance over time is critical to monitor patient performance and evaluate treatment efficacy. Current spasticity measures are subjective in nature and fail to capture the complexity of the multi‐faceted upper motor neuron syndrome. This study examined the test–retest reliability of dynamic computerised hand dynamometry for simultaneously measuring multiple aspects of positive and negative features of the upper motor neuron syndrome during an active grasp and release task.

Methods

Community‐living adults with upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury attending metropolitan spasticity clinics for management of upper limb spasticity (N = 36; mean age 50 years ±15) and control participants (N = 27, mean age 40 years ±12) completed a computerised hand dynamometry protocol across two testing occasions 5 weeks apart. Objective measurement of Isometric Force, Cycle Duration and Isometric Grip Work, Force Velocity, was completed during a repeated grasp and release test protocol with a computerised hand dynamometer to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of hand performance.

Results

Kendall Coefficient of Concordance W scores ranged from W = 0.69–0.98 for motor elements of grasp and release, including Isometric Force, Cycle Duration, Isometric Grip Work and Force Velocity.

Conclusions

The investigated dynamic computerised hand dynamometry protocol showed fair/good to excellent levels of test–retest reliability in control participants and in subjects with upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury.
Project‐based fieldwork: Perspectives of graduate entry students and project sponsors
Authors: Fortune Tracy , McKinstry Carol
Published: August 2012

Background/aim

This article builds on an earlier viewpoint regarding the need for project‐focussed fieldwork. It presents the findings of an evaluative study into the value of project placements undertaken by final year graduate entry master's students as part of a capstone subject. The authors argue that provision of project placements enable impending graduates to develop and implement macro level strategies to develop prevention, resource and service development skills often required of contemporary occupational therapy practitioners.

Methods

A qualitative approach is adopted. Student cohorts from 2005 and 2006 completed open‐ended, written questionnaires, and agency project sponsors were interviewed to obtain their perspectives of the project placement experience.

Results

Despite some concern that project placements might be undertaken at the expense of ‘clinical’ placements these findings reveal that projects managed by students were perceived by services to add great value enabling them to advance important priorities. Students and sponsors highlighted a range of positive learning outcomes, including the ability to work collaboratively with supervisors and develop advanced communication skills and political acumen. The success of such placements depends on supportive supervision from academic staff.

Conclusions and significance of the study

The findings promote project placements as a highly authentic aspect of work integrated learning enabling learners to draw together a range of attributes that support the ability to manage complex issues that have occupational relevance at a macro level. In addition, such experiences help learners to develop agency and political acumen both increasingly important capabilities for the contemporary workplace.
How mental health occupational therapists address issues of diet with their clients: a qualitative study
Authors: Mahony Georgia , Haracz Kirsti , Williams Lauren T.
Published: August 2012

Background

Poor diet is a contributing factor to the high rates of obesity and related comorbidities in people with severe mental illness, and dietary change is a key treatment strategy. Providing healthy lifestyle interventions is a recognised role for occupational therapists. However, the existing literature fails to elucidate boundaries of this role. To begin to address this gap in the literature, this study explored the attitudes, actions and beliefs of mental health occupational therapists about providing diet‐related interventions.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with mental health occupational therapists working in one Area Health Service in New South Wales. Purposive sampling was used. Data were analysed using Constructivist Grounded Theory methods, where meaning is co‐constructed by, and the theory ultimately grounded in the experiences of, the participant and researcher.

Results

The participants felt confident providing clients with interventions to promote diet‐related skill development and providing general healthy eating education to support this development. However, they were not comfortable providing clients with specific dietary advice. Participants identified a need for further training and support to enhance their effectiveness in providing healthy eating education and highlighted the need for more dietitians in mental health services.

Conclusions

The occupational therapists in this study identified clear boundaries of their role in providing diet‐related interventions for people with severe mental illness. Suggestions for improvement in this area included further training for occupational therapists as well as increased access to dietitians for those services that lie outside the occupational therapy role.
Enhancing occupational therapists' confidence and professional development through a community of practice scholars
Authors: Wilding Clare , Curtin Michael , Whiteford Gail
Published: August 2012

Introduction

An important professional issue for occupational therapy is the need to develop and maintain high‐quality occupational therapy services. Clearly, a strong educational foundation is necessary, but not sufficient, for meeting this goal. Occupational therapists need to engage in ongoing education, professional development and critique of their theory and practice to ensure they meet best practice standards. One way that practitioners can do this, is to form practitioner communities with a focus on scholarship: a ‘community of practice scholars’.

Methods

Using the framework of action research, three occupational therapy academics worked collaboratively with 25 occupational therapy practitioners over a period of 12 months. During monthly teleconference meetings, the research group discussed, critiqued and reflected upon their practice. Transcripts of the final month's teleconferences, which focussed on evaluation of the community of practice scholars, were qualitatively analysed.

Findings

Two major themes are presented. The first theme, promotion of scholarship, describes that involvement in the community of practice scholars assisted participants to think more critically about their practice and to consider ways in which their practice might be improved. The second theme, promoting professional confidence, passion and cohesion, articulates that the support offered by the group helped the participants to feel an increased sense of confidence in their practice.

Conclusion

It is proposed that communities of practice scholars have considerable potential for providing professional development opportunities for occupational therapists. In addition, such communities may lead to occupational therapists feeling more supported and experiencing increased satisfaction in their work.
Comparison of plain vertebral X‐ray and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for the identification of older women for fracture prevention in primary care
Authors: Robinson P. J. , Bell R. J. , Lanzafame A. , Segal L. , Kirby C. , Piterman L. , Davis S. R.
Published: August 2012

Background

Recently, the dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) diagnostic cut‐off (T‐score) for Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) supported primary fracture prevention therapy with alendronate for older women (>70 years) has been changed from −3.0 to −2.5.

Aim

To examine the impact of the expanded criteria for PBS‐supported fracture prevention therapy in older women on case finding and cost.

Methods

One thousand, nine hundred and eighty‐three women, median age 76 years, not previously known to have low bone mineral density by DXA or a vertebral fracture underwent DXA scanning and a thoracolumbar X‐ray. A woman was considered eligible for fracture prevention therapy if she had a T‐score ≤−2.5 at the femoral neck and/or the lumbar vertebrae (two to four) or at least one vertebral fracture of ≥20% deformity.

Results

Seven hundred and forty‐six women (37.6%) met the new criteria as a case for PBS‐subsidised fracture prevention therapy. Four hundred and thirty‐one (21.7%) had a T‐score ≤−2.5 on DXA compared with 10.6% (n = 210) with a T‐score ≤−3.0. Four hundred and eighty‐three (24.4%) had at least one vertebral fracture. Only 8.5% (n = 168) had both a T‐score ≤−2.5 and a prevalent vertebral fracture. The cost per case found by DXA equated to $460 compared with $398 for screening by thoracolumbar X‐ray.

Conclusions

The use of either DXA or X‐ray will identify approximately two‐thirds of women aged 70 years and over who would be eligible for fracture prevention. The use of X‐ray would identify a marginally larger number of women and at lower financial cost but involve substantially greater radiation exposure.
Influence of flood‐stress on ambrosia beetle host‐selection and implications for their management in a changing climate
Authors: Ranger Christopher M. , Reding Michael E. , Schultz Peter B. , Oliver Jason B.
Published: August 2012

Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) is a key pest of ornamental nursery trees. Ethanol is the most attractive semiochemical known for X. germanus, and its emission from trees represents a primary host‐selection cue. Ethanol production is induced by a variety of abiotic and biotic stressors, which could thereby predispose trees to attack by ethanol‐responsive ambrosia beetles.

To better understand X. germanus host‐selection behaviour within ornamental nurseries, a series of experiments examined the influence of flood‐stress on the attractiveness and susceptibility of flowering dogwood Cornus florida L. Under field conditions, more X. germanus were attracted to experimentally flood‐stressed dogwoods than neighbouring nonflooded controls in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Flood‐stressed dogwoods were also preferentially attacked in 2009–2011, although no attacks occurred on any of the neighbouring nonflooded trees.

Solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry detected ethanol in stem tissue from flooded dogwoods but not nonflooded trees. Acetaldehyde, acetic acid and ethanol were also emitted from the outer bark of flooded dogwoods but not nonflooded trees.

These results demonstrate that X. germanus preferentially lands on and attacks physiologically‐stressed hosts, and further support the role of ethanol in mediating this interaction.

Attacks by X. germanus have previously been suspected to occur on trees viewed as ‘apparently‐healthy’, although the possibility of such trees being in apparently‐stressed at the time of attack cannot be ruled out given the results obtained in the present study. Minimizing the impact of stressors known to induce the production of ethanol should be the primary foundation of a management plan for X. germanus and other ethanol‐responsive ambrosia beetles.
The impact of intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms and ethnic diversity for studies on the obesity gene FTO
Authors: Jacobsson J. A. , Schiöth H. B. , Fredriksson R.
Published: August 2012

In 2007, the first common genetic variants were identified, which undoubtedly affect our susceptibility to obesity. These variants are located in the fat mass and obesity‐associated gene FTO. Since then, over 50 loci for common obesity have been identified. As the research on these loci is still at an early stage, there is a great need to review, for clarification purposes, the current research on FTO, as this is likely to influence future studies. Based on the current knowledge, FTO seems to be directly involved in the regulation of energy intake, but there is an urgent need for the identification of regulatory polymorphisms. Thus, herein, we discuss current knowledge and highlight putative functional regions in FTO based on published data and computer‐based analysis.
PARAMETRIC FRACTIONAL IMPUTATION FOR NON‐IGNORABLE CATEGORICAL MISSING DATA WITH FOLLOW‐UP
Authors: Kim Ji Young
Published: August 2012

Incomplete data subject to non‐ignorable non‐response are often encountered in practice and have a non‐identifiability problem. A follow‐up sample is randomly selected from the set of non‐respondents to avoid the non‐identifiability problem and get complete responses. Glynn, Laird, & Rubin analyzed non‐ignorable missing data with a follow‐up sample under a pattern mixture model. In this article, maximum likelihood estimation of parameters of the categorical missing data is considered with a follow‐up sample under a selection model. To estimate the parameters with non‐ignorable missing data, the EM algorithm with weighting, proposed by Ibrahim, is used. That is, in the E‐step, the weighted mean is calculated using the fractional weights for imputed data. Variances are estimated using the approximated jacknife method. Simulation results are presented to compare the proposed method with previously presented methods.
Infant Categorization of Path Relations During Dynamic Events
Authors: Pruden Shannon M. , Roseberry Sarah , Göksun Tilbe , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Golinkoff Roberta M.
Published: September 2012

Fundamental to amassing a lexicon of relational terms (i.e., verbs, prepositions) is the ability to abstract and categorize spatial relations such as a figure (e.g.,boy) moving along a path (e.g.,aroundthe barn). Three studies examine how infants learn to categorize path over changes inmanner, or how an action is performed (e.g., running vs. crawling). Experiment 1 (n = 60) finds that 10‐ to 12‐month‐old English‐learning infants categorize a figure’s path. In Experiment 2 (n = 27) categorization is disrupted when the ground object is removed, suggesting the relation between figure and ground defines the path. Experiment 3 (n = 24) shows that language may be a mechanism guiding category formation. These studies suggest that English‐learning infants can categorize path, a component lexicalized in the world’s languages.
On Sensitivity of Inverse Response Plot Estimation and the Benefits of a Robust Estimation Approach
Authors: PRENDERGAST LUKE A. , SHEATHER SIMON J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract.  Inverse response plots are a useful tool in determining a response transformation function for response linearization in regression. Under some mild conditions it is possible to seek such transformations by plotting ordinary least squares fits versus the responses. A common approach is then to use nonlinear least squares to estimate a transformation by modelling the fits on the transformed response where the transformation function depends on an unknown parameter to be estimated. We provide insight into this approach by considering sensitivity of the estimation via the influence function. For example, estimation is insensitive to the method chosen to estimate the fits in the initial step. Additionally, the inverse response plot does not provide direct information on how well the transformation parameter is being estimated and poor inverse response plots may still result in good estimates. We also introduce a simple robustified process that can vastly improve estimation.
The Governance Role of Audit Committees: Reviewing a Decade of Evidence
Authors: Ghafran Chaudhry , O'Sullivan Noel
Published: August 2012

Even though audit committees have traditionally been a key component of corporate governance regulation, the last decade has witnessed a greater emphasis on audit committee regulation and a parallel intensification of academic research on the subject. This review synthesizes recent empirical research seeking to investigate various aspects of audit committees’ governance role. The review is structured around current regulatory expectations of audit committees seeking to document the extent to which specific characteristics of good practice influence various components of audit committee effectiveness. It is found that larger and more independent audit committees as well as those with financial expertise are more likely to seek a higher level of external audit coverage and assurance. There is also evidence that more independent audit committees are associated with the purchase of lower levels of non‐audit services from auditors, thereby seeking to preserve the independence of the external audit process. There seems a consensus that more independent audit committees and those with greater accounting/financial expertise have a positive impact on the quality of financial statements. Evidence on the stock market reaction to audit committee issues suggests that investors both welcome the presence of audit committees and react positively when members are appointed with relevant expertise. It is also found that internal auditors view certain audit committee characteristics, specifically independence, expertise and frequency of meetings, as leading to more effective audit committee performance. In summary, therefore, this review documents a significant amount of evidence offering support to current regulations concerning the desired characteristics of audit committees.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Phantom Pain and Stump Pain in Adult Amputees
Authors: Mulvey Matthew R. , Radford Helen E. , Fawkner Helen J. , Hirst Lynn , Neumann Vera , Johnson Mark I.
Published: August 2012

Abstract  Following amputation, 50% to 90% of individuals experience phantom and/or stump pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may prove to be a useful adjunct analgesic intervention, although a recent systematic review was unable to judge effectiveness owing to lack of quality evidence. The aim of this pilot study was to gather data on the effect of TENS on phantom pain and stump pain at rest and on movement. Ten individuals with a transtibial amputation and persistent moderate‐to‐severe phantom and/or stump pain were recruited. Inclusion criteria was a baseline pain score of ≥3 using 0 to 10 numerical rating scale (NRS). TENS was applied for 60 minutes to generate a strong but comfortable TENS sensation at the site of stump pain or projected into the site of phantom pain. Outcomes at rest and on movement before and during TENS at 30 minutes and 60 minutes were changes in the intensities of pain, nonpainful phantom sensation, and prosthesis embodiment. Mean (SD) pain intensity scores were reduced by 1.8 (1.6) at rest (P < 0.05) and 3.9 (1.9) on movement (P < 0.05) after 60 minutes of TENS. For five participants, it was possible to project TENS sensation into the phantom limb by placing the electrodes over transected afferent nerves. Nonpainful phantom sensations and prosthesis embodiment remained unchanged. This study has demonstrated that TENS has potential for reducing phantom pain and stump pain at rest and on movement. Projecting TENS sensation into the phantom limb might facilitate perceptual embodiment of prosthetic limbs. The findings support the delivery of a feasibility trial.
Diagnosis of Celiac Artery In‐Stent Thrombosis by Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Biederman Robert W. W. , Fakhri Abid Ali , Young Joseph C.
Published: August 2012

We present a case of a 70‐year‐old woman with severe peripheral arterial disease presenting with celiac artery in‐stent thrombosis diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Routine assessment of the visceral arteries is not performed in most TEE studies. A review of the literature shows that the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries can be successfully visualized during transgastric views of the abdominal aorta. We propose that two‐dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography have several intrinsic advantages over computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography and catheterization when assessing aortic and visceral arterial pathology.