bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and refinement of intra-bone marrow transplantation in mice
Authors: Pfeiffenberger U , Yau T , Fink D , Tichy A , Palme R , Egerbacher M , Rülicke T
Published: November 2014

Intra-bone marrow transplantation (IBMT) may improve the seeding efficiency of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells compared to the routinely used intravenous injection. Current IBMT protocols are optimized for ease of use and to improve experimental results. However, there have been no investigations to assess the impact of IBMT on animal welfare. Here, we report the results of pain assessment after IBMT and the effects of refinements to the current standard procedure. IBMT was performed in either the tibia or the femur of a recipient mouse under general anesthesia. Impact was determined using clinical scoring of different parameters (lameness, grip capacity, body weight loss, footprint analysis), behavioural tests (burrowing, open-field), monitoring of stress hormones and post-mortem histology. The results revealed that IBMT definitely induces severe post-operative distress. Although IBMT in the tibia is technically easier, the degree of impairment and the distress observed were consistently higher than for transplantation in the femur. A refinement for IBMT in the tibia was achieved by using 30- instead of 26-gauge needles and by sparing the patellar tendon. Consequently, for IBMT, we recommend either using the femur, or if the tibia is required due to its better feasibility, using our refined protocol. Furthermore, IBMT should definitely be limited to one leg per animal.
The Individual Plan for Retirement
Authors: Hershenson David B.
Published: November 2014

Persons with disabilities aged 65 and older are a large and rapidly increasing cohort of the population of those who qualify for rehabilitation services. In providing services to this age group, one issue that has been barely mentioned in the literature is retirement planning. This article argues for the need to address this issue as an integral part of the rehabilitation counseling process with older consumers and proposes the development of a formal Individual Plan for Retirement (IPR) as a supplement to the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for these consumers. The article suggests a six-step process for constructing and implementing an IPR (RETIRE). Relevant literature on adjustment to retirement and on vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and avocational counseling for older persons with disabilities is summarized.
Immigrant suburbanisation and the shifting geographic structure of metropolitan segregation in the United States
Authors: Farrell Chad R
Published: November 2014

This study investigates immigrant suburbanisation trends over the past decade in the metropolitan USA, focusing on how suburbanisation affects the residential segregation of foreign-born populations. Using 2000–2012 data from the decennial census and American Community Survey, it tracks the suburban settlement patterns of 17 country-of-origin groups. It uses a methodological approach that decomposes metropolitan segregation into within and between city/suburb components. The findings indicate that most immigrant groups rapidly suburbanised during the 2000s, though there remain large differences in suburbanisation rates among country-of-origin groups. Immigrant suburbanites tend to be less segregated from US-born whites than are their coethnic counterparts in large cities. Suburbanisation continues to blur the city/suburb divide, which now accounts for a small share of the segregation experienced by most groups. At the metro level, suburbanisation is associated with lower levels of immigrant segregation even after controlling for relevant metropolitan characteristics. These findings are consistent with spatial assimilation, though trends over time suggest a more complicated picture. While immigrants are gaining access to the suburbs, most groups experienced increasing segregation at the same time they were rapidly suburbanising. This is due to increasing segregation within the suburbs, which often offset segregation declines occurring within large cities. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the underlying and often countervailing city/suburb contributions to metropolitan segregation.
What can International Relations Theory learn from the origins of World War I?
Authors: Lebow Richard Ned
Published: November 2014

World War I is a foundational or critical case for theories of international relations that address the causes of war. They include balance of power, deterrence, power transition theory, and rationalist models of decision making. Recent historical work on the underlying and immediate causes of World War I raises serious problems for all these approaches. Among other things, they highlight the importance of context, how it is understood by leaders, their motives and assumptions, and their tendency to exaggerate the constraints acting on them, the freedom of other actors, and their ability to predict events and control risks.
Mere Position Effect in Booking Hotels Online
Authors: Ert Eyal , Fleischer Aliza
Published: November 2014

When travelers book hotels online, they are typically provided with a list of relevant hotels. Although presenting hotels on the screen in a list format seems appropriate for organizing the information, it creates a new (spurious) attribute for them: their position on the list. We tested experimentally whether the hotel’s position on the list affects its likelihood of being selected. Results revealed a nonlinear effect of hotel position on the list on choice: hotels that were listed at the top and bottom of the list were more likely to be chosen than those listed in the middle. This study suggests that even trivial web design choices, such as the choice of presenting data in lists, might result in nontrivial consequences on the behavior of prospective customers.
The Disciplinary Foundations of Tourism Research
Authors: Crouch Geoffrey I. , Perdue Richard R.
Published: November 2014

Research into tourism phenomena is regarded as a multidisciplinary quest, but to date no work has endeavored to quantify or characterize the extent to which various scholarly disciplines and research fields inform our scholarly discourse. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the multidisciplinary character of tourism research between 1980 and 2010. Previous efforts to analyze the use of the literature from other disciplines have been significantly limited. In this study, we sought to address this need by analyzing a sample comprising nearly 3,000 citations from tourism research articles published in a range of tourism journals stratified by journal ranking and time period.
Improving quality through performance-based financing in district hospitals in Rwanda between 2006 and 2010: A 5-year experience
Authors: Janssen Willy , de Dieu Ngirabega Jean , Matungwa Michel , Van Bastelaere Stefaan
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Since 2000 performance-based financing (PBF) made its way to sub-Saharan health systems in an attempt to improve service delivery. In Rwanda initial experiences in 2001 and 2002 led to a scaling up of the initiative to all health centres (HC) and district hospitals (DH). In 2008 PBF became national strategy.

Methods

PBF was introduced in Rwanda in 2006 at the DH level. Evaluation on their service delivery was carried out quarterly in the following areas: hospital management, support to the health centres and clinical activities. We studied four DHs.

Results

After 5 years, an improvement in the quantity of clinical activities was observed, as well as quality in hospital management, in HC support and in clinical activities.

Conclusion

PBF proves to be a promising approach in strengthening and maintaining quality service delivery in the sub-Saharan district hospitals.
Simultaneous open preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia with open prostatectomy for benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Johnson O Kenneth
Published: November 2014

Where surgical resources are slim, patients may suffer the obstructive symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia until they present with frank urinary retention and they may have unattended inguinal hernia. The best strategy to take care of patients who have both problems at once has remained elusive. We report a small case series of 10 patients in whom open preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair was done together with suprapubic prostatectomy over a 10-year period in the district hospital.
Possible effects of electronic social media on gifted and talented children’s intelligence and emotional development
Authors: Freeman Joan
Published: November 2014

In just a few decades, electronic networks have expanded beyond all expectations. Instant messaging via smart phones and computers of all sorts whizz round the world. Researchers and policy makers are strongly divided in their findings and conclusions as to the effects of possible persuasive changes on the minds and lives of children, particularly the gifted. Although electronic social media might have positive effects on learning, professional development, gifted advocacy, research and policy-making, they might also encourage superficial rather than deep thought to negatively affect children’s intellect and personal relationships. This paper takes a look at some approaches to the interactions of positive and negative impacts with special implications for gifted and talented children.
Kabul University and Political Dynamics in Afghanistan, 1964–73
Authors: Bezhan Faridullah
Published: November 2014

Kabul University was the first institution to undergo rapid politicisation during the Constitutional Decade (1964–73) of Afghanistan. The article explores how this educational institution, in a country with a very high rate of illiteracy, which also did not have a long tradition of modern education, soon transformed into a political hotbed which led to the emergence of Kabul University as the centre of Afghanistan’s political struggles in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Decentralized rigidity maintenance control with range measurements for multi-robot systems
Authors: Zelazo Daniel , Franchi Antonio , Bülthoff Heinrich H. , Robuffo Giordano Paolo
Published: November 2014

This work proposes a fully decentralized strategy for maintaining the formation rigidity of a multi-robot system using only range measurements, while still allowing the graph topology to change freely over time. In this direction, a first contribution of this work is an extension of rigidity theory to weighted frameworks and the rigidity eigenvalue, which when positive ensures the infinitesimal rigidity of the framework. We then propose a distributed algorithm for estimating a common relative position reference frame amongst a team of robots with only range measurements in addition to one agent endowed with the capability of measuring the bearing to two other agents. This first estimation step is embedded into a subsequent distributed algorithm for estimating the rigidity eigenvalue associated with the weighted framework. The estimate of the rigidity eigenvalue is finally used to generate a local control action for each agent that both maintains the rigidity property and enforces additional constraints such as collision avoidance and sensing/communication range limits and occlusions. As an additional feature of our approach, the communication and sensing links among the robots are also left free to change over time while preserving rigidity of the whole framework. The proposed scheme is then experimentally validated with a robotic testbed consisting of six quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles operating in a cluttered environment.
Increased serum levels of interleukin-8 in patients with tension-type headache
Authors: Domingues Renan B , Duarte Halina , Rocha Natália P , Teixeira Antonio L
Published: November 2014

Background and objectives

The pathophysiology of tension-type headache is not well understood. Increased peripheral levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines may act as mediators of several chronic pain disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the peripheral levels of chemokines in patients with tension-type headache.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study evaluating serum levels of chemokines in age and sex-matched tension-type headache patients, ictally and interictally, and control participants. Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories were recorded. Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, eotaxin, eotaxin-2, interleukin-8, interferon gamma induced protein-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A total of 96 participants (48 tension-type headache, 48 controls) were included. Interleukin-8 levels were significantly increased in patients with tension-type headache when compared to controls (413.8 (123.4–1756.3) and 329 (107.8–955.6), respectively, P = 0.025). Anxiety and depression scores were higher in patients with tension-type headache but interleukin-8 increase in tension-type headache patients persisted after controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms. Patients with headache at the time of assessment had increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels when compared with patients without headache (2809.3 (1101–6122.2) and 1630.2 (669.3–31056.8), respectively P = 0.026). Patients with episodic and chronic tension-type headache had no significant differences in serum chemokines levels.

Conclusion

Interleukin-8 was increased in tension-type headache and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was higher in tension-type headache patients with headache, suggesting that pro-inflammatory mechanisms may participate in tension-type headache pathophysiology.
Predicting Help-Seeking Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services Among American Indian Older Adults
Authors: Roh Soonhee , Burnette Catherine E. , Lee Kyoung Hag , Lee Yeon-Shim , Martin James I. , Lawler Michael J.
Published: November 2014

American Indian (AI) older adults are vulnerable to mental health disparities, yet very little is known about the factors associated with help-seeking for mental health services among them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of Andersen’s Behavioral Model in explaining AI older adults’ help-seeking attitudes toward professional mental health services. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine predisposing, enabling, and need variables as predictors of help-seeking attitudes toward mental health services in a sample of 233 AI older adults from the Midwest. The model was found to have limited utility in the context of older AI help-seeking attitudes, as the proportion of explained variance was low. Gender, perceived stigma, social support, and physical health were significant predictors, whereas age, perceived mental health, and health insurance were not.
Effect of a 1-Year Obesity Intervention (KLAKS Program) on Preexisting Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Blüher Susann , Petroff David , Keller Alexandra , Wagner Antje , Classen Joseph , Baum Petra
Published: November 2014

Childhood obesity may involve autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Whether it improves following weight loss remains unclear. Thirty-one obese children (body mass index standard deviation scores 2.33 ± 0.47; age 11.2 ± 2.0) completed a 1-year lifestyle intervention (KLAKS: Concept Leipzig: Adiposity Therapy for School-Aged Children). Anthropometric/biochemical parameters and autonomic nervous system function (heart rate variability, quantitative pupillography) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. A multivariate model for changes in body mass index standard deviation scores considered age, gender, and changes in autonomic nervous system function. Weight status (Δ body mass index standard deviation scores: 0.16 [0.05, 0.29], P = .008), glycemic control, and free fatty acids (all P < .05) improved after the intervention. Redilation velocity increased by 0.22 mm/s [0.06, 0.38] ( P = .008), and changes tended to be negatively associated with Δ body mass index standard deviation scores ( P = .08 [–0.61, 0.03]). Relative reflex amplitude (23.4 vs 26.3, P = .004) and constriction velocity (4.97 mm/s vs 5.47 mm/s, P < .001) also improved. Our data provide preliminary evidence that lifestyle-intervention induced improvement of weight status/metabolic risk factors may ameliorate some parameters of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in childhood obesity.
Same-Sex and Race-Based Disparities in Statutory Rape Arrests
Authors: Chaffin Mark , Chenoweth Stephanie , Letourneau Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2014

This study tests a liberation hypothesis for statutory rape incidents, specifically that there may be same-sex and race/ethnicity arrest disparities among statutory rape incidents and that these will be greater among statutory rape than among forcible sex crime incidents. 26,726 reported incidents of statutory rape as defined under state statutes and 96,474 forcible sex crime incidents were extracted from National Incident-Based Reporting System data sets. Arrest outcomes were tested using multilevel modeling. Same-sex statutory rape pairings were rare but had much higher arrest odds. A victim–offender romantic relationship amplified arrest odds for same-sex pairings, but damped arrest odds for male-on-female pairings. Same-sex disparities were larger among statutory than among forcible incidents. Female-on-male incidents had uniformly lower arrest odds. Race/ethnicity effects were smaller than gender effects and more complexly patterned. The findings support the liberation hypothesis for same-sex statutory rape arrest disparities, particularly among same-sex romantic pairings. Support for race/ethnicity-based arrest disparities was limited and mixed.
Purple-Collar Labor
Authors: David Emmanuel
Published: November 2014

This article examines new patterns of workplace inequality that emerge as transgender people are incorporated into the global labor market. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 41 transgender call center employees in the Philippines, I develop the concept “purple-collar labor” to describe how transgender workers—specifically trans women—are clustered, dispersed, and segregated in the workplace and how their patterned locations in social organizational structures serve a particular value-producing function. These patterned inclusions, I argue, come with explicit and implicit interactional expectations about how “trans” should be put to work in the expansion and accumulation of global capital. In this way, the study examines the production and extraction of queer value and the folding of trans women’s gendered performances into commercial exchange. Data show how the affective labor of transgender employees is used to help foster productivity, ease workplace tensions, and boost employee morale. This study of transgender employment experiences opens new lines of inquiry for understanding gender inequalities at work, and it builds on scholarship that combines political economy approaches with transgender studies.
Mathematical models of hobs for conjugate-curve gears having three contact points
Authors: Gao Yan’e , Chen Bingkui , Liang Dong
Published: November 2014

Conjugate-curve gears are the gears which are point contact and the locus curves of the contact points are conjugate curves. The contact pattern of the conjugate-curve gear tooth surfaces are convex to concave, which reduces the contact stress of the tooth surfaces due to the small value of the relative curvature radius at the contact point. The tubular tooth surfaces of the conjugate-curve gears have one pair of conjugate curves. To decrease the running-in time and increase the load capacity, the conjugate-curve gears having three pairs of conjugate curves are designed. The contact stress of the tooth surfaces having three contact points is much smaller than that of the tubular tooth surfaces in the computer contact analysis. For the further study of the performance of the conjugate-curves gears having three contact points, hobs are considered to manufacture the gears. Two mismatched rack cutters having three contact points are applied for the design of hobs. The working edge in the normal section profile of the rack cutter for the hob generating the pinion is a circular arc and the working edges in the normal section of the rack cutter for the hob generating the gear are two parabolic curves that are tangent to the convex circular arc. By applying the designed rack cutter profiles, the principle of coordinate transformation, the differential geometry theory, and the theory of gearing, mathematical models of the hobs are established. To verify the proposed tooth profile and the hobs, the experimental cutting trials and the load capacity test are carried out. The final accuracy of the gear satisfies the design requirements. The results demonstrate the feasible of the proposed design method.
Linearized PID control in a nonlinear model of an active hydromagnetic journal bearing
Authors: Farmakopoulos Michael G , Thanou Michalis D , Nikolakopoulos Pantelis G , Papadopoulos Chris A , Tzes Anthony P
Published: November 2014

A proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control model of an active hydromagnetic journal bearing (AHJB) is presented here and its design guidelines are explicitly described. The nonlinear rotor equations of motion, is introduced. Then, the linearization of these equations in the bearing specific equilibrium point is performed and presented along with the appropriate PID gains. Consequentially, the linear equation is transformed via Laplace method and the control model of the AHJB is finally developed. The multiphysics module of Ansys is used to calculate the forces that the hydrodynamic lubrication applies to the rotor, in every position of the rotor, during its movement inside the bearing. This has been done, in order not to have linear equations of the hydrodynamic forces, but the real, nonlinear equations. The nonlinear equations are used for the electromagnetic forces too. The Matlab software is used to simulate the components that the AHJB is consisted of. The P, I, and D gains are the obtained results of this simulations, which are produced via robust control method, in single-input-single-output tool module. Finally, the Simulink module of Matlab is energized to check the control characteristics of the developed AHJB system, taking into account the nonlinear equations of motion of the system, in combination with the rotor unbalance and gyroscopic effects and the saturation of the coils. The rotor response, the overshoot, the rotor center vibration are controlled using the above produced P, I, and D gains. Several plots are constructed and presented, such as the rotor orbits, to show the possibility of the AHJB control.
Reliability allocation method based on multidisciplinary design optimization for electromechanical equipment
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Fan Jinwei , Mu Donghui
Published: November 2014

Reliability design is one important link to assure the product’s quality. Reliability allocation is the main task of reliability design, which is influenced by cost, manufacturing consistency, and other factors. Reliability, cost, and manufacturing consistency are coupled and influenced by each other. To find the global optimal reliability indices, one modeling and solving method of reliability allocation based on multidisciplinary design optimization was proposed in the paper. The influence factors of reliability allocation were analyzed and calculated or fuzzy processed. The reliability allocation optimization models were created, and the models were decomposed by the calculation frame of collaborative optimization. The genetic algorithm of the system-level optimization and the sequential quadratic programming algorithm of the disciplinary-level optimization were adopted. As one typical electromechanical equipment, CNC cylindrical grinder was allocated of reliability by the method proposed in the paper. The results showed that the cost can be dropped 3.45%, 4.76%, 4.72%, and 8.45% compared by equal allocation method, fuzzy allocation method, AGREE allocation method, and actual cost, respectively. The reliability allocation method proposed in the article can be used in design of electromechanical equipment to reduce costs.
A comparative study of multi-trailer articulated heavy-vehicle models
Authors: Islam Md Manjurul , He Yuping , Zhu Shenjin , Wang Qiushi
Published: November 2014

This paper provides valuable guidelines on the selection of dynamic vehicle models for control algorithm development, design optimization and linear stability analysis for multi-trailer articulated heavy vehicles with active safety systems. The validation of yaw-plane and yaw–roll models of a tractor–two-semitrailer combination using the TruckSim software package is presented in this paper. A linear four-degree-of-freedom yaw-plane model and a linear seven-degree-of-freedom yaw–roll model of the vehicle were generated, compared and evaluated. The linear models of the multi-trailer articulated heavy vehicle yield numerical simulation results which are validated by comparing with those obtained from the corresponding non-linear TruckSim model. This paper also includes eigenvalue and frequency-response analysis of the linear models to estimate the unstable motion modes and to predict the unique dynamic features of the multi-trailer articulated heavy vehicle in the frequency domain. A benchmark investigation of the models was performed to examine the fidelity, the complexity and the applicability of the linear models.
Subjective Status Shapes Political Preferences
Authors: Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin L. , Lundberg Kristjen B. , Kay Aaron C. , Payne B. Keith
Published: November 2014

Economic inequality in America is at historically high levels. Although most Americans indicate that they would prefer greater equality, redistributive policies aimed at reducing inequality are frequently unpopular. Traditional accounts posit that attitudes toward redistribution are driven by economic self-interest or ideological principles. From a social psychological perspective, however, we expected that subjective comparisons with other people may be a more relevant basis for self-interest than is material wealth. We hypothesized that participants would support redistribution more when they felt low than when they felt high in subjective status, even when actual resources and self-interest were held constant. Moreover, we predicted that people would legitimize these shifts in policy attitudes by appealing selectively to ideological principles concerning fairness. In four studies, we found correlational (Study 1) and experimental (Studies 2–4) evidence that subjective status motivates shifts in support for redistributive policies along with the ideological principles that justify them.
The association of serum anti-ribosomal P antibody with clinical and serological disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Z-R , Cao C-X , Tan G-Z , Wang L
Published: November 2014

Objective

Anti-ribosomal P (anti-P) antibody is a serological specific marker of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to investigate the association of this antibody with clinical and serological disorders in SLE.

Methods

All relevant literature was retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI databases. The qualities of these studies were evaluated using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The associations of anti-P antibody with clinical and serological disorders were determined by the pooled odds ratio (OR) and the confidence interval (CI) calculated using meta-analysis with the Mantel–Haenszel method.

Results

Sixteen cohort studies with 2355 patients were included in this study. Malar rash, oral ulcer and photosensitivity were strongly associated with serum anti-P antibody, with OR (95% CI) values of 2.05 (1.42–2.92), 1.49 (1.05–2.13) and 1.44 (1.08–1.91), respectively. Arthritis and renal involvement were not associated with anti-P antibody, whereas a high heterogeneity was observed due to ethnicity and publication bias, respectively. Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), hepatic involvement, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm and anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were observed more frequently in anti-P positive patients than in negative patients. Studies on hepatic involvement showed a low precision with substantially broad CI (2.56–11.2). A high heterogeneity presented among studies on NPSLE, anti-Sm and aCL.

Conclusions

Anti-P antibody is significantly associated with malar rash, oral ulcer, photosensitivity and serum anti-dsDNA antibody, and potentially associated with NPSLE, hepatic damage, serum anti-Sm and aCL.
Predicting the stage shift as a result of breast cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries: a proof of concept
Authors: Zelle Sten G. , Baltussen Rob , Otten Johannes D.M. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A.M. , van Schoor Guido , Broeders Mireille J.M.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To provide proof of concept for a simple model to estimate the stage shift as a result of breast cancer screening in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Stage shift is an essential early detection indicator and an important proxy for the performance and possible further impact of screening programmes. Our model could help LIMCs to choose appropriate control strategies.

Methods

We assessed our model concept in three steps. First, we calculated the proportional performance rates ( i.e. index number Z) based on 16 screening rounds of the Nijmegen Screening Program (384,884 screened women). Second, we used linear regression to assess the association between Z and the amount of stage shift observed in the programme. Third, we hypothesized how Z could be used to estimate the stage shift as a result of breast cancer screening in LMICs.

Results

Stage shifts can be estimated by the proportional performance rates (Zs) using linear regression. Zs calculated for each screening round are highly associated with the observed stage shifts in the Nijmegen Screening Program (Pearson’s R: 0.798, R square: 0.637).

Conclusions

Our model can predict the stage shifts in the Nijmegen Screening Program, and could be applied to settings with different characteristics, although it should not be straightforwardly used to estimate the impact on mortality. Further research should investigate the extrapolation of our model to other settings. As stage shift is an essential screening performance indicator, our model could provide important information on the performance of breast cancer screening programmes that LMICs consider implementing.
Academic Incivility and Bullying as a Gendered and Racialized Phenomena
Authors: Johnson-Bailey Juanita
Published: November 2014

The continuum of bad behavior within the academy, from incivility to aggressive bullying, is analyzed using examples that occurred over a two-decade career. The author posits that the cases, which involved both faculty and students, were significantly impacted by the participants’ gender and race positionalities.
Engagement Through Praxis in Educational Game Design
Authors: Ruggiero Dana , Watson William R.
Published: November 2014

Background. Engagement in praxis, the process of acting and reflecting in a cyclical fashion, fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among educational game designers. Resulting from this process, designers can apply their learned skills to create highly engaging educational games.

Aim. This study examines the game development process of 22 international game designers from business, government, and academia as they describe their engagement in praxis when designing educational games.

Method. Building upon research on reflective practice, this article provides insights on how engagement in praxis can be framed as a tool for educational game design that naturally promotes learning and motivation during gameplay. The researchers examine common threads that illustrate the process that educational video game designers use to create games.

Results. Four common threads or themes were pulled from in-depth interviews with each designer. In this article, we focus on engagement in designing and applying game mechanics, engagement in content and context in educational games, feedback as an indicator of motivation and engagement, and working within project constraints to create engaging experiences.
Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (ctDCS)
Authors: Grimaldi Giuliana , Argyropoulos Georgios P. , Bastian Amy , Cortes Mar , Davis Nicholas J. , Edwards Dylan J. , Ferrucci Roberta , Fregni Felipe , Galea Joseph M. , Hamada Masahi , Manto Mario , Miall R. Chris , Morales-Quezada Leon , Pope Paul A. , Priori Alberto , Rothwell John , Tomlinson S. Paul , Celnik Pablo
Published: November 2014

The cerebellum is critical for both motor and cognitive control. Dysfunction of the cerebellum is a component of multiple neurological disorders. In recent years, interventions have been developed that aim to excite or inhibit the activity and function of the human cerebellum. Transcranial direct current stimulation of the cerebellum (ctDCS) promises to be a powerful tool for the modulation of cerebellar excitability. This technique has gained popularity in recent years as it can be used to investigate human cerebellar function, is easily delivered, is well tolerated, and has not shown serious adverse effects. Importantly, the ability of ctDCS to modify behavior makes it an interesting approach with a potential therapeutic role for neurological patients. Through both electrical and non-electrical effects (vascular, metabolic) ctDCS is thought to modify the activity of the cerebellum and alter the output from cerebellar nuclei. Physiological studies have shown a polarity-specific effect on the modulation of cerebellar–motor cortex connectivity, likely via cerebellar–thalamocortical pathways. Modeling studies that have assessed commonly used electrode montages have shown that the ctDCS-generated electric field reaches the human cerebellum with little diffusion to neighboring structures. The posterior and inferior parts of the cerebellum (i.e., lobules VI-VIII) seem particularly susceptible to modulation by ctDCS. Numerous studies have shown to date that ctDCS can modulate motor learning, and affect cognitive and emotional processes. Importantly, this intervention has a good safety profile; similar to when applied over cerebral areas. Thus, investigations have begun exploring ctDCS as a viable intervention for patients with neurological conditions.
Qualitative Research as Living Within/Transforming Complex Power Relations
Authors: Cannella Gaile S.
Published: November 2014

Upon the twentieth anniversary of the publication of Qualitative Inquiry, the author discusses the history of qualitative research as the location for our academic critical pedagogy. Additionally, she explains how/why the field facilitates future visions and actions that would increase possibilities for justice in all aspects of the world around us.
Spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation in cats: a retrospective study of 13 cases
Authors: Bernardin Fanny , Martinez Rivera Laura , Ragetly Guillaume , Gomes Eymeric , Hernandez Juan
Published: November 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the frequency of malignant vs non-malignant causes for spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation in cats.

Methods

The medical records of cats diagnosed as having gastrointestinal perforation between August 2010 and July 2013 were reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory surgery. Patients with incomplete records, perforation due to external trauma, leakage at previous enterotomy or anastomotic sites, or foreign bodies were excluded. Each record was examined for different information pertaining to signalment, medical history, clinical and clinicopathological data, imaging findings, abdominal fluid examination, surgical findings, histopathological examination, treatment received after surgery and outcome.

Results

Thirteen cats were included. Five of these cats had concurrent illnesses, including viral upper respiratory tract disease, pancreatitis and chronic kidney disease. Two cats had previously received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and four had received corticosteroids. Clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities were not specific. Six of 13 patients were diagnosed during surgery with gastric perforations, four patients with duodenal perforations and three patients with jejunal perforations. Histopathological examination of the ulcerated wall was performed in 11/13 cats. Alimentary lymphoma was diagnosed in six cats. Non-neoplastic lesions (lymphocytic– plasmacytic inflammatory bowel disease, necrotic suppurative enteritis) were observed in the other five cats. The major limitation of the study was the small sample size.

Conclusions and relevance

Lymphoma may be a frequent cause of spontaneous perforation in cats. Therefore, histological examination of ulceration is essential in all cases. The direct and sole implication of anti-inflammatory administration in a gastrointestinal perforation is not clearly established in this study.
Induction of IL-6 by Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Is Associated With Loss of Lean Body and Fat Mass in Tumor-free Female Mice
Authors: Elsea Collin R. , Kneiss Janet A. , Wood Lisa J.
Published: November 2014

Cancer patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy experience fatigue and changes in body composition that can impact physical functioning and quality of life during and after treatment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with fatigue in cancer survivors and plays an important role in the regulation of body composition. The purpose of the present study was to determine the specific role of IL-6 in cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-5-fluorouracil (CAF)-induced changes in fatigue, food intake, and body composition using mice lacking IL-6. Female wild-type (WT) and IL-6− /− mice were injected with four cycles of CAF or normal saline (NS) administered at 21-day intervals. Daily voluntary wheel-running activity (VWRA), used as a proxy for fatigue, and food intake were monitored daily up to 21 days after the fourth dose. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess treatment-related changes in lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content (BMC). Patterns of change in fatigue and food intake did not differ between CAF-treated WT and IL-6− /− mice. However, a Genotype × Drug interaction was observed for LBM ( p = 0.047) and FM ( p = 0.035) but not BMC ( p = .569). Whereas WT mice lost LBM and FM during CAF treatment, IL-6-deficient mice did not. Treatment-related decreases in levels of the anabolic hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may contribute to LBM and FM loss since CAF decreased IGF-1 levels in an IL-6-dependent manner. These findings implicate IL-6 and possibly IGF-1 in the regulation of body composition in breast cancer patients exposed to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Development and Devastation
Authors: Roy Christian
Published: November 2014

Quebec visual artist Isabelle Hayeur has become known internationally over the past decade for a body of photographic and video work that deals mostly in pseudorealistic landscapes of man-made desolation and devastation, created by the digital photomanipulation of visual evidence of the entropy generated by “development.” Collapsing time and space, cause and effect, visible power and its hidden costs in a single image, she subtly conflates seemingly contradictory aspects of industrial civilization (construction/destruction, spectacle/invisible, power/refuse) in deadpan epics of tragic irony characterized by a disenchanted sublime. Heidegger’s concept of the gigantic helps elucidate this paradox; his definition of modernity as “the conquest of the world as picture” is used here to understand the dark spectacle of its development in terms of the photographic medium itself in a sample of Hayeur’s work since 2008.
A Los Angeles Science Fiction Sublime
Authors: McCullough John
Published: November 2014

This article discusses representations of Los Angeles in science fiction films in the context of the aesthetic tradition of the sublime. The article argues that a Los Angeles science fiction sublime is achieved through representations that feature nature and culture hybrids, elaborate design and special effects (including the destruction of Los Angeles monuments), and detective narratives that provide labyrinthine investigations that challenge our understanding of identity, history, and being. Given that these tendencies have gained prominence only since 1980, the article considers postmodernism as an aesthetic category that can help us understand how Los Angeles spaces are integrated in the neoliberal world system.
The impact of using electronic patient records on practices of reading and writing
Authors: Laitinen Heleena , Kaunonen Marja , Åstedt-Kurki Paivi
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of electronic patient records in daily practice. In four wards of a large hospital district in Finland, N = 43 patients’ care and activities were observed and analysed in terms of the Grounded Theory method. The findings revealed that using electronic patient records created a particular process of writing and reading. Wireless technology enabled simultaneous patient involvement and point-of-care documentation, additionally supporting real-time reading. Remote and retrospective documentation was distant in terms of both space and time. The remoteness caused double documentation, reduced accuracy and less-efficient use of time. ‘Non-reading’ practices were witnessed in retrospective reading, causing delays in patient care and increase in workload. Similarly, if documentation was insufficient or non-existent, the consequences were found to be detrimental to the patients. The use of an electronic patient record system has a significant impact on patient care. Therefore, it is crucial to develop wireless technology and interdisciplinary collaboration in order to improve and support high-quality patient care.
Analysis of the mechanical properties of conveyor belts on the three main stages of production
Authors: Barburski Marcin
Published: November 2014

Conveyors belts are used wherever it is necessary to transport materials quickly and promptly. They are made of fabric-rubber core (carcass) and rubber covers. The carcass may consist of several spacers made of synthetic polyamide–polyester fabrics impregnated with a solution of latex that provides an intermediate layer to prevent delamination of the vulcanized composite. The main goal of this research work is to analyse the mechanical properties of conveyor belts during three main stages of production: raw fabric, fabric impregnated with latex, and conveyor belt. For this purpose, nine fabrics of different weaves with a width of 1 m were produced with polyester warp and polyamide weft threads. The fabrics were coated with latex and then vulcanized. Subsequently, the structural parameters and the mechanical properties of each product were measured at each of the three stages of conveyor belt production. This article presents the effect of fabric structure on the mechanical properties of the products of these three production stages. Results show that differences in the mechanical properties of products at different stages of conveyor belt production depend on number of intersections of yarns in woven fabrics. In addition, significant differences were observed in the mechanical properties depending on the applied weaves.
Can ethical leaders enhance their followers’ creativity?
Authors: Ali Chughtai Aamir
Published: November 2014

This study examined the mediating role of leader–member exchange and psychological empowerment in the relationship between ethical leadership and employee creativity. Survey data were collected from 172 doctors who were working in a large public sector hospital located in Pakistan. Results showed that as hypothesized, leader–member exchange and psychological empowerment fully mediated the effects of ethical leadership on employee creativity. Additionally, it was found that leader–member exchange influenced creativity directly as well as indirectly through the mediating mechanism of psychological empowerment. The theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed.
Creating a Flawed Art of Government: Legal Discourses on Lie Detectors, Brain Scanning, and Narcoanalysis in India
Authors: Lokaneeta Jinee
Published: November 2014

In this article, I analyze the legal discourses surrounding three scientific techniques – lie detectors, brain scans, and narcoanalysis – that are currently being used in criminal investigations in India. I focus on two main themes: First, I analyze the significance of these techniques emerging in a context where custodial torture and deaths occur routinely; Second, I explore the role of the courts in assessing the techniques that were presented as an explicit shift in the mode of state power. I suggest that the legal discourses can be read as indicative both of a liberal state’s desire to modernize as well as its specifically postcolonial nature. I argue that contrary to the contention of the courts that the use of these techniques would replace torture in investigations, the edifice defended by the courts actually reflects a flawed attempt at an art of government.
About Face! Infant Facial Expression of Emotion
Authors: Cole Pamela M. , Moore Ginger A.
Published: November 2014

In honoring Carroll Izard’s contributions to emotion research, we discuss infant facial activity and emotion expression. We consider the debated issue of whether infants are biologically prepared to express specific emotions. We offer a perspective that potentially integrates differing viewpoints on infant facial expression of emotion. Specifically, we suggest that evolution has prepared infants with innate action readiness patterns, which are crucial for early infant–caregiver social interaction, and in the course of social interaction specific facial configurations acquire functional significance, becoming associated with specific emotions. Research has not confirmed the presence of innate neurophysiological action patterns that map onto discrete emotions but evidence indicates that the possibility has not been ruled out.
Chaining and Virtual Organization in a Slow Sociology Project
Authors: Milofsky Carl , Green Brandn
Published: November 2014

This article presents two case studies, linked together as chained projects, as examples of public sociology involving university/community partnerships. Research described here illustrates specific ways that applied sociology and public sociology can be put to work to address community problems. While the projects described here are an important focus, the article argues that they are primarily valuable in showing how a regional resource exchange network can be set up over a period of decades and how the presence of these partnerships creates the possibility for one project to chain into another. We describe this chaining as a resource exchange network and as a “virtual organization.” Virtual organizations are intentionally created, possess internal logic, and contain a set of actors who carry out interdependent roles. Virtual organizations lack formal structure and require a minimum of organizational maintenance. The chaining method and the associated virtual organization help to bring university actors and resources to bear on helping to solve community problems.