bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenges of natural fiber in manufacturing, material selection, and technology application: A review
Authors: Khan Tabrej , Hameed Sultan Mohamed Thariq Bin , Ariffin Ahmad Hamdan
Published: April 2018

In this review, previous studies about the properties and applications of natural fiber composites in the aerospace and automobile fields will be discussed. Natural fiber composites are a better alternate to the existing artificial fiber composites due to their advantages, e.g. lightweight, cheaper and, most importantly, their environmental aspects and biodegradability. Since ancient times, natural fibers have been used for preparing walls, baskets, ropes, clothes, and many more products. More recently, natural fibers such as jute, kenaf, sisal, hemp, and flax have been used in the engineering production field. Natural fiber composites are used increasingly in the aerospace and automotive industries. Nowadays, natural fiber composites and artificial composites are being compared by researchers to find the most appropriate materials for engineering fields. Researchers are also more focused on natural fibers due to their biodegradability and low production cost. Assessments of the materials used in aircraft parts and panel structures have been made to study the potential of using natural fiber composites instead.
Capsular Contracture in Breast Augmentation: Medical Management and Indications for Capsulectomy
Authors: Florin Whitney , Haiavy Jacob
Published: April 2018

This article reviews the literature on the etiology and management of capsular contracture, focusing on indications for capsulectomy along with explantation of breast implants. This article outlines the clinical factors which should be considered when managing capsular contracture. This article offers the most comprehensive review to date of surgical and nonsurgical management of capsular contracture. The goal of treatment is to prevent recurrence of capsular contracture, minimize risk to the patient, and obtain esthetic results. Capsulectomy is indicated in the majority of cases when breast implants are being removed or replaced in the setting of contracture. However, the surgeon must consider the risks and benefits of capsulectomy.
GNAO1 Mutation–Induced Pediatric Dystonic Storm Rescue With Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Honey C. Michael , Malhotra Armaan K. , Tarailo-Graovac Maja , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , Horvath Gabriella , Sulistyanto Adi
Published: April 2018

Dystonic storm or status dystonicus is a life-threatening hyperkinetic movement disorder with biochemical alterations due to the excessive muscle contractions. The medical management can require pediatric intensive care unit admission and a combination of medications while the underlying trigger is managed. Severe cases may require general anesthesia and paralytic agents with intubation and may relapse when these drugs are weaned. Deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidum has been reported to terminate dystonic storm in several pediatric cases. We present a 10-year-old boy with a de novo GNAO1 mutation–induced dystonic storm who required a 2-month pediatric intensive care unit admission and remained refractory to all medical treatments. Deep brain stimulation was performed under general anesthetic without complication. His dyskinetic movements stopped with initiation of stimulation. He was discharged from the pediatric intensive care unit after 4 days. We present prospectively evaluated changes in dystonia symptoms and quality of life for a patient with GNAO1 mutation treated with deep brain stimulation.
Organizational Career Growth and Proactivity: A Typology for Individual Career Development
Authors: Vande Griek Olivia H. , Clauson Muriel G. , Eby Lillian T.
Published: April 2018

The current article integrates research on proactive personality, career theory, and perceived organizational career growth opportunities to propose a typology describing four career scenarios that may occur for individuals based on their level of proactivity (high or low) and perceived organizational career growth (high or low). We present turnover intention and performance as career-related outcomes that characterize these scenarios, ultimately arguing that proactive personality likely moderates the positive effects of organizational career growth opportunities on individual career outcomes, such that the benefits of organizational career growth are likely to be most beneficial for highly proactive individuals. Using an interactionist perspective and social cognitive career theory as foundations, this conceptual article illustrates how the benefit of organizational career growth opportunities for individual career development may depend on the individual characteristics of employees.
Mental Work Demands and Late-Life Cognitive Impairment: Results From the Shanghai Aging Study
Authors: Liang Xiaoniu , Chen Zhao , Dong Xinqi , Zhao Qianhua , Guo Qihao , Zheng Li , Deng Wei , Luo Jianfeng , Ding Ding
Published: April 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the association between mental work demands (MWDs) and late-life cognition among Chinese older adults. Method: Data were drawn from the baseline of the Shanghai Aging Study. Results: Among 3,546 participants, the mean MWDs index of participants with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and cognitive normal were 2.8 ( SD = 0.5), 2.8 ( SD = 0.5), and 2.9 ( SD = 0.4), respectively. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in group with low MWDs level decreased more dramatically by increasing age than that in groups with middle and high MWDs level ( p < .001). In a subgroup of participants with education ≥6 years, we found a positive correlation between MWDs index and MMSE score after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, income, living alone, smoking, drinking, anxiety, depression, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and APOE-ε4 (apolipoprotein), by generalized linear model analysis ( p < .001). Discussion: Our results suggest that long-time mental work stimulation during adulthood would have potential benefits to late-life cognition.
Ethnic Diversity and Generalized Trust: Testing the Contact Hypothesis in Dutch Voluntary Organizations
Authors: Achbari Wahideh , Gesthuizen Maurice , Holm Joshua
Published: April 2018

This study reflects upon differences in generalized trust levels among active participants of voluntary organizations with varying levels of ethnic diversity. Based on the Family Survey of the Dutch Population 2009, we find that (a) average trust levels are highest among participants of ethnically diverse organizations; (b) On average, length of participation is unrelated to trust, and (c) ethnic diversity does not positively moderate this relationship; (d) Level of trust is considerably higher among recent joiners (0-2 years) of highly-diverse organizations (26%+ minority membership), than among recent joiners of (more) homogeneous organizations, strongly implying that those with higher trust select into diverse organizations. However, (e) we see a substantially lower level of trust among members of highly-diverse organizations (26%+ minority) when comparing mid-term duration of participation (3-10 years) with short-term duration of participation (0-2 years) and again a higher level of trust when participation duration is 11 years or more. Trust scores, thus, converge across different diversity levels at longer duration of participation.
A cost-based approach for evaluating the impact of a network of distributed energy systems on the centralized energy supply
Authors: Fichera Alberto , Frasca Mattia , Volpe Rosaria
Published: April 2018

According to the Fifth Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate Change, cities account for the 67% of the global energy demand and are the major contributors in emitting CO2 in the atmosphere. To face this problem, National and European policies pushes towards the insertion of distributed energy systems within urban areas as a valid alternative to the traditional centralized energy supply. In this direction, the installation of distributed energy systems gives raise to consumers with production capabilities, by now called ‘prosumers’. They use the autonomously produced energy to satisfy their own energy requirements and distribute the eventual exceed to neighbours. Yet, the energy exchanges occurring among prosumers permit the modelling of a network where nodes are identified as the prosumers and the energy interactions as links. This paper deals with this issue and proposes a cost-based methodology to model the energy distribution network of prosumers within the urban territories by deepening their impact on the traditional supply. Results are discussed by comparing a theoretical energy distribution network to a real case study.
‘To Cure a Hundred Diseases’: Animal Blood Therapies in Mao’s China
Authors: Chee Liz P. Y.
Published: April 2018

This article discusses the practice in Mao-era China of creating new medical ‘therapies’ based on the blood of fowls (chickens, geese and ducks), which were emblematic of an expanded interest in the use of animal tissue in general. The logic and charisma of these practices stemmed from their hybridity: references culled from classical Chinese texts, suggestions taken from Soviet medicine (particularly tissue therapy), identification with the countryside and their seeming expression of political ideologies. My primary focus is chicken blood therapy, which emerged in the atmosphere of the Great Leap Forward and reached its height of popularity in the Cultural Revolution. While ultimately discredited, similar practices such as goose blood therapy were legitimised in its wake. Such therapies helped originate the still-current claim that modern Chinese drug discoveries could be ‘miracle cures’, and may represent a neglected early chapter in the ongoing craze for animal-based drugs in Chinese medicine.
Palliative Performance Scale Score at 1 Week After Palliative Care Unit Admission is More Useful for Survival Prediction in Patients With Advanced Cancer in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Seok-Joon , Choi Sung-Eun , LeBlanc Thomas W. , Suh Sang-Yeon
Published: April 2018

Background:

The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) is a useful prognostic index in palliative care. Changes in PPS score over time may add useful prognostic information beyond a single measurement.

Objective:

To investigate the usefulness of repeated PPS measurement to predict survival time of inpatients with advanced cancer admitted to a palliative care unit (PCU) in South Korea.

Design:

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting/Patients:

138 patients with advanced cancer admitted to a PCU in a university hospital in South Korea from June 2015 to May 2016.

Measurements:

The PPS score was measured on enrollment and after 1 week. We used Cox regression analyses to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) to demonstrate the relationship between survival time and the groups categorized by PPS and changes in PPS score, after adjusting for clinical variables.

Results:

There were significant differences in survival time among 3 groups stratified by PPS (10-20, 30-50, and ≥60) after 1 week. A group with a PPS of 10 to 20 at 1 week had the highest risk (HR: 5.18 [95% confidence interval, 1.57-17.04]) for shortened survival. On the contrary, there were no significant differences among these groups by initial PPS alone. Similarly, change in PPS was prognostic; median survival was 13 (10.96-15.04) days for those whose PPS decreased after 1 week and 27 (10.18-43.82) days for those with stable or increased PPS ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Measuring PPS over time can be very helpful for predicting survival in terminally ill patients with cancer, beyond a single PPS measure at PCU admission.
Mental Development and Surgical Prognosis of Pai Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Imai Yoshimichi , Kure Shigeo , Nara Chieko , Takagi Naoyuki , Tachi Masahiro
Published: April 2018

Pai syndrome is a rare congenital disorder, and there are few reports about the long-term prognosis of mental development and surgical results. Here, we report a patient with Pai syndrome who was followed up from birth up to the age of 8 years. Additionally, we review 32 articles and discuss the long-term prognosis of Pai syndrome. In our case, an intracranial lipoma grew a little, but neither epilepsy nor intellectual disabilities occurred. However, she showed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, her nasal airway was gradually obstructed by a residual intranasal polyp.
The ICTY Library
Authors: Petrović Vladimir
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this contribution is to shed light on the literary output of persons indicted or sentenced for war crimes in the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Over one hundred books—autobiographies, studies, collections of documents, and even novels and poetry have been generated by no less than 22 persons in the detention unit of the ICTY in The Hague since 1993. Although some of these works did cause an occasional stir, as of yet there is no detailed overview of the entirety of this literary output. In order to fill this gap, this article assembles a full collection of works produced by ICTY inmates and analyzes this genre, the motivations of its authors, and the implications of their work. Examined as sources, these works can be used to study the collapse of the former Yugoslavia, the work of the ICTY, and its perception by the accused. I conclude by examining the corrosive role these works play in the process of coming to terms with the troubled past of the region.
Individuals Accused of International Crimes as Delegitimized Agents of Truth
Authors: Rauschenbach Mina
Published: April 2018

The workings of international criminal trials situate themselves in an era where the concept of truth is heralded as a key aspect in the production of understandings of the past within transitional justice (TJ) settings. Yet, in such contexts where representations of the past are multilayered, trials tend to put to the fore certain narratives as legitimate readings, while excluding many others. This article explores the discourses of 18 individuals accused by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It focuses on their role as generally delegitimized agents of truth and analyzes how they reconstruct their justice experience, focusing particularly on how they make sense of the judicial truths stemming from their case. It reveals how they reconstruct the ICTY as a hegemonic arena which produces judicial truths, which cannot be considered as legitimate and complete accounts of the past and which are at odds with their authoritative perspective of the “truth.” These findings are analyzed against the backdrop of increasing scholarly debates about the legitimacy, which can be attributed to perpetrators’ perspectives given the tendency, within TJ discourses and practices, to position international criminal justice as a universal and authoritative arbitrator of morality in conflict.
Providing Additional “Muscle” for Older Adults Through Optimal Influenza Vaccine Selection
Authors: Dougherty John A. , Chahine Elias B.
Published: April 2018

Immunization is the best strategy to protect individuals from influenza; however, older adults tend to respond less favorably to vaccines because of immunosenescence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that any licensed, recommended, and age-appropriate influenza vaccine may be used in older adults despite reasonable evidence suggesting that the high-dose and, to a lesser extent, the adjuvanted and recombinant influenza vaccines provide better protection than the standard-dose vaccines in this vulnerable population. In this era of precision medicine, clinicians can preferentially recommend these contemporary vaccines to equip their older patients with the best possible protection against influenza.
Measuring Visualized Joint Surface in Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Arthroscopy
Authors: Hull Michael , Campbell John T. , Jeng Clifford L. , Henn R. Frank , Cerrato Rebecca A.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Arthroscopy has been increasingly used to evaluate small joints in the foot and ankle. In the hallux metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, little data exist evaluating the efficacy of arthroscopy to visualize the articular surface. The goal of this cadaveric study was to determine how much articular surface of the MTP joint could be visualized during joint arthroscopy.

Methods:

Ten fresh cadaveric foot specimens were evaluated using standard arthroscopy techniques. The edges of the visualized joint surface were marked with curettes and Kirschner wires; the joints were then surgically exposed and imaged. The visualized surface area was measured using ImageJ® software.

Results:

On the distal 2-dimensional projection of the joint surface, an average 57.5% (range, 49.6%-65.3%) of the metatarsal head and 100% (range, 100%-100%) of the proximal phalanx base were visualized. From a lateral view of the metatarsal head, an average 72 degrees (range, 65-80 degrees) was visualized out of an average total articular arc of 199 degrees (range, 192-206 degrees), for an average 36.5% (range, 32.2%-40.8%) of the articular arc.

Conclusion:

Complete visualization of the proximal phalanx base was obtained. Incomplete metatarsal head visualization was obtained, but this is limited by technique limitations that may not reflect clinical practice.

Clinical Relevance:

This information helps to validate the utility of arthrosocpy at the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint.
Endoscopic Resection of Different Types of Talocalcaneal Coalition
Authors: Aldahshan Wael , Hamed Adel , Elsherief Faisal , Abdelaziz Ashraf Mohamed
Published: April 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to describe the technique of endoscopic resection of talocalcaneal coalition (TCC) by using 2 posterior portals and to report the outcomes of endoscopic resection of different types and sites of TCC.

Methods:

An interventional prospective study was conducted on 20 feet in 18 consecutive patients who were diagnosed by computed tomography to have TCC for which nonoperative treatment had failed and endoscopic resection was performed. The patients were divided into groups according to the site of the coalition (middle facet or posterior facet) and according to type (fibrous, cartilage, or bony). The mean follow-up period was 26 months (range, 6-36).

Results:

The average preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was 57.7 (range, 40-65), and the average preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.8 (range, 6-8). The average postoperative AOFAS hindfoot score was 92.4 (range, 85-98; P < .01). The average postoperative VAS score was 2.4 (range, 1-4). All patients showed no recurrence on postoperative lateral and Harris-Beath X-ray until the end of the study.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic resection of TCC was an effective and useful method for the treatment of talocalcaneal coalition. It provided excellent outcomes with no recurrence in this short-term study. Resection of the fibrous type had a better outcome than resection of cartilage and bony types. Endoscopic resection of the posterior coalition had a better outcome than resection of the middle coalition.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
A 24-month advanced magnetic resonance imaging study of multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab
Authors: Vavasour Irene M , Tam Roger , Li David KB , Laule Cornelia , Taylor Carolyn , Kolind Shannon H , MacKay Alex L , Javed Adil , Traboulsee Anthony
Published: April 2018

Background:

Tissue damage in both multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) are important contributors to disability and progression. Specific aspects of MS pathology can be measured using advanced imaging. Alemtuzumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody targeting CD52 developed for MS treatment.

Objective:

To investigate changes over 2 years of advanced magnetic resonance (MR) metrics in lesions and NAWM of MS patients treated with alemtuzumab.

Methods:

A total of 42 relapsing–remitting alemtuzumab-treated MS subjects were scanned for 2 years at 3 T. T1 relaxation, T2 relaxation, diffusion tensor, MR spectroscopy and volumetric sequences were performed. Mean T1 and myelin water fraction (MWF) were determined for stable lesions, new lesions and NAWM. Fractional anisotropy was calculated for the corpus callosum (CC) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration was determined from a large NAWM voxel. Brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), cortical thickness and CC area were also calculated.

Results:

No change in any MR measurement was found in lesions or NAWM over 24 months. BPF, cortical thickness and CC area all showed decreases in the first year followed by stability in the second year.

Conclusion:

Advanced MR biomarkers of myelin (MWF) and neuron/axons (NAA) show no change in NAWM over 24 months in alemtuzumab-treated MS participants.
Introduction: Contemporary Counter-Movements in the Age of Brexit and Trump
Authors: Roth Silke
Published: April 2018

Brexit and the election of President Trump in the United States are the result of the rise of far-right populist movements which can be observed in Europe, North America, and other regions of the world. Whereas populism itself is one response to neoliberalism, globalization, and austerity measures, the election of Trump, in particular, has caused a new wave of protest. To a far lesser extent, on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the European Union in March 2017, people in the UK and many European countries participated in a March for Europe. These demonstrations represent counter-movements to the growing presence of right-wing, anti-immigrant, racist, nationalist, sexist, homophobic, anti-semitic and anti-Muslim movements throughout Europe and the United States. This rapid response issue surveys right-wing populist and left-liberal counter-movements which represent different responses to neoliberalism, globalization, austerity, and to each other. Social movements reflect and contribute to social change and need to be understood from an intersectional perspective. Networked media play an important role for both populist movements from the right and progressive counter-movements.
Are injuries only skin deep? The quandary of the ‘Found Down’ patient
Authors: Smith Michael , Pavalonis Albert , Long Zachary , Amberger Melissa , Onursal Elif , Kollipara Karishma , Esposito Christopher , Vanderet Danielle , McLean Ronald
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The ‘found down’ patient presents a unique circumstance for the clinician in that the patients are often unable to provide history of the events preceding their presentation to the emergency department. Studies on this population are limited.

Methods

The trauma and emergency department registries from January 2013 through December 2014 at an urban level one trauma center were queried for patients described as ‘found down’ and related descriptions. Basic demographic data included patient disposition, Glasgow coma score and injury severity score (ISS), patient requiring intubation, imaging performed, and injuries sustained. Patients were stratified into those managed by the trauma service versus the emergency department.

Results

A total of 298 patients met criteria to be included in this study, nine of whom died; the average age was 50 years old and 9% of this population was found to have an intracranial hematoma. The subset of patients who had a rapid return to Glasgow coma score 15 had a 6% incidence of having an intracranial hematoma. Four cervical fractures were identified. There was only one intra-abdominal injury.

Conclusion

Computerized tomography scans of the brain and cervical spine should be performed for all patients who are found down. Intra-abdominal injuries are exceedingly rare and selective use of computerized tomography should be made. Superficial injury does not indicate more significant injury in this population; however, lack of superficial injury does not preclude more significant injuries.
Improved rigidity of composite circular plates through radial ribs
Authors: Itu Calin , Öchsner Andreas , Vlase Sorin , Marin Marin I
Published: April 2018

Engineering practice imposes an increased rigidity of mechanical elements that are parts of machinery or equipment used in practice. Circular plates are such elements, especially used in many common applications, which is why the increase in mechanical properties of circular plates in engineering is connected with the weight optimization problem. The paper makes a study of such a composite plate, proposes and validates a constructive solution capable of increasing the stiffness of this piece. The finite element method is used for the composite panel analysis, and experimental measurements allow us to take information concerning of the magnitude of this rigidity.
The everyday world of bouncers: a rehabilitated role for covert ethnography
Authors: Calvey David
Published: April 2018

The focus of this article is on the everyday world of bouncers in the night-time economy of Manchester, England. The structure of the article is to contextualise my covert passing in this demonized subculture followed by explorations of the everyday world of bouncers through the related concepts of door order and the bouncer self. A part of the article is an examination of the management of situated ‘ethical moments’ during the fieldwork and, more generally, critical reflections on emotionality, embodiment and risk-taking in ethnography. I also reflect on the retrospective and longitudinal nature of my fieldwork immersion, and both the data management challenges and possibilities this brings. Covert ethnography can be a creative part of the ethnographer’s tool kit and can provide an alternative perspective on subcultures, settings and organisations. By overly frowning upon the apparent ethical transgressions of covert research, we can stifle and censor the sociological imagination rather than enhance it. My call is for a rehabilitation of covert research.
Opening communicative space: what do co-researchers contribute?
Authors: Tanner Denise
Published: April 2018

Current participatory research literature describes different approaches to involving service users in research, draws out lessons to be learned from the process and begins to address the difficult question of the impact of service user involvement on the research outcomes. However, very limited attention has been given to analysing in detail ‘what goes on’ in interviews carried out by service users or considering what difference their interactions make to the interview content and process. This article draws on principles of conversation analysis (CA) and member categorisation analysis (MCA) to examine how co-researchers and participants practically accomplish research interviews. Using Habermas’s distinction between communicative and strategic action as a framework, the article addresses the questions of whether and how co-researchers open communicative space in semi-structured interviews. Two dimensions are highlighted in the analysis: co-researchers’ interviewing skills and their ability to forge connections with participants. It is concluded that both components are necessary to open communicative space and generate co-produced knowledge. This detailed empirically-grounded analysis of co-researcher/participant interactions is both innovative and significant in enhancing understanding of co-researcher contributions to participatory research.
Centering embodiment in disability research through performance ethnography
Authors: Chaudhry Vandana
Published: April 2018

In this article, I bring disability studies and critical qualitative pedagogies to bear upon methodological concerns of social work to think through questions of disability embodiment, positionality, representation and political engagement in doing disability research. Combining methodological tools of performance ethnography with critical disability praxis, I present an example of what I term critical disability performance ethnography, a research methodology that has much potential for social work—particularly with respect to its emphasis on achieving social justice. I illuminate the transformative potential of shared disability embodiment in the process of knowledge production through my experiences as a disabled researcher doing disability research, while also drawing attention to the broader issues concerning disability and neoliberal development in the global south.
Holding the Baby: Using the Leiden Infant Simulator Sensitivity Assessment to Examine Attachment Theory’s Sensitivity Hypothesis
Authors: Julal Fay S.
Published: April 2018

Some students taking infant development classes have limited, direct experience of interacting with infants. This paper reports on a pilot of an innovative, research-informed workshop that provides hands-on experience through the use of infant simulators. The workshop adapted the Leiden Infant Sensitivity Simulator Assessment, which uses the RealCare Baby © infant simulator, to examine attachment theory’s sensitivity hypothesis. Students’ ratings indicated that an infant simulator activity was helpful in understanding the research and encouraged critical thinking about the research, hypothesis, and attachment theory in general. Moreover, the infant simulator activity was as helpful as a multiple-choice question activity for promoting understanding of the research. The workshop encouraged higher level thinking about the research, hypothesis, and theory in general, and there was no difference in the extent to which the infant simulator activity and a plan-a-study activity encouraged critical thinking. The findings of this pilot suggest that infant simulators can be successfully embedded into and serve as an effective tool for teaching about theoretical concepts surrounding infant–caregiver interaction.
Quick, Easy Mindset Intervention Can Boost Academic Achievement in Large Introductory Psychology Classes
Authors: Bostwick Keiko C. P. , Becker-Blease Kathryn A.
Published: April 2018

Having a growth mindset has been shown to predict better academic performance in a variety of educational settings. Efforts to instill a growth mindset through educational interventions have demonstrated positive effects on academic success. However, many of the interventions previously tested are relatively time intensive and costly for some instructors at large research-intensive institutions. In this study, we find that a quick and easy mindset intervention can produce some gains in academic performance. This intervention involved no class time, little prep-work, and was easily disseminated to a 300-student Introductory Psychology lecture. Participants ( N = 278) were randomly assigned to receive a growth mindset, fixed mindset, or control letter from their instructor after their first midterm exam. Nine weeks post-intervention, participants were given a manipulation check to see who read and remembered their letter’s message. Of participants who passed the manipulation check ( N = 86), those in the growth mindset condition outperform their fixed mindset counterparts by as much as 9%.
Transformative Learning for Knowledge: From Meaning Perspectives to Threshold Concepts
Authors: Hodge Steven
Published: April 2018

Mainstream transformative learning emphasizes personally significant learning and liberation from limited ways of being in the world. Reflecting humanistic and emancipatory philosophical commitments, this emphasis can make it difficult to appreciate the transformative potential of learning for and by knowledge, a type of transformation adults can experience in the process of learning occupations and disciplines. The analysis presented in this article is prompted by a small, qualitative study of transformative learning that highlights the role occupational knowledge can play in triggering and bestowing meaning upon personal change. While mainstream transformation theory illuminates aspects of this learning, the alternative theory of “threshold concepts” accounts for the part played by formal knowledge. It is argued that transformation theory can be enhanced by threshold concepts theory when it is shown that the transformative potential of formal knowledge can be viewed as consistent with humanist and emancipatory principles.
Correlation Between Radiological Parameters and Functional Outcomes in Patients Older Than 60 Years of Age With Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Gutiérrez-Monclus Rodrigo , Gutiérrez-Espinoza Héctor , Zavala-González Jonathan , Olguín-Huerta Cristian , Rubio-Oyarzún David , Araya-Quintanilla Felipe
Published: April 2018

Background: The relationship between radiographic and functional outcomes is controversial in the elderly. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between functional outcome and acceptable distal radius fracture (DRF) alignment in patients older than 60 years of age. Methods: This correlation study was carried out at the Central Metropolitan Health Service of Chile. A total of 180 patients diagnosed with extra-articular DRF, according to the AO classification, were prospectively recruited. Radiological parameters, including radial inclination, residual dorsal angulation, ulnar variance, and articular step-off, were evaluated to assess the results of orthopedic reduction. Functional outcome was assessed immediately following cast removal and again at the 6-month follow-up. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires were administered to assess upper extremity function, and the visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity. Results: Only 68 patients (37.8%) showed acceptable DRF alignment. After cast removal, the correlations between alignment and the functional outcome measures were as follows: DASH 0.071 ( P = .546), PRWE 0.03 ( P = .823), and VAS 0.12 ( P = .631). At the 6-month follow-up, the correlations between alignment and the functional outcome measures were as follows: DASH 0.029 ( P = .768), PRWE 0.014 ( P = .895), and VAS 0.09 ( P = .614). Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between acceptable alignment according to radiological parameters and short- or medium-term functional outcome in patients older than 60 years with extra-articular DRF treated conservatively.
The Black Cloud Phenomenon in Hand Surgery
Authors: Zhao Emily , Tiedeken Nathan , Wang William , Fowler John
Published: April 2018

Background: The term black cloud for a surgeon is generally used to describe someone who is unusually busy compared with his or her counterparts, and it is a superstition that tends to pervade the medical world. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether black clouds exist in hand surgery. Methods: We examined one academic year’s worth of hand surgery–specific call at a level I trauma center and tabulated the number of hand-related patient transfers and add-on cases per surgeon. Each surgeon was given a black cloud rating by the fellows who were in training that year. Correlations were made between the black cloud rating and the surgeons’ call volume. Results: There were 12 surgeons who shared 365 days of hand call, and 5 of them are hand surgery fellowship trained. Those 5 surgeons tended to be busier on their call days, with more cases added on overnight and the next day, and also had worse black cloud ratings than the 7 non–hand fellowship trained surgeons. Conclusions: In regard to hand surgery, while true emergencies occur and require emergent intervention, how busy hand surgeons may be during call may be influenced by a variety of factors not related to their patients’ problems but rather their daily schedules, their hospitals’ ability to facilitate add-on cases, and their rapport with their fellow surgeons to share case loads.
A Comparison of Image Quality and Radiation Exposure Between the Mini C-Arm and the Standard C-Arm
Authors: van Rappard Juliaan R. M. , Hummel Willy A. , de Jong Tijmen , Mouës Chantal M.
Published: April 2018

Background: The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy has become mandatory in osseous hand surgery. Due to its overall practicality, the mini C-arm has gained popularity among hand surgeons over the standard C-arm. This study compares image quality and radiation exposure for patient and staff between the mini C-arm and the standard C-arm, both with flat panel technology. Methods: An observer-based subjective image quality study was performed using a contrast detail (CD) phantom. Five independent observers were asked to determine the smallest circles discernable to them. The results were plotted in a graph, forming a CD curve. From each curve, an image quality figure (IQF) was derived. A lower IQF equates to a better image quality. The patients’ entrance skin dose was measured, and to obtain more information about the staff exposure dose, a perspex hand phantom was used. The scatter radiation was measured at various distances and angles relative to a central point on the detector. Results: The IQF was significantly lower for the mini C-arm resulting in a better image quality. The patients’ entrance dose was 10 times higher for the mini C-arm as compared with the standard C-arm, and the scatter radiation threefold. Conclusions: Due to its improved image quality and overall practicality, the mini C-arm is recommended for hand surgical procedures. To ensure that the surgeons’ radiation exposure is not exceeding the safety limits, monitoring radiation exposure using mini C-arms with flat panel technology during surgery should be done in a future clinical study.
An investigation of PIK3CA mutations in isolated macrodactyly
Authors: Wu Jingheng , Tian Wei , Tian Guanglei , Sumner Kelli , Hutchinson Douglas T. , Ji Yuan
Published: April 2018

Somatic PIK3CA mutations may relate to pathogenesis of isolated macrodactyly. We set up to test the association between PIK3CA mutations with isolated macrodactyly in order to establish a more accurate and molecular mechanism-based diagnosis and classification. DNA extracted from affected tissues in 12 individuals with isolated macrodactyly was tested for PIK3CA mutation using targeted Sanger DNA sequencing. Ten patients had macrodactyly in the foot and two in the hand. Nine of the 12 patients were found to carry a low-level, mosaic PIK3CA mutation. The mutations identified, p.His1047Arg, p.His1047Leu, p.Glu545Lys, and p.Glu542Lys, are codons frequently mutated in cancers. Among all tissues tested, adipose had the highest mutation detection rate, followed by nerve and skin. Our results indicate that a high proportion of isolated macrodactyly patients carry a pathogenic PIK3CA mutation. Affected adipose, nerve and skin tissues are ideal for PIK3CA mutation analysis.
Photogrammetry: An accurate and cost-effective three-dimensional ice hockey helmet fit acquisition method
Authors: Greencorn David J , Aponte Daniel I , Pearsall David J
Published: April 2018

Ice hockey helmets must pass standardized impact tests to be certified for sale. However, these tests are performed with the helmet attached to a surrogate headform. Human head shapes are not uniform, and very few standards exist for helmet fitting for the common user. The goal of this study was to develop an accurate and cost-effective three-dimensional acquisition protocol to assess the geometric fit of human subject heads to a variety of ice hockey helmets. The study had three main objectives: First, a photogrammetry-based three-dimensional acquisition system was developed. Second, the researchers populated a database of both male human heads and ice hockey helmets by scanning five different helmet models from various manufacturers. Finally, the system accuracy and error were calculated using root mean squared errors between the dimensional difference curves of repeated scans. Errors were calculated by repeating the entire protocol error with 20 comparisons (root mean squared error = 2.83 mm), the alignment error with 5 comparisons (root mean squared error = 1.14 mm), and scaling error with 4 comparisons (root mean squared error = 1.84 mm). Suggestions are provided in the section “Discussion” on how to create a system that is more time efficient with higher resolution renders and lower error. A method that quantifies three-dimensional fit is the first step toward studying the relationship between helmet fit and user-specific helmet protection.
Development and 10-year history of a biosimilar: the example of Binocrit®
Authors: Aapro Matti , Krendyukov Andriy , Höbel Nadja , Seidl Andreas , Gascón Pere
Published: April 2018

Patent expirations for several biological products have prompted the development of alternative versions, termed ‘biosimilars’, which have comparable quality, safety and efficacy to a licensed biological medicine (also referred to as the ‘reference’ medicine). The first biosimilars developed in oncology were the supportive-care agents filgrastim and epoetin. Binocrit® (HX575) is a biosimilar version of epoetin alfa, indicated in the oncology setting for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA). The process for development and approval of Binocrit® as a biosimilar included extensive analytical characterization and comparison with the reference epoetin alfa. This was followed by a clinical development program comprising phase I pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies to show bioequivalence to the reference medicine and a confirmatory phase III study to confirm therapeutic effectiveness in CIA. Since its approval, Binocrit® has been extensively used and studied in real-world clinical practice. The accumulated data confirm that Binocrit® is an effective and well-tolerated option for the treatment of CIA in patients with cancer.
Comparison of day 3 and day 5 thyroglobulin results after thyrogen injection in differentiated thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Sager Sait , Hatipoglu Esra , Gunes Burcak , Asa Sertac , Uslu Lebriz , Sönmezoğlu Kerim
Published: April 2018

Background:

It is necessary to stimulate serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels either endogenously by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) or exogenously by administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen) has many advantages over THW. Radiation dose to laboratory staff while drawing blood for tests on the day 5 is one of the disadvantages of preferring Thyrogen. Our aim was to compare day 3 and day 5 blood test results after Thyrogen injections.

Material and method:

In our study, Thyrogen was preferred in 32 differentiated thyroid cancer patients with a mean age of 50.5 ± 12.3 years. Thyrogen was injected on day 1 and day 2 intramuscularly in all patients before I-131 was given on day 3. A total of 22 patients received 5 mCi RAI for ablation control scintigraphy and 10 patients received 100–250 mCi RAI for ablation or therapy (high-dose group). Blood tests were performed on day 3 and day 5 after Thyrogen injections.

Results:

Mean TSH level was 98.1 mg/dl for day 3 and 29.5 mg/dl for day 5. In the diagnostic group, thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg levels were nearly the same on day 3 and day 5. In the therapy group, day 5 Tg levels were higher than day 3.

Conclusion:

After Thyrogen injection of two consecutive days, blood sampling might be enough on day 3. Day 5 blood sampling may not be necessary routinely for radiation protection of laboratory staff. For the diagnostic group, if Tg and anti-Tg is normal then 5 mCi imaging may not be necessary.
App features that fulfill parents’ needs in apps for children
Authors: Broekman Francette L. , Piotrowski Jessica Taylor , Beentjes Hans W. J. , Valkenburg Patti M.
Published: April 2018

When parents select apps for young children (3–7), they have particular needs. However, it is unclear how these needs might be fulfilled. Uses and gratifications theory predicts that specific features of apps can fulfill needs, but empirical evidence regarding the types of features that fulfill these needs is nonexistent. To address this gap, a multimethodological design was used. Qualitative interviews ( n = 20) revealed 23 features in children’s apps that parents believe are important. A subsequent survey ( n = 591) showed that parents want apps with (a) clear design; (b) tailorable, controllable, educational content; (c) challenges and rewards; and (d) technological innovation. Consistent with theory, analyses revealed that parents’ needs relate to these app features, but child’s age and gender play a key role in this relationship.
Diabetes mellitus remission in a cat with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism after trilostane treatment
Authors: Muschner Adriana Cunha , Varela Fernanda Venzon , Hazuchova Katarina , Niessen Stijn JM , Pöppl Álan Gomes
Published: April 2018

Case summary

An 8-year-old male neutered Persian cat was presented with polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and muscle weakness associated with a 7 month history of diabetes mellitus (DM). The cat had initially been treated with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin 2 U q12h, followed by porcine lente insulin 2 U q12h and, most recently, 3 U glargine insulin q12h, without improvement of clinical signs. The cat also suffered from concurrent symmetrical bilateral alopecia of thorax and forelimbs, abdominal distension and lethargy. Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), specifically pituitary-dependent HAC, was suspected and confirmed through abdominal ultrasonography demonstrating bilateral adrenal enlargement, and a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test using 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone intravenously. Trilostane treatment (initially 10 mg/cat PO q24h then increased to 10 mg/cat PO q12h) was started and insulin sensitivity gradually improved, ultimately leading to diabetic remission after an increased in trilostane dose to 13mg/cat PO q12h, 14 months after the DM diagnosis and 7 months after the initiation of trilostane therapy.

Relevance and novel information

DM in cats with HAC is a difficult combination of diseases to treat. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of diabetic remission in a feline patient with HAC as a result of treatment with trilostane. Further work should focus on whether fine-tuning of trilostane-treatment protocols in cats with concurrent DM and HAC could lead to a higher proportion of diabetic remissions in this patient group.
Acknowledging Challenges and Embracing Innovative Instructional Practices in Response to Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Authors: Wood Carla , Wofford Mary Claire , Hassinger Abby
Published: April 2018

Aims of the current study were to explore teachers’ background, beliefs, attitudes, and sense of self-efficacy, as well as instructional supports and innovative practices in response to cultural and linguistic diversity in classrooms serving Spanish-English speaking children of migrant workers. A total of 22 teachers participated in semi-structured interviews regarding linguistic diversity in the classroom. Their responses were transcribed and qualitative analysis procedures were utilized to deconstruct units. Individual units were then clustered by similarities and differences into themes and subcategories of themes. Teacher responses to the interview questions produced themes: awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity, issues and challenges, and innovative instructional supports and practices. Participating teachers commented on general supports designed to assist communication between English Learners (EL) and the teacher or peers, facilitate communication with parents of ELs, and embrace and promote responsiveness to cultural linguistic diversity (CLD) in the classroom. Teachers identified specific supports to intensify instruction, including (a) employing multiple modalities, (b) increasing experience and exposure, and (c) providing individualized support. Additional resources and support are warranted to identify and disseminate effective practices to provide intensified instruction and support to ELs.