bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition and Killing of Autologous, Primary Glioblastoma Tumor Cells by Human Cytomegalovirus pp65-Specific Cytotoxic T Cells
Authors: Nair Smita K. , De Leon Gabriel , Boczkowski David , Schmittling Robert , Xie Weihua , Staats Janet , Liu Rebecca , Johnson Laura A. , Weinhold Kent , Archer Gary E. , Sampson John H. , Mitchell Duane A.
Published: March 2014

Purpose: Despite aggressive conventional therapy, glioblastoma (GBM) remains uniformly lethal. Immunotherapy, in which the immune system is harnessed to specifically attack malignant cells, offers a treatment option with less toxicity. The expression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens in GBM presents a unique opportunity to target these viral proteins for tumor immunotherapy. Although the presence of CMV within malignant gliomas has been confirmed by several laboratories, its relevance as an immunologic target in GBM has yet to be established. The objective of this study was to explore whether T cells stimulated by CMV pp65 RNA-transfected dendritic cells (DC) target and eliminate autologous GBM tumor cells in an antigen-specific manner.

Experimental Design: T cells from patients with GBM were stimulated with autologous DCs pulsed with CMV pp65 RNA, and the function of the effector CMV pp65-specific T cells was measured.

Results: In this study, we demonstrate the ability to elicit CMV pp65-specific immune responses in vitro using RNA-pulsed autologous DCs generated from patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Importantly, CMV pp65-specific T cells lyse autologous, primary GBM tumor cells in an antigen-specific manner. Moreover, T cells expanded in vitro using DCs pulsed with total tumor RNA demonstrated a 10- to 20-fold expansion of CMV pp65-specific T cells as assessed by tetramer analysis and recognition and killing of CMV pp65-expressing target cells.

Conclusion: These data collectively demonstrate that CMV-specific T cells can effectively target glioblastoma tumor cells for immunologic killing and support the rationale for the development of CMV-directed immunotherapy in patients with GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 20(10); 2684–94. ©2014 AACR.
Risk Factors and Timing of Native Kidney Biopsy Complications
Authors: Simard-Meilleur Marie-Christine , Troyanov Stéphan , Roy Louise , Dalaire Etienne , Brachemi Soumeya
Published: March 2014

Background: The appropriate observation period, rate and risk factors of complications after a percutaneous renal biopsy remain debated. Methods: We retrospectively studied native kidney biopsies performed in our institution between January 2007 and July 2011. Outpatients had either an 8- (67%) or a 24-hour (33%) observation period. Results: 312 biopsies were reviewed (287 patients), 51% of patients were female and the mean age was 54 ± 15 years. Half of these biopsies were performed in outpatients. A total of 15% of patients developed a symptomatic hematoma, 9% received a red blood cell transfusion and 1% required an angio-intervention. Eighty-four percent of the complications manifested within the first 8 h, 86% at 12 h and 94% at 24 h. Outpatients experienced significantly less complications, all manifesting within the first 8 h, 14% required an observation period longer than planned. The risk of symptomatic hematoma increased to 11, 20, 35 and 40% in patients with >200, 140-200, 100-140 and <100 × 109/l platelets, respectively (p = 0.002). It also increased in hemodialysis patients (29% compared to 14%, p = 0.02). We found no association of risk with the number of biopsy passes and only a trend with needle size. Conclusion: Symptomatic hematomas occurred in 15% of kidney biopsies and were strongly associated with platelet count and hemodialysis. Outpatients experienced fewer complications; therefore, we can conclude that same-day discharge in selected patients is safe.
CD4
+
T Cells Promote the Transition From Hypertrophy to Heart Failure During Chronic Pressure Overload
Authors: Laroumanie Fanny , Douin-Echinard Victorine , Pozzo Joffrey , Lairez Olivier , Tortosa Florence , Vinel Claire , Delage Christine , Calise Denis , Dutaur Marianne , Parini Angelo , Pizzinat Nathalie
Published: March 2014

Background—

The mechanisms by which the heart adapts to chronic pressure overload, producing compensated hypertrophy and eventually heart failure (HF), are still not well defined. We aimed to investigate the involvement of T cells in the progression to HF using a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model.

Methods and Results—

Chronic HF was associated with accumulation of T lymphocytes and activated/effector CD4
+
T cells within cardiac tissue. After TAC, enlarged heart mediastinal draining lymph nodes showed a high density of both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T-cell subsets. To investigate the role of T cells in HF, TAC was performed on mice deficient for recombination activating gene 2 expression (RAG2KO) lacking B and T lymphocytes. Compared with wild-type TAC mice, RAG2KO mice did not develop cardiac dilation and showed improved contractile function and blunted adverse remodeling. Reconstitution of the T-cell compartment into RAG2KO mice before TAC enhanced contractile dysfunction, fibrosis, collagen accumulation, and cross-linking. To determine the involvement of a specific T-cell subset, we performed TAC on mice lacking CD4
+
(MHCIIKO) and CD8
+
T-cell subsets (CD8KO). In contrast to CD8KO mice, MHCIIKO mice did not develop ventricular dilation and dysfunction. MHCIIKO mice also displayed very low fibrosis, collagen accumulation, and cross-linking within cardiac tissue. Interestingly, mice with transgenic CD4
+
T-cell receptor specific for ovalbumin failed to develop HF and adverse remodeling.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate for the first time a crucial role of CD4
+
T cells and specific antigen recognition in the progression from compensated cardiac hypertrophy to HF.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from International Shipping: The Response from China’s Shipping Industry to the Regulatory Initiatives of the International Maritime Organization
Authors: Shi Yubing
Published: March 2014

Abstract

The International Maritime Organization (imo) received its mandate to regulate shipping greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions from the Kyoto Protocol. However, the imo Convention and the un Convention on the Law of the Sea also provide it with competence in this area. In exercising its mandate, the imo has developed regulatory initiatives. China’s shipping industry is playing a growing role in the international shipping market, and its response to these initiatives will have a substantial effect on the future application of these regulations. This article analyses the ghg mandate of the imo, examines the main outcomes achieved within the organization on this issue, and assesses the response from China’s shipping industry to this issue. It concludes that the interests of the shipping industries from developing countries will need to be taken into account in the development of regulatory efforts if a consensus is to be achieved in the global reduction of ghg emissions from ships.
Water Governance in the Aftermath of Rio+20
Authors: Sindico Francesco
Published: March 2014

Abstract

This article focuses on water governance in the aftermath of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (uncsd or Rio+20). Water governance is defined here as a process in which law has a transformational role by allowing policy goals to become tangible and enforceable rights and obligations. Against this conceptual background global water governance appears to be still fragmented and incoherent. More coordination efforts and further harmonisation is needed, but more importantly global institutions are required to allow international law to operate effectively. It is within this context that the uncsd can be seen as an international agenda setting process and three key water related topics appear to be on such agenda: water and sanitation; water and ecosystem services and water and climate change. The article concludes with a call in favour of considering water not just as a public good, but mainly as a driver for sustainable development.
Learning Complex Features: A Morphological Account of L2 Learnability
Authors: Schepens Job , van der Slik Frans , van Hout Roeland
Published: March 2014

Certain first languages (L1) seem to impede the acquisition of a specific L2 more than other L1s do. This study investigates to what extent different L1s have an impact on the proficiency levels attained in L2 Dutch (Dutch L2 learnability). Our hypothesis is that the varying effects across the L1s are explainable by morphological similarity patterns between the L1s and L2 Dutch. Correlational analyses on typologically defined morphological differences between 49 L1s and L2 Dutch show that L2 learnability co-varies systematically with similarities in morphological features. We investigate a set of 28 morphological features, looking both at individual features and the total set of features. We then divide the differences in features into a class of increasing and a class of decreasing morphological complexity. It turns out that observed Dutch L2 proficiency correlates more strongly with features based on increasing morphological complexity (r = -.67, p < .0001) than with features based on decreasing morphological complexity (r = -.45, p < .005). Degree of similarity matters (r = -.77, p < .0001), but increasing complexity seems to be the decisive property in establishing L2 learnability. Our findings may offer a better understanding of L2 learnability and of the different proficiency levels of L2 speakers. L2 learnability and L2 proficiency co-vary in terms of the morphological make-up of the mother tongue and the second language to be learned.
Phylogenetic Inference from Word Lists Using Weighted Alignment with Empirically Determined Weights
Authors: Jäger Gerhard
Published: March 2014

The paper investigates the task of inferring a phylogenetic tree of languages from the collection of word lists made available by the Automated Similarity Judgment Project. This task involves three steps: (1) computing pairwise word distances, (2) aggregating word distances to a distance measure between languages and inferring a phylogenetic tree from these distances, and (3) evaluating the result by comparing it to expert classifications. For the first task, weighted alignment will be used, and a method to determine weights empirically will be presented. For the second task, a novel method will be developed that attempts to minimize the bias resulting from missing data. For the third task, several methods from the literature will be applied to a large collection of language samples to enable statistical testing. It will be shown that the language distance measure proposed here leads to substantially more accurate phylogenies than a method relying on unweighted Levenshtein distances between words.
Combining Regular Sound Correspondences and Geographic Spread
Authors: Prokić Jelena , Cysouw Michael
Published: March 2014

In this paper we combine the geographic variation of closely related language variants (‘dialects’) with the distribution of sound correspondences through the lexicon. One of the central problems with sound correspondences at the dialect level is that they are not very regular, especially when they are investigated in sufficient detail. Sound changes spread both through a language (e.g., from one word to another) and through the population of speakers (in our case through a population of villages with different dialects). Both processes happen at the same time, and the challenge is to reconstruct what has happened from a snapshot of synchronic data. The method described in this paper allows us to track the geographic spread of sound changes and the underlying patterns of linguistic diversity simultaneously. By combining the two, it is possible to detect areas of intensive linguistic contact and gain better insight into the mechanisms of language change.
Towards a monophyletic classification of Lejeuneaceae II: subtribes Pycnolejeuneinae and Xylolejeuneinae subtr. nov., transfer of Otolejeunea to Lepidolejeuninae, and generic refinements
Authors: HEINRICHS JOCHEN , DONG SHANSHAN , SCHÄFER-VERWIMP ALFONS , PERALTA DENILSON F. , FELDBERG KATHRIN , SCHMIDT ALEXANDER R. , SCHNEIDER HARALD
Published: March 2014

Lejeuneaceae are the most species rich family of leafy liverworts and arguably the most difficult group in terms of generic delimitation. Although much progress has been made in recent years, the generic classification of Lejeuneaceae has not yet been satisfactorily solved. Here, we present phylogenetic analyses of a three marker dataset (nrITS, cp DNA rbcL and trnL-trnF) derived from 113 accessions of Lejeuneeae and 13 outgroup species. Based on maximum parsimony analyses and Bayesian inference of phylogeny, we propose the new subtribes Pycnolejeuneinae and Xylolejeuneinae, reinstate the genera Cystolejeunea and Cyrtolejeunea, and transfer Otolejeunea from Cyclolejeuneinae to Lepidolejeuneinae.
New species of Phallus from a subtropical forest in Xishuangbanna, China
Authors: LI HUILI , MORTIMER ETER E. , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , XU JIANCHU , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: March 2014

Seven collections of Phallus species were made in surveys of a subtropical forest in Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, China, during the wet season of 2012. Macro and micro characters, together with nrITS sequence data, were used to separate the collections into three species. Phallus mengsongensis and P. serrata are introduced as species new to science, while a further Phallus species is described, but not formally introduced, due to paucity of material. Macro and micro descriptions, colour photographs, line drawings and nrITS phylogenetic data for all three species are provided, which are discussed in relation to similar species in these genera.
Obesity and Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Stokić Edita , Kupusinac Aleksandar , Tomić-Naglić Dragana , Zavišić Branka Kovačev , Mitrović Milena , Smiljenić Dragana , Soskić Sanja , Isenović Esma
Published: March 2014

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (eg, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia). We studied 50 obese patients (body mass index [BMI]: 43.5 ± 9.2 kg/m2) and 36 normal weight participants (BMI: 22.6 ± 1.9 kg/m2). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) was 88% among obese patients and 31% among nonobese individuals; 25(OH)D levels were lower in the obese group (27.3 ± 13.7 vs 64.6 ± 21.3 nmol/L; P < .001). There was a negative correlation between vitamin D level and anthropometric indicators of obesity: BMI ( r = −0.64; P < .001), waist circumference ( r = −0.59; P < .001), and body fat percentage ( r = −0.64; P < .001) as well as with fasting plasma insulin ( r = −0.35; P < .001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( r = −0.35; P < .001). In conclusion, we observed a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among obese participants and this was associated with a proatherogenic cardiometabolic risk profile.
Associations between beliefs about the causes of mental disorders and stigmatising attitudes: Results of a national survey of the Australian public
Authors: Reavley Nicola J , Jorm Anthony F
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To examine the associations between beliefs about the causes of depression, schizophrenia, social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stigmatising attitudes towards people with these disorders.

Methods:

In 2011, telephone interviews were carried out with 6019 Australians aged 15 or over. Participants were presented with a case vignette describing either depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, early schizophrenia, chronic schizophrenia, social phobia or PTSD. Participants were asked about their beliefs about the causes of these disorders and about their personally held stigmatising attitudes, stigmatising attitudes perceived in others and the desire for social distance from the person described in the vignette.

Results:

Belief in a weak or nervous personality as the cause of mental disorders was most consistently associated with personal stigma, perceived stigma and desire for social distance across vignettes. Belief in biogenetic causes was associated with a decreased belief in mental disorders as due to weakness rather than sickness, but was not linked to either a decreased or increased belief in dangerousness and unpredictability or desire for social distance. Belief in physical causes was associated with an increased belief in mental disorders as due to weakness rather than sickness. Belief in psychosocial causes had no consistent associations with stigma.

Conclusions:

Explaining mental disorders as due to personality characteristics is a more important factor in stigma than either biogenetic or psychosocial explanations.
Improving Developmental Screening Among Pediatricians in New Mexico
Authors: Malik Fauzia , Booker John M. , Brown Shannon , McClain Catherine , McGrath Jane
Published: March 2014

Background. Seven pediatric primary care practices participated in New Mexico’s Developmental Screening Initiative in a year-long quality improvement project with the goal of implementing standardized developmental screening tools. Methods. The initiative utilized a learning collaborative approach and the Model for Improvement to promote best practice about developmental screening outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also, the project emphasized interagency collaboration to improve communication between medical providers and state and community agencies that provide services to children with developmental delays. Results. A total of 1139 medical records were reviewed by the 7 practices, at 5 intervals during the intervention. At baseline, there were dramatic differences among the practices, with some not engaged in screening at all. Overall, the use of standardized developmental screening increased from 27% at baseline to 92% at the end of the project.
Variability of the Institutional Review Board Process Within a National Research Network
Authors: Khan Muhammad A. , Barratt Michelle S. , Krugman Scott D. , Serwint Janet R. , Dumont-Driscoll Marilyn ,   for the CORNET Investigators
Published: March 2014

Objective. To determine the variability of the institutional review board (IRB) process for a minimal risk multicenter study. Methods. Participants included 24 Continuity Research Network (CORNET) sites of the Academic Pediatric Association that participated in a cross-sectional study. Each site obtained individual institutional IRB approval. An anonymous questionnaire went to site investigators about the IRB process at their institution. Results Twenty-two of 24 sites (92%) responded. Preparation time ranged from 1 to 20 hours, mean of 7.1 hours. Individuals submitting ≤3 IRB applications/year required more time for completion than those submitting >3/year ( P < .05). Thirteen of 22 (59%) study sites received approval with “exempt” status, and 6 (27%) approved as “expedited” studies. Conclusions. IRB experiences were highly variable across study sites. These findings indicate that multicenter research projects should anticipate barriers to timely study implementation. Improved IRB standardization or centralization for multicenter clinical studies would facilitate this type of practice-based clinical research.
Primary Cilia Integrate Hedgehog and Wnt Signaling during Tooth Development
Authors: Liu B. , Chen S. , Cheng D. , Jing W. , Helms J.A.
Published: March 2014

Many ciliopathies have clinical features that include tooth malformations but how these defects come about is not clear. Here we show that genetic deletion of the motor protein Kif3a in dental mesenchyme results in an arrest in odontogenesis. Incisors are completely missing, and molars are enlarged in Wnt1Cre+Kif3afl/fl embryos. Although amelogenesis and dentinogenesis initiate in the molar tooth bud, both processes terminate prematurely. We demonstrate that loss of Kif3a in dental mesenchyme results in loss of Hedgehog signaling and gain of Wnt signaling in this same tissue. The defective dental mesenchyme then aberrantly signals to the dental epithelia, which prompts an up-regulation in the Hedgehog and Wnt responses in the epithelia and leads to multiple attempts at invagination and an expanded enamel organ. Thus, the primary cilium integrates Hedgehog and Wnt signaling between dental epithelia and mesenchyme, and this cilia-dependent integration is required for proper tooth development.
TMJ Disc Displacement without Reduction Management
Authors: Al-Baghdadi M. , Durham J. , Araujo-Soares V. , Robalino S. , Errington L. , Steele J.
Published: March 2014

Various interventions have been used for the management of patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR), but their clinical effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review investigated the effects of these interventions and is reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic and manual searches up to November 1, 2013, were conducted for English-language, peer-reviewed, publications of randomized clinical trials comparing any form of conservative or surgical interventions for patients with clinical and/or radiologic diagnosis of acute or chronic DDwoR. Two primary outcomes (TMJ pain intensity and maximum mouth opening) and a number of secondary outcomes were examined. Two reviewers performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Data collection and analysis were performed according to Cochrane recommendations. Twenty studies involving 1,305 patients were included. Data analysis involved 21 comparisons between a variety of interventions, either between interventions, or between intervention and placebo or no intervention. Meta-analysis on homogenous groups was conducted in 4 comparisons. In most comparisons made, there were no statistically significant differences between interventions relative to primary outcomes at short- or long-term follow-up ( p > .05). In a separate analysis, however, the majority of reviewed interventions reported significantly improved primary outcome measures from their baseline levels over time ( p < .05). Evidence levels, however, are currently insufficient for definitive conclusions, because the included studies were too heterogeneous and at an unclear to high risk of bias. In view of the comparable therapeutic effects, paucity of high-quality evidence, and the greater risks and costs associated with more complex interventions, patients with symptomatic DDwoR should be initially treated by the simplest and least invasive intervention.
The accuracy of colonoscopic localisation of colorectal tumours: a prospective, multi-centred observational study
Authors: Johnstone MS , Moug SJ ,   on behalf of The West of Scotland Surgical Research Network
Published: March 2014

Background and aims

Colonoscopy is essential for accurate pre-operative colorectal tumour localisation, but its accuracy for localisation remains undetermined due to limitations of previous work. This study aimed to establish the accuracy of colonoscopic localisation and to determine how frequently inaccuracy results in altered surgical management.

Method

A prospective, multi-centred, powered observational study recruited 79 patients with colorectal tumours that underwent curative surgical resection. Patient and colonoscopic factors were recorded. Pre-operative colonoscopic and radiological lesion localisations were compared to intra-operative localisation using pre-defined anatomical bowel segments to determine accuracy, with changes in planned surgical management documented.

Results

Colonoscopy accurately located the colorectal tumour in 64/79 patients (81%). Five out of 15 inaccurately located patients required on-table alteration in planned surgical management. Pre-operative imaging was unable to visualise the primary tumour in 23.1% of cases, a finding that was more prevalent amongst bowel screener patients compared to symptomatic patients (45.8% vs. 13%; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Colonoscopic lesion localisation is inaccurate in 19.0% of cases and occurred throughout the colon with a change in on-table surgical management in 6.3%. With CT unable to visualise lesions in just under a quarter of cases, particularly in the screening population, preoperative localisation is heavily reliant on colonoscopy.
Cluster of influenza A cases in vaccinated population of adults in Virology Laboratory in Glasgow in December 2012
Authors: Bradley-Stewart A , Miller RS , MacLean A , Aitken C , Whittaker L , Gregory V , Daniels R , Gunson R
Published: March 2014

Background and aims

The majority of influenza infections during the 2012/2013 influenza season in Scotland have been due to influenza A H3N2. We report an outbreak of influenza A H3N2 in a vaccinated population of adults in the Regional Virology Laboratory in Glasgow. This investigation was carried out to confirm the epidemiological link between cases.

Methods and results

Staff with clinical symptoms of influenza-like illness were included. Samples were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Staff were interviewed to obtain information regarding symptom onset and vaccination status. Eight confirmed cases and six clinically diagnosed cases were reported, which all occurred within 4 days of a lunchtime Christmas quiz. The eight samples subtyped as H3 virus. The haemagglutinin gene in the confirmed cases was sequenced and shown to be identical. Most of the attendees had been immunised against influenza with the same vaccine batch at least 6 weeks earlier.

Conclusion

This outbreak appears to have been an isolated incident, which arose due to a social event that provided the ideal conditions for transmission of a respiratory disease. It may have been compounded by low-vaccine effectiveness this season. Sequence data supported the epidemiological link.
Validation of the Vmax Metabolic Cart in a Simulated Pediatric Model
Authors: Wines Kristen N. , Rzepecki Alexandra K. , Andrews Audrey L. , Dechert Ronald E.
Published: March 2014

Background: The ability to accurately measure resting energy expenditure (REE) using indirect calorimetry, often referred to as the “gold standard” in nutrition needs assessment, is important given the well‐established positive correlation between patient outcome and proportion of the nutrition goal met. While many studies have been done to compare various metabolic carts with one another, the literature lacks a large simulator‐based validation of any metabolic cart system. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 8 specifically trained staff members independently conducted 10 simulation trials each using the Vmax Encore metabolic analyzer in conjunction with a metabolic calibration system, which simulates patient metabolic activity, to validate the accuracy of the Vmax Encore across a wide range of simulated metabolic conditions. Testing conditions consisted of incremental adjustments in calibrated gas infusion with a consistently set tidal volume and respiratory rate. Results: There was a strong, statistically significant correlation between the predicted and actual VO2 and VCO2 data (VO2, R2 = 0.998; VCO2, R2 = 0.997). In addition, we observed no significant difference between individuals performing these trials (VO2, P = 1.000, F = 0.021, df = 79; VCO2, P = 1.000, F = 0.030, df = 79). Conclusions: This study is the first to report on such a wide spectrum of metabolic activity (50–2000 kcal REE) using a calibrated bench model and validates the accuracy, reproducibility, and use of the Vmax Encore metabolic cart.
Shear Wave Speed and Dispersion Measurements Using Crawling Wave Chirps
Authors: Hah Zaegyoo , Partin Alexander , Parker Kevin J.
Published: March 2014

This article demonstrates the measurement of shear wave speed and shear speed dispersion of biomaterials using a chirp signal that launches waves over a range of frequencies. A biomaterial is vibrated by two vibration sources that generate shear waves inside the medium, which is scanned by an ultrasound imaging system. Doppler processing of the acquired signal produces an image of the square of vibration amplitude that shows repetitive constructive and destructive interference patterns called “crawling waves.” With a chirp vibration signal, successive Doppler frames are generated from different source frequencies. Collected frames generate a distinctive pattern which is used to calculate the shear speed and shear speed dispersion. A special reciprocal chirp is designed such that the equi-phase lines of a motion slice image are straight lines. Detailed analysis is provided to generate a closed-form solution for calculating the shear wave speed and the dispersion. Also several phantoms and an ex vivo human liver sample are scanned and the estimation results are presented.
Flux and the public sphere
Authors: Downey John
Published: March 2014

John Urry’s call for a paradigm shift in sociology away from a consideration of social interaction at a standstill or stasis and towards a consideration of flux and the infrastructures of movement that enable social interaction to take place has been adopted extensively, if unevenly, in sociology. As Allen-Robertson and Beer point out, work on mobility either focuses on the physical mobility of things and people or on information. Thus, it largely ignores Urry’s initial call for the study of the movement of ideas (and, one could add, images) as well as humans and objects. Here I take up Urry’s original call for the study of mobile ideas and images and argue that such a move is helpful in analysing change in the public sphere.
Interdisciplinary Rounds and Structured Communication Reduce Re-Admissions and Improve Some Patient Outcomes
Authors: Townsend-Gervis Mary , Cornell Paul , Vardaman James M.
Published: March 2014

Hospital communication is more than access to information. Among staff, it is about achieving situation awareness—an understanding of a patient’s current condition and likely trajectory. In the multidisciplinary context of providing care, structure, consistency, and repeatability of communication will enable a shared understanding of the patient and plan, leading to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. This was tested using the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) protocol, a re-admissions risk assessment and daily interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) in the medical/surgical units of a hospital. The impact of these interventions on patient satisfaction, Foley catheter removal compliance, and patient re-admission rates was assessed. Over the 3 year period, Foley compliance improved from 78% to 94%, and re-admissions decreased from 14.5% to 2.1%, both significant. Patient satisfaction trended positively, but was not significant. These results support the value of SBAR and IDR, and are advocated to improve situation awareness and maintain focus on key patient data.
An investigation of users’ continuance intention towards mobile banking in China
Authors: Yuan Shunbo , Liu Yong , Yao Ruihong , Liu Jing
Published: March 2014

The long-term development of mobile banking (m-banking) relies on users’ continued usage. Motivated by the need to better understand the motivations and barriers of users’ continuance intention towards m-banking, this study develops a research model based on the incorporation of the technology acceptance model (TAM): task-technology fit model (TTF) and perceived risk into the expectance-confirmation model (ECM). Empirical data from 434 users who had prior experience with m-banking were tested against the proposed research model by using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that satisfaction, perceived usefulness, perceived task-technology fit, and perceived risk are the main predictors of continuance intention, satisfaction, in turn, is determined by confirmation, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk. Perceived usefulness is affected by confirmation, perceived ease of use, and perceived task-technology fit. However, the direct effect of perceived ease of use to continuance intention is not significant. The results also show that gender significantly moderates the effect of perceived risk to continuance intention. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
As Good as It Gets? On the Meaning of Public Value in the Study of Policy and Management
Authors: Rutgers Mark R.
Published: March 2014

Public values are being promoted as a core concept in the study of public administration, in particular, in discourses surrounding Moore’s public value management and Bozeman’s public value failure. This article outlines the approaches to the concept of values and public values. Particular attention is paid to the founding distinction between facts and values, which proves to be less clear than usually assumed. After discussing a range of possible characteristics of public values, an encompassing definition is attempted, which consequently has to accommodate opposing characteristics. It is concluded that the concept of public value is a fuzzy concept, and that is probably “as good as it gets.”
Rehabilitation Exercises for Athletes With Biceps Disorders and SLAP Lesions
Authors: Cools Ann M. , Borms Dorien , Cottens Simon , Himpe Marcia , Meersdom Stijn , Cagnie Barbara
Published: March 2014

Background:

Although rehabilitation exercises are recommended in the nonoperative and postoperative treatment of biceps-related disorders and superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions in overhead athletes, a progressive exercise protocol with controlled low to moderate loads on the biceps has not yet been described.

Purpose:

To describe a continuum of exercises with progressive low to moderate loads on the biceps based on electromyographic (EMG) analysis.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Using surface electromyography, the EMG activity of 8 muscles (upper [UT], middle [MT], and lower [LT] trapezius; serratus anterior [SA]; anterior [AD] and posterior [PD] portions of the deltoid; and biceps [BB] and triceps [TB] brachii) was measured in 32 healthy participants performing 16 commonly described shoulder rehabilitation exercises.

Results:

Of the 16 exercises, 13 (side-lying shoulder forward flexion, prone extension, seated rowing, serratus punch, knee push-up plus, internal and external rotation both in 20° and 90° of abduction, forearm supination, uppercut, and internal and external rotation diagonal) showed low (<20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) EMG activity in the BB, and 3 (forward flexion in supination, full can, and elbow flexion in forearm supination) showed moderate (20%-50% MVIC) activity. None of the exercises elicited high (>50% MVIC) EMG activity. Based on the results, a ranking was calculated of the exercises, with mean EMG levels between 2.2% ± 1.24% (during internal rotation against resistance in 90° of shoulder abduction) and 35.9% ± 18.82% (during forward flexion in external rotation and supination) of MVIC.

Conclusion:

This study describes a continuum of exercises with an increasing level of EMG activity in the BB. Exercises targeting the trapezius resulted in less loads on the biceps compared with exercises for the SA. In addition, exercises with an internal rotation component showed low activity in the BB. In general, the exercises meant to target the BB showed the highest levels of activity in the BB.

Clinical Relevance:

These results may assist the clinician in the appropriate choice of exercises in a graded rehabilitation program of biceps-related injuries.
Shoulder Activity Level Is Not Associated With the Severity of Symptomatic, Atraumatic Rotator Cuff Tears in Patients Electing Nonoperative Treatment
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Dunn Warren R. , Kuhn John E. ,   MOON Shoulder Group, Baumgarten Keith M. , Bishop Julie , Carey James L. , Holloway Brian G. , Jones Grant L. , Ma Benjamin C. , Marx Robert G. , McCarty Eric C. , Poddar Souray K. , Smith Matthew V. , Spencer Edwin E. , Vidal Armando F. , Wolf Brian R. , Wright Rick W.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Patient activity level may be an important prognostic variable relating to outcomes in patients with shoulder disorders. Little is known about the predictors of activity level in patients with shoulder disorders.

Hypothesis:

Tear size and patient variables would be predictive of shoulder activity level in a cohort of patients who have selected initial nonoperative treatment for a symptomatic, atraumatic rotator cuff tear on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with an atraumatic rotator cuff tear on MRI were prospectively enrolled in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) shoulder study of nonoperative treatment. As part of routine data collection, these patients were asked to complete a previously validated shoulder activity scale. A regression analysis was performed to assess the association of shoulder activity level to rotator cuff tear characteristics, including tendon involvement and retraction, and patient factors such as age, sex, smoking, and occupation.

Results:

A total of 434 patients (220 male, 214 female) with a mean age of 62.7 years (range, 31-90 years) completed the activity scale. Shoulder activity was not associated with severity of the rotator cuff tear, but it was negatively associated with age ( P = .0001) and female sex ( P = .001). The only other factor associated with shoulder activity level in this cohort was occupation ( P = .0006).

Conclusion:

Shoulder activity level in patients with an atraumatic rotator cuff tear confirmed on MRI is not associated with severity of the tear but is affected by age, sex, and occupation.
Predictors of Clinical Outcome After Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Olsson Nicklas , Petzold Max , Brorsson Annelie , Karlsson Jón , Eriksson Bengt I. , Grävare Silbernagel Karin
Published: March 2014

Background:

In patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture, it has not been possible to determine the superiority of a single specific treatment modality over other treatments with respect to symptoms and function. When several pertinent treatment protocols are available for an injury, it is of interest to understand how other variables, such as age, sex, or physical activity level, affect outcome to better individualize the treatment.

Purpose:

To investigate predictors of both symptomatic and functional outcomes after an acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Ninety-three patients (79 men and 14 women; mean age, 40 years) were evaluated prospectively at 3, 6, and 12 months. The main outcome measures in this study were the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) for symptoms and maximum heel-rise height for function. The independent variables evaluated as possible predictors of outcome included treatment, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, symptoms, and quality of life.

Results:

Treatment, age, BMI, physical activity level, heel-rise height at 6 months, and the ATRS at 3 months were eligible for further analysis. Only male sex was included for the prediction models. The 4 different multiple linear regression models (predicting the ATRS at 6 and 12 months and heel-rise height at 6 and 12 months) were significant ( P < .001-.002), and the R2 values for the models were 0.222 to 0.409. Surgical or nonsurgical treatment is a moderate predictor of symptoms and a weak predictor of heel-rise height after an acute Achilles tendon rupture. At the 6-month follow-up, surgical treatment was associated with a larger heel-rise height, but the opposite was seen at 12 months. Surgical treatment resulted in a lower degree of symptoms. Increasing age was a strong predictor of reduced heel-rise height, and an increase in age of 10 years reduced the expected heel-rise height by approximately 8%. A higher BMI was also a strong predictor of a greater degree of symptoms, and a 5-unit higher BMI predicted a reduction of approximately 10 points in the ATRS.

Conclusion:

The present study identified important possible predictors of outcome. Despite having a wide range of clinically relevant variables, the models had a limited ability to predict the final individual outcome. In general, the models appear to be better at predicting function than symptoms.
Parenting Styles and Practices of Latino Parents and Latino Fifth Graders’ Academic, Cognitive, Social, and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Jabagchourian John J. , Sorkhabi Nadia , Quach Wendy , Strage Amy
Published: March 2014

A vast literature documents a host of advantages conferred upon middle class European American children whose parents employ an authoritative style of parenting, including enhanced academic achievement and positive behavioral outcomes. The literature is much less clear about the relationship between parental authority style and child outcomes in other cultural contexts. In this study, we examined the relations among authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles and practices and several academic and behavioral outcomes among fifth grade Latino/a students. We found significant positive relations between parental authoritativeness and grades, academic engagement, social competence, self-regulation, and perspective-taking as well as negative relations between authoritativeness and aggression. We found no relations between authoritarian or permissive parenting styles and child outcomes. We consider these findings in light of what other researchers have posited about collectivist parenting styles and practices.
Psychological and Family Well-Being of Unaccompanied Mexican Child Migrants Sent Back From the U.S. Border Region of Sonora-Arizona
Authors: Sotomayor-Peterson Marcela , Montiel-Carbajal Martha
Published: March 2014

This study explores the psychological and family well-being of Mexican undocumented and unaccompanied children sent back through the U.S. border region of Sonora-Arizona. Procedures included exploring children’s own accounts using semi-structured interviews with 13 minors (9-17 years old) conducted at border shelters within Mexico. Based on previous qualitative findings, psychological measurement scales were administered to 53 participant children and adolescents during the second phase. There were statistically significant correlations between number of crossing attempts and resilience, as well as between number of days in the shelter and depression. The findings suggest that children possess psychological resources to face distress and negative affect caused by family separation, unaccompanied travel, and crossing experiences. These findings contribute to informing future public health policy and programs directed at the increasing population of unaccompanied minor migrants.
Language Brokering and Self-Concept
Authors: Niehaus Kate , Kumpiene Gerda
Published: March 2014

This exploratory study examined the relationships among individual characteristics, language brokering experiences and attitudes, and multiple dimensions of self-concept among a sample of Latino adolescents. The sample was comprised of 66 Latino students in 6th through 11th grades who were proficient in both Spanish and English. Results from regression analyses and correlational analyses showed that language brokering frequency was negatively associated with academic self-concept and perceived popularity at school, language brokering difficulty was a positive predictor of academic self-concept, and language brokering attitudes were positively related to academic self-concept, perceived popularity with peers, and confidence in one’s physical appearance. Students who were first-generation immigrants not only reported brokering more frequently, brokering in more difficult situations, and feeling more positive about language brokering, but also reported lower emotional well-being as compared to students born in the United States. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Increased Prevalence of Ametropia in Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Disease
Authors: Dotan Gad , Keren Shay , Stolovitch Chaim , Toledano-Alhadef Hagit , Kesler Anat
Published: March 2014

Neurofibromatosis type 1 disease is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with numerous ophthalmic and systemic manifestations. Organic causes of visual loss include optic pathway gliomas, orbital plexiform neurofibroma, and glaucoma. In this study, the authors analyzed the prevalence of ametropia as a cause for visual loss in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 disease younger than age 12 years compared to matched controls. Only children with normal neuroimaging were evaluated. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were all more common in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 disease; however, statistically significant differences were observed in mild myopia and astigmatism alone. A higher need for optical correction was found in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 disease (33.3% vs 17.1% of controls, P = .049). In conclusion, children with neurofibromatosis type 1 disease have a higher prevalence of ametropia, especially mild myopia and astigmatism, often requiring optical correction. Routine refraction screening is recommended for limiting preventable visual loss.
Progressive Myelopathy Mimicking Subacute Combined Degeneration After Intrathecal Chemotherapy
Authors: Yi Youbin , Kang Hyung Jin , Shin Hee Young , Kim Keewon
Published: March 2014

Intrathecal chemotherapy including methotrexate is well documented for neurotoxicity of diverse clinical manifestation. Acute or chronic leukoencephalopathy is the most common type of methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity, and subacute myelopathy is rare. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, it is postulated that direct damage of methotrexate to the central nervous system plays a major part and elevated levels of homocysteine and its excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter metabolites (homocysteic acid and cysteine sulfinic acid) could mediate, in part, MTX-associated neurotoxicity. On the while, subacute combined degeneration is a progressive degeneration of the dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord, mostly due to vitamin B12 deficiency. The authors report a case of a 15-year-old boy with Burkitt leukemia who developed progressive myelopathy after intrathecal triple therapy (methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone) whose clinical and radiologic features were compatible with subacute combined degeneration. The pathogenic mechanism could be explained by biochemical alteration by methotrexate and a possible treatment strategy was discussed.
Exploratory Study on Developing a Body Measurement Method Using Motion Capture
Authors: Sohn MyungHee , Bye Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

This was an exploratory study on measuring body surface measurement change in motion using a motion capture system. The purpose was to test the reliability of a motion capture system as a new body measurement method, and to investigate body surface measurement changes in motion. Using an optical motion capture system, this study focused on the measurement changes on the back of the body while the subject performed an arm rotation test. The results of this study suggested that the motion capture system can be used as a body measurement method, especially for measuring the body in continuous movement. The results of the body surface measurement change in the arm rotation motion test showed that upper body measurements increased or decreased corresponding to the shoulder joint and scapula movement. The shoulder width (-38.45%), back width (16.08%), and back arc at the armpit (27.69%) exhibited the most change.