bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapies
Authors: Frazier Kendall S.
Published: November 2014

Many antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) from several classes of molecules are currently in drug development. Despite over 20 years of pharmaceutical research, few ASOs have been marketed due to problems with clinical efficacy or preclinical toxicologic challenges. However, a number of recent developments have renewed interest in this class including the registration of mipomersen, the advent of successful screening strategies to eliminate more toxic molecules, and new understanding of the risks of off-target nucleotide binding and mitigation of potential off-target effects. Recent advances in backbone chemistries, conjugation to other moieties, and new delivery systems have allowed better tissue penetration, enhanced intracellular targeting, and less frequent dosing, resulting in fewer toxicities. While these new developments provide invigorated interest in these platforms, a few lingering challenges and preclinical/clinical toxicity issues remain to be completely resolved, including: (1) proinflammatory effects (vasculitis/inflammatory infiltrates); (2) nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity unrelated to lysosomal accumulation; and (3) thrombocytopenia. Recent investigative work by several laboratories have helped elucidate mechanisms for these issues, allowing a better understanding of the clinical relevance and implications of particular toxicities. It is important for toxicologists, pathologists, and regulatory reviewers to be familiar with new developments in the ASO field and their implications, as a greater number of new types of antisense molecules undergo preclinical toxicity testing.
Microvascular Reconstruction of Segmental Mandibular Defects without Tracheostomy
Authors: Moubayed Sami P. , Barker Daniel A. , Razfar Ali , Nabili Vishad , Blackwell Keith E.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To report our experience with mandibular resection and reconstruction using vascularized bone‐containing free flaps without an elective tracheostomy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital center.

Subjects and Methods

Sixty‐six patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with vascularized bone‐containing free flaps without an elective tracheostomy were identified between 1995 and 2013. We describe patient, tumor, and surgical factors and report perioperative outcomes in this population.

Results

Most patients underwent fibula free flap reconstruction (n = 61, 92.44%). The 4 most frequent indications for resection were osteoradionecrosis, parotid carcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and osteomyelitis. Bone defects ranging from 4.0 to 13.0 cm were reconstructed, and associated soft‐tissue defects were reconstructed with skin paddle sizes ranging from 24.0 to 450.0 cm2. There was only 1 patient with a bilateral central mandibular defect, and there were no tongue/pharyngeal soft‐tissue defects or bilateral neck dissections. One case required emergent tracheostomy on postoperative day 1, and 2 more patients developed respiratory complications. There were no cases of perioperative death or flap failure.

Conclusion

Mandibular free flap reconstruction is feasible without an elective tracheostomy in a subset of carefully selected patients without bilateral central mandibular defects, tongue/pharynx defects, or bilateral neck dissection.
Preparing for Emergency
Authors: Melchiors Jacob , Todsen Tobias , Nilsson Philip , Wennervaldt Kasper , Charabi Birgitte , Bøttger Morten , Konge Lars , von Buchwald Christian
Published: November 2014

Objective

Emergency cricothyrodotomy (EC) is a lifesaving procedure. Evidence‐based assessment of training effects and competency levels is relevant to all departments involved in emergency airway management. As most training uses low‐fidelity models, the predictive value of good performance on such a model becomes relevant with regard to performance on a high‐fidelity model (cadaver). This requires a valid assessment tool for EC performance.

Study Design

Psychometric study on low‐fidelity models and human cadavers.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

An assessment tool was created. Sixteen physicians (7 experienced surgeons and 9 novice physicians) performed an EC on a low‐fidelity model and a cadaver. Two blinded raters assessed video recordings of performances using the assessment tool.

Results

We found a high interrater reliability, based on a Pearson’s r (0.81), and good evidence for validity, based on successfully distinguishing the 2 groups, using an independent samples t test (P <. 001). We found a good correlation between performance on a low‐fidelity model and the cadaver with an R2 = 0.78.

Conclusion

The tool for assessing EC competence proved reliable and valid. Performance on a low‐fidelity model measured this way is a good predictor of performance in a more lifelike situation.
Pilot Study of a Novel Population of Head and Neck Cancer Patients in the CRN
Authors: Chang Steven S. , Wang Kevin , Kono Scott , Saman Daniel M. , Snyder Susan , Melvin Thuy‐Anh N. , Calzada Gabriel
Published: November 2014

Head and neck cancers are challenging to study because of their relatively low incidence. A large, novel population of patients with head and neck cancers that has not been previously studied and distinct from the referral populations has been identified. The National Cancer Institute–funded Health Maintenance Organization Cancer Research Network is a consortium of 15 nonprofit research centers based in large, vertically integrated health care delivery organizations across the United States. They represent a geographically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse population. These community‐based organizations provide care to approximately 10 million individuals and 57,692 patients with head and neck cancer. This pilot study and preliminary analysis seeks to demonstrate the potential this network holds as a resource for clinical cancer research and to identify it as a unique resource that allows for more detailed queries than are currently available to researchers.
Pediatric Head and Neck Complications of Streptococcus pneumoniae before and after PCV7 Vaccination
Authors: Walls Andrew , Pierce Matthew , Krishnan Nathan , Steehler Matthew , Harley Earl H.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To discuss pediatric head and neck complications of pneumococcal infections before and after the introduction of the PCV7 vaccine.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a national database.

Study Setting

Kids National Inpatient Database.

Methods

A retrospective review of the Kids National Inpatient Database yielded 31,738 pediatric reports involving complications of meningitis, mastoiditis, periorbital cellulitis, and Bezold abscesses due to Streptococcus pneumoniae diagnoses. Each report was analyzed for incidence, length of stay, mean hospital cost, and inpatient admittance from the emergency department. Finally, we calculated the expected annual incidence of each complication via variance‐weighted analysis to determine the expected incidence if the vaccine was not administered.

Results

We identified a significant decrease in the incidence of several complications after the introduction of the PCV7 vaccine and also when comparing these findings to our predicted incidence calculations if the vaccine was not administered. Inpatient admittance from the emergency department for Bezold abscess, periorbital cellulitis, mastoiditis, and meningitis was significantly increased in the pediatric age group (ages 1‐4; P <. 05). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the cost to provide care for each of the described conditions (P <. 05).

Conclusions

The PCV7 vaccine produced a measurable reduction in head and neck complications associated with S pneumoniae. However, our data suggest that these benefits were also met with increased inpatient admittance from the emergency department, hospital costs, and length of stay, each of which may be attributed to the selection of a more pathogenic subtype.
Comparison of General Population, Patient, and Carer Utility Values for Dementia Health States
Authors: Rowen Donna , Mulhern Brendan , Banerjee Sube , Tait Rhian , Watchurst Caroline , Smith Sarah C. , Young Tracey A. , Knapp Martin , Brazier John E.
Published: November 2014

Utility values to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for use in cost-utility analyses are usually elicited from members of the general population. Public attitudes and understanding of dementia in particular may mean that values elicited from the general population may differ from patients and carers for dementia health states. This study examines how the population impacts utility values elicited for dementia health states using interviewer-administered time tradeoff valuation of health states defined by the dementia-specific preference-based measures DEMQOL-U (patient-report) and DEMQOL-Proxy-U (carer-report). Eight DEMQOL-U states were valued by 78 members of the UK general population and 71 patients with dementia of mild severity. Eight DEMQOL-Proxy-U states were valued by 77 members of the UK general population and 71 carers of patients with dementia of mild severity. Random-effects generalized least squares regression estimated the impact of population, dementia health state, and respondent sociodemographic characteristics on elicited values, finding that values for dementia health states differed by population and that the difference varied across dementia health states. Patients with dementia and carers of patients with dementia gave systematically lower values than members of the general population that were not due to differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of the populations. Our results suggest that the population used to produce dementia health state values could impact the results of cost-utility analyses and potentially affect resource allocation decisions; yet, currently, only general population values are available for usage.
Decision-making Processes among Prostate Cancer Survivors with Rising PSA Levels
Authors: Shen Megan Johnson , Nelson Christian J. , Peters Ellen , Slovin Susan F. , Hall Simon J. , Hall Matt , Herrera Phapichaya Chaoprang , Leventhal Elaine A. , Leventhal Howard , Diefenbach Michael A.
Published: November 2014

Background. Prostate cancer survivors with a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level have few treatment options, experience a heightened state of uncertainty about their disease trajectory that might include the possibility of cancer metastasis and death, and often experience elevated levels of distress as they have to deal with a disease they thought they had conquered. Guided by self-regulation theory, the present study examined the cognitive and affective processes involved in shared decision making between physicians and patients who experience a rising PSA after definitive treatment for prostate cancer. Methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with 34 prostate cancer survivors who had been diagnosed with a rising PSA (i.e., biochemical failure) within the past 12 months. Survivors were asked about their experiences and affective responses after being diagnosed with a rising PSA and while weighing potential treatment options. In addition, patients were asked about their decision-making process for the initial prostate cancer treatment. Results. Compared with the initial diagnosis, survivors with a rising PSA reported increased negative affect following their diagnosis, concern about the treatability of their disease, increased planning and health behavior change, heightened levels of worry preceding doctor appointments (especially prior to the discussion of PSA testing results), and a strong reliance on physicians’ treatment recommendations. Conclusions. Prostate cancer survivors’ decision-making processes for the treatment of a rising PSA are markedly different from those of the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer. Because patients experience heightened distress and rely more heavily on their physicians’ recommendations with a rising PSA, interactions with the health care provider provide an excellent opportunity to address and assist patients with managing the uncertainty and distress inherent with rising PSA levels.
‘For a while out of orbit’: listening to what unaccompanied asylum-seeking/refugee children in the UK say about their rights and experiences in private foster care
Authors: Connolly Helen
Published: November 2014

There is little in the existing refugee or child welfare literature on the circumstances and needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee children living in private foster care in the UK. This article reports on what these young people themselves have to say about their experiences of such placements. Their stories have been extrapolated from the findings of a narrative-based research project with 29 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children that explored the ways in which they perceived and experienced the rights of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989). The findings suggest the existence of a negative relationship between these rights and systems of monitoring and protection in the UK, and the vulnerability of unaccompanied children in private foster care to neglect, material hardship, abuse and exploitation.
Paired Reading for foster children: results from a Swedish replication of an English literacy intervention
Authors: Vinnerljung Bo , Tideman Eva , Sallnäs Marie , Forsman Hilma
Published: November 2014

A UK literacy intervention – Paired Reading – was replicated in seven Swedish local authorities, with 81 foster children aged 8–12 participating in a 16-week trial. Ability was measured pre/post intervention with age-standardised literacy tests and a short version of the WISC-IV. Results confirm and expand findings from the UK, namely that: almost all foster carers and children completed the programme (attrition 2.4%), average improvement in reading age was 11 months, basically the same as in the UK; younger children (aged 8–9) improved significantly on all four administered standardised reading tests, and on the WISC-IV Vocabulary subtest. Older children (aged 10–12) improved significantly on three of five literacy tests and on the WISC-IV Vocabulary subtest. On the short version of WISC-IV, vocabulary improvements over time reduced the proportion of children who could be classified as having ‘weak cognitive skills’ (IQ<85) from 54% to 36%. This finding is in line with results from other studies, indicating that scores from cognitive tests of pre-teen children in out-of-home care should not be regarded as fixed and can be improved by effective interventions.
Long-term Clinical and Radiographic Results After Delayed Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescents
Authors: Månsson Olle , Sernert Ninni , Rostgard-Christensen Lars , Kartus Jüri
Published: November 2014

Background:

The risk of further intra-articular damage associated with nonoperative or delayed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction must be considered against the risk of growth disturbance with early reconstruction and transphyseal drilling. Long-term follow-ups after the surgical treatment of ACL injuries in adolescents are rare.

Purpose:

To evaluate results 10 to 20 years after ACL reconstruction in terms of the radiographic presence of osteoarthritis, clinical assessments, and health-related quality of life in patients who were adolescents at the time of surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Thirty-two adolescents (mean age, 15.2 years [range, 12-16 years]; 11 boys, 21 girls), with a symptomatic unilateral ACL rupture, underwent reconstruction using bone–patellar tendon–bone (n = 10) or hamstring tendon (n = 22) autografts at an almost skeletally mature age according to Tanner stage 4. Twenty-nine patients (91%) underwent clinical, radiographic, and health-related quality of life assessments after 10 to 20 years (mean, 175 months).

Results:

The mean time between the injury and index surgery was 11.6 months. The reconstructed knee had significantly more osteoarthritic changes compared with the noninvolved contralateral knee ( P = .001). Preoperatively, the median Tegner activity level was 4 (range, 2-8), and the median Lysholm knee score was 75 (range, 50-90) points. At follow-up, the respective median values were 4 (range, 1-7) and 84 (range, 34-100) points ( P = not significant [preoperatively vs follow-up]). The median finding for the single-legged hop test was 84% (range, 0%-105%) preoperatively and 93% (range, 53%-126%) at follow-up ( P = .01). At follow-up, muscle strength measurements displayed more than 90% of the noninvolved leg in both extension and flexion. The manual Lachman test result was significantly improved at follow-up compared with preoperatively ( P < .001). The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) revealed scores comparable with those of healthy controls. The mean EuroQol (EQ-5D) score was 0.86 ± 0.12. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) values were lower in all dimensions compared with age-matched healthy controls.

Conclusion:

In the long term, patients who were adolescents at the time of ACL reconstruction revealed significantly more radiographically visible osteoarthritic changes in their operated knee than in their noninvolved contralateral knee. Clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life are comparable with those of healthy controls.
Poverty as epistemic object of government: State cognitive equipment and social science operations
Authors: Ramos Zincke Claudio
Published: November 2014

This article studies the interrelation of the epistemic dimension of the State with the operation of social science embedded in institutional spaces of government and its effects on the process of production of social-science knowledge, conditioning its decisions. The reported study is based on the process of poverty measurement as conducted by the Chilean government. In this process, poverty appears as an object created and used not only as a scientific object of academic inquiry, but simultaneously as an epistemic object of government constituted by the State, and used for regulatory interventions. The research developed shows that there are many points of ambiguity in the decisions required for the construction of poverty, in which purely scientific or technical criteria are insufficient for decision-making and are supplemented by tactical or strategic criteria of government.
Variation Between Residents and Attending Staff Interpreting Radiographs to Verify Placement of Nutrition Access Devices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lee Ki Hyun , Cho Hye Jung , Kim Eun Young , Son Dong Woo , Kim Hyung Sik , Choi Hye‐Young , Kim Jeong Ho
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Although radiography is considered the standard for confirming the position of nutrition access devices, it is sometimes difficult to visualize their tips. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well pediatric residents could confirm placement via radiography of feeding tubes and intravenous (IV) nutrition catheter support in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: Seventy radiographs in a NICU during May 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Eight pediatric residents (mean NICU experience, 5 months; range, 0–12 months) recorded the location of feeding tubes and IV nutrition catheters and marked their tips on computerized radiographs. Consensus review of radiographs by a radiologist and a NICU expert using a picture archiving communication system monitor in a reading room served as the reference standard. Detection rates and correct tip localization percentages were evaluated. Results: Of the 70 neonates, 38 had nutrition access devices: orogastric tube (n = 36), oroduodenal tube (n = 4), or central venous catheter (CVC) (n = 8). Detection rates were 89.6% for orogastric tubes (range, 75.0%–100%), 90.6% for oroduodenal tubes (range, 50.0%–100%), and 46.9% for CVCs (range, 12.5%–75.0%). Percentage of correct tip localizations was 85.7% for orogastric tubes (range, 74.1%–100%), 86.2% for oroduodenal tubes (range, 25.0%–100%), and 70% for CVCs (range, 50.0%–100%). Conclusion: It is not easy for pediatrician residents to confirm the position of nutrition access devices in neonates by using radiographs. Reinforcement of radiology teaching, second opinions from radiologists or NICU experts, and other methods for verifying the positions of nutrition access devices are needed to minimize complications.
Green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide and its reinforcing effect on natural rubber composites
Authors: Wu L. , Qu P. , Zhou R. , Wang B. , Liao S.
Published: November 2014

A green and facile approach to produce graphene using an environmentally friendly reagent, namely proanthocyanidin (PC) as a reducing agent was developed. The obtained graphene (PC-rGO) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming the effective reduction of GO. With the incorporation of PC-rGO into natural rubber (NR) latex, NR/PC-rGO composites were then prepared by an ultrasonically assisted latex mixing and the co-coagulation. The results show that PC-rGO presents a good dispersion and exfoliation in the NR matrix, contributing to an increase in the mechanical performance. Compared with neat NR, the tensile strength, modulus at 300%, and tear strength for NR composites containing 0.9 phr PC-rGO were increased by 50.2%, 154.9% and 65.2%, respectively. With increasing PC-rGO loading, cross-link density and storage modulus of NR composites increase because of the formation of cross-link points and physical interaction between PC-rGO and the matrix.
Performance of flank face structured cutting tools in machining of AISI/SAE 4140 over a range of cutting speeds
Authors: Fatima Anis , Mativenga Paul T
Published: November 2014

It is well documented that surface structuring can improve the tribological performance of mechanical parts. For tooling, recent studies have focussed on structures applied to the rake face, the face in contact with the chip. This study investigates the impact of structures created on the flank face of the tool, which has not been widely explored. The flank face is an important area of focus because flank wear is a common end-of-life criterion for cutting tools. This article reports on the application of femto-second lasers to generate surface structures on the clearance face of the tool and their effect on tool–chip contact phenomenon and tool wear. A comparative study was conducted between machining with unstructured and structured cutting tools. Orthogonal cutting tests were performed over a range of cutting velocities, and flank wear, cutting power, compression ratio and tool–chip contact length were measured. The impact of a sticking and sliding contact was evaluated. Results showed a significant decrease in feed and cutting forces for a tool with flank-faced structures. The approach was a promising surface engineering innovation to improve the performance of cutting tools.
Multi-objective optimization of friction welding parameters in AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel and copper joints
Authors: Shanjeevi C , Satish Kumar S , Sathiya P
Published: November 2014

Friction welding is a solid-state joining technique, and joining of dissimilar materials has been witnessing tremendous development in various applications. In this study, friction welding is carried out in dissimilar materials, austenitic stainless steel and copper, which find application in power generators. The parameters such as friction pressure, upset pressure, rotational speed and burn-off length are considered to determine its influence on tensile strength, metal loss and weld time. Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array is used for experimental design to maximize the tensile strength as well as minimize the metal loss and weld time. Optimal parameters are determined through multiple performance characteristics, and it is found that friction pressure of 22 MPa, upset pressure of 108 MPa, rotational speed of 500 r/min and burn-off length of 1 mm yield good mechanical and metallurgical properties.
Thermal error simulation and compensation in a jig-boring machine equipped with a dual-drive servo feed system
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Dongsheng , Mei Xuesong , Zhao Liang , Ma Chi , Shi Hu
Published: November 2014

A jig-boring machine equipped with a dual-drive servo system can operate with high speed and accuracy. However, different friction behaviours and asymmetrical preloads of the double drive structures as well as asynchronous control over the master-slave motors can make the machine produce tremendous heat, causing uneven temperature distributions in the feed system and eventually leading to thermal deformation that reduces the positional accuracy of machines. To investigate the effects of thermal behaviours on machining accuracy, the thermal–structure finite element method was employed to analyse the transient thermal deformation and temperature field of the machine at different feed rates, considering boundary conditions such as the convective heat transfer coefficient and heat generation by motors, bearings, and screws. Additionally, a synchronous acquisition system was developed to measure the thermal behaviours, and the transient changes in temperature and deformation were compared with simulated values. Consequently, a synthetic thermal model was established to make accurate predictions based on the analysis of relationships between thermal error and equilibrium time, coordinate position and screw temperature. Finally, thermal error compensation was performed using a feedback integration method. The experimental data indicate that the finite element method model can accurately predict temperature distributions and thermal errors. Moreover, thermal errors were compensated at 24.1 °C and 22.6 °C with a feed rate of 18 m/min, and machining accuracy was increased by 73% and 62%, respectively.
Disassembly sequence planning based on a genetic algorithm
Authors: Kheder Maroua , Trigui Moez , Aifaoui Nizar
Published: November 2014

Disassembly sequence planning is a relatively new subject and has only recently gained interest in the research literature. Disassembly simulations are important not only for improving product design, but also for maintaining an updated process plan, which becomes a tedious and complicated task given the complexity of today’s mechanisms. The crucial issue, in the generation of disassembly plans, is the rise in the amount of sequences, especially with the increase of the number of parts in the mechanism. For this reason, it is crucial to seek an optimal feasible method for the disassembly process. In this paper, an optimized disassembly process based on a genetic algorithm is proposed. The method takes into account several criteria such as maintainability of usury component, part volume, tools change and the change of disassembly directions. The results obtained demonstrate the satisfactory side of these criteria to identify a feasible disassembly sequence.
Effects of the lateral compliance of the suspension on the vehicle-handling responses
Authors: Mashadi Behrooz , Mostaghimi Hamid
Published: November 2014

In the current work the yawing and side-slip motion of a two-mass vehicle is studied. The vehicle is divided into an upper rigid mass and a lower rigid mass pivoted on one another on a vertical axis through the centre of mass. The vehicle body constitutes the upper rigid body, and the suspension axles represent the lower rigid body. A yawing stiffness and damping package is acting between the two rigid bodies. The equations of motion of the two-body yawing vehicle are developed, and the handling behaviour of the vehicle is compared with that of a basic two-degree-of-freedom vehicle-handling model. The steady-state yaw responses of the two systems are equal but the side-slip angles are different. The results show considerable differences in the transient response properties of the two systems. With regard to the stability of motion, at situations where the two-degree-of-freedom model is stable, the three-degree-of-freedom yaw stiff model is also stable.
Life Paths and Accomplishments of Mathematically Precocious Males and Females Four Decades Later
Authors: Lubinski David , Benbow Camilla P. , Kell Harrison J.
Published: November 2014

Two cohorts of intellectually talented 13-year-olds were identified in the 1970s (1972–1974 and 1976–1978) as being in the top 1% of mathematical reasoning ability (1,037 males, 613 females). About four decades later, data on their careers, accomplishments, psychological well-being, families, and life preferences and priorities were collected. Their accomplishments far exceeded base-rate expectations: Across the two cohorts, 4.1% had earned tenure at a major research university, 2.3% were top executives at “name brand” or Fortune 500 companies, and 2.4% were attorneys at major firms or organizations; participants had published 85 books and 7,572 refereed articles, secured 681 patents, and amassed $358 million in grants. For both males and females, mathematical precocity early in life predicts later creative contributions and leadership in critical occupational roles. On average, males had incomes much greater than their spouses’, whereas females had incomes slightly lower than their spouses’. Salient sex differences that paralleled the differential career outcomes of the male and female participants were found in lifestyle preferences and priorities and in time allocation.
‘Explosive Missals’: International Law, Technology, and Security in Nineteenth-Century Disarmament Conferences
Authors: Keefer Scott
Published: November 2014

This article challenges traditional interpretations of the 1868 Declaration of St Petersburg banning explosive bullets and the 1899 Hague Declaration forbidding expanding bullets as humanitarian agreements. A review of the legal terms of these arms control agreements and diplomatic correspondence provides evidence that Britain sought to harness advanced technology to overcome manpower deficiencies in imperial and European warfare. In 1868 Britain wanted to avoid restrictions on the employment of advanced technology in imperial wars, while at the Hague Peace Conference in 1899 a similar rationale was advanced to mask a desire to use advanced technology in European wars.
Improvising an Air Service: The Rise of Military Aviation in Poland, 1918–1920
Authors: Schwonek Matthew R.
Published: November 2014

Air power came to Poland in the chaos that followed the First World War. The most outstanding feature of the establishment of the Polish Air Service was improvisation. A few dozen airmen constituted it on the basis of equipment and manpower available at war’s end. Officials had greater success in crafting cadres and organizations than meeting material needs, as obtaining advanced equipment proved a difficult nut to crack. Nevertheless war surplus and equipment from foreign suppliers sustained the force for 18 months of action during the Polish-Soviet War. Although logistical difficulties often hobbled operations, during major campaigns air units gave Polish commanders an important advantage over opponents.
Making Sense of India–Bangladesh Relations
Authors: Majumdar Anindya Jyoti
Published: November 2014

India and Bangladesh are interrelated in geopolitical relations but their core objectives are different. While geopolitical compulsions introduce the never-ending challenges of proximity to the two parties, including crucial issues of security, migration and resource sharing, Bangladesh is yet to form its own identity in which the perceived image of India figures predominantly, and the attitudes and expectations they develop towards each other shape the pattern of bilateral interactions between the two countries. Solutions to a number of vexed problems remain elusive and irritants in relations out-number gestures of goodwill. While the warmth in relations has frequently fluctuated with the change of regimes, a sustained pattern of uneasiness and mistrust persists. Analysed at three levels of geopolitics, attitudinal effects and functional exchanges, India–Bangladesh relations appear as a reflection of normal big country–small country power relations where policies are formulated on the basis of the primary principle of self-help but are further shaded by the quest for transforming itself into a nation-state by Bangladesh.
‘India Rising’ and the Mixed Blessings of Globalisation
Authors: Sharma Shalendra D.
Published: November 2014

India has been a major beneficiary of economic globalisation. Yet, integration into the global economy has also made India vulnerable to the unpredictable swings in market sentiment. Nevertheless, the ultimate effects of cross-border economic forces also depend on the robustness of domestic policies. Potential vulnerabilities such as disruption in trade or financial flows can be mitigated by sound macroeconomic policies. Although ‘licence raj’ and ‘export pessimism’ is now a thing of the past, India’s quasi-protectionist policies, coupled with the failure to deepen its integration into the global economy, have made the economy increasingly vulnerable to external forces—as seen when the United States Federal Reserve announced its decision to unwind its stimulus programme in mid-2013, resulting in deep sell-offs in emerging economies, especially India’s currency, bond and equity markets.
Book Review: Jha, Pankaj, India and China in Southeast Asia, Competition or Cooperation
Authors: Pattnaik Rohit
Published: November 2014

Jha, Pankaj, India and China in Southeast Asia, Competition or Cooperation (New Delhi: Manas Publications, 2013). Pp. 338, Price ₹ 795.
Electroactive polymer actuators for active optical components
Authors: Price Aaron David , Naguib Hani E , Amara Foued Ben
Published: November 2014

Adaptive optical systems incorporate active components that compensate for wavefront aberrations introduced by optical defects. The quality of optical compensation is largely determined by the stroke of the adaptive component’s underlying actuating mechanism. Development of compact polypyrrole trilayer actuator arrays may deliver superior performance over conventional active technologies such as electrostatic electrodes or piezoelectric actuators. This study introduces a novel piston–tilt mirror apparatus that utilizes low-voltage electroactive polymer actuators to reorient a plane mirror. The design of the mirror and its ancillary systems are first reported, followed by the polymer synthesis procedure and actuator fabrication method. Finally, laser beam steering results are provided in the context of an experimental retinal imaging system. The outcomes indicate a promising future for electroactive polymer-enabled devices in adaptive optical systems with technological implications ranging from more powerful astronomical telescopes to improved retinal tissue diagnosis.
The Case for the Perceived Social Competence Scale II
Authors: Anderson-Butcher Dawn , Amorose Anthony J. , Lower Leeann M. , Riley Allison , Gibson Allison , Ruch Donna
Published: November 2014

Objective:

This study examines the psychometric properties of the revised Perceived Social Competence Scale (PSCS), a brief, user-friendly tool used to assess social competence among youth.

Method:

Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) examined the factor structure and invariance of an enhanced scale (PSCS-II), among a sample of 420 youth. Correlations between PSCS-II and self-reported social skill scores were examined. A longitudinal CFA tested the invariance of the factor structure over time with a different sample of 451 youth.

Results:

The revised 5-item PSCS-II demonstrated acceptable factorial validity, factorial invariance across time and gender as well as strong predictive validity.

Conclusion:

The PSCS-II was supported as a strengthened version of the PSCS to measure social competence in social work research and practice.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Simplified Chinese Version of Flourishing Scale
Authors: Tang Xiaoqing , Duan Wenjie , Wang Zhizhang , Liu Tianyuan
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

The Flourishing Scale (FS) was developed to measure psychological well-being from the eudaimonic perspective, highlighting the flourishing of human functioning. This article evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the simplified Chinese version of FS among a Chinese community population.

Method:

A total of 433 participants from 17 different communities in southwest China completed a questionnaire package that included FS, Chinese Virtues Questionnaire, and Brief Symptom Inventory-18.

Results:

The results demonstrated excellent internal consistency, solid one-factor structure, strong convergent and discriminant validity, and incremental validity. Flourishing was found to play a mediating role in the relationship between total virtue and psychological distress.

Conclusions:

FS was proved to be appropriate for use in assessing psychological well-being among a Chinese community population, which may be recognized as a promising tool to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for evidence-based social work practice.
Feasibility of a Patient-Centered Deprescribing Process to Reduce Inappropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Reeve Emily , Andrews Jane M. , Wiese Michael D. , Hendrix Ivanka , Roberts Michael S. , Shakib Sepehr
Published: November 2014

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are inappropriately prescribed in up to 50% of users. Systematic medication review and cessation of inappropriate medications or deprescribing may improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a patient-centered deprescribing process in a population of adults with complex polypharmacy. Methods: This was a prospective feasibility study. Participants were recruited from hospital outpatient clinics. The patient-centered deprescribing process consisted of 5 steps: comprehensive medication history, identification of potentially inappropriate medications, determining if the medication can be ceased, planning the withdrawal regimen (eg, tapering where necessary), and provision of monitoring, support, and documentation. Feasibility was determined by assessing time taken to complete the different steps of the deprescribing process and participant feedback. Results: In all, 57 PPI users were recruited; participants were 70 ± 14 years old and took 14 ± 6 medications. The indication for PPI use was verified in 43 participants and judged as potentially inappropriate in 19 (44%); 8 were suitable for trial withdrawal, and 6 consented. All 6 successfully ceased (n = 3) or reduced (n = 3) their PPI use, and this was sustained at 6 months postintervention in 4 participants. Conclusions: The patient-centered deprescribing process can safely reduce inappropriate PPI prescribing in a small proportion of people. Although the process was acceptable to participants, difficulties in accessing complete medical histories, time limitations, and minimal evidence to support effectiveness in certain indications were barriers to implementation of the process in clinical practice.
Re-conceiving building design quality: A review of building users in their social context
Authors: Watson Kelly J. , Evans James , Karvonen Andrew , Whitley Tim
Published: November 2014

Considerable overlap exists between post-occupancy research evaluating building design quality and the concept of ‘social value’, popularised by its recent application to issues of the public realm. To outline this potential research agenda, the paper reviews design quality research on buildings in relation to users and their social context where the term ‘social context’ refers to building user group dynamics, a combination of organisational cultures, management strategies, and social norms and practices. The review is conducted across five key building types, namely housing, workplaces, healthcare, education, and the retail/service sector. Research commonalities and gaps are identified in order to build a more comprehensive picture of the design quality literature and its handling of users in their social context. The key findings concerning each building type are presented visually. It is concluded that the design quality field comprises a patchwork of relatively isolated studies of various building types, with significant potential for theoretical and empirical development through interdisciplinary collaboration. Users tend to be conceived as anonymous and autonomous individuals with little analysis of user identity or interaction. Further, the contextual impact of user group dynamics on the relationship between building design and building user is rarely addressed in the literature. Producing a more nuanced understanding of users in situ is proposed as an important area for future design quality research.
Comparison of laparoscopic and open colonic resection within fast-track and traditional perioperative care pathways: clinical outcomes and in-hospital costs
Authors: Ehrlich A. , Kellokumpu S. , Wagner B. , Kautiainen H. , Kellokumpu I.
Published: November 2014

Background:

This study examined short-term clinical outcomes and in-hospital costs of laparoscopic and open colonic resection within fast-track and traditional care pathways.

Material and Methods:

A case–control study was performed. From 2007 to 2009, 116 patients underwent laparoscopic or open colonic resection for benign or malignant disease within fast-track care pathway. The control group consisted of 116 age-, sex-, comorbidity-, type of surgery–, and diagnosis-matched patients who received a traditional perioperative care from 2000 to 2007. The main measures of outcome were postoperative hospital stay and in-hospital costs, with 30-day mortality, morbidity, reoperation, and readmission rates as secondary outcomes.

Results:

The study groups were well balanced for baseline characteristics. Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the fast-track than in the control group: laparoscopic resection median 3 versus 5 days (p < 0.001) and open resection 4 versus 7 days (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis fast-track care, laparoscopic surgery and complications were independent determinants affecting the length of hospital stay. Overall, there was a trend toward lower in-hospital costs in the fast-track group compared with the traditional care group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Open surgery within fast-track care was the least costly option compared to laparoscopic or open surgery within traditional care but not significantly so when compared with laparoscopy within fast-track care. Intake of solid food and bowel function recovered 1 day earlier in the fast-track group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Complications were more frequent after open surgery than after laparoscopic surgery (23.3% vs 11.0%, p = 0.012). Reoperation and readmission rates were similar between the study groups.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopy improves the efficiency of fast-track perioperative care without significantly increasing in-hospital costs.
Effects of social media users’ attitudes on their perceptions of the attributes of news agency content and their intentions to purchase digital subscriptions
Authors: Lim Jeongsub
Published: November 2014

This study analyzes how social media users’ attitudes influence their perceptions regarding the attributes of news agency content and their intentions to purchase digital subscriptions. Their attitudes toward production activities influence their purchasing intentions and affect their use time of social media and news. Furthermore, their attitudes toward production activities influence their news perceptions and, subsequently, their perceptions of the attributes of news agency content. Because of these variables, their attitudes toward production activities affect their purchasing intentions. Social media users’ attitudes toward use activities influence their intentions to purchase digital subscriptions through their perceptions of the attributes of the content. The more often people use social media, the more they are likely to consume news. However, news use time does not influence purchasing intentions. Daily use of news agency content is controlled.
Determinants of Diet for Urban Aboriginal Youth
Authors: Kerpan Serene T. , Humbert M. Louise , Henry Carol J.
Published: November 2014

Overweight and obesity are associated with several life-threating comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a growing health concern in North America, with some groups experiencing higher levels of obesity than others. One group of particular interest is urban Aboriginal youth because they are a quickly growing population who experience high rates of obesity. Obesity is a complex condition with many contributing factors, diet being one of the primary contributors. In this article, we discuss the findings from an ethnographic study that examined determinants of diet for urban Aboriginal youth. Results revealed two themes: (a) Traditions and Sharing, and (b) The Struggle. The findings with Traditions and Sharing showed that food-sharing networks are often used to acquire traditional food. Traditional foods were believed to be healthy and desired by the participants. The theme The Struggle provides insight into the daily challenges the participants faced with food insecurity. Health promotion professionals need to consider the multiplicity of determinants of diet for urban Aboriginal youth in order to plan and implement culturally appropriate health promotion programs.
Improvements in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Overweight and Obese Employees Participating in a University Worksite Wellness Program
Authors: Radler Diane Rigassio , Marcus Andrea Fleisch , Griehs Rachel , Touger-Decker Riva
Published: November 2014

Objective. To determine immediate changes in weight and cardiometabolic risk of participants in a university worksite wellness program (WWP). It was hypothesized that there would be significant improvements in weight and waist circumference after 12 weeks. Method. Employees volunteered for enrollment in a 12-week WWP that provided educational sessions in-person or online. At baseline and after 12 weeks, participants had one-on-one appointments with the study registered dietitian who measured clinical outcome markers (cardiometabolic risk factors) and provided individualized counseling. Results. Among 79 participants who returned for 12-week appointments, there were statistically significant improvements in weight ( p < .0001), waist circumference ( p < .0001), and other cardiometabolic risk factors from baseline to 12-weeks. Conclusions. Improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors may be observed in a relatively short period of time among those who enrolled in a WWP.
Validation of the Elementary Social Behavior Assessment
Authors: Pennefather Jordan T. , Smolkowski Keith
Published: November 2014

We describe the psychometric evaluation of the Elementary Social Behavior Assessment (ESBA™), a 12-item scale measuring teacher-preferred, positive social skills. The ESBA was developed for use in elementary school classrooms to measure teacher perceptions of students using time-efficient, web-based data collection methods that allow quick and reliable universal screening. Results from two studies demonstrate that the ESBA has robust internal consistency, a single-dimension, and strong criterion validity. The ESBA seems suited for use within multi-tiered models that address classroom social behavior within early elementary classrooms. It enables teachers to efficiently identify and support students who need additional help learning how to ask for help, complete seatwork, get along with peers, and acquire the other skills that allow them to become successful students.