bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invoking and inscribing mental illness: A discursive analysis of diagnostic terminology in inpatient treatment planning meetings
Authors: Goicoechea Jessie
Published: February 2013

Critical feminist analyses document the power of psychiatric labeling, but less attention has been given to the social processes involved in giving and acquiring labels. Utilizing a discursive method based on conversation analysis, this study examined conversations among staff and with patients in treatment team meetings on an adult, involuntary inpatient unit of a state psychiatric hospital in the US, with a focus on how problem formulation and role negotiations are achieved and how diagnostic terminology figures into that work. In this brief report, extracts from treatment planning meetings with two female patients are presented to illustrate how diagnostic terminology steers conversations away from addressing the context of these women’s lives.
The European Migrant Workers Union and the barriers to transnational industrial citizenship
Authors: Greer Ian , Ciupijus Zinovijus , Lillie Nathan
Published: February 2013

Despite the rapid increase in cross-national labour migration since EU enlargement in 2004, there has been little research on transnational union efforts to organize migrant workers. This article examines the European Migrant Workers Union, created by the German union IG BAU in a shift away from national protectionism towards transnational organizing. The initiative largely failed, primarily because of decisions by other unions to reject the transnational approach and instead to defend existing institutional arrangements. We argue that this inaction constitutes a setback for union reassertion of control over markets and for bringing industrial citizenship to Europe’s hyper-mobile workers.
Diversification Strategy and Firm Performance: Evidence from Indian Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Purkayastha Saptarshi
Published: February 2013

While many scholars have examined the business group affiliation–performance relationship, very few have examined the role that industry and diversification (related versus unrelated) strategy plays in this focal relationship (Carney et al., 2011). I provide empirical evidence that the effect of diversified business groups on the performance of affiliated firms is dependent on ( a) the industry to which the firm belongs and ( b) the type of diversification strategy followed by the group. I have found that in the chemical and allied products industry, the return on total assets (ROA) of firms has a negative relationship with unrelated diversification, while it has a positive relationship in the transportation equipment industry. However, with related diversification, ROA of firms in the chemical and allied products industry has a positive relationship, while it has a negative relationship with firms in the transportation equipment industry.
Student Engagement and Its Predictors: An Exploratory Study in an Indian Business School
Authors: Sharma Baldev R. , Bhaumik Pradip K.
Published: February 2013

The concept of student engagement is gaining widespread acceptance in the West as it is found to be positively related to academic outcomes as well as personal development of the students. Although it is generally agreed that student engagement is a multidimensional construct, there is no agreement over its dimensions. The study on which this article is based, seeks to identify the dimensions of student engagement through exploratory factor analysis, analyzing a pool of items drawn from various sources, including some of the authors’ own. Using the five dimensions identified through this process, the study attempts to assess the level of student engagement among the first-year students of a two-year full-time MBA programme of an Indian business school. Finally, it uses step-wise regression analysis to identify the predictors of student engagement.
Executive MBA Degree Programmes (and Related Programmes): Frameworks and Dynamics in Caribbean Universities
Authors: Inamete Ufot B.
Published: February 2013

The very significant differences and diversities among countries and territories in the Caribbean region, in terms of political and economic ideological orientation, population size, level of economic development, prior or present colonial background, language, political status and the nature of educational system, are seen, by this study, as the factors that determine the profile of executive master of business administration (EMBA) degree programmes, and related programmes, in the Caribbean region. The main goal of this article is a qualitative comparative analysis of EMBA degree programmes and related programmes in various universities in the Caribbean region. The comparative analysis focuses on the differences that exist in terms of the structures, functioning, outputs and profiles of the EMBA degree programmes, as much as feasible. Furthermore, the article compares the profile and status of EMBA degree programmes in their respective business schools and also in their respective universities. The formal and informal linkages between the executive MBA degree programmes and business communities are also analyzed and compared, where feasible.
The Adjustment Process of Female Repatriate Managers in Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) Companies
Authors: Tahir Rizwan , Azhar Naheed
Published: February 2013

Globalization in recent years has made the understanding of international human resource problems more important for managers in companies. Despite the growth of female managers with international assignments, there are very few studies about the repatriation challenges faced by female managers. The study on which the present article is based, attempts to explore the emotions and feelings that female repatriate managers in Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) companies encountered during their repatriation process. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study focusing on this subject. Our findings indicate the overall repatriation process for female expatriate managers in ANZ companies to be rather unsatisfying. This study attempts to posit that enhancing female employees’ commitment towards their parent firms is a critical first step and to show the way for ANZ firms to begin this important process.
Salvaging national pride: The 2010 taekwondo controversy and Taiwan’s quest for global recognition
Authors: Kang Jiyeon , Kim Jae-On , Wang Yan
Published: February 2013

In this article, we analyze Taiwan’s grassroots reactions to the disqualification of taekwondo icon Yang Shu-chun in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, in order to examine how a technical dispute induced political and popular campaigns that variously blamed the governing party, the People’s Republic of China, and South Korea for inflicting shame on both the athlete and on Taiwan. Our research combines a historiography of Taiwan’s post-WWII experience, analysis of the nature of the Internet, and an assay of Taiwan’s three major newspapers. We find that the Yang incident became a symbolic vehicle for expressing the feeling of the nation’s citizens that Taiwan is trapped in international politics, and for restoring their national pride by transforming Yang into a virtuous heroine. We propose an attention to local, contingent narratives on sports, through which even regional games or failures serve to reinforce national identity.
Inquiry and Cultural Responsive Teaching in General Music
Authors: Hayes Christine Cozzens
Published: February 2013

Inquiry-based learning is shown as an effective methodology to reach diverse student populations. It aligns with the National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems and their methodology of culturally responsive teaching.
Erlotinib Plus Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Zang Yuan-Sheng , Fang Zheng , Li Bing
Published: February 2013

This case study details the poor performance status of a patient with non-small cell lung cancer and cancer anorexia–cachexia syndrome got through the hardest days of high tumor burden and malnutrition, by using a combined therapy of lung cancer-targeted therapy drug and parenteral nutrition. The related literatures were reviewed.
The First 20 Years
Authors: Nichols Bryan E.
Published: February 2013

This study reports the frequencies of methodologies and topics appearing in the Journal of Music Teacher Education from 1991 to 2011. Exploratory review of the middle years of publication was used to categorize methodologies and topics prior to formal analysis. Results indicated that few articles documented the profession’s history, reinforcing the importance of editor and Society for Music Teacher Education chair comments for audience communication. Publication count increased from four articles per volume to seven, on average. The year 2003 marked the introduction of qualitative methods, and the early 2000s marked a shift toward a balance of research reports with other article types, whereas early issues had few reports of empirical evidence. Finally, article topics were not represented similarly among article types. Results are discussed in terms of implications for the music teacher preparation profession.
A Couple in Crisis
Authors: Cardona Betty , Breseke Sara , Nelson Natalie , Johns R. David , Mack Jenna
Published: February 2013

This article examines the difficulties couples’s counselors encounter when counseling clients in crises who are coping with two personality disorders: narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. Each partner’s complex conflicting problems are intertwined into the relationship creating an increased level of emotional instability leading to crisis situations. A case example is presented with a couple in crisis and implications for counselors in training while working with this couple at a university training clinic.
Preparing Future Teachers to Collaborate With Families Contributions of Family Systems Counselors to a Teacher Preparation Program
Authors: Amatea Ellen S. , Mixon Kacy , McCarthy Shannon
Published: February 2013

Systemically trained counselors have a distinctive set of skills that make them well suited to prepare teachers to work with students’ families. In this article, we discuss our experiences as family counselors in developing and teaching a required course in family–school collaboration to elementary teachers in training. We first describe the teacher dispositions that need to be developed to support such family–school relationships and the skills possessed by family systems counselors for promoting these dispositions. We then describe the course goals, instructional methods, and course activities, and report the impact of this course experience on our students and ourselves.
Exploring the Long-Term Impact of Female Infertility
Authors: Ferland Paulette , Caron Sandra L.
Published: February 2013

This exploratory study provides a greater understanding of the long-term impact of infertility on women. Interviews were conducted with 12 infertile women who are postmenopausal and who remained childless. The women were asked to reflect on their experience of infertility and childlessness. Findings provide a greater awareness of the long-term impact of infertility and childlessness, and offer implications for those in the helping professions who might come in contact with this population of women.
Predictive Risk Assessment for Major Amputation After Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis
Authors: DeVries J. George , Berlet Gregory C. , Hyer Christopher F.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis using a nail has been shown to be an effective salvage technique; however, there is a risk of major amputation. A better understanding of the relative risk of amputation after TTC fusion and the factors that influence this could help the preoperative consultation and guide discussion on the economics of limb salvage.

Methods:

One hundred seventy-nine limbs were treated with TTC fusion with an intramedullary nail. A comprehensive chart and radiographic review was pulled from our intramedullary nail database. Patients were divided into those who went on to eventual amputation and those with successful salvage of their limb. Variables from the database were used to build a statistical model with a biostatistician. Final results were presented, and a formula to determine probability of amputation was created.

Results:

There were 21 limbs that were eventually treated with major amputation. This represents an overall salvage rate of 88.2% (158/179 patients). Age was a factor in amputation risk, and the highest risk factor for amputation was diabetes with an odds ratio of 7.01 and 95% confidence, P = .0019. The odds of amputation were 6.2 times and 3 times greater for patients undergoing revisions and those with preoperative ulcers, respectively. The probability of amputation could be found preoperatively by using the derived equation: ex/(1 + ex) where x is a factor of age, diabetes, revision, and ulceration.

Conclusion:

TTC arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail has a high rate of limb salvage across a wide range of indications and medical comorbidities. In this patient cohort, diabetes was the most notable risk for amputation, followed by revision surgery, preoperative ulceration, and age. A model has been built to help predict the risk of amputation.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prognostic.
Comparison of Three Different Fixation Methods of Calcaneal Osteotomies
Authors: Abbasian Ali , Zaidi Razi , Guha Abhijit , Goldberg Andrew , Cullen Nicholas , Singh Dishan
Published: February 2013

Background:

There are various methods available to fix a calcaneal osteotomy, ranging from screws to plates and staples. It is not clear if one method is superior to the other. In this series we compare the complications and union rates of 3 different methods of fixation.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the records of a consecutive series of patients who had a calcaneal osteotomy was undertaken. All patients had their osteotomy by the same technique, however the subsequent fixation was performed using 3 different methods: a lateral locking plate, a headless, or a headed screw. The screws were placed through a separate stab incision inserted from the infero-posterior heel. Records were kept of subsequent symptoms from the hardware and need for hardware removal as well as any complications. When screws were inserted, the entry point in relation to the weight-bearing surface of the calcaneus was also recorded. Sixty-seven osteotomies were investigated, of which 17 were fixed using a headed screw, 18 using a headless screw, and the remaining 32 were fixed using a lateral plate.

Results:

There was an overall 97% union rate. The only 2 cases of delayed union were both fixed using a lateral plate. Overall, 47% of the headed screws, 11% of the headless screws, and 6% of the lateral plates were removed to address symptoms that were suspected to arise from the hardware. There was a 10% rate of wound complication in the lateral plate cohort. There were no cases of sural nerve injury or neuroma. No correlation was found between entry position of screw and subsequent hardware symptoms.

Conclusions:

Calcaneal osteotomies have high union rates regardless of fixation method. Fixation using a headed screw is associated with a high rate of secondary screw removal. This was unrelated to the position of the screw in relation to the weight-bearing surface of the calcaneus in our series. Hardware problems were less frequent in the headless screw or the lateral plate groups; however, the incidence of local wound complications and radiological delayed union was higher in the group fixed with a lateral plate. This may be related to the greater soft tissue dissection and lesser compression achieved at the osteotomy site.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective case control study.
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio and the Platelet–Lymphocyte Ratio Predict the Limb Survival in Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Taşoğlu İrfan , Sert Doğan , Colak Necmettin , Uzun Alper , Songur Murat , Ecevit Ata
Published: February 2013

Background:

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether admission neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) might reflect amputation in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) who could not get surgical or radiological (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) revascularization.

Methods:

A total of 104 patients with nonreconstructable CLI over a 5-year period were collected prospectively.

Results:

Admission NLR levels of ≥3.2 and a PLR of ≥160 were found to represent the optimal cutoff values to risk stratification of patients. If both levels were elevated, patients had a median overall limb survival of 22 months. For cases where both levels were less than the cutoff values, the median overall limb survival time was not reached but was greater than 60 months. Conclusions: Admission NLR and PLR both merit further evaluation as prognostic indices in patients with CLI.
“You Need Some Laugh Bones!”
Authors: Vetter Amy
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine how a White teacher (Gina) responded to African American Language (AAL) in ways that situated students as valuable members of a high school English classroom. This 5-month qualitative study in a 10th grade classroom drew from positioning theory and discourse analysis to make sense of classroom interactions with AAL. Findings show that although Gina was not fluent in AAL, she leveraged it in ways that positioned students as members of the literacy community by doing the following: (a) opening opportunities for students to use AAL in ways that contributed to the community, (b) not dismissing or ridiculing the use of AAL, and (c) maintaining a classroom of respect when AAL was used in ways that disrespected that community. Implications from the study suggest that teaching high school English is not only about knowledge of content or best practices but also about leveraging multiple languages in ways that position students as participants of a literacy community.
Multiphysics simulations
Authors: Keyes David E , McInnes Lois C , Woodward Carol , Gropp William , Myra Eric , Pernice Michael , Bell John , Brown Jed , Clo Alain , Connors Jeffrey , Constantinescu Emil , Estep Don , Evans Kate , Farhat Charbel , Hakim Ammar , Hammond Glenn , Hansen Glen , Hill Judith , Isaac Tobin , Jiao Xiangmin , Jordan Kirk , Kaushik Dinesh , Kaxiras Efthimios , Koniges Alice , Lee Kihwan , Lott Aaron , Lu Qiming , Magerlein John , Maxwell Reed , McCourt Michael , Mehl Miriam , Pawlowski Roger , Randles Amanda P , Reynolds Daniel , Rivière Beatrice , Rüde Ulrich , Scheibe Tim , Shadid John , Sheehan Brendan , Shephard Mark , Siegel Andrew , Smith Barry , Tang Xianzhu , Wilson Cian , Wohlmuth Barbara
Published: February 2013

We consider multiphysics applications from algorithmic and architectural perspectives, where “algorithmic” includes both mathematical analysis and computational complexity, and “architectural” includes both software and hardware environments. Many diverse multiphysics applications can be reduced, en route to their computational simulation, to a common algebraic coupling paradigm. Mathematical analysis of multiphysics coupling in this form is not always practical for realistic applications, but model problems representative of applications discussed herein can provide insight. A variety of software frameworks for multiphysics applications have been constructed and refined within disciplinary communities and executed on leading-edge computer systems. We examine several of these, expose some commonalities among them, and attempt to extrapolate best practices to future systems. From our study, we summarize challenges and forecast opportunities.
Exploring the Dimensions of Organizational Performance
Authors: Hamann P. Maik , Schiemann Frank , Bellora Lucia , Guenther Thomas W.
Published: February 2013

Organizational performance is a fundamental construct in strategic management. Recently, researchers proposed a framework for organizational performance that includes three dimensions: accounting returns, growth, and stock market performance. We test the construct validity of indicators of these dimensions by examining reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and nomological validity. We conduct a confirmatory factor analysis with 19 analytically derived indicators on a sample of 37,262 firm-years for 4,868 listed U.S. organizations from 1990 to 2010. Our results provide evidence of four, rather than three, organizational performance dimensions. Stock market performance and growth are confirmed as separate dimensions, whereas accounting returns must be decomposed into profitability and liquidity dimensions. Robustness analyses indicate stability of our inferences for three dissimilar industries and for a period of 21 years but reveal that organizational performance dimensions underlie dynamics during years in which environmental instability is high. Our study provides an initial contribution to the clarification of the important organizational performance construct by defining four dimensions and validating indicators for each dimension. Thus, we provide essential groundwork for the measurement of organizational performance in future empirical studies.
Dummy Constructs? Binomial Categorical Variables as Representations of Constructs
Authors: Gove Steve , Junkunc Marc
Published: February 2013

CEO duality describes the governance structure when a firm’s chief executive officer also holds the position of chairman of the board. Duality is central to theoretical perspectives on corporate governance and top management, yet duality’s relationship with numerous outcomes is characterized by nonsignificant coefficients and bivariate correlations hovering near zero. We argue and present evidence that CEO duality represents a “dummy construct”—an intentionally pejorative assessment on the widespread use of binomial categorical “dummy” variables to represent complex constructs. While we highlight CEO duality, the use of dummy variables as constructs is common in research. We review CEO duality as a construct and assess typical approaches to its measurement. When compared to actual patterns of duality within organizations, we find that current operationalizations are lacking due to a lack of attention to temporal considerations. This raises questions about the construct validity of current conceptualizations of CEO duality. Actual patterns suggest constructs and theoretical perspectives not previously considered. We present a taxonomy of CEO duality archetypes and offer suggestions on the incorporation of time for studies using dummy variables.
Firms’ Intentions to Use Nonownership Services
Authors: Wittkowski Kristina , Moeller Sabine , Wirtz Jochen
Published: February 2013

In this study, we investigate why companies intend to use nonownership services by conducting qualitative interviews with 10 experts to develop our hypotheses, then using a survey to test them. Our findings show that, as hypothesized, firms’ intentions to use nonownership services are affected by both financial (i.e., tax efficiency and cash and liquid asset management) and nonfinancial (i.e., control over assets and access to the latest technology and tools) factors, with access to the latest technology and tools being the most important driver. Furthermore, we show that the effect that the desire to gain access to the latest technology and tools has on intentions to use nonownership services is enhanced (i.e., moderated) when firms wish to reduce the risk of obsolescence. The hypothesized moderation effect of firm size on the importance of cash and liquid asset management is marginally significant. These findings are an important contribution to the literature, as previous studies have almost exclusively focused on the financial drivers of nonownership service use.
Sunburn in children and adolescents: associations with parents’ behaviour and attitudes
Authors: Behrens Christine L. , Thorgaard Camilla , Philip Anja , Bentzen Joan
Published: February 2013

Aims: Sunburn in childhood is a known risk factor for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Based on a theoretical model, we tested the hypothesis that parental attitudes and behaviour are related to the risk of sunburn in their children. Methods: We analysed the association between behaviour in the sun and attitudes related to tanning among Danish parents and their children’s risk for sunburn by logistic regression. Gender, educational level, and skin type of the responding parent were included as confounders and analyses were stratified for child age. Results: In children aged 7–12 and 13–17 years, the risk of sunburn increased when parents had experienced sunburn themselves, and also for 13–17 year olds if parents had a very positive attitude towards tanned skin. We found no association between parental attitudes and behaviour and the risk of sunburn in children aged 0–6 years. Conclusions: Interventions to influence the attitudes and behaviour of parents could reduce their children’s risk for excessive sun exposure and thereby their risk for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The results encourage preventive campaigns to focus on changing parental attitudes towards tanned skin and sun behaviour.
Cultural exposure, emotional intelligence, and cultural intelligence
Authors: Crowne Kerri Anne
Published: February 2013

This study examines the influence of cultural exposure on emotional intelligence and cultural intelligence. Because of the importance of international experience in organizations, and the ease of travel, understanding the impact of exposure to other cultures is critical. In this study, cultural exposure is examined in a variety of ways, such as a binary measure, breadth measure, and depth measure, as well as the interaction between breadth and depth. The sample included 485 participants from a large university in the northeast part of the United States. Regression analysis was conducted and findings indicated that cultural exposure in all forms had an impact on cultural intelligence, while it did not have an impact on emotional intelligence.
Trajectories of organizational commitment
Authors: Simosi Maria
Published: February 2013

Developmental issues of organizational commitment have received little attention and have been mainly examined through cross-sectional or longitudinal designs which used predefined scales validated in an Anglo-Saxon cultural context. The present study aims to address this gap by examining the developmental processes as well as possible intersections among commitment components as experienced by Greek employees working in a public sector organization. As 25 interviews with employees of different tenure length suggested, employees’ experience of organizational commitment reflected culturally driven values and expectations. Specifically, the notion of organizational commitment was interwoven with that of self-definition. Shifts in employees’ psychological contract were found to follow commitment and self-definitional developments. Moreover, commitments to different work-related foci were intertwined with commitment to the organization in the discourse of less experienced employees, while perceptions of wants and obligations were found to change in nature and were increasingly interwoven as tenure increased. The implications of the study for cross-cultural management lay in furthering our understanding of organizational commitment in a less studied cultural context in management research, while pointing out that cultural diversity constitutes an additional aspect for understanding employees’ commitment to their workplace.
Endovascular Versus Open Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Galiñanes Edgar Luis , Dombrovskiy Viktor Y. , Graham Alan M. , Vogel Todd R.
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The management of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) has undergone significant transition from open surgery to endovascular graft placement with few longitudinal data evaluating outcomes.

Methods:

The Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services Inpatient claims (2005-2007) were queried with a diagnosis of lower extremity artery aneurysm in association with elective Current Procedural Terminology codes for open (OPEN group) and endovascular (ENDO group) repair.

Results:

A total of 2962 patients were identified. Endovascular interventions significantly increased over the time of the study (11.7% vs 23.6%, P < .0001). Overall complication rates for OPEN and ENDO groups did not differ significantly (11.3% vs 9.3%; P = .017). No differences in the 30- and 90-day mortality rates were found between OPEN versus ENDO groups. The ENDO group had greater 30- and 90-day reinterventions (4.6% vs 2.1%, P = .001 and 11.8% vs 7.4%, P = .0007, respectively). Length of stay (4.5 days vs 2.5 days, P < .0001) and charges ($43 180 vs $35 540, P < .0001) were greater for OPEN group.

Conclusion:

Despite a significant increase in the utilization of endovascular repair of PAAs, endovascular repair was associated with greater reinterventions over time and did not offer a mortality or cost benefit.
Persistent Left Sciatic Artery Eliminated Need for Revascularization in a 13-Year-Old With Pseudoaneurysm of the Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Khare Amitesh , Riesenmann Paul J. , Reeves James G.
Published: February 2013

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is an anatomical variation which is rare and most frequently diagnosed secondary to its clinical complications. The sciatic artery walls have a tendency to aneurysmal degeneration and may evolve to thrombosis or thromboembolism. This article reports the case of a 13-year-old male patient with left superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm after gunshot wound and complete PSA with in-line flow to the popliteal artery as incidental finding. The patient underwent coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm with the sciatic artery left intact. The technical aspects are discussed and the literature on diagnosis and therapeutic approach of this anatomical variation is reviewed.
Repeated Split-Belt Treadmill Training Improves Poststroke Step Length Asymmetry
Authors: Reisman Darcy S. , McLean Heather , Keller Jennifer , Danks Kelly A. , Bastian Amy J.
Published: February 2013

Background and objective. Previous studies suggest that error augmentation may be used as a strategy to achieve longer-term changes in gait deficits after stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether longer-term improvements in step length asymmetry could be achieved with repeated split-belt treadmill walking practice using an error augmentation strategy. Methods. 13 persons with chronic stroke (>6 months) participated in testing: (1) prior to 12 sessions of split-belt treadmill training, (2) after the training, and (3) in follow-up testing at 1 and 3 months. Step length asymmetry was the target of training, so belt speeds were set to augment step length asymmetry such that aftereffects resulted in reduced step length asymmetry during overground walking practice. Each individual was classified as a “responder” or “nonresponder” based on whether their reduction in step length asymmetry exceeded day-to-day variability. Results. For the group and for the responders (7 individuals), step length asymmetry improved from baseline to posttesting ( P < .05) through an increased step length on both legs but a relatively larger change on the shorter step side ( P < .05). Other parameters that were not targeted (eg, stance time asymmetry) did not change over the intervention. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that short-term adaptations can be capitalized on through repetitive practice and can lead to longer-term improvements in gait deficits poststroke. The error augmentation strategy, which promotes stride-by-stride adjustment to reduce asymmetry and results in improved asymmetry during overground walking practice, appears to be critical for obtaining the improvements observed.
Engaging Leaders in the Eyes of the Beholder
Authors: Kopperud Karoline Hofslett , Martinsen Øyvind , Humborstad Sut I. Wong
Published: February 2013

This study investigates whether work engagement mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and service climate. We also examine whether self–other agreement on transformational leadership act as a contingency to the expected relationships. Data were collected from two separate samples. The first sample consists of 1,226 employees of a financial services company while the second sample consists of 291 followers and 30 leaders from an audit company. The results support the view that work engagement mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and service climate. Polynomial regression and interaction analyses show that the relationship between transformational leadership and service climate is moderated by self–other agreement.
Comparing Apples and Oranges
Authors: Carman Carol A.
Published: February 2013

The lack of a unified definition of giftedness leads researchers to use very different operationalizations when selecting a sample of gifted individuals for use in research. We found 104 empirical articles from 38 journals that differentiated between gifted and nongifted students which were analyzed to determine the most common methods of identifying individuals in research. Results of the analysis show a lack of consensus as to what qualifies a person to be defined as gifted for the purposes of research. This lack of consensus leads to lower generalizability of research about giftedness and to an inability for researchers in the field to compare results of studies. An agreed-upon unified definition of giftedness for the purposes of research will lead to a more homogeneous group of participants, which in turn would lead to multiple benefits, including higher external validity in research designs.
Consumer Governance May Harm Health Center Financial Performance
Authors: Wright Brad
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which must be governed by a patient majority, have historically struggled to remain financially viable while caring for a disproportionately low-income and uninsured population. Consumer governance is credited with making FQHCs responsive to community needs, but to the extent that patient trustees resemble the typical low-income FQHC patient, patient trustees might lack the capacity to govern, harming financial performance as a result. Thus, this study sought to empirically evaluate the relationship between FQHC board composition and financial performance. Methods: Using data from years 2002-2007 of the Uniform Data System and the Area Resource File, and years 2003-2006 of FQHC grant applications, FQHC operating margin was modeled as a function of board and executive committee composition, the interaction between them, general time trends, other FQHC and county-level factors, and FQHC-level fixed effects. Trustees were classified as representative (ie, low-income) consumers, nonrepresentative (ie, high-income) consumers, and nonconsumers on the basis of their self-reported patient status and occupation. Results: Each 10 percentage point increase in the proportion of representative consumers on the board is associated with a 1.7 percentage point decrease in operating margin. This effect becomes insignificant if any consumers serve on the executive committee. There is no significant relationship between the proportion of nonrepresentative consumers and operating margin. Conclusions: If consumers are given leadership roles on the board, consumer governance does not harm financial performance and may be beneficial enough in other respects to justify its being required as a condition of federal FQHC funding. Without such strengthening of the provision, consumer governance appears to harm financial performance and it is unclear from this study whether it offers other benefits that are significant enough to justify this financial risk.
Efficacy of Purple Passion Fruit Peel Extract in Lowering Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Raju I. Naga , Reddy K. Kodandarami , Kumari C. Krishna , Reddy E. Bhaskar , Rao S. Dattatreya , Reddy C. Damodar , Watson Ronald Ross
Published: February 2013

The clinical efficacy of purple passion fruit peel extract (a flavonoid-rich dietary supplement) in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in adult type 2 diabetic subjects was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-one subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of purple passion fruit (220 mg) or a matched placebo for 16 weeks. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were determined at baseline and at monthly intervals. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose was observed following administration of purple passion fruit ( P < .05). Purple passion fruit was well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. These data suggest that purple passion fruit supplementation for 16 weeks in type 2 diabetics results in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, indicating that purple passion fruit is safe and well tolerated by diabetics.
Shewanella oneidensisHfq promotes exponential phase growth, stationary phase culture density, and cell survival
Authors: Brennan Christopher M , Keane Meghan L , Hunt Taylor M , Goulet Matthew T , Mazzucca Nicholas Q , Sexton Zachary , Mezoian Taylor , Douglas Katherine E , Osborn Jessica M , Pellock Brett J
Published: February 2013

Background

Hfq is an RNA chaperone protein that has been broadly implicated in sRNA function in bacteria. Here we describe the construction and characterization of a null allele of the gene that encodes the RNA chaperone Hfq in Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1, a dissimilatory metal reducing bacterium.

Results

Loss of hfq in S. oneidensis results in a variety of mutant phenotypes, all of which are fully complemented by addition of a plasmid-borne copy of the wild type hfq gene. Aerobic cultures of the hfq∆ mutant grow more slowly through exponential phase than wild type cultures, and hfq∆ cultures reach a terminal cell density in stationary phase that is ~2/3 of that observed in wild type cultures. We have observed a similar growth phenotype when the hfq∆ mutant is cultured under anaerobic conditions with fumarate as the terminal electron acceptor, and we have found that the hfq∆ mutant is defective in Cr(VI) reduction. Finally, the hfq∆ mutant exhibits a striking loss of colony forming units in extended stationary phase and is highly sensitive to oxidative stress induced by H2O2 or methyl viologen (paraquat).

Conclusions

The hfq mutant in S. oneidensis exhibits pleiotropic phenotypes, including a defect in metal reduction. Our results also suggest that hfq mutant phenotypes in S. oneidensis may be at least partially due to increased sensitivity to oxidative stress.
Age-related normal structural and functional ventricular values in cardiac function assessed by magnetic resonance
Authors: Fiechter Michael , Fuchs Tobias A , Gebhard Catherine , Stehli Julia , Klaeser Bernd , Stähli Barbara E , Manka Robert , Manes Costantina , Tanner Felix C , Gaemperli Oliver , Kaufmann Philipp A
Published: February 2013

Background

The heart is subject to structural and functional changes with advancing age. However, the magnitude of cardiac age-dependent transformation has not been conclusively elucidated.

Methods

This retrospective cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study included 183 subjects with normal structural and functional ventricular values. End systolic volume (ESV), end diastolic volume (EDV), and ejection fraction (EF) were obtained from the left and the right ventricle in breath-hold cine CMR. Patients were classified into four age groups (20–29, 30–49, 50–69, and ≥70 years) and cardiac measurements were compared using Pearson’s rank correlation over the four different groups.

Results

With advanced age a slight but significant decrease in ESV (r=−0.41 for both ventricles, P<0.001) and EDV (r=−0.39 for left ventricle, r=−0.35 for right ventricle, P<0.001) were observed associated with a significant increase in left (r=0.28, P<0.001) and right (r=0.27, P<0.01) ventricular EF reaching a maximal increase in EF of +8.4% (P<0.001) for the left and +6.1% (P<0.01) for the right ventricle in the oldest compared to the youngest patient group. Left ventricular myocardial mass significantly decreased over the four different age groups (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The aging process is associated with significant changes in left and right ventricular EF, ESV and EDV in subjects with no cardiac functional and structural abnormalities. These findings underline the importance of using age adapted values as standard of reference when evaluating CMR studies.
A prospective randomized controlled multicenter trial comparing antibiotic therapy with appendectomy in the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis (APPAC trial)
Authors: Paajanen Hannu , Grönroos Juha M , Rautio Tero , Nordström Pia , Aarnio Markku , Rantanen Tuomo , Hurme Saija , Dean Kirsti , Jartti Airi , Mecklin Jukka-Pekka , Sand Juhani , Salminen Paulina
Published: February 2013

Background

Although the standard treatment of acute appendicitis (AA) consists of an early appendectomy, there has recently been both an interest and an increase in the use of antibiotic therapy as the primary treatment for uncomplicated AA. However, the use of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of uncomplicated AA is still controversial.

Methods/design

The APPAC trial is a randomized prospective controlled, open label, non-inferiority multicenter trial designed to compare antibiotic therapy (ertapenem) with emergency appendectomy in the treatment of uncomplicated AA. The primary endpoint of the study is the success of the randomized treatment. In the antibiotic treatment arm successful treatment is defined as being discharged from the hospital without the need for surgical intervention and no recurrent appendicitis during a minimum follow-up of one-year (treatment efficacy). Treatment efficacy in the operative treatment arm is defined as successful appendectomy evaluated to be 100%. Secondary endpoints are post-intervention complications, overall morbidity and mortality, the length of hospital stay and sick leave, treatment costs and pain scores (VAS, visual analoque scale). A maximum of 610 adult patients (aged 18–60 years) with a CT scan confirmed uncomplicated AA will be enrolled from six hospitals and randomized by a closed envelope method in a 1:1 ratio either to undergo emergency appendectomy or to receive ertapenem (1 g per day) for three days continued by oral levofloxacin (500 mg per day) plus metronidazole (1.5 g per day) for seven days. Follow-up by a telephone interview will be at 1 week, 2 months and 1, 3, 5 and 10 years; the primary and secondary endpoints of the trial will be evaluated at each time point.

Discussion

The APPAC trial aims to provide level I evidence to support the hypothesis that approximately 75–85% of patients with uncomplicated AA can be treated with effective antibiotic therapy avoiding unnecessary appendectomies and the related operative morbidity, also resulting in major cost savings.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.govhttp://NCT01022567
Evaluation of bioluminescence-based assays of anti-malarial drug activity
Authors: Hasenkamp Sandra , Sidaway Adam , Devine Oliver , Roye Richard , Horrocks Paul
Published: February 2013

Background

Transgenic Plasmodium falciparum expressing luciferase offers an attractive bioluminescence-based assay platform for the investigation of the pharmacological properties of anti-malarial drugs. Here a side-by-side comparison of bioluminescence and fluorescence-based assays, utilizing a luciferase reporter cassette that confers a strong temporal pattern of luciferase expression during the S-phase of intraerythrocytic development, is reported.

Methods

Key assay parameters for a range of commercially available luminogenic substrates are determined and compared to those measured using a Malaria Sybr Green I fluorescence assay. In addition, the short-term temporal effects of anti-malarial compounds are evaluated using both bioluminescent and fluorescent assay platforms.

Results

The Z’, % coefficient of variation and 50% inhibition concentrations are essentially the same for bioluminescent and fluorescent assays in transgenic parasites generated in both chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant genetic backgrounds. Bioluminescent assays, irrespective of the luminogenic agent employed, do, however, offer significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratios. Moreover, the bioluminescent assay is more dynamic in terms of determining temporal effects immediately following drug perturbation.

Conclusion

This study suggests that opportunities for bioluminescence-based assays lie not in the measurement of 50% inhibition concentrations, where the cheaper fluorescence assay performs excellently and is not restricted by the need to genetically modify the parasite clone under investigation. Instead, assays that use the dynamic response of the luciferase reporter for semi-automated screening of additional pharmacological properties, such as relative rate-of-kill and lethal dose estimation, are a more attractive development opportunity.
Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges in children with alleged cow’s milk allergy: prevention of unnecessary elimination diets and determination of eliciting doses
Authors: Dambacher Wendy M , de Kort Ellen HM , Blom W Marty , Houben Geert F , de Vries Esther
Published: February 2013

Background

Children with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) need a cow’s milk protein (CMP) free diet to prevent allergic reactions. For this, reliable allergy-information on the label of food products is essential to avoid products containing the allergen. On the other hand, both overzealous labeling and misdiagnosis that result in unnecessary elimination diets, can lead to potentially hazardous health situations. Our objective was to evaluate if excluding CMA by double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) prevents unnecessary elimination diets in the long term. Secondly, to determine the minimum eliciting dose (MED) for an acute allergic reaction to CMP in DBPCFC positive children.

Methods

All children with suspected CMA under our care (Oct’05 - Jun’09) were prospectively enrolled in a DBPCFC. Placebo and verum feedings were administered on two randomly assigned separate days. The MED was determined by noting the ‘lowest observed adverse effect level’ (LOAEL) in DBPCFC-positive children. Based on the outcomes of the DBPCFC a dietary advice was given. Parents were contacted by phone several months later about the diet of their child.

Results

116 children were available for analysis. In 76 children CMA was rejected. In 60 of them CMP was successfully reintroduced, in 2 the parents refused introduction, in another 3 the parents stopped reintroduction. In 9 children CMA symptoms reappeared. In 40 children CMA was confirmed. Infants aged ≤ 12 months in our study group have a higher cumulative distribution of MED than older children.

Conclusions

Excluding CMA by DBPCFC successfully stopped unnecessary elimination diets in the long term in most children. The MEDs form potential useful information for offering dietary advice to patients and their caretakers.