bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired With Upper-Limb Rehabilitation After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Dawson Jesse , Pierce David , Dixit Anand , Kimberley Teresa J. , Robertson Michele , Tarver Brent , Hilmi Omar , McLean John , Forbes Kirsten , Kilgard Michael P. , Rennaker Robert L. , Cramer Steven C. , Walters Matthew , Engineer Navzer
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—

Recent animal studies demonstrate that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with movement induces movement-specific plasticity in motor cortex and improves forelimb function after stroke. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical pilot study of VNS paired with rehabilitation on upper-limb function after ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Twenty-one participants with ischemic stroke >6 months before and moderate to severe upper-limb impairment were randomized to VNS plus rehabilitation or rehabilitation alone. Rehabilitation consisted of three 2-hour sessions per week for 6 weeks, each involving >400 movement trials. In the VNS group, movements were paired with 0.5-second VNS. The primary objective was to assess safety and feasibility. Secondary end points included change in upper-limb measures (including the Fugl–Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity).

Results—

Nine participants were randomized to VNS plus rehabilitation and 11 to rehabilitation alone. There were no serious adverse device effects. One patient had transient vocal cord palsy and dysphagia after implantation. Five had minor adverse device effects including nausea and taste disturbance on the evening of therapy. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the change in Fugl–Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity scores was not significantly different (between-group difference, 5.7 points; 95% confidence interval, −0.4 to 11.8). In the per-protocol analysis, there was a significant difference in change in Fugl–Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity score (between-group difference, 6.5 points; 95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 12.6).

Conclusions—

This study suggests that VNS paired with rehabilitation is feasible and has not raised safety concerns. Additional studies of VNS in adults with chronic stroke will now be performed.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01669161.
Increased Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease Among Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Terry Anna R. , Jordan Justin T. , Schwamm Lee , Plotkin Scott R.
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—

Although neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) may be associated with an incompletely understood vasculopathy, relative odds of stroke in this population is not known.

Methods—

Using the 1998 to 2009 US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we performed a case–control study matching cases of NF1 to controls without such a diagnosis. We then compared the odds of stroke between the 2 groups. We used multivariable logistic regression to adjust for known or suspected confounders.

Results—

NF1 was associated with younger mean age at the time of stroke (41 versus 48) and a lower prevalence of stroke risk factors among adult patients. Pediatric patients with NF1, however, were more likely to have hypertension. Patients with NF1 were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with any stroke (odds ratio, 1.2;
P
<0.0001) than the general population. The odds of intracerebral hemorrhage were greatest among hemorrhagic stroke types analyzed (odds ratio, 1.9;
P
<0.0001). In the pediatric NF1 population, the odds of intracerebral hemorrhage were more dramatically elevated (odds ratio, 8.1;
P
<0.0001). The odds of ischemic stroke were also increased with NF1 in the pediatric (odds ratio, 3.4;
P
<0.0001) but not in the adult population.

Conclusions—

When compared with the general population, the odds of any type of stroke are significantly increased for patients with NF1, both adult and pediatric. This risk is most notable for hemorrhagic strokes although it is also increased for ischemic strokes in children. Physicians should be aware of the increased risk of stroke in this population, and consider stroke as a potential cause of new neurological symptoms.
Maximizing the Adjacent Possible in Automata Chemistries
Authors: Hickinbotham Simon , Clark Edward , Nellis Adam , Stepney Susan , Clarke Tim , Young Peter
Published: December 2015

Automata chemistries are good vehicles for experimentation in open-ended evolution, but they are by necessity complex systems whose low-level properties require careful design. To aid the process of designing automata chemistries, we develop an abstract model that classifies the features of a chemistry from a physical (bottom up) perspective and from a biological (top down) perspective. There are two levels: things that can evolve, and things that cannot. We equate the evolving level with biology and the non-evolving level with physics. We design our initial organisms in the biology, so they can evolve. We design the physics to facilitate evolvable biologies. This architecture leads to a set of design principles that should be observed when creating an instantiation of the architecture. These principles are Everything Evolves, Everything's Soft, and Everything Dies. To evaluate these ideas, we present experiments in the recently developed Stringmol automata chemistry. We examine the properties of Stringmol with respect to the principles, and so demonstrate the usefulness of the principles in designing automata chemistries.
Le Dictionnaire chinois, français et latin de 1813
Authors: Landry-Deron Isabelle
Published: December 2015

The first printed dictionary from Chinese to a Western language, the Dictionnaire chinois, français et latin, published on the orders of Emperor Napoleon I, was prepared under the direction of Chrétien-Louis De Guignes (1759–1845) and came off the press of the Imprimerie impériale de Paris in 1813. It was based on what was regarded as the best manuscript dictionary compiled by the missionaries in China, the Hanzi xiyi by the Italian Franciscan, Basilio Brollo (1648–1704). Chinese characters were printed using the “Buis du Régent”, a unique set of mobile types engraved in wood, completed in Paris in 1740, the history of which is retraced at the beginning of the article. The sources and characteristics of the 1813 Dictionnaire are then examined, as well as the scholarly rivalries that accompanied its production and the criticism to which it was subjected after its appearance. 

Le Dictionnaire chinois, français et latin, premier dictionnaire imprimé du chinois dans une langue occidentale, préparé sur ordre de l’empereur Napoléon Ier et sous la responsabilité de Chrétien-Louis De Guignes (1759–1845), sortit des presses de l’Imprimerie impériale de Paris en 1813. Il se basait sur ce qui était considéré comme le meilleur dictionnaire manuscrit rédigé par les missionnaires en Chine, le Hanzi xiyi du franciscain italien Basilio Brollo (1648–1704). Les caractères chinois furent imprimés avec les “Buis du Régent”, un ensemble unique en Europe de types mobiles dont la gravure sur bois avait été achevée en 1740 et dont l’histoire est retracée au début de l’article. Les sources et les caractéristiques du Dictionnaire de 1813 sont ensuite examinées, ainsi que les rivalités entre savants qui en accompagnèrent l’émergence et les critiques auxquelles il fut en butte après sa parution.
Morphological Evidence for a Central Branch of Trans-Himalayan (Sino-Tibetan)
Authors: DeLancey Scott
Published: December 2015

The verb agreement systems of Jinghpaw, Meyor, Northern Naga, and Northeast, Northwest and Southern Kuki-Chin contain material which is demonstrably inherited from Proto-Trans-Himalayan. Here we discuss morphological evidence that these systems share a common ancestor more recent than PTH. There is strong evidence connecting Jinghpaw with both Northern Naga and Kuki-Chin, and weaker evidence directly linking Northern Naga and Kuki-Chin, and both of these with Meyor. This is evidence that all of these languages belong to a single branch of the family, an idea which has been suggested in the past but never argued for. 

Les systèmes d’accord verbaux des langues jinghpaw, meyor, naga du nord, et kuki-chin incluent des formes dont on peut démontrer l’origine proto-trans-himalayenne. Cet article présente des preuves morphologiques qui démontrent que ces systèmes descendent d’un paradigme ancestral plus récent que le proto-trans-himalayen. Les caractéristiques morphologiques communes entre jinghpaw et naga du nord sont très claires, et l’on trouve également des liens rapprochant le naga du nord avec le kuki-chin, et ces deux groupes avec le meyor. On propose que toutes ces langues appartiennent à une branche unique de la famille trans-himalayenne, une idée qui a été suggérée dans des publications antérieures mais jamais développée de façon argumentée.
Contribution to the Vernonieae (Asteraceae) of the Cerrado: a transfer to Lessingianthus, in a new rank and with a new name
Authors: Antar Guilherme Medeiros , LOEUILLE BENOÎT
Published: December 2015

Vernonia monocephala subsp. irwinii is a member of the genus Lessingianthus and is hereby transferred to that genus with a new status and a new name, L. semirii. It differs from L. monocephalus by its subsessile to petiolate (vs. sessile) leaves, largely attenuate (vs. rounded to attenuate) leaf bases, adaxial leaf surfaces drying black (vs. greenish), tomentose to velutinous (vs. villous) abaxial leaf surface and stem indument, and number of florets per head (up to 120 vs. up to 210). Both species are native to provinces of the Cerrado Domain, but they do not occur sympatrically: L. semirii is restricted to the North-eastern floristic province (Bahia, Maranhão, Tocantins and Pará states) and northern portion of the Central-western floristic province (Mato Grosso state), whereas L. monocephalus occurs in Distrito Federal and Goiás states in the Central-western, Central and South-eastern floristic provinces. Lessingianthus semirii is hereby described and illustrated for the first time; a distribution map is provided and affinities of this species are discussed.
Acranthera burmanica, a new species of Rubiaceae from Kachin State, Myanmar
Authors: TAN Yun-Hong , YANG Bin , LI Jian-Wu , ZHOU Shi-Shun , Shwelone Shwelone , Khaing KyiKyi , LI Ren , HUANG Jian-Ping , SUN Hang
Published: December 2015

Acranthera burmanica, a new species of Rubiaceae from Kachin, Myanmar, is here described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. sinensis, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its stem and branches densely strigose throughout; ovate leaves; calyx distinctly shorter than corolla tube, lobes lanceolate, apex attenuate; stipules triangular, apex acute not cuspidate; lower part of filaments connate into a tube.
A new species of Stenopsyche, with descriptions of larvae and females of some species associated by gene sequences (Insecta: Trichoptera)
Authors: XU JI-HUA , SUN CHANG-HAI , WANG BEI-XIN
Published: December 2015

Twenty-seven individuals of Stenopsyche from An-hui, Shan-xi and Si-chuan provinces, China, were examined and their DNA (mtCOI) sequences were extracted and analyzed. The larva, male, and female of a new species, S. huangshanensis sp. nov., associated by mtCOI gene sequences, are described and illustrated. Larvae and adult females of 3 known species, S. angustata Martynov 1930, S. navasi Ulmer 1926, and S. tienmushanensis Hwang 1957, were successfully associated with their identifiable males; the larvae and females of S. navasi and S. tienmushanensis were described and illustrated for the first time, and the larva and female of S. angustata were re-described and re-illustrated. DNA from identifiable males of Stenopsyche lotus Weaver 1987 was also sequenced, but the larva and female of this species remain unknown. An unknown larva, not associated with an identifiable adult, was described and illustrated as Stenopsyche sp. 1. All the sequences were uploaded to GenBank. All specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection of Nanjing Agricultural University.
Dynamics of Rossby Wave Packets in a Quantitative Potential Vorticity–Potential Temperature Framework
Authors: Teubler Franziska , Riemer Michael
Published: December 2015

Rossby wave packets (RWPs) have been associated with increased atmospheric predictability but also with the growth and propagation of forecast uncertainty. To address the important question of under which conditions RWPs imply high and low predictability, a potential vorticity–potential temperature (PV–θ) framework is introduced to diagnose RWP dynamics. Finite-amplitude RWPs along the midlatitude waveguide are considered and are represented by the synoptic-scale, wavelike undulations of the tropopause. The evolution of RWPs is examined by the amplitude evolution of the individual troughs and ridges. Troughs and ridges are identified as PV anomalies on θ levels intersecting the midlatitude tropopause. By partitioning the PV-tendency equation, individual contributions to the amplitude evolution are identified. A novel aspect is that the important role of the divergent flow and the diabatic PV modification is quantified explicitly. Arguably, prominent upper-tropospheric divergent flow is associated to a large extent with latent-heat release below and can thus be considered as an indirect diabatic impact. A case study of an RWP evolution over 7 days illustrates the PV–θ diagnostic. In general, baroclinic coupling and, important, the divergent flow make contributions to the amplitude evolution of individual troughs and ridges that are comparable in magnitude to the wave’s group propagation. Diabatic PV modification makes a subordinate contribution to the evolution. The relative importance of the different processes exhibits considerable variability between individual troughs and ridges. A discussion of the results in light of recent studies on forecast errors and predictability concludes the paper.
An Examination of Precipitation Using CSU–CHILL Dual-Wavelength, Dual-Polarization Radar Observations
Authors: Junyent Francesc , Chandrasekar V.
Published: December 2015

The CSU–CHILL radar is a dual-wavelength, dual-polarization weather radar system operating at S and X bands with coaxial beams. One of the capabilities of this radar system is the possibility of developing and/or validating algorithms across dual wavelengths and dual polarizations. This paper presents one such instance, showing how the rainfall field can be estimated either from the S- and X-band reflectivities or from the differential propagation phase at X band. To do so, the paper first presents a dual-wavelength attenuation correction method that uses the reflectivity measured at S band, as the constraint for the correction of the reflectivity measured at X band, and it describes how Mie scattering regions at X band may be detected from the retrieved path-integrated attenuation field. Then, the paper describes how the resulting specific attenuation field relates to rainfall and specific phase at X band, which can be obtained from dual-polarization data at a single wavelength as well, and shows examples. Finally, the paper looks at the relation between attenuation and the differential phase as a function of elevation angle for a few cases, which may be related to the drop size distribution and mean diameter, as well as temperature.
Theft on trial: Prosecution, conviction and sentencing patterns in colonial Victoria and Western Australia
Authors: Piper Alana , Durnian Lisa
Published: December 2015

From Ned Kelly to Waltzing Matilda, tales of thievery dominate Australia's colonial history. Yet while theft represents one of the most pervasive forms of criminal activity, it remains an under-researched area in Australian historical scholarship. This article draws on detailed inter-jurisdictional research from Victoria and Western Australia to elaborate trends in the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of theft in colonial Australia. In particular, we use these patterns to explore courtroom attitudes towards different forms of theft by situating such statistics within the context of contemporary commentaries. We examine the way responses to theft and the protection of property were affected by colonial conditions, and consider the influence of a variety of factors on the outcomes of theft trials.
Scholars and poor communicators? Old Masters exhibitions as a scientific practice and communication activity for art museum curators
Authors: Ughetto Pascal
Published: December 2015

Museum curators are rarely the subject of analysis as scientists. By contrast, there is a whole literature on their propensity to give priority to the scientific knowledge of collections over the effort to communicate with different audiences and make museums accessible. This article examines the Late Raphael exhibition at the Louvre (Paris) and draws on the exhibition texts (catalogues, artwork labels, wall texts) to explore the practical activity and preoccupations of the museum curators concerned: the exhibition is simultaneously material for the scientific demonstration of a thesis – part of a debate on the value of the artist’s late works – and for communication aimed at both fellow specialists and the wider public. Communication is not distinct from scientific research and handled with less respect. The two are directly interwoven and communication represents a practical activity with its own difficulties.
The World Bank’s social assistance recommendations for developing and transition countries: Containment of political unrest and mobilization of political support
Authors: van Gils Eske , Yörük Erdem
Published: December 2015

This article presents a political-sociological analysis of the World Bank’s social assistance programmes in developing and transition countries. It builds on the argument that political objectives have played a critical role for the Bank in shaping these policies, including the prevention and containment of social unrest as well as mobilization of popular support. The article presents empirical evidence based on an analysis of 447 World Bank policy recommendation documents published between 1980 and 2013. It was found that, despite the Bank’s denial of having any political agenda, many WB documents explicitly refer to social assistance as a possible instrument for governments to contain social unrest and mobilize political support. Moreover, the World Bank’s political concerns have increased steadily over the last three decades. The findings support the argument that international institutions such as the World Bank do not solely consider the well-being of people as an end in itself but also as a means of achieving further political goals. This political dimension of social assistance programmes has consequences for the way policy recommendations should be interpreted by political and social actors in developing and transition countries.
Evaluation of clinical chemistry analytes from a single mouse using diluted plasma: effective way to reduce the number of animals in toxicity studies
Authors: Goyal Vinod Kumar , Pandey Santosh Kumar , Kakade Somesh , Nirogi Ramakrishna
Published: December 2015

Clinical chemistry is an essential analytical tool in many areas of research, drug assessment and development, and in the evaluation of general health. A certain amount of blood is required to evaluate all blood analytes. Experiments where mice are used, it is difficult to measure all analytes due to the small amount of blood that can be obtained from a single animal. To overcome this problem, separate cohorts of animals are used in toxicity studies for hematology and biochemistry analysis. This requires the use of extra animals and additional resources. Hence interpretation of results derived from using these different animals can be unreliable. This study was undertaken to explore the possibility of using diluted plasma for measuring various biochemistry analytes. Plasma from mice was diluted to 3, 5 and 10-fold with Water for Injection, and various biochemistry analytes were analyzed using an automated analyzer. Results of diluted and undiluted plasma from the same mouse were compared. Most of the analytes from the diluted plasma were found to be well within the ranges of the undiluted plasma except for sodium, potassium and chloride. Diluting plasma to analyze some analytes also freed up undiluted plasma for analyzing electrolytes. In conclusion, in order to obtain reliable and interpretable data from a single mouse it is worthwhile considering diluting the plasma, which should reduce the number of animals used in an experiment.
Journal between Peer Learners: an Innovative Project to Motivate EFL Writers
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Shen Lei , Lu Xiao
Published: December 2015

Writing is one of the most challenging skills for many EFL learners to master. It is also considered to be the most difficult to teach. To motivate students to write more without burdening teachers with additional rating work, college English teachers at a university in China introduced a journal project. Peer learners were paired anonymously and were required to write to each other on topics that interested them and to give mutual feedback. Comparative study shows that the learners have enjoyed the writing process and their writing has improved through this project.
A comparative study of hair trapping by a short grooved surface during conventional and siro-spinning
Authors: Xia Zhigang , Feng Yanlong , Guo Qinsheng , Ye Wenxiang , Xu Weilin
Published: December 2015

In this study, theoretical analysis was conducted for hair trapping by a short grooved surface contacting in different distances during conventional and siro-spinning, respectively. Then, blended cotton/ramie conventional and siro yarns were produced without and with the short grooved surface at different position distances. Hairs longer than 3 mm decreased as the surface position distance increased for both conventional and siro spun yarns, reducing short hairs by binding them onto the yarn stem. Conventional yarn hairiness H values decreased gradually as the surface position distance increased; however, siro spun yarn hairiness H values were similar without a gradual decrease as the surface position distance increased. The hair wrapping caused reduction of thin places, and occasional increase of thick places and neps for both conventional and siro yarns spun with the surface, respectively. Unevenness CVm results showed no serious deterioration after applying the surface during conventional and siro-spinning, and even some improved. The experimental results corresponded well to our theoretical analysis.
Regional heterogeneity and the trans-regional interaction of housing prices and inflation: Evidence from China’s 35 major cities
Authors: Yu Huayi , Huang Yanfen
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes a theoretical framework to analyse the regionally heterogeneous responses of housing prices and inflation to the monetary aggregates shock and the trans-regional interaction of housing prices and inflation, which has seldom been discussed in previous literature. Using a GVAR (Globe Vector Autoregression) model, evidence based on China’s 35 major cities for this framework is provided. The results show that (1) the housing price shocks have weak positive influence on CPIs (consumer price index); (2) the housing price shocks, especially the shocks in first-tier cities and eastern cities, have strong positive influence on domestic housing price dynamics and housing prices of other cities; (3) monetary aggregates shock has strong influence on the housing prices of first-tier cities and eastern cities, while weak influence on that of central and western cities. CPIs are barely influenced by monetary aggregates shocks. The empirical results are in accordance with the theoretical explanation. Based on empirical results, this paper proposes policy recommendations for stabilising housing prices.
The Role of Social Support and Coping Skills in Promoting Self-Regulated Learning Among Urban Youth
Authors: Perry Justin C. , Fisher Alexandra L. , Caemmerer Jacqueline M. , Keith Timothy Z. , Poklar Ashley E.
Published: December 2015

Self-regulation is a well-known construct in educational and psychological research, as it is often related to academic success and well-being. Drawing from criticisms of a lack of context applied to the investigation of this construct, the current study examined the multi-dimensional role of social support (teachers, parents, peers) and coping skills as predictors of self-regulated learning among a diverse sample of urban youth ( N = 229). Based on a cross-sectional and longitudinal design, structural equation modeling was used to test two models. Social support predicted self-regulated learning at Time 1 and Time 2 after controlling for grades. Results further indicated that coping skills did not predict self-regulated learning in either model. The implications for practice, limitations of the study, and future directions for research are discussed.
Will Big Data Mean the End of Privacy?
Authors: Pence Harry E.
Published: December 2015

Big Data is currently a hot topic in the field of technology, and many campuses are considering the addition of this topic into their undergraduate courses. Big Data tools are not just playing an increasingly important role in many commercial enterprises; they are also combining with new digital devices to dramatically change privacy. This article will argue that it is absurd to teach about Big Data in our classes without discussing its effect on privacy in our society.
Building Confidence as Digital Learners With Digital Support Across the Curriculum
Authors: Smith Samara , Chipley Laura
Published: December 2015

This article describes the implementation and outcomes of incorporating creative digital assignments that utilize emergent social technologies in six college courses across the curriculum during the Spring 2015 term. These projects were supported by a digital learning center providing a website of short video and text tutorials, assignment consultations, class visits, and workshops for both students and instructors. Assessment data and student feedback indicate that, while an initial exposure to digital tools may decrease confidence, repeated exposure and experience can bolster student confidence and enjoyment as digital learners and producers. In addition, assessments reflected positive associations between the number and variety of digital tools utilized by students in their assignments, and the growth in the students’ confidence and enjoyment as digital learners and producers.
Multi-view collaborative semi-supervised classification algorithm based on diversity measurers of classifier with the combination of agreement and disagreement label rules
Authors: Yu Chongchong , Tian Changli , Cheng Xiaoqing , Qin Yong , Shang Lili
Published: December 2015

Considering the deficiencies of the Co-training algorithm including redundancy and sufficient conditions, diversity measurers of classifier, combined label rules, unoptimizable classifier during model updating process etc., a multi-view collaborative semi-supervised classification algorithm based on diversity measurers of the classifier with the combination of agreement and disagreement label rules (Co-AgDiag) is proposed. This algorithm uses a combination of agreement and disagreement label rules during the labelling unlabelled data process by judging whether the two classifiers are consistent and considering the diversity threshold in order to improve the performance of the classifier. During the process of generating classifier and model updating, we employed the diversity rule of classifier to update the model in order to judge the performance of the two classifiers. The experimental results on UCI datasets demonstrate the effectively and feasibility of the proposed algorithm for multi-view classification problems.
The Sydney Alliance: A broad-based community organising potential for trade union transformation?
Authors: Holgate Jane
Published: December 2015

This article reports on a study of trade union involvement in the Sydney Alliance – a broad-based community coalition organising for the ‘common good’. The article explores three main issues: the factors motivating unions to get involved in community-based organising; whether unions have the resources and capabilities to maintain long-term involvement with organisations outside the labour movement; and whether or not engagement creates the potential for rethinking union organising. Findings suggest that taking part in the Sydney Alliance has created opportunities for unions to reflect and act upon internal organisational change to facilitate revitalisation and member participation; to improve the public image of unions and their engagement with civil society networks; and to counteract the loss of political influence with the Labor Party. At the same time, union contribution to the coalition has also proved difficult to sustain, in the main because of the lack of strategic capability of unions.
The PRIDE (Partnership to Improve Diabetes Education) Toolkit
Authors: Wolff Kathleen , Chambers Laura , Bumol Stefan , White Richard O. , Gregory Becky Pratt , Davis Dianne , Rothman Russell L.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Patients with low literacy, low numeracy, and/or linguistic needs can experience challenges understanding diabetes information and applying concepts to their self-management. The authors designed a toolkit of education materials that are sensitive to patients’ literacy and numeracy levels, language preferences, and cultural norms and that encourage shared goal setting to improve diabetes self-management and health outcomes. The Partnership to Improve Diabetes Education (PRIDE) toolkit was developed to facilitate diabetes self-management education and support.

Methods

The PRIDE toolkit includes a comprehensive set of 30 interactive education modules in English and Spanish to support diabetes self-management activities. The toolkit builds upon the authors’ previously validated Diabetes Literacy and Numeracy Education Toolkit (DLNET) by adding a focus on shared goal setting, addressing the needs of Spanish-speaking patients, and including a broader range of diabetes management topics. Each PRIDE module was evaluated using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument to determine the material’s cultural appropriateness and its sensitivity to the needs of patients with low literacy and low numeracy. Reading grade level was also assessed using the Automated Readability Index (ARI), Coleman-Liau, Flesch-Kincaid, Fry, and SMOG formulas.

Conclusions

The average reading grade level of the materials was 5.3 (SD 1.0), with a mean SAM of 91.2 (SD 5.4). All of the 30 modules received a “superior” score (SAM >70%) when evaluated by 2 independent raters. The PRIDE toolkit modules can be used by all members of a multidisciplinary team to assist patients with low literacy and low numeracy in managing their diabetes.
How Multiple Social Identities Are Related to Creativity
Authors: Steffens Niklas K. , Gocłowska Małgorzata A. , Cruwys Tegan , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: December 2015

The present research examined whether possessing multiple social identities (i.e., groups relevant to one’s sense of self) is associated with creativity. In Study 1, the more identities individuals reported having, the more names they generated for a new commercial product (i.e., greater idea fluency). In Study 2, multiple identities were associated with greater fluency and originality (mediated by cognitive flexibility, but not by persistence). Study 3 validated these findings using a highly powered sample. We again found that multiple identities increase fluency and originality, and that flexibility (but not persistence) mediated the effect on originality. Study 3 also ruled out several alternative explanations (self-affirmation, novelty seeking, and generalized persistence). Across all studies, the findings were robust to controlling for personality, and there was no evidence of a curvilinear relationship between multiple identities and creativity. These results suggest that possessing multiple social identities is associated with enhanced creativity via cognitive flexibility.
Workload Pressures of Principals
Authors: Klocko Barbara Ann , Wells Caryn M.
Published: December 2015

This study is designed to understand how principals perceive the common stressors associated with leading an educational enterprise and propose strategies for relief from job-related stressors. As such, the same survey results from principals in 2009 and 2012 are analyzed. The results indicated increases in the perceived state of stress with regard to personal stress and factors that have been associated with new legislative demands on principals. To that end, the authors identified sources of renewal for principals experiencing workplace stress that include mindfulness practice to help school leaders thrive at work.
The Company in the Classroom
Authors: Kaufman Kristina
Published: December 2015

This study aims to give voice to public high school principals in Illinois as to their perceived views on the purpose of high school education and their perceptions of partnerships with businesses. Data from 105 distinct public high schools from 50 Illinois counties were analyzed. Findings reveal that principals view the purpose of high school education as a preparation for, most notably, postsecondary education and the workforce. Data indicate that principals agree that businesses can support this purpose.
The engagement of higher education in regional development in China
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Vallance Paul
Published: December 2015

The widely established role of higher education institutions in contributing to regional development is now also encouraged by the Chinese government. This development has been enabled by changes in state policy that in some respects align with global trends towards expansion, marketisation, and regional decentralisation in national higher education systems. However, the regional engagement of higher education institutions in China takes distinctive forms that are shaped by specific features of its governance system, including the politicisation of higher education, the incorporation of higher education institutions into the administrative hierarchy, and the disequilibrium of funding schemes between central and provincial owned higher education institutions. This paper provides a preliminary analysis of this relationship between higher education and regional development in China. It argues that the policy to encourage regional engagement by higher education institutions in China has generally served to enhance patterns of regional inequality between the coastal and inland regions and between upper- and lower-administrative level cities.
Rethinking technology in the SME context: Affordances, practices and ICTs
Authors: Morgan-Thomas Anna
Published: December 2015

This article advances a novel conceptualization of digital technology and its relationship with small and medium enterprise (SME) business practice. Focusing on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), I expose salient ontological assumptions that guide the dominant models of technology in SME research and calls for their reassessment. Building on the emergent scholarship on technology-in-practice and emphasizing the entanglement and situatedness of technology use, I advance a fresh approach to theorizing and researching the ICT-SME practice nexus. Extending the technology-in-practice perspective into the SME domain, new directions are suggested for ICT scholarship and implications outlined for research, policy, and business practice.
Training in client-centeredness enhances occupational therapist documentation on goal setting and client participation in goal setting in the medical records of people with stroke
Authors: Flink Maria , Bertilsson Ann-Sofie , Johansson Ulla , Guidetti Susanne , Tham Kerstin , von Koch Lena
Published: December 2015

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to compare client-centeredness as it was documented by the occupational therapists in the units randomized to the intervention clusters with documentation by occupational therapists in the control clusters.

Design:

Comparison of medical records.

Setting:

The study is conducted in a context of a randomized controlled trial in Sweden, with 16 post-stroke rehabilitation units cluster randomized to intervention or control group.

Subjects:

Occupational therapist documentation in medical records of 279 clients with stroke.

Main measures:

The medical records were reviewed for their level of client-centeredness using a protocol developed from the Stewart et al model. The occupational therapists in the intervention groups participated in a workshop training to enhance their client-centeredness.

Results:

Occupational therapists with training in client-centeredness documented significantly more on goal setting (OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 1.87-8.81), on client participation in goal setting (OR=11.34; 95% CI, 5.97-21.57), on how the goals could be reached (OR=2.8; 95% CI, 1.7-4.62), on client participation in how goals could be reached (OR=4.56; 95% CI, 2.73-7.64), on the follow-up on goals (OR=5.77; 95% CI, 2.78-11-98) and on client participation in follow-up on goals (OR=7.44, 95% CI, 4.33-12.8). This association remained after adjustment for healthcare setting, client socio-demographic variables, and stroke severity.

Conclusion:

Documentation of goal setting and client participation in goal setting can be influenced by training.
Relevance of radiological and clinical measurements in predicting difficult intubation using light wand (Surch-lite™) in adult patients
Authors: Kim Joungmin , Im Kyong Shil , Lee Jae Myeong , Ro Jaehun , Yoo Kyung Yeon , Kim Jong Bun
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine the correlation between anatomical features of the upper airway (evaluated via computed tomography imaging) and the ease of light wand-assisted endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing ear, nose and throat surgery under general anaesthesia.

Methods

Mallampati class, laryngoscopic grade, thyromental distance, neck circumference, body mass index, mouth opening and upper lip bite class were assessed. Epiglottis length and angle, tongue size and narrowest pharyngeal distance were determined using computed tomography imaging. Intubation success rate, time to successful intubation (intubating time) and postoperative throat symptoms were documented.

Results

Of 152 patients, 148 (97.4%) were successfully intubated on the first attempt (mean intubating time 11.5 ± 6.7 s). Intubating time was positively correlated with laryngoscopic grade and body mass index in both male and female patients, and Mallampati class and neck circumference in male patients. Epiglottis length was positively correlated with intubating time.

Conclusions

Ease of intubation was influenced by epiglottis length. Radiological evaluation may be useful for preoperative assessment of patients undergoing endotracheal intubation with light wand.
Solar power, state power, and the politics of energy transition in pre-Saharan Morocco
Authors: Rignall Karen Eugenie
Published: December 2015

In 2009, the Kingdom of Morocco embarked on the Solar Plan, an ambitious 10-year plan to become a leading solar power producer. This paper examines the genesis of the first project in the plan, a concentrated solar power plant near the pre-Saharan city of Ouarzazate, in order to explore the “energy transition” as a political as well as geographic project. I specifically address how the government's acquisition of land drew on colonial strategies for dispossession that were subsequently embraced by the post-colonial state. At the same time, bureaucratic processes for responding to community demands effectively narrowed popular opposition to a set of technocratic problems to be solved by development interventions. The official discourse of global environmental remediation obscured the socio-ecological relations at work in the project, constructing the land as marginal so as to facilitate investment and foreclosing resident's broader political claims. Attending to the political dynamics surrounding solar power challenges assumptions that an energy transition necessarily involves a transition away from an environmentally destructive carbon-based economy—or from the forms of governmentality that support current energy regimes.
Soccer Injuries in Players Aged 7 to 12 Years
Authors: Rössler Roland , Junge Astrid , Chomiak Jiri , Dvorak Jiri , Faude Oliver
Published: December 2015

Background:

As part of a risk-management approach, sound epidemiological data are needed to develop prevention programs. A recent review on soccer injuries of players younger than 19 years concluded that prospective data concerning children are lacking.

Purpose:

To analyze the incidence and characteristics of soccer injuries in children aged 7 to 12 years.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

The present survey was a prospective descriptive epidemiological study on soccer injuries over 2 seasons in the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Exposure of players during training and match play (in hours) and injury data were reported by coaches via an Internet-based registration system. Location, type, and severity of injuries were classified according to an established consensus. Injury characteristics are presented as absolute numbers and injury incidence rates (injuries per 1000 hours of soccer exposure). An injury was defined as any physical complaint sustained during a scheduled training session or match play resulting in at least 1 of the following: (1) inability to complete the current match or training session, (2) absence from subsequent training sessions or matches, and (3) injury requiring medical attention.

Results:

In total, 6038 player-seasons with 395,295 hours of soccer exposure were recorded. The mean (±SD) age of the players was 9.5 ± 2.0 years, and 3.9% of the participants were girls. A total of 417 injuries were reported. Most (76.3%) injuries were located in the lower limbs, with 15.6% located in the upper limbs. Joint and ligament injuries comprised 30.5%, contusions 22.5%, muscle and tendon injuries 18.5%, and fractures and bone injuries 15.4% of all injuries; 23.7% of injuries led to more than 28 days of absence from sport participation. The overall injury incidence was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.53-0.69) injuries per 1000 hours of soccer exposure during training sessions and 4.57 (95% CI, 4.00-5.23) during match play. Injury incidence rates increased with increasing age.

Conclusion:

The observed injury incidences were lower compared with studies in youth players. Children showed a relatively high proportion of fractures and bone stress and of injuries to the upper limbs.

Clinical Relevance:

The study provides an evidence base for injury incidence rates and injury characteristics in children’s soccer. These data are the basis to develop an age-specific injury-prevention program.
Ketamine for Analgosedation in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patanwala Asad E. , Martin Jennifer R. , Erstad Brian L.
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To evaluate the evidence for the use of intravenous ketamine for analgosedation in the intensive care unit.

Methods:

MEDLINE and EMBASE were queried from inception until July 2015. Search terms used included ketamine, intensive care, and critical care. The search retrieved 584 articles to be screened for inclusion. The intent was to include randomized controlled studies using sustained intravenous infusions (>24 hours) of ketamine in the critically ill patients.

Results:

One trial evaluated opioid consumption as an outcome in postoperative critically ill patients who were randomized to ketamine or saline infusions. The mean cumulative morphine consumption at 48 hours was significantly lower in the ketamine group (58 ± 35 mg) compared to the morphine-only group (80 ± 37 mg; P < .05). Other trials showed the potential safety of ketamine in terms of cerebral hemodynamics in patients with traumatic brain injury, improved gastrointestinal motility, and decreased vasopressor requirements. The observational study and case reports suggest that ketamine is safe and effective and may have a role in patients who are refractory to other therapies.

Conclusion:

Ketamine use may decrease analgesic consumption in the intensive care unit. Additional trials are needed to further delineate the role of ketamine for analgosedation.
The Effectiveness of Lactation Consultants and Lactation Counselors on Breastfeeding Outcomes
Authors: Patel Sanjay , Patel Shveta
Published: December 2015

Breastfeeding for all infants starting at birth and continuing until at least 6 months of age has been recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The health benefits to infants and mothers have been demonstrated in many studies. Dedicated lactation specialists may play a role in providing education and support to pregnant women and new mothers wishing to breastfeed to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The objective of this review was to assess if lactation education or support programs using lactation consultants or lactation counselors would improve rates of initiation and duration of any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding compared with usual practice. A systematic literature review of the evidence was conducted using electronic databases. The review was limited to randomized trials and yielded 16 studies with 5084 participants. It was found that breastfeeding interventions using lactation consultants and counselors increase the number of women initiating breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR] for any initiation vs not initiating breastfeeding = 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.67). The interventions improve any breastfeeding rates (OR for any breastfeeding up to 1 month vs not breastfeeding = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09-2.04). In addition, there were beneficial effects on exclusive breastfeeding rates (OR for exclusive breastfeeding up to 1 month vs not exclusive breastfeeding = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20-2.44). Most of the evidence would suggest developing and improving postpartum support programs incorporating lactation consultants and lactation counselors.
The Association Between Professional Performing Arts and Knowledge Class Growth
Authors: Nelson Arthur C. , Dawkins Casey J. , Ganning Joanna P. , Kittrell Katherine G. , Ewing Reid
Published: December 2015

Economic development in the current century may favor those metropolitan areas that attract the “knowledge class.” This study provides a cross-sectional analysis associating the presence of one or more professional symphony, opera, or ballet/dance organizations with knowledge class growth. The authors find that the presence of one type of such organization is associated with a 1.1% change in knowledge class employment over the period from 2000 to 2010, two types are associated with a 1.5% change, and all three are associated with a 2.2% change. Between 2000 and 2010, the presence of at least one professional performing arts organization is associated with about 540,000 knowledge class jobs, generating about $60 billion in annual income among those 118 metropolitan areas with professional performing arts organizations. Metropolitan economic development implications are offered.