bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Adult Learning Theory to the Online Classroom
Authors: Frey Barbara A. , Alman Susan Webreck
Published: January 2013

This study measured adult learners' satisfaction with the new online Master's Degree in Library and Information Science program at the University of Pittsburgh. Student feedback gathered through focus groups is categorized into five themes: (a) general program issues, (b) course issues, (c) communication/interaction issues, (d) on‐campus orientation issues, and (e) technology issues. The feedback is analyzed based on adult learning theory, and ten recommendations for future course development are suggested. Traditional adult learning theory offers valuable guidelines for online course development and teaching. However, interaction, a major theme in the focus groups, is not addressed in traditional adult learning theory.
Promoting Reflective Discourse in the Canadian Adult Literacy Community: Asynchronous Discussion Forums
Authors: Herod Lori‐Kyle
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the potential benefits of online discussion forums with regard to promoting reflective discourse in the Canadian adult literacy community. Given the geographical disparity of practitioners and a historical scarcity of resources, there has been very little opportunity for stakeholders to engage in collaborative activities until recently. Computer‐mediated communication now provides a cost‐effective alternative to face‐to‐face discussions or video/audio‐conferencing. Moreover, in comparison to other methods dialogue via asynchronous forums evolves over time. This will, in all likelihood, contribute greatly to the development of practitioners and the expansion of the knowledge base of the field.
Echoes of an Institute: Veterans of the National Writing Project Reflect upon Returning to Graduate School
Authors: Dessommes Nancy Bishop
Published: January 2013

College teachers essentially became students again in June 2001, as they concentrated on academic reading and writing under the tight deadlines of a summer immersion program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Six of these mid‐career students, including myself, were women who had been through the National Writing Project within the previous five years. I conducted personal interviews with the other five of them to study the impact of the Writing Project experience on their academic and emotional attitudes as they again returned to the role of student in the doctoral program in rhetoric and linguistics. Their observations were close to my own: the experience of the National Writing Project had prepared them not only for the immersion quality of the summer program itself, but for conversation within the discipline of writing instruction, a field that in recent years has been developing its own voice in the academy.
Teaching and Learning: Student Perceptions of Course Delivery Methods
Authors: Hodge Elizabeth M. , Tucker Shelia Y. , Williams Scott
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the study is to investigate student perceptions of course content based on online, traditional and blended course delivery methods. Students enrolled in the courses were exposed to various delivery methods. Survey questions addressed contact between students and instructor, active learning, instructor feedback, time on task, communication of expectations, and ability to address diverse learning styles. Results from the survey indicate that delivery methods play a key role in student learning. To increase student productivity and performance instructors need to incorporate a variety of techniques. These techniques of good teaching and learning stem from student perceptions and the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.
The General Education Diploma (GED) as a Springboard to Success?: Black Women, High School Education, and Community Values
Authors: Dowdy J. Kilgour , Nurss Joanne R. , Nelson Irene V. , Pottinger‐Bird Raquel , Walters Yvette
Published: January 2013

This study reflects the experiences of four Black women who succeeded in gaining their General Education Diploma. Their experiences in high school are a poignant example of the way in which talented youth are displaced in formal school settings. Their stories of learning to live with a minimum level of education provide the background for the study of their motivation to succeed. The twenty‐seven interviews reveal the reasons for dropping out of high school, the situations that led to them returning to school, and the results of them staying on long enough to complete the General Education Diploma. Also, the participants reveal character traits that make their commitment to overcoming obstacles a strong feature of their journey to higher educational credentials. Through the lens of the women's determination to succeed in formal education we are able to understand the formidable odds that they have had to endure as Black, female, and literate in this society.
Tutorials at a Distance: Reflection on the Process
Authors: Starr‐Glass David
Published: January 2013

This paper is a reflection on 18 months of online mentoring. More accurately, it is about my experience of online tutorials because the process and the dynamics of the tutorial that have been, for me at least, the core of mentoring. Three related facets of tutorial are considered: deep learning, transformational learning, and ways in which reflections of the dynamics of the tutorial encounter can be strengthened and incorporated into student assessment.
Underprepared Adult Learners: Their Passage through Higher Education
Authors: Thomas Jo‐Ann
Published: January 2013

This article explores underprepared adult learners within the context of higher education. Because of the self‐direction and motivation of adult learners, they manage to adapt and incorporate the components of academia into their complex life. However, this is a challenge for underprepared adult learners. With their desire to participate in academia, also comes the reality of their deficiencies in foundational skills; thus, they require more than just a superficial introduction to programs and services. The article examines the importance of significant adjustments required in higher education in order to incorporate not only adult learners but also underprepared adult learners.
Autonomous Learning from a Social Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Ponton Michael K. , Rhea Nancy E.
Published: January 2013

The current perspective of autonomous learning defines it as the agentive exhibition of resourcefulness, initiative, and persistence in self‐directed learning. As a form of human agency, it has been argued in the literature that this perspective should be consistent with Bandura's (1986) Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The purpose of this article is to present an alignment between salient aspects of autonomous learning theory and SCT, thereby providing a heuristic position that guides future research in adult learning. Topics such as self‐efficacy, cognitive motivation, and conation will be addressed. In addition, current research from the literature in autonomous learning will be discussed.
“Now the Pieces are in Place…”: Learning through Personal Storytelling in the Adult Classroom
Authors: Clark M. Carolyn , Rossiter Marsha
Published: January 2013

This article examines the potential of personal storytelling as a pedagogical method. When incorporated into the educational experience, autobiographical stories serve as a primary and fruitful link between lived experience and curricular content, a connection integral to adult learning. These stories enable learners to identify congruencies and incongruencies between their meaning systems and the concepts being learned. They also give adult learners increased insight into their own learning and development. In this article we discuss the “truth” of these stories, examine some important issues related to their use in the adult classroom, and then give a detailed example of one particular method, that of concept‐focused autobiographical writing.
What's Going on in This Picture? Visual Thinking Strategies and Adult Learning
Authors: Landorf Hilary
Published: January 2013

The Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) curriculum and teaching method uses art to help students think critically, listen attentively, communicate, and collaborate. VTS has been proven to enhance reading, writing, comprehension, and creative and analytical skills among students of all ages. The origins and procedures of the VTS curriculum are described, and the applicability of the VTS curriculum for adult learners is explored.
Andragogical and Pedagogical Orientations of Adult Learners Learning English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Deveci Tanju
Published: January 2013

This study aimed to study the andragogical and pedagogical orientations of adults learning English as a foreign language. The Turkish version of the Educational Orientation Questionnaire ( Christian, 1983 ) was used. Sixty adults at evening classes in Turkey were included in the study. The results of the study revealed that the subjects were more andragogically oriented. However, the wide range of scores suggested that they were not rigid in their orientations and tended to hold pedagogical tendency towards learning too.
Confessions from a Guy Who Teaches Humor
Authors: Roth Gene L.
Published: January 2013

Humor is an intriguing topic that exists in the contexts of adult education and human resource development. This paper describes my experiences at developing and facilitating a graduate course on humor and adult learning. Researchers and scholarly practitioners in adult education and human resource development are encouraged to build their understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of humor.
Exploring Emotional Intelligence, Learner Autonomy, and Retention in an Accelerated Undergraduate Degree Completion Program
Authors: Buvoltz Katie A. , Powell Freda J. , Solan Ann M. , Longbotham Gail J.
Published: January 2013

This article presents the results of research that explored the relationship between emotional intelligence and learner autonomy in the context of nontraditional higher education and their impact on student retention. This was predicated on previous research that suggested emotional intelligence might lead to student success and that autonomous learners persevere toward academic goals with more resourcefulness, initiative, and persistence than other learners do. For this study, 129 nontraditional undergraduate students associated with a small, private, liberal arts college in the northeastern U.S. completed web‐based surveys measuring emotional intelligence and learner autonomy. Results indicate a strong relationship between emotional intelligence and learner autonomy. Two of three emotional intelligence constructs and two of four learner autonomy constructs contributed to retention in a logistic regression model. The article concludes with discussion of limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and how administrators of nontraditional programs can benefit from this study.
Reflections on the Experiences of Learning with Dr. Malcolm Shepherd Knowles
Authors: Henschke John A.
Published: January 2013

Malcolm S. Knowles stands as a giant catalyst at the juncture—past, present, and future— of andragogy (the art and science of helping adults learn) within the field of Adult Education and Human Resource Development. For more than 50 years until his death in 1997, Malcolm devoted his personal and professional life to exemplifying the theory and practice of andragogy: as a speaker to audiences of 10,000 or less; as a university professor with a multiplicity of adult learners (his students); as a consultant to numerous institutions and corporations in countries around the world; as a writer of 19 books and 225 articles; and, as a very caring human being for any person with whom he happened to be meeting. I observed him being sought out at national conferences, studied with him in my doctoral program, and worked with him in various educational settings. Malcolm was just Malcolm through and through. I believe Dusan Savicevic (from whom Malcolm got the concept of andragogy) is right when he said that the world‐wide history of andragogy will put Knowles on a meritorious place in the development of this scientific discipline.
I Feel, Therefore, I Learn: The Role of Emotion in Self‐Directed Learning
Authors: Rager Kathleen B.
Published: January 2013

It is rare to find the emotional component of self‐directed learning discussed explicitly in the literature. This lack is particularly glaring given the interest sparked by recent brain research concerning the importance of emotion in all types of learning as well as by the dramatic increase in self‐directed learning in the emotionally charged context of health care. The purpose of this paper is to address this void and to present an interactive model of self‐directed learning that positions emotion in this type of experience. Support for the model is presented by integrating information from diverse bodies of literature that contribute to understanding the link between learning and emotion. The resulting model provides a more comprehensive and practical tool for understanding self‐directed learning. The essential premise of the model is that context, content, learning, and process each carry an inherent emotional load that is mediated by the characteristics of the individual learner.
A quasi‐static dual particle method for solids based on dual particle dynamics
Authors: Sanchez J.J. , Randles P.W.
Published: January 2013

A dual particle method for problems in solid mechanics, on the basis of dual particle dynamics, is extended to applications of quasi‐static deformations of solids. The general approach incorporates the discrete strong form of the governing equation, a Lagrangian representation of a moving least squares approximation of field variables and a spatial discretization comprised of two particle sets: motion points and stress points. The quasi‐static dual particle method introduced in this work incorporates geometric and material nonlinearities as well as a modified method for applying traction boundary conditions. Some computational exercises are performed to verify the correct implementation of the method, show convergence behavior, and demonstrate the improved performance of the modified traction boundary condition application method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel nonlinear optical hyperbranched polymer containing a highly performing chromophore
Authors: Cabanetos Clément , Bentoumi Wissam , Blart Errol , Pellegrin Yann , Montembault Véronique , Bretonnière Yann , Andraud Chantal , Mager Loic , Fontaine Laurent , Odobel Fabrice
Published: January 2013

We report herein the peripheral functionalization of a high glass transition temperature hyperbranched polyimide with a new and highly performing electro‐optic chromophore for the elaboration of a second‐order nonlinear optical material. In this study, the CPO1 chromophore was selected for its very high quadratic hyperpolarizability coefficient (μβ = 31,000 ⋅ 10−48 esu at 1990 nm) and its ease of synthesis in multigram scale. As a result, the new electro‐optic polymer was characterized by an r33 coefficient around 40 pm/V at 1.5 µm, although the poling conditions were not optimized. For sake of comparison, the electro‐optic r33 coefficient of our previously reported similar polymer functionalized with the well‐known Disperse Red One chromophore was also measured using the technique and gave a much lower r33 coefficient. This study underscores that hyperbranched polymers are particularly promising matrices to host highly efficient chromophore to achieve more efficient and more stable electro‐optic devices than classical linear polymers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fused structures in the polymer backbone to investigate the photovoltaic and electrochromic properties of donor–acceptor‐type conjugated polymers
Authors: Cevher Sevki Can , Unlu Naime Akbasoglu , Ozelcaglayan Ali Can , Apaydin Dogukan Hazar , Udum Yasemin Arslan , Toppare Levent , Cirpan Ali
Published: January 2013

In this study, two new benzotriazole (BTz) and dithienothiophene (DTT) containing conjugated polymers were synthesized. After successful characterizations of the monomers by proton‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and carbon‐NMR (13C NMR) techniques, poly(4‐(dithieno[3, 2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3] triazole) P1 and poly(4‐(5‐(dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophen‐2‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐octyldodecyl)‐7‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole) P2 were synthesized via a typical Stille coupling. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies showed that both polymers can be multipurpose materials and used in electrochromic and photovoltaic applications. Reported study indicated that incorporation of DTT into the structure leads to fast switching times compared with BTz‐based polymers and competent percentage transmittance in the near‐infrared region. Multichromism is important in the context of low‐cost flexible display device technology and both polymers are ambipolar and processable as well as multichromic. Throughout the preliminary photovoltaic studies, the best performances of photovoltaic devices were found as Voc = 0.49 V, Jsc = 0.83 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) = 34.4%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 0.14% for P1, and as Voc = 0.35 V, Jsc = 1.57 mA/cm2, FF = 38.2%, and PCE = 0.21% for P2. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Characterizing polymer macrostructures by identifying and locating microstructures along their chains with the kerr effect
Authors: Hardrict S. N. , Gurarslan R. , Galvin C. J. , Gracz H. , Roy D. , Sumerlin B. S. , Genzer J. , Tonelli A. E.
Published: January 2013

In this brief report, we demonstrate that Kerr effect measurements, which determine the excess birefringence contributed by polymer solutes in dilute solutions observed under a strong electric field, are highly sensitive to and capable of determining their microstructures, as well as their locations along the macromolecular backbone. Specifically, using atactic triblock copolymers with the same overall composition of styrene (S) and p‐bromostyrene (pBrS) units, but with two different block arrangements, that is, pBrS90‐b‐S120‐b‐pBrS90 (I) and S60‐b‐pBrS180‐b‐S60 (II), which are indistinguishable by NMR, we detected a dramatic difference in their molar Kerr constants (mK), in agreement with those previously estimated. Although similar in magnitude, their Kerr constants differ in sign, with mK(II) positive and mK(I) negative. In addition, S/pBrS random and gradient copolymers synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization exhibit a heretofore unexpected enhanced enchainment of racemic (r) pBrS‐pBrS diads. Comparison of their observed and calculated mKs suggests that the gradient S/pBrS copolymers possess an unanticipated additional gradient in stereosequence that parallels their comonomer gradient, that is, as the concentration of pBrs units decreases from one end of the copolymer chain to the other, so does the content of r diads. This conclusion could only be reached by comparison of observed and calculated Kerr effects, which access the global properties of macromolecules, and not NMR, which is only sensitive to local polymer structural environments, but not to their locations on the copolymer chains. Molar Kerr constants are characteristic of entire polymer chains and are highly sensitive to their constituent microstructures and their distribution along the chain. They may be used to both identify constituent microstructures and locate them along the polymer chain, thereby enabling, for the first time, characterization of their complete macrostructures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystals by self‐assembledBombyx morisilk fibroin
Authors: Yang Mingying , He Wen , Shuai Yajun , Min Sijia , Zhu Liangjun
Published: January 2013

Bombyx morisilk fibroin (SF) is known to be capable of facilitating nucleation of the hydroxyapatite crystals (HAps). To find out how SF mediates the nucleation of HAps, self‐assembly of SF in 1.5 simulated body fluid (SBF) was observed in this study through design of a co‐solution of SF and 1.5‐times SBF (SF/1.5 SBF). After the co‐solution of SF/1.5 SBF was incubated at 37.2 °C up to 7 days, SEM, X‐ray, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) observations indicated that nucleation of HAps was increased. In addition, the structure of SF was transited from random coil into β‐sheet indicated by FTIR spectra. The β‐sheet assembly of SF in 1.5 SBF was also supported by CD spectra. Atomic force microscopy provided detailed progress of the self‐assembly that SF incubated in 1.5 SBF was self‐assembled in the form from dot, through rod to final net. Therefore, this study suggested that nucleation of HAps of SF was controlled by its molecular self‐assembly. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Toward tunable and adaptable polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Wanasekara Nandula D. , Korley LaShanda T. J.
Published: January 2013

New bio‐derived strategies have been recently explored in the design of polymer nanocomposites, particularly in the area of responsive materials, which offer pathways toward tailored interfacial adhesion, responsive interactions and controlled dispersion. In this Feature article, we discuss: (1) precise control of dispersion via self‐assembly driven approaches in responsive mechanics, (2) inherent and strong interfacial adhesion in single polymer composites, and (3) percolating, electrospun nanofiber networks as filler elements in adaptable composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013
Structural and optical properties of electrochemically deposited ZnO films in electrolyte containing Al2(SO4)3
Authors: Lovchinov Konstantin , Ganchev Maxim , Petrov Miroslav , Nichev Hristo , Rachkova Avgustina , Angelov Orlin , Mikli Valdek , Dimova‐Malinovska Doriana
Published: January 2013

The present work concerns the electrochemical deposition of aluminum‐doped ZnO nanostructured thin films on SnO2:F‐covered glass substrates. Doped with Al nanostructured ZnO (ZnO:Al) films are obtained by an electrochemical process using a three‐electrode potentiostatic system with a saturated calomel electrode as reference electrode, in aqueous solution containing ZnCl2, KCl, and Al2(SO4)3. The influence of the deposition parameters on the structural properties of the obtained ZnO:Al layers is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) is applied for measurement of the Al content in the films. The SEM micrographs and AFM pictures show that the ZnO:Al films consist of nanograins with a shape of walls. The XRD spectra demonstrate the characteristic (100), (002), (101), (110), and (103) reflections of the ZnO. The influence of the Al concentration on the IR reflectance spectra and the haze ratio of ZnO:Al thin films are presented and discussed.
Effects of Private and Public Label Packaging on Consumer Purchase Patterns
Authors: Hurley Rupert A. , Ouzts Andrew , Fischer Joanna , Gomes Toni
Published: January 2013

The evaluation of package branding is important to determine its ability to connect with consumers on an emotional level. In the past, focus groups have been the traditional method used to evaluate branding; however, focus groups can be seen as an inaccurate method of gathering data due to purely qualitative data collection. This paper presents a retail shopping experiment conducted in CUShop™, a consumer experience laboratory, to determine whether consumers prefer a public label product versus a private label product, utilizing eye tracking to analyse the decision‐making process. Results illustrated that purchase decision as well as time spent observing packaging indicates that participants preferred public branded packaging with respect to its private label competitor. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoxia Increases the Yield of Photoreceptors Differentiating from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Improves the Modeling of Retinogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Garita-HernÁndez Marcela , Diaz-Corrales Francisco , Lukovic Dunja , GonzÁlez-Guede Irene , Diez-Lloret Andrea , ValdÉs-SÁnchez M. Lourdes , Massalini Simone , Erceg Slaven , Bhattacharya Shomi S.
Published: January 2013

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases together with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are the leading causes of permanent blindness and are characterized by the progressive dysfunction and death of the light sensing photoreceptors of the retina. Due to the limited regeneration capacity of the mammalian retina, the scientific community has invested significantly in trying to obtain retinal progenitor cells from embryonic stem cells (ESC). These represent an unlimited source of retinal cells, but it has not yet been possible to achieve specific populations, such as photoreceptors, efficiently enough to allow them to be used safely in the future as cell therapy of RP or AMD. In this study, we generated a high yield of photoreceptors from directed differentiation of mouse ESC (mESC) by recapitulating crucial phases of retinal development. We present a new protocol of differentiation, involving hypoxia and taking into account extrinsic and intrinsic cues. These include niche-specific conditions as well as the manipulation of the signaling pathways involved in retinal development. Our results show that hypoxia promotes and improves the differentiation of mESC toward photoreceptors. Different populations of retinal cells are increased in number under the hypoxic conditions applied, such as Crx-positive cells, S-Opsin-positive cells, and double positive cells for Rhodopsin and Recoverin, as shown by immunofluorescence analysis. For the first time, this manuscript reports the high efficiency of differentiation in vivo and the expression of mature rod photoreceptor markers in a large number of differentiated cells, transplanted in the subretinal space of wild-type mice.
Concise Review: The Dynamics of Induced Pluripotency and Its Behavior Captured in Gene Network Motifs
Authors: Muraro Mauro J. , Kempe Hermannus , Verschure Pernette J.
Published: January 2013

The flexibility of cellular identity is clearly demonstrated by the possibility to reprogram fully differentiated somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells through forced expression of a set of transcription factors. The generation of iPS cells is of great interest as they provide a tremendous potential for regenerative medicine and an attractive platform to investigate pluripotency. Despite having gathered much attention, the molecular details and responsible gene regulatory networks during the reprogramming process are largely unresolved. In this review, we analyze the sequence and dynamics of reprogramming to construct a timeline of the molecular events taking place during induced pluripotency. We use this timeline as a road map to explore the distinct phases of the reprogramming process and to suggest gene network motifs that are able to describe its systems behavior. We conclude that the gene networks involved in reprogramming comprise several feedforward loops combined with autoregulatory behavior and one or more AND gate motifs that can explain the observed dynamics of induced pluripotency. Our proposed timeline and derived gene network motif behavior could serve as a tool to understand the systems behavior of reprogramming and identify key transitions and/or transcription factors that influence somatic cell reprogramming. Such a systems biology strategy could provide ways to define and explore the use of additional regulatory factors acting at defined gene network motifs to potentially overcome the current challenges of inefficient, slow, and partial somatic cell reprogramming and hence set ground of using iPS cells for clinical and therapeutic use.
A model study for an Oceania watershed: spatio‐temporal changes of mesozooplankton in riverine and estuarine parts of the Lanyang River in Taiwan
Authors: Dahms Hans‐Uwe , Tseng Li‐Chun , Hsiao Shih‐Hui , Chen Qing‐Chao , Hwang Jiang‐Shiou
Published: January 2013

The mesozooplankton of a river tributary in Oceania is evaluated and is correlated against environmental, abiotic, and biological attributes of this lotic system. Abundance, distribution, and the diversity of mesozooplankton was studied at nine stations including one estuarine station during ten sampling campaigns from June 2004 to December 2005 along the Lanyang River, the largest river and estuarine ecosystem in northeastern Taiwan. Mesozooplankton was dominated by copepods, cladocerans, and fish larvae. Among all samples, the highest abundances of mesozooplankton (5,049.36 individuals m−3) occurred in the estuary station in August 2004, which also corresponds to the highest salinities (37.0), indicating the marine role in shaping the estuarine planktonic assemblages. The abundance of mesozooplankton and number of mesozooplankton taxa were significantly higher in samples of the estuarine station than in the riverine stations (p< 0.05, one‐way ANOVA). The number of mesozooplankton taxa number was affected by water temperature (r= 0.697;p= 0.025, Pearson's correlation) that was primarily influenced by the weather that was in turn affected by seasonal monsoons.
Resolution and Recurrence Rates of Idiopathic Trigger Finger after Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: Mol Marianne F. , Neuhaus Valentin , Becker Stéphanie J. E. , Jupiter Jesse B. , Mudgal Chaitanya , Ring David
Published: January 2013

Background

This study addresses factors associated with apparent resolution and recurrence of triggering using data from providers with various treatment strategies.

Method

A retrospective review identified 878 adult patients with 1,210 Quinnell grade 2 or 3 trigger fingers that had one or more corticosteroid injections by one of three surgeons between 2001 and 2011. Two surgeons injected dexamethasone, but one had patients return 1 month after injection and was quick to recommend surgery (strategy A) and the other had patients return 2 months after injection, offered another injection or surgery, and followed the patient's preference. One surgeon used triamcinolone, had patients return only if the injection did not work, and waited at least 3 months to offer surgery. Factors associated with apparent resolution and recurrence of triggering were sought in bivariable and multivariable statistical analysis.

Results

Triamcinolone injection was associated with more frequent apparent resolution (83 %), than dexamethasone injection (30 %). Apparent resolution of triggering was also associated with a delayed surgery treatment strategy (B and C) and the affected finger (long and ring fingers were less likely to resolve). Return with triggering after documented or presumed resolution occurred in 188 fingers (33 %) and was associated with triamcinolone injection, index, long and ring finger, and orally treated non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Strategy A had the lowest initial apparent resolution rate, the highest proportion of patients having surgery, and the lowest final triggering rate of 10 %.

Conclusion

Both treatment strategy and type of corticosteroid determine apparent resolution and recurrence rates.
White matter hyperintensities and amyloid are independently associated with entorhinal cortex volume among individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Guzman Vanessa A. , Carmichael Owen T. , Schwarz Christopher , Tosto Giuseppe , Zimmerman Molly E. , Brickman Adam M. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2013

Background

Current hypothetical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis emphasize the role of β‐amyloid (Aβ), tau deposition, and neurodegenerative changes in the mesial temporal lobe, particularly the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. However, many individuals with clinical AD who come to autopsy also exhibit cerebrovascular disease. The relationship between AD and vascular pathology is unclear, especially whether they represent additive and independent effects on neuronal injury. We used data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to (1) confirm whether entorhinal cortex and hippocampal volume are associated with memory among individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who are at risk for AD; and (2) determine whether regional white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, a radiological marker of small‐vessel cerebrovascular disease, is associated with entorhinal cortex and hippocampal volume independent of putative AD biomarkers in this group.

Methods

Cognitive test scores, entorhinal cortex volume, hippocampus volume, intracranial volume, and cerebrospinal fluid‐derived phosphorylated tau and Aβ1‐42 protein levels were measured in 199 subjects with amnestic MCI (mean age = 74.89 ± 7.47). Lobar WMH volumes were derived from T1‐, proton‐density‐, and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans. We examined the association between entorhinal cortex volume and cognition. Next, we examined the association of tau and Aβ1‐42 with entorhinal cortex volume and between lobar WMH and entorhinal cortex volume. Finally, tau, Aβ1‐42, and regional WMH volumes were entered simultaneously to predict entorhinal cortex volume. We repeated the analyses with hippocampal volume instead of entorhinal cortex volume. The analyses were also repeated with the sample restricted to those MCI patients who transitioned to AD on subsequent ADNI follow‐up visits (n = 86).

Results

Larger entorhinal cortex volume was associated with better memory but not with performance on a task of executive functioning. Lower levels of Aβ1‐42 and higher temporal WMH volumes were associated with smaller entorhinal cortex volume. When entered simultaneously, temporal lobe WMH volume was more reliably associated with entorhinal cortex volume than was Aβ1‐42. The findings were similar for hippocampus volume and when the sample was restricted to MCI patients who subsequently transitioned to AD.

Conclusions

The findings confirm the role of entorhinal cortex and hippocampus volume in influencing memory decline in amnestic MCI, and emphasize that even in this nominally AD prodromal condition, WMH may be influencing regional neurodegeneration.
BRCA1/2 mutation analysis in 41 ovarian cell lines reveals only one functionally deleterious BRCA1 mutation
Authors: Stordal Britta , Timms Kirsten , Farrelly Angela , Gallagher Danielle , Busschots Steven , Renaud Mickaël , Thery Julien , Williams Deborah , Potter Jennifer , Tran Thanh , Korpanty Greg , Cremona Mattia , Carey Mark , Li Jie , Li Yang , Aslan Ozlem , O'Leary John J. , Mills Gordon B. , Hennessy Bryan T.
Published: January 2013

Mutations in BRCA1/2 increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Germline BRCA1/2 mutations occur in 8.6–13.7% of unselected epithelial ovarian cancers, somatic mutations are also frequent. BRCA1/2 mutated or dysfunctional cells may be sensitive to PARP inhibition by synthetic lethality. The aim of this study is to comprehensively characterise the BRCA1/2 status of a large panel of ovarian cancer cell lines available to the research community to assist in biomarker studies of novel drugs and in particular of PARP inhibitors. The BRCA1/2 genes were sequenced in 41 ovarian cell lines, mRNA expression of BRCA1/2 and gene methylation status of BRCA1 was also examined. The cytotoxicity of PARP inhibitors olaparib and veliparib was examined in 20 cell lines.

The cell line SNU‐251 has a deleterious BRCA1 mutation at 5564G > A, and is the only deleterious BRCA1/2 mutant in the panel. Two cell lines (UPN‐251 and PEO1) had deleterious mutations as well as additional reversion mutations that restored the protein functionality. Heterozygous mutations in BRCA1/2 were relatively common, found in 14.6% of cell lines. BRCA1 was methylated in two cell lines (OVCAR8, A1847) and there was a corresponding decrease in gene expression. The BRCA1 methylated cell lines were more sensitive to PARP inhibition than wild‐type cells. The SNU‐251 deleterious mutant was more sensitive to PARP inhibition, but only in a long‐term exposure to correct for its slow growth rate. Cell lines derived from metastatic disease are significantly more resistant to veliparib (2.0 fold p = 0.03) compared to those derived from primary tumours. Resistance to olaparib and veliparib was correlated Pearsons‐R 0.5393, p = 0.0311.

The incidence of BRCA1/2 deleterious mutations 1/41 cell lines derived from 33 different patients (3.0%) is much lower than the population incidence. The reversion mutations and high frequency of heterozygous mutations suggest that there is a selective pressure against BRCA1/2 in cell culture similar to the selective pressure seen in the clinic after treatment with chemotherapy. PARP inhibitors may be useful in patients with BRCA1 deleterious mutations or gene methylation.
Association of Daytime Somnolence With Executive Functioning in the First 6 Months After Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Osorio Marisa B. , Kurowski Brad G. , Beebe Dean , Taylor H. Gerry , Brown Tanya M. , Kirkwood Michael W. , Wade Shari L.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine the relationship between severity of injury and self‐reports and parent reports of daytime somnolence in adolescents after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to determine the relationship between daytime somnolence and self‐report and parent report of executive functioning in daily life.

Design

Cross‐sectional study conducted within the first 6 months (mean ± standard deviation 14.97 ± 7.51 weeks) after injury. Partial correlation controlling for injury severity was used to examine the associations of TBI severity with daytime somnolence and the association of daytime somnolence with executive functioning.

Setting

Outpatient visits at 3 children's hospitals and 2 general hospitals with pediatric trauma commitment.

Participants

A total of 102 adolescents, 12‐18 years old, who sustained moderate‐to‐severe TBI (n = 60) or complicated mild TBI (n = 42).

Main Outcome Measurements

Parent‐report Sleepiness Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (youth report), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) (self‐report and maternal report).

Results

Adolescents who sustained moderate‐to‐severe TBI had increased daytime somnolence compared with those with complicated mild injuries in the parent report but not in the youth report. Based on the parent report, 51% of adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe TBI showed significant daytime somnolence compared with 22% of those with complicated mild TBI. The parent report of daytime somnolence was associated with executive dysfunction on both the BRIEF self‐report and parent report; however, the youth report of daytime somnolence was associated only with the BRIEF self‐report.

Conclusions

The parent report of daytime somnolence correlated with TBI severity and predicted executive functioning difficulties of the teens in everyday circumstances. Although a correlation between daytime somnolence and executive dysfunction were also apparent on self‐report, this did not differ based on injury severity. Teens tended to report fewer difficulties with executive function, which suggests that the teens have decreased awareness of their impairments.
An Evaluation of the Veterans Affairs Traumatic Brain Injury Screening Process Among Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans
Authors: Evans Charlesnika T. , St. Andre Justin R. , Pape Theresa L.‐B. , Steiner Monica L. , Stroupe Kevin T. , Hogan Timothy P. , Weaver Frances M. , Smith Bridget M.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To describe the early results of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) screening program for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to identify patient and facility characteristics associated with receiving a TBI screen and results of the screening.

Design

National retrospective cohort study.

Setting

VA Medical facilities.

Patients

A total of 170,681 Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) Veterans who sought care at VA medical facilities from April 2007 to September 30, 2008.

Methods

Data were abstracted from VA administrative and operational databases, including patient demographics, facility characteristics, and outcomes.

Main Outcome Measurements

The main outcomes were receipt of and results of the TBI screen.

Results

The majority of veterans eligible received the TBI screen (91.6%). Screening rates varied by patient and facility characteristics. In all, 25% of screened veterans had probable TBI exposure, in which the majority of the exposures were blasts (85.0%). The rate of a positive TBI screen was 20.5% for the screened cohort. Male gender, service in the army, multiple deployments, and mental health diagnoses in the previous year were associated with a positive screen.

Conclusions

TBI screening rates are high in VA; concomitant mental health diagnoses were highly prevalent in individuals with positive TBI screens. These data indicate that there will be a significant need for long‐term health care services for veterans with TBI symptomatology.
The Russia-NATO mistrust: Ethnophobia and the double expansion to contain “the Russian Bear”
Authors: Tsygankov Andrei P.
Published: January 2013

This paper argues that Russian-Western mistrust persists due to historical and cultural developments with roots in the ColdWar. The post-ColdWar imbalance of power served to exacerbate the problem. The United States emerged as the world’s superpower acting on perceived fears of Russia, whereas Russia’s undermined capabilities dictated a defensive, rather than a hegemonic response. The paper analyzes the decision to expand NATO by excluding Russia from the process. It also asks why the process suddenly stopped in 2008. What changed the West’s mind about the expansion was not a revised perception of Russia, but rather concern with its growing power and assertiveness as revealed by the Kremlin’s use of force during the Caucasus’ war.
Editorial
Authors: Sanders Rachael
Published: January 2013

Welcome to the first issue of Children Australia for 2013. We trust you had an enjoyable festive season and are now firmly back into your work/life routines for the New Year. This year Jennifer and I are continuing with our commitment to bring quality research and practice-based commentaries about issues important to children, young people, families and the professionals who work with them. Later in the year we will see a special issue guest edited by Dr Nicola Taylor from the Centre for Research on Children and Families, Otago University, New Zealand. The special issue will focus on matters related to family law, the court system and separation/divorce. In addition to our regular invitation to submit your papers to Children Australia, we invite experts in the field to make contributions to the special issue.
Re-referral for Complex Child Abuse and Neglect Concerns: The Influence of Family and Child Factors in a 25 Year Data Set
Authors: Kaltner Melissa
Published: January 2013

Objective

The study reviewed a 25-year dataset of child abuse and neglect concerns, examining child and family factors associated with re-referral.

Methods

Suspected child abuse and neglect data collated from a variety of sources including child protection, health, police and education by a multidisciplinary Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect team for the 25-year period of 1980 to 2005 was entered for analysis. Case referral criteria for the team included clinician perception of the case as being complex and necessitating multidisciplinary case planning. The dataset contained 6669 cases of child abuse and neglect concerns, relating to 5943 unique children.

Results

The majority of children (90.5%) experienced only one referral to the team, with the remaining experiencing between 2–6 referrals. Through the utilisation of regression analysis, the factors of number of abuse types present at the initial concern, parental abuse as a child, parental intellectual disability, parental history of violence, perpetrator of intrafamilial origin, disabled children in family, and financial stress in family were found to significantly predict complex case re-referral respectively.

Conclusions

Children within this Australian sample of complex cases experienced rates of re-referral similar to those reported internationally. Family and child factors identified as predictors of re-referral in this 25-year dataset support previous international studies on statutory child protection re-referral, and evidence for the association between previously unstudied variables and re-referral likelihood for complex cases.
THE ESSENCE OF EU CITIZENSHIP EMERGING FROM THE LAST TEN YEARS OF ACADEMIC DEBATE: BEYOND THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AND THE MOON?
Authors: Kochenov Dimitry
Published: January 2013

This article scrutinizes the last ten years of the academic debate on EU citizenship law taking nine fundamental disagreements among scholars as starting points. It explores EU citizenship's relationship with three groups of issues of fundamental importance, including the place of this concept within the fabric of EU law, the influence of this concept on the essence of the Union as a system of multi-level governance, and its impact on the lives of ordinary Europeans. A large number of key works which influenced the Court and the legislator in the recent years is assessed to outline the likely direction of future research, as well as EU citizenship's future development. Although the literature on the subject is overwhelmingly rich and diverse, this article aspires to provide a representative sample of issues of interest for the framing of the concept at issue from a supranational perspective, necessarily leaving national literatures aside.
On finite Morse index solutions of two equations with negative exponent
Authors: Dávila Juan , Ye Dong
Published: January 2013

We consider the following equations involving negative exponent:

where p > 0. Under optimal conditions on the parameters α > −2 and p > 0, we prove the non-existence of finite Morse index solution on exterior domains or near the origin. We also prove an optimal regularity result for solutions with finite Morse index and isolated rupture at 0.
On J-self-adjoint operators with stable C-symmetries
Authors: Hassi Seppo , Kuzhel Sergii
Published: January 2013

The paper is devoted to the development of the theory of self-adjoint operators in Krein spaces (J-self-adjoint operators) involving some additional properties arising from the existence of C-symmetries. We mainly focus on the recent notion of stable C-symmetry for J-self-adjoint extensions of a symmetric operator S. The general results involve boundary value techniques and reproducing kernel space methods, and they include an explicit functional model for the class of stable C-symmetries. Some of the results are specialized further by studying the case where S has defect numbers 〈2,2〉 in detail.