bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the 12-key approach: Perceptions and experiences of improvising jazz vocalists
Authors: Hargreaves Wendy
Published: December 2014

The 12-key approach is considered a foundational practice strategy for jazz instrumentalists. Its relevance to vocalists, however, seems less clear. This article investigates improvising jazz vocalists’ perceptions and experiences of using the 12-key approach as distinguished from instrumentalists’. It uses data from a two-phase, mixed methods study. Phase one of the study utilised an anonymous, online survey to investigate vocalists’ and instrumentalists’ perceptions and experiences of jazz education and performance. The second phase utilised interviews with skilled Australian jazz vocal improvisers and with senior jazz educators in Australian tertiary institutions. The combined results reveal that vocalists predominantly regard the 12-key approach as less helpful to their work as jazz musicians than do instrumentalists. The difference was commonly attributed to a difference in the motor programming needs of the two groups. Physical limitations of performing in 12 keys were also repeatedly cited as interfering with the method for vocalists. Two interviewees connected the repetition of 12-key practice as beneficial in developing procedural knowledge useful for improvising. Such possible cognitive benefits suggest that the method should be further investigated before decisions are made on its value to vocal jazz improvisation education.
Effect of compression stockings on cutaneous microcirculation: Evaluation based on measurements of the skin thermal conductivity
Authors: Grenier E , Gehin C , McAdams E , Lun B , Gobin J-P , Uhl J-F
Published: December 2014

Objective

To study of the microcirculatory effects of elastic compression stockings.

Materials and methods

In phlebology, laser Doppler techniques (flux or imaging) are widely used to investigate cutaneous microcirculation. It is a method used to explore microcirculation by detecting blood flow in skin capillaries. Flux and imaging instruments evaluate, non-invasively in real-time, the perfusion of cutaneous micro vessels. Such tools, well known by the vascular community, are not really suitable to our protocol which requires evaluation through the elastic compression stockings fabric. Therefore, we involve another instrument, called the Hematron (developed by Insa-Lyon, Biomedical Sensor Group, Nanotechnologies Institute of Lyon), to investigate the relationship between skin microcirculatory activities and external compression provided by elastic compression stockings. The Hematron measurement principle is based on the monitoring of the skin’s thermal conductivity. This clinical study examined a group of 30 female subjects, aged 42 years ±2 years, who suffer from minor symptoms of chronic venous disease, classified as C0s, and C1s (CEAP).

Results

The resulting figures show, subsequent to the pressure exerted by elastic compression stockings, an improvement of microcirculatory activities observed in 83% of the subjects, and a decreased effect was detected in the remaining 17%. Among the total population, the global average increase of the skin’s microcirculatory activities is evaluated at 7.63% ± 1.80% ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The results from this study show that the pressure effects of elastic compression stockings has a direct influence on the skin’s microcirculation within this female sample group having minor chronic venous insufficiency signs. Further investigations are required for a deeper understanding of the elastic compression stockings effects on the microcirculatory activity in venous diseases at other stages of pathology.
Implementation of a Hospital-Based Home Palliative Care at regional level: A quantitative study of the Ospedalizzazione Domiciliare Cure Palliative Oncologiche program in Lombardy
Authors: Masella Cristina , Garavaglia Giulia , Borghi Gabriella , Castelli Alberto , Radaelli Giovanni , Peruselli Carlo
Published: December 2014

Background:

Home Palliative Care services can overcome trends of institutionalized dying and support higher rates of death at home. Home Palliative Care services rarely scale-up into regional health planning. This generates unwarranted variability in service provision and outcomes across patients. Lombardy Region sponsored a Hospital-Based Home Palliative Care program, which implemented a common service to oncological patients in the territory, with the purpose to align hospitals toward a target of 65% deaths at home.

Aim:

Our work assesses service characteristics and outcomes achieved by the regional program from 2009 to 2011.

Design and setting:

Descriptive analysis from an institutional database of service characteristics, regional expenditure, and outcomes (temporary hospitalization and patient discharge) representing 11,841 patients served by 24 providers in the period 2009–2011.

Results:

Targets of 65% deaths at home were achieved across the Region, with temporary re-hospitalization below 4.4%. The average pathway length stood above 1 month; intensity of care stood above ministerial and regional standards, with most home visits performed by nurses and physicians.

Conclusions:

The implementation of the regional program revealed three strengths (prompt identification and enrollment of eligible patients, and quantity of home visits) and two weaknesses (limited enrollment from general practitioners and multi-disciplinarity). This highlights opportunities for policy-makers to invest on regional protocols of Hospital-Based Home Palliative Care to reduce trends of institutionalized dying and align providers to homogeneous results.
Factors Influencing Interventions on Behalf of Victims of Bullying
Authors: Pronk Jeroen , Olthof Tjeert , Goossens Frits A.
Published: December 2014

While both outsiders and defenders have antibullying attitudes, only defenders have the reputation to defend victims. However, outsiders—despite their reputation of avoiding involvement in bullying—do receive some defender nominations and thus defend victims at least occasionally. This study investigated the relationship between these behavioral reputations and social-cognitive antecedents of students’ provictim intervention decision: Is provictim intervention related to a cost-reward analysis or to an analysis based on the presence and reactions of others? A sample of 489 Dutch early adolescents ([Formula: see text]age = 11.5 years) was presented a scenario in which they were to imagine being witness to victimization. Through a counterfactual thinking item procedure, the relationships between students’ reputations and social cognitions about antecedents of provictim intervention were investigated. Distress awareness and anticipated guilt and shame for not helping victims positively predicted defender behavior. Practical implications with regard to promoting defender behavior in outsiders are discussed.
Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy
Authors: Liddle Alexander D. , Rodríguez-Merchán E. Carlos
Published: December 2014

Background:

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a major cause of morbidity in both high-level and recreational athletes. While there is good evidence for the effectiveness of eccentric exercise regimens in its treatment, a large proportion of patients have disease that is refractory to such treatments. This has led to the development of novel techniques, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, which aims to stimulate a normal healing response within the abnormal patellar tendon. However, little evidence exists at present to support its use.

Purpose:

To determine the safety and effectiveness of PRP in the treatment of PT and to quantify its effectiveness relative to other therapies for PT.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature review was conducted of the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases as well as trial registries. Both single-arm and comparative studies were included. The outcomes of interest were pain (as measured by visual analog or other, comparable scoring systems), functional scores, and return to sport. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) score and the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results:

Eleven studies fit the inclusion criteria. Of these, 2 were randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), and 1 was a prospective, nonrandomized cohort study. The remainder were single-arm case series. All noncomparative studies demonstrated a significant improvement in pain and function after PRP injection. Complications and adverse outcomes were rare. The results of the comparative studies were inconsistent, and superiority of PRP over control treatments could not be conclusively demonstrated.

Conclusion:

Platelet-rich plasma is a safe and promising therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant PT. However, its superiority over other treatments such as physical therapy remains unproven. Further RCTs are required to determine the relative effectiveness of the many available treatments for PT and to determine the subgroups of patients who stand to gain the most from the use of these therapies.
Assessing the Validity of the Cross-Cultural Survey of Online Reading Attitudes and Behaviors With American and South Korean Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Students
Authors: Putman S. Michael , Wang Chuang , Ki Seryeong
Published: December 2014

The Internet is having a profound impact on the literacy practices of students worldwide; yet, there are few instruments available to facilitate cross-cultural comparisons and conclusions specific to cognitive and affective variables related to Internet proficiency. This research was conducted to examine the measurement invariance of the Cross-Cultural Survey of Online Reading Attitudes and Behaviors (SORAB-XC) across a sample of participants from South Korea and the United States. Strong structural validity information was noted for SORAB-XC in each sample, and the results revealed measurement invariance of the item loadings of SORAB-XC between the samples, which justifies the comparison across the samples with respect to the relations between latent factor variables. Implications for future research address the use of the instrument in each individual context; however, additional refinements are required to enable cross-cultural mean comparisons.
Christian Women’s Experiences of Domestic Violence in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chireshe Excellent
Published: December 2014

This study investigated Zimbabwean Christian women who had experienced domestic violence with a view to finding out the forms of violence these women experienced at the hands of their male intimate partners. The qualitative investigation was informed by the feminist paradigm. Data were collected, by means of in-depth semistructured interviews, from 22 Christian women who were purposefully selected. The women were aged 18 and above and stayed in and around urban Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Data were analyzed thematically. The study revealed diverse but interrelated forms of domestic violence, namely, physical, verbal/emotional, sexual, and economic. Knowledge of forms of domestic violence could assist social workers to come up with relevant intervention strategies to curb domestic violence. Further research going beyond the scope of the current one would enrich an understanding of domestic violence in the form of intimate partner violence.
The Effect of Gender and Perpetrator–Victim Role on Mental Health Outcomes and Risk Behaviors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Ulloa Emilio C. , Hammett Julia F.
Published: December 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern. Previous studies have consistently shown that IPV is tied by to a variety of detrimental consequences for affected individuals, including negative mental health outcomes. However, the differential impact of gender and perpetrator–victim role (i.e., whether an individual is the perpetrator or victim of violence or both) remains largely understudied in the academic literature. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe a variety of mental health outcomes and risk behaviors among men and women experiencing no violence, perpetration-only, victimization-only, and bidirectional violence. Data from Waves 3 and 4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( N = 7,187) were used. Participants provided information on their perpetrator–victim role and on a variety of factors related to mental health (depression, suicidality, alcohol use, illegal drug use, and relationship satisfaction). For all outcomes, prevalence and severity generally tended to be highest among individuals affected by bidirectional IPV and lowest among individuals not affected by any violence (independent of gender). The present findings highlight that IPV and negative mental health outcomes and risk behaviors should be addressed as co-occurring problems in research, prevention, and treatment. In addition, all gender-role combinations should be addressed to better understand and address all potential effects of IPV. According to the present findings, couples affected by bidirectional violence are at particularly high risk of developing mental health disorders. Thus, policy makers and clinicians should predominantly target couples as well as individuals who are not only the victims but also the perpetrators of IPV and pay particular attention to potential signs of mental health distress these individuals might exhibit.
Fabrication and characterization of bipolar plates of vinyl ester resin/graphite-based composite for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Rafi-ud-din  , Arshad M , Saleem A , Shahzad M , Subhani T , Hussain S
Published: December 2014

The lightweight economical bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells were fabricated by using vinyl ester resin as matrix material, graphite powder as reinforcement and conducting polymer as additive. Effects of various contents of graphite and its particle size on electrical conductivity, physical and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. The optimum composition of composite plates was determined at 55% graphite, 40% resin and 5% poly(1,4-phenylene sulphide) based on measurements of physical, electrical and mechanical properties with various graphite contents. The plate molded with 2.93 mm thickness gives density of 1.81 g cm−3 and compressive strength of 73 MPa, which is in consonance with reported standard. Thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis–derivative thermogravimetry of the composite was carried out in air atmosphere to find out mode of degradation and basis of its stability. The study reveals that composite is less stable than resin and graphite, but much more stable than operational fuel cell which works at 80–100°C.
Characterizing Indian Students Pursuing Global Higher Education
Authors: Gopinath Deepak
Published: December 2014

One might argue that an Indian student entering higher education is faced with a critical question—Where to study, in India or abroad? With a gross enrollment ratio of around 20% in the tertiary sector, only one in five in the 18 to 23 age group of a 140 million eventually gets to answer the question. But those who do, and whose numbers are rapidly increasing, pursue higher education abroad in response to a range of choices presented not only by increasing domestic provision in higher education but also through increased international collaborations (for instance, through branch campuses) that Indian students can avail of without leaving the country. As a result, this presents problems for characterizing the Indian student pursuing higher education abroad. By placing emphasis on the multiple transitions across spaces and tensions between “controlled” and “emergent” mobilities, this article sets out a conceptual framework with which to understand potential pathways into higher education, so that policy makers and educational providers can better understand international mobility in the Indian higher education sector.
Inflammatory, immunological, and intestinal disease biomarkers in Chinese Shar-Pei dogs with marked hypocobalaminemia
Authors: Grützner Niels , Heilmann Romy M. , Cranford Shannon M. , Holzenburg Andreas , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: December 2014

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs have a high prevalence of hypocobalaminemia and are commonly presented with clinical signs suggestive of severe and long-standing gastrointestinal disease such as diarrhea, vomiting, and/or weight loss. The aim of the current study was to evaluate serum concentrations of inflammatory markers, markers for intestinal disease, and immunological markers in Shar-Peis with hypocobalaminemia or normocobalaminemia (serum cobalamin concentrations within the reference interval). Serum samples from Shar-Peis were collected from various parts of the United States. Serum concentrations of inflammatory markers (i.e., C-reactive protein [CRP], calprotectin [CP], and S100A12), hyaluronic acid (HA, a marker for cutaneous mucinosis), and analytes commonly altered in chronic intestinal diseases (i.e., albumin, zinc, alpha1-proteinease inhibitor [α1PI], immunoglobulin [Ig]A, and IgM) were compared between Shar-Peis with hypocobalaminemia and Shar-Peis with normocobalaminemia. Serum concentrations of CRP, CP, S100A12, HA, zinc, and cα1-PI concentrations did not differ between hypocobalaminemic and normocobalaminemic Shar-Peis ( P > 0.05). Serum concentrations of albumin were significantly lower in hypocobalaminemic Shar-Peis (median: 2.5 g/dl) than in normocobalaminemic Shar-Peis (median: 2.9 g/dl; P < 0.0001). Higher serum IgA concentrations and lower serum IgM concentrations were observed in hypocobalaminemic Shar-Peis (median: 1.7 g/l and 0.8 g/l, respectively) than in normocobalaminemic Shar-Peis (median: 0.7 g/l and 1.9 g/l, respectively; both P < 0.0001). In conclusion, no difference was found in serum concentrations of CRP, CP, S100A12, and HA between hypocobalaminemic and normocobalaminemic Shar-Peis whereas some differences were observed in analytes (e.g., albumin, IgA, and IgM) that may be altered in patients with chronic enteropathies.
Analytical validation of a second-generation immunoassay for the quantification of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide in canine blood
Authors: Cahill Roberta J. , Pigeon Kathleen , Strong-Townsend Marilyn I. , Drexel Jan P. , Clark Genevieve H. , Buch Jesse S.
Published: December 2014

N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been shown to have clinical utility as a biomarker in dogs with heart disease. There were several limitations associated with early diagnostic assay formats including a limited dynamic range and the need for protease inhibitors to maintain sample stability. A second-generation Cardiopet® proBNP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IDEXX Laboratories Inc., Westbrook, Maine) was developed to address these limitations, and the present study reports the results of the analytical method validation for the second-generation assay. Coefficients of variation for intra-assay, interassay, and total precision based on 8 samples ranged from 3.9% to 8.9%, 2.0% to 5.0%, and 5.5% to 10.6%, respectively. Analytical sensitivity was established at 102 pmol/l. Accuracy averaged 102.0% based on the serial dilutions of 5 high-dose canine samples. Bilirubin, lipids, and hemoglobin had no effect on results. Reproducibility across 3 unique assay lots was excellent with an average coefficient of determination ( r2) of 0.99 and slope of 1.03. Both ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid plasma and serum gave equivalent results at time of blood draw (slope = 1.02, r2 = 0.89; n = 51) but NT-proBNP was more stable in plasma at 25°C with median half-life measured at 244 hr and 136 hr for plasma and serum, respectively. Plasma is the preferred sample type and is considered stable up to 48 hr at room temperature whereas serum should be frozen or refrigerated when submitted for testing. Results of this study validate the second-generation canine Cardiopet proBNP assay for accurate and precise measurement of NT-proBNP in routine sample types from canine patients.
Comparison of culture, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescent in situ hybridization for detection of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and “Brachyspira hampsonii” in pig feces
Authors: Wilberts Bailey L. , Warneke Hallie L. , Bower Leslie P. , Kinyon Joann M. , Burrough Eric R.
Published: December 2014

Swine dysentery is characterized by mucohemorrhagic diarrhea and can occur following infection by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae or “ Brachyspira hampsonii ”. A definitive diagnosis is often based on the isolation of strongly beta-hemolytic spirochetes from selective culture or by the application of species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays directly to feces. While culture is highly sensitive, it typically requires 6 or more days to complete, and PCR, although rapid, can be limited by fecal inhibition. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has been described in formalin-fixed tissues; however, completion requires approximately 2 days. Because of the time constraints of available assays, a same-day FISH assay was developed to detect B. hyodysenteriae and “ B. hampsonii ” in pig feces using previously described oligonucleotide probes Hyo1210 and Hamp1210 for B. hyodysenteriae and “ B. hampsonii”, respectively. In situ hybridization was simultaneously compared with culture and PCR on feces spiked with progressive dilutions of spirochetes to determine the threshold of detection for each assay at 0 and 48 hr. The PCR assay on fresh feces and FISH on formalin-fixed feces had similar levels of detection. Culture was the most sensitive method, detecting the target spirochetes at least 2 log-dilutions less when compared to other assays 48 hr after sample preparation. Fluorescent in situ hybridization also effectively detected both target species in formalin-fixed feces from inoculated pigs as part of a previous experiment. Accordingly, FISH on formalin-fixed feces from clinically affected pigs can provide same-day identification and preliminary speciation of spirochetes associated with swine dysentery in North America.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Employee Organizational Identification, and Creative Effort
Authors: Brammer Stephen , He Hongwei , Mellahi Kamel
Published: December 2014

A growing body of research examines whether and how corporate social responsibility (CSR) leads to positive employee attitudes and work behaviors. While previous research suggests that CSR improves employee loyalty, motivation, satisfaction, and commitment, little research examines how CSR affects employee creativity. In addition, considerable skepticism remains regarding the significance of CSR in relation to employee attitudes and behaviors and of the potential contingencies that intervene in these relationships. In this study, we argue that the impact of CSR on employee creativity is contingent upon a focal firm’s corporate ability (CA), that is, its expertise in producing and delivering its products/services. Specifically, we argue that CA not only influences employee organizational identification, hence employee creativity, but also affects how employees react to CSR. We test our arguments within a sample of professional workers in the telecommunication sector in Spain and find strong support for the proposed model.
Efficacy of Change to New P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists in Patients High on Treatment Platelet Reactivity Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Robledo-Nolasco Rogelio , Godínez-Montes de Oca A. , Zaballa-Contreras J. F. , Suárez-Cuenca J. A. , Mondragón-Terán P. , Rubio-Guerra A. F. , Meléndez-Alcántara M. A.
Published: December 2014

Selective intensification of platelet inhibition may improve high on treatment platelet reactivity (HPR). We evaluated the efficacy of dual-antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel (CPG), compared to new P2Y12-receptor antagonists in patients with HPR undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, regarding the outcome of composite major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, including death, acute coronary syndrome [ACS], and stent restenosis). The presence of HPR (71 of 181 patients) almost doubled the risk of MACEs. The new antiplatelet agent reduced MACEs (45.8%, 26%, and 16.7% for CPG, prasugrel, and ticagrelor [TGL]; RR 0.36; 0.13-0.98, P = .03, TGL), specifically in patients with ACS. Failure to reduce HPR after the antiplatelet change and diabetes were independent predictors for MACEs. The HPR was early and effectively reduced after changing the antiplatelet therapy, but the intensity of this reduction did not significantly decrease the risk of MACEs. These findings support the benefit of HPR-guided intensification of platelet inhibition. Whether the intensity of this reduction improves the patient’s clinical outcomes deserves further investigation.
Victims’ Voices and Victims’ Choices in Three IPV Courts
Authors: Anderson Kristin L.
Published: December 2014

Critics of mandatory interventions for intimate partner violence (IPV) propose that the justice system disempowers victims by denying them voice and choice in legal proceedings. This exploratory study examines this claim through observations of three criminal courts. Findings show that victims are offered voice and a degree of choice in only one of the three courts. Court procedures that enhance victim voice and choice include a specialized IPV court, victim advocates trained in victims’ rights issues, and a lead judge who models respectful treatment of victims. The author proposes that voice and choice are distinct aspects of victim empowerment and that the provision of voice may have benefits to IPV victims that are distinct from the benefits of choice.
“I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up,” a Basic Primer for Caregivers to Understand Falls in Persons With Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Rowe Jimmy
Published: December 2014

This article seeks to demystify the complexity of what constitutes dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive impairment as it relates to identifying the basic contexts of these diseases in relationship with falls and fall prevention. It further will identify the new changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) that replaces the term dementia and provides the new diagnostic framework for major and mild neurocognitive functioning. This article additionally provides some practical strategies for caregivers to equip themselves to understand some of the difficulties and challenges that they face when dealing with loved ones or patients who become afflicted by these diseases.
Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders in Hong Kong Chinese Children With ADHD
Authors: Shea Caroline K. S. , Lee Marshall M. C. , Lai Kelly Y. C. , Luk Ernest S. L. , Leung Patrick W. L.
Published: December 2014

Objective: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of anxiety disorders in Chinese children with ADHD. Method: Overall, 120 children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years were recruited, and the parent version of computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children–Version 4 was administrated to their primary caretakers. Results: The prevalence rate of anxiety disorders was 27.5%, which is consistent with the reports of previous Asian and Western studies. Among the children with ADHD and anxiety disorders, more than 50% of them also had comorbid oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder (ODD/CD), which yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 3.0 in multivariable analysis for anxiety disorder, with comorbid ODD/CD. In addition, anxiety disorders were positively associated with inattention symptoms in children with both disorders. Conclusion: Clinicians should perform screening and careful assessment for anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD, particularly those suffering from comorbid ODD/CD.
Periodontal disease in cats
Authors: Perry Rachel , Tutt Cedric
Published: December 2014

Practical relevance:

Periodontal disease is commonly encountered in feline practice. Gingivitis, followed by inflammation of the rest of the periodontal tissues, can lead to chronic oral infection, bacteraemia, pain and ultimately tooth loss. Given adequate plaque control and thorough, consistent dental home care, gingivitis is a reversible and controllable condition. Periodontitis, however, is an essentially irreversible and progressive condition. Treatment aims to control tissue inflammation, returning the gingiva to clinical health and preventing destruction of the periodontium in other parts of the mouth.

Clinical challenges:

Diagnosis must be established using a combination of oral examination under anaesthesia and dental radiography. Periodontitis leads to tooth attachment loss, and given the short length of most cat teeth, probing depths of 1 mm or more should alert the clinician to the presence of periodontitis. The decision of whether to extract or preserve affected teeth needs careful consideration. In practice, as periodontitis is often associated with type 1 tooth resorption, extraction is often required, but the slender and delicate nature of feline tooth roots, compounded by the destructive nature of tooth resorption, can frustrate extraction attempts. As highlighted in this article, iatrogenic damage to teeth is also a real risk if periodontal therapy procedures (including scaling and polishing) are not performed carefully. The challenges of providing home care in the cat are additionally discussed.

Evidence base:

The authors have drawn upon, wherever possible, an evidence base relating strictly to the feline patient. Where there is a lack of published research, evidence from canine and human studies is assessed.
Globe penetration in a cat following maxillary nerve block for dental surgery
Authors: Perry Rachel , Moore Denise , Scurrell Emma
Published: December 2014

Clinical summary:

Dental treatment was carried out in an 8.5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat found to have tooth resorption. Right mandibular, and right and left maxillary nerve blocks were administered using a 1 ml syringe attached to a 25 G x 5/8 inch needle and an intraoral technique. The following day the cat displayed blepharospasm of the right eye. The ocular signs progressed and 5 days later an ophthalmologist confirmed a blind, glaucomatous right eye. It was suspected that the eye had suffered a penetrating injury during dental surgery. Enucleation of the right eye was performed and gross and histopathological examination revealed a penetrating wound consistent with a needle tract injury.

Practical relevance:

Complications arising from veterinary dental regional anaesthesia appear to be rare; however, it may be that they are under-reported. This case report highlights the risks involved and reviews the safest and most efficacious regional anaesthesia technique for the feline maxilla.
Analysis of the effects of the single abrasive-grain microcutting scratch on INCOLOY® Alloy 800HT® by using advanced CLSM-SEM techniques
Authors: Nadolny Krzysztof , Kapłonek Wojciech
Published: December 2014

Knowledge and understanding of modern machining processes requires, in many cases, not only the use of typical surface topography methods but also imaging methods such as numerous varieties of advanced confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This work demonstrated that these microscopic techniques can be successfully used for accurate measuring and analyzing of the effects of the scratch tests. The experimental tests were carried out on the internal cylindrical sample surface made of INCOLOY® alloy 800HT®, with the traces shaped by a single abrasive grain of microcrystalline sintered corundum SG™. One of the traces formed was prepared for gathering more advanced measurements in order to determine the most important elementary phenomena dominant during the microcutting process. These measurements were carried out using the 3D laser microscope LEXT OLS4000 by Olympus and an electron microscope JSM-5500LV by JEOL with X-ray spectrometer module INCAPentaFET-x3 and a Si(Li) detector manufactured by Oxford Instruments, as well as an opto-digital microscope DSX500 by Olympus (used as a reference instrument). All measurement data acquired were analyzed using dedicated software, which significantly improved the possibilities for effective interpretation of the results obtained from the experimental tests. Analysis of the test results showed that the microcrystalline sintered corundum abrasive grain generates scratches with a highly developed morphology on the workpiece surface. On the abrasive grains were observed both signs of fracture wear due to mechanical and thermal shock loads as well as abrasive wear of the abrasive grain active vertexes.
‘We can’t change much unless the exams change’: Teachers’ dilemmas in the curriculum reform in China
Authors: Yan Chunmei
Published: December 2014

This article reports on a study of English secondary teachers’ perceptions of and implementation of the New English Curriculum Reform in China. Triangulated data collection methods were employed to gather information about teachers’ perceptions of the New Curriculum and their teaching behaviours in Central China. An implementation gap emerged between the new curriculum requirements and the teachers’ classroom practices, despite the teachers’ common endorsement of the new curriculum goals and pedagogies due to a series of interrelated contextual constraints: the considerable professional and psychological challenges to teachers, the students’ resistance, the lack of school support, physical constraints and, most importantly, the backwash effect of the prevalent examination culture in the Chinese society. The study suggests that it is crucially important to transform the current Gaokao-based assessments of schools and teachers to achieve alignment between the vision of educational policies on the curriculum reform and the reality of teachers’ practices at the grassroots level.
Gender differences in co-occurrence of depressive and anger symptoms among adolescents in five Nordic countries
Authors: Asgeirsdottir Bryndis Bjork , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora
Published: December 2014

Aims: The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative examination on gender differences in depressive and anger symptoms and their co-occurrence, using comparative self-report survey data from 16-19-year-old students in five Nordic countries. Methods: In total, 8038 adolescents participated in the study, 4183 females (52%) and 3855 males (48%) with an average age of 17.1 years. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test for gender differences in symptoms for the sample as a whole and also for each country. Furthermore, partial bivariate correlation was carried out and followed up by ANCOVA to test for gender differences in the co-occurrence of depressive and anger symptoms in the five countries. Results: The results indicated that, on average, adolescent females reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than males in all the countries under study and higher levels of anger symptoms in four out of five countries. The relationship between depressive and anger symptoms turned out to be stronger for females than males for all the countries under study, demonstrating higher co-occurrence of depressive and anger symptoms on average among females than males. Conclusions: The findings underline the need for attending to both depressive and anger symptoms among adolescents when designing mental health interventions and treatments as co-occurrence of both types of symptoms is common, particularly among females.
Humanitarian spectacles from below: A study of social connections in unsettled contexts
Authors: Holzer Elizabeth , Warren Kamryn
Published: December 2014

Humanitarian actors struggle to protect refugees from the violence of war, but critics argue that they often succeed in nothing more than segregating the displaced and turning their hardships into global public spectacles. This article narrows and refines these criticisms of contemporary humanitarian action by examining humanitarian spectacles at a local level in an ethnography of the Buduburam Refugee Camp, a predominantly Liberian refugee camp in Ghana, West Africa. It is clear from this vantage point that disenfranchisement and bureaucratic intransigence deeply constrained camp life. But the public spectacles we examine also highlight the unexpected persistence of civic life and the depth of social connections between camp residents themselves; between refugees and humanitarians; and between refugees and their hosts. By making the homogeneous, distant concept of humanitarian spectacle into a heterogeneous concept with local dimensions, we are able to capture more of the experiences of people who live in unsettled contexts. This argument contributes to research on refugees and humanitarianism by drawing attention to the interconnected social world of the refugee camp. It also contributes to research on public spectacles by casting these spectacles as neither a pure expression of distance nor empowerment, but rather an easily sullied form of civic life.
Development of a turbocharger compressor with variable geometry for heavy-duty engines
Authors: Wöhr Michael , Chebli Elias , Müller Markus , Zellbeck Hans , Leweux Johannes , Gorbach Andreas
Published: December 2014

This article describes the first development phase of a centrifugal compressor with variable geometry which is designed to match the needs of future heavy-duty engines. Requirements of truck engines are analyzed, and their impact on the properties of the compressor map is evaluated in order to identify the most suitable kind of variable geometry. Our approach utilizes the transformation of engine data into pressure ratio and mass flow coordinates that can be displayed and interpreted using compressor maps. One-dimensional and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics fluid flow calculations are used to identify loss mechanisms and constraints of fixed geometry compressors. Linking engine goals and aerodynamic objectives yields specific recommendations on the implementation of the variable geometry compressor.
Impact of engine combustion on the reactivity of diesel soot from commercial vehicle engines
Authors: Lindner Sven , Massner Alexander , Gärtner Uwe , Koch Thomas
Published: December 2014

The regeneration behavior of diesel particulate filters is significantly influenced by the reactivity of the stored soot. However, there is still a lack of analyses which describe the effects that various engine operating parameters have on soot reactivity. A medium-duty OM936 single-cylinder engine with a common rail injection system was used to analyze the correlations between engine speed, swirl, combustion air–fuel ratio and soot reactivity. Diesel particulate samples were directly collected from the exhaust stream. The temperature programed oxidation was used to reveal the reactivity to oxygen of the soot samples. Diesel particulate filter regeneration experiments were additionally carried out on a medium-duty OM936 full engine test bench to analyze the influence of soot reactivity on the regeneration efficiency in particulate filters. The results give new insights into the relation between the diesel engine combustion process and soot reactivity and show how the active regeneration of diesel particulate filters is affected by soot reactivity.
Do minority leaders affect corporate practice? Analyzing the effect of leadership composition on governance and product development
Authors: Cook Alison , Glass Christy
Published: December 2014

This study examines the effect of racial/ethnic minority CEOs and diverse corporate boards on corporate governance and product development. We test an author-constructed dataset of corporate practices, CEO race/ethnicity, and board racial/ethnic composition in Fortune 500 firms from 2001 to 2010. Findings suggest that diverse boards are positively associated with effective corporate governance practices and product development. Moreover, an interactive effect occurs between a diverse board and the race/ethnicity of the CEO in that corporate governance strengths and product innovation for the firm are increased when a White CEO operates with a diverse board. Thus, while promoting individual minority leaders is important, board diversity is paramount for achieving corporate benefits.
Late onset acute occlusion of the subclavian artery after clavicle fracture
Authors: van Schaik PM , de Borst GJ , Moll FL , Toorop RJ
Published: December 2014

Vascular injuries after a clavicle fracture are rare. The treatment remains, if possible, conservative. In case of life-threatening bleeding or limb ischemia, endovascular treatment is the treatment of choice. In this case report, we describe a patient who suffered a clavicle fracture five years before and now presented with acute invalidating claudication caused by an acute occlusion superimposed on a brachial artery stenosis. After unsuccessful thrombolytic therapy a surgical exploration of the brachial artery was performed.
Efficacy of reduced‐dose regimen of a capsule containing bismuth subcitrate, metronidazole, and tetracycline given with amoxicillin and esomeprazole in the treatment of Helicobacter Pylori infection
Authors: Harb Ali H , El Reda Zeinab D , Sarkis Fayez S , Chaar Hani F , Sharara Ala I
Published: December 2014

It is well known that triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori is losing efficacy worldwide. A regimen containing proton pump inhibitor and multiple‐dose capsules of bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline has proven efficacy. In addition, a literature review on dosage of previous regimens shows that half‐dose clarithromycin‐based regimens are equally effective to full‐dose regimens. However, the applicability of dose reduction to bismuth‐based therapy is unknown. This communication shows that a reduced‐dose bismuth‐based regimen fails to achieve acceptable eradication rates.
Evaluation of Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of PSS Stress Measuring Scale in the Moroccan Population
Authors: Ben Loubir Dalal , Serhier Zeineb , Battas Omar , Agoub Mohamed , Bennani Othmani Mohammed
Published: December 2014

This study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the classic Arabic version of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10) in a large sample of Moroccan population. A cross-sectional survey was yielded between December 2013 and January 2014 following an accidental sampling. Individuals aged above 18, from different socioeconomic categories, were invited to take part in the study. The participants had completed a questionnaire including the classic Arabic versions of PSS10. Two data collection methods involving the paper questionnaire (PQ) and an electronic questionnaire (EQ) were solicited. The psychometric properties of PSS10 were examined by internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and factorial structure. A total of 1,099 individuals have participated in the study. Internal consistencies of the classic Arabic PSS10 for both of PQ and EQ were respectively α = 0.72 and α = 0.85; the test–retest reliability score was 0.91. In both of PQ and EQ, PSS10 scores were higher among females ( p < .01), and were positively and significantly correlated with the DASS21 subscales. The principal component analysis provided a two-factor structure. The percentages of variance explained by the two factors were 55.58 for EQ and 54.61 for PQ. The classic Arabic version of the PSS10 showed satisfactory psychometric properties in both data collection methods.
The Shack Settlement as a Site of Politics: Reflections from South Africa
Authors: Pithouse Richard
Published: December 2014

In South Africa, the shack settlement has become a site of acute political intensity in recent years. However, political action organized from the shack settlement is frequently presented as being outside of the domain of the political—as a spasmodic response to deprivation, as criminal or consequent to external conspiracy. This paper argues that liberal, as well as some currents of Marxist and nationalist thought, have demonstrated an inability, or refusal, to recognize popular political agency in the shack settlement. It suggests that Partha Chatterjee’s work on the idea of political society, and Ananya Roy’s thinking about subaltern urbanism provide useful analytical tools to enable more effective recognition of political agency in the shack settlement. However, it notes that while it is necessary to think the shack settlement as a particular situation, it is also important to be attentive to insurgent modes of political agency that transcend that situation.
From transcriptional regulation to drugging the cancer epigenome
Authors: Bradner James E
Published: December 2014

Jay Bradner discusses the opportunities and challenges for the study and therapeutic targeting of the cancer epigenome, as well as innovative approaches to drug discovery.
Preliminary report: Neural firing patterns specific for Meniere's disease
Authors: Blakley Brian , Dastgheib Zeinab A , Lithgow Brian , Moussavi Zahra
Published: December 2014

Objective

To describe the application of a new, objective diagnostic test for Meniere's disease.

Introduction

Electrovestibulography (EVestG) is a complex, newly-developed test paradigm that searches for neural firing patterns that may be diagnostic for particular neural disorders. EVestG system was previously “trained” to distinguish Meniere's disease from other patients on a set of training data. In this paper we illustrate its diagnostic application in a new group of unknown subjects.

Setting

Collaborative Academic Bioengineering Research Centre.

Study design

Prospective, blinded human Clinical Trial.

Methods

In an attempt to understand the specific neural firing patterns that may objectively characterize latent Meniere's disease, two hundred fifty-six consecutive patients who presented for electronystagmography testing were asked to undergo EVestG testing. Ten subjects actually completed testing but data were too noisy to permit analysis for one patient. Complete data were available for nine patients with either a clinical diagnosis of either Meniere's disease (4 patients) or some other vestibular disorder (2 vestibular neuritis, 2 benign positional vertigo and 1 non-specific dizziness). None of the patients were experiencing attacks of vertigo within a week of EVestG testing. Ten normal control subjects with no history or symptoms of ear disease were also tested. EVestG was performed in a separate engineering research facility by investigators who were unaware of their clinical diagnosis. If EVestG suggested that the probability of Meniere's disease was 0.5 or greater Meniere's disease was considered present by the objective testing. The objective and clinical diagnoses were compared.

Results

EVestG testing correctly identified three of four Meniere's disease patients and rejected the diagnosis in 9 of the 10 controls. Two of the 5 dizzy, non-Meniere's patients were incorrectly identified as Meniere's disease. The sensitivity and specificity of EvestG testing were 75% and 80%, respectively. EVestG results were statistically significantly different for Meniere's patients versus the other dizzy patients and controls (Univariate ANOVA difference contrasts p = 0.0340) even in this small sample.

Conclusion

The EVestG protocol appeared to show promise as an objective, diagnostic test for Meniere's disease, but our sample size is too small to generalize widely.

Level of evidence

N.A. Prospective Human clinical trial.