bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Step Surgery With Multipotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Large Full-Thickness Chondral Defects of the Knee
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Karnatzikos Georgios , Sankineani Sukesh Rao
Published: January 2014

Background:

Chondral lesions in athletically active patients cause considerable morbidity, and treatment with existing cell-based therapies can be challenging. Bone marrow has been shown as a possible source of multipotent stem cells (MSCs) with chondrogenic potential and is easy to harvest during the same surgical procedure.

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical outcome in a group of active patients with large full-thickness chondral defects of the knee treated with 1-step surgery using bone marrow–derived MSCs and a second-generation matrix.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

From January 2007 to February 2010, 25 patients (average age, 46.5 years) with symptomatic large chondral defects of the knee (International Cartilage Repair Society grade 4) who underwent cartilage transplantation with MSCs and a collagen type I/III matrix were followed up for a minimum of 3 years. The average lesion size was 8.3 cm2. Coexisting injuries were treated during the same surgical procedure in 18 patients. All patients underwent a standard postoperative rehabilitation program. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations at 1-year, 2-year, and final follow-up included radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, Marx, and Tegner scores. Seven patients underwent second-look arthroscopic surgery, with 4 consenting to a tissue biopsy.

Results:

No patients were lost at final follow-up. The average preoperative values for the evaluated scores were significantly improved at final follow-up ( P < .001): VAS, 5.4 ± 0.37 to 0.48 ± 0.19; IKDC subjective, 37.92 ± 4.52 to 81.73 ± 2.42; KOOS pain, 61.04 ± 3.95 to 93.32 ± 1.92; KOOS symptoms, 55.64 ± 3.23 to 89.32 ± 2.32; KOOS activities of daily living, 63.96 ± 4.48 to 91.20 ± 2.74; KOOS sports, 34.20 ± 5.04 to 80.00 ± 3.92; KOOS quality of life, 32.20 ± 4.43 to 83.04 ± 3.37; Lysholm, 46.36 ± 2.25 to 86.52 ± 2.73; Marx, 3.00 ± 0.79 to 9.04 ± 0.79; and Tegner, 2.12 ± 0.32 to 5.64 ± 0.26. Patients younger than 45 years of age and those with smaller or single lesions showed better outcomes. The MRI scans showed good stability of the implant and complete filling of the defect in 80% of patients, and hyaline-like cartilage was found in the histological analysis of the biopsied tissue. No adverse reactions or postoperative complications were noted.

Conclusion:

The treatment of large chondral defects with MSCs is an effective procedure and can be performed routinely in clinical practice. Moreover, it can be achieved with 1-step surgery, avoiding a previous surgical procedure to harvest cartilage and subsequent chondrocyte cultivation.
Stroke in a Case of Neonatal Lupus
Authors: Suthar Renu , Sahu Jitendra K. , Rohit Manojkumar , Khandelwal Niranjan K. , Singhi Pratibha
Published: January 2014

Stroke is an extremely rare complication of congenital heart block in children. We report a 2-year-old girl with congenital complete heart block who presented with acute-onset right middle cerebral artery territory stroke. The congenital heart block was secondary to maternal lupus.
Evolutive Leukoencephalopathy in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Krakar Goran , Đaković Ivana , Delin Sanja , Bošnjak Vlatka Mejaški
Published: January 2014

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most common infectious cause of congenital brain injury. Type and severity of congenital cytomegalovirus infection–related brain abnormalities depend on the developmental stage of the central nervous system at the time of fetal infection. The aim of this study was to follow the course of leukoencephalopathy in a patient with congenital cytomegalovirus infection. We describe brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a boy with symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection performed at the age of 3 weeks, 13 months, and 4 and 7 years. Neonatal brain MRI showed most of characteristic findings in congenital cytomegalovirus infection with most prominent white matter abnormalities and cortical dysplasia. MRI follow-up images showed that cortical dysgenesis remained unchanged and static, whereas white matter abnormalities evolved over the years. We propose that leukoencephalopathy in congenital cytomegalovirus infection is not only nonprogressive or static but even evolutive and suggests both underlying disruption and delay of myelination.
Relationship Between Common Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Febrile Seizures in Children From Suzhou, China
Authors: Tang Jihong , Yan Wenhua , Li Yan , Zhang Bingbing , Gu Qing
Published: January 2014

This study aimed to determine the potential predisposing factors for the development of febrile seizures among children with upper respiratory tract infection in the eastern Chinese region. Participants were individuals aged 6 months and 6 years (n = 189) who were diagnosed with febrile seizure, complicated with upper respiratory tract infection, and 174 age-matched children who had upper respiratory tract infection without seizures as controls. The viral antigens including influenza A and B, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus were detected from nasopharyngeal aspirates. The incidence of influenza A infection was much higher in patients with febrile seizure than controls, especially those children aged >36 months. Patients with influenza A infection had higher body temperatures at seizure occurrence, shorter seizure duration, and shorter fever duration before seizure onset. Influenza A infections are frequently associated with febrile seizure in children with upper respiratory tract infection. During an influenza epidemic, effective vaccination of children, especially those with a past history of febrile seizure, may minimize the development of febrile seizure.
Enterovirus 71 Infection–Associated Acute Flaccid Paralysis
Authors: Lee Hsiu-Fen , Chi Ching-Shiang
Published: January 2014

The authors undertook long-term neurologic outcomes of 27 patients aged 0 to 15 years with enterovirus 71–related acute flaccid paralysis from June 1998 to July 2012. Motor function outcome was graded from class I (complete recovery) to class V (permanent paralytic limbs). Twelve of 20 patients (60%) who received intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of acute flaccid paralysis had motor function outcomes in classes III to V. The median duration of follow-up was 6 months, during which time 7 of 13 patients (54%) with central nervous system infection, 3 of 6 patients (50%) with autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and 3 of 8 patients (37%) with heart failure showed motor function outcomes in classes III to V. These findings suggested that the usage of intravenous immunoglobulin and the severity of disease staging at disease onset might not be able to predict long-term motor function outcomes.
Clobazam-Clonazepam Combination Effective for Stimulus-Induced Falling in Hyperekplexia
Authors: McAbee Gary N.
Published: January 2014

A child with the major form of hyperekplexia is presented who stopped ambulating because of frequent unexpected falls associated with acoustic and visual stimuli. A combination of clobazam and clonazepam was well tolerated and was rapidly and dramatically effective in eliminating the falls and restoring ambulation.
Acute Axonal Polyneuropathy Following Honey-Bee Sting
Authors: Saini Arushi Gahlot , Sankhyan Naveen , Suthar Renu , Singhi Pratibha
Published: January 2014

Hymenoptera stings lead to a myriad of neurologic manifestations by the mechanism of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions. The more common form of polyneuropathy associated with these stings is the acute inflammatory demyelinating type. We describe a 6-year-old girl, who developed progressive, symmetrical, ascending weakness within 3 days after a bee sting. Serial nerve conduction studies confirmed acute, motor-predominant axonal polyneuropathy. Use of intravenous immunoglobulin induced halt of progression, prompt stabilization and a gradual recovery. This case highlights that even a single honey-bee sting can result in acute-onset axonal variety of polyneuropathy in children.
Effective Advocacy in Rural Domains
Authors: Johnson Melencia , McGrath Shelly A. , Miller Michelle Hughes
Published: January 2014

Past scholarship has explored the ecological model as it pertains to intimate partner violence from the victim’s perspective. Missing from this literature is the application of the ecological model to victim advocates, specifically rural victim advocates. This article explores the microsystem and exosystem levels of the ecological model to understand victim advocates’ relationships with their clients and criminal justice personnel. To investigate these relationships, we used a sample of rural advocates located within the Mississippi Delta Region. The findings from the interviews and focus group indicate that the density of rural relationships both help facilitate and create barriers to effective victim advocacy. Social capital specific to the rural domain is being generated by the advocates to benefit themselves and their clients.
“I Wish the Hitting Would Stop . . . ” An Assessment of a Domestic Violence Education Program for Elementary Students
Authors: Dahle Thorvald O. , Archbold Carol A.
Published: January 2014

School officials across the country have recognized that many of their students live in homes where domestic violence occurs. As a result, several elementary schools have implemented education-based programs focused on this issue. The current study evaluates the efficacy of the “I Wish the Hitting Would Stop . . . ” program that was presented to elementary school children in two school districts in the Midwest. This study examines the level of knowledge retention by students who participated in the “I Wish the Hitting Would Stop . . . ” program during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 academic years. Fourth- and fifth-grade students responded to open-ended questions regarding their understanding of domestic violence and their retention of the concepts presented in the “I Wish the Hitting Would Stop . . . ” curriculum. While the results suggest that students retain the information presented in the program, there also appears to be a gender difference in knowledge retention.
Experience, Commodification, Biopolitics
Authors: Murtola Anna-Maria
Published: January 2014

Although the commodification of experience has been a long-standing concern for critical scholars, today the breadth and depth of this practice and the conscious manipulation involved is unparalleled. In this paper I analyse contemporary commodification of experience drawing on insights from the early Frankfurt school and autonomist thought. In doing so, I show how contemporary commodification of experience, understood in particular in terms of expropriation of the affective common, comprises a form of biopolitical exploitation that is part of broader biopolitical struggles in which capital seeks to draw the entirety of human life into its circuit of valorization. Although the critique of the Frankfurt school remains important, the variety of forms of experience for sale today warrants a broader politico-economic analysis in light of historical changes in the logic of accumulation and the operation of the commodity-form, which autonomist thought can help illuminate.
Max Weber’s charismatic prophets
Authors: Adair-Toteff Christopher
Published: January 2014

Most accounts of Weber’s notion of charisma follow his own explicit comments and seek its origins in the writings of Rudolf Sohm. While I acknowledge the validity of this, I follow Weber’s suggestions and locate the charismatic forces in the political and ethical conduct and beliefs of certain Old Testament prophets, specifically Amos, Jeremiah and Isaiah. Their emphasis on political justice and ethical fairness, coupled with their unwavering belief in the power of prophecy, infuse Weber’s conception of charisma and in crucial ways contribute to the formation of his notion of the modern political leader.
Synthesis and characterisation of new sulphur-containing epoxy networks
Authors: Vogel Wouter , Dingemans Theo J. , Varley Russell J. , Tian Wendy , Dao Buu , Tucker Samuel J. , Christensen Stephen
Published: January 2014

The position of sulphur within a cured epoxy amine network and its impact upon the thermal, mechanical, chemical and physical properties has been investigated in this study. Sulphur-containing epoxy resins, diglycidyl thioether of bisphenol A (DGTEBA) and diglycidyl ether of dithio diphenyl (DGTED) have been synthesised, cured and characterised and then compared with the benchmark epoxy resin, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). DGTEBA has two sulphur atoms located terminally to the epoxide groups, whilst DGTED has a sulphur atom located centrally between two phenyl groups. Evaluation of the properties and cure mechanism using 4,4′-diamino diphenyl sulphone (4,4′-DDS) as the hardener showed that when the sulphur was terminally located, the glass transition temperature, cure conversion, thermal stability, yield strain and stress decrease substantially, whilst the rate of cure and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) ingress was comparatively higher. Near-infrared spectroscopy revealed that a competing hydrogen abstraction reaction mechanism deactivated the epoxide ring to nucleophilic attack to produce a heterogeneous network and poorer properties. In contrast, the properties and network structure of the DGTED-cured network, which had sulphur placed centrally between the diphenyl groups were similar to DGEBA except that MEK fluid ingress was reduced. The DGTEBA epoxy was also cured with other amines of varying reactivity to reveal that the hydrogen abstraction mechanism was dependent upon the reactivity of the hardener. Less reactive hardeners were dominated by the hydrogen abstraction mechanism, whilst the more reactive amines displayed a step-growth mechanism more typically associated with epoxy amine cure.
Generic vibration criteria–based dual-chamber pneumatic spring vibration isolation table design
Authors: Li Zilong , Li Xiaoqing , Chen Xuedong
Published: January 2014

Dual-chamber pneumatic spring vibration isolation tables are commonly used as the base of precision equipment to isolate vibrations from the floor. During the design of dual-chamber pneumatic spring vibration isolation table, transmissibility is often taken as the performance measure, which does not represent the precision requirements directly and could not be adapted to different floor vibration conditions. In this article, a new performance measure is developed to obtain an optimum isolation performance during the design of a dual-chamber pneumatic spring vibration isolation table. Based on the generic vibration criteria, the weighted root-mean-square velocity of platform vibration in one-third octave bands resulting from the floor excitations is used as the new measure. The platform vibration is predicted by establishing a model of dual-chamber pneumatic spring vibration isolation table, which consists of a platform and four dual-chamber pneumatic springs. The model disturbance inputs are actual random floor excitations (7.98 µm/s, vibration criteria-C level), which are obtained by vibration acquisition test in a typical laboratory. The genetic algorithm is applied to solve this nonlinear optimization problem. The maximum weighted root-mean-square velocity of platform with the optimum design isolation table decreases to 2.35 µm/s, which provides a vibration criteria-E level environment.
Correlates of syphilis seropositivity and risk for syphilis-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes among women attending antenatal care clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Taylor Melanie M , Ebrahim Shahul , Abiola Nadine , Kinkodi Didine Kaba , Mpingulu Minlangu , Kabuayi Jean Pierre , Ekofo Felly , Newman Daniel R , Peterman Thomas A , Kamb Mary L , Sidibe Kassim
Published: January 2014

Summary

Screening and treatment for syphilis among pregnant women is the primary means of prevention of congenital syphilis. Sentinel surveillance for syphilis can inform these prevention efforts. We reviewed antenatal syphilis screening results to assess trends and to identify correlates of seropositivity among women attending antenatal care clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo during 2011. Syphilis seropositivity among the 17,669 women attending the antenatal care clinics during 2011 was 4.2% (range 0.4%-16.9%). Syphilis seropositivity was significantly higher among women attending rural clinics (5.0%) as compared to urban clinics (3.0%) and those tested in antenatal care clinics in the provinces of Equateur (7.6%) and Orientale (7.7%) as compared to other provinces ( p < 0.001). Based on the antenatal care syphilis seroprevalence and national pregnancy estimates, we estimate that approximately 128,591 pregnant women countrywide would have tested seropositive for syphilis during 2011. Over 85,000 adverse pregnancy outcomes would have resulted from these maternal infections, assuming prenatal syphilis diagnosis and treatment were not available. The prevalence of syphilis was highest in rural areas, but exceeded 1% in every area, indicating a need to assure screening and treatment throughout Democratic Republic of Congo. These sentinel surveillance estimates can be used to guide national congenital syphilis prevention efforts.
Factors associated with high transmission risk and detectable plasma HIV RNA in HIV-infected MSM on ART
Authors: Blumenthal Jill , Haubrich Richard , Jain Sonia , Sun Xiaoying , Dube Michael , Daar Eric , Milam Joel , Morris Sheldon
Published: January 2014

Summary

HIV transmission risk is increased during antiretroviral therapy (ART) use if individuals are not virologically suppressed and engage in high risk transmission behaviour. Baseline data of HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with recent history of risky behaviour on ART for ≥3 months ( n = 139) were evaluated to assess predictors of detectable viraemia and HIV transmission risk-taking behaviour. Twenty-four subjects had viral load (VL) >75 copies/mL and 12 had VL >1000 copies/mL. In multivariable regression analyses, subjects with VL >75 copies/mL were more likely to be Black (OR = 4.48, p = 0.007), have lower CD4 cell counts (OR = 0.727, p = 0.005) and have used methamphetamines in the last month (OR = 6.64, p = 0.019). Subjects with VL >1000 copies/mL were more likely to have lower CD4 cell counts (OR = 0.494, p = 0.004), report <90% adherence (OR = 7.94; p = 0.046) and have used methamphetamines in the last month (OR = 10.01, p = 0.034). Subjects with VL >75 copies/mL with the greatest transmission risk behaviour ( n = 14) were more likely to be Black (OR = 8.00, p = 0.006), have lower CD4 cell counts (OR = 0.657, p = 0.009) and have used methamphetamines in the last month (OR = 5.20, p = 0.042). High risk HIV transmission behaviour with viraemia occurred in 10% of the cohort. Future efforts to reduce HIV transmission among MSM on ART will require combined interventions that target risk-taking behaviours and substance use.
Assessing “Economic Value”
Authors: Schley Dan R. , Peters Ellen
Published: January 2014

Diminishing marginal utility (DMU) is a basic tenet of economic and psychological models of judgment and choice, but its determinants are little understood. In the research reported here, we tested whether insensitivities in valuations of dollar amounts (e.g., $40, $100) may be due to inexact mappings of symbolic numbers (i.e., “40,” “100”) onto mental magnitudes. In three studies, we demonstrated that inexact mappings appear to guide valuation and mediate numeracy’s relations with riskless valuations (Studies 1 and 1a) and risky choices (Study 2). The results highlight the fundamental notion that individuals’ valuations of $100 depend critically on how individuals perceive and map the symbolic quantity “100.” This notion has implications for conceptualizations of value, risk aversion, intertemporal choice, and dual-process theories of decision making. Normative implications are also briefly discussed.
Commensuration and policy comparison: How the use of standardized indicators affects the rankings of pension systems
Authors: Peeters Hans , Verschraegen Gert , Debels Annelies
Published: January 2014

This article presents an analysis of the process of commensuration in the field of pension policy. It looks at the consequences of reducing disparate and variable characteristics of pension systems to a limited set of standardized policy indicators. Although techniques of scoring complex systems through common indicators are applied today in fields as diverse as scientific research, human resources management and international development, this article is the first to examine the process of commensuration in the field of pensions. The empirical analysis looks at three cases where international institutions use standardized pension indicators to score and rank the performance of national pension systems. The first case examines the use of replacement rates in the international benchmarking of pension systems. We then focus on how rankings diverge considerably depending upon which function of the pension system is under assessment. Finally, we discuss how the public–private mix of a pension system affects the ranking of pension adequacy due to the way in which second and third pillar pensions are measured. The cases illustrate some of the problems associated with scoring and ranking the outcomes of unique and complex pension systems by means of internationally standardized indicators.
What explains ‘generosity’ in the public financing of high-tech drugs? An empirical investigation of 25 OECD countries and 11 controversial drugs
Authors: Böhm Katharina , Landwehr Claudia , Steiner Nils
Published: January 2014

In times of increasing cost pressures, public healthcare systems in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries face the question of whether and to which extent new high-tech drugs are to be financed within their public healthcare systems. Systematic empirical research that explains across-country variation in these decisions is, however, almost non-existent. We analyse an original dataset that contains coverage decisions for 11 controversial drugs in 25 OECD countries using multilevel modelling. Our results indicate that the ‘generosity’ with which controversial new drugs are publicly financed is unrelated to a country’s wealth and general expenditure levels for healthcare. However, healthcare systems financed through social insurance contributions tend to be more generous than tax-financed ones. Moreover, we uncover evidence suggesting that the institutional characteristics of the decision-making process matter systematically for decisions on whether to finance controversial drugs.
Meso-scale barrier estuary disturbance, response and recovery behaviour: Evidence of system equilibrium and resilience from high-resolution particle size analysis
Authors: Clarke David W , Boyle John F , Lario Javier , Plater Andrew J
Published: January 2014

Establishing the future trajectories of coastal wetlands, especially the nature of their disturbance, response and recovery regimes, is of critical importance for a wide range of stakeholders and environmental managers. Reconstructing meso-scale behaviour in coastal environments can serve to attune coastal resource management strategies to natural scales of system operations, thus fostering genuine sustainability. Sediments from Pescadero Marsh, a back-barrier coastal wetland in California, were analysed down-core for their particle size distribution in consecutive 2-mm sections. The particle size data reflect changing hydrodynamics in the back-barrier area driven by past variations in barrier coherence. When considered together, the down-core mean particle size trend and particle size distribution curve styles provide considerable insight into meso-scale system behaviour, revealing barrier/back-barrier disturbance–response–recovery regimes, regime shifts and the role of aperiodic high-energy events in disturbing these regimes. Over sub-annual and multi-annual time periods, the behaviour of the Pescadero system was consistently characterised by both dynamic response to disturbance and recovery through negative feedback. Furthermore, over the duration of the analysed core section, that is, 1200–2300 years, the system was determined to have adopted a series of static equilibrium states. The barrier estuary behaviour reconstructed from the Pescadero sediment record is indicative of innate environmental resilience.
Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: association with global disease activity
Authors: Morrison E , Carpentier S , Shaw E , Doucette S , Hanly JG
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine whether patients with neuropsychiatric (NP) events attributed to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have more global disease activity than patients with NP events not attributed to SLE.

Methods

Patients were recruited from an academic lupus clinic. Global disease activity was measured with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and organ damage with the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) damage index (SDI). NP disease was defined using the ACR case definitions and decision rules for attribution of NP events to SLE and non-SLE causes.

Results

There were 68 patients (age (mean ± SD) 40.8 ± 15.2 years, 85% female, 94% Caucasians) with 126 NP events. SLEDAI-2K scores in patients with NP events attributed to SLE were higher than in patients with NP events attributed to non-SLE causes even when NP variables were removed from the SLEDAI-2K (mean ± SD: SLE NP = 7.36 ± 5.42 vs non-SLE NP = 5.53 ± 4.57, P = 0.042). Patients with CNS and diffuse NP events, rather that PNS and focal events, accounted for the group differences in SLEDAI-2K scores. There were no significant differences in total SDI scores comparing NP events due to SLE vs. non-SLE causes (mean ± SD: 2.1 ± 1.8 vs. 1.7 ± 1.7; p = 0.28) even when NP variables were omitted.

Conclusions

Increased global SLE disease activity is associated with concurrent NP events attributed to SLE, particularly for diffuse NP and CNS NP events. The findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for SLE patients with NP events and inform pathogenetic mechanisms underlying NPSLE.
Changing Landscape of Health Care in India
Authors: Hasan Habib , Pandey Anuja , Sharma Kavya , Zodpey Sanjay
Published: January 2014

The Indian health care sector will double its size to US$ 100 billion by 2015 from the present US$ 50 billion. However, the government’s contribution on health care is minimal whereas Indian households spend a disproportionate share of their consumption expenditure on health care. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) intends to increase the public expenditure on health from 1.1 per cent of GDP to 2–3 per cent of GDP by 2011. This increased funding through the NRHM should be supplemented by efforts to improve efficiency in resource utilization. Health economics is increasingly recognized as a discipline that has much to offer in addressing these issues. However, the information about capacity building initiatives in terms of teaching and training in the field of health economics in India is limited. This article attempts to address this knowledge gap through a systematic research by identifying various institutions offering courses in health economics across India, their intake capacity, areas of specialization and accreditation standards. The article also attempts to estimate the demand for professionals having expertise in health economics and intends to stimulate the discussion around pertinent issues around need and demand mismatch.
Managerial Skills of Hospital Administrators
Authors: Toygar Sukru Anil , Akbulut Yasemin
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study is to identify the decision-making and problem-solving skill levels of hospital administrators and to determine these skills’ interrelations with other administrative skills. The study comprised a population of 494 hospital administrators (head doctors, hospital managers, head nurses and their assistants) and was carried out in 26 hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health in the city centre of Ankara. Three hundred and thirty-four administrators (67 per cent of the population) participated in the study. To identify the decision-making, problem-solving and other administrative skill levels of the hospital administrators, a scale developed by Sperry (2003) and adapted into Turkish by Şimşek (2006) was used.

As a result of the study; a weak, positive and statistically significant relationship has been found between the decision-making and problem-solving skills of hospital administrators and their motivation, loyalty and team performance skills. However, it was determined that there is a moderate, positive and statistically significant relationship between the skills of the delegation and empowerment, effective and strategic communication, conflict management, coaching, consulting and negotiating, the fit of organizational resources with human resources, and time and stress management.

It could be suggested that more research be carried out into the reasons why other management skills are at moderately developed levels and that training programmes be organized to develop these skills.
Evaluating a Project Management Simulation Training Exercise
Authors: Jeong Ki-Young , Bozkurt Ipek
Published: January 2014

This research is an evaluation of a single-player, project management simulation training exercise. Our objective is to gain understanding about the extent to which it contributes to participants’ project management knowledge and skills. Results from pre- and post-simulation exercise questionnaires indicate that overall the simulation exercise significantly improves a participant’s conceptual knowledge about project management. It also indicates that participants with less experience achieve more knowledge improvement than those with more experience. Results further indicate that the actual performance of the exercise, which represents the educational value of the exercise, is primarily dependent on the post-project management knowledge of the participant established throughout the exercise, prior knowledge brought to the exercise, and the experience of the participant. We believe that these results indicate that the simulation training exercise is a valuable training tool, which both engineering and project managers can use.
Under Construction
Authors: Donovan Kimberly M. , Fluegge-Woolf Erin R.
Published: January 2014

The Under Construction Exercise was developed by the authors to highlight key factors of work design that when implemented among the work group or entire organization can lead to an environment conducive to fostering satisfaction and motivation. In the exercise, groups are assigned to one of four different conditions that are designed to emulate elements of the Job Characteristics Model: the core job dimensions, critical psychological states, and personal and work outcomes. Students work in groups to complete a LEGO building project in a short amount of time and are then asked to reflect on the activity. Instructions for conducting and debriefing the 45-minute exercise are followed by students’ reactions to the activity.
Enzalutamide (Xtandi) for Patients With Metastatic, Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bennett Lunawati L. , Ingason April
Published: January 2014

Objective: To review the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, and to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and place in therapy of enzalutamide for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Data Sources: A literature search through PubMed (1984 to November 2013; English language) was performed using the following keywords: MDV3100, androgen deprivation therapy, enzalutamide, CRPC, and androgen receptor antagonist. Searches were limited to published studies in humans. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in English identified from reviews, abstracts, presentations, and clinical trials of enzalutamide in humans were selected and included. Data Synthesis: Enzalutamide is an oral, nonsteroidal second-generation androgen receptor antagonist that is Food and Drug Administration–approved for the treatment of metastatic CRPC in men who were previously treated with docetaxel. Enzalutamide was superior to placebo for increasing median survival from 13.6 months to 18.4 months. Enzalutamide was well tolerated at a dose of 160 mg, with minor adverse events such as fatigue, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, and hot flashes. Patients with increased risk of seizure should not take enzalutamide. Conclusions: Enzalutamide is effective to slow progression of metastatic CRPC, to reduce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, to decrease time to progression of PSA, to increase time to first skeletal-related events, and to increase quality of response rate. Enzalutamide was given at 160 mg/d for a median of 8 cycles of administration. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to observe if enzalutamide will be useful for treatment of other cancers and for early administration in prostate cancer.
Predicting Hyperhomocysteinemia by Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphism in Chinese Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Wang Yu , Xu Xin , Huo Yong , Liu Dahai , Cui Yimin , Liu Zeyuan , Zhao Zhigang , Xu Xiping , Liu Lisheng , Li Xiaoying , Jiang Shanqun
Published: January 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the performance of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism in predicting hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in Chinese patients with hypertension.

Methods:

We measured plasma total homocysteine tHcy level and C677T genotype in 1058 Chinese patients with hypertension from 4 previous studies. We used 10, 15, and 20 μmol/L as cutoff values for the definition of mild, modest, and severe HHcy, respectively. Logistic models for HHcy were built from the study sample using the C677T genotype as well as age and gender as predictors. The receiver–operating characteristics of the models were evaluated.

Results:

Our major findings are that (1) C677T TT genotype is consistently associated with a higher tHcy across the 4 studies, with an increase in size ranging from 38% to 68% in the 4 studies and 51% overall. The C677T polymorphism independently explained about 14% of the total variance of the normalized tHcy. (2) The TT genotype is associated with a large increase in odds ratio (OR) for HHcy. Overall, the multivariate-adjusted ORs for the TT genotype are 3.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-6.4), 6.5 (95% CI: 4.0-10.6), and 17.9 (95% CI: 8.4-38.1) for mild, modest, and severe HHcy, respectively. (3) Overall, the predicting performance increased with HHcy severity, with sensitivity improving from 31.0% for mild HHcy to 70.3% for severe HHcy, and with specificity slightly decreasing from 85.4% to 80.3%. Inclusion of gender and age as predictors significantly improves the sensitivity, especially for predicting mild HHcy.

Conclusion:

With an excellent sensitivity and a modest specificity, C677T could be a useful screening marker for severe HHcy.
Structural active vibration control using active mass damper by block pulse functions
Authors: Younespour Amir , Ghaffarzadeh Hosein
Published: January 2014

Active vibration control is one of the most efficient systems to mitigate excessive vibrations by providing significantly superior supplemental damping in civil engineering structures. One of the most challenging components of active control is development of an accurate analytical approach with minor computational expenses. Active mass damper (AMD) is one of the most commonly used active control devices, including a mass-spring-damper system with an actuator to increase the amount of damping in structures. Block pulse functions have been studied and applied frequently in recent years as a basic set of functions for signal characterizations in systems science and control. The purpose of this study is to establish an innovative method by using block pulse functions to minimize expenses of computations. Numerical simulations of earthquake-excited 10-story shear buildings equipped with an active mass damper are provided to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed method. The proposed method's uncontrolled and controlled responses of structural system are compared with linear quadratic regulator method's results. The results reveal the proposed method can be beneficial in reducing seismic responses of structures with less computational expenses and high accuracy.
Qualitative Inquiry and the Self-Realization of Psychological Science
Authors: Freeman Mark
Published: January 2014

It is commonly assumed that qualitative inquiry in psychology, whatever its virtues, does not lend itself as readily to the development of (real, true) scientific knowledge as those ostensibly more objective approaches found in quantitative inquiry. At the same time, it is also assumed that qualitative inquiry aspires to be more faithful to “real-life” phenomena in all of their richness. The situation is thus a paradoxical one: Despite the fact that qualitative inquiry seeks to uphold what is, arguably, the first and most fundamental responsibility of scientific knowing—fidelity to the phenomena—it continues to be questioned, if not condemned, for falling short of the scientific mark. Bearing this paradox in mind, it is argued herein that the social sciences in general, and psychology in particular, have operated with a problematically restrictive view of science and that qualitative inquiry can be instrumental in the fashioning of a more inclusive, capacious, and indeed adequate view. A corollary argument is that it can do so to the degree that it becomes more artful in at least a portion of its work. The paradoxical promise of qualitative inquiry thus lies in its potential to artfully re-imagine both the meaning and the practice of psychological science.
Leaning in to “Muddy” Interviews
Authors: Lippke Lena , Tanggaard Lene
Published: January 2014

Over the last few decades, qualitative research has been acknowledged as a peopled practice in which subjectivities come into play. The main argument presented in this article is that qualitative research involves “muddy,” troublesome, interactional passages, because of a complex interplay between subjectivities, situated identities, emotions, and conversational genres. Based on ethnographic fieldwork at a Danish Vocational Educational Training College, we introduce the concept of “leaning in” to provide an analytical grasp of the “muddy” interactional tension field in an interview situation, in which situated identities among the participants cross each other. We emphasize the value of daring to lean in to the muddiness of peopled research, use it as an analytical tool and present it in its imperfect form. This approach contributes to transparency in qualitative research, opens up the data in a new way and generates insights and results that would not otherwise emerge.
The Rear Window
Authors: Scaratti Giuseppe
Published: January 2014

The article analyzes the use of qualitative research for the construction of a professional vision within specific organizational contexts. Using the metaphor of the screenplay, it describes the modes of knowledge production that supported learning from the experience of accommodating Roma families within a social service organization operating in Italy. This article shows how the development of qualitative research tools for the exercise of a professional vision is the result, neither inevitable nor linear, of a social process of joint construction. In particular, the sequences proposed focus on the situated negotiations and transactions of epistemological positioning and methodological agreement in regard to the possibility of producing knowledge from contextual and local problems. The study valorizes the relationship between qualitative research and access to organizational aesthetics, and to sensorial knowledge about organizational life.
Mischief, Mystery, and Moments That Matter
Authors: Gergen Kenneth J. , Gergen Mary M.
Published: January 2014

Here we challenge the traditional separation of science and art and demonstrate significant ways in which the social sciences can be enriched through performative inquiry. We begin with a brief commentary on philosophic work that detaches representation from observation. In effect, there is no privileged (in principal, accurate, neutral, or objective) representation of a given observation. We then explore the potentials of expanding the repertoire of representation to include forms more traditionally located within the arts. Included are instances of experimental writing, performative monologue, autoethnography as poetry; dramatic performance and visual art as theory. By expanding the repertoire of inquiry in this way, not only are the social sciences enriched but also their capacity to communicate with the surrounding culture.
Hydrodynamic analysis of multileaf gas foil bearing with backing springs
Authors: Du JianJun , Zhu JianJun , Li Bing , Liu Dun
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a one-dimensional beam element model on elastic foundations is used to study the static and dynamic performances of a gas-lubricated multileaf foil journal bearing. The two-dimensional Reynolds equation is solved by using the finite element method coupled with the elastic deformation equation simultaneously for the converged steady state. Subsequently, a perturbation method is used to calculate the dynamic characteristics including stiffness and damping coefficients. The effects of structural and operating parameters, such as bump stiffness, leaf foil thickness, attitude angle, bearing number, and eccentricity ratio are discussed in detail. The results show that the parameters greatly influence the bearing performance, which is helpful information for designing and manufacturing an experimental prototype.
Validation of the English version of the Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History (WELCH) questionnaire in patients with intermittent claudication
Authors: Tew Garry A , Nawaz Shah , Humphreys Liam , Ouedraogo Nafi , Abraham Pierre
Published: January 2014

The Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History (WELCH) questionnaire has recently been proposed as a valid and simple instrument for assessing walking limitation in patients with intermittent claudication. The aim of this study was to validate an English version of the WELCH questionnaire in an English native population. Thirty-nine patients (ankle–brachial index 0.59 ± 0.16, age 65 ± 11 years, 82% male) completed an English version of the WELCH questionnaire. Maximum walking distance was measured objectively using the Gardner–Skinner treadmill test and the 6-minute walk test. The median WELCH score was 24 (9–39). Maximum walking distances were 412 m (149–675 m) for the treadmill test and 381 ± 88 m for the 6-minute walking test. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was ρ = 0.59 between the WELCH score and treadmill distance ( p < 0.001) and ρ = 0.82 between the WELCH score and 6-minute walk distance ( p < 0.001). These findings suggest that the English version of the WELCH questionnaire is a valid instrument for assessing walking impairment in patients with intermittent claudication.
Parental attitudes to children’s pain and analgesic drugs in the United Kingdom
Authors: Twycross Alison M , Williams Anna M , Bolland Rachael E , Sunderland Robin
Published: January 2014

Many children experience treatable moderate to severe pain following surgery. Increasingly, children undergo surgery as day cases, and, as such, parents are more likely to be responsible for managing pain post-operatively. Research in the United States and Finland has found parents fear the side effects of analgesics; think they are addictive; and that children should receive as little analgesia as possible. Little is known about parental attitudes in this context in the United Kingdom. This study set out to explore parental attitudes towards children’s pain and analgesic drugs to contribute to existing knowledge about parental attitudes elsewhere so that the information provided to parents can be tailored effectively. A convenience sample of parents ( n = 108) at one hospital in South West London completed the Parental Pain Expression Perceptions and the Medication Attitudes Questionnaires. Although many parents have a good understanding of the ways in which children express pain, a substantial proportion of parents hold misconceptions regarding how children express pain and concerns in relation to analgesic drugs. This may impact on the quality of the pain management provided to children post-operatively and needs taking into account when preparing parents in this context.
Contact with immigrants in times of crisis: An exploration of the Catalan case
Authors: Rodon Toni , Franco-Guillén Núria
Published: January 2014

Contact theory and threat group theory offer contradictory hypothesis regarding the effect of contact with immigrants. Does contact reduce or increases negative attitudes towards immigration? This article integrates both approaches and tests the effect of contact towards immigrants when different contexts are considered. We investigate the effect of the economic environment and the immigrant group size on modifying attitudes towards immigration in the context of Catalonia, which offers a complex environment where traditional hypotheses can be tested. Results show that close contact and family contact with immigrants reduce prejudices. However, mixed results are reported regarding the effect of the economic environment or the immigrant group size. Findings also show that Catalan identity is related to lower levels of negative attitudes towards immigrants, regardless of having experienced contact with foreigners. Results have implications on the impact of context when dealing with the impact of contact on attitudes towards immigration.
Angiotensin IV and the human esophageal mucosa: An exploratory study in healthy subjects and gastroesophageal reflux disease patients
Authors: Björkman Eleonora , Edebo Anders , Fändriks Lars , Casselbrant Anna
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

The human esophageal mucosa expresses various components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), e.g. the main effector peptide angiotensin II (AngII). The aim of this study was to investigate the esophageal presence of angiotensin III (AngIII) and angiotensin IV (AngIV) forming enzymes and the AngIV receptor (AT4R). The aim was also to study the actions of AngIV and to look for aberrations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Materials and methods:

Esophageal biopsies were collected from healthy volunteers ( n: 19) and individuals with erosive reflux disease ( n: 14). Gene transcripts and protein expression of aminopeptidase A, -B and -M, and the AT4R were investigated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR), western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The functional impact of AngIV was examined in an Ussing chamber.

Results:

Aminopeptidase A, -B and -M and the AT4R were expressed in the esophageal epithelium. The AT4R was less prominent in certain areas in the mucosa of reflux patients. AngIV influenced the esophageal epithelial ion transport. The impact was lower in patients with GERD.

Conclusion:

The AT4R and formation enzymes of AngIII and AngIV are present in the human esophageal epithelium. Moreover, the present results suggest that AngIV exert regulatory impact on the epithelium and that RAS is involved in mucosal aberrations associated with GERD.