bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cause and Circumstance of In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients Undergoing Contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Valle Javier A. , Smith Dean E. , Booher Anna M. , Menees Daniel S. , Gurm Hitinder S.
Published: February 2012

Background—

Prior studies suggest that most deaths in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are related to procedural complications. Mortality associated with PCI has steadily declined during the past decade, and the cause and circumstance of death among patients undergoing PCI in the contemporary era remain unknown.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated all patients undergoing PCI at the University of Michigan from 2001 to 2009. There were 85 deaths among a total of 5520 patients undergoing PCI during this time period. By using a standardized data collection form, 3 cardiologists (2 interventional, H.S.G. and D.S.M.; 1 noninvasive, A.M.B.) determined the cause and circumstance of death, in addition to grading the preventability of death. Left ventricular failure was the most common cause of death (35.3%, n=30), followed by neurological compromise (16.5%, n=14) and arrhythmia (12.1%, n=12). The circumstance of death was mostly acute cardiac (52.9%, n=45), with a procedural complication composing a small fraction (7.1%, n=6). Reviewers determined 93% of deaths to be mostly or entirely unpreventable.

Conclusions—

Procedural complications are responsible for a small fraction of deaths among patients undergoing contemporary PCI. Measures to further enhance procedural safety are unlikely to translate into meaningful reductions in PCI mortality.
Cardiac Biomarkers Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Stroke and Death in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hijazi Ziad , Oldgren Jonas , Andersson Ulrika , Connolly Stuart J. , Ezekowitz Michael D. , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Reilly Paul A. , Vinereanu Dragos , Siegbahn Agneta , Yusuf Salim , Wallentin Lars
Published: February 2012

Background—

Cardiac biomarkers are strong predictors of adverse outcomes in several patient populations. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated troponin I and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and their association to cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) trial.

Methods and Results—

Biomarkers at randomization were analyzed in 6189 patients. Outcomes were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors and the CHADS
2
and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc risk scores. Patients were stratified based on troponin I concentrations: <0.010 μg/L, n=2663; 0.010 to 0.019 μg/L, n=2006; 0.020 to 0.039 μg/L, n=1023; ≥0.040 μg/L, n=497; and on NT-proBNP concentration quartiles: <387; 387 to 800; 801 to 1402; >1402 ng/L. Rates of stroke were independently related to levels of troponin I with 2.09%/year in the highest and 0.84%/year in the lowest troponin I group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99 [95% CI, 1.17–3.39];
P
=0.0040), and to NT-proBNP with 2.30%/year versus 0.92% in the highest versus lowest NT-proBNP quartile groups, (HR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.41–4.07];
P
=0.0014). Vascular mortality was also independently related to biomarker levels with 6.56%/year in the highest and 1.04%/year the lowest troponin I group (HR, 4.38 [95% CI, 3.05–6.29];
P
<0.0001), and 5.00%/year in the highest and 0.61%/year in the lowest NT-proBNP quartile groups (HR, 6.73 [3.95–11.49];
P
<0.0001). Biomarkers increased the C-statistic from 0.68 to 0.72,
P
<0.0001, for a composite of thromboembolic events.

Conclusions—

Elevations of troponin I and NT-proBNP are common in patients with AF and independently related to increased risks of stroke and mortality. Cardiac biomarkers seem useful for improving risk prediction in AF beyond currently used clinical variables.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00262600.
Commentary on Globalizing de Gaulle
Authors: Kolodziej Edward A.
Published: March 2012

Four distinguished analysts of French foreign policy under Charles de Gaulle provide in-depth assessments of the new book edited by Christian Nuenlist, Anna Locher, and Garret Martin, Globalizing de Gaulle: International Perspectives on French Foreign Policies, 1958–1969, published by Lexington Books. The commentators praise the book's wide scope and many of its essays and broad themes, but they raise questions about Garret Martin's contention (shared by a few, though not all, of the other contributors to the volume) that de Gaulle had a coherent if ultimately unsuccessful strategy to overcome the Cold War and move toward the unification of Germany and Europe. In article-length commentaries, both Andrew Moravcsik and Marc Trachtenberg take issue with Martin's view, arguing that de Gaulle's foreign policy involved more bluff and bluster than any genuine attempt to bring about the reunification of Germany or to end the Cold War. Moravcsik also provides a spirited defense of the “revisionist” conception of de Gaulle's policy toward Europe, which sees the general as having been guided mostly by his domestic economic and political interests—a conception that Trachtenberg has also come to accept. The forum ends with a reply by Nuenlist, Locher, and Martin to the four commentaries.
Perspectives on Sergey Radchenko's Two Suns in the Heavens
Authors: Sheng Michael , Zhai Qiang , Kaple Deborah
Published: March 2012

In this forum, three leading experts on Sino-Soviet relations and Mao Zedong's policy toward the Soviet Union offer their appraisals of Sergey Radchenko's Two Suns in the Heavens, The Sino-Soviet Struggle for Supremacy, 1962–1967, published by the Woodrow Wilson Center Press. The commentators praise many aspects of Radchenko's book, but Michael Sheng and to a lesser extent Qiang Zhai and Deborah Kaple wonder whether Radchenko has gone too far in downplaying the role of ideology in Mao's foreign policy. Unlike Lorenz Lüthi, who gives decisive weight to ideology in his own book about the Sino-Soviet split, Radchenko argues that a classical realist approach is the best framework for understanding Chinese foreign policy and the rift between China and the Soviet Union. Sheng and Zhai also raise questions about some of the sources used by Radchenko. Replying to the commentaries, Radchenko defends his conception of Mao's foreign policy, arguing that it is a more nuanced view than Sheng and Zhai imply. Radchenko also stresses the inherent shortcomings of the source base scholars are forced to use when analyzing Chinese foreign policy.
Islamic Finance in the Western Balkans: Prospects and Regulatory Challenges
Authors: Jusic Asim , Ismail Ashraf M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

In this article the authors contend that the murabaḥa debt-contract is over-emphasized, inefficient, and of questionable value with regards to creating Shariʿah-compliant alternatives to ribā-based finance. Instead, they argue that mushārakah, or equity-participation, should be the focus of Islamic financial innovation. They propose the creation of a new mushārakah market that would allow investors to bid for participation in investment projects, which would be distinguished from existing equity markets by requiring the direct participation of investors in a project’s management. Second, the authors address the legal and regulatory reforms necessary for mushārakah financing to succeed in the Western Balkans. They recommend the protection of property rights through financial arbitration mechanisms rather than court litigation. Arbitration resolves the conflict of laws inherent to Islamic finance, by providing a means of negotiating disputes between Islamic and secular sources of law. These measures reduce transaction costs associated with equity participation and thereby increase investor confidence.
Uncovering the dynamic in static assessment interaction
Authors: Muskett Tom , Body Richard , Perkins Mick
Published: February 2012

Traditional approaches to standardized assessment are underpinned by the assumption that between-assessor variation in delivery can effectively be eliminated. However, fine-grained analyses of the administration of such assessments (e.g. Maynard and Marlaire, 1992 ) have established that significant subtle interactional variations occur even in procedures with regimented protocols, and that such variations can demonstrably affect examinee performance. In this article we draw upon the Vygotskian thinking that underpins dynamic assessment (DA) to posit that these spontaneous variations may provide clinically relevant information about an examinee’s learning potential. To illustrate this possibility, we apply the methodology of conversation analysis to examine a real-life picture-naming task involving a child with autism. Complex interactional processes above and beyond what might be assumed to occur during assessment are identified. In interpreting these as significant for a deeper understanding of the child’s profile of abilities, we argue that there is clinical value in empirically re-examining routine assessment from alternative methodological perspectives.
Labral Penetration Rate in a Consecutive Series of 300 Hip Arthroscopies
Authors: Domb Benjamin , Hanypsiak Bryan , Botser Itamar
Published: February 2012

Background: Intraoperative labral injury during the establishment of the first portal in hip arthroscopy has been reported to be as high as 20%.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to prospectively identify the incidence of acetabular labral injuries that occurred while using a current technique for the establishment of portals during hip arthroscopy.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Between the years 2008 and 2010, data were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery. Patients with previous labral resection or Tonnis grade greater than 1 were excluded. Patients were positioned supine, traction was applied, and portals were established. The anterolateral portal was created first by venting the joint with a spinal needle and then re-entering the joint with the same needle with the bevel side facing the labrum. Next, the midanterior portal was created under vision. A thorough examination of the acetabular labrum was conducted arthroscopically through multiple viewing portals, and labral injuries related to the establishment of portals were identified and noted.

Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study; only 2 patients (0.67%) suffered intraoperative labral injuries at the study period. One injury occurred during revision arthroscopy, while the second involved a hyperplastic labrum in a dysplastic hip. No patient with normal hip morphological characteristics undergoing a hip arthroscopy suffered a labral tear as a result of portal placement.

Conclusion: The incidence of iatrogenic labral injury during hip arthroscopy can be as low as 0.67% when using the described technique.
Stability of Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair Is Not Adversely Affected by Scaffold Interposition Between Tendon and Bone
Authors: Beitzel Knut , Chowaniec David M. , McCarthy Mary Beth , Cote Mark P. , Russell Ryan P. , Obopilwe Elifho , Imhoff Andreas B. , Arciero Robert A. , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: February 2012

Background: Rotator cuff reconstructions may be improved by adding growth factors, cells, or other biologic factors into the repair zone. This usually requires a biological carrier (scaffold) to be integrated into the construct and placed in the area of tendon-to-bone healing. This needs to be done without affecting the constructs mechanics.

Hypothesis/Purpose: The hypothesis was that scaffold placement, as an interposition, has no adverse effects on biomechanical properties of double-row rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of scaffold interposition on the initial strength of rotator cuff repairs.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty-five fresh-frozen shoulders (mean age: 65.5 ± 8.9 years) were randomly assigned to 5 groups. Groups were chosen to represent a broad spectrum of commonly used scaffold types: (1) double-row repair without augmentation, (2) double-row repair with interposition of a fibrin clot (Viscogel), (3) double-row repair with interposition of a collagen scaffold (Mucograft) between tendon and bone, (4) double-row repair with interposition of human dermis patch (ArthroFlex) between tendon and bone, and (5) double-row repair with human dermis patch (ArthroFlex) placed on top of the repair. Cyclic loading to measure displacement was performed to 3000 cycles at 1 Hz with an applied 10- to 100-N load. The ultimate load to failure was determined at a rate of 31 mm/min.

Results: There were no significant differences in mean displacement under cyclic loading, slope, or energy absorbed to failure between all groups ( P = .128, P = .981, P = .105). Ultimate load to failure of repairs that used the collagen patch as an interposition (573.3 ± 75.6 N) and a dermis patch on top of the reconstruction (575.8 ± 22.6 N) was higher compared with the repair without a scaffold (348.9 ± 98.8 N; P = .018 and P = .025). No significant differences were found for repairs with the fibrin clot as an interposition (426.9 ± 103.6 N) and the decellularized dermis patch as an interposition (469.9 ± 148.6 N; P = .73 and P = .35).

Conclusion: Scaffold augmentation did not adversely affect the zero time strength of the tested standard double-row rotator cuff repairs. An increased ultimate load to failure was observed for 2 of the augmentation methods (collagen patch as an interposition and decellularized dermis patch on top of the reconstruction) compared with the nonaugmented repairs.

Clinical Relevance: Scaffolds intended for application of growth factors or cellular components in a repair situation did not adversely jeopardize the stability of the operative construct.
Reading Fluency Instruction for Students at Risk for Reading Failure
Authors: Ring Jeremiah J. , Barefoot Lexie C. , Avrit Karen J. , Brown Sasha A. , Black Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2012

The important role of reading fluency in the comprehension and motivation of readers is well documented. Two reading rate intervention programs were compared in a cluster-randomized clinical trial of students who were considered at-risk for reading failure. One program focused instruction at the word level; the second program focused instruction at the level of continuous text. Results of this study suggest focused instruction on reading rate at the word level shows similar transfer to text-level reading fluency as text-level reading rate practice. An expected effect of word-level training on word reading efficiency was not found in this study; however, the word-level training did result in stronger absolute gains in word reading accuracy when reading connected text. The observed results also replicate a common finding in the reading intervention literature response to treatment was stronger in the younger students. Results are discussed in context of implications for practice.
Bond graph modelling of hydraulic six-degree-of-freedom motion simulator
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Gao Fang
Published: February 2012

Stewart-type six-degree-of-freedom motion simulator is a multidisciplinary system containing multiple mechanical, hydraulic and electric components. This article proposed a unified bond graph representation for the simulator. First, dynamics equations of the upper platform are developed using Newton–Euler method and its bond graph model is established. Each hydraulic actuator is then modelled according to the three basic equations of valve-controlled cylinder. An equivalent approach is further employed to treat the inertial effects of each cylinder. This approach projects the forces caused by the cylinder inertia equivalently onto the joint point of the upper platform, which relatively simplifies the modelling of the piston and the tube. The whole simulator takes independent close-loop position feedback control on each valve-controlled cylinder actuator. A proportional controller with dynamic pressure feedback and feed-forward compensation is proposed. The bond graph model of the overall simulator is finally completed with 20-Sim software, and further simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the model. The model provides another reference for motion simulator modelling besides the multibond graph approach.
Active vibration control in a cantilever-like structure: a time delay compensation approach
Authors: Shao Min-Qiang , Chen Wei-Dong
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study is to develop a method of active control based on time delay compensation for the low-order modes of a cantilever-like structure suffering from complex excitations. The time delay is induced by an anti-aliasing filter and a high-order digital low-pass filter, which are introduced to prevent frequency aliasing and observation spillover. However, approaches for time delay processing in active control systems have in the past been model dependent. This paper adopts a velocity feedback control law to increase system damping, and constructs an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model for eliminating the time delay caused by filters. The ARMA model is model-free and its coefficients are adjusted adaptively according to the outputs of the system. In practical applications, the direct current (DC) excursion induced by the calculation is also considered, and a proper method of DC cancellation is adopted. A wind-tunnel model with rear sting is used as a cantilever-like structure in the experiments. The results reveal that the first mode vibrations of the model are effectively suppressed by this controller when the structure suffers from complex excitations.
A Novel Group Therapy for Children With ADHD and Severe Mood Dysregulation
Authors: Waxmonsky James G. , Wymbs Fran A. , Pariseau Meaghan E. , Belin Peter J. , Waschbusch Daniel A. , Babocsai Lysett , Fabiano Gregory A. , Akinnusi Opeolowa O. , Haak Jenifer L. , Pelham William E.
Published: February 2012

Objective: No psychosocial treatments have been developed for children with ADHD and severe mood dysregulation (SMD) despite the significant prevalence and morbidity of this combination. Therefore, the authors developed a novel treatment program for children with ADHD and SMD. Method: The novel therapy program integrates components of cognitive-behavioral therapies for affect regulation with a parent-training intervention for managing recurrent defiant behaviors. It consists of nine 105-min child and parent groups run in unison. A pilot trial was conducted with seven participants with ADHD and SMD ages 7 to 12 who were on a stable stimulant regimen. Results: Six of the seven (86%) families completed the program. Participants showed large improvements in depressive symptoms, mood lability, and global functioning. Milder improvements in externalizing behaviors were observed. Conclusion: Results suggest the feasibility and potential efficacy of the therapy program for children with ADHD and SMD and warrant a larger controlled trial.
Tough on Crime or Beating the System
Authors: Dirks-Linhorst P. Ann , Kondrat David
Published: February 2012

Homicide defendants asserting the insanity defense make a volatile combination. Numerous studies review inmates with murder convictions, yet the literature is not rich regarding defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) for murder. This study analyzes 27 years of insanity acquittals in Missouri, finding significant differences between those defendants found NGRI for murder and those found NGRI for other crimes. The get-tough-on-crime initiatives found in the criminal justice system may have led to longer hospital stays post-1996 for NGRI murder acquittees, yet hospitalization lengths increased for all NGRI acquittees, a potential unintended consequence. Policy implications and future research directions are discussed.
Murder in Black
Authors: Schildkraut Jaclyn , Donley Amy M.
Published: February 2012

Crime stories, particularly homicide, are extremely prevalent in the media. The current study builds on previous literature by examining a nearly homogenous victim population ( N = 223) to identify salient predictors of newsworthiness, particularly celebrated coverage, using The Baltimore Sun, the city’s largest newspaper. Contrary to prior research, in this analysis, neither race nor gender were found to be consistent significant factors in receiving media coverage. Various factors, including females, older victims, White victims, and homicides by stabbings, asphyxiation, or other circumstances, were found to be indicators of several types of celebrated coverage.
Lifestyle, Routine Activities, and Felony-Related Eldercide
Authors: Roberts Aki , Willits Dale
Published: February 2012

The overrepresentation of felony-related incidents is a distinctive and interesting feature of eldercide. The current study examines the relationship between macro-level elderly-specific lifestyle and routine daily activity measures and felony-related eldercide in 195 American cities. Results from a negative binomial log-rate model indicate that the percentages of older adults living alone and with disability and the robbery rate (a proxy for exposure to felony-related eldercide) were positively associated with rates of felony-related eldercide. The relationship between the percentage of older adults not working and felony-related eldercide rates was also statistically significant but in an unexpected negative direction.
The block-weighted cleavage salience index
Authors: Federer-Shtayer Hila , Meffert Michael F
Published: February 2012

In their seminal book, Bartolini and Mair (1990: 44–5) proposed the cleavage salience index (CS) to capture ‘the salience of the cleavage, that is, its importance and weight within the general context of the electoral behaviour of a given country and/or period’. In this article, we demonstrate theoretically and empirically that the CS index cannot be used to measure and compare the strength of cleavages over time and for different cleavages. The reason is fairly straightforward; the index does not take into account the actual, absolute level of electoral support for the cleavage block parties, which influences the potential range of the index values. As a better alternative to the original CS index, we propose the block-weighted cleavage salience index (WCS) and provide empirical data about class and religious cleavages in 11 European multiparty systems from 1950 to 2010.
Body esteem in Chinese adolescents: Effect of gender, age, and weight
Authors: Mak Kwok-Kei , Pang Joyce S , Lai Ching-Man , Ho Roger C
Published: February 2012

This study examined the associations of body esteem with gender, age, and Body Mass Index (BMI) among 905 Hong Kong adolescents using the Body-Esteem Scale (BES). Older age, male gender and lower BMI were associated with better body esteem. Multiple regression analyses indicated significant main effects of gender, age and weight on BES-Total. Significant interaction effects of gender × BMI and gender × age × BMI were also found on BES-Weight (beta = −0.149, p = .028) and BES-Total (beta = −0.139, p = .044). Improvement of body esteem with age may be associated with age-related BMI differences.
A study of successful applicants’ views of a social work admissions process
Authors: Campbell Jim , Campbell Anne , Das Chaitali
Published: February 2012

• Summary:

There are substantial variations in the way that applicants are selected for social work programmes in the UK and across the world. This article begins by reviewing the literature in this field, revealing debates about how effective and reliable are methods of assessment used during admission processes. It then describes a cross-sectional survey of new social work applicants ( n = 203) to two programme providers, describing demographic characteristics and their experiences of the admissions process.

• Findings:

A number of themes emerged from two sets of findings. There were variations in demographic characteristics, particularly in terms of gender and religion. The study was particularly interested in how students viewed the admissions process. Most students were satisfied with admissions processes, and there were some differences in views about the methods used. The article concludes by describing changes to the admissions system that were partly informed by the study. The article acknowledges the expected bias in the methodology, given that successful applicants were surveyed and not those who were not successful.

• Applications:

The authors discuss the study findings in the context of national and international literature and suggest that more rigorous attention should be paid to such evaluations to enable this important area of education and workforce development to be better understood.
A comparison of family-of-origin perception of undergraduates: Social work students and students in other fields
Authors: Doron Hadas , Bar-On Amitai , Tal Degani , Adi Alharar , Hadas Kotnick , Orli Yigar , Einav Gefen , Noah Piler , Galit Ben-Dovid
Published: February 2012

• Summary:

In order to better understand the principal influences that cause social work professionals to choose their profession, an empirical research using the circumplex model for family evaluation was conducted, measuring perceived aspects of cohesion and change in the families-of-origin of social work students versus students from other disciplines. A total of 306 undergraduate students from social work, education, biotechnology, computer science, and economics participated. Students filled in questionnaires measuring their perception of families-of-origin, and their influential figure in choosing their profession.

• Findings:

Social work students were found to perceive significantly more extreme views of their families-of-origin, compared to students from other disciplines, while the latter scored higher in the category of ‘balanced family’. Finally, students of therapeutic disciplines, both males and females, rated a stronger influence of their mothers on their choice of profession, compared to students from non-therapeutic professions.

• Applications:

The findings indicate that students who train for therapeutic professions have presumably experienced more hardships in their families-of-origin compared to students who choose non-therapeutic studies. On the one hand, this may equip them with higher helping skills; on the other hand, being raised in a troubled family may render the future therapist more vulnerable to potential pitfalls in the helping relationship or impair the therapeutic process. Social work training institutions should therefore pay attention to their students’ perception of families-of-origin and allow for a conscious and structured processing of past experiences during the years of training.
On the combination of high-pressure and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation loops for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions in high-speed direct-injection engines
Authors: Desantes José M , Luján José M , Pla Benjamín , Soler José A
Published: February 2012

In this paper, an experimental study of the combination of low-pressure and high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation architectures has been carried out. In the first part of the paper, the effects of both high-pressure and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation architectures on engine behaviour and performance are analysed by means of a series of steady tests. In the second part, the effects of the combination of both architectures are addressed. The results show that the low-pressure configuration improves high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation results in brake-specific fuel consumption, nitrogen oxides and exhaust gas opacity; nevertheless, hydrocarbon emissions are increased, especially during the engine warm up. In addition, the exhaust gas recirculation rate achieved with low-pressure systems is limited by the pressure difference between diesel particulate matter outlet and compressor inlet; therefore, the high-pressure system can be used to achieve the required exhaust gas recirculation levels without increasing pumping losses. In this sense, the combination of both exhaust gas recirculation layouts offers significant advantages to reduce emissions and fuel consumption to meet future emission requirements.
Predicting students’ attitudes towards advertising on a university Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Authors: Ogba Ike-Elechi , Saul Neil , Coates Nigel F.
Published: February 2012

Most if not all UK universities and many in other parts of the world support their student learning via a virtual learning environment (VLE). Online resources are going to be increasingly important to students as the internet is very much part of their lives. However, the VLE will require ongoing investment to keep pace with technological developments and student expectations, and at a time when public funding of UK universities is being cut. One funding method could be from advertising on the VLE. This study investigates students’ attitudes towards advertising being included within a university’s VLE learning system. A 10-item questionnaire was randomly administered to students enrolled on undergraduate business and management courses at two universities. The study reveals that students show positive attitudes towards advertising included on a VLE. The findings also indicate that students do not view internet advertising on a VLE as intrusive, and may well be receptive towards the advertisements. These findings have implications for understanding students’ attitude towards a VLE and also to the future (if any) of advertising on VLEs within the higher education sector.
Student perception of academic grading: Personality, academic orientation, and effort
Authors: Tippin Gregory K. , Lafreniere Kathryn D. , Page Stewart
Published: February 2012

Factors influencing student perceptions of academic grading were examined, with an emphasis on furthering understanding of the relevance of effort to students’ conceptualization of grading. Students demonstrated a conceptualization of grading where effort should be weighted comparably to actual performance in importance to the composition of a grade, with the expectation that grade allocation should reflect this perception. Students suggested a compensatory effect of effort in grade assignment, where a subjectively perceived high level of effort was expected to supplement low performance on a task. Furthermore, students perceived professors as less fair and less competent when they were perceived to not be able to adequately account for students’ subjective perception of effort. In addition, student perceptions of grading were examined in relation to student-possessed learning orientation (LO), grade orientation (GO), and aspects of personality. Prototypically, individuals high in LO tend to be motivated by the acquisition of knowledge, while those high in GO tend to be driven by the acquisition of high grades. Conscientiousness, openness and age contributed significantly to and positively predicted LO. Inversely, conscientiousness, openness and age contributed significantly to and negatively predicted GO while neuroticism positively predicted this orientation. Students appear to place a heavy amount of importance on professor consideration of effort, despite recognizing the realistic difficulties in determining effort. The potential for an emerging student mentality is discussed, where students’ perception of grading is distorted by a subjective appraisal of their own effort.
Through-knee amputation in peripheral vascular disease
Authors: Jackson Andrew J , Coburn Gerald , Morrison David , Mrozinski Sarah , Reidy John
Published: March 2012

Through-knee amputation accounts for just 2.8% of annual amputations in England. Traditionally it is viewed as an operation with poor outcomes, and its use limited. We present a case series and review of articles published on through knee amputation.

The literature review covers the 17 papers identified on through-knee amputation in peripheral vascular disease. The results are summarised and discussed, with favourable outcomes in terms of perioperative mortality and primary healing demonstrated in the majority of papers.

In the case series, 14 patients who underwent through knee amputation were retrospectively reviewed. Peri- operative mortality was 7%. Primary healing was achieved in 79% of cases. Functional outcomes were excellent, with predicted functional activity achieved in 81% of survivors, with 34% ambulating regularly.

In conclusion, through-knee amputation should be considered as an alternative to transfemoral amputation, as perioperative mortality, healing rates and functional outcomes appear excellent, both in this series and the majority of others published.
Force design analysis of the Army aeromedical evacuation company: a quantitative approach
Authors: Bastian Nathaniel D , Fulton Lawrence V , Mitchell Robert , Pollard Wayne , Wilson Ronald
Published: February 2012

This study illustrates a new approach to conducting capabilities-based analysis by assessing the requirements and capabilities of Army aeromedical evacuation units. We conducted a DOTMLPF (doctrine, organization, training, maintenance, leadership, personnel, facilities) assessment to determine gaps in the current force structure and solutions for future force design. Specifically, this study tackles the following research questions. RQ1: What are the gaps in medical evacuation mission execution for current operations and operations involving geographically dispersed units? RQ2: What capabilities might mitigate these gaps by examining the design characteristics of DOTLMPF? Our research design involved primary collection of data from senior aviation and medical aviation leaders using structured and unstructured survey questions. Using a mixed-method approach, we addressed RQ1 using quantitative methods and RQ2 through qualitative analysis. The results of our study determined the current organizational problems within the Army aeromedical evacuation unit, which can be leveraged for the future joint force design for vertical lift. Our evaluation of medical evacuation DOTMLPF considerations provides a baseline for assessing future Army materiel solutions.
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp: What can it teach us today?
Authors: McClimens Alex , Lewis Robin , Brewster Jacqui
Published: February 2012

We report on the use of a high fidelity patient simulator (SimMan) within a clinical lab setting to teach learning disability nursing students about epilepsy management. We had previously prepped the students with verbal discussions on epilepsy management and, when the simulator began to undergo a seizure, small groups of students managed the unfolding scenario. We received written feedback from the students on the experience, and with reference to this and to the wider literature we consider the benefits of this approach to patient care. We surmise that lessons learned here will be applicable to trainee professionals from other parts of the register and in other fields allied to healthcare. We anticipate that this will improve care for people with intellectual disability in line with recommendations in Health Care for All (2008).
An Overview of Existing Research About Children’s Singing and the Implications for Teaching Children to Sing
Authors: Hedden Debra
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the findings of the studies devoted to the child voice, most of which have occurred in the past 25 years, and to present a synthesis of these findings with respect to the pedagogy, or art and science, of teaching children to sing. The data suggest that a philosophical disparity exists about singing, that is, teachers believe that it is an easy and natural process, whereas voice scientists support the contrary point of view. Data about children indicate that they have large ranges as infants, begin to sing with greater accuracy in pitch contour than to specific pitches, and gradually increase their range and pitch-matching accuracy as they mature. Many studies reported differences in accuracy with respect to sex, although the vocal mechanisms are virtually identical until puberty. While a variety of results exist for using text with pitch matching, for using accompaniment, for specific ranges at age levels, and for using certain vocal models, there are implications for teaching. Based on the majority of findings, it is suggested that teachers use particular activities with initial singers to help them hear their voices and learn to control the mechanism; that children learn to match one note, then short patterns, before progressing to songs; that the ranges of the children should determine the selected literature to create an effective match; and that vocal modeling be carefully done to assist in helping children match pitch and timbre. The most important element is that children can be taught to sing, suggesting that they have the mechanism in place and the teacher must properly develop their skills in singing.
The Sonographer’s Role in Meaningful Use
Authors: McLaughlin Karen
Published: February 2012

On January 24, 2009, newly sworn-in President Obama uttered a bold promise: “To lower health care cost, cut medical errors, and improve care, we’ll computerize the nation’s health records in five years, saving billions of dollars in health care costs and countless lives” ( http://www.healthmu.org/radiology/index.php ). It’s those words that marked the beginning of health care reform. In February 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed. Within this bill was the HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act. With it came a large number of dollars to incentivize the move toward electronic health records and the use of health information technology. The Continuing Extension Act of 2010 included language that removed outpatient from the hospital-based category in terms of the fee schedule that Medicare uses to determine the place of service. This moved most interpreting physicians into the eligible professional category. Along with moving interpreting physicians into the eligible professional category, these bills have affected the future role of the sonographer. Sonographers will be required to increase their responsibilities in delivering health care to aid the interpreting physicians to meet meaningful use measures.
Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL coordinately regulate megakaryocyte survival
Authors: Debrincat Marlyse A. , Josefsson Emma C. , James Chloé , Henley Katya J. , Ellis Sarah , Lebois Marion , Betterman Kelly L. , Lane Rachael M. , Rogers Kelly L. , White Michael J. , Roberts Andrew W. , Harvey Natasha L. , Metcalf Donald , Kile Benjamin T.
Published: February 2012

Mature megakaryocytes depend on the function of Bcl-xL, a member of the Bcl-2 family of prosurvival proteins, to proceed safely through the process of platelet shedding. Despite this, loss of Bcl-xL does not prevent the growth and maturation of megakaryocytes, suggesting redundancy with other prosurvival proteins. We therefore generated mice with a megakaryocyte-specific deletion of Mcl-1, which is known to be expressed in megakaryocytes. Megakaryopoiesis, platelet production, and platelet lifespan were unperturbed in Mcl-1Pf4Δ/Pf4Δ animals. However, treatment with ABT-737, a BH3 mimetic compound that inhibits the prosurvival proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-w resulted in the complete ablation of megakaryocytes and platelets. Genetic deletion of both Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL in megakaryocytes resulted in preweaning lethality. Megakaryopoiesis in Bcl-xPf4Δ/Pf4ΔMcl-1Pf4Δ/Pf4Δ embryos was severely compromised, and these animals exhibited ectopic bleeding. Our studies indicate that the combination of Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 is essential for the viability of the megakaryocyte lineage.
Guidelines for the management of work-related asthma
Authors: Baur X. , Sigsgaard T. , Aasen T.B. , Burge P.S. , Heederik D. , Henneberger P. , Maestrelli P. , Rooyackers J. , Schlünssen V. , Vandenplas O. , Wilken D.
Published: February 2012

Work-related asthma, which includes occupational asthma and work-aggravated asthma, has become one of the most prevalent occupational lung diseases. These guidelines aim to upgrade occupational health standards, contribute importantly to transnational legal harmonisation and reduce the high socio-economic burden caused by this disorder.

A systematic literature search related to five key questions was performed: diagnostics; risk factors; outcome of management options; medical screening and surveillance; controlling exposure for primary prevention. Each of the 1,329 retrieved papers was reviewed by two experts, followed by Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network grading, and formulation of statements graded according to the Royal College of General Practitioners’ three-star system.

Recommendations were made on the basis of the evidence-based statements, which comprise the following major evidence-based strategic points. 1) A comprehensive diagnostic approach considering the individual specific aspects is recommended. 2) Early recognition and diagnosis is necessary for timely and appropriate preventative measures. 3) A stratified medical screening strategy and surveillance programme should be applied to at-risk workers. 4) Whenever possible, removing exposure to the causative agent should be achieved, as it leads to the best health outcome. If this is not possible, reduction is the second best option, whereas respirators are of limited value. 5) Exposure elimination should be the preferred primary prevention approach.
Repeated cross-sectional survey of patient-reported asthma control in Europe in the past 5 years
Authors: Demoly P. , Annunziata K. , Gubba E. , Adamek L.
Published: February 2012

Although the main goal of asthma management guidelines is to achieve and maintain clinical control, reported levels of not well-controlled asthma remain high. The aim of this analysis was to compare the levels of asthma control and the associated impact on patients' health status in Europe in 2006, 2008 and 2010. An additional outcome was the comparison of the burden of asthma with diabetes.

Data were obtained from the cross-sectional, self-reported, European National Health and Wellness Surveys conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Asthma control (Asthma Control Test™; QualityMetric, Inc., Lincoln, RI, USA) and health status (Short Form (SF)-12 health survey and the Work Productivity Loss and Activity Impairment questionnaire) were assessed.

In 2010, the proportion of treated asthma patients assessed as having not well-controlled asthma was 53.5%, compared with 56.6% and 55.0% in 2008 and 2006, respectively. A significant reduction in not well-controlled asthma was observed in Germany between 2006 (72.3%) and 2010 (62.5%; p=0.005). Fluctuations in control levels were observed in other countries. For all surveys, having at least well-controlled asthma was associated with a significantly lower number of healthcare contacts in the previous 6 months, better mean±sdSF-12 scores for the physical (data for 2010: not well controlled 39.9±11.38, at least well-controlled 48.0±9.89; p<0.001) and mental (data for 2010: not well-controlled 40.6±10.95, at least well-controlled 45.0±10.91; p<0.001) components, and significantly less impact on Work Productivity Loss and Activity Impairment. Asthma and diabetes were associated with a similar overall negative impact on health status.

A substantial proportion of asthmatics remain not well-controlled across five European countries, resulting in a significant impact on health resources and patients' health status. The overall burden of asthma appears to be similar to that of diabetes.
The remaining challenges of pneumococcal disease in adults
Authors: Ludwig E. , Bonanni P. , Rohde G. , Sayiner A. , Torres A.
Published: February 2012

Pneumococcal disease can be divided into invasive disease,i.e.when bacteria are detected in normally sterile body fluids, and noninvasive disease. Pneumococcal disease occurs more frequently in younger children and older adults. It is estimated that, in 2050, 30.3% of the European population will be ≥65 yrs old, compared with 15.7% in 2000. Preventive medicine, including vaccination, is essential for the promotion of healthy ageing. Uptake rates for influenza vaccination in the elderly are generally low, despite recommendations in many countries. In addition, it has been reported that influenza infections can make people more susceptible to pneumococcal infections. Despite pneumococcal vaccination, case fatality rates for patients hospitalised with invasive pneumococcal disease have remained at around 12% since the 1950s. Even when effective antibiotic therapy is administered, mortality can be high amongst immunocompetent patients in intensive care. Timely and accurate diagnosis of pneumococcal disease and identification of patients at high risk of poor outcome is essential to ensure that adequate treatment, including hospitalisation when necessary, is implemented as early as possible. Improved diagnostic techniques and more efficacious treatments may help to reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease, but preventive measures, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, should be promoted in order to avoid preventable disease, particularly in the elderly.
Effects analysis of imperfections on multi-antenna transceiving systems
Authors: Li Huiyong , An Qi , Jia Kexin , Wu Hao , He Zishu
Published: March 2012

Multi-antenna transceiving systems are widely used in high speed wireless communications due to its higher efficiency comparing to its traditional single-antenna counterparts. In this article, the performance effects of some inevitable imperfections are elaborated on multi-antenna transceiving systems. The simulation results are also displayed. An effective method for phase noise elimination is presented and validated using simulation examples.
Coupled fixed point of generalized contractive mappings on partially ordered G-metric spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Sintunavarat Wutiphol , Kumam Poom
Published: February 2012

Coupled fixed point results for nonlinear contraction mappings having a mixed monotone property in a partially ordered G-metric space due to Choudhury and Maity are extended and unified. We also provide example to validate the main results in this article.

Mathematics Subject classification (2000): 47H10; 54H25.