bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rise of Standard I (< Me Ich): A Contribution to the Study of Functional Change in English
Authors: Wełna Jerzy
Published: May 2015

In its post-Norman Conquest development the Old English first person personal pronoun ic underwent transformations which, following the loss of the consonant, finally yielded the contemporary capitalised form I, contrasting with other Germanic languages, which retain a velar sound in the corresponding pronoun. The rather complex change of ich to I involves a loss of the final velar/palatal consonant, lengthening of the original short vowel, and capitalisation of the pronoun. It is argued here that the use of the capital letter was a consequence of vowel lengthening subsequent to the loss of the consonant. This seems to be confirmed by the observation that forms retaining a consonant are extremely rarely capitalised. The data adduced in the present paper will help verify as precisely as possible the distribution of the forms of that pronoun in Middle English dialects in order to determine to what extent the changes were functionally interdependent. The evidence comes from the Innsbruck Corpus of Middle English Prose.
Experimental Investigation of Reacting Flow Characteristics in a Dual-Mode Scramjet Combustor
Authors: Shi Deyong , Song Wenyan , Ye Jingfeng , Tao Bo , Wang Yanhua
Published: May 2015

In this work, a hydrogen-fueled dual-mode scramjet combustor was investigated experimentally. Clean and dry air was supplied to the combustor through a Mach 2 nozzle with a total temperature of 800 K and a total pressure of 800 kPa. The high enthalpy air was provided by an electricity resistance heater. Room temperature hydrogen was injected with sonic speed from injector orifices vertically, and downstream the injector a tandem cavity flame holder was mounted. Except wall pressure profiles, velocity and temperature profiles in and at exit of the combustor were also measured using hydroxyl tagging velocimetry (HTV) and tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), respectively. Results showed that combustion occurred mainly at the bottom side of the combustor. And there were also an extreme disparity of the velocity and temperature profiles along the
Workers’ Affective Commitment and their Willingness to Perform Discretionary Work Behaviour: the Impact of Commitment-Oriented Human Resources Management Practices
Authors: Zeidan Susan
Published: May 2015

This paper contributes to the development of the human resource management (HRM) literature through developing the linkages between HRM practices and employee attitudes and behaviours. It is widely believed that the implementation of high commitment human resource management (HRM) practices (e.g., training and development, communication, and participative decision making) can create strategic advantage for the organisation (e.g., Arthur, 1994; Delaney and Huselid, 1996). It is also suggested that HRM practices could shape employee attitudes and behaviours. However, the intervening mechanisms of this effect are yet to be examined. Researchers have pointed to the need to understand the means by which these practices exert their influence on employee commitment and other individual outcomes (Meyer and Smith, 2000).Drawing on social exchange theory (Blau, 1964), this paper aims to address this need by developing a theoretical framework which explicitly links employee perceptions of HRM practices and important work outcomes via perceived fulfilment of the psychological contract. Drawing upon psychological contract theory, it is proposed that commitment HRM practices create a more positive psychological contract (and thus higher perceptions of fulfilment of the psychological contract). This will in turn, lead to increased affective commitment and enhanced organisational citizenship behaviours (OCB).
Foreign Labour Employment Policy and Change in Australia, Singapore and Malaysia
Authors: Yong Aster
Published: May 2015

Foreign nationals serving as an alternative or back-up resource of labour, whether as slaves, indentured labour or economic migrants, are by no means new or recent (Stalker 1994). Most certainly, the spread of internationalisation and the global integration of economies since the latter half of the twentieth century, have opened up many more opportunities for businesses to tap into the human resource pool of countries other than their own (Rodrik 1997).The employment of foreigners is investigated in three countries – Australia, Singapore and Malaysia – with the aim of demonstrating how each country’s FLE policy had effectively operated as a value not only to control the volume but also the type of foreign labour movement into the country. In so doing, it has brought about significant changes in the employment of foreign labour as a labour resource and contributed also to the increase of international employment related migration, which is one of the important factors in global change (Castles & Miller 2003).
Editorial
Authors: Armstrong Anona
Published: May 2015

This edition of the Journal is the first publication under our new publications management system. It presents an eclectic mix of papers ranging from papers with results dawn from analyses of survey data from small business, to strategic decisions about the factors affecting investment. It concludes with a more philosophical paper which addresses the ethical issues of cultural and moral behaviour in the Australian Defence Force.
Culture, Values and Integrity in Contemporary Society
Authors: Small Michael Willoughby
Published: May 2015

Comments in the Australian press and the media have suggested that all is not well within certain sections of Australian society. This view was publicised by comments of the Chief of the Australian Army, who had stated in vigorous terms that he intends to change the culture in the Army. Changing the culture of any organisation is difficult, slow and time consuming, and so in an endeavour to facilitate this process, it is argued that some thought might be given to studying some of the classical writers who were faced with similar problems thus illustrating the relevance and timeliness of their ideas.
DPY-17 and MUA-3 Interact for Connective Tissue-Like Tissue Integrity inCaenorhabditis elegans: A Model for Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Fotopoulos Pauline , Kim Jeongho , Hyun Moonjung , Qamari Waiss , Lee Inhwan , You Young-Jai
Published: May 2015

mua-3 is a Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the mammalian fibrillin1, a monogenic cause of Marfan syndrome. We identified a new mutation of mua-3 that carries an in-frame deletion of 131 amino acids in the extracellular domain, which allows the mutants to survive in a temperature-dependent manner; at the permissive temperature, the mutants grow normally without obvious phenotypes, but at the nonpermissive temperature, more than 90% die during the L4 molt due to internal organ detachment. Using the temperature-sensitive lethality, we performed unbiased genetic screens to isolate suppressors to find genetic interactors of MUA-3. From two independent screens, we isolated mutations in dpy-17 as a suppressor. RNAi of dpy-17 in mua-3 rescued the lethality, confirming dpy-17 is a suppressor. dpy-17 encodes a collagen known to genetically interact with dpy-31, a BMP-1/Tolloid-like metalloprotease required for TGFβ activation in mammals. Human fibrillin1 mutants fail to sequester TGFβ2 leading to excess TGFβ signaling, which in turn contributes to Marfan syndrome or Marfan-related syndrome. Consistent with that, RNAi of dbl-1, a TGFβ homolog, modestly rescued the lethality of mua-3 mutants, suggesting a potentially conserved interaction between MUA-3 and a TGFβ pathway in C. elegans. Our work provides genetic evidence of the interaction between TGFβ and a fibrillin homolog, and thus provides a simple yet powerful genetic model to study TGFβ function in development of Marfan pathology.
The fish fauna of streams in the Madeira-Purus interfluvial region, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Barros Daniela de França , Zuanon Jansen , De Mendonça Fernando Pereira , Mateus Viana Espírito Santo Helder , Galuch André Vieira , Mangabeira Albernaz Ana Luisa
Published: May 2015

Small headwaters streams of the Neotropical region usually have high species richness and diversity. This study aimed to investigate the species composition and abundance of fish fauna in the headwaters streams of the Madeira-Purus interfluvial plain in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 22 streams of 1st to 3rd order were sampled during two expeditions at two separate locations in April-May and July of 2007. A total of 5508 fishes were captured using hand and small seine nets, belonging to 78 species, 22 families and six orders. Characiformes was the most diverse taxonomic group in the samples, followed by Gymnotiformes and Siluriformes. Our findings indicate that the fish fauna of streams in the Madeira- Purus interfluvial plain is both rich and diverse and should be considered during the implementation of strengthened environmental conservation strategies in this region.
Squamata, Gekkonidae, Ptychozoon trinotaterra Brown, 1999: rediscovery in Thailand
Authors: Kunya Kirati , Pauwels Olivier S. G. , Sairum Pitak , Taokratok Apirat
Published: May 2015

The parachute gecko Ptychozoon trinotaterra, known so far only from its type series which includes specimens from two geographically distant localities in northeastern Thailand and central Vietnam, has been rediscovered in Thailand. The morphological observations made on the new specimens confirm that the Vietnamese and Thai populations are conspecific.
Aves, Tyrannidae, Platyrinchus leucoryphus Wied, 1931: distribution extension in Brazil
Authors: Gabriel Vagner De Araujo , Silva-Filho Jesse D’Arc
Published: May 2015

The Russet-winged Spadebill Platyrinchus leucoryphus Wied, 1831 is a passerine threatened by extinction. Its geographical distribution encompasses the Atlantic Forest of southeastern and southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and Misiones province in Argentina. In this note, we document the species for the first time in the state of Bahia (Brazil), extending its known distribution by 440 km northward.
New distribution record of Daceton boltoni Azorsa and Sosa-Calvo, 2008 (Insecta: Hymenoptera) in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Vicente Ricardo Eduardo , Dambroz Juliane , Barreto Marliton Rocha
Published: May 2015

The presence of Daceton boltoni in Cotriguaçu municipality, state of Mato Grosso, southern Amazon is reported. Workers of D. boltoni were collected manually in nests on the branches of three Caxeta trees (Simarouba amara Aubl. - Simaroubaceae) from a reforestation area. In the same location where D. boltoni was recorded, Daceton armigerum (Latreille 1802) workers have also been collected, corroborating the hypothesis that these are sympatric species. This is the first record of the occurrence of this species in Mato Grosso state and the second in the Brazilian Amazon.
Insular Anurans (Amphibia: Anura) of the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Southeast, Brazil
Authors: Bittencourt-Silva Gabriela Bueno , Siva Hélio Ricardo da
Published: May 2015

Herein we present the first lists of anuran species of five islands off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and updated lists for two other islands (Ilha Grande and Ilha da Marambaia). These lists resulted from thorough searches of the literature and of herpetological collections databases, and from surveys on the islands conducted between March 2009 and January 2011. Currently there are 49 species of anurans distributed in 10 families recorded for these islands and this number accounts for c. 90% of the diversity present in the nearby mainland areas. Although Hylidae represents more than 40% of the species recorded on the islands, Thoropa miliaris (Cycloramphidae) is the only species present on all islands. On the islands there are three endemic species and two species listed as threatened by the IUCN. This study has added seven species to the previous list for Ilha Grande and two species to the list for Ilha da Marambaia.
New records of two species of Cleora Curtis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from Mt. Makiling, Luzon, with a full checklist of species known from the Philippines
Authors: Barrion-Dupo Aimee Lynn A.
Published: May 2015

Cleora contiguata bigladiata is recollected from its type locality 48 years after its original description in 1953. Meanwhile, C. decisaria and C. determinata are recorded in Mt. Makiling for the first time. The latter species is also a new country record. These additional locality data are added to the updated checklist of Cleora from the Philippines.
Report of Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (Silvestri, 1904) (Insecta: Microcoryphia: Machilidae) in Southern West Virginia, USA
Authors: Jong Grant D. De
Published: May 2015

The introduced jumping bristletail, Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (Silvestri, 1904), is reported from the state of West Virginia, USA, for the first time. This location extends the range of this species 380 km southwest of its nearest previously reported locality.
Hendersonia occulta (Say, 1831), the Cherrystone Drop Snail (Gastropoda: Helicinidae), extended geographic distribution, Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Lynum Christopher A. , Amundson Rachelle , Kuchta Matt , Little Amanda M. , Hyde Terrell , Perez Kathryn E.
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a range extension of Hendersonia occulta, the cherrystone drop snail. This species, occurring in heavily wooded areas with carbonate geology, is imperiled in Wisconsin. Prior to our research, H. occulta had been found in 13 counties within Wisconsin, mostly in the southwestern and eastern parts of the state. We have found 13 new populations, both within counties where the snail was known to occur, and within three new counties, representing a ~150 km range extension northward.
Production of organic grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum
Authors: Shaha Dinesh Chandra , Kundu Sampa Rani , Hasan Md. Nahid
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to examine the growth and production of grass carp and tilapia cultured organically using napier grass in Bangabanbhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh from March-June, 2013. Three stocking ratios were tested: grass carp at 0.6 fish/m2 with GIFT tilapia at 0.3 fish/m2 (T1), grass carp at 0.6 fish/m2 with GIFT tilapia at 0.6 fish/m2 (T2), grass carp at 0.6 fish/m2 with GIFT tilapia at 0.9 fish/m2 (T3) and grass carp only at 0.6 fish/m2 as control (T4). Chopped fresh napier grass leaf was the sole nutrient input and provided twice daily. The water quality parameters were within suitable ranges for fish culture. Grass carp attained a daily growth increment ranging from 2.80-3.73 g/day and GIFT tilapia from 1.30-1.86 g/day. The combined yields was significantly higher (P<0.05) in stocking ratio of 1:1 (2.72 t/ha/90 days) compared to other stocking ratios. The result indicates on the basis of benefit-cost-ratio that the farmer’s income will be around double or more in the combined production of organic grass carp and tilapia with stocking ratio of 1:1 than the other stocking ratios. The density of grass carp should be further studied.
Macro-Integration for Solving Large Data Reconciliation Problems
Authors: Mushkudiani Nino , Daalmans Jacco , Pannekoek Jeroen
Published: May 2015

Macro-integration technique is a well established method forreconciliation of large, high-dimensional tables, especially applied to macroeconomic data at national statistical oces (NSO). This technique is mainly used when data obtained from dierent sources should be reconciled on a macro level. New areas of applications for this technique arise as new data sources become available to NSO's. Often these new data sources cannot be combined on a micro level, while macro integration could provide a solution for such problems. Yet, more research should be carried out to investigate if in such situations macro integration could indeed be applied. In this paper we propose two applications of macro-integration techniques in other domains than the traditional macro-economic applications. In particular: reconciliation of tables of a virtual census and reconciliation of monthly series of short term statistics gures with the quarterly gures of structural business statistics.
The Transmuted Generalized Inverse Weibull Distribution
Authors: Merovci Faton , Elbatal Ibrahim , Ahmed Alaa
Published: May 2015

A generalization of the generalized inverse Weibull distribution the so-called transmuted generalized inverse Weibull distribution is proposed and studied. We will use the quadratic rank transmutation map (QRTM) in order to generate a flexible family of probability distributions taking the generalized inverseWeibull distribution as the base value distribution by introducing a new parameter that would offer more distributional flexibility. Various structural properties including explicit expressions for the moments, quantiles, and moment generating function of the new distribution are derived. We propose the method of maximum likelihood for estimating the model parameters and obtain the observed information matrix. A real data set are used to compare the flexibility of the transmuted version versus the generalized inverse Weibull distribution.
Markov Chain of Conditional Order: Properties and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Kharin Yuriy , Maltsau Mikhail
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with finite Markov chain of conditional order, that is a special case of high-order Markov chain with a small number of parameters. Statistical estimators for parameters and statistical tests for parametric hypotheses are constructed and their properties are analyzed. Results of computer experiments on simulated and real data are presented.
Power-Law Random Graphs’ Robustness: Link Saving and Forest Fire Model
Authors: Leri Marina , Pavlov Yury
Published: May 2015

We consider random graphs with node degrees drawn independently from a power- law distribution. By computer simulation we study two aspects of graph robustness: preserving graph connectivity and node saving in the forest fire model, considering two types of graph destruction: the removal of nodes with the highest degrees and equiprobable node extraction.
Estimation of Time Series Models via Robust Wavelet Variance
Authors: Guerrier Stephane , Molinari Roberto , Victoria-Feser Maria-Pia
Published: May 2015

A robust approach to the estimation of time series models is proposed. Taking froma new estimation method called the Generalized Method of Wavelet Moments (GMWM)which is an indirect method based on the Wavelet Variance (WV), we replace the classicalestimator of the WV with a recently proposed robust M-estimator to obtain a robustversion of the GMWM. The simulation results show that the proposed approach can beconsidered as a valid robust approach to the estimation of time series and state-spacemodels.
Overview and Reinstatement of Some Geophysical Interpretations in the Eastern Sava Depression
Authors: Ružić Tihana
Published: May 2015

The eastern part of Sava Depression is bounded on the south with the Sava River and on the north with Psunj Mountain, Požeška and Dilj Hills. In this part thicker Neogene-Quaternary sediments than in the western part were found, and there is almost never reached thermal maturity sufficient to catagenesis. Therefore, after the first seismic survey and exploratory drilling, a new additional research never continued. The overview and assessment of the reconstruction of the part of geophysical measurements was prepared in the eastern part of the Sava Depression. In some previous interpretations rocks between the Upper Pannonian and Upper Pontian are described as result of deltaic systems, with the clinoforms. Regional deposition at the time of the Early Pannonian indicates the beginning of significant changes in the environment in Croatian part of the Pannonian Basin System (CPBS), with a distinct domination of turbidites. Clinoforms are possible results of especially psammitic detritus deposited toward the margins of the depression, and partly in the direction material transport. In the Early Pontian regionally depositional environments started to be local. In the Quaternary can be expected the existence of the delta or alluvial fans.
Influence of Lithofacies and Diagenetic Processes on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Carbonate Rocks - Case Study from Sinawin-Sha'wa Area, Libya
Authors: Barudžija Uroš , Maričić Ana , Brčić Vlatko
Published: May 2015

Geological investigations were carried out in the Sinawin-Sha'wa area, in northwestern Libya, in order to find suitable rocks for aggregate in asphalt mixtures for Nalut - Ghadamis Road reconstruction. By combined field work and micropetrographical analysis four different carbonate lithofacies were determined within Upper Cretaceous sedimentary sequence: lithofacies A - micritic limestones; lithofacies B - dolomitic marls; lithofacies C - dolobiomicrites; lithofacies D -biosparites and biosparudites. Diagenetic processes of cementation, recrystallization, dolomitization and silicification were identified within these lithofacies. Stone samples, taken from three lithofacies A, C, and D, were analyzed in order to determine its physical and mechanical properties (apparent density, open porosity, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength). In addition, aggregate produced by crushing of the rock from lithofacies D is tested on resistance to crushing and abrasion (LA test). Samples from lithofacies B were not included in the testing of physical and mechanical properties since it is estimated as not suitable rock material for crushed aggregate. Samples from lithofacies A, C and D showed significant differences in the physical and mechanical properties. These differences stem from differences in mineralogical and petrographical composition as well as from diagenetic processes. Stone of lithofacies D were estimated as the most appropriate rocks available in the area, for aggregate in asphalt mixtures.
Context‐dependent conservation responses to emerging wildlife diseases
Authors: Langwig Kate E , Voyles Jamie , Wilber Mark Q , Frick Winifred F , Murray Kris A , Bolker Benjamin M , Collins James P , Cheng Tina L , Fisher Matthew C , Hoyt Joseph R , Lindner Daniel L , McCallum Hamish I , Puschendorf Robert , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Toothman Mary , Willis Craig KR , Briggs Cheryl J , Kilpatrick A Marm
Published: May 2015

Emerging infectious diseases pose an important threat to wildlife. While established protocols exist for combating outbreaks of human and agricultural pathogens, appropriate management actions before, during, and after the invasion of wildlife pathogens have not been developed. We describe stage‐specific goals and management actions that minimize disease impacts on wildlife, and the research required to implement them. Before pathogen arrival, reducing the probability of introduction through quarantine and trade restrictions is key because prevention is more cost effective than subsequent responses. On the invasion front, the main goals are limiting pathogen spread and preventing establishment. In locations experiencing an epidemic, management should focus on reducing transmission and disease, and promoting the development of resistance or tolerance. Finally, if pathogen and host populations reach a stable stage, then recovery of host populations in the face of new threats is paramount. Successful management of wildlife disease requires risk‐taking, rapid implementation, and an adaptive approach.
The Self-Efficacy for Functional Abilities Scale for Older Adults in Long-Term Care: Two-Level Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Liu Wen , Galik Elizabeth , Resnick Barbara
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose: This study examines the underlying factor structure of the Self-Efficacy for Functional Abilities (SEFA) scale among older adults in long-term care settings. Methods: A secondary analysis of SEFA data for 568 residents in 16 long-term care facilities was applied. The sample was randomly split into 2 subsamples. A 2-level exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis adjusting for clustering effect of facilities was used to identify and determine the factor structures respectively. Results: There were 1- and 2-factor models that were identified. Both models demonstrated acceptably mixed model fit. The 2-factor model had poor discriminant validity with high correlation between factors (r = .92, p < .001). The single-factor model was considered valid with moderate correlation with function (r = .301, p < .001). Conclusions: The SEFA scale demonstrated a unidimensional construct among older adults in long-term care settings. Future testing is needed among other older adult populations.
Development and Initial Validation of a Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver Strain Risk Screen
Authors: Abendroth Maryann
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose: Family caregivers face potential strain in caring for persons with Parkinson’s disease because of the unpredictability of symptom presentation. The Caregiver Strain Risk Screen (CSRS) was developed and tested for initial validation. Methods: Instrument item development was guided by focus-group and interview data and a theoretical conceptualization of caregiver strain risk in caregivers of persons with Parkinson’s disease. Caregivers of persons with Parkinson’s disease (N = 217) provided data. Results: Principal components analysis supported a 28-item instrument with 4 factors: self-preservation, nursing home consideration, coping through spirituality, and coping through formal support. Conclusion: The 28-item CSRS demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability in measuring the construct. Research using a new sample is underway to further psychometrically test and validate the CSRS through confirmatory factor analysis.
Reducibility mill scale industrial waste via coke breeze at 850-950ºC
Authors: Gaballah N.M. , Zikry A.A.F. , El-Hussiny N.A. , Khalifa El-D , Farag El-F , Shalabi El-M
Published: May 2015

Mill scale is a very attractive industrial waste due to its elevated iron
content (about = 69.33% Fe) besides being suiTab. for direct recycling to the
blast furnace via sintering plant. In this paper the characteristics of raw
materials and the briquettes produced from this mill scale were studied by
different methods of analyses. The produced briquettes were reduced with
different amounts of coke breeze at varying temperatures, and the reduction
kinetics was determined. The activation energy of this reaction ? 61.5
kJ/mole for reduction of mill scale with coke breeze in the form of
briquettes with 2% molasses where the chemical reaction interface model is
applicable.
Altered Phenotype of β-Cells and Other Pancreatic Cell Lineages in Patients With Diffuse Congenital Hyperinsulinism in Infancy Caused by Mutations in the ATP-Sensitive K-Channel
Authors: Salisbury Rachel J. , Han Bing , Jennings Rachel E. , Berry Andrew A. , Stevens Adam , Mohamed Zainab , Sugden Sarah A. , De Krijger Ronald , Cross Sarah E. , Johnson Paul P.V. , Newbould Melanie , Cosgrove Karen E. , Hanley Karen Piper , Banerjee Indraneel , Dunne Mark J. , Hanley Neil A.
Published: May 2015

Diffuse congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy (CHI-D) arises from mutations inactivating the KATP channel; however, the phenotype is difficult to explain from electrophysiology alone. Here we studied wider abnormalities in the β-cell and other pancreatic lineages. Islets were disorganized in CHI-D compared with controls. PAX4 and ARX expression was decreased. A tendency toward increased NKX2.2 expression was consistent with its detection in two-thirds of CHI-D δ-cell nuclei, similar to the fetal pancreas, and implied immature δ-cell function. CHI-D δ-cells also comprised 10% of cells displaying nucleomegaly. In CHI-D, increased proliferation was most elevated in duct (5- to 11-fold) and acinar (7- to 47-fold) lineages. Increased β-cell proliferation observed in some cases was offset by an increase in apoptosis; this is in keeping with no difference in INSULIN expression or surface area stained for insulin between CHI-D and control pancreas. However, nuclear localization of CDK6 and P27 was markedly enhanced in CHI-D β-cells compared with cytoplasmic localization in control cells. These combined data support normal β-cell mass in CHI-D, but with G1/S molecules positioned in favor of cell cycle progression. New molecular abnormalities in δ-cells and marked proliferative increases in other pancreatic lineages indicate CHI-D is not solely a β-cell disorder.
Associations of diet and breed with recurrence of calcium oxalate cystic calculi in dogs
Authors: Allen Heidi S. , Swecker William S. , Becvarova Iveta , Weeth Lisa P. , Werre Stephen R.
Published: May 2015

Objective—To evaluate the long-term risk of recurrence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) cystic calculi in dogs of various breeds fed 1 of 2 therapeutic diets.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—135 dogs with a history of CaOx cystic calculi.

Procedures—Medical records for 4 referral hospitals were searched to identify dogs that had had CaOx cystic calculi removed. Owners were contacted and medical records evaluated to obtain information on postoperative diet, recurrence of signs of lower urinary tract disease, and recurrence of cystic calculi. Dogs were grouped on the basis of breed (high-risk breeds, low-risk breeds, and Miniature Schnauzers) and diet fed after removal of cystic calculi (diet A, diet B, and any other diet [diet C], with diets A and B being therapeutic diets formulated to prevent recurrence of CaOx calculi).

Results—Breed group was a significant predictor of calculi recurrence (as determined by abdominal radiography or ultrasonography), with Miniature Schnauzers having 3 times the risk of recurrence as did dogs of other breeds. Dogs in diet group A had a lower prevalence of recurrence than did dogs in diet group C, but this difference was not significant in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that Miniature Schnauzers had a higher risk of CaOx cystic calculi recurrence than did dogs of other breeds. In addition, findings suggested that diet may play a role in decreasing recurrence, but future prospective studies are needed to validate these observations.
Factorial Validity of the Short Form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ—SF) in German Psychiatric Patients, Inmates, and University Students
Authors: Dudeck Manuela , Vasic Nenad , Otte Stefanie , Streb Judith , Wingenfeld Katja , Grabe Hans Jörgen , Freyberger Harald J. , Schröder Tina , Von Schönfeld Carl-Ernst , Driessen Martin , Barnow Sven , Spitzer Carsten
Published: May 2015

For the purpose of retrospective assessment and characterization of childhood trauma in adults, the factorial validity of the short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ–SF) in Germany was evaluated by conducting confirmatory factor analyses for three samples including 1,524 adult psychiatric patients, 224 inmates, and 295 university students. In addition, sex-specific confirmatory factor analyses were performed within each sample. Because several authors have suggested a different factor structure than that originally proposed in the manual, two competing models focusing on the Physical neglect subscale were examined. In psychiatric patients and inmates, the fit indices were reasonable to good. Among the students, factor loadings were markedly lower, and fit indices were poor. Sex-specific analyses did not indicate sex differences. Comparing the original and the alternative models revealed better fit indices of the original factor structure. The present findings indicate that the German version of the CTQ–SF has factorial validity in psychiatric patients and inmates, but not in students.
Spousal Intrusion as a Predictor of Wives' Marital Satisfaction in Their Spouses' Retirement
Authors: Bozoglan Bahadir
Published: May 2015

Retirement of men changes their roles and participation and affects their spouses' daily routines, roles, and participation. This study assessed the effects of spousal intrusion on marital satisfaction in retirement. Questionnaires assessing demographics, spousal intrusion, shared couple activities, feelings, and marital satisfaction were administered to a group of 151 volunteer women whose husbands were retired in two cities in Turkey. The women were recruited among those who were willing to share their feelings and thoughts about their husbands' retirement process as a result of one-on-one interviews. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the perception of spousal intrusion, education status, frequency of shared activities, and dyadic adjustment predicted women's marital satisfaction in retirement. However, spousal intrusion did not significantly predict women's marital satisfaction when dyadic adjustment was entered in the second model. In the third model, final variables together predicted 19% of women's marital satisfaction in their spouse's retirement. These findings are important as they underline the factors affecting women's marital satisfaction in their spouses' retirement period.
Formalization of Generalized Almost Distributive Lattices
Authors: Grabowski Adam
Published: May 2015

Almost Distributive Lattices (ADL) are structures defined by Swamy and Rao [14] as a common abstraction of some generalizations of the Boolean algebra. In our paper, we deal with a certain further generalization of ADLs, namely the Generalized Almost Distributive Lattices (GADL). Our main aim was to give the formal counterpart of this structure and we succeeded formalizing all items from the Section 3 of Rao et al.’s paper [13]. Essentially among GADLs we can find structures which are neither V-commutative nor Λ-commutative (resp., Λ-commutative); consequently not all forms of absorption identities hold.

We characterized some necessary and sufficient conditions for commutativity and distributivity, we also defined the class of GADLs with zero element. We tried to use as much attributes and cluster registrations as possible, hence many identities are expressed in terms of adjectives; also some generalizations of wellknown notions from lattice theory [11] formalized within the Mizar Mathematical Library were proposed. Finally, some important examples from Rao’s paper were introduced. We construct the example of GADL which is not an ADL. Mechanization of proofs in this specific area could be a good starting point towards further generalization of lattice theory [10] with the help of automated theorem provers [8].
Physical Therapists' Views and Experiences of Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain and the Role of Acupuncture: Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Waterfield Jackie , Bartlam Bernadette , Bishop Annette , Holden Melanie A. , Barlas Panos , Foster Nadine E.
Published: May 2015

Background

Low back pain is often accepted as a “normal” part of pregnancy. Despite research suggesting that quality of life for women who are pregnant is adversely affected, most are advised to self-manage. Although the use of acupuncture for the management of persistent nonspecific low back pain has been recommended in recent UK national guidelines, its use in the management of pregnancy-related low back pain remains limited.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of physical therapists involved in treating women who are pregnant and have low back pain with the objective of informing the pretrial training program for a pilot randomized trial (Evaluating Acupuncture and Standard care for pregnant womEn with Back pain [EASE Back]).

Design

A qualitative phenomenological method with purposive sampling was used in the study.

Methods

Three focus groups and 3 individual semistructured interviews were undertaken, and an iterative exploratory thematic analysis was performed. To ensure transparency of the research process and the decisions made, an audit trail was created.

Results

Twenty-one physical therapists participated, and emergent issues included: a lack of experience in treating pregnancy-related complaints, mixed messages from previous acupuncture education, a mistrust of the current evidence for acupuncture safety and effectiveness, and personal and professional fear of causing harm.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that UK physical therapists are reluctant to use acupuncture in the management of pregnancy-related low back pain. The explanations for these findings include perceived lack of knowledge and confidence, as well as a pervasive professional culture of caution, particularly fears of inducing early labor and of litigation. These findings have been key to informing the content of the training program for physical therapists delivering acupuncture within the pilot EASE Back trial.
Motor and Visuospatial Attention and Motor Planning After Stroke: Considerations for the Rehabilitation of Standing Balance and Gait
Authors: Peters Sue , Handy Todd C. , Lakhani Bimal , Boyd Lara A. , Garland S. Jayne
Published: May 2015

Attention and planning can be altered by stroke, which can influence motor performance. Although the influence of these factors on recovery from stroke has been explored for the upper extremity (UE), their impact on balance and gait are unknown. This perspective article presents evidence that altered motor and visuospatial attention influence motor planning of voluntary goal-directed movements poststroke, potentially affecting balance and gait. Additionally, specific strategies for rehabilitation of balance and gait poststroke in the presence of these factors are discussed. Visuospatial attention selects relevant sensory information and supports the preparation of responses to this information. Motor attentional impairments may produce difficulty with selecting appropriate motor feedback, potentially contributing to falls. An original theoretical model is presented for a network of brain regions supporting motor and visuospatial attention, as well as motor planning of voluntary movements. Stroke may influence this functional network both locally and distally, interfering with input or output of the anatomical or functional regions involved and affecting voluntary movements. Although there is limited research directly examining leg function, evidence suggests alterations in motor and visuospatial attention influence motor planning and have a direct impact on performance of gait and balance. This model warrants testing comparing healthy adults with individuals with stroke.
Case report of an epidural cervical Onchocerca lupi infection in a 13-year-old boy
Authors: Chen Tsinsue , Moon Karam , deMello Daphne E. , Feiz-Erfan Iman , Theodore Nicholas , Bhardwaj Ratan D.
Published: May 2015

A 13-year-old boy presented with fever and neck pain and stiffness, which was initially misdiagnosed as culture-negative meningitis. Magnetic resonance images of the brain and cervical spine demonstrated what appeared to be an intradural extramedullary mass at the C1–3 level, resulting in moderate cord compression, and a Chiari Type I malformation. The patient underwent a suboccipital craniectomy and a C1–3 laminectomy with intradural exploration for excisional biopsy and resection. The lesion containing the parasite was extradural, extending laterally through the C2–3 foramina. Inflammatory tissue secondary to Onchocerca lupi infection was identified, and treatment with steroids and doxycycline was initiated. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with MR images demonstrating a significant reduction in lesional size. However, 10 weeks postoperatively, the infection recurred, necessitating a second operation. The patient was treated with an additional course of doxycycline and is currently maintained on ivermectin therapy. This is the second reported case of cervical O. lupi infection in a human. In the authors' experience, oral doxycycline alone was insufficient in controlling the disease, and the addition of ivermectin therapy was necessary.
Effect of steroid use in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jeyamohan Shiveindra B. , Kenning Tyler J. , Petronis Karen A. , Feustel Paul J. , Drazin Doniel , DiRisio Darryl J.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is an effective procedure for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy; however, postoperative dysphagia is a significant concern. Dexamethasone, although potentially protective against perioperative dysphagia and airway compromise, could inhibit fusion, a generally proinflammatory process. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study of the effects of steroids on swallowing, the airway, and arthrodesis related to multilevel anterior cervical reconstruction in patients who were undergoing ACDF at Albany Medical Center between 2008 and 2012. The objective of this study was to determine if perioperative steroid use improves perioperative dysphagia and airway edema.

METHODS

A total of 112 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive saline or dexamethasone. Data gathered included demographics, functional status (including modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association myelopathy score, neck disability index, 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey score, and patient-reported visual analog scale score of axial and radiating pain), functional outcome swallowing scale score, interval postoperative imaging, fusion status, and complications/reoperations. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and CT was performed 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery for fusion assessment.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics were not significantly different between the 2 groups, indicating adequate randomization. In terms of patient-reported functional and pain-related outcomes, there were no differences in the steroid and placebo groups. However, the severity of dysphagia in the postoperative period up to 1 month proved to be significantly lower in the steroid group than in the placebo group (p = 0.027). Furthermore, airway difficulty and a need for intubation trended toward significance in the placebo group (p = 0.057). Last, fusion rates at 6 months proved to be significantly lower in the steroid group but lost significance at 12 months (p = 0.048 and 0.57, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone administered perioperatively significantly improved swallowing function and airway edema and shortened length of stay. It did not affect pain, functional outcomes, or long-term swallowing status. However, it significantly delayed fusion, but the long-term fusion rates remained unaffected.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01065961 (clinicaltrials.gov)
The occipitofrontal circumference: reliable prediction of the intracranial volume in children with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis
Authors: Rijken Bianca Francisca Maria , den Ottelander Bianca Kelly , van Veelen Marie-Lise Charlotte , Lequin Maarten Hans , Mathijssen Irene Margreet Jacqueline
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis are characterized by the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. These patients are at risk for developing elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). There are several factors known to contribute to elevated ICP in these patients, including craniocerebral disproportion, hydrocephalus, venous hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. However, the causal mechanism is unknown, and patients develop elevated ICP even after skull surgery. In clinical practice, the occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) is used as an indirect measure for intracranial volume (ICV), to evaluate skull growth. However, it remains unknown whether OFC is a reliable predictor of ICV in patients with a severe skull deformity. Therefore, in this study the authors evaluated the relation between ICV and OFC.

METHODS

Eighty-four CT scans obtained in 69 patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis treated at the Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children’s Hospital were included. The ICV was calculated based on CT scans by using autosegmentation with an HU threshold < 150. The OFC was collected from electronic patient files. The CT scans and OFC measurements were matched based on a maximum amount of the time that was allowed between these examinations, which was dependent on age. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the correlations between OFC and ICV. The predictive value of OFC, age, and sex on ICV was then further evaluated using a univariate linear mixed model. The significant factors in the univariate analysis were subsequently entered in a multivariate mixed model.

RESULTS

The correlations found between OFC and ICV were r = 0.908 for the total group (p < 0.001), r = 0.981 for Apert (p < 0.001), r = 0.867 for Crouzon-Pfeiffer (p < 0.001), r = 0.989 for Muenke (p < 0.001), r = 0.858 for Saethre- Chotzen syndrome (p = 0.001), and r = 0.917 for complex craniosynostosis (p < 0.001). Age and OFC were significant predictors of ICV in the univariate linear mixed model (p < 0.001 for both factors). The OFC was the only predictor that remained significant in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The OFC is a significant predictor of ICV in patients with syndromic and complex craniosynostosis. Therefore, measuring the OFC during clinical practice is very useful in determining which patients are at risk for impaired skull growth.
Growth and early laying performance of a broiler parent stock in an open-sided house under restricted feeding
Authors: Rahman MR , Chowdhury SD , Hossain ME , Ahammed M
Published: May 2015

An experiment was carried out with SHAVER Starbro broiler parent stock from one day old to the point of peak production to investigate the growth, early laying performance and their adaptability during brooding, growing and early laying periods. The experimental period was divided into five phases, phase I (0  2nd week), phase II (3rd  8th week), phase III (9th  22nd week), phase IV (23rd  sexual maturity), phase V (sexual maturity to peak production). The experiment was carried out in an open sided house and management practices of birds were close to the recommendation of the broiler breeder. It may be concluded that it is possible to achieve standard body weight of SHAVER Starbro broiler parent stock under Bangladesh condition even sometimes with lower amounts of feed allocations as specified by breeder. The birds reach sexual maturity at 31st week, later than the breeders standard (23rd week) and the persistency in peak production is shorter but egg weight ranges from 53g to 60g, suitable for hatching. Mycoplasmosis appears to be major health problem, affecting performance. Use of sand is not suitable as a litter material for the management, as the birds consume a lot of sand under restricted feeding program. It may be suggested that SHAVER Starbro broiler parent stock could be reared under Bangladesh condition for the production of hatching eggs.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23141               Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 44 (1): 40-45