bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of clamped-clamped periodic functionally graded material shells conveying fluid
Authors: Shen Huijie , Wen Jihong , Yu Dianlong , Wen Xisen
Published: February 2014

The characteristics of the beam-mode stability of the fluid-conveying shell systems are investigated in this paper, under the clamped-clamped condition. A finite element model algorithm is developed to conduct the investigation. A periodic structure of functionally graded material (FGM) for the shell system, termed as PFGM shell here, is designed to enhance the stability for the shell systems, and to eliminate the stress concentration problems that exist in periodic structures. Results show that (i) the dynamical behaviors, either the divergence or the coupled-mode flutter, are all improved in such a periodic shell system; (ii) the critical velocities ucr for the divergent form of instability is independent of the normalized fluid density β; (iii) various critical values of β exist in the system, for indentifying the coupled modes of flutter (Païdoussis-type or Hamiltonian Hopf bifurcation flutter) and for determining the mode exchange; (iv) changes of some key parameters, e.g., lengths of segments and/or ‘grading profiles’ could result in appreciable improvement on the stability of the system.
Examining Antisocial Behavioral Antecedents of Juvenile Sexual Offenders and Juvenile Non-Sexual Offenders
Authors: McCuish Evan C. , Lussier Patrick , Corrado Raymond R.
Published: February 2014

In prospective longitudinal studies of juvenile offenders, the presence of multiple developmental pathways of antisocial behaviors has consistently been identified. An “antisocial” type of juvenile sex offender (JSO) has also been identified; however, whether antisocial JSOs follow different antisocial pathways has not been examined. In the current study, differences in antisocial pathways within JSOs and between JSOs and juvenile non-sex offenders (JNSOs) were examined. Data on Canadian male incarcerated adolescent offenders were used to identify whether behavioral antecedents differed within JSOs and between JSOs ( n = 51) and JNSOs ( n = 94). Using latent class analysis (LCA), three behavioral groups were identified. For both JSOs and JNSOs, there was a Low Antisocial, Overt, and Covert group. Overall, there were important within-group differences in the behavioral patterns of JSOs, but these differences resembled differences in the behavioral patterns of their JNSO counterpart. Risk factors including offense history, abuse history, and family history were more strongly associated with the Overt and Covert groups compared with the Low Antisocial group. Implications for JSO assessment practices were discussed.
Factors for Hospitalization in a Medically Complex Population of Pediatric Home Care Patients
Authors: Kurowski Daniel , Russell David , Hamilton Tasha , Napoli Rocco , Rosati Robert J.
Published: February 2014

Research has identified demographic, clinical, and technological characteristics that are associated with recurrent pediatric hospital admissions. However, research focusing on risk factors for hospitalization among pediatric home care patients is lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with 60-day hospitalization among pediatric home care patients. To address this objective, we used information collected from pediatric home care patients, age 6 months to 17 years, who were served by a large not-for-profit home care agency in New York City between 2008 and 2012 ( N = 6,187). Results showed that 5.4% of patients in our study population were hospitalized. Specific characteristics that were significantly associated with hospitalization are described in detail.
Influence of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Telomerase Activity in Women With Breast Cancer (BC)
Authors: Lengacher Cecile A. , Reich Richard R. , Kip Kevin E. , Barta Michelle , Ramesar Sophia , Paterson Carly L. , Moscoso Manolete S. , Carranza Irina , Budhrani Pinky H. , Kim Seung Joon , Park Hyun Y. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Schell Michael J. , Jim Heather S. L. , Post-White Janice , Farias Jerrica R. , Park Jong Y.
Published: February 2014

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fear of recurrence among breast cancer (BC) survivors. However, the effects of MBSR (BC) on telomere length (TL) and telomerase activity (TA), known markers of cellular aging, psychological stress, and disease risk, are not known. This randomized, wait-listed, controlled study, nested within a larger trial, investigated the effects of MBSR (BC) on TL and TA. BC patients (142) with Stages 0–III cancer who had completed adjuvant treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy at least 2 weeks prior to enrollment and within 2 years of completion of treatment with lumpectomy and/or mastectomy were randomly assigned to either a 6-week MBSR for BC program or a usual care. Assessments of TA and TL were obtained along with psychological measurements at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after completing the MBSR(BC) program. The mean age of 142 participants was 55.3 years; 72% were non-Hispanic White; 78% had Stage I or II cancer; and 36% received both chemotherapy and radiation. In analyses adjusted for baseline TA and psychological status, TA increased steadily over 12 weeks in the MBSR(BC) group (approximately 17%) compared to essentially no increase in the control group (approximately 3%, p < .01). In contrast, no between-group difference was observed for TL ( p = .92). These results provide preliminary evidence that MBSR(BC) increases TA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BC patients and have implications for understanding how MBSR(BC) may extend cell longevity at the cellular level.
Writing Home
Authors: Ferdinand Renata
Published: February 2014

Africa as an ancestral home is a prominent theme among African Americans. Many have sojourned to Africa in the hopes of establishing a cultural or spiritual connection with the continent. This essay investigates the ways in which African Americans encounter African culture and space. Specifically, this is an auto-ethnographic essay that details the author’s diasporic identity transformation as a result of visiting the West African nation of Burkina Faso. Enabled by educational courses and through a living arrangement with a host family, the author establishes how Burkina Faso became a surrogate home.
Transbodied Spaces
Authors: Hadjiyanni Tasoulla
Published: February 2014

Much of the scholarship around the notion of home draws on ethnographic and phenomenological studies. As a result, the emphasis is on presence, the physical and material existence of people, spaces, and objects. Through the experiences of six undocumented Mexicans living in Minnesota, this article expands inquiry into how private spatial realities intersect with homemaking processes and citizenship production. The argument is that absence is as critical in unraveling what home means as presence. Situating homemaking at the junctures of the presence and absence of bodies, spaces, and objects, the article positions homes as transbodied spaces. Conceiving of homes as transbodied spaces allows for an exploration of how “illegality” diversifies the domestic experience. The resulting production of a private landscape that accounts for presence and absence, endows some undocumented with an immigrant identity that is validated and spatially promoted. In parallel, the spatial constraints they endure can suppress their efforts to carve out meaning and identity, contributing to their “‘illegalization.” Cognizant of “illegality’s” challenges and that social inequalities are partly spatially constructed at both the private and the public levels, and are therefore malleable, scholars and practitioners can rethink their approach to those “living in the shadows.”
Place and Defilement
Authors: Duschinsky Robbie , Brown Donna Marie
Published: February 2014

Following Douglas and Kristeva, Sibley theorizes in Geographies of Exclusion that socio-spatial boundaries necessarily activate discourses of purity and impurity. Yet there is also a second, more sophisticated theory present in the text. Sibley offers three qualifications to Douglas and Kristeva, emphasizing the culturally specific nature of purity and impurity classifications, their status as contested and metaphorical discourses, and their irreducibly spatial organization and operation. Furthermore, beyond these qualifications, a close reading of the grain of Sibley’s argument suggests an account in which (a) temporal closeness to the origin and (b) spatial homogeneity are the standard against which “purity” is measured. Purity and impurity, then, would not attend any “matter out of place” but operate within particular cultural contexts as assessments of whether a phenomenon or space corresponds, in its relative homogeneity, to its impure origin and essence. This perspective offers support for addressing the materiality of purity and impurity discourses.
The Struggle to Reclaim the City
Authors: Leorke Dale
Published: February 2014

The potential for citizens to reclaim and reappropriate the physical spaces of their city has garnered a great deal of attention over the past year or so. The Occupy movement, “Arab Spring,” and various social protest movements around the world have all reinvigorated debates over the political importance of public space. These movements posit an alternate historical trajectory to the one depicted by urban theorists and sociologists over the past half-century, who lament the steady “decline” of public space. One of the most vocal critics of the detrimental effects of contemporary urban planning for the sanctity of public space and urban life is the New York–based architect, academic, and architectural critic Michael Sorkin. Sorkin is currently Distinguished Professor of Architecture and Director of the Graduate Urban Design Program at the City College of New York. He is the author of several books and hundreds of articles on buildings, cities, and urban planning and design. In this interview, Sorkin weighs into these debates over the political and social importance of public space in cities and the challenges to disempowerment and disenfranchisement in urban environments. He discusses his early influences, the ongoing importance of Jane Jacobs to urban planning, sustainable living and “the possibility of New York becoming completely self-sufficient within its political boundaries”; as well as his views on the Occupy movement and post-9/11 surveillance and paranoia.
Virtual Space
Authors: Best Kirsty , Butler Stephanie
Published: February 2014

Drawing on the results of a study examining the use of Second Life as a platform for social support by people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the authors posit that virtual architecture needs to be designed to be inclusive to people with cognitive impairments. The ME/CFS Centre in Second Life allowed people who were socially isolated to forge social support systems across geographical distances. However, technological issues interfered with the development of participants’ senses of community within the virtual space of the ME/CFS Centre. These difficulties with the designed landscape reveal that theorizations, and applications, of geography and disability, and inclusive web design, need to extend to the ways that virtual architectural structures are designed and furnished-if these spaces are to be inclusive.
Illuminights
Authors: Ebbensgaard Casper Laing
Published: February 2014

As part of the urban nightscape, illumination of urban environments across Europe has gained significance recently. Altering the aesthetic appearance of material surfaces, urban illuminations transform our sensory every night experiences of space; experiences that, within geography, have not been dealt with in depth. This article undertakes an ethnographic study of the sensory everynight experiences of the changed aesthetics of illuminated spaces in Copenhagen, outlining three arguments. First, illumination functions as a signifier, transforming the experience of space and staging certain performative practices. Second, the illumination of select objects harmonizes connections between subjects and objects, releasing a potential for social contestation over spatial meaning. Third, illumination creates an illusory second reality, promoting alternative opportunities for engaging with the urban fabric. The article concludes that the lived sensory experiences of urban illuminations must be acknowledged in planning and need to be examined further within geographies of nighttime spaces.
Experimental and numerical investigations of thermo-mechanical instability of the industrial disc brakes
Authors: Scieszka Stanisław F , Zolnierz Marcel
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the brake disc surface temperature field measurements, during emergency braking in real industrial conditions, by means of the thermovision infra-red camera. The temperature field assessment enables the verification of the numerical modelling of the brake performance in the succeeding step. The experimental part of the research also covers tribological testing on the coefficient of friction between friction brake material (brake pad) and steel (brake disc) in laboratory conditions on the tribotester which satisfied the similarity criteria with the mine winder hydraulic disc brake. The tribological characteristic of the friction couple, including kinetic and static coefficients of friction, was determined for use in the finite element analysis of the brake thermo-mechanical instability problem. In the numerical part, the finite element modelling technique was used to simulate the brake interface hot spotting and the axial disc distortion as a function of geometrical and material properties of the brake elements, and the brake’s operational conditions. The critical speed above which thermo-mechanical instability would occur was calculated for the analysed mine winder brake system. A finite element method was used to find not only temperature distribution but also the resulting thermal stresses and distortions in the brake discs. The disc division into various numbers of sections was numerically tested for the division’s effect on the thermal stress reduction and the axial distortions.
Isolated and Integrated form-focused instruction: Effects on different types of L2 knowledge
Authors: Spada Nina , Jessop Lorena , Tomita Yasuyo , Suzuki Wataru , Valeo Antonella
Published: February 2014

In this study we compared the effects of two types of form-focused instruction (FFI) on second language (L2) learning and their potential contributions to the development of different types of L2 knowledge. Both types of instruction were pre-emptive in nature, that is planned and teacher generated. In Integrated FFI attention to form was embedded within communicative practice; in Isolated FFI it was separated from communicative practice. Two groups of adult learners of English as a second language (ESL) received 12 hours of Integrated or Isolated FFI on the ‘passive’ construction. Learners’ progress on a written grammar test and an oral communication task indicated no significant differences between the instructional groups over time. However, some advantages were observed for Integrated FFI on the oral production task and for Isolated FFI on the written grammar test. The results are discussed in relation to instructed second language acquisition (SLA) research an transfer appropriate processing theory.
Parenting interventions for childhood chronic illness
Authors: Morawska Alina , Calam Rachel , Fraser Jennifer
Published: February 2014

Every day, thousands of children suffer the effects of chronic health conditions and families struggle with illness management and children’s behavioural and emotional adjustment. Many parents experience difficulties with their caregiving role and lack confidence in their ability to manage their child’s illness and ensure the child’s well-being. While there is consistent evidence as to the extent and impact of childhood chronic illness, there is a paucity of evidence-based parenting approaches to help children with chronic health conditions and their families. This paper provides a narrative review of the current literature to examine relationships between chronic childhood illness, emotional and behavioural disorders and parenting. Key guidelines and recommendations for the development of evidence-based parenting programs for parents of children affected by chronic health conditions are provided.
Children having magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Törnqvist Erna , Månsson Åsa , Hallström Inger
Published: February 2014

As a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination lasts about 45 minutes and as the technique is sensitive to motion, children are often given sedation or anesthesia. The aim of this study was to examine whether children aged three to nine years could undergo MRI while awake and achieve adequate image quality if age-adjusted routines were used. A two-group controlled experimental design was used. Thirty-six children were assigned to a control group and underwent MRI with the prevalent routines. Thirty-three children were assigned to an intervention group and underwent the MRI while awake. The age-adjusted routine included a booklet and a story book, a model of the MRI scanner with the MRI sound, and a DVD film during the examination. In the control group, 30 children underwent the examination under anesthesia and 6 underwent the examination while they were awake. All had acceptable examinations. In the intervention group, 33 children had their examination while awake and 30 of them had acceptable examinations. The parents’ satisfaction with the care was assessed to be equal or higher in the intervention group and the costs were calculated to be lower. Thus, many children receiving age-appropriate preparation and distraction can undergo MRI examinations while awake.
An understanding of Japanese children’s perceptions of fun, barriers, and facilitators of active free play
Authors: Lee YingHua , Takenaka Koji , Kanosue Kazuyuki
Published: February 2014

Physical activity contributes to children’s physical and mental well-being. Research suggests that active free play helps to maintain and increase physical activity in children and also contributes to social and emotional well-being. To date, these studies have focused on Western countries. Thus, this study was conducted to gain insights into the factors of perceptions of fun, barriers, and facilitators affecting active free play from the perspective of Japanese children using focus group interviews. In Japan, 12 focus groups were conducted with 60 children aged 9–11 years. Children’s perceptions of fun in active free play were categorized into socializing, achievement, emotions, and freedom. Additionally, active boys' groups were interested in free play and adventure play; girls' groups were interested in free play with less physical movement and challenges; inactive boys' groups were interested in relaxing and competitive play with bodily contact. However, children mentioned that busy schedules, weather, and health-related factors acted as main barriers. Lastly, children noted facilitators include setting schedules, having access to equipment and playgrounds, and holding special events. The findings provide insights into active free play-related factors for active and inactive Japanese children and also clarify the differences between Japanese and Western children. Such findings will contribute to designing interventions to increase active free play.
Young adults’ childhood experiences of support when living with a parent with a mental illness
Authors: Nilsson Stefan , Gustafsson Lisa , Nolbris Margaretha Jenholt
Published: February 2014

There are several concerns in relation to children living with a parent suffering from a mental illness. In such circumstances, the health-care professionals need to involve the whole family, offering help to the parents on parenting as well as support for their children. These children are often helped by participating in meetings that provide them with contact with others with similar experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate young adults’ childhood experiences of support groups when living with a mentally ill parent. Seven young women were chosen to participate in this study. A qualitative descriptive method was chosen. The main category emerged as ‘the influence of life outside the home because of a parent’s mental illness’ from the two generic categories: ‘a different world’ and ‘an emotion-filled life’. The participants’ friends did not know that their parent was ill and they ‘always had to…take responsibility for what happened at home’. These young adults appreciated the support group activities they participated in during their childhood, stating that the meetings had influenced their everyday life as young adults. Despite this, they associated their everyday life with feelings of being different. This study highlights the need for support groups for children whose parents suffer from mental illness.
Suicide of a close family member through the eyes of a child
Authors: Jackson Debra , Peters Kath , Murphy Gillian
Published: February 2014

A narrative case study approach was used to collect a storied account from Joseph about his recollections and experience of the completed suicide of a family member with whom he lived with at 13 years of age. Data are presented longitudinally to capture Joseph’s perceptions and recollections of events leading up to, surrounding and following the suicide. Findings reveal that, as a child Joseph felt strong responsibility to keep his uncle safe and maintain his uncle’s life; and perceived a lack of support for himself and his family throughout the events. Today as a young man, Joseph remains profoundly affected by this suicide and the events surrounding it, and experiences flashbacks and intrusive thoughts, though his distress remains largely invisible to others. It is important that the acute and longer term needs of children affected by suicidality and suicide are recognised. We argue that increased awareness on the part of health professionals about the ongoing grief and distress surrounding suicide survivorship can create opportunities for opportunistic assessment and review of child survivor welfare.
Experimental research on physiological response of elderly with cardiovascular disease during heat wave period
Authors: Fink Rok , Eržen Ivan , Medved Sašo , Kastelec Damijana
Published: February 2014

The fact that the environment and human beings interact with each other has been known for centuries. In the present study, elderly’s heart rate (HR) and blood pressure response to indoor thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) were investigated. Indoor thermal comfort was characterized by Humidex, IAQ by CO2 concentrations. The results show that HR increase which is a prognostic factor for cardiovascular mortality is related to an increase of heat burden and low air quality. Meanwhile blood pressure would decrease as physiological response to these conditions. Our study demonstrates that common impact of heat burden and poor air quality on blood pressure and HR is greater than impact of exposure to each of them. Planners and decision makers that work in the field of designing indoor environment for elderly people or other risk groups should be aware of interactive influence of the thermal environment and the air quality on health and that unsuitability conditions could be ascertained by the occupants’ physiological response.
Acute knee dislocation
Authors: Piper D , Howells NR
Published: February 2014

Traumatic knee dislocations are relatively rare yet serious injuries. They remain under diagnosed injuries in view of the frequency with which they can present having spontaneously reduced. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion on presentation of all knee injuries. Careful, repeated and vigilant monitoring for neurovascular compromise following diagnosis, appropriate investigations and early involvement of surgeons with a specialist interest in knee ligament injury are important factors in managing these injuries. The prognosis has improved in recent years following establishment of some consensus on the evaluation, investigation, management and rehabilitation of these injuries and this article presents an evidence based review of these principles.
Theoretical Traditions and Coaching Genres
Authors: Cox Elaine , Bachkirova Tatiana , Clutterbuck David
Published: February 2014

The Problem

The interdisciplinary nature of the theoretical base of coaching creates practical approaches that are strongly influenced by organization-friendly theories, and fields such as counseling, psychotherapy, and philosophy. This eclectic use of theory creates uncertainty and sometimes leads to criticisms of coaching as being atheoretical and underdeveloped empirically. So, it is a difficult task for human resource development (HRD) professionals and particularly buyers of coaching to judge the relevance of numerous traditions of coaching and evaluate them for their HRD agenda.

The Solution

We highlight the theoretical foundations of coaching and develop a structural analysis of coaching engagement to indicate the potential interplay between organizational and individual agendas and to help HRD professionals become better informed about the value of coaching in the context of wider HRD paradigms.

The Stakeholders

HRD professionals, external coaches, internal coaches, and line managers who use a coaching approach, peer coaches, and leaders will benefit from the content of this article.
Peer Effects and Individual Performance
Authors: Jane Wen-Jhan
Published: February 2014

This article addresses the issue of peer effects on a swimmer’s performance. The National Database of Student Athletes in Taiwan from 2008 to 2010 is employed. The results show that a swimmer performs better when his or her competitors are faster. The evidence shows that peer effects are positive. As to the relative quality of swimmers in a competition, dispersed-quality competitors make a swimmer faster. The evidence also shows that older and taller boys swim faster. The regressions of the Heckman selection model support these conclusions.
Creating a Dashboard to Track Progress Toward IOM Recommendations for the Future of Nursing
Authors: Spetz Joanne , Bates Timothy , Chu Lela , Lin Jessica , Fishman Nancy W. , Melichar Lori
Published: February 2014

This article explains the process used to identify and develop a set of data used to track national progress toward the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine Committee for the Future of Nursing. The data are presented in a dashboard format to visually summarize information and quickly measure progress. The approach selected by the research team is outlined, the criteria for selecting candidate metrics are detailed, the process for seeking external guidance is described, and the final dashboard measures are presented. Finally, the methods for data collection for each metric are explicated, to guide states and local regions in the collection of their own data.
Behaviour of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with basalt textile reinforced concrete
Authors: Gopinath Smitha , Murthy A Ramachandra , Iyer Nagesh R , Prabha M
Published: February 2014

Experimental investigations were carried out to determine the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with basalt textile-reinforced concrete under monotonic and low-cycle fatigue load. Reinforced concrete beams strengthened with basalt textile-reinforced concrete were tested under four-point bending. The behaviour of the strengthened beam was compared with that of un-strengthened reinforced concrete beam. It is observed that there is an enhancement in energy absorption for reinforced concrete beams strengthened with basalt reinforced concrete even though there is no considerable increase in load carrying capacity. It is observed that when the strengthened beams are subjected to monotonic loading, the increase in ultimate load carrying capacity is marginal but the increase in ductility is 84.5% and the increase in energy absorption is 162% compared with un-strengthened beam. Reinforced concrete beams strengthened with basalt reinforced concrete were also tested under low-cycle fatigue load. It is observed that there is about 20% reduction in ultimate load carrying capacity and 27% reduction in ductility compared to monotonic case. But the cracking and failure patterns are similar in both the cases.
Preparation and oil/air filtration properties of hemp paper
Authors: Jianyong Feng , Jianchun Zhang
Published: February 2014

The hemp root bast paper is innovatively prepared to research the oil filtration properties and air filtration properties for practical application. It can be found that beating degree and weight both have great influence on air permeability, pore diameter distribution, oil/air penetration and oil/air filtration efficiency of hemp paper. The oil filtration efficiency of hemp papers for 0.33 µm particles is 99.7%–99.975% and air filtration efficiency for 0.26 µm NaCl aerosol particles is 99.942%–100%. Through comparison of oil filtration properties and air filtration properties with commonly used automobile engine oil/air cotton paper filtration materials, it can be found that hemp paper has the smaller thickness, weight, mean pore diameter, porosity and oil/air penetration, while the better oil/air filtration efficiency and higher pressure drop. Due to the higher filtration efficiency of hemp papers and green, biodegradable, sustainable resources of hemp plants in the case of environmental requirements, the pilot trial hemp paper automobile engine oil filter is successfully manufactured. The results indicate that hemp papers have better oil/air filtration properties than cotton paper in practical application. We hope that such an attempt will be helpful for practical application of hemp paper and meet the needs of domestic market for filtration materials. Furthermore, it can enlarge the application field and increase the added value of hemp.
The Use of Motivational Interviewing in Conjunction With Adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy to Treat Synthetic Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: Dietz Alyssa R. , Dunn Michael E.
Published: February 2014

Little empirical information is established about synthetic marijuana, including the treatment of related disorders. Similar to organic marijuana, chronic synthetic use can lead to a variety of functional impairments, including diminished academic and workplace productivity and performance. Many traditional approaches emphasize treating co-occurring disorders separately, but the present case examines concurrent treatment for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., DSM-IV) Synthetic Marijuana Dependence and Generalized Anxiety Disorder by using Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Relapse Prevention (RP) in conjunction with an adapted form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). A model for treatment and its potential effects are discussed.
Engaging Scholarship With Communities
Authors: Núñez Guillermina Gina
Published: February 2014

A pedagogy of engagement links faculty and students to the needs of local communities while promoting academic success through higher retention and graduation rates in higher education. This work describes engaged scholarship and shares guidelines for documenting student engagement and critical reflection across the higher education curriculum. Insights and recommendations are based on 8 years of engaged scholarship efforts at a Hispanic Serving Institution serving students and community on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Outcome of Carotid Angioplasty With a Novel Open-Cell Carotid Stent System
Authors: Langhoff Ralf , Mudra Harald , Waliszewski Matthias , Reimers Bernhard , Berge Jérôme , Setacci Carlo , Beyssen Bernard
Published: February 2014

Background:

The choice of carotid stent systems depends primarily on the anatomy of the carotid artery, the lesion morphology, and the patient’s risk factors. Design improvements in devices, in terms of crossing profile and the ability to precisely position the stent, may greatly contribute to the procedural success without compromising acute clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results:

The primary objective of this clinical registry was to evaluate the early safety and efficacy of a novel open-cell carotid stent system in an “all comer” population suitable for carotid artery stenting. The primary end point was the composite of ipsilateral stroke and “all-cause mortality” within 30 days after the procedure. Secondary end points entailed the rates of myocardial infarction and other clinical complications within the first 30 days following the procedure and up to the 6-month follow-up. Unsuccessful placement and/or withdrawal of the delivery system, as well as device-related complications involving the carotid artery and the rate of nonlesion-related embolisms, were evaluated relative to other currently available carotid stents. The 30-day composite death/stroke rate was 2.8% (3 of 106) while the overall stent system performance was similar to commonly used carotid stent systems.

Conclusions:

The utilized open-cell carotid stent system had favorable lesion crossing and positioning characteristics without compromising the 30-day composite death/stroke rate.
Don't get in a flap!: A case report of progression through the spectrum of an acute aortic syndrome
Authors: Choong Andrew MTL , Das Saroj , Mulrenan Nicholas , Hamady Mohamad , Bose Protip
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To present a single case that clearly demonstrates the progression through the whole spectrum of an acute aortic syndrome, from a solitary penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) through to multiple PAUs with intra-mural haematoma (IMH) progression. The index images show that despite the clinical presentation of an acute type B aortic dissection, a classical dissection flap is never demonstrated in this patient and thus highlights the need for early input from vascular surgery for all potential acute aortic syndromes.

Case report

We present the case of a 71-year-old lady who attended the emergency department with hypertension and inter-scapular chest pain. Upon investigation with computed tomography aortography (CTA), she was found to have a solitary PAU only with minimal IMH. She did not demonstrate any classical radiological signs of acute type B aortic dissection. She was admitted under a medical team and her chest pain abated with no treatment. The treating medical team adjusted her anti-hypertensive medication and discharged her home with an urgent vascular surgical outpatient appointment for further follow-up and surveillance. We acknowledge that a preferred approach would have been, at least admission and close blood pressure monitoring, with a repeat CTA the next day. Two days later, she represented with further chest pain and on repeat CTA was found to have multiple PAUs and progression of the small IMH. She was then admitted under vascular surgery and subsequently transferred to the parent tertiary referral vascular surgical unit. Despite aggressive anti-hypertensive management, she had persistent intractable chest pain and was treated with a single thoracic stent graft. Completion angiography demonstrated total resolution of the PAUs.

Conclusion

This case along with index images demonstrates the whole spectrum of the acute aortic syndrome from a solitary PAU to multiple PAUs with IMH extension. Despite an eventual clinical picture of an acute type B aortic dissection, there was a notable absence of a classical dissection flap on any imaging. We recommend that all aortic pathologies should be at least discussed with and preferably managed by vascular surgeons. The absence of a classical dissection flap on imaging is not a contra-indication to emergent treatment with thoracic stent grafting and in select patients is actually the only therapy that will treat this pathology.
Social status and living with a chronic illness: An exploration of assessment and meaning attributed to work and employment
Authors: Vassilev Ivaylo , Rogers Anne , Sanders Caroline , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh , Blickem Christian , Brooks Helen , Kapadia Dharmi , Reeves David , Doran Tim , Kennedy Anne
Published: February 2014

Background

Traditional measures of social status are predicated on position in the labour market. There has been less attention directed to the meanings of social position for people with a long-term condition whose relationship to employment is precarious. Previous research has demonstrated that the MacArthur scale is capable of capturing contextualised aspects of social status, which makes it a useful tool for exploring changes in meaning.

Aims

The paper explores the meanings and experiences of social status of people living with a long-term condition with particular reference to employment status.

Methods

A sample of 300 participants was drawn from diabetes and chronic heart disease registers of General Practices in North West England. A cross-sectional survey with nested qualitative interviews was used in collecting and analysing the data.

Findings

Having financial independence and participating in valued activities are more important for people with chronic illness than power and status mediated through the labour market. Income and the lack and loss of employment were given a central role in respondents’ narratives reflecting the absence of acceptable alternative routes through which social status for those with a long-term condition can realistically be rebuilt outside of participation in the labour market.

Conclusion

Social participation, where people with chronic illness feel valued and of tangible utility to other people, might offer some opportunities for rebuilding social status outside the labour market. Chronic illness management interventions need to focus on improving people’s engagement with such activities.
The paradoxical invisibility of translation in the highly multilingual context of news agencies
Authors: Davier Lucile
Published: February 2014

This article focuses on plurilingual processes in two European-based news agencies: Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Agence télégraphique suisse (ATS). Fieldwork (observation and semi-structured interviews) was conducted in Switzerland at the regional office of AFP in Geneva and at the head office of ATS in Bern. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential consequences of a highly plurilingual production process on the one hand, and of the ostensible invisibility of multilingualism/translation on the other hand. Some of the interviewed journalists acknowledge the risks that may be posed by interlingual and intercultural transfer (translation), given the working norms of news agencies (rapidity, accuracy of information, and adaptation to the audience). However, the institutional denial of these possible biases may prevent news agencies from reducing them.
Clinical assessment of the warming sensation accompanying flavor 316282 in a cold and cough syrup containing paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, and guaifenesin
Authors: Furcha Rowland , Monnet Joëlle
Published: February 2014

Objective:

The primary objective was to assess the warming sensation caused by flavor 316282 in a cold and cough product in the target population.

Methods:

A single-cohort, single-treatment arm, open-label study. Subjects received one 30-mL dose of syrup containing flavor 316282, paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, and guaifenesin and recorded onset and disappearance of any warming sensation in the mouth/throat. Subjects’ assessment of strength and appeal of the sensation, taste, texture, and acceptability of the product as a cold and cough remedy was investigated using questionnaires.

Results:

A total of 51 subjects were included; 47 (92.1%) experienced a warming sensation. The median duration of the warming sensation was 100 s (95% confidence interval = 82 s, 112 s). The majority of subjects rated the syrup as excellent, good, or fair for treatment of cough and cold symptoms (96.1%), taste (80.4%), and texture (98.0%). There were no safety concerns, and the syrup was well tolerated. Most subjects liked the warming sensation.

Conclusions:

Flavor 316282 in a cold and cough syrup is associated with a warming sensation. The syrup is well tolerated, safe, and palatable.
Filial caregiving is associated with greater neuroendocrine dysfunction: Evidence from the 2005 National Survey of Midlife in the United States
Authors: Kang SunWoo , Marks Nadine F
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

This study examined associations between providing caregiving for a biological or adoptive parent and clinically assessed biological risk factors (allostatic load and its three subscales—inflammatory dysfunction, metabolic dysfunction, and neuroendocrine dysfunction), as well as moderation of these associations by gender.

Methods:

Regression models were estimated using telephone and self-report data from 962 men and women who participated in the National Survey of Midlife in the United States in 2005.

Results:

Filial caregivers demonstrated higher levels of neuroendocrine dysfunction. No gender difference in biological risks was found.

Discussion:

Filial caregiving is the most prevalent form of family caregiving, and results indicating the presence of greater neuroendocrine dysfunction among filial caregivers in contrast to noncaregivers suggest an important public health concern. Future research needs to continue to examine different relationship types of caregivers and include a range of biological risk measurement to further the understanding of how family caregiving is linked to biological health risks.
The Development of Scientific Strategy Knowledge Across Grades
Authors: Scherer Ronny , Tiemann Rüdiger
Published: February 2014

In this study, we developed a new test on scientific strategy knowledge and investigated the construct validity of the resulting test scores. Moreover, measurement invariance across grade levels has been analyzed to ensure the generalizability of the assessment. Furthermore, convergent and discriminant validity were investigated. A total of N = 1,182 German high school students of Grade Levels 8, 10, and 12 completed tasks on strategy knowledge, fluid intelligence, content knowledge, interest in science, and scientific self-concept within a cross-sectional study. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was used to check for measurement invariance. Our results show that scalar invariance holds across grades and that there are significant differences in performance favoring students of higher grade levels. Furthermore, fluid intelligence and content knowledge are relevant predictors of strategy knowledge, whereas gender and motivational constructs do not show significant effects. Implications for developmental studies on strategy knowledge and assessment practice are discussed.
Best lung function equations for the very elderly selected by survival analysis
Authors: Miller Martin R. , Thinggaard Mikael , Christensen Kaare , Pedersen Ole F. , Sigsgaard Torben
Published: February 2014

We evaluated which equations best predicted the lung function of a cohort of nonagenarians based on which best accounted for subsequent survival.

In 1998, we measured lung function, grip strength and dementia score (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)) in a population-based sample of 2262 Danes born in 1905. Mortality was registered to 2011 when only five (0.2%) subjects were alive. In half the cohort, we recorded forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1).

Complete data were available in 592 subjects with results expressed as standardised residuals (SR) using various prediction equations. Cox proportional hazard regression found lower FEV1SR was a predictor of mortality having controlled for MMSE, grip strength and sex. The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1999) equations gave a better spread of median survival by FEV1SR quartile: 3.94, 3.65, 3.51 and 2.61 years with a hazard ratio for death of 1, 1.16, 1.32 and 1.60 respectively, compared with equations derived with the inclusion of elderly subjects.

We conclude that extrapolating from NHANES III equations to predict lung function in nonagenarians gave better survival predictions from spirometry than when employing equations derived using very elderly subjects with possible selection bias. These findings can help inform how future lung function equations for the elderly are derived.
Association of ambient air pollution with the prevalence and incidence of COPD
Authors: Schikowski Tamara , Adam Martin , Marcon Alessandro , Cai Yutong , Vierkötter Andrea , Carsin Anne Elie , Jacquemin Benedicte , Al Kanani Zaina , Beelen Rob , Birk Matthias , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Brunekeef Bert , Burney Peter , Cirach Marta , Cyrys Josef , de Hoogh Kees , de Marco Roberto , de Nazelle Audrey , Declercq Christophe , Forsberg Bertil , Hardy Rebecca , Heinrich Joachim , Hoek Gerard , Jarvis Debbie , Keidel Dirk , Kuh Diane , Kuhlbusch Thomas , Migliore Enrica , Mosler Gioia , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Phuleria Harish , Rochat Thierry , Schindler Christian , Villani Simona , Tsai Ming-Yi , Zemp Elisabeth , Hansell Anna , Kauffmann Francine , Sunyer Jordi , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Krämer Ursula , Künzli Nino
Published: February 2014

The role of air pollution in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains uncertain.

The aim was to assess the impact of chronic exposure to air pollution on COPD in four cohorts using the standardised ESCAPE exposure estimates. Annual average particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and road traffic exposure were assigned to home addresses using land-use regression models. COPD was defined by NHANES reference equation (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) less than the lower limit of normal) and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criterion (FEV1/FVC <0.70) and categorised by severity in non-asthmatics.

We included 6550 subjects with assigned NOxand 3692 with PM measures. COPD was not associated with NO2or PM10in any individual cohort. In meta-analyses only NO2, NOx, PM10and the traffic indicators were positively, although not significantly, associated with COPD. The only statistically significant associations were seen in females (COPD prevalence using GOLD: OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.11–2.23; and incidence: OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.21–2.68).

None of the principal results were statistically significant, the weak positive associations of exposure with COPD and the significant subgroup findings need to be evaluated in further well standardised cohorts followed up for longer time, and with time-matched exposure assignments.
Is continuous positive airway pressure necessarily an everyday therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea?
Authors: Rossi Valentina A. , Schwarz Esther I. , Bloch Konrad E. , Stradling John R. , Kohler Malcolm
Published: February 2014

There are limited data on the evolution of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and whether this treatment is required every night.

125 OSA patients with an original oxygen desaturation index (ODI) >10 events per hour, established on CPAP, were asked to withdraw CPAP for four nights and performed ambulatory nocturnal pulse oximetry on the fourth night of CPAP withdrawal. An ODI >10 events per hour during pulse oximetry was considered to indicate persistent OSA. Patients not experiencing recurrence of OSA underwent repeat ambulatory pulse oximetry after a further 2-week period off CPAP.

In 71% of the patients, OSA recurred after four nights of CPAP withdrawal (group 1); thus, OSA did not recur in 29% (group 2). 55% of group 2 had an ODI >10 events per hour after 2 weeks off CPAP; thus, 45% remained without a recurrence. In multivariate analysis, higher original ODI, longer duration of CPAP therapy, current smoking status and larger neck circumference were independently associated with a higher ODI after four nights of CPAP withdrawal (all p<0.05).

Following CPAP withdrawal, a third of CPAP-treated patients do not experience significant recurrence of oxygen desaturations after 4 days and ∼10% do not after 2 weeks. Thus, a significant proportion of patients may be able to stop CPAP for short periods.