bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Network of Celebrity Politics
Authors: Park Sungjin , Lee Jihye , Ryu Seungjin , Hahn Kyu S.
Published: April 2015

With the rise of networked media such as Twitter, celebrities’ ability to speak on policy matters directly to the public has become amplified. We investigate the political implications of celebrity activism on Twitter by estimating the political ideology of thirty-four South Korean news outlets and fourteen political celebrities based on the co-following pattern among 1,868,587 Twitter users. We also had a rare opportunity to match their following behavior with individual-level attributes by relying on supplementary survey data on 11,953 members of an online survey panel. Our results reveal that celebrity following on Twitter is ideologically skewed; a vast majority of Korean Twitter users following politically influential celebrities are liberal. Additionally, survey results show that political celebrities are more likely to attract those lacking the ability to process one-sided information in a balanced manner.
From Big Data to Knowledge in the Social Sciences
Authors: Hesse Bradford W. , Moser Richard P. , Riley William T.
Published: April 2015

One of the challenges associated with high-volume, diverse datasets is whether synthesis of open data streams can translate into actionable knowledge. Recognizing that challenge and other issues related to these types of data, the National Institutes of Health developed the Big Data to Knowledge or BD2K initiative. The concept of translating “big data to knowledge” is important to the social and behavioral sciences in several respects. First, a general shift to data-intensive science will exert an influence on all scientific disciplines, but particularly on the behavioral and social sciences given the wealth of behavior and related constructs captured by big data sources. Second, science is itself a social enterprise; by applying principles from the social sciences to the conduct of research, it should be possible to ameliorate some of the systemic problems that plague the scientific enterprise in the age of big data. We explore the feasibility of recalibrating the basic mechanisms of the scientific enterprise so that they are more transparent and cumulative; more integrative and cohesive; and more rapid, relevant, and responsive.
Constructing Recommendation Systems for Effective Health Messages Using Content, Collaborative, and Hybrid Algorithms
Authors: Cappella Joseph N. , Yang Sijia , Lee Sungkyoung
Published: April 2015

Theoretical and empirical approaches to the design of effective messages to increase healthy and reduce risky behavior have shown only incremental progress. This article explores approaches to the development of a “recommendation system” for archives of public health messages. Recommendation systems are algorithms operating on dense data involving both individual preferences and objective message features. Their goal is to predict ratings for items (i.e., messages) not previously seen by the user on content similarity, prior preference patterns, or their combination. Standard approaches to message testing and research, while making progress, suffer from very slow accumulation of knowledge. This article seeks to leapfrog conventional models of message research, taking advantage of modeling developments in recommendation systems from the commercial arena. After sketching key components in developing recommendation algorithms, this article concludes with reflections on the implications of these approaches in both theory development and application.
Automating Open Science for Big Data
Authors: Crosas Mercè , King Gary , Honaker James , Sweeney Latanya
Published: April 2015

The vast majority of social science research uses small (megabyte- or gigabyte-scale) datasets. These fixed-scale datasets are commonly downloaded to the researcher’s computer where the analysis is performed. The data can be shared, archived, and cited with well-established technologies, such as the Dataverse Project, to support the published results. The trend toward big data—including large-scale streaming data—is starting to transform research and has the potential to impact policymaking as well as our understanding of the social, economic, and political problems that affect human societies. However, big data research poses new challenges to the execution of the analysis, archiving and reuse of the data, and reproduction of the results. Downloading these datasets to a researcher’s computer is impractical, leading to analyses taking place in the cloud, and requiring unusual expertise, collaboration, and tool development. The increased amount of information in these large datasets is an advantage, but at the same time it poses an increased risk of revealing personally identifiable sensitive information. In this article, we discuss solutions to these new challenges so that the social sciences can realize the potential of big data.
Fuzzy-set Case Studies
Authors: Mikkelsen Kim Sass
Published: April 2015

Contemporary case studies rely on verbal arguments and set theory to build or evaluate theoretical claims. While existing procedures excel in the use of qualitative information (information about kind), they ignore quantitative information (information about degree) at central points of the analysis. Effectively, contemporary case studies rely on crisp sets. In this article, I make the case for fuzzy-set case studies. I argue that the mechanisms that are the focal points of contemporary case study methods can be modeled as set-theoretic causal structures. I show how case study claims translate into sufficiency statements. And I show how these statements can be evaluated using fuzzy-set tools. This procedure permits the use of both qualitative and quantitative information throughout a case study. As a consequence, the analysis can determine whether one or more cases are both qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with its claims. Or whether some or all cases are consistent by kind but not by degree.
Blending of NR/BR/ENR/EPDM-g-GMA by reactive processing for tire sidewall applications
Authors: Ravanbakhsh Mansooreh , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Khalili Shahla
Published: April 2015

Application of ethylene–propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), along with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was investigated for tire sidewall blend. The presence of ENR and EPDM-g-GMA improved physico-mechanical properties of the blends. The best results were obtained using 5 phr EPDM-g-GMA in the blend. Tensile and tear strength of the blend with 5 phr EPDM-g-GMA were 13.7% and 46.5% higher than conventional blend of tire sidewall, respectively. Ozone resistance in dynamic condition of NR/BR/ENR with 5 phr EPDM-g-GMA were 20% and 30% superior than NR/butadiene rubber (BR)/ENR/EPDM and conventional NR/BR with N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)- N′-phenyl- p-phenylene, respectively. Improved mechanical and ozone resistance properties are due to better homogeneity of cross-link density and carbon black distribution in the blend.
The development of an analytical method for constructing noise contours
Authors: Lu Shih-Yi , Lin Kuei-Yi
Published: April 2015

Noise is one of the most pervasive occupational health problems. Noise contours provide useful information by clearly identifying areas where noise hazards exist. This study finds an efficient algorithm for computing sound level in industrial buildings that accounts for reverberation effects. This study proposes an analytical image method to calculate workplace noise distribution by using machinery noise labeling. Contours are then obtained by joining locations with equal noise levels using commercially available software. To demonstrate the application of the proposed method, a manufacturing plant building is considered. The computation algorithm accounts for distance and sound reflection to construct noise contours. The proposed approach could be used in industry for noise management when designing new plant buildings and installing machines.

Practical applications: Machine noise emission information will be widely used in practice to evaluate the potential and performance of noise levels in industrial buildings. Plant buildings should be designed to prevent or minimize any risks to health or safety resulting from the emission of noise. The construction of noise contours will have direct implications for the hearing conservation program.
“I’m Here to Do Business. I’m Not Here to Play Games.” Work, Consumption, and Masculinity in Storage Wars
Authors: Rademacher Mark A. , Kelly Casey
Published: April 2015

This essay examines the first season of Storage Wars and suggests the program helps mediate the putative crisis in American masculinity by suggesting that traditional male skills are still essential where knowledge supplants manual labor. We read representations of “men at work” in traditionally “feminine” consumer markets, as a form of masculine recuperation situated within the culture of White male injury. Specifically, Storage Wars appropriates omnivorous consumption, thrift, and collaboration to fit within the masculine repertoire of self-reliance, individualism, and competition. Thus, the program adapts hegemonic masculinity by showcasing male auction bidders adeptly performing feminine consumer practices. Whether the feminine is assimilated into the male body or represented as its Other, we contend that the expressions of masculinity in Storage Wars render women obsolete and subjugated in the marketplaces of the 21st-century economy and contribute to the mediation of the contemporary crisis in masculinity.
Being better than you is better for us
Authors: Thai Sabrina , Lockwood Penelope , Pinkus Rebecca T. , Chen Samuel Y.
Published: April 2015

A growing body of literature suggests that individuals respond more positively when outperformed by their partner (an upward comparison) than when they outperform the partner (a downward comparison). However, these findings may not apply to individuals high in attachment avoidance due to their negative working models of others. In two studies, we investigated whether feelings of closeness following social comparisons to the romantic partner are moderated by attachment avoidance. Participants were asked to recall (Study 1) and imagine (Study 2) comparisons. Avoidant participants felt closer to their partners following a downward comparison relative to an upward comparison. These studies suggest that for avoidant individuals, outperforming their partners is more beneficial for the relationship than being outperformed by their partners.
Pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence in female stroke patients: a randomized, controlled and blinded trial
Authors: Shin Doo Chul , Shin Seung Ho , Lee Myung Mo , Lee Kyoung Jin , Song Chang Ho
Published: April 2015

Objective:

To examine the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on the contractility of pelvic floor muscle and lower urinary tract symptoms in female stroke patients.

Design:

Randomized, single-blind controlled study.

Setting:

Outpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Subjects:

Thirty one female patients who were more than three months post-stroke and stress urinary incontinence.

Interventions:

The subjects were randomized to either a PFMT group ( n = 16), or a control group ( n = 15). Both groups received general rehabilitation exercise for 6 weeks, but the PFMT group additionally received PFMT for 6 weeks.

Main measures:

Vaginal function test using a perineometer (maximal vaginal squeeze pressure) and intra-vaginal electromyography (activity of pelvic floor muscle), and urinary symptoms and quality of life using a Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom questionnaire.

Results:

After intervention, the maximal vaginal squeeze pressures for the PFMT and control groups were 18.35 (5.24) and 8.46 (3.50) mmHg, respectively. And the activities of pelvic floor muscle of the PFMT and control groups was 12.09 (2.24) ㎶ and 9.33 (3.40) ㎶, respectively. After intervention, the changes of scores for inconvenience in the activity of daily living of the PFMT and control groups were −15.00 (6.25) and −0.17 (1.59), respectively. In addition, the changes of score for lower urinary tract symptom was improved more in the PFMT group (-4.17 (4.00)) than in the control group (-0.25 (1.29)) ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that PFMT is beneficial for the management of urinary incontinence in female stroke patients.
Effect of cross-sectional aspect ratio and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer-confined number on axial compression behavior of short columns
Authors: Liu Hua-Xin , Liu Gen-Jin , Wang Xue-Zhi , Kong Xiang-Qing
Published: April 2015

In order to study the axial compression behavior of rectangular concrete short columns that have been strengthened with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer sheets, the axial compression test were conducted on 15 groups specimens. The parameters are the cross aspect ratio and the number of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer layers. As the aspect ratio increases, the confined effect of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer decreases. The strength of one ply of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer decreases as the aspect ratio increases, the range is not very obvious, but the two ply of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer has the obvious decreasing tendency. With the increase in aspect ratio, the square and rectangular section columns of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer confined have a certain size effect. When the aspect ratio is 1.0, the values of fcc/fc0 by one ply of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer and two ply of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer are 1.14 and 1.50, respectively. And when the ratio is 2.0, the values of fcc/fc0 are 1.06 and 1.16. The confined effect is best when the aspect ratio is 1.0, while there is no significant effect with the ratio of 2.0. Results of the theoretical analysis compared with the experimental results show good agreement.
A Replication of the Technical Adequacy of the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire
Authors: Renshaw Tyler L.
Published: April 2015

The present study reports on a replication of the technical adequacy of the Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (SSWQ), which is a 16-item self-report instrument for assessing youth’s academic efficacy, educational purpose, joy of learning, and school connectedness, with a sample of adolescents in Grades 6 to 7 ( N = 438). Findings confirmed the SSWQ’s latent factor structure as well as the reliability and distribution of its factors/scales. Results also indicated that SSWQ scores had concurrent associations with youths’ self-reported academic achievement, cumulative risks, and cumulative assets. Overall, this study provides a strong, positive replication of the technical adequacy of the SSWQ, suggesting that it is a psychometrically sound measure for school psychological research and, potentially, practice. Prior to recommending the SSWQ for practical purposes in schools, however, applied research is needed to investigate issues related to incremental validity and treatment utility.
Examining the Relationship Between Role Models and Leadership Growth During the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Bowers Jill R. , Rosch David M. , Collier Daniel A.
Published: April 2015

Leadership and developmental scholars have highlighted the need to enhance youth leadership skills. Yet, research that explains youths’ perceptions of how and when role models influences their leadership growth processes is limited. To address these gaps and begin to develop an understanding of youths’ perspectives, we employed a qualitative, grounded theory design and interviewed emerging adults ( N = 23) about their perceptions of their own leadership development. Our analysis resulted in a role model–driven framework for youth leadership development. This framework illustrates participants’ descriptions of the leadership growth process between adolescence and emerging adulthood, including the ways in which youths’ motivation to lead was facilitated by the qualities of relational role models, their knowledge of opportunities, the relational role models’ beliefs in youths potential, and the fact that they were inspired by positional role models.
Striving for Sacred
Authors: Quisumbing King Katrina
Published: April 2015

This essay is an account of how young people, deeply committed to sustainability, struggle to live according to their beliefs. In light of a growing population, limited arable land, and possible food shortages, an organization known as Students for Sustainable Agriculture (SSA) responds to the threat of industrial agriculture. These students strive to do what is good for the earth, good for their bodies, and good for their community. They do so by revering food and creating a set of practices that distinguish them as believers in sustainable agriculture. Still, practical difficulties of everyday life make it difficult for them to live by the rules they create. As students living in a wealthy country, contending with environmental degradation, SSA’ers attempt to negotiate their moral commitments with what they can effectually realize. To align their practices with their articulated morals, SSA’ers make alternative consumption choices. Like others who struggle to live according to a set of principles that run counter to what is easy and convenient, these students strive to live true to their beliefs. They try to avoid losses in moral strength, and they repent for situations in which their actions contradict the rules that govern their moral world.
Synthesis and properties of sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone) copolymer
Authors: Shen Kunzhi , Dong Bo , Wang Yan , Lin Liming , Chen Zheng
Published: April 2015

A series of novel sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone)s copolymer (SPAEKS- x) were synthesized by polycondensation reaction of commercial 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 4,4′-dichlorodiphenylsulfone, 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenylether, and 3,3′disulfonate-4,4′-difluorobenzophenone. The degree of sulfonation was realized by controlling quantities of the sulfonated monomer. The structure of SPAEKS- x was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared instrument. The tough, flexible, and transparent films of SPAEKS- x were obtained by solution casting. These membranes with desired ion-exchange capacity (IEC) values showed good thermal stability and mechanical properties. The proton conductivity of SPAEKS- x with the IEC of 1.44 meq. g−1 is very close to that of Nafion 117 in a temperature range from 20°C to 100°C. SPAEKS- x copolymers, which combine the advantages of the sufficiently high proton transport conductivity and enhanced physical properties, will be the potential alternative materials to Nafion for proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
Electric discharge machining – A potential choice for surface modification of metallic implants for orthopedic applications: A review
Authors: Prakash Chander , Kansal Harmesh K , Pabla BS , Puri Sanjeev , Aggarwal Aditya
Published: April 2015

Among the various metallic implant materials, titanium (Ti) alloy is the best choice for the long-term hard body tissue replacements such as hip and knee joints. It has excellent mechanical, superior biological and strong anticorrosion properties. Besides the appropriate implant material, its surface topology also plays a very important role in the success of any surgery. The surface topology is supposed to be the key factor for the promotion of osseointegration. This research article focuses its attention mainly on surface modification of Ti-based alloys by electric discharge machining process. Electric discharge machining is one of the most popular nonconventional manufacturing methods. Besides machining and surface modification of implants, it finds applications in almost all areas of manufacturing industries. This article reviews the various research work done on surface modification of Ti alloy by electric discharge machining and attempts to bring out the current scenario along with future directions. The area under focus for this research review is orthopedics applications. Furthermore, a new promising advancement in the area of enhancement of electric discharge machining performance for surface modification, particularly with regard to biocompatibility and surface quality of biomaterials, has also been introduced.
Resource allocation model in cloud manufacturing
Authors: Wang Shi-long , Zhu Zhe-qi , Kang Ling
Published: April 2015

Allocation of resources in cloud manufacturing is one of the key points of cloud manufacturing technology. To optimize cloud manufacturing resource management, it is indispensable to improve the process and efficiency of scheduling by matching jobs with resources according to the size of the job and establishing a four-level structure for resources based on the enterprise level, workshop level, primitive cell and service level. A resource scheduling model containing four indicators of cost, time, quality and risk with their own mathematical expressions is proposed. We also simulate the model with a new swap-shuffled leap-frog algorithm (SSFLA). Finally, we test the algorithm with different example scales and different end conditions and compare it with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The result shows that SSFLA performs well in convergence speed and robustness and does much better than PSO and GA. This algorithm provides an alternative choice for allocation of resources in cloud manufacturing model.
Large eddy simulation of methane diffusion jet flame with representation of chemical kinetics using artificial neural network
Authors: Sinaei Payam , Tabejamaat Sadegh
Published: April 2015

Chemical kinetics modeling within the numerical simulations of turbulent reactive flows is a critical issue. In this study, first a large eddy simulation of a non-premixed planar methane jet flame with artificial neural network -based chemical kinetics is performed. To consider the effects of turbulence on the evolution of the thermo-chemical state space, the artificial neural network training patterns are obtained by solving the unsteady reaction-diffusion equations of linear eddy mixing sub-grid combustion model. The optimization procedure for selecting the optimum neural network architecture is discussed in detail. A flow field analysis and a comparison between a non-reactive jet with the same velocity boundary conditions with the flame jet are performed. It is shown that the non-reactive jet is more turbulent and vortical structures of the non-reactive jet occur closer to the jet exit compared to the flame jet. Second, in a first attempt to quantify the influence of different chemical kinetics methods, large eddy simulation computations are performed with other methods used to represent the chemical kinetics such as direct integration and look-up table. A comparative study is performed between the averaged, instantaneous and fluctuation profiles of the scalar field and flame structures obtained by each method. Although all large eddy simulation results are very close to each other, the main discrepancy is observed for CO mass fractions obtained by artificial neural network and look-up table-based chemical kinetics simulations. It is also shown that the averaged scalar field and the conditional averaged values of the flame are overestimated by look-up table based chemical kinetics large eddy simulation computations. Moreover, the potential savings of artificial neural network in computational costs in comparison with other chemistry approaches are illustrated.
RETRACTED: Dynamic analysis of viral load, T-lymphocyte subset count, γ-gt and lactate of pre-therapy and post-treatment AIDS patients
Authors: Su Guosheng , Li Shan , Qin Xue , Luo Xiaolu , Huang Wanhong , Wei Shanqiu , Su Hanzhen , Luo Shunda , Liu Zeduan
Published: April 2015

Dynamic analysis of viral load, T-lymphocyte subset count, γ-gt and lactate of pre-therapy and post-treatment AIDS patients

Guosheng Su, Shan Li, Xue Qin, Xiaolu Luo, Wanhong Huang, Shanqiu Wei, Hanzhen Su, Shunda Luo, and Zeduan Liu

The International Journal of STD & AIDS first published the above article on April 9, 2015 as doi:10.1177/0956462415576424

The above article has now been withdrawn from publication
Time budget, news search time cost, and news media choice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqun , Ha Louisa
Published: April 2015

Applying a microeconomic framework, this study analyzes how people allocate their time on traditional and new news media in the age of media abundance. It argues that people with tight time budgets (more work time and less leisure time) spend less time on the consumption of traditional news media than people with loose time budgets (more leisure time and less work time). Moreover, people with tight time budgets allocate more of their news consumption time on new media than people with loose time budgets because of the low “news search time cost” common to new media services. Data for the empirical analysis were collected in a random sample mail survey with 253 respondents in the Midwest United States from September to November, 2012.
Male Parenting Attitudes and Batterer Intervention
Authors: Burnette Catherine E. , Ferreira Regardt J. , Buttell Fred
Published: April 2015

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between parenting attitudes and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and identify factors associated with program completion for a 26-week batterer intervention program (BIP).

Method:

The study employed a nonequivalent, control-group design (comparing program completers to dropouts) in a secondary analysis of 111 men court ordered to the BIP.

Results:

Correlational and logistic regression analysis indicated (1) a modest relationship between the parenting attitudes and the IPV perpetration, (2) a significant model for predicting parenting attitudes scores using number of children and racial group, and (3) BIP treatment completion could be successfully predicted by education.

Conclusion:

These findings reveal characteristics of male batterers, as they relate to parenting attitudes and provide preliminary evidence suggesting that men in treatment for IPV offenses endorse a host of negative parenting attitudes. Implications of these findings were explored and discussed.
Support Systems for Treatment Integrity
Authors: Goense Pauline Brigitta , Boendermaker Leonieke , van Yperen Tom
Published: April 2015

Objective:

This systematic review evaluates the content of effective support provided to practitioners of evidence-based interventions in order to establish and maintain treatment integrity.

Method:

Four articles covering six outcome studies are included in this review, these studies (1) adequately operationalized treatment integrity procedures and (2) showed sufficient effects of the support on levels of treatment integrity.

Results:

The results show that an effective support system consists of a minimum combination of training and ongoing support (supervision, consultation, and coaching), preferably extended with booster sessions.

Conclusions:

The review provides specific information on effective content of this support which practitioners and intervention developers can use in order to establish and maintain treatment integrity of their planned interventions.
Dynamic Sustainability
Authors: Stergiopoulos Vicky , Zerger Suzanne , Jeyaratnam Jeyagobi , Connelly Jolynn , Kruk Katherine , O’Campo Patricia , Hwang Stephen
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Although Housing First (HF) is a popular evidence-based intervention for persons experiencing homelessness and mental illness, research exploring its sustainability over time is scant. This mixed methods study captures practitioners' perspectives on key shifts in implementation of Housing First in a large urban center, and factors affecting fidelity to the model over time.

Methods:

This study uses fidelity assessments, at baseline and 18-months later, completed as part of the largest field trial of Housing First to date, and qualitative data from 28 front-line service providers and their managers.

Results:

Our findings reveal how the shifting landscape of implementation morphed some early troublespots into persistent challenges and exposed key factors facilitating fidelity to the model in a dynamic context.

Conclusions:

This study supports the importance of gathering provider perspectives over time to optimize the fit between the model and its changing local contexts and ensure maximal benefit of the intervention.
Interventions to Improve Responses of Helping Professionals to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Choi Y. Joon , An Soonok
Published: April 2015

Objective:

The purpose of the study is to systematically review the available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve the response of various helping professionals who come into contact with female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods:

Several databases were searched, and N = 38 studies met the inclusion criteria for review.

Results:

The quick scoping review identified 5 types of intervention behavioral outcomes: (1) IPV screening and assessment, (2) IPV identification, (3) referral, (4) other behavioral outcomes, and (5) multiple behavioral outcomes. Eighty percent of the reviewed studies were conducted in health care settings, with only eight studies in non–health care settings. Ninety percent of the studies reported positive effects on at least one outcome measure, however, only 10 studies were rated as good quality.

Conclusions:

This review pinpoints the pressing need for more rigorous studies using randomized controlled design, especially in non–health care settings in IPV.
Changes in Perceptions of Opioids Before and After Admission to Palliative Care Units in Japan
Authors: Kinoshita Satomi , Miyashita Mitsunori , Morita Tatsuya , Sato Kazuki , Miyazaki Tamana , Shoji Ayaka , Chiba Yurika , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to clarify perspectives of bereaved family members regarding opioids and compare perceptions before admission and after bereavement. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey for bereaved family members in 100 inpatient palliative care units was administered. Participants were 297 bereaved family members of patients who used opioids. Many bereaved family members had misconceptions of opioids before admission. There was improvement after bereavement, but understanding remained low. Respondents less than 65 years old showed significantly greater decreases in misconceptions regarding opioids compared to older generations, after bereavement. Bereaved family members who were misinformed about opioids by physicians were significantly more likely to have misconceptions about opioids. Educational interventions for physicians are needed to ensure that they offer correct information to the general population.
Low-Dose Systemic Alteplase (tPA) for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Brandt Kimberly , McGinn Kaitlin , Quedado Jeffrey
Published: April 2015

Objective: To review and evaluate the evidence regarding the use of low-dose regimens of alteplase (tPA) for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). Data Sources: A PubMed search (1966-January 2015) was conducted using the search terms pulmonary embolism, drug therapy, thrombolytic therapy, fibrinolytic agents, and tissue plasminogen activator. Articles were cross-referenced for additional citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Clinical trials and case reports published in the English language assessing the use of low-dose systemic tPA for the treatment of PE were reviewed for inclusion. Data Synthesis: tPA is a thrombolytic agent indicated for the treatment of massive and submassive PE. Major bleeding complications of tPA are dose dependent and may occur in up to 6.4% of patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy of low-dose tPA, particularly showing its benefit in patients with a low body weight (<65 kg) and right-ventricular dysfunction. Furthermore, case reports have safely used lower doses of tPA in patients at higher risk of bleeding, including elderly, pregnant, and surgical patients. Conclusions: The available data suggest that low-dose tPA may be a safe and effective treatment option for acute PE, particularly in patients at a high risk of bleeding. More studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing regimen of tPA for PE.
Dolutegravir Has No Effect on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Contraceptives With Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol
Authors: Song Ivy H. , Borland Julie , Chen Shuguang , Wajima Toshihiro , Peppercorn Amanda F. , Piscitelli Stephen C.
Published: April 2015

Background: Dolutegravir (DTG; Tivicay; ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, NC) is an HIV-1-unboosted integrase inhibitor with no cytochrome P450 or uridine 5′diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase inhibition or induction. As DTG is administered to HIV-1–infected women receiving oral contraceptives, assessing the potential for drug interactions was warranted. Objective: To determine the impact of DTG on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of a common oral contraceptive, norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (NGM/EE; Ortho-Cyclen; Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Raritan, NJ). Methods: This randomized, 2-period, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted within 1 menstrual cycle at 1 clinical center in the United States; 16 women were enrolled. Participants received NGM 0.25 mg/EE 0.035 mg throughout the study. During days 1 to 10, they were randomized to receive twice-daily DTG 50 mg or matching placebo with food and switched to the other treatment during days 12 to 21. Results: Ratios of area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 until end of the dosage interval (AUC0-τ), maximum plasma concentration, and concentration at the end of the dosage interval of norelgestromin with DTG treatment to the same PK parameters with placebo treatment were 0.975, 0.890, and 0.932, respectively; for EE, ratios were 1.03, 0.99, and 1.02, respectively. No significant differences in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone were detected on days 1, 10, 11, 21, and 22. DTG steady-state AUC0-τ was similar to historical data. No severe or grade 3/4 adverse events occurred. Conclusions: DTG had no effect on NGM/EE PK or PD. NGM/EE can be administered with DTG without dose adjustment.
Survival Analysis of the Single- and Double-Coated STAR Ankle up to 20 Years
Authors: Henricson Anders , Carlsson Åke
Published: April 2015

Background:

The Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) has been used widely in Europe and more recently in the United States. We studied the results of the single-coated and the double-coated STAR with long-term follow-up.

Methods:

All STARs (n = 324) used in Sweden (first implanted in 1993) were included. Prosthetic survival was estimated according to Kaplan-Meier.

Results:

The 14-year survival of the single-coated STAR was 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.66), and the 12-year survival of the double-coated STAR was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.57-0.71). Women younger than 60 years with osteoarthritis had a statistically significantly higher risk of revision than men and than patients with other diagnoses.

Conclusion:

The long-term results of the STAR prosthesis are not encouraging. The results seem to deteriorate by time.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The Juvenile Sex Offender
Authors: van Den Berg Chantal , Bijleveld Catrien , Hendriks Jan
Published: April 2015

In this article, we investigate whether the life events of marriage, parenthood, and employment were associated with general offending for a Dutch sample of 498 juvenile sex offenders (JSOs). In previous empirical studies, these life events were found to limit adult general offending in the population as well as high-risk samples. A hybrid random effects model is used to investigate within-individual changes of these life events in association with general offending. We also investigated whether the findings differed for child abusers, peer abusers, and group offenders, as they have distinct background profiles. We found that JSOs make limited transitions into the state of marriage, parenthood, and employment, showing overall stagnating participation rates. For the entire sample of JSOs, employment was found to be associated with a decrease in offending. Group offenders benefited most from employment. Marriage and parenthood were not associated with the general offending patterns, whereas for child abusers, parenthood was associated with an increase in offending. We conclude that policies aimed at guidance toward employment, or inclusion into conventional society, may be effective for JSOs.
An Estimate of Potential Savings From Removing Traffic Signals in a Depopulating Urban Area
Authors: Schrader Michael H. , Hummer Joseph E.
Published: April 2015

A common rule of thumb for signalization in a city is one traffic signal for every 1,000 residents. When a city is depopulating, does this ratio apply when determining how many signals can be removed? The City of Detroit has lost 61% of its population since its peak. If signals were installed to serve the peak population, applying this rule of thumb, 61% of the signal inventory should be able to be removed. An operational analysis was performed on a random sample of the signal inventory of the City. Based on this sample, it was determined that 30% of the signal inventory could be removed and replaced with either two-way or all-way stop control, while still maintaining adequate levels-of-service for all approaches, resulting in a savings of US$460,000 to US$3,700,000 annually in operating costs. Other cities with declining populations should conduct similar analyses to reveal the extent of potential savings.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of asymmetry on the residual strength of a composite sandwich panel
Authors: James Chris T , Cunningham Paul R , Watson Andrew
Published: April 2015

Asymmetric sandwich panels with skins of differing thickness are subjected to various degrees of damage via quasi-static indentation before compressive loading to failure. These are compared with panels with skins of equal thickness. The experiments show that the asymmetric panels experience an improvement in strength with small amounts of indentation compared with undamaged asymmetric panels, and for more severe damage, show greater residual strength than the symmetric panels. The two configurations are numerically modelled using Abaqus, including inter- and intra-laminar damage, and core crushing. The strength predictions from the models agree well with the experiments.
Toenail Onychomycosis—A Canadian Approach With a New Transungual Treatment
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Sibbald R. Gary , Andriessen Anneke , Belley Richard , Boroditsky Alan , Botros Mariam , Chelin Robert , Gulliver Wayne , Keast David , Raman Mani
Published: April 2015

Background:

Onychomycosis is a difficult-to-treat infection whose current treatment paradigm relies primarily on oral antifungals. The emergence of new topical drugs broadens the therapeutic options and prompts a re-evaluation of the current Canadian treatment strategy.

Objective:

To define a patient-centred Canadian treatment strategy for onychomycosis.

Methods:

An expert panel of doctors who treat onychomycosis was convened. A systematic review of the literature on treatments for onychomycosis was conducted. Based on the results, a survey was designed to determine a consensus treatment system.

Results:

First-line therapy should be selected based on nail plate involvement, with terbinafine for severe onychomycosis (>60% involvement), terbinafine or efinaconazole for moderate onychomycosis (20%-60% involvement), and efinaconazole for mild onychomycosis (<20% involvement). Comorbidities, patient preference and adherence, or nail thickness may result in the use of alternative oral or topical antifungals.

Conclusion:

These guidelines allow healthcare providers and patients to make informed choices about preventing and treating onychomycosis.
Hiring the experts: best practices for community-engaged research
Authors: Hardy Lisa J , Hughes Amy , Hulen Elizabeth , Figueroa Alejandra , Evans Coral , Begay R Cruz
Published: April 2015

Community-engaged approaches to research and practice continue to show success in addressing health equity and making long-term change for partnership relationships and structures of power. The usefulness of these approaches is either diminished or bolstered by community trust, which can be challenging for partnerships to achieve. In this research note we present an example process for recruiting, interviewing, and hiring community researchers as a starting place for capacity building and for laying the foundation for data collection and analysis in health-related community projects.
Intercultural doctoral supervision: The centrality of place, time and other forms of knowledge
Authors: Manathunga Catherine
Published: April 2015

In order to wrestle effectively with the problems facing our world in the 21st century, we need to draw together the vast array of knowledge systems that all human cultures have produced. This means creating space for Southern, Eastern and Indigenous knowledge in universities and developing more effective forms of intercultural communication. In a recent book, I argued that intercultural doctoral supervision could be a key site for the recognition and ongoing development of Southern, Eastern and Indigenous knowledge. In order for this to become possible, I suggested that there needs to be a serious commitment to understanding how place, time and knowledge play out in supervision across and between cultures. The purpose of this essay is to briefly outline my attempts to (re)read a range of ‘Southern’ theoretical resources pedagogically and through interview data in order generate a series of implications for intercultural doctoral supervision.
The globalisation of higher education and the sojourner academic: Insights into challenges experienced by newly appointed international academic staff in a UK university
Authors: Walker Patricia
Published: April 2015

The increasingly diverse nature of the higher education academic community in the United Kingdom is under-researched and under-theorised. This article presents an exploratory study of the lived experiences of newly appointed international academic staff as expressed in their written reflections on their professional practice and interpreted by the author using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Challenges identified as resulting from individuals’ enculturation in a different system of education from that in which they are currently operating may form the basis of a larger scale study.
After Access
Authors: Means Darris R. , Pyne Kimberly B.
Published: April 2015

This qualitative study explores the perceived impact of college-going capital gained during participation in a college access program. In three, semistructured interviews spanning the first-year college experience, 10 first-year college students who participated in a college access program articulate the value of access programming and also raise questions about the long-term efficacy of access lessons. Findings reveal that participants experienced surprise and discomfort around two primary issues: their racial and socioeconomic difference from their more majoritarian peers and their academic underpreparedness for college-level work. Students’ narratives of college revealed how the college access program may be presenting a false reality of college in some ways. Implications include the need to restructure college access programming and the need for higher education institutions and college access programs to partner together to better support underrepresented students.
Parental, Residential, and Self-Belief Factors Influencing Academic Persistence Decisions of College Freshmen
Authors: Walsh Kelsey J. , Robinson Kurpius Sharon E.
Published: April 2015

Based on Tinto’s model of academic persistence, this study explored background and personal factors that theoretically impact the academic persistence decisions of college freshmen. The factors studied were (a) parental educational attainment, (b) parental valuing of education, (c) high school grade point average, (d) residential status (on- vs. off-campus), (e) personal valuing of education, (f) perceived academic preparation, (g) academic self-expectancy, (h) educational self-efficacy, and (i) self-esteem. The study sample consisted of 378 (135 male and 243 female) freshmen who were 18 and 19 years old. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that more positive academic persistence decisions were predicted by residential status (living on-campus) and self-beliefs, specifically greater educational self-efficacy, self-esteem, and personal valuing of education. These findings suggest that researchers, counselors, and college policy makers consider residential status as well as students’ beliefs about themselves when making decisions related to increasing retention of college freshmen.
Examining the Impact of the Engineering Successful/Unsuccessful Grading (SUG) Program on Student Retention
Authors: Novak Heather , Paguyo Christina , Siller Thomas
Published: April 2015

In this study, we analyzed the Successful/Unsuccessful Grading (SUG) program, an intervention that was founded at a large public university to support students during their transition into the first year of undergraduate engineering (EG) coursework. To understand how the SUG program impacts student retention of EG majors, we conducted an analysis guided by the following research questions: (a) Does participation in the SUG program have a positive impact on a student’s likelihood of being retained within the College of Engineering? and (b) Does the SUG program have a differential impact for students who are underrepresented, female and minority students, in the College of Engineering? To address these inquiries, we leverage Bean and Eaton’s (2000, 2001–2002) Psychological Model of College Student Retention as our theoretical framework and Propensity Score Analysis as our methodological tool. Findings provide insight for EG educational practices and future research trajectories regarding retention.
Use of a Fibrinogen/Thrombin-Based Collagen Fleece (TachoComb, TachoSil) With a Stapled Closure to Prevent Pancreatic Fistula Formation Following Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Mita Kazuhito , Ito Hideto , Murabayashi Ryo , Asakawa Hideki , Nabetani Masashi , Kamasako Akira , Koizumi Kazuya , Hayashi Takashi
Published: April 2015

Background/Purpose. Postoperative pancreatic fistula formation remains a source of significant morbidity following distal pancreatectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of clinically significant fistulas (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula grade B and grade C) after distal pancreatectomy using a fibrinogen/thrombin-based collagen fleece (TachoComb, TachoSil) with a stapled closure. Methods. Seventy-five patients underwent distal pancreatectomy at our institution between January 2005 and March 2014. A fibrinogen/thrombin-based collagen fleece was applied to the staple line of the pancreas before stapling. Results. Twenty-six patients (34.7%) developed a pancreatic fistula, 8 patients (10.7%) developed a grade B fistula, and no patients developed a grade C fistula. The duration of the drain was significantly different in patients with or without a pancreatic fistula (8.0 ± 4.5 vs 5.4 ± 1.3 days, P = .0003). Histological analysis showed that there was a tight covering with the fibrinogen/thrombin-based collagen fleece. Conclusion. The fibrinogen/thrombin-based collagen fleece (TachoComb, TachoSil) with a stapled closure has low rates of fistula formation and provides a safe alternative to the conventional stapled technique in distal pancreatectomy.