bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operational energy use and power demands in European HVAC components
Authors: Knight IP
Published: November 2015

This paper is presented in the context of a gradual move from energy management at a Building level to energy management at Component level. This move requires specific energy consumption and power demand benchmarks to allow measured component energy use and power demands to be put into context. The paper presents a methodology for collecting and collating the data needed for producing these benchmarks from measured operational data. This methodology was tested in the European iSERVcmb project. Example benchmarks from iSERVcmb are provided along with links to the full published data. The paper concludes that large scale measurement and comparison of detailed operational data are possible and useful in support of achieving operationally low energy buildings.

Practical application: The explosion of low-cost operational data availability at the level of individual components can be used to improve understanding of their operational energy efficiency in the context of the overall efficiency of a building. The paper shows this data can: Be collected from all types of buildings across all EU Member States Produce benchmark ranges of operational energy consumption and power demands at the level of individual components serving given activities Applying this benchmarked data in the design and operation of buildings will: Improve their operational energy efficiency, Enable legislation using this data to show compliance
Improving music teaching and learning through online service: A case study of a synchronous online teaching internship
Authors: Pike Pamela D.
Published: November 2015

This case study explored the potential for using a synchronous online piano teaching internship as a service-learning project for graduate pedagogy interns. In partnership with the university, a local music retailer, and a local middle school, three pedagogy interns taught beginning piano to underprivileged teenaged students for 8 weeks. All instruction took place in the synchronous online environment using acoustic Disklavier pianos, Internet MIDI, Facetime, and traditional method books. As a result of the experience, the students demonstrated musical understanding and the pedagogy interns developed teaching techniques, displayed improved comprehension of course content, learned about current distance teaching technology, and considered the role of music education in society. Based on these results, it might be feasible to provide piano lessons to underserved populations in remote locations while offering meaningful internship experiences to pedagogy students through distance service-learning projects.
Quantifying the burden of opioid medication errors in adult oncology and palliative care settings: A systematic review
Authors: Heneka Nicole , Shaw Tim , Rowett Debra , Phillips Jane L
Published: November 2015

Background:

Opioids are the primary pharmacological treatment for cancer pain and, in the palliative care setting, are routinely used to manage symptoms at the end of life. Opioids are one of the most frequently reported drug classes in medication errors causing patient harm. Despite their widespread use, little is known about the incidence and impact of opioid medication errors in oncology and palliative care settings.

Aim:

To determine the incidence, types and impact of reported opioid medication errors in adult oncology and palliative care patient settings.

Design:

A systematic review.

Data sources:

Five electronic databases and the grey literature were searched from 1980 to August 2014. Empirical studies published in English, reporting data on opioid medication error incidence, types or patient impact, within adult oncology and/or palliative care services, were included. Popay’s narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse data.

Results:

Five empirical studies were included in this review. Opioid error incidence rate was difficult to ascertain as each study focussed on a single narrow area of error. The predominant error type related to deviation from opioid prescribing guidelines, such as incorrect dosing intervals. None of the included studies reported the degree of patient harm resulting from opioid errors.

Conclusion:

This review has highlighted the paucity of the literature examining opioid error incidence, types and patient impact in adult oncology and palliative care settings. Defining, identifying and quantifying error reporting practices for these populations should be an essential component of future oncology and palliative care quality and safety initiatives.
Rhythmic and melodic sight reading interventions: Two meta-analyses
Authors: Mishra Jennifer
Published: November 2015

The purpose of these meta-analyses was twofold: 1) to determine whether experimentally - tested sight reading interventions positively influenced rhythmic or melodic sight reading performance and if so; 2) to explore whether the interventions differentially affected rhythmic and melodic sight reading. Two meta-analyses were conducted; one comprised experimental research measuring rhythmic sight reading (46 studies; 68 individual analyses) and another comprised research measuring melodic sight reading (21 studies; 35 individual analyses). Analyses revealed small overall effect sizes (Rhythmic: d = −0.34, 95% CI [−0.50, –0.19]; Melodic: d = −0.35, 95% CI [−0.59, –0.12]). Moderator variables were used to examine how effect size was influenced by treatment type and other study-level design elements. Treatment type significantly influenced both rhythmic and melodic sight reading. For rhythm, treatments that focused on counting systems and included movement or rhythmic drill positively affected sight reading. Melodic results are preliminary due to the limited number of studies, but based on the information available, treatments using collaboration activities or instrumental training positively affected sight reading. Varying notation did not improve sight reading. The type of sight reading (rhythmic, melodic) significantly affected the effectiveness of some treatments.
Self-determined motivation for practice in university music students
Authors: Evans Paul , Bonneville-Roussy Arielle
Published: November 2015

This study adopted self-determination theory as means to understanding the motivation of university music students. The self-determination theory framework contends that three psychological needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy must be fulfilled in order to maintain psychological wellbeing. In turn, needs fulfilment results in autonomous motivation, in which activities are perceived to be aligned with the self and are consequently experienced as personally important, interesting, and enjoyable. We surveyed students ( N = 392) from schools of music in nine universities in Australia and New Zealand to examine whether needs fulfilment and autonomous motivation within the university music learning context would explain context-specific affect and behaviour. Hypothesised relationships were tested using structural equation modelling. Psychological needs fulfilment and autonomous motivation explained more frequent practice, more frequent quality practice, and a higher preference for challenging tasks. This study is among the first self-determination theory studies in the domain of music learning at the university level, and thus the results are described in terms of the potential of this theory to more fully explain interesting and under-researched aspects of this environment, including student wellbeing, anxiety, preparations for a long-term career in music, and pedagogical implications.
Experiments at the margins
Authors: Pheasant-Kelly Fran
Published: November 2015

Science is a discipline defined by empiricism and reliable methodologies that result in predictable outcomes. Yet, cutting-edge experiments inevitably involve an element of the unknown, an aspect which science fiction exploits for dramatic effect. Furthermore, fictional science is freed from the ethical constraints that regulate real-world experimentation and is therefore often transgressive. Even as films capitalize on unethical practices and cutting-edge scenarios for dramatic and commercial reasons, the origin of the filmmaker and/or place of production may affect a film’s content. A film is also obviously subject to legal constraints, according to the country of origin, and classification codes in its place of exhibition. Thus, while the very nature of science fiction may cause it to appear morally unbridled, there are nonetheless multiple inhibitions entrenched in such depictions. By drawing on relevant cinematic examples, including Prometheus, The Hunger Games and District 9, and scientific scenarios on which these films are based, this essay explores how the unpredictable nature of advances in science, in combination with a lack of ethics, foregrounds the dangerous dimensions of science fiction.
Durability and prediction models of fiber-reinforced polymer composites under various environmental conditions: A critical review
Authors: Wang Jun , GangaRao Hota , Liang Ruifeng , Liu Weiqing
Published: November 2015

This article presents recent developments in long-term behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer composites subjected to moisture, pH, temperature, sustained stress and ultraviolet radiation, as well as response under combined effects of moisture, pH, etc. Although numerous experiments have been conducted to investigate the durability of fiber-reinforced polymers under different environments, at this stage, it is difficult to ascertain the degradation trends and mechanisms of failures of fiber-reinforced polymers because of non-standardization of various conditioning effects and variation in material constituent. Recent findings on the long-term performance of fiber-reinforced polymer composites are synthesized herein. This article critically examined not only the moisture uptake response, mechanical property and failure modes of fiber-reinforced polymers under varying environments, but also the degradation mechanism through physical and chemical reactions. Moreover, based on information in literature, long-term predictive models were described along with the application potential and limitations. The strength reduction factors were proposed from available data to account for the environmental effects on fiber-reinforced polymers.
Smart macroencapsulated resin/wax composite for energy conservation in the built environment
Authors: Moulahi Chadia , Trigui Abdelwaheb , Boudaya Chokri , Karkri Mustapha
Published: November 2015

This study reports the results of experimental and numerical investigations on the thermophysical properties and the process of melting of a phase-change composite material. The proposed phase-change composite material based on epoxy resin with spherical shape paraffin wax (RT27) was used as a new thermal storage system. Thermal characterization was performed using a transient guarded hot plate technique. The results revealed the importance of thermal storage by latent heat. The numerical analysis is realized using numerical COMSOL® Multiphysics 4.3b. The effect of various parameters of the numerical solution on the results is examined: in particular, the term describing the mushy zone in the momentum equation and the influence of temperature melting range. The findings of the experimental investigation compare favorably with the numerical results.
Caregiving, Transport-Related, and Demographic Correlates of Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults
Authors: White Maya N. , King Abby C. , Sallis James F. , Frank Lawrence D. , Saelens Brian E. , Conway Terry L. , Cain Kelli L. , Kerr Jacqueline
Published: November 2015

Objective: Excess sedentary time predicts negative health outcomes independent of physical activity. The present investigation examined informal caregiving duties and transportation-related factors as potential correlates of sedentary behavior in older adults. Method: Average daily sedentary time was measured via accelerometer in adults ages 66 years and older ( N = 861). Caregiving variables included dog ownership and informal family caregiving status. Transportation variables included driver status, walking distance to public transit, and reported presence of pedestrians and bicyclists in one’s neighborhood. Results: In multivariate models, owning a dog and being a driver were associated with less sedentary time ( p ≤ .01). Educational status and geographic region modified the association between dog ownership and sedentary time, and age modified the association between driver status and sedentary time. Discussion: This study identified that older adult dog owners and drivers were less sedentary. Both factors may create opportunities for older adults to get out of their homes.
A rotary valve controlled electro-hydraulic vibration exciter
Authors: Wang He , Gong Guofang , Zhou Hongbin , Wang Wei , Liu Yi
Published: November 2015

When sinusoidal vibration waveform is required, the frequency bandwidth of conventional electro-hydraulic vibration exciter controlled by servo valve is always limited to a rather narrow range due to the limits of slide valve structure and response speed, and no parameter is available for defining and evaluating the waveform quality. In this paper, a novel electro-hydraulic vibration exciter controlled by electromotor driven rotary valve is proposed to significantly extend the frequency range compared to the conventional servo valve controlled counterpart. Total harmonic distortion (THD) theory which is usually used to cope with voltage and current in electric system is borrowed to evaluate the quality of theoretical and experimental vibration waveforms at different supply pressures and vibration frequencies, quantitatively and qualitatively. The results show that the waveform quality is mainly influenced by the 3rd harmonic resonance. The proposed vibration exciter can output sinusoidal waveform with THD less than 5% at the vibration frequency higher than 70 Hz. In this frequency domain, the supply pressure has an extremely low impact on the THD of the waveform. The amplitude of the waveform can be adjusted by changing the supply pressure with almost no effect to the waveform quality at a certain vibration frequency.
Identification and characterization of the hydraulic unit in an anti-lock brake system
Authors: Moaveni Bijan , Barkhordari Pegah
Published: November 2015

The present paper identifies single-input single-output linear minimum-order models for the hydraulic unit of an anti-lock brake system in the increase mode and the decrease mode. The input variable and the output variable in the models for the increase mode and the decrease mode are the pressure of master cylinder and the pressure of the brake caliper respectively. In the process of model identification, excitation signals are designed by introducing a novel method to change the states of the solenoid supply valve and the solenoid discharge valve and to generate different operating modes. It is shown that the excitation signals are persistently exciting of a certain order and cover the bandwidth of the system. In this study, the structure models (the output error model, the autoregressive with exogenous input model, the autoregressive moving-average with exogenous input model and the box Jenkins model) are identified for the increase mode and the decrease mode by employing the experimental data of a test automobile and using the ordinary least-squares method and the prediction error method. After validation of the model outcome by comparison with the experimental results, the best models are presented for the increase mode and the decrease mode of the hydraulic unit in a test automobile.
Autoimmune myelofibrosis with pancytopenia as a presenting manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus responsive to mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Ungprasert P , Chowdhary V R , Davis M D , Makol A
Published: November 2015

Hematological abnormalities, such as anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia, secondary to peripheral destruction, are common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, cytopenias from autoimmune myelofibrosis (AIMF) are extremely uncommon in SLE, with less than 40 reported cases in the literature. We report the case of a 33-year-old female who presented with bullous skin lesions and pancytopenia as the presenting manifestation of what was ultimately diagnosed as SLE with AIMF. She responded well to glucocorticoids and mycophenolate mofetil.
Time for innovation: Concurrent and conflicting metaphors of time in a knowledge MNC
Authors: Asimakou Theodora
Published: November 2015

The paper studies two temporal metaphors, modern and poetic, encountered in a knowledge-based organization where they co-exist and conflict. It argues that the two metaphors are wedded to different discourses, i.e. to the macro-business and the micro-scientific discourse, respectively; hence, knowledge activities such as thinking and writing are increasingly rendered incomprehensible in commercialized research environments, and pushed at the margin of knowledge-work, since they prove difficult to measure and control. Practically, this implies a re-articulation of what innovation is and how to organize knowledge work. The paper explores the shortcomings linear metaphors of time bear when used to support radical innovation, and concludes by discussing the potentials of spiral time to structure work in knowledge organizations.
Legislating Hierarchies of Victimhood and Perpetrators
Authors: Hearty Kevin
Published: November 2015

This article interrogates the premise that the Civil Service (Special Advisers) Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (SPAD Act) serves victim interests in Northern Ireland. It draws on theoretical literature from the fields of transitional justice and victimology as well as empirical data relevant to the act, to critically evaluate the practical outworkings of the SPAD Act as distinct from the politically charged rhetoric that accompanied its initiation and passage. In doing so, the article contends that the SPAD Act moves political disagreement over the issues of victimhood and wrongdoing in Northern Ireland onto a formal legislative footing. The article critiques the terms ‘innocent victim’ and ‘justice’ within the confines of the SPAD Act debate and argues that the narrow and divisive approach to these concepts has created both a post-conflict hierarchy of victimhood and a hierarchy of perpetrators that sustains and fuels disagreement over the past in the North of Ireland.
Potential Impacts of an Exclusionary Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement on Agriculture in the US and Japan
Authors: Thompson Jada M. , Leister Amanda M.
Published: November 2015

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a free trade agreement that hopes to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff trade barriers between 12 participating countries. Japan, the fourth-largest trading partner for the United States, is a significant player in the negotiations. Due to cultural and historical significance it is expected that Japan will ask for exclusions on agricultural products, limiting the overall effectiveness of a fully liberalised agreement. Using a computable general equilibrium modelling framework across varying scenarios, we show the difference between the full liberalisation and potential exclusionary scenarios. Estimates show that a 25 per cent reduction in import tariffs on agricultural commodities in Japan results in a difference of net welfare benefits equal to –USD 7 billion, emphasising the importance of these concessions.

JEL Classification: F14, F15, Q17
Fiscal Multipliers for India
Authors: Bose Sukanya , Bhanumurthy N.R.
Published: November 2015

This article attempts to present a framework for the estimation of fiscal multipliers for the Indian economy in the structural macroeconomic modelling tradition. Empirical estimates of short-run multipliers are obtained by giving shocks to a range of fiscal instruments—expenditures and taxes. As per our estimates, the values of the capital expenditure multiplier, transfer payments multiplier and other revenue expenditure multiplier are 2.45, 0.98 and 0.99, respectively, while the tax multipliers are around −1. Expenditure multipliers were also obtained in the presence of fiscal consolidation targets. These estimates again point to the strong multiplier effect of capital expenditure on output, and underscore the need to prioritise capital expenditure.

JEL Classification: H50, C54
Way Forward: an Indigenous approach to well-being
Authors: Andersen Kimina , Henderson Julie , Howarth Emma , Williamson Daniel , Crompton David , Emmerson Brett
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals are overrepresented in mental health services in the state of Queensland (QLD), Australia; indicating greater prevalence and less preventative management of mental illness. This paper describes a project to enhance the model of care to improve mental health, alcohol and other drug outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members in two metropolitan Hospital and Health Services, in Brisbane, Australia.

Methods:

Individual and focus group consultations were conducted with stakeholders, to determine key themes.

Results:

The consultative phase of the project revealed three priority areas for action: governance and supervision arrangements for the workforce in the area of Indigenous mental health, alcohol and other drugs; the cultural capability of non-Indigenous clinicians; and consumer access to services.

Conclusions:

The Way Forward project is a broad workforce redesign approach to address these three key areas. This approach is designed to acknowledge the strengths among the Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and to utilise their specialised cultural knowledge. This strategy will also include working in relationships with key Community-controlled health and other organisations. The approach will be reviewed and evaluated.
Balint groups: an Australasian perspective for psychiatrists
Authors: Lustig Marion
Published: November 2015

Objective:

This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the history and scope of the Balint movement; to outline how Balint groups work; to describe what is entailed in leading a Balint group; and to give a brief overview of the current state of Balint work in Australia and New Zealand.

Conclusions:

Balint groups provide a unique setting in which clinicians can learn how to deal well with challenging doctor–patient relationships and the feelings evoked in clinical practice. Balint work is relatively undeveloped in Australasia. There is scope for involvement by psychiatrists and trainees as both participants and facilitators.
Safe Zone for the Plantar Portal
Authors: Maeda Shingo , Niki Hisateru , Hirano Takaaki , Akiyama Yui
Published: November 2015

Background:

Understanding the plantar nerve anatomy is crucial for safe endoscopic surgery of the sole. We aimed to anatomically dissect the lateral aspect and soles of cadaveric feet to investigate the safety of peroneus longus tendoscopy with a plantar lateral portal and the safe zones for plantar portals.

Methods:

We studied 36 feet of 24 cadavers (mean age, 86.5 years). A cannula for 2.7-mm scope was inserted from the plantar lateral portal to the peroneus longus tendon, and the positional relationship between the cannula and sural nerve was observed. Then, the soft tissue of the sole was dissected, and the relationships between the plantar nerve and flexor digitorum longus tendon and flexor hallucis longus tendon was observed. The plantar nerve course was digitally imaged and uploaded into Image J software to determine nerve position. We further observed the positional relationship between the cannula and plantar nerve.

Result:

The mean minimum distance between the cannula and sural nerve was 13.8 mm, and the closest distance was 4.2 mm, allowing for the relatively safe creation of a plantar lateral portal. The use of the plantar lateral portal and evaluation of the peroneal tendon was safe with respect to the lateral plantar nerve as the nerve was in a different tissue layer of the foot. Dissection of the plantar foot demonstrated a relatively safe zone, 36.4% to 56% along a line between the medial aspect of the base of the first metatarsal bone to the proximal tip of the fifth metatarsal. This region may allow for a plantar endoscopic portal; however an anatomic variation may result in the plantar nerve being within this zone. The flexor digitorum longus tendon and peroneus longus tendon passed through the deep layer of the relatively safe zone.

Conclusion:

Peroneus longus tendoscopy was relatively safe to perform from a plantar lateral portal. No neurovascular structure exists on the slightly medial aspect of the central region of the sole, potentially allowing for a relatively safe creation of plantar central portal. An approach from the plantar central portal to the flexor digitorum longus tendon, flexor hallucis longus tendon, and peroneus longus tendon allows for a greater range of vision and treatment options as compared with conventional approaches. The combination of the plantar central portal with portals such as the plantar lateral portal may further the development of endoscopic surgery of the sole.

Clinical Relevance:

We found the anatomic characteristics of a relatively safe zone for the plantar portal for plantar lateral portal.
The Impact of State AIDS Drug Assistance Policies on Clinical and Economic Outcomes of People With HIV
Authors: Snider Julia Thornton , Goldman Dana P. , Rosenblatt Lisa , Seekins Daniel , Juday Timothy , Sanchez Yuri , Wu Yanyu , Peneva Desi , Romley John A.
Published: November 2015

We investigated the effect of changes to state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) policies, which govern access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), on clinical and economic outcomes among low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Retrospective analyses of ART access were conducted on state ADAP policies, using data from ADAP Monitoring Reports and Kaiser Family Foundation from 2006 to 2010. We found stricter eligibility requirements reduce the number of HIV-positive individuals with ART access through ADAP, and decreased ART use increases mortality by 2.67 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per beneficiary. If the ADAP income eligibility cutoff were decreased by 50 percentage points in each state, 4,626 individuals would lose ART access nationwide. Based on a $22,143 cost/QALY, this policy would save $274 million in health care expenditures (2012 dollars), but result in 12,352 QALYs lost, valued at $1.2 billion. Therefore, states should exercise caution in restricting programs that increase ART access for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.
The (Null) Effects of Percent Young on 15 to 24 Age-Specific and Male- and Female-Specific Cross-National Homicide Rates
Authors: Rogers Meghan L. , Pridemore William Alex
Published: November 2015

Recent systematic research indicated percent of the population that is young is not significantly associated with cross-national homicide victimization rates. However, there are theoretical reasons to expect percent young may be associated with 15 to 24 age-specific and with gender-specific cross-national homicide victimization rates. We test three hypotheses: Percent young is associated with 15 to 24 age-specific, male-specific, and female-specific homicide victimization rates. We employed data for 1999-2004 from a sample of 55 nations and utilized multiple statistical analyses. Results indicated no significant association between percent young and 15 to 24 age-specific and gender-specific homicide victimization rates. We situate our findings within the larger literature.
Peasant activism and the rise of food sovereignty: Decolonising and democratising norm diffusion?
Authors: Dunford Robin
Published: November 2015

‘Food sovereignty’ emerged from grassroots peasant mobilisations, and has been spread globally by a democratically organised social movement, la Vía Campesina. This process has seen food sovereignty influence global political discourse, transform national constitutions and be incorporated into a proposed United Nations declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas. By examining the role of grassroots actors in the global South in the construction of this emerging global norm, I militate against tendencies of West-centrism and elitism in existing literature on the contemporary diffusion of norms. By also discussing the potential marginalisation of grassroots peasant voices in recent United Nations discussions, I suggest that these elitist and West-centric tendencies may also exist in the norm diffusion process itself.
Sexual health in transition: A social representations study with indigenous Mexican young women
Authors: Priego-Hernández Jacqueline
Published: November 2015

This study asked whether traceable knowledge transformations are occurring among indigenous Mexican women and, if so, the processes through which these shape their engagements with sexual health values and views. Thirty-nine interviews with rural and urban indigenous Mexican female adolescents were analysed through the lenses of social representations theory. Results evince that participants express transformations in terms of their social context, what constitutes a healthy youth and the uses of folk medicine, which are brought about by selecting, displacing and hybridising knowledge. Discussion centres on the consistency of themes across the sample and the variety of processes mapped.
French–English bilingual children’s tense use and shift in narration
Authors: Hoang Huong , Nicoladis Elena , Smithson Lisa , Furman Reyhan
Published: November 2015

Bilingual children sometimes show delays relative to monolinguals on language tasks. In the present studies, we explored whether French–English bilinguals’ tense use and shift would show a developmental lag in the context of narration. In Study 1, we showed that both French and English monolinguals showed age-related changes in tense use, with preschoolers preferring the past and adults the present. A developmental lag among bilingual children could therefore take the form of prolonged use of the past tense through middle childhood. In Study 2, we observed tense use in the narratives of French–English bilingual children (8–10 years), as well as French and English monolinguals from the same age group. The bilinguals tended to use more present tense than the monolinguals. In qualitative analyses, bilinguals also used a multitude of expressive strategies, such as exclamations, repetitions and onomatopoeia, that made the stories more vivid. Taken together these results suggest that French–English bilinguals do not present developmental differences from monolinguals in tense use. Instead, they adopt an imagistic narrative style that differs from the monolinguals in multiple ways, including a greater use of the present tense. The adoption of this style might be linked to both bilingualism and a cultural preference among French–English bilinguals.
European identity as a unifying category: National vs. European identification among native and immigrant pupils
Authors: Agirdag Orhan , Phalet Karen , Van Houtte Mieke
Published: November 2015

This article investigates whether European identity is a feasible and functional alternative to national identity. We examine the extent, determinants and consequences of national and European identification among (immigrant) Turkish and native Belgian pupils, with data gathered from 1629 pupils across 68 Belgian schools. The results show that immigrant Turkish pupils identify more strongly with Europe than with Belgium. The groups are closer to each other with respect to their European identification, while the latter is not in conflict with national identification. Moreover, European identity is less ethnically and more civically defined than national identity. Importantly, European identification was moderately related to academic achievement, though it is hard to make a causal claim.
New pathways to analysis through thick description: Historical trauma and emerging qualitative research
Authors: Sacks Tina K
Published: November 2015

Qualitative methods open analytical pathways and present specific challenges, particularly for early career scholars forging a path in a field dominated by quantitative inquiry. However, for many scholars, qualitative methods reflect a particular ontological point of view, which tends toward privileging the experiences of groups that are often marginalized in research. Given this point of view, qualitative methodologies provide an opportunity to reframe the participant’s en vivo description of their own experience. In so doing, qualitative methods invite scholars to create new analytical pathways. This paper highlights the work of social work scholars using qualitative methods to forge new paths in studying emergent phenomena, e.g., Internet gang banging, transgender perspectives on aging, etc. The paper also explores the use of qualitative methods to develop new analytical perspectives on experiences of historic and contemporary trauma related to the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and in child welfare settings.
Testing an Adapted Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Escaron Anne L. , Chang Weir Rosy , Stanton Petra , Vangala Sitaram , Grogan Tristan R. , Clarke Robin M.
Published: November 2015

Background. The Affordable Care Act incentivizes health systems for better meeting patient needs, but often guidance about patient preferences for particular health services is limited. All too often vulnerable patient populations are excluded from these decision-making settings. A community-based participatory approach harnesses the in-depth knowledge of those experiencing barriers to health care. Method. We made three modifications to the RAND-UCLA appropriateness method, a modified Delphi approach, involving patients, adding an advisory council group to characterize existing knowledge in this little studied area, and using effectiveness rather than “appropriateness” as the basis for rating. As a proof of concept, we tested this method by examining the broadly delivered but understudied nonmedical services that community health centers provide. Results. This method created discrete, new knowledge about these services by defining 6 categories and 112 unique services and by prioritizing among these services based on effectiveness using a 9-point scale. Consistent with the appropriateness method, we found statistical convergence of ratings among the panelists. Discussion. Challenges include time commitment and adherence to a clear definition of effectiveness of services. This diverse stakeholder engagement method efficiently addresses gaps in knowledge about the effectiveness of health care services to inform population health management.
Scurvy Related to the Use of a Homemade Tube Feeding Formula
Authors: O’Hara Chris
Published: November 2015

A family was administering a homemade formula to empirically treat presumed food allergies in their tube feeding–dependent child. He presented with widespread bruising and tenderness, loose teeth, swollen gums, and anemia. Scurvy was diagnosed, and he showed rapid improvement with vitamin C therapy. Providers who care for individuals who are fed homemade formulas, or who have unusual dietary practices, need to be aware of possible macro- and micronutrient deficiencies.
Desirable pork: do voters reward for earmark acquisition?
Authors: Braidwood Travis
Published: November 2015

The overwhelming majority of Congresspersons engage in the acquisition of pork projects, also known as earmarks. In the aggregate, the general public overwhelming opposes pork-barrel spending, yet scholars and Members of Congress both contend that earmarked projects make for grateful constituents. This work attempts to explain this discrepancy. Using experimental data, I show that general discussions of earmarks are not universally beneficial. Recipients are only moved when they are made aware of projects in policy arenas of individual importance. Thus, pork is a nuanced policy tool that must be wielded strategically to gain electoral reward from specific subsets of a constituency.
Anatomy of the red cell membrane skeleton: unanswered questions
Authors: Lux Samuel E.
Published: November 2015

The red cell membrane skeleton is a pseudohexagonal meshwork of spectrin, actin, protein 4.1R, ankyrin, and actin-associated proteins that laminates the inner membrane surface and attaches to the overlying lipid bilayer via band 3–containing multiprotein complexes at the ankyrin- and actin-binding ends of spectrin. The membrane skeleton strengthens the lipid bilayer and endows the membrane with the durability and flexibility to survive in the circulation. In the 36 years since the first primitive model of the red cell skeleton was proposed, many additional proteins have been discovered, and their structures and interactions have been defined. However, almost nothing is known of the skeleton’s physiology, and myriad questions about its structure remain, including questions concerning the structure of spectrin in situ, the way spectrin and other proteins bind to actin, how the membrane is assembled, the dynamics of the skeleton when the membrane is deformed or perturbed by parasites, the role lipids play, and variations in membrane structure in unique regions like lipid rafts. This knowledge is important because the red cell membrane skeleton is the model for spectrin-based membrane skeletons in all cells, and because defects in the red cell membrane skeleton underlie multiple hemolytic anemias.
Correlates of functional ankle instability in children and adolescents with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Rose Kristy J. , Hiller Claire E. , Mandarakas Melissa , Raymond Jacqueline , Refshauge Kathryn , Burns Joshua
Published: November 2015

Background

Functional ankle instability (FAI) is commonly reported by children and adolescents with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT), however,, the specific variables associated with FAI remain unknown. An improved understanding of these variables may suggest interventions to improve ankle stability and possibly prevent the long‐term complications associated with ankle instability in this population. The aim of this study was to therefore investigate the relationship between FAI and other functional, structural, anthropometric and demographic characteristics in a cross sectional sample of children and adolescents with CMT.

Methods

Thirty children and adolescents with CMT aged 7–18 years were recruited from the Peripheral Neuropathy Clinics of a large tertiary paediatric hospital. Measures of FAI were obtained using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Demographic and anthropometric data was also collected. Other variables collected included foot structure (Foot Posture Index), ankle range of motion (weight bearing lunge) and functional parameters (balance, timed motor function and falls). Descriptive statistics were calculated to characterise the participants. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to investigate the correlates of right and left FAI and demographic (age), anthropometric (height, weight, BMI), foot/ankle (foot structure and ankle flexibility) and functional parameters (balance task, timed motor function and falls frequency). Point biserial correlation was employed to correlate gender with right and left FAI.

Results

All but one study participant (n = 29) reported moderate to severe bilateral FAI with females reporting significantly greater ankle instability than males. FAI was significantly associated with cavus foot structure (r = .69, P < .001), female gender (r = −.47, P < .001) and impaired balance (r = .50, P < .001).

Conclusions

This study confirms FAI is common in children and adolescents with CMT. An examination of the correlates of FAI suggests interventions, which target balance, and normalise foot structure should be explored to evaluate whether they might help to improve ankle stability in this population.
Full-length single-cell RNA-seq applied to a viral human cancer: applications to HPV expression and splicing analysis in HeLa S3 cells
Authors: Wu Liang , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhao Zhikun , Wang Ling , Li Bo , Li Guibo , Dean Michael , Yu Qichao , Wang Yanhui , Lin Xinxin , Rao Weijian , Mei Zhanlong , Li Yang , Jiang Runze , Yang Huan , Li Fuqiang , Xie Guoyun , Xu Liqin , Wu Kui , Zhang Jie , Chen Jianghao , Wang Ting , Kristiansen Karsten , Zhang Xiuqing , Li Yingrui , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Hou Yong , Xu Xun
Published: November 2015

Background

Viral infection causes multiple forms of human cancer, and HPV infection is the primary factor in cervical carcinomas. Recent single-cell RNA-seq studies highlight the tumor heterogeneity present in most cancers, but virally induced tumors have not been studied. HeLa is a well characterized HPV+ cervical cancer cell line.

Result

We developed a new high throughput platform to prepare single-cell RNA on a nanoliter scale based on a customized microwell chip. Using this method, we successfully amplified full-length transcripts of 669 single HeLa S3 cells and 40 of them were randomly selected to perform single-cell RNA sequencing. Based on these data, we obtained a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of HeLa S3 cells in gene expression, alternative splicing and fusions. Furthermore, we identified a high diversity of HPV-18 expression and splicing at the single-cell level. By co-expression analysis we identified 283 E6, E7 co-regulated genes, including CDC25, PCNA, PLK4, BUB1B and IRF1 known to interact with HPV viral proteins.

Conclusion

Our results reveal the heterogeneity of a virus-infected cell line. It not only provides a transcriptome characterization of HeLa S3 cells at the single cell level, but is a demonstration of the power of single cell RNA-seq analysis of virally infected cells and cancers.
Long-term efficacy of vildagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Mera Jun-ichiro , Okada Eiko , Okuda Masumi , Ota Tatsuru , Sibata Shigeru , Uchida Shunya
Published: November 2015

Background

There are few studies evaluating long-term glycemic control using a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor in type 2 diabetes patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vildagliptin therapy over 2 years in type 2 diabetes with ESRD.

Methods

Patients with ESRD resulting from type 2 diabetes requiring dialysis who had ≥20 % glycated albumin (GA) were enrolled. Vildagliptin 50 mg once daily was administered for 2 years. Changes in GA and dry weight were evaluated.

Results

In 32 patients (24 men and 8 women) aged 68.3 ± 1.9 years, vildagliptin 50 mg once daily was administered for 2 years, but the dose was increased to 50 mg twice daily in 15 patients. GA was significantly reduced by 2.6 ± 0.6 %, from 22.4 ± 0.6 % at baseline to 19.8 ± 0.4 % at 2 years. After 2 years of vildagliptin therapy, 15 (46.9 %) of 32 patients achieved a GA level of <20 %. Dry weight changed slightly, with an increase of 1.3 ± 0.8 kg at 2 years. No adverse drug reactions related to treatment with vildagliptin were seen.

Conclusions

Vildagliptin is a promising therapeutic option for safe, effective glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with ESRD.
Fine-tuning the onset of myogenesis by homeobox proteins that interact with theMyf5limb enhancer
Authors: Daubas Philippe , Duval Nathalie , Bajard Lola , Langa Vives Francina , Robert Benoît , Mankoo Baljinder S. , Buckingham Margaret
Published: November 2015

Skeletal myogenesis in vertebrates is initiated at different sites of skeletal muscle formation during development, by activation of specific control elements of the myogenic regulatory genes. In the mouse embryo, Myf5 is the first myogenic determination gene to be expressed and its spatiotemporal regulation requires multiple enhancer sequences, extending over 120 kb upstream of the Mrf4-Myf5 locus. An enhancer, located at −57/−58 kb from Myf5, is responsible for its activation in myogenic cells derived from the hypaxial domain of the somite, that will form limb muscles. Pax3 and Six1/4 transcription factors are essential activators of this enhancer, acting on a 145-bp core element. Myogenic progenitor cells that will form the future muscle masses of the limbs express the factors necessary for Myf5 activation when they delaminate from the hypaxial dermomyotome and migrate into the forelimb bud, however they do not activate Myf5 and the myogenic programme until they have populated the prospective muscle masses. We show that Msx1 and Meox2 homeodomain-containing transcription factors bind in vitro and in vivo to specific sites in the 145-bp element, and are implicated in fine-tuning activation of Myf5 in the forelimb. Msx1, when bound between Pax and Six sites, prevents the binding of these key activators, thus inhibiting transcription of Myf5 and consequent premature myogenic differentiation. Meox2 is required for Myf5 activation at the onset of myogenesis via direct binding to other homeodomain sites in this sequence. Thus, these homeodomain factors, acting in addition to Pax3 and Six1/4, fine-tune the entry of progenitor cells into myogenesis at early stages of forelimb development.
Muscle activation during maximal effort tasks: evidence of the selective forces that shaped the musculoskeletal system of humans
Authors: Carrier David R. , Schilling Nadja , Anders Christoph
Published: November 2015

The selective forces that played a role in the evolution of the musculoskeletal system of the genus Homo have long been debated and remain poorly understood. In this investigation, we introduce a new approach for testing alternative hypotheses. Our analysis is based on the premise that natural selection can be expected to have resulted in muscles that are large enough to achieve necessary levels of maximum performance in essential behaviors, but not larger. We used surface electromyography in male subjects to identify maximum activation levels in 13 muscles of the back and leg during eight behaviors that have been suggested to have been important to foraging, hunting and fighting performance in early humans. We asked two questions: (1) what behaviors produce maximum activation in each of the investigated muscles and (2) are there specific behaviors that elicit maximum recruitment from all or most of the muscles? We found that in eight of the 13 muscles, the highest activity occurred during maximal effort vertical jumping (i.e. whole-body acceleration). Punching produced the highest median activity in the other five muscles. Together, jumping and punching accounted for 73% of the incidences of maximum activity among all of the muscles and from all of the subjects. Thus, the size of the muscles of the back and leg appear to be more related to the demands of explosive behaviors rather than those of high speed sprinting or sustained endurance running. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that selection on aggressive behavior played an important role in the evolution of the genus Homo.