bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Computer-Mediated Versus Teacher-Mediated Instruction on the Mathematical Word Problem-Solving Performance of Third-Grade Students With Mathematical Difficulties
Authors: Leh Jayne M. , Jitendra Asha K.
Published: October 2012

This study compared the effectiveness of computer-mediated instruction (CMI) and teacher-mediated instruction (TMI) on the word problem-solving performance of students struggling in mathematics. Both conditions integrated cognitive modeling that focused on the problem structure using visual representations with critical instructional elements specifically targeting the needs of at-risk students. Participants were 25 third-grade students with mathematics difficulties who were randomly assigned to either a TMI or a CMI condition. Results indicated no statistically significant between-condition differences at posttest and on a 4-week retention test of word problem-solving. Furthermore, there was no transfer of the word problem-solving skills to a school administered, standardized mathematics achievement test. Implications for educational practice are discussed.
Harpoon or Bait? A Comparison of Various Metrics in Fishing for Sequence Patterns
Authors: Robette Nicolas , Bry Xavier
Published: October 2012

The use of sequence analysis in the social sciences has significantly increased during the last decade or two. Sequence analysis explores and describes trajectories and “fishes for patterns” (Abbott, 2000). Many dissimilarity metrics exist in various domains (bioinformatics, data mining, etc.); therefore a crucial and pervasive issue in papers using sequence analysis is robustness. To what extent do the various techniques lead to consistent and converging results? What kinds of patterns are more easily fished out by each of the metrics? Here we propose a systematic comparison of about ten metrics that have been used in the social science literature, based on the examination of dissimilarity matrices computed from a simulated sequence data set including various patterns that sociologists can try to identify. This should help scholars in picking the method best suited to their data design and inquiry objectives.
Impact of the Mode of Data Collection on the Quality of Answers to Survey Questions Depending on Respondent Characteristics
Authors: Revilla Melanie
Published: October 2012

The Internet is used more and more to conduct surveys. However, moving from traditional modes of data collection to the Internet may threaten the comparability of the data if the mode has an impact on the way respondents answer. In previous research, Revilla and Saris (2012) find similar average quality (defined as the product of reliability and validity) for several survey questions when asked in a face-to-face interview and when asked online. But does this mean that the mode of data collection does not have an impact on the quality? Or may it be that for some respondents the quality is higher for Web surveys whereas for others it is lower, such that on an average the quality for the complete sample is similar? Comparing the quality for different groups of respondents in a face-to-face and in a Web survey, no significant impact of the background characteristics, the mode and the interaction between them on the quality is found.
A Startling Case of Neonatal Hyperekplexia Responsive to Levetiracetam
Authors: Hussain Shanawaz , Prasad Manish , Rittey Chris , Desurkar Archanna
Published: October 2012

The authors report a case of hyperekplexia presenting in the neonatal period resistant to clonazepam that responded subsequently to levetiracetam. Hyperekplexia is often misdiagnosed as epilepsy and can be difficult to manage with a particular concern over neonatal apnea and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The mainstay of therapy to date has been with clonazepam. The authors describe the salient features of their case, clinical diagnosis, and issues pertaining to management. The authors believe this is the first reported case of the use of levetiracetam for effectively treating hyperekplexia within the neonatal and infant period.
Leigh Syndrome and the Mitochondrial m.13513G>A Mutation
Authors: Monlleo-Neila Laura , Toro Mireia del , Bornstein Belen , Garcia-Arumi Elena , Sarrias Axel , Roig-Quilis Manuel , Munell Francina
Published: October 2012

The mitochondrial DNA m.13513G>A mutation in the ND5 subunit gene is a frequent cause of Leigh syndrome. Patients harboring this mutation typically present with ptosis and cardiac conduction abnormalities, particularly Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and have a late clinical onset, which contrasts with the typical infantile form. The authors describe a patient presenting with intrauterine growth retardation and visual impairment at 3 months of age, followed by infantile spasms, severe gastrointestinal dysmotility, and neurological regression. The patient had hyperlactacidemia and bilateral basal ganglia and brainstem lesions on MRI. Although he did not present cardiac conduction abnormalities, his mother had been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The m.13513G>A mutation was found in the patient’s muscle and in several tissues of his mother. The present results expand the phenotype of Leigh syndrome associated with the m.13513G>A mutation, which should be suspected in patients with early-onset mitochondrial encephalopathy with infantile spasms or prominent gastrointestinal smooth muscle involvement.
What Makes Performance Appraisals Effective?
Authors: Lawler Edward E. , Benson George S. , McDermott Michael
Published: October 2012

Performance appraisals are often criticized and poorly done. However, they are not going away and should not go away. They are needed to effectively manage an organization’s talent. Our research suggests that performance management systems can be effective if they are designed and executed correctly. Performance management systems are effective when they are based on goals that are jointly set and are driven by an organization’s business strategy. The use of competency models that are based on business strategy is strongly associated with organizational effectiveness. When they drive salary increases and bonuses, they are executed better. Often absent but critical to the success of performance management systems is senior management leadership and ownership; much less important is ownership by human resources. Additional keys to effectiveness are training managers to do appraisals, holding them accountable for how well they do appraisals and using measures of how results are achieved.
Crack detection of plate structures using differential quadrature method
Authors: Moradi S , Alimouri P
Published: October 2012

In this study, the problem of crack identification in plates is investigated using the differential quadrature method. The crack, which is assumed to be open, is modeled by the extended rotational spring. The crack, with finite length, divides the plate into six segments. Then, the differential quadrature is applied to the governing differential equations of motion of each segment and the corresponding boundary and continuity conditions. An eigenvalue analysis will be performed on the resulting system of algebraic equations to obtain the natural frequencies of the cracked plate. Here, the crack detection practice is considered as an optimization problem, and the location, size, and depth of the crack are regarded as the design variables. The weighted sum of the squared errors between the measured and computed natural frequencies is used as the objective function. The Bees algorithm, a swarm-based evolutionary optimization technique, is used to solve the optimization problem. To insure the integrity and robustness of the presented method, extensive experimental case studies are carried out on the cantilever plates having a finite-length open crack parallel to the clamped edge. The results show that the crack parameters can be predicted well by the presented methodology.
Effects of injection timing and fuel pulse width on mixture preparation and hydrocarbon emissions of the first cranking cycle under different initial piston positions
Authors: Li Tao , Deng Kangyao , Wu Chongmin
Published: October 2012

A fuel-injection strategy has been developed to reduce the hydrocarbon emissions and improve the performance of the first cranking cycle. The strategy is to deliver fuel injection individually according to the initial piston position in each cylinder. It allows cylinders at different initial phases to obtain appropriate and similar air–fuel mixtures. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of the injection timing and fuel pulse width on the mixture preparation and the hydrocarbon emissions when the piston is cranked to start from different initial positions. Experiments were conducted on cylinder No.1 of a four-cylinder port fuel injection engine in both the ambient mode and hot mode. For each initial position of the piston, different injection timings and fuel pulse widths were tested. The effects of the injection timing and fuel pulse width on the mixture and hydrocarbon emissions were evaluated by measuring the hydrocarbon concentrations of the in-cylinder mixture and exhaust gas after each injection. The experimental results show that, the effects of the injection timing and fuel pulse width depend largely on the initial position of the piston. For example, when the piston is cranked to start from the mid-intake, fuel injection can barely form an ignitable mixture under different injection timings and fuel pulse widths. In addition, the temperature of the coolant can also influence the effects of the injection timing and fuel pulse width. To formulate the independent injection strategy for each cylinder for the first cranking cycle, the initial phase of the piston and the coolant temperature must be taken into consideration.
Fault-tolerant driving control of a steer-by-wire system for six-wheel-driving–six-wheel-steering vehicles
Authors: Nah Jaewon , Kim Wongun , Yi Kyongsu , Lee Daeok , Lee Jongseok
Published: October 2012

This paper describes a fault-tolerant driving control strategy for steer-by-wire system failures in six-wheel-driving–six-wheel-steering vehicles. The fault-tolerant driving control algorithm was designed to obtain vehicle manoeuvrability as close as possible to that of non-faulty vehicles by redistributing the tractive forces of the non-faulty wheels. Since a faulty steer-by-wire system induces a high lateral tyre force, which is the resistance to the yaw motion of the vehicle, a high-wheel slip control strategy is used to minimize the resistive lateral tyre force of the faulty steer-by-wire system. The fault-tolerant driving performance of a faulty six-wheel-driving–six-wheel-steering vehicle was investigated via computer simulations. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed fault-tolerant driving control algorithm, the fault recovery rate was defined and calculated in terms of the vehicle manoeuvrability. Simulation studies show that the proposed fault-tolerant driving control algorithm can significantly improve the vehicle manoeuvrability, compared with the optimal traction redistribution method.
Lean NOx trap supplemental energy savings with a long breathing strategy
Authors: Jeftić Marko , Zheng Ming
Published: October 2012

Current and upcoming diesel engine emission regulations in the USA and in Europe stipulate significant reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions. To satisfy these emission regulations and to maintain high fuel efficiency, energy efficient diesel after-treatment to remove nitrogen oxides is required. In this study, a long breathing (long adsorption) strategy was investigated for the reduction of supplemental energy consumption of a diesel lean nitrogen oxide trap. The long breathing strategy would be enabled by moderate exhaust gas recirculation to reduce the engine-out nitrogen oxide levels. With reduced feed gas nitrogen oxide levels, the adsorption time of the lean nitrogen oxide trap could be extended, leading to less frequent fuel-rich regeneration of the lean nitrogen oxide trap. Proof of concept studies were undertaken on a diesel engine to demonstrate the enabling of the long breathing lean nitrogen oxide trap strategy, while further tests were undertaken on a flow bench set-up to demonstrate the potential energy savings with the long breathing lean nitrogen oxide trap strategy. The test results indicated that, at the selected operating conditions, the long breathing strategy could be enabled by reducing the engine-out nitrogen oxide from 110 ppm to 50 ppm via moderate exhaust gas recirculation. The flow bench test results indicated that the adsorption time of the lean nitrogen oxide trap increased exponentially when the feed gas nitrogen oxide level was reduced. The longer adsorption led to supplemental energy savings in excess of 60% when the feed gas nitrogen oxide level was reduced from 110 ppm to 50 ppm. Furthermore, it was calculated that the long breathing lean nitrogen oxide trap strategy enabled a higher overall indicated efficiency of 36.4% compared to 35.9% with a conventional lean nitrogen oxide trap strategy.
Labour migration, communities and perceptions of social cohesion in England
Authors: Andrews Rhys
Published: October 2012

The unexpected scale of labour migration from eastern Europe to the UK following EU enlargement in 2004 was thought to pose a threat to the cohesiveness of those local communities hosting larger influxes of migrants. Nevertheless, areas rich in community capacity may have been able to incorporate migrant workers in ways that sustained social cohesion. This paper explores the effects of labour migration on residents’ perceptions of social cohesion in urban areas in England using multivariate statistical techniques. The statistical results suggest that post-enlargement migration weakened social cohesion, but that the prospects of social incorporation were better in areas with stronger community capacity. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
The changing context of regional governance of FDI in England
Authors: Almond Phil , Ferner Anthony , Tregaskis Olga
Published: October 2012

This paper analyses relations between sub-national institutional actors responsible for the attraction and retention of foreign direct investment, other ‘governance’ actors in regional business systems – local and sub-regional government, cluster/sectoral bodies, RDA and LEP executives, and those involved in the coordination of skills provision – and subsidiaries of foreign-owned multinational corporations. It is based on qualitative research in two regions of England conducted between 2008 and 2011. Within a context of international competition for investment within global production networks, it explores recent politically driven changes in sub-national governance, including the abolition of Regional Development Agencies, alongside the more long-standing instability of economic development and skills coordination in England. The analysis is centred on an argument that a more adequate understanding of sub-national economic governance requires the active integration of perspectives on political systems of governance, and embedded patterns of economic coordination, as analysed in the varieties of capitalism literature.
The Impact of Incarceration on Women’s Mental Health
Authors: Harner Holly M. , Riley Suzanne
Published: October 2012

Many women enter prison with significant mental health conditions. Without appropriate intervention during incarceration, there is the potential for these conditions to worsen during confinement. As a result, women, most of whom will eventually be released from prison, might return to their families and communities with even more complex mental health needs. We examined women’s perceptions of how incarceration had affected their mental health. Our study approach included descriptive surveys and focus groups with women in prison. Our analysis revealed that women’s mental health might worsen, might improve, or might remain the same as a result of incarceration. Women’s accounts also provide evidence to support the need for all women’s correctional institutions to adopt a trauma-informed approach to care of this vulnerable population.
Dancing Around Death
Authors: Anderson Wendy G. , Kools Susan , Lyndon Audrey
Published: October 2012

Hospital physicians care for most seriously ill patients in the United States. We employed dimensional analysis to describe communication about death and dying in audio-recorded admission encounters between seriously ill patients and hospitalists. Acknowledging or not acknowledging the possibility of dying emerged as a key process. Acknowledgment was rare, and depended on synergistic communication behaviors between patient and physician. Facilitators included patients cuing for information and disclosing emotional distress, and physicians exploring the patient’s understanding of his or her illness and emotional distress. When hospitalists focused on acute issues, stated that they were awaiting test results, and deferred to other physicians, discussion moved away from acknowledgment. Meaningful discussion of end-of-life issues, including goals and values, fears about death and dying, prognosis, and options for palliative care followed open acknowledgment. This acknowledgment process can serve as a guide for providers to sensitively and honestly discuss essential end-of-life issues.
The Juhnke, Henderson, Juhnke Child Abuse and Neglect Risk Assessment Scale
Authors: Juhnke Gerald A. , Henderson Kathryn , Juhnke Brenna A.
Published: October 2012

Family counselors often counsel families where children are at increased risk of maltreatment. Yet there exists a paucity of free, brief, face-to-face, standardized, assessment instruments designed for family counselors to assess child abuse. To address this paucity, the authors created The Juhnke, Henderson, Juhnke Child Abuse and Neglect Risk Assessment scale. The scale is an evidenced informed instrument that considers 20 child maltreatment risk factors identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) Office of Child Abuse and Neglect. The primary purpose of the scale is to facilitate a thorough maltreatment assessment and to generate guidelines that can be used, in conjunction with clinical judgment, to aid in the creation of an effective child protective agency report and potentially facilitate effective intervention.
The Use of Therapeutic Letters in Addressing Parent–Child Attachment Problems
Authors: Kindsvatter Aaron , Desmond Kimberly , Yanikoski Alexandra , Stahl Stephanie
Published: October 2012

This article describes the use of attachment theory in conjunction with therapeutic letters to facilitate conversations in family counseling pertaining to the role of attachment needs in the maintenance of parent–child relational problems. The authors explore how letters can be used to supplement therapeutic endeavors in addressing attachment related patterns associated with parent–child conflict. Therapeutic tasks related to the application of attachment theory and associated letters are discussed.
Counseling and Psychotherapy With Difficult Clients/Family Members
Authors: Softas-Nall Lia , Hanna Fred
Published: October 2012

Dr. Fred Hanna has developed expertise working with difficult clients and is the author of the book Therapy with Difficult Clients: Using the Precursors Model to Awaken Change as well as numerous articles on the topic. He has also been featured as a master therapist in APA's Psychotherapy Video Series on a DVD entitled Treatment with Defiant and Aggressive Adolescents. The goal of this interview is to have Dr. Hanna explain the precursors of change and how they would apply working with difficult adolescents, a population family counselors often have as clients. The interview also explores how he became familiar with systems theory, his interest in therapeutic change, and how his life evolved to become a counselor educator.
Perceived Stress and ADHD Symptoms in Adults
Authors: Combs Martha A. , Canu Will H. , Broman-Fulks Joshua J. , Rocheleau Courtney A. , Nieman David C.
Published: October 2012

Objective: Given that ADHD has been linked to dysfunction across development and in many life domains, it is likely that individuals experiencing these symptoms are at increased risk for experiencing stress. The current study examines the association between ADHD and other psychiatric symptoms and perceived stress in a community sample of adults. Method: Perceived stress data collected from 983 participants ( M age = 45.6 years) were analyzed primarily via hierarchical multiple regression using ADHD symptom clusters, demographic variables, and anxiety and depression scale variables as predictors. Results and Conclusion: ADHD symptoms positively associated with perceived stress. Inattention and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT), as opposed to hyperactivity-impulsivity and newly proposed executive dysfunction symptoms, were the most consistent predictors. These findings reinforce that the experience of ADHD symptoms in adulthood is associated with stress and suggest that SCT could play an important role in assessing risk for negative adult outcomes.
A New Way of Thinking About Complications of Prematurity
Authors: Moore Tiffany A. , Berger Ann M. , Wilson Margaret E.
Published: October 2012

The morbidity and mortality of preterm infants are impacted by their ability to maintain physiologic homeostasis using metabolic, endocrine, and immunologic mechanisms independent of the mother’s placenta. Exploring McEwen’s allostatic load model in preterm infants provides a new way to understand the altered physiologic processes associated with frequently occurring complications of prematurity such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy of prematurity. The purpose of this article is to present a new model to enhance understanding of the altered physiologic processes associated with complications of prematurity. The model of allostatic load and complications of prematurity was derived to explore the relationship between general stress of prematurity and complications of prematurity. The proposed model uses the concepts of general stress of prematurity, allostasis, physiologic response patterns (adaptive–maladaptive), allostatic load, and complications of prematurity. These concepts are defined and theoretical relationships in the proposed model are interpreted using the four maladaptive response patterns of repeated hits, lack of adaptation, prolonged response, and inadequate response. Empirical evidence for cortisol, inflammation, and oxidative stress responses are used to support the theoretical relationships. The proposed model provides a new way of thinking about physiologic dysregulation in preterm infants. The ability to describe and understand complex physiologic mechanisms involved in complications of prematurity is essential for research. Advancing the knowledge of complications of prematurity will advance clinical practice and research and lead to testing of interventions to reduce negative outcomes in preterm infants.
Experimental study of the transient thermal effect and the oil film thickness of the equalizing thrust bearing in the process of start-stop with load
Authors: Li Pengju , Zhu Yongsheng , Zhang Youyun , Chen Zhao , Yan Yuping
Published: October 2012

It was important to note the load could not be distributed equally over the thrust pads when the thrust bearing was in operation, especially at the stage of start-up and stop with load. An experimental study that investigated the transient thermal effect and the oil film thickness of the equalizing thrust bearing in the process of start-stop with load was presented in this article. Four static loads and three supplied oil pressures were used in this study. The transient thermal effect and the oil film thickness were simultaneously obtained from a horizontal thrust-bearing test rig. It was shown in experimental results that the transient thermal effect and the oil film thickness varied rapidly at the stage of start-up and stop, and had an unobvious variance when the rotational speed was constant. The structure of the equalizing thrust bearing allowed it to work well at the stage of start-up and stop with load.
Investigation of surface damages during sheet metal forming using acoustic emission
Authors: Sindi Cevat Teymuri , Najafabadi Mehdi Ahmadi , Salehi Manouchehr
Published: October 2012

In this article, the acoustic emission technique has been used to study a well-known surface damage mechanism, known as galling, during experimental simulation of sheet metal forming process. Results illustrated that the galling starts with relatively low-amplitude acoustic emission waves, corresponding to the elastic–plastic deformation of surface asperities (stage I), followed by a continually graduate rise in the acoustic emission activities related to the sheet material transfer to the slider tool along with lump growth (stage II), and ended to some waves with the highest amplitude and energy corresponding to the severe plowing and rupture of the friction junctions (stage III).
Colombia, from failing state to a second independence: The politics and the price
Authors: Lobo Gregory J.
Published: October 2012

Amid social and political conditions that could well lead to Colombia being described in the terms of a failed state, the country’s electorate chose Álvaro Uribe as its thirty-ninth president in 2002, and again in 2006, preferring to keep in office a man who seemed to be putting the country together again, rather than respecting the constitutional prohibition against consecutive presidential terms. Though his presidency was marked by scandals and irregularities – most notably, the falsos positivos (false positives: young, poor Colombian civilians, assassinated in cold blood by the zealous armed forces and listed as guerrilla kills) – Uribe enjoyed approval ratings previously unknown in Colombian history. He is in fact credited with giving Colombia its ‘second independence’, and his leaving office was, for many, tragic. Here, I present an explanation for this paradox, analysing an aspect of Uribe’s discourse for the way it contributed to producing a shared national sentiment by articulating a social imaginary with limited possibilities for making sense of Colombia. Drawing on Geertz, Durkheim and Brubaker and the concepts of hegemony and identification, I elucidate the effectiveness of Uribe’s discourse of the nation in a context of a long experience of frustration and decadence, and show why and how so many Colombians could, at least for a time, give their overwhelming support to a regime wherein murder was authorized, unacknowledged as anything more significant than the price to be paid for that second independence.
Electronic tracking for people with dementia: An exploratory study of the ethical issues experienced by carers in making decisions about usage
Authors: White Eleanor Bantry , Montgomery Paul
Published: October 2012

Electronic tracking through GPS (global positioning system) is being used to monitor and locate people with dementia who are vulnerable to becoming lost. Through a review of the literature and an original study, this article examined ethical issues associated with use in a domestic setting. The qualitative study consisted of in-depth interviews with 10 carers who were using electronic tracking. The study explored the values, beliefs and contextual factors that motivated carers to use electronic tracking. It examined the extent of involvement of the person with dementia in decision-making and it explored the various ethical dilemmas encountered by carers when introducing the tracking system. As an issue that emerged from the interviews, specific attention was paid to exploring covert usage. From the study findings, recommendations have been made for research and practice about the use of electronic tracking in dementia care.
Estimation of average daylight factor under obstructed CIE Standard General Skies
Authors: Li DHW , Lam TNT , Wu TKK
Published: October 2012

Recently, the CIE has adopted a range of 15 standard sky distributions covering the whole spectrum of usual skies found in nature. In a dense urban region, the external environment plays a significant role in daylighting designs. This paper studies an approach to calculating the average daylight factor for rooms facing heavily obstructed environments under overcast and non-overcast skies. The modelled vertical sky components under the various unobstructed and obstructed CIE Standard General Skies were determined. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated against the results obtained by computer simulations. The proposed approach provides a simple alternative for comparing daylighting designs for buildings facing different obstructed environments under various sky conditions.
Curriculum-Based Measurement of Oral Reading
Authors: Christ Theodore J. , Monaghen Barbara D. , Zopluoglu Cengiz , Van Norman Ethan R.
Published: October 2012

Curriculum-based measurement of oral reading (CBM-R) is used to index the level and rate of student growth across the academic year. The method is frequently used to set student goals and monitor student progress. This study examined the diagnostic accuracy and quality of growth estimates derived from pre–post measurement using CBM-R data. A linear mixed effects regression model was used to simulate progress-monitoring data for multiple levels of progress-monitoring duration (6, 8, 10, . . ., 20 weeks) and data set quality, which was operationalized as residual/error in the model (σε= 5, 10, 15, and 20). Results indicate that the duration of instruction, quality of data, and method used to estimate growth influenced the reliability and precision of estimated growth rates, in addition to the diagnostic accuracy. Pre–post methods to derive CBM-R growth estimates are likely to require 14 or more weeks of instruction between pre–post occasions. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Complex Perceptual-Cognitive Expertise in a Simulated Task Environment
Authors: Ward Paul , Ericsson K. Anders , Williams A. Mark
Published: October 2012

In popular models of expertise and decision making in complex environments, such as the recognition-primed decision (RPD) model and take-the-first (TTF) heuristic, expert and skilled decision makers are described as generating few response options and typically choose the best option first. To explain these behaviors, proponents of TTF have suggested that a negative relationship exists between the number of options generated and decision quality. In the current article, we use a prediction and situational option generation paradigm to assess perceptual-cognitive skill in the complex domain of soccer to determine whether these claims explain how decision makers make predictions about others in the environment. In three experiments we provide evidence to show that superior prediction performance was supported by a situation model-type mechanism as proposed by long-term working memory (LTWM) theory rather than simpler heuristics, such as TTF or RPD. The similarity between LTWM mechanisms and relevant macrocognitive processes is discussed. The data have important implications for how future experts should be trained and, in particular, for developing skilled comprehension, apprehension, and prediction skill.
Palmar reconstruction of the triangular fibrocartilage complex for instability of the distal radioulnar joint: a biomechanical study
Authors: Kataoka T. , Moritomo H. , Omokawa S. , Iida A. , Wada T. , Aoki M.
Published: October 2012

We developed a new triangular fibrocartilage complex reconstruction technique for distal radioulnar joint instability in which the palmar portion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex was predominantly reconstructed, and evaluated whether such reconstruction can restore stability of the distal radioulnar joint in seven fresh cadaver upper extremities. Distal radioulnar joint instability was induced by cutting all soft-tissue stabilizers around the distal ulna. Using a palmar approach, a palmaris longus tendon graft was sutured to the remnant of the palmar radioulnar and ulnocarpal ligaments. The graft was then passed through a bone tunnel created at the fovea and was sutured. Loads were applied to the radius, and dorsopalmar displacements of the radius relative to the ulna were measured using an electromagnetic tracking device in neutral rotation, 60° supination and 60° pronation. We compared the dorsopalmar displacements before sectioning, before reconstruction and after reconstruction. Dorsopalmar instability produced by sectioning significantly improved in all forearm positions after reconstruction.
Waiting list-controlled evaluation of a participatory arts course for people experiencing mental health problems
Authors: Margrove Kerrie L ,   SE-SURG (South Essex Service User Research Group), Heydinrych Kirsten , Secker Jenny
Published: October 2012

Aims:

The potential for participation in creative activity to promote recovery from mental ill health is highlighted in mental health policy and guidance, alongside a perceived dearth of robust evidence of effectiveness. Open Arts has run participatory arts courses in South Essex since 2008 and a course waiting list has developed with increasing demand for places. Given the waiting list and the need to improve the evidence base for the utility of participatory arts groups in mental health, the aim of this project was to conduct a naturalistic waiting list-controlled evaluation of the 12-week courses routinely provided and to explore participants’ experiences of their course. It was expected that people on the waiting list who were allocated places on a course would gain improvements in well-being and social inclusion, whereas those not allocated places would show no changes over the same time period.

Methods:

Measures included the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and the Social Inclusion Scale (SIS). People on the Open Arts waiting list who had been allocated a place on the courses formed an intervention group; those remaining on the waiting list were asked to complete the same measures over the same time period (forming a control group). Participants in the intervention group were asked to rate the service and were offered the opportunity to join a focus group.

Results:

Thirty-two people in the control group and 26 people in the intervention group could be included in the final analyses. There were no significant differences between the two groups on either measure at baseline. Intervention group total mean scores were significantly higher after the Open Arts course than at baseline on both the WEMWBS and SIS, but no significant differences across time were found for the control group. Of the intervention group 96% reported enjoying the course and most of those providing feedback reported gains in confidence (81%) and motivation (88%). Nineteen participants in the control group completed an Open Arts course later in the year and similar improvements between baseline and follow-up scores on the WEMWBS and SIS were then found in this group.

Conclusions:

This service evaluation of Open Arts has provided some preliminary evidence that participatory arts groups are likely to have benefits for mental health service users in terms of improved well-being and social inclusion. The evaluation justifies a future randomised controlled trial and economic appraisal of participatory arts projects.
Effective Partnerships
Authors: Bryan Charity , Broussard Lisa , Bellar David
Published: October 2012

School systems face many challenges in attempting to address the childhood overweight and obesity epidemic. Given the accumulated nature of the required physical activity and the likelihood that only one meal will be delivered while on school grounds, the potential for impactful change in obese or overweight children through school policy is limited. From this vantage point, it is easy to see that physical education programs alone cannot ensure that children participate in 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The necessary multifaceted approach requires opportunities for physical activity to be obtained throughout the school day. The school nurse and physical education teachers are the school personnel most likely to be involved in efforts to curtail the childhood overweight and obesity epidemic at the school level. These individuals are in critical roles of assisting both parents and children when it comes to understanding the devastating effects of being overweight and obese and in helping children identify positive health behaviors that may help reverse this condition. The purpose of this article is to describe the ways in which the school nurse and physical education teacher can work collaboratively to better address the childhood overweight and obesity epidemic.
Learning Theories and Historical Events Affecting Instructional Design in Education
Authors: Edgar Don W.
Published: October 2012

How learning occurs has been a question pondered by the masses since formal education began thousands of years ago. Understanding the process has included many paradigm shifts in thought and practice. A thorough look at one major paradigm shift occurred in the past century, which has led to a plethora of ideas when identifying best practices to encourage learning. A look into this transformation will exact a better understanding of learning and how it best arises, leading to designing instruction that greater impacts the learner.
Pathogenesis of and strategies for preventing Edwardsiella tarda infection in fish
Authors: Park Seong Bin , Aoki Takashi , Jung Tae Sung
Published: October 2012

Edwardsiella tarda is one of the serious fish pathogens, infecting both cultured and wild fish species. Research on edwardsiellosis has revealed that E. tarda has a broad host range and geographic distribution, and contains important virulence factors that enhance bacterial survival and pathogenesis in hosts. Although recent progress in edwardsiellosis research has enabled the development of numerous, highly effective vaccine candidates, these efforts have not been translated into a commercialized vaccine. The present review aims to provide an overview of the identification, pathology, diagnosis and virulence factors of E. tarda in fish, and describe recent strategies for developing vaccines against edwardsiellosis. The hope is that this presentation will be useful not only from the standpoint of understanding the pathogenesis of E. tarda, but also from the perspective of facilitating the development of effective vaccines.
Insights into the molecular mechanism of RGL2-mediated inhibition of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Stamm Petra , Ravindran Pratibha , Mohanty Bijayalaxmi , Tan Ee Ling , Yu Hao , Kumar Prakash P
Published: October 2012

Background

Seed germination is of immense significance for agriculture and has been studied for centuries. Yet, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying regulation of dormancy and germination is still in its infancy. Gibberellins are the key phytohormones that promote germination, and the DELLA protein RGL2 is the main signalling intermediate involved in this response. Germination is completely inhibited if functional RGL2 is overexpressed and/or stabilized; however, the molecular mechanisms of RGL2 function are still largely unknown. We therefore attempted to shed light onto some of the genetic events downstream of RGL2.

Results

Gene ontology of the transcriptome differentially regulated by RGL2, as well as extensive cross-comparison with other available microarray data indicates that RGL2-mediated inhibition of germination causes seeds to enter a state of dormancy. RGL2 also appears to differentially regulate a number of transcription factors, many of which are known to be involved in light- or phytohormone-mediated aspects of germination. A promoter analysis of differentially expressed genes identified an enrichment of several motifs that can be bound by specific transcription factors, for example GAMYB, ARF1, or Dof-type zinc fingers. We show that Dof-binding motifs indeed play a role in RGL2-mediated transcription. Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we show that RGL2 directly downregulates at least one cell wall modifying enzyme, which is predicted to constrain cell growth thereby leading to inhibition of seed germination.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that RGL2 controls various aspects of germination. Through the repression of cell wall modifying enzymes, cell growth is directly constrained to inhibit germination. Furthermore, RGL2 likely interacts with various types of proteins to regulate transcription, and differentially regulates several transcription factors. Collectively, our data indicate that gibberellins, acting via RGL2, control several aspects of seed germination.
In-vitroanalysis of the microbicidal activity of 6 contact lens care solutions
Authors: Hildebrandt Claudia , Wagner Daniela , Kohlmann Thomas , Kramer Axel
Published: October 2012

Background

Contact lens-related infections are often associated with inadequate contact lens hygiene, and therefore, contact lens care products should be able to sufficiently minimise the amount of pathogens that are responsible for these infections. In 2001, the EN ISO 14729 was introduced to ensure adequate disinfection efficacy of contact lens care solutions, but this norm has recently been criticised.

Methods

In this study, six frequently used contact lens care solutions were retested according to the Stand Alone Test of the EN ISO 14729 (2001). The Stand Alone Test is a quantitative suspension test. In addition, the products were tested in a modified setting adding an organic load. The load was a mixture of human blood serum, lysozyme, and mucine, which resembles tear fluid.

Results

The criteria of the Stand Alone Test recommended in EN ISO 14729 were only met by Aosept Plus. This 3% hydrogen-peroxide-based contact lens care solution attained a reduction factor of > 5 log units for bacteria and > 4 for fungi in all cases. Two further contact lens care solutions, Blue Vision and Optifree Replenish, met the criteria of a reduction factor of > 3 log units for bacteria and > 1 log unit for fungi, but only in the presence of artificial tear fluid. The three remaining products did not exhibit adequate disinfecting efficacy, at least against one of the tested microorganisms.

Conclusions

Through the observation that the artificial tear fluid used in this study influences the disinfecting efficacy of contact lens care solutions, especially that of multi-purpose solutions, in a different way than does albumin, mucine, or even the organic load suggested in EN ISO 14729, it becomes obvious that the test conditions in the EN ISO 14729 should be revised in order to create more realistic conditions, e.g., by using a more realistic artificial tear fluid. Furthermore, we suggest adapting the EN ISO 14729 to the European test hierarchy for chemical disinfectants and antiseptics, which consists of three test phases and also requests meeting stricter criteria in order to pass the test. Unless the test conditions guarantee a sufficient reduction of potential pathogens, the risk of contact lens-related microbial keratitis and other infections will remain for the users.
Novel anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies: synergy and antagonism with tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Ceran Ceyhan , Cokol Murat , Cingoz Sultan , Tasan Ipek , Ozturk Mehmet , Yagci Tamer
Published: October 2012

Background

One-third of breast cancers display amplifications of theERBB2gene encoding the HER2 kinase receptor. Trastuzumab, a humanized antibody directed against an epitope on subdomain IV of the extracellular domain of HER2 is used for therapy of HER2-overexpressing mammary tumors. However, many tumors are either natively resistant or acquire resistance against Trastuzumab. Antibodies directed to different epitopes on the extracellular domain of HER2 are promising candidates for replacement or combinatorial therapy. For example, Pertuzumab that binds to subdomain II of HER2 extracellular domain and inhibits receptor dimerization is under clinical trial. Alternative antibodies directed to novel HER2 epitopes may serve as additional tools for breast cancer therapy. Our aim was to generate novel anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells, either alone or in combination with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

Methods

Mice were immunized against SK-BR-3 cells and recombinant HER2 extracellular domain protein to produce monoclonal antibodies. Anti-HER2 antibodies were characterized with breast cancer cell lines using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, western blot techniques. Antibody epitopes were localized using plasmids encoding recombinant HER2 protein variants. Antibodies, either alone or in combination with TNF-α, were tested for their effects on breast cancer cell proliferation.

Results

We produced five new anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies, all directed against conformational epitope or epitopes restricted to the native form of the extracellular domain. When tested alone, some antibodies inhibited modestly but significantly the growth of SK-BR-3, BT-474 and MDA-MB-361 cells displayingERBB2amplification. They had no detectable effect on MCF-7 and T47D cells lackingERBB2amplification. When tested in combination with TNF-α, antibodies acted synergistically on SK-BR-3 cells, but antagonistically on BT-474 cells. A representative anti-HER2 antibody inhibited Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation leading to cyclin D1 accumulation and growth arrest in SK-BR-3 cells, independently from TNF-α.

Conclusions

Novel antibodies against extracellular domain of HER2 may serve as potent anti-cancer bioactive molecules. Cell-dependent synergy and antagonism between anti-HER2 antibodies and TNF-α provide evidence for a complex interplay between HER2 and TNF-α signaling pathways. Such complexity may drastically affect the outcome of HER2-directed therapeutic interventions.
Effect of posture-control insoles on function in children with cerebral palsy: Randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pasini Neto Hugo , Grecco Luanda André Collange , Christovão Thaluanna CL , Braun Luiz Alfredo , Giannasi Lilian Chrystiane , Salgado Afonso Shiguemi Inoue , de Moura Renata Calhes Franco , de Carvalho Paulo de Tarso Camillo , Corrêa João CF , Sampaio Luciana MM , Galli Manuela , Oliveira Claudia Santos
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a posture and movement disorder and different therapeutic modalities, such as the use of braces, have sought to favor selective motor control and muscle coordination in such patients. The aim of the proposed study is to determine the effect of the combination of posture-control insoles and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) improving functional limitation in children with CP.

Methods/Design

The sample will be composed of 24 children with CP between four and 12 years of age. After the signing of the statement of informed consent, the children will be randomly allocated to two groups: a control group using AFOs alone and an experimental group using both posture-control insoles and AFOs. Evaluations will be performed on five occasions: without any accessory (insoles or AFOs), immediately after, one month after, six months after and one year after AFOs or insole and AFOs use. The evaluation will involve the analysis of gait, static and functional balance, mobility and hypertonia. The three-dimensional assessment of gait will involve the eight-camera SMART-D SMART-D 140® system (BTS Engineering), two Kistler force plates (model 9286BA) and an eight-channel, wireless FREEEMG® electromyography (BTS Engineering). Static balance will be assessed using a Kistler force plate (model 9286BA). Clinical functional balance and mobility will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up-and-Go Test and Six-Minute Walk Test. The posture-control insoles will be made of ethylene vinyl acetate, with thermal molding for fixation. The fixed orthoses will be made of polypropylene and attached to the ankle region (AFO). The results will be analyzed statistically, with the level significance set to 5% (p < 0.05).

Trial Registration

Trial Registration Number: RBR6d342s (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/news/)