bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Look at the Evolution of Meteorological Satellites: Advancing Capabilities and Meeting User Requirements
Authors: Schmetz Johannes , Menzel W. Paul
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the authors offer their observations from more than 30 years of involvement in the evolution of the space-based meteorological remote sensing systems. Successes and issues from the past are recalled that established meteorological satellites into their current pivotal role. Evolution of imaging and sounding satellite systems from user requirements to affordable realizations is noted; some examples from recent U.S. and European experiences in the area of operational meteorological satellites are presented. The authors discuss the importance of the balanced roles of the three partners in satellite development (government, research, and industry), the need to develop full utilization of new satellite programs quickly during their early life, and a vision for global cooperation early in the planning stages of meteorological satellite missions. The authors offer suggestions that could foster expanded international collaboration on science and applications as well as expedite more satellite observations being pursued in a sustained manner.
Information, Inequality, and Mass Polarization
Authors: Iversen Torben , Soskice David
Published: July 2015

Growing polarization in the American Congress is closely related to rising income inequality. Yet there has been no corresponding polarization of the U.S. electorate, and across advanced democracies, mass polarization is negatively related to income inequality. To explain this puzzle, we propose a comparative political economy model of mass polarization in which the same institutional factors that generate income inequality also undermine political information. We explain why more voters then place themselves in the ideological center, hence generating a negative correlation between mass polarization and inequality. We confirm these conjectures on individual-level data for 20 democracies, and we then show that democracies cluster into two types: one with high inequality, low mass polarization, and polarized and right-shifted elites (e.g., the United States); and the other with low inequality and high mass polarization with left-shifted elites (e.g., Sweden). This division reflects long-standing differences in educational systems, the role of unions, and social networks.
Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Cracknell Deborah , White Mathew P. , Pahl Sabine , Nichols Wallace J. , Depledge Michael H.
Published: July 2015

Exposure to natural environments can have calming and stress-reducing effects on humans. Moreover, previous studies suggest that these benefits may be greater in areas with higher species richness. Our study took advantage of a “natural experiment” to examine people’s behavioral, physiological, and psychological reactions to increases in levels of marine biota in a large aquarium exhibit during three stages of restocking: Unstocked, Partially stocked, and Fully stocked. We found that increased biota levels were associated with longer spontaneous viewing of the exhibit, greater reductions in heart rate, greater increases in self-reported mood, and higher interest. We suggest that higher biota levels, even in managed settings, may be associated with important well-being and health benefits, particularly for individuals not able to access the natural analogues of managed environments.
Spatial Distance, Community Disadvantage, and Racial and Ethnic Variation in Prison Inmate Access to Social Ties
Authors: Cochran Joshua C. , Mears Daniel P. , Bales William D. , Stewart Eric A.
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

This article examines the impact of distal prison placements on inmate social ties. Specifically, we test whether distance adversely affects inmates by reducing their access to family and friends and then test whether the effects are amplified for minorities and inmates who come from socially disadvantaged areas.

Methods:

These questions are assessed using a sample of inmates that includes all convicted felony offenders admitted to a single state’s prison system over a three-year period.

Results:

We find that inmates vary greatly in the distance from which they are placed from home and that Latinos are placed more distally than Blacks and Whites. We also find that distance and community disadvantage adversely affect the likelihood of inmate visitation. Although the adverse effect of distance appears to be similar across racial and ethnic groups, a difference exists among Blacks—for this group, high levels of community disadvantage amplify the adverse effects of distance.

Conclusions:

This study identifies an important dimension along which incarceration may adversely impact inmates, their families, and the communities from which they come, and how these effects may be patterned in ways that disproportionately affect minorities and prisoners from disadvantaged areas.
The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem in Person–Context Research
Authors: Vogel Matt
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

To examine whether the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) observed in studies of aggregate crime rates poses a threat to studies examining the moderating effect of neighborhood processes on the association between individual risk factors and self-reported violence.

Methods:

A series of negative binomial regression models were estimated on a sample of 11,288 youth participating in the Add Health study to assess the moderating influence of neighborhood disadvantage on the association between impulsivity and violence aggregated to the census block group and the census tract.

Results:

One-unit increases in neighborhood disadvantage and impulsivity were associated with 5.1 percent and 4.9 percent increases in the expected count of self-reported violent behaviors, respectively. Neighborhood disadvantage exacerbated the association between impulsivity and self-reported violence when measured at the tract level but had no moderating effect when measured at the block group.

Conclusions:

The findings reported here suggest that the MAUP poses a unique concern for person–context research. The geographic aggregation of neighborhood effects warrants careful consideration in theoretical and empirical models linking individual behavior with broader social ecologies.
Maternal and fetal arterial blood gas data during general anaesthesia for caesarean delivery of preterm twin lambs
Authors: Musk G C , Kemp M W
Published: July 2015

Much remains to be understood with regards the effects of prolonged anaesthesia on maternal and fetal haemodynamics and oxygenation. With the aim of improving anaesthetic management of pregnant sheep undergoing recovery surgery under anaesthesia, paired maternal and fetal arterial blood samples were collected during caesarean delivery of twin preterm lambs to document the blood gas status of the ewe and fetus. Twenty-one Merino twin pregnant ewes at 126 (±1) days of gestation were anaesthetized for caesarean delivery of their fetuses. Arterial blood samples were collected from the radial artery of the ewe and umbilical artery of the fetus at the point of delivery. There was a significant difference between maternal PaCO2 and end-tidal CO2 and alveolar and arterial PaO2, indicating ventilation perfusion mismatch. Interestingly, the ewes were anaemic but the fetuses were not. These data underscore the need to undertake further work to determine the optimal anaesthetic regimen for twin pregnant ewes at different gestational ages in a biomedical research setting.
This Too Shall Pass
Authors: Henderson Dawn X. , Bond Gary D. , Alderson Courtney J. , Walker W. Richard
Published: July 2015

Two studies examined African Americans essays on coping with violent and nonviolent death and fading affect bias. Essays from 101 African Americans were coded for psychological resolution (resolved or unresolved) and for type of death (violent or nonviolent). Linguistic analyses were used to examine the experience of loss and coping methods. Religious coping was important for nonviolent death events while social support and emotion (e.g., crying) were themes that emerged for violent death events. For unresolved violent death events, dissociation was a common theme. The perceived change in the emotional intensity of the events was examined and revealed that the negative emotion showed evidence of substantial fading. Overall, these results suggest religious coping, social support and sharing enhance coping among African American participants. These processes can help negative affect associated with death events fade, allowing for psychological resolution, healing, and resilience.
The Impact of Death Education on Fear of Death and Death Anxiety Among Human Services Students
Authors: McClatchey Irene Searles , King Steve
Published: July 2015

Human services professionals will undoubtedly work with the dying and bereaved populations at one time or other. Yet, they are poorly prepared to do so since death education, that is, lessons about the human and emotional aspects of death, its implications, and subsequent bereavement issues, is often not part of their curriculum. This nonequivalent comparison group study ( N = 86) examined death fear and death anxiety among human services students before and after receiving death education using the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in death anxiety among the group of students who participated in death education compared to those who did not.
Toward a Cognitive-Affective Process Model of Hostile Media Perceptions: A Multi-Country Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Beyer Audun
Published: July 2015

This article develops and tests a theoretical cognitive-affective process model of the hostile media effect (HME). To explain the HME, scholars have mainly focused on cognitive involvement, that is, the extent to which an issue is of personal importance. In addition, we introduce the notion of affective involvement and hypothesize three distinct routes responsible for a HME: a cognitive, an affective, and a cognitive-affective route. Simultaneously collected representative survey data from the United States, Norway, and France employing country-invariant measures provide clear evidence that the three routes each and independently drive the HME. Theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed.
Does the Co-Viewing of Sexual Material Affect Rape Myth Acceptance? The Role of the Co-Viewer’s Reactions and Gender
Authors: Tal-Or Nurit , Tsfati Yariv
Published: July 2015

While media research has long ago acknowledged that watching TV is a social activity, only a few studies have examined the effects of co-viewing on adult reactions to a televised text. In the current investigation, we used social-cognitive theory combined with previous research on the intra-audience effect, audience identification, transportation, and attitude change to develop hypotheses connecting co-viewers’ reactions, co-viewers’ gender, and viewer’s post-exposure attitudes. Participants watched a movie segment that ended in a rape scene. We manipulated their confederate co-viewers’ displayed reaction (enthusiastic or bored) and gender, and subsequently measured perceived co-viewers’ attributions of responsibility for the rape, the viewers’ transportation, identification with the male protagonist, and acceptance of the rape myth (the tendency to attribute responsibility for sexual violence to the victim). Results demonstrated that for those participants who correctly perceived the engagement manipulation, the effect of the confederate co-viewer’s engagement manipulation on rape myth acceptance was positive and significant. In addition, both manipulations had an indirect effect on rape myth acceptance, sequentially mediated through transportation and identification.
An intelligent estimation framework in the area of real-time tracking
Authors: Kazemi MF , Olamaei J
Published: July 2015

A number of referenced materials in the area of real-time tracking have been considered to present a novel intelligent estimation framework (IBEF). The main idea behind the research is to realize an approach that is applicable and efficient with respect to the final outcomes in the same way. The IBEF is realized, as a decision maker, in association with the neural network, where all the types of chosen objects, such as military, private vehicles, animals and other related objects, may be tracked in a set of frames of video through their approach. Then, the IBEF in each frame should be corrected to re-organize the estimation, in a constructive manner. The main goals may be chosen as solid, non-solid, stationary and non-stationary objects, as long as all of them can be taken in different quantities. The applicability of the approach can be presented in the areas of flight control, collision avoidance, etc. The process of realizing the approach can be continued by extracting some prominent features regarding the tracked objects, in order to apply them to the IBEF. The desirable performance of the proposed approach is guaranteed though a standard scenario. The results are finally compared with a benchmark approach, where the improvement of the approach performance can be verified.
Evaluation of Lean Body Weight Equation by Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry Measures
Authors: Beckman Lauren M. , Boullata Joseph I. , Fisher Paige L. , Compher Charlene W. , Earthman Carrie P.
Published: July 2015

Background: When managing patients with disorders that require clinical intervention, a practical assessment of body habitus is valued. The Duffull‐Green lean body weight (LBW) equation was derived and validated in adults across a wide body mass index (BMI) range. Whether this predictive equation will perform well in patients at BMI extremes or perform better than a widely used empiric “ideal” body weight (IBW) equation is unknown. Materials and Methods: Calculated LBW and calculated IBW were each compared with the dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)–derived lean body mass (LBM) by simple linear regression. A mixed model was used to determine how well the LBW equation performed over time in patients with more than 1 DXA measurement. Results: At time 0, 32 patients were 18–67 years old, and all were obese (BMI: 36–65 kg/m2), while the remaining 7 had parenteral nutrition–dependent intestinal failure (BMI: 17–25 kg/m2). A subset of patients underwent bariatric surgery after time 0 (BMI at follow‐up: 22–49 kg/m2). The LBW equation was a predictor of LBM (R2 = 0.67, P < .0001), while the IBW equation was not (R2 = 0.04, P = .25). The LBW equation remained a predictor of LBM over time (P < .0001) without significant interaction by number of months since time 0. Conclusion: The Duffull‐Green LBW equation successfully predicted lean body mass in a patient population with a wide range of BMIs at both a single point in time and after considerable weight loss. In the clinical setting, an equation that performs well in various disease states and body sizes is advantageous.
Using Histopathologic Evidence to Differentiate Reproductive Senescence from Xenobiotic Effects in Middle-aged Female Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Shirai Norimitsu , Houle Christopher , Mirsky Michael L.
Published: July 2015

The female reproductive cycle is orchestrated by cyclical and coordinated hormonal changes under the direction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Any disruption of the HPG axis may lead to functional and structural alterations in the female reproductive system. Test article–related disturbances in the estrous cycle can be recognized in nonclinical toxicity studies by staging the cycle based on microscopic evaluation of female reproductive organs. In chronic rat toxicity studies, an additional complication is the development of reproductive senescence, which is associated with natural alterations in the reproductive cycle leading to changes in the female reproductive system that can potentially be confused with test article effects. The current article describes the features of persistent estrus, one stage of reproductive senescence, in middle-aged Sprague-Dawley rats and discusses elements to help differentiate senescence from induced effects.
Hand-held transendoscopic robotic manipulators: A transurethral laser prostate surgery case study
Authors: Hendrick Richard J. , Mitchell Christopher R. , Herrell S. Duke , Webster Robert J.
Published: July 2015

Natural orifice endoscopic surgery can enable incisionless approaches, but a major challenge is the lack of small and dexterous instrumentation. Surgical robots have the potential to meet this need yet often disrupt the clinical workflow. Hand-held robots that combine thin manipulators and endoscopes have the potential to address this by integrating seamlessly into the clinical workflow and enhancing dexterity. As a case study illustrating the potential of this approach, we describe a hand-held robotic system that passes two concentric tube manipulators through a 5 mm port in a rigid endoscope for transurethral laser prostate surgery. This system is intended to catalyze the use of a clinically superior, yet rarely attempted, procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia. This paper describes system design and experiments to evaluate the surgeon’s functional workspace and accuracy using the robot. Phantom and cadaver experiments demonstrate successful completion of the target procedure via prostate lobe resection.
Indium(III) phthalocyanine eka-conjugated polymer as high-performance optical limiter upon nanosecond laser irradiation
Authors: Darwish Wael M , Darwish Ayman M , Al-Ashkar Emad A
Published: July 2015

A novel chloroindium(III) phthalocyanine network polymer (4) was prepared and characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and absorption and emission spectroscopies. The non-linear optical (NLO) profile of the prepared phthalocyanine (Pc) network polymer, derived from a nanosecond open-aperture Z-scan technique at 532 nm, shows a clear reverse saturable absorption and a high non-linear absorption coefficient ( α2) of 9.7 × 10−7 cm W−1. Optical limiting investigations indicated that the prepared Pc network polymer has a relatively low limiting threshold of 900 mJ cm−2. According to these results, the prepared Pc polymer is a promising material for many NLO applications.
Bayesian hierarchical models for network meta-analysis incorporating nonignorable missingness
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chu Haitao , Hong Hwanhee , Virnig Beth A , Carlin Bradley P
Published: July 2015

Network meta-analysis expands the scope of a conventional pairwise meta-analysis to simultaneously compare multiple treatments, synthesizing both direct and indirect information and thus strengthening inference. Since most of trials only compare two treatments, a typical data set in a network meta-analysis managed as a trial-by-treatment matrix is extremely sparse, like an incomplete block structure with significant missing data. Zhang et al. proposed an arm-based method accounting for correlations among different treatments within the same trial and assuming that absent arms are missing at random. However, in randomized controlled trials, nonignorable missingness or missingness not at random may occur due to deliberate choices of treatments at the design stage. In addition, those undertaking a network meta-analysis may selectively choose treatments to include in the analysis, which may also lead to missingness not at random. In this paper, we extend our previous work to incorporate missingness not at random using selection models. The proposed method is then applied to two network meta-analyses and evaluated through extensive simulation studies. We also provide comprehensive comparisons of a commonly used contrast-based method and the arm-based method via simulations in a technical appendix under missing completely at random and missing at random.
Experiences of Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Parents at End of Life
Authors: Montgomery Kathleen , Sawin Kathleen J. , Hendricks-Ferguson Verna L.
Published: July 2015

Improvement in pediatric palliative and end-of-life care has been identified as an ongoing research priority. The child and parent experience provides valuable information to guide how health care professionals can improve the transition to end of life and the care provided to children and families during the vulnerable period. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the experience of pediatric oncology patients and their parents during end of life, and identify gaps to be addressed with interventions. A literature search was completed using multiple databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycInfo. A total of 43 articles were included in the review. The analysis of the evidence revealed 5 themes: symptom prevalence and symptom management, parent and child perspectives of care, patterns of care, decision making, and parent and child outcomes of care. Guidelines for quality end-of-life care are needed. More research is needed to address methodological gaps that include the pediatric patient and their sibling’s experience.
Fluid–structural dynamic characterization of an electroactive membrane wing
Authors: Hays Michael R , Hart Adam , Guettler Adriane , Ukeiley Lawrence , Oates William S
Published: July 2015

The interactions between low-Reynolds-number fluid flow and an electroactive membrane wing is characterized to illustrate changes in harmonic and transient behavior from electric field excitation of the membrane wing. The wing is constructed of a dielectric elastomer material that changes its tension as a function of the applied field. The field excitation leads to changes in the shape of the wing under aerodynamic loads and subsequently, increased lift and delay of stall. Prior work in time-averaged lift and drag characterization is extended to better understand dynamic characteristics. Benchtop membrane structural dynamics are compared with visual image correlation, hotwire measurements, and particle image velocimetry within a low-Reynolds-number wind tunnel. An applied electric field leads to a 13.7% reduction in structural resonance of the membrane under ambient conditions while wind tunnel measurements illustrate a 5.1% reduction in resonance under the same applied field. Despite these differences, the structural and fluid dynamic harmonics are closely correlated for low-Reynolds-number flow at 10 m/s.
Vital Roux, Forgotten Forerunner of Modern Business Games
Authors: Touzet Léo , Corbeil Pierre
Published: July 2015

Aim. This article presents the pioneering work of Vital Roux, a French businessman and author who proposed, in the 1800s, a teaching method to train business people which closely resembles the experiential method central to today’s business games.

Background. This presentation indirectly discusses the fundamental issue of business games’ success as an educational innovation. We recall briefly that the roots of business games are distant, multiple, and far-ranging.

Method. The pedagogy advocated by Vital Roux is revealed and innovative aspects of his educational system are noted and discussed. Roux’s obscurity is underlined, and a plausible explanation for the relative failure of his project is proposed. A social and historical hypothesis is then suggested to explain the success which business games have won in the United States a century and a half later.

Conclusion.Roux’s key thoughts are summarized, suggesting he can appear as a forgotten forerunner of modern business games.
When and Why Are Internal Job Transitions Successful? Transition Challenges, Hindrances, and Resources Influencing Motivation and Retention Through Basic Needs Satisfaction
Authors: Verbruggen Marijke , De Cooman Rein , Vansteenkiste Sarah
Published: July 2015

This study examines when and why internal job transitions enhance employees’ motivation and retention. Building on the Challenge–Hindrance Framework and the Self-Determination Theory, we hypothesize that transition challenges (i.e., horizontal and vertical transition magnitude) satisfy people’s basic psychological needs and may therefore enhance motivation and retention, whereas transition hindrances (i.e., increased work–life conflict) thwart basic needs satisfaction and are accordingly likely to decrease motivation and retention. In addition, we argue that transition resources (i.e., social support and personal control) may boost the impact of transition challenges and buffer the impact of transition hindrances. Hypotheses were tested with 173 employees who recently made an internal transition. We found support for the positive impact of vertical transition magnitude and the negative impact of increased work–life conflict on motivation and retention through an impact on basic needs satisfaction. In addition, social support was found to boost the former path. No other moderation effects were found. Implications of the results are discussed.
Feasibility and Safety of an Operative Tool for Anterior Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome Treatment
Authors: de Bruijn Johan A. , van Zantvoort Aniek P. M. , Winkes Michiel B. , Raaymakers Leo , van der Cruijsen-Raaijmakers Marike , Hoogeveen Adwin R. , Scheltinga Marc R.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Operative management of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the tibialis anterior muscle compartment (ant-CECS) usually involves the use of a fasciotome. Collateral tissue damage such as hematoma and nerve damage may occur during the procedure. The current report assessed the feasibility and safety of an alternative tool for the operative management of ant-CECS.

Methods:

The system had a speculum-like hollow tube that was inserted via a 2-cm skin incision and allowed for the protected advancement of a fasciotome. The device was tested in patients with bilateral ant-CECS. Symptoms were prospectively scored before and after surgery using a 5-category verbal rating scale (VRS). Fourteen patients (age 26 ± 10 years) were analyzed. Complications and operative efficacy were determined using physical examination and questionnaires after 21 (range = 16-25) months.

Results:

Technical operative success rate was 100% (28/28 legs). Operation time was 10 ± 2 minutes per leg (range = 6-14). Perioperative complications were not observed. One superficial wound infection was treated nonoperatively. Significant reductions in pain (–2.2 ± 1.1 on 5-point VRS, P < .001), tightness (–1.9 ± 1.6, P = .01), cramps (–1.4 ± 1.6, P = .009), muscle weakness (–1.6 ± 1.2, P < .001), and altered sensibility (–1.3 ± 1.4, P = .005) were registered 21 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This fasciotome was simple to use and allowed for a safe fasciotomy in patients with leg ant-CECS. A randomized controlled trial comparing the present device with a widely used fasciotome was under way at the time of writing of this study.

Level of evidence:

Level IV, case series
A Strategic Framework for Building Civic Capacity
Authors: Page Stephen
Published: July 2015

This article refines our understanding of the building blocks of civic capacity. It argues that the development of civic capacity depends heavily on the tractability or “wickedness” of public problems. Problem tractability, in turn, depends on leaders’ ability to manage processes of learning and bargaining strategically by influencing policy networks, governance institutions, and collective cognitive frames. Longitudinal case studies of urban growth and transportation in Seattle highlight the benefits for civic capacity of building robust networks and legitimate, transparent governance institutions, and of adjusting the frames of debate in light of situational demands. The article concludes with propositions and implications for future research.
Redoing Gender Relations in Transnational Lives
Authors: García Selgas Fernando J.
Published: July 2015

Are male/female gender relations mainly (mechanically) done, (willing) undone, or (conditionally) redone? To what extent do social structurations, historical processes, and subjective strategies influence gender relations? This article is a contribution to answer these questions. After a short review of the conceptual debate brought about by West and Zimmerman’s notion of “doing gender,” the author’s own long-term empirical research into gender relations in the transnational lives of Ecuadorians and Senegalese in Spain is used to argue that gender relations usually stretch and shrink and are consequently displaced from their original forms by the changing aims, situations, and dynamics in which they are displayed. The main features of these displacements or shifts in the studied case (i.e., hierarchical intersectionality, dual logic, and situated character) confirm that gender relations are conditionally sustained by interactions, which produce continuous variations in their forms and issues.
Lymphomatoid papulosis: A cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder in a patient on fingolimod for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Samaraweera Amal PR , Cohen Stuart N , Akay Ela M , Evangelou Nikos
Published: July 2015

Background:

Fingolimod was the first oral disease-modifying treatment for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. It has previously been associated with the development of lymphoma.

Objective:

To describe a case of lymphomatoid papulosis, a CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder, in a patient taking fingolimod.

Methods:

Case study.

Results:

Our patient developed lymphomatoid papulosis 2 months after starting fingolimod. Histology confirmed the diagnosis. The drug was withdrawn. Resolution began only 2 days later.

Conclusions:

Lymphomatoid papulosis is a benign subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, but up to 20% of cases can transform to a malignant course. Patients on fingolimod and physicians caring for them should be mindful of the need to monitor the skin.
Combustion and emission behavior of linear C8-oxygenates
Authors: Heuser Benedikt , Mauermann Peter , Wankhade Rajendra , Kremer Florian , Pischinger Stefan
Published: July 2015

Alternative fuels have become of great importance in order to secure a sustainable mobility within the next decades. Within the Cluster of Excellence, “Tailor-Made Fuels from Biomass” at RWTH Aachen University, several possible fuel candidates could be derived from (hemi-)cellulose by selective catalytic conversion. The proposed fuel candidates include furans, ethers, alcohols, and ketones. Experiments with the isomers di-n-butyl ether and 1-octanol have proven their suitability for diesel-type combustion. With di-n-butyl ether being prone to auto-ignition, overall hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and soot emissions are reduced compared to diesel. In contrast, the prolonged ignition delay with 1-octanol causes an increase in HC and CO emissions particularly at low engine loads. However, soot emissions are even below those of di-n-butyl ether. With regard to particulate matter, an Exhaust Emissions Particulate Sizer Spectrometer (EEPS™) has been utilized to investigate the particle size or number distribution. Compared to diesel, a reduction of the total particle number up to 80% was seen with the oxygenates next to a shift toward reduced particle mobility diameter. The HC emissions of both di-n-butyl ether and 1-octanol have been studied in detail by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. As a main result, not only the general emission reduction potential of the biofuel alternatives 1-octanol and di-n-butyl ether can be shown with this work. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the composition of hydrocarbons emitted with the C8-oxygenates is almost equal to those with diesel, except for the unburned fuel that is present in the exhaust gas. Quantification showed that the carcinogenic component 1,3-butadiene increased with the alternative fuel candidates, whereas particularly benzene and ethyl benzene reduced. Since both di-n-butyl ether and 1-octanol are found in high proportions in the exhaust gas, the effects on the aftertreatment system have to be investigated in a subsequent campaign.
Exploring potentialities for cosmopolitan learning in Swedish teacher education
Authors: Scheja Max
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to explore student teachers’ experiences of learning in teacher education, with a focus on how students describe their ways of thinking about their own learning in relation to their future professional role as teachers and how these descriptions relate to emerging cosmopolitan visions for student learning in teacher education. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with a small sample of student teachers at two Swedish universities. Thirty student teachers writing their final exam papers were invited to participate in an interview. Of these, 14 volunteered for audio-recorded, individual interviews exploring the students’ experiences of studying and learning. The analysis drew on a conceptual framework developed in research on students’ approaches to studying and learning and focused on how students described their experiences of learning in the course of studying, with an emphasis on the ways in which students reflected on their own emergent understandings of knowledge that they believe to be central to the process of becoming a professional teacher. These reflective accounts were subsequently analysed with a focus on the ways in which they connect to current philosophical ideas of cosmopolitan learning in teacher education. While the student teachers did not explicitly link their own understandings of what is involved in becoming a teacher to any cosmopolitan views raised in their teacher education, their ways of thinking about their own emergent professional understanding of teaching revealed a certain reflexive potential that can be linked to ideas of cosmopolitan learning in teacher education. This study contributes to educational research by linking an empirically derived conceptualisation of student learning in higher education to broader philosophical visions of higher education specifically addressing the challenges that teacher education faces in the light of the globalisation of society as a whole.
HPV Vaccine Public Awareness Campaigns
Authors: Blasi Paula R. , King Deborah , Henrikson Nora B.
Published: July 2015

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates are significantly lower than recommended targets. Public awareness campaigns can raise awareness of the severity and prevalence of HPV infection and the cancer prevention benefits of the vaccine. We conducted an environmental scan of HPV vaccine public awareness campaigns during the summer of 2014. We used online search strategies and expert input to identify candidate campaigns. Multiple study investigators reviewed all data abstraction and analysis. After applying our inclusion criteria, we identified 14 campaigns with parents or teenagers as the target audience. We characterized campaign messages according to constructs of the Health Belief Model. Most messages focused on the cancer prevention benefits of HPV vaccine; few addressed psychological or practical barriers to getting or completing the vaccine. Four of 14 campaigns had pre- or postcampaign data readily available, only 2 used vaccine outcomes in their evaluations. We concluded there was a high prevalence of HPV vaccine public awareness campaigns but little available evidence on their impact on intermediate or vaccine outcomes.
Partnering With Community-Dwelling Individuals With Diabetes for Health Behavior Change Using Action Plans
Authors: Barry Hultquist Teresa , Brown Sara Goomis , Geske Jenenne , Kaiser Katherine Laux , Waibel-Rycek Denise
Published: July 2015

Health care practitioners support or hinder an individual’s attempts to self-manage health behavior. Practitioners must understand an individual’s health needs and goals to effectively partner for behavior change. Self-management support (SMS) promote efforts toward positive health behavior change. Practitioners need training to provide effective SMS, beginning with their formal education. The purpose of this educational practice project was to integrate an evidence-based intervention (SMS using action plans) into a nursing curriculum. Three sequential steps included (1) providing foundational SMS education, (2) SMS application with students’ personal action plans, and (3) implementing SMS with community-dwelling individuals with diabetes. Students ( n = 130) partnered with participants (n = 85), developing short- ( n = 240) and long-term ( n = 99) action plans during home visits. The average baseline Diabetes Empowerment Scale score measuring participant’s perceived psychosocial diabetes management self-efficacy was 4.3 (1-5 scale, SD = 0.51, n = 83). Most common short-term actions related to physical activity ( n = 100, 42%) and healthy eating ( n = 61, 25%). Average participant confidence level was 7.7 (SD = 1.9, 0-10 scale). Short-term goal evaluation ( n = 209) revealed 66% ( n = 137) were met more than 50% of the time. Both participants (99%) and students (99%) expressed satisfaction with home visit and action plan experiences. This teaching–learning experience is replicable and applicable to any professional health care student.
Evaluating Robotic Surgical Skills Performance Under Distractive Environment Using Objective and Subjective Measures
Authors: Suh Irene H. , LaGrange Chad A. , Oleynikov Dmitry , Siu Ka-Chun
Published: July 2015

Background. Distractions are recognized as a significant factor affecting performance in safety critical domains. Although operating rooms are generally full of distractions, the effect of distractions on robot-assisted surgical (RAS) performance is unclear. Our aim was to investigate the effect of distractions on RAS performance using both objective and subjective measures. Methods. Fifteen participants performed a knot-tying task using the da Vinci Surgical System and were exposed to 3 distractions: (1) passive distraction entailed listening to noise with a constant heart rate, (2) active distraction included listening to noise and acknowledging a change of random heart rate from 60 to 120 bpm, and (3) interactive distraction consisted of answering math questions. The objective kinematics of the surgical instrument tips were used to evaluate performance. Electromyography (EMG) of the forearm and hand muscles of the participants were collected. The median EMG frequency (EMGfmed) and the EMG envelope (EMGenv) were analyzed. NASA Task Load Index and Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery score were used to evaluate the subjective performance. One-way repeated analysis of variance was applied to examine the effects of distraction on skills performance. Spearman’s correlations were conducted to compare objective and subjective measures. Results. Significant distraction effect was found for all objective kinematics measures ( P < .05). There were significant distraction effects for EMG measures (EMGenv, P < .004; EMGfmed, P = .031). Significant distraction effects were also found for subjective measurements. Conclusions. Distraction impairs surgical skills performance and increases muscle work. Understanding how the surgeons cope with distractions is important in developing surgical education.
The role of serum I-FABP concentration in assessment of small intestine mucosa among HIV-infected patients
Authors: Skowyra Artur , Mikuła Tomasz , Suchacz Magdalena , Skowyra Agnieszka , Wiercińska-Drapało Alicja
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) is a useful marker in the assessment of damages and inflammation to the small intestinal mucosa. We have investigated the influence of HIV infections and antiretroviral treatment on the small intestine mucosa aided by the evaluation of I-FABP concentration levels.

Methods:

We included in the study: 31 HIV-infected patients with antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment (T), 32 HIV-infected patients not treated with ART (NT), and 18 healthy volunteers as a control group. The concentrations of I-FABP were measured in serum using a sandwich enzyme immunoassay kit: Human I-FABP.

Results:

The median level of I-FABP in the serum of HIV-infected patients was 2.10 ± 2.56 ng/mL and did not significantly differ between T and NT (2.32 ± 2.69 ng/mL vs. 1.89 ± 2.45 ng/mL). However, the I-FABP serum level was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients when compared to the group control (2.10 ± 2.56 ng/mL vs. 1.26 ± 1.18 ng/mL; P = 0.048). We recorded a correlation for treated HIV-infected patients between Viral load and I-FABP serum level (r = −0.66; P <0.05).

Conclusions:

Elevated serum I-FABP level in HIV-infected patients confirm that HIV causes damage to the intestinal mucosa. I-FAB is a useful marker in the assessment of intestinal damage in HIV-infected patients.
Andreas Vesalius’ 500th anniversary: the initiation of hand and forearm myology
Authors: Brinkman R. J. , Hage J. J.
Published: July 2015

Andreas Vesalius (1515–1564) was the first to market an illustrated text on the freshly dissected muscular anatomy of the human hand and forearm when he published his De Fabrica Corporis Humani Libri Septem, in 1543. To commemorate his 500th birthday, we searched the second of seven books composing De Fabrica, the annotated woodcut illustrations of De Fabrica, the Tabulae Sex, and Epitome, and an eyewitness report of a public dissection by Vesalius for references to the morphology and functions of these muscles. We found Vesalius to have recognized all currently distinguished muscles except the palmaris brevis and he noted occasional absence of some muscles. Generally, he limited the origin and insertion to bones, largely disregarding attachments to membranes and fascia. Functionally, he recorded the muscles as having a single vector and operating on only one joint. We conclude that Vesalius was nearly completely correct about the anatomy of the muscles of the forearm, but much less accurate about their function.

Level of Evidence: 5
Prevalence, characteristics and natural history of cold intolerance after the reverse digital artery flap
Authors: Sun Y. C. , Chen Q. Z. , Chen J. , Qian Z. W. , Kong J. , Gong Y. P.
Published: July 2015

This retrospective study was designed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and natural history of cold intolerance after the use of the reverse digital artery flap. A total of 123 patients were treated between 2010 and 2013. After excluding patients who were lost to follow-up, 87 patients were studied. The mean follow-up time was 34 months (range 14–61). Cold intolerance occurred in 60% (52) of patients after the reverse digital artery flap procedure. The condition improved in only 15% (8) of the patients. Significant differences were observed in the age and the specific digit involved between the groups with and without cold intolerance. There was a lower incidence in younger patients, and the ring finger group showed a lower incidence than in other fingers. Furthermore, the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity score was positively correlated with the temperature at which cold intolerance was triggered.

Level of evidence: IV
Maternal and fetal outcome in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: the impact of prenatal care
Authors: Barbosa Isabela Roberta Cruz , Silva Wesley Bruno Merencio , Cerqueira Grace Sanches Gutierrez , Novo Neil Ferreira , Almeida Fernando Antonio , Novo Joe Luiz Vieira Garcia
Published: July 2015

Background:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most important cause of maternal and fetal death and pregnancy complications in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological profile of women with HDP admitted to a Brazilian tertiary reference hospital, and to evaluate maternal and fetal outcome in each HDP and the impact of prenatal care on the maternal and fetal outcome.

Methods:

HDP in 1501 women were classified according to usual definitions as chronic hypertension ( n = 564), pre-eclampsia ( n = 579), eclampsia ( n = 74) and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension ( n = 284). Adverse maternal and fetal outcomes registered as maternal death and near miss and fetal outcomes documented as stillbirth, neonatal death and newborn respiratory complications were compiled. Prenatal care was classified as complete (⩾6 visits), incomplete (<6 visits) or not done.

Results:

Women with eclampsia were younger (15 years), 68% were on their first pregnancy, had higher blood pressure, higher mortality and greater number of near miss cases and their children had lower birth weight, higher intra-uterus and neonatal mortality, and more respiratory distress. Women with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension and their fetuses had intermediate outcome and those with chronic hypertension and pre-eclampsia the better outcome among those with HDP. Women who had incomplete prenatal care or prenatal not done had progressive higher mortality rates and greater frequency of near miss cases, and their children had higher mortality rates.

Conclusion:

In a tertiary reference hospital, eclampsia and chronic hypertension superimposed on pre-eclampsia are associated with a worst outcome for mothers and fetuses, whereas complete prenatal care is associated with a better maternal and fetal outcome in HDP.
School Nurse Workload
Authors: Combe Laurie G. , Bachman Mary Beth , Dolatowski Rosemary , Endsley Patricia E. , Hassey Kathy , Maughan Erin , Minchella Lindsey , Shanks Bobbi , Trefry Sharonlee , Zeno Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

NASN has found a lack of research-based evidence to support the caseload ratio model of school nurse staffing. In keeping with the practices of school administrators, other school support personnel, and community health care providers, NASN is transitioning to the workload model to guide safe school nurse staffing. The workload model considers more than ratio and acuity; instead, it provides a full description of school nurse activities and other influences on student health.
Targeting casein kinase II restores Ikaros tumor suppressor activity and demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in high-risk leukemia
Authors: Song Chunhua , Gowda Chandrika , Pan Xiaokang , Ding Yali , Tong Yongqing , Tan Bi-Hua , Wang Haijun , Muthusami Sunil , Ge Zheng , Sachdev Mansi , Amin Shantu G. , Desai Dhimant , Gowda Krishne , Gowda Raghavendra , Robertson Gavin P. , Schjerven Hilde , Muschen Markus , Payne Kimberly J. , Dovat Sinisa
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Ikaros controls cellular proliferation by repressing genes that regulate cell cycle progression and the PI3K pathway in leukemia. CK2 inhibitor restores Ikaros tumor suppressor function in high-risk B-ALL with IKZF1 deletion and has a strong therapeutic effect in vivo.