bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Science reporting in Accra, Ghana: Sources, barriers and motivational factors
Authors: Appiah Bernard , Gastel Barbara , Burdine James N. , Russell Leon H.
Published: September 2014

In Ghana, as in many other developing countries, most science reporting is done by general reporters. However, few studies have investigated science reporting in such a situation. To understand better the dynamics of science reporting in such context, we surveyed 151 general reporters in Ghana. Respondents’ demographic characteristics resembled those found in studies elsewhere. Respondents perceived health professionals and scientists as very important sources of information for reporting science. There was an inverse correlation between journalism experience and the number of science feature stories reported in the past 12 months ( p = .017). Most respondents indicated that science journalism training would motivate them to report science more. Likewise, most reported that easier access to research findings would do so. We identify characteristics of reporters, media, scientific, and training institutions that are important influences of Ghanaian reporters’ coverage of science. We provide recommendations for advancing science reporting in Ghana.
Growing older in a symphony orchestra: The development of the age-related self-concept and the self-estimated performance of professional musicians in a lifespan perspective
Authors: Gembris Heiner , Heye Andreas
Published: September 2014

The use of the lifespan perspective as a reference point for analysing and researching the musical and artistic development of professional musicians has only recently begun to attract more attention amongst music researchers and educators and amongst musicians themselves. The knowledge about the processes of aging and their influences on making music is especially scarce. This study presents the results of a representative questionnaire on the issue of growing older in a symphony orchestra. A total of 2,536 professional musicians aged between 20 and 69 from 133 German Kulturorchester took part in the survey. The orchestral musicians were asked about a range of issues, including their own perception of their age, how the perks of being a musician change over time and how they manage declining performance caused by aging. The results show how the years between 40 and 50 are a time of change. During this period, musicians feel they leave their youth behind and join the older age group. This is also the time when they feel they have left behind their period of peak musical performance and are now on a downward slope. The majority of musicians notice that their performance is declining due to a range of age-related factors that can be divided into four categories: physical problems, cognitive problems, sensory organ problems and psychological problems. These findings confirm the inverted J-curve that was described in previous studies on the topic of peak musical performance.
Influence of Workplace Bullying on Turkish Nurses’ Psychological Distress and Nurses’ Reactions to Bullying
Authors: Bardakçı Ezgi , Günüşen Neslihan Partlak
Published: September 2014

Purpose: The study aims to determine the influence of bullying on nurses’ psychological distress. Design: A descriptive design was adopted. The study sample included 284 nurses of a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey. The Workplace Bullying Behavior Scale and the General Health Questionnaire were used. Results: After the study was completed, it was determined that nurses with a master’s degree were exposed to bullying more and that nurses exposed to bullying suffered higher levels of psychological distress and preferred to keep silent about it. Perpetrators of bullying were mainly head nurses. Discussion/Conclusions: Bullying is a common workplace phenomenon, and in most cases, nurses bully each other. Bullied nurses suffer more psychological distress. Implications: Managers of health care institutions should always remember that nurses have a higher risk of exposure to bullying and that measures should be taken to support nurses.
Interactions Between Caregivers and Young Children
Authors: Høiseth Marikken , Keitsch Martina M. , Holm Hopperstad Marit
Published: September 2014

Although research in health care suggests that one of the most important factors for efficient medical delivery is the child’s willingness to cooperate, little is known about how caregivers facilitate cooperation with young children during medical treatment. In this article, we explore interactions between parents, nurses, and young children during pediatric nebulizer treatment in terms of tact as a pedagogical concept. Based on our analysis, which followed a hermeneutic approach and included video observations of five hospitalized children aged between 15 and 30 months, we present four themes related to pedagogical tact of caregivers and children’s willingness to cooperate, and discuss the role that medical products can play in this cooperation. The results benefit pediatric health personnel, as well as product designers.
Deservingness and Gratitude in the Context of Heart Transplantation
Authors: O’Brien Geraldine M. , Donaghue Ngaire , Walker Iain , Wood Clare A.
Published: September 2014

Heart transplantation is now routinely offered as a treatment for end-stage heart failure, and the “gift-of-life” metaphor has become pervasive in this context, forming the foundation on which transplantation discourses rest. In this article, we question organ-as-gift understandings of transplantation. One can also legitimately think of the transplanted organ as a donation, with distinct implications in terms of the transplantation experience for the recipient. We explored the transplantation experience of 13 heart recipients in Australia. We conducted semistructured interviews, and our interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data resulted in three themes: deservingness, nuances of gratitude, and giving forward. Our results indicate that differences between organ-as-gift and organ-as-donation understandings of transplantation are more than merely semantic. Organ-as-donation understandings raise the issue of deservingness, with recipients’ assessments of their worthiness influencing their posttransplant experience of gratitude and, ultimately, the meaning(s) gleaned from their transplant experiences.
The Narrated, Nonnarrated, and the Disnarrated
Authors: Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Johnson Ginger A.
Published: September 2014

While analyzing the narratives of children receiving pediatric oncology treatment and their parents, we encountered three ways to look at their narratives: what was narrated, nonnarrated, and disnarrated. The narrated refers to the actors (characters) and events (scenes) individuals decided to include in the narration of their experiences, the nonnarrated are everything not included in narration, and the disnarrated are elements that are narrated in the story but did not actually take place. We use our reflection to illustrate how an integrative analysis of these different forms of narration can allow us to produce a holistic interpretation of people’s experiences of illness. This approach is still in the early stages of development, but we hope this article can promote a debate in the field and lead to the refinement of an important tool for narrative analysis.
Qualitative Inquiry and the Debate Between Hermeneutics and Critical Theory
Authors: Shaw James A. , DeForge Ryan T.
Published: September 2014

Two issues have been central to ongoing disputes about judgments of quality in qualitative inquiry: (a) the ways in which paradigmatic orientations are understood to guide procedural decisions and (b) the meaning and intelligibility of paradigmatic incommensurability. In this article, we address these two key issues through an exploration of the debates between hermeneutics and critical social theory, including the exchanges between Hans-Georg Gadamer and Jurgen Habermas, and between Richard Rorty and Thomas McCarthy. We suggest that the key epistemological issue addressed in these debates is the nature of interpretation, separating the two philosophical camps based on beliefs about whether foundational knowledge is possible to achieve. We conclude the article by discussing the implications of these different positions for beliefs about quality in qualitative inquiry, and comment on the role of judgment in assessments of the value and quality of different approaches to qualitative research.
“Homicide and Violence—International and Cross-National Research”
Authors: Ouimet Marc , Montmagny-Grenier Catherine
Published: September 2014

The World Homicide Survey is a project that aims at gathering new data pertaining to violence and homicide on most countries of the world. Using expert opinion, we measure perceptions of crime precipitators (firearms and organized crime) and the efficacy of justice agencies (police, courts, prisons, and corruption). To date, we have collected data from 366 respondents from 93 different countries. In this article, we report on our research strategy as well as preliminary analyses that address the question of the construct validity of our data. We also show how our new data correlate with the homicide rate of countries.
Examining the Associations Among Attachment, Affective State, and Romantic Relationship Quality
Authors: Meyer Dixie D. , Jones Melissa , Rorer Alisha , Maxwell Kelly
Published: September 2014

This study examined the direct and indirect associations between insecure attachment patterns (avoidant and anxious) and affective state (positive and negative) on romantic relationship quality with a sample of 572 individuals involved in a romantic relationship. Results from structural equation model analyses indicated a negative direct association between insecure attachment patterns and romantic relationship quality as well as positive affective state. Thus, insecure attachment behavioral patterns were associated with reduced romantic relationship quality and positive emotions. Positive direct associations were found between positive affective state and romantic relationship quality; thus, positive emotions were associated with greater perceived romantic relationship quality. A positive direct association was also observed between anxious attachment patterns and negative affective state; thus, negative emotions were associated with the insecure, anxious attachment behavioral patterns. Application of the findings lends to the importance of emotion-focused intervention in clinical practice.
Brain–Computer Interface after Nervous System Injury
Authors: Burns Alexis , Adeli Hojjat , Buford John A.
Published: September 2014

Brain–computer interface (BCI) has proven to be a useful tool for providing alternative communication and mobility to patients suffering from nervous system injury. BCI has been and will continue to be implemented into rehabilitation practices for more interactive and speedy neurological recovery. The most exciting BCI technology is evolving to provide therapeutic benefits by inducing cortical reorganization via neuronal plasticity. This article presents a state-of-the-art review of BCI technology used after nervous system injuries, specifically: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, and disorders of consciousness. Also presented is transcending, innovative research involving new treatment of neurological disorders.
Feline cutaneous mast cell tumours: a UK-based study comparing signalment and histological features with long-term outcomes
Authors: Melville Kirsty , Smith Ken C , Dobromylskyj Melanie J
Published: September 2014

Feline cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) are the second most common skin tumour in cats; but, unlike in dogs, there is currently no histological grading system for this type of tumour. This study recorded the signalment and anatomical location from a total of 287 records from MCTs submitted to a UK commercial diagnostic laboratory. Questionnaires to submitting practices were used to obtain follow-up data, and the histological features of 86 tumours were evaluated from 69 cats with a known outcome. Twelve of the 69 cats (17.4%) died of MCTs, with significantly lower survival times. The median age of cats presenting with MCTs was 11 years (range 5 months–19 years), with no sex or neutered status predilection. Some pedigree breeds were more susceptible to MCTs, particularly the Siamese, Burmese, Russian Blue and Ragdoll. The head was the most common site in younger cats, compared with the trunk in older cats. The number of tumours had no effect on survival. A new subcategory of well-differentiated MCTs with prominent multinucleated cells is described, and three of the five cats with this novel form died from MCT-related disease. There was an association between mitotic index and survival time. However, there was no significant association between histological type and survival.
Comparison of two techniques for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus blockade in cats
Authors: Ansón Agustina , Laredo Francisco G , Gil Francisco , Soler Marta , Belda Eliseo , Ayala Maria D , Agut Amalia
Published: September 2014

Axillary blockade of the brachial plexus (BP) is advocated in humans and dogs for surgical procedures carried out on the foot, carpus and elbow as it provides complete analgesia distally from above the elbow joint. The aim of this study was to develop an ultrasound (US)-guided approach to block the BP in cats. Two groups of 12 feline cadavers each were used to compare two different techniques to block the BP at the axillary level. The reliability of the techniques was assessed by anatomical and computed tomography (CT) studies. Cadavers of the first group were positioned in dorsal recumbency with the forelimb to be blocked adducted (thoracic limbs flexed and orientated caudally) (FAD technique). The second group was positioned in dorsal recumbency with the forelimb abducted 90° (FAB technique). The accuracy of the techniques was determined by US after injecting 1 ml blue ink along the BP nerves, and by CT after injecting 1 ml of an iodinated contrast medium. The anatomical and CT studies confirmed the accuracy of the US location of the BP nerves. Staining of the axillaris, musculocutaneous, radialis, medianus and ulnaris nerves was observed in 100% of cats using the FAB technique and in 66% of the cats using the FAD technique. Rate of complications was higher in the FAD technique. In conclusion, a US-guided axillary approach to the BP by the use of a FAB technique is a safe and feasible procedure to block the BP in the cat. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether the technique can be applied in a clinical setting.
Decomposing the effect of social policies on population health and inequalities: An empirical example of unemployment benefits
Authors: Ferrarini Tommy , Nelson Kenneth , Sjöberg Ola
Published: September 2014

Aim: The purpose of this study is to discuss and empirically contrast different conceptualizations and operationalizations of social policies in analysing health and educational differences in health cross-nationally. Methods: Country-level institutional and expenditure data on unemployment benefit schemes and individual-level data from the EU-SILC for 23 countries were used to analyse the association between unemployment benefits and self-assessed health for individuals with different educational attainment. Results: The analyses indicate that higher coverage rate (i.e. the proportion of the relevant population eligible for benefits) is associated with better self-related health among both low- and high-educated individuals, but is not linked to smaller educational differences in health. In contrast, replacement rate (i.e. the amount of benefits received) in isolation is not related to self-assessed health. However, in countries where coverage rates are high, higher replacement rates are associated with better health among both low- and high-educated individuals and smaller educational differences in health. Conclusions: Decomposing unemployment benefit programmes into two main dimensions – the proportion in the labour force covered by such programmes and the replacement rate received in case of unemployment – may present further insights into institutional mechanisms linking macro-level social policies to individual-level health outcomes.
Estimation of radon concentration in groundwater of coastal area in Baleshwar district of Odisha, India
Authors: Krishan Gopal , Rao M. S. , Kumar C. P.
Published: September 2014

The present study was carried out to determine the distribution of radon (222Rn) activity concentration measured using Durridge RAD-7 in the groundwater samples in the coastal area of Baleshwar district, Odisha, India. The 222Rn activities in 10 groundwater samples of coastal area of Baleshwar were measured and the values of 222Rn ranged between 1.6 ± 0.21 and 17.0 ± 1.69 kBq m−3 with an average value of 8.98 ± 0.85 kBq m−3, and seven samples were well within the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level of 11.1 kBq m−3 while three samples were more than the maximum contaminant level of 11.1 kBq m−3. The effective dose per m3 and annual effective dose values were varying with respect to the increase in radon concentration and were significantly lower than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and WHO recommended limit for members of the public of 1 mSv y−1.
Students’ trust judgements in online health information seeking
Authors: Rowley Jennifer , Johnson Frances , Sbaffi Laura
Published: September 2014

As one of the most active groups of Internet users, students and other young people are active users of digital health information. Yet, research into young people’s evaluation of health information is limited, and no previous studies have focused on trust formation. In addition, prior studies on adults’ use of digital information do not reach a consensus regarding the key factors in trust formation. This study seeks to address this gap. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from undergraduate students studying a variety of disciplines in one UK university. The Trust in Online Health Information Scale is proposed, and it includes the following dimensions: authority, style, content, usefulness, brand, ease of use, recommendation, credibility, and verification. In addition, inspection of responses to specific items/questions provides further insights into aspects of the information that were of specific importance in influencing trust judgements.
Poetry and Drama as Counter-Narrative
Authors: Hanley Mary Stone , View Jenice Lelani
Published: September 2014

The focus of this study is about what lies at the intersection of critical race theory (CRT) and arts-based educational research (ABER). Our goal is to address the emotional terrain about race in schooling, based on the stories of people of color that we transformed into poetry, drama, and performance. In doing so, we examined the usefulness of ABER in the construction of CRT counter-narratives as is called for by critical race theorists.
Delusion of Pregnancy
Authors: Cipriani Gabriele , Di Fiorino Mario
Published: September 2014

Background:

Delusions can complicate practically all brain disorders. They may be dramatic and bizarre. An example is the so-called delusion of pregnancy.

Objective:

To identify the characteristic of a psychotic symptom, the phenomenon of delusion of pregnancy, in the context of dementia.

Method:

MEDLINE and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2014. Search terms used included delusion of pregnancy, uncommon presentation, behavioral and psychological symptoms, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. We included case reports that highlight the relationship and overlap between dementia presenting as schizophrenia-like psychosis and schizophrenia.

Results:

Literature on delusion of pregnancy in the course of dementia consists mostly of case reports and small samples of patients.

Conclusion:

Psychotic phenomena such as delusion of pregnancy may be a feature in some cases of dementia. If this bizarre features of dementia appears as early presentation of FTD whose usual onset is in the presenium, it may be mistaken for schizophrenia.
Transforming Teaching and Learning in ELT Through Critical Pedagogy
Authors: Jeyaraj Joanna Joseph , Harland Tony
Published: September 2014

In this study, the voices of academics who use critical pedagogy in English language teaching have been brought together to shed light on how this practice transforms teaching and learning. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with academics from Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, and Turkey. Teachers were exposed to considerable emotional upheaval and sometimes risk as they sought to change student worldviews, and student transformation was evident both inside and outside the academy. Students learned their new language through ideas that truly mattered to them instead of learning through neutral knowledge contexts. We conclude that critical pedagogy requires a balance between critical reflection and action as teachers learn to cope with the unexpected in their classrooms. It is suggested that teachers follow up students after graduation in order to determine the long-term impact of critical pedagogy on teaching and learning.
Visualization of the Synthetic Environment Data Representation & Interchange Specification data for verifying large-scale synthetic environment data
Authors: Kang Yuna , Kim Hyunki , Han Soonhung
Published: September 2014

The need for reusing synthetic environment data that are employed in the field of modeling and simulation has recently been rising. SEDRIS (Synthetic Environment Data Representation & Interchange Specification) is a standard to exchange synthetic environment data, and is the specification utilized in various military simulations of the Pentagon for representing and exchanging three-dimensional data. SEDRIS represents environmental areas based on a data model; it can represent wind speed, wind directions, weather changes, and the information of buildings, as well as terrain data. In some situations, however, the synthetic environment data stored in SEDRIS format should be converted to various visualization formats. Firstly, because SEDRIS is a form of a super-set, it is necessary to verify whether large-scale SEDRIS files are stored successfully through visualization. In addition, the synthetic environment data should be visualized in some visualization programs for the simulation results to provide an immersive and realistic sense. In this study, we suggest several methods for visualizing synthetic environmental data stored in the SEDRIS format. We developed the converters for converting SEDRIS to the several visualization formats and developed the direct visualization programs using an open-source visualization engine. These results allow us to visualize the stored SEDRIS file and to verify whether the saving stage with native data is performed normally or not.
The role of pilot testing for a randomised control trial of a complex intervention in critical care
Authors: Day Tina L. , Bench Suzanne D. , Griffiths Peter D.
Published: September 2014

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving diverse population groups in complex health care settings can be difficult to successfully undertake and pose practical and methodological challenges. For this reason, undertaking a pilot study is recommended by the Medical Research Council prior to conducting a definitive trial. This paper reports a pragmatic review of the challenges encountered by the research team during a single centre pilot RCT and discusses how feasible it was to deliver and evaluate a complex intervention in practice. The psycho-social intervention designed for this trial was a ‘user-centred critical care discharge information pack’. The pack was designed to support patients and their families during and after their discharge from a critical care unit. It consisted of two written booklets, one for the patient and one for the family member. In total, 221 patients met our inclusion criteria, of whom 158 (71%) were recruited. The pilot RCT identified important lessons for the design of future trials. Challenges included those associated with the recruitment of potential participants, assessing capacity and obtaining informed consent. Problems with attrition, intervention delivery and the choice of data collection tools and time-points were also apparent. Our findings demonstrate that the evaluation of complex interventions is feasible in clinical practice. The importance of adhering to a robust research protocol, maintaining efficient and effective communication between researchers and clinical staff is emphasised. Findings further support the importance of conducting a pilot study prior to embarking on a definitive RCT.
A longitudinal study of skin barrier function in pregnancy and the postnatal period
Authors: Gallagher Aine , Hourihane Jonathan O’B , Kenny Louise C , Irvine Alan D , Khashan Ali S
Published: September 2014

Background

It is unknown whether skin’s barrier function changes in pregnancy. Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) refers to the total amount of water loss through the skin and TEWL can be measured non-invasively as an index of skin barrier function. We measured TEWL during and after pregnancy to evaluate pregnancy-related skin barrier function.

Methods

This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 52 low-risk, first-time pregnant women nested within the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) Ireland study. TEWL (gwater/m2/h) was measured three times during pregnancy: 19–21 weeks, 27–32 weeks and 36 weeks; and three times postnatally: 2–4 days, 2 months and 6 months post-delivery. Data were analysed using SPSS 18.0 and P > 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A rise in TEWL was seen between each visit with the highest readings, exceeding the normal range of 0–20 gwater/m2/h, recorded at two months post-delivery. Forty women attended at two months post-delivery of whom 22 women had an average reading between 0 and 20 gwater/m2/h; 10 women had an average reading between 21 and 40 gwater/m2/h and 8 women had an average reading between 41 and 75 gwater/m2/h. Readings had returned to an average of 0–20 gwater/m2/h at six months postnatally.

Conclusion

TEWL increases slightly in pregnancy and the postnatal period. The clinical significance of this is unclear and requires further investigation.
Iniciativas escolares y deportivas lideradas desde la Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA): revisión sistemática
Authors: Correa Jorge E. , Meneses-Echávez José F. , Barengo Noël C. , Tovar Gustavo , Ruiz-Castellanos Erika , Lobelo Felipe , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson
Published: September 2014

Introducción:

Los programas iniciados por la Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) consisten en la difusión de mensajes relacionados con el cuidado de la salud y como estrategia de prevención de lesiones deportivas entre los niños y jóvenes. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue resumir los resultados de la implementación de los programas “FIFA 11 para la salud” y “FIFA 11+”.

Métodos:

Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos electrónicos de MEDLINE, EMBASE y Scopus, identificando los estudios que evaluaran la implementación de los programas “FIFA 11 para la salud” y “FIFA 11+”, durante los últimos 10 años (1 enero 2003 a 1 diciembre 2013).

Resultados:

Incluimos 17 estudios. Dos estudios evaluaron la implementación del programa “FIFA 11 para la salud” y encontraron un aumento significativo en el conocimiento de los mensajes de promoción de la salud; 15 estudios evaluaron los efectos del programa “FIFA 11+”, reportando una reducción en el riesgo de lesiones deportivas y mejorías en el rendimiento deportivo.

Discusión:

Los programas “FIFA 11 para la salud” y “FIFA 11+” han demostrado resultados positivos para la salud, en el ámbito escolar y deportivo.

Conclusiones:

Dichos programas del FIFA representan una oportunidad para crear hábitos protectores y fomentar modos de vida saludables en niños y jóvenes.
Running Habits of Competitive Runners During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Toth Kierann E. S. , Langen Elizabeth , Fredericson Michael , Sainani Kristin L.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Running is a popular sport that may be performed safely during pregnancy. Few studies have characterized running behavior of competitive female runners during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Hypothesis:

Women modify their running behavior during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Study Design:

Observational, cross-sectional study.

Level of evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

One hundred ten female long-distance runners who ran competitively prior to pregnancy completed an online survey characterizing training attitudes and behaviors during pregnancy and postpartum.

Results:

Seventy percent of runners ran some time during their pregnancy (or pregnancies), but only 31% ran during their third trimester. On average, women reduced training during pregnancy, including cutting their intensity to about half of their nonpregnant running effort. Only 3.9% reported sustaining a running injury while pregnant. Fewer than one third (29.9%) selected fetal health as a reason to continue running during pregnancy. Of the women who breastfed, 84.1% reported running during breastfeeding. Most felt that running had no effect on their ability to breastfeed. Women who ran during breastfeeding were less likely to report postpartum depression than those who did not run (6.7% vs 23.5%, P = 0.051), but we did not detect the same association of running during pregnancy (6.5% vs 15.2%, P = 0.16).

Conclusion:

Women runners reported a reduction in total training while pregnant, and few sustained running injuries during pregnancy. The effect of running on postpartum depression was not clear from our findings.

Clinical Relevance:

We characterized running behaviors during pregnancy and breastfeeding in competitive runners. Most continue to run during pregnancy but reduce total training effort. Top reasons for running during pregnancy were fitness, health, and maintaining routine; the most common reason for not running was not feeling well. Most competitive runners run during breastfeeding with little perceived impact.
JAK2 inhibitors do not affect stem cells present in the spleens of patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Ye Fei , Tripodi Joseph , Hu Cing Siang , Qiu Jiajing , Najfeld Vesna , Novak Jesse , Li Yan , Rampal Raajit , Hoffman Ronald
Published: September 2014

Key Points

JAK2 inhibitors affect more mature MF progenitors, but spare disease-initiating stem cells. Reduction in spleen size achieved with JAK2 inhibitor therapy in MF can be attributed to depletion of a subpopulation of MF progenitors.
Adult lung function and long-term air pollution exposure. ESCAPE: a multicentre cohort study and meta-analysis
Authors: Adam Martin , Schikowski Tamara , Carsin Anne Elie , Cai Yutong , Jacquemin Benedicte , Sanchez Margaux , Vierkötter Andrea , Marcon Alessandro , Keidel Dirk , Sugiri Dorothee , Al Kanani Zaina , Nadif Rachel , Siroux Valérie , Hardy Rebecca , Kuh Diana , Rochat Thierry , Bridevaux Pierre-Olivier , Eeftens Marloes , Tsai Ming-Yi , Villani Simona , Phuleria Harish Chandra , Birk Matthias , Cyrys Josef , Cirach Marta , de Nazelle Audrey , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Forsberg Bertil , de Hoogh Kees , Declerq Christophe , Bono Roberto , Piccioni Pavilio , Quass Ulrich , Heinrich Joachim , Jarvis Deborah , Pin Isabelle , Beelen Rob , Hoek Gerard , Brunekreef Bert , Schindler Christian , Sunyer Jordi , Krämer Ursula , Kauffmann Francine , Hansell Anna L. , Künzli Nino , Probst-Hensch Nicole
Published: September 2014

The chronic impact of ambient air pollutants on lung function in adults is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution with lung function in adult participants from five cohorts in the European Study of Cohorts for Air Pollution Effects (ESCAPE).

Residential exposure to nitrogen oxides (NO2, NOx) and particulate matter (PM) was modelled and traffic indicators were assessed in a standardised manner. The spirometric parameters forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) from 7613 subjects were considered as outcomes. Cohort-specific results were combined using meta-analysis.

We did not observe an association of air pollution with longitudinal change in lung function, but we observed that a 10 μg·m−3increase in NO2exposure was associated with lower levels of FEV1(−14.0 mL, 95% CI −25.8 to −2.1) and FVC (−14.9 mL, 95% CI −28.7 to −1.1). An increase of 10 μg·m−3in PM10, but not other PM metrics (PM2.5, coarse fraction of PM, PM absorbance), was associated with a lower level of FEV1(−44.6 mL, 95% CI −85.4 to −3.8) and FVC (−59.0 mL, 95% CI −112.3 to −5.6). The associations were particularly strong in obese persons.

This study adds to the evidence for an adverse association of ambient air pollution with lung function in adults at very low levels in Europe.
Basic life support is effectively taught in groups of three, five and eight medical students: a prospective, randomized study
Authors: Mahling Moritz , Münch Alexander , Schenk Sebastian , Volkert Stephan , Rein Andreas , Teichner Uwe , Piontek Pascal , Haffner Leopold , Heine Daniel , Manger Andreas , Reutershan Jörg , Rosenberger Peter , Herrmann-Werner Anne , Zipfel Stephan , Celebi Nora
Published: September 2014

Background

Resuscitation is a life-saving measure usually instructed in simulation sessions. Small-group teaching is effective. However, feasible group sizes for resuscitation classes are unknown. We investigated the impact of different group sizes on the outcome of resuscitation training.

Methods

Medical students (n = 74) were randomized to courses with three, five or eight participants per tutor. The course duration was adjusted according to the group size, so that there was a time slot of 6 minutes hands-on time for every student. All participants performed an objective structured clinical examination before and after training. The teaching sessions were videotaped and resuscitation quality was scored using a checklist while we measured the chest compression parameters with a manikin. In addition, we recorded hands-on-time, questions to the tutor and unrelated conversation.

Results

Results are displayed as median (IQR). Checklist pass rates and scores were comparable between the groups of three, five and eight students per tutor in the post-test (93%, 100% and 100%). Groups of eight students asked fewer questions (0.5 (0.0 – 1.0) vs. 3.0 (2.0 – 4.0), p < .001), had less hands-on time (2:16 min (1:15 – 4:55 min) vs. 4:07 min (2:54 – 5:52 min), p = .02), conducted more unrelated conversations (17.0 ± 5.1 and 2.9 ± 1.7, p < 0.001) and had lower self-assessments than groups of three students per tutor (7.0 (6.1 – 9.0) and 8.2 (7.2 – 9.0), p = .03).

Conclusions

Resuscitation checklist scores and pass rates after training were comparable in groups of three, five or eight medical students, although smaller groups had advantages in teaching interventions and hands-on time. Our results suggest that teaching BLS skills is effective in groups up to eight medical students, but smaller groups yielded more intense teaching conditions, which might be crucial for more complex skills or less advanced students.
Effect of roasting conditions on color development and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) analysis of Malaysian-grown tropical almond nuts (Terminalia catappa L.)
Authors: Ng Siewsee , Lasekan Ola , Muhammad Kharidah , Sulaiman Rabiha , Hussain Norhayati
Published: September 2014

Background

Proper roasting is crucial to flavor, color, and texture development in the final product. In recent years, several research studies have been carried out to establish the best optimum roasting conditions for some common edible nuts such as; hazelnut, peanut, and pistachio nut. Although roasting is an important process for nuts and oilseeds, there is little or no information on the development of color, aroma, and textural changes in Terminalia catappa nuts during roasting.

Results

Results showed that color formation and browning index were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the roasting temperature and time of roasting. However, the fracturability of nuts was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by both temperature of roasting and time as well as pH. The optimized results showed that the best response was reached when the roasting time was 29.9 min, roasting temperature 174.5°C, and pH 6.08, respectively. Moreover, the 3400–15603400–1560°Cm-1 carbonyl region for carboxylic acid, alkenes, esters, and amines was found to provide a flavor-print of the roasted tropical almond nut. While, increase in temperature did not produce new carbonyl compounds, it however led to higher concentration of compounds. Scanning electron microscopy of the almond nuts showed that the starch granules were embedded in tissues.

Conclusion

These results showed that roasting temperature and time of roasting were the main variables that significantly affected the physicochemical properties of roasted tropical almond nuts. Moreover the flavor-prints for the roasted nut were produced in the 3400–1560°Cm-1 carbonyl region.
A Parallel Algorithm of Non-Linear Fluid-Solid Coupling Problem for Hydrofoil
Authors: Chen Xin , Sun Zhenli , Zhang Shesheng
Published: September 2014

A parallel algorithm of the non-linear hydrofoil fluid-solid coupling problem is discussed. Based on hydrodynamics and solid mechanics, a variational formula is derived on the mapping plane with a fixed boundary between solid and fluid, and calculated using both parallel finite element method and the finite difference method. The calculation steps of an example are given, and the numerical results of flat hydrofoil are presented.
Some Experiences of Improving the Speed of Numerical Navier-Stokes Solver Using CUDA
Authors: Lou Kaiyuan , Li Qiaohong , Yin Zhaohua
Published: September 2014

In this paper, the Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) is adopted to accelerate the codes of solving incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with two fully different numerical schemes: spectral method and finite difference method. Compared with the codes on CPU, the performance of the codes on GPU is much better, especially when the resolution increases. For the resolution of 2048 × 2048, the acceleration of spectral method reaches 14.45 times. 14.15 times acceleration is achieved when finite difference method in the resolution of 600 × 2400 is applied. We also try to combine MPI (Message Passing Interface) and CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) in the spectral solver to accomplish larger simulations. Due to the inevitable frequent data transfers between Host and Device, the speedup is not so ideal compared with that of the single node, and only 1.82 times acceleration is obtained for the resolution of 4096 × 4096.
Adaptive Huber-Based Filter for Hypersonic Cruise Vehicle Navigation
Authors: Wang Rong , Xiong Zhi , Liu Jianye , Zhong Lina
Published: September 2014

The navigation for hypersonic cruise vehicle (HCV) is a challenging task because of the complex vehicle dynamic and sensor measurement noise it suffered. This paper proposes a kind of adaptive robust Kalman filter using Mahalanobis distance for HCV navigation. The innovation-based adaptive estimation is discussed first. Based on Mahalanobis distance theory, a kind of robust covariance matrix estimation method is used to modify the innovation-based adaptive Kalman filter. Considering that the vehicle maneuver characteristics and noise statistics parameters varies during different periods, dual-frequency tuning for unknown noise statistics is designed based on this. The algorithm proposed by this paper is applied to hypersonic cruise vehicle navigation. Simulation has been made to verify the performance of the new algorithm according to HCV flight profile and characteristics; both Gaussian and non-Gaussian simulation are included.
An Automatic Identification Procedure to Promote the use of FES‐Cycling Training for Hemiparetic Patients
Authors: Ambrosini Emilia , Ferrante Simona , Schauer Thomas , Ferrigno Giancarlo , Molteni Franco , Pedrocchi Alessandra
Published: September 2014

Cycling induced by Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) training currently requires a manual setting of different parameters, which is a time‐consuming and scarcely repeatable procedure. We proposed an automatic procedure for setting session‐specific parameters optimized for hemiparetic patients. This procedure consisted of the identification of the stimulation strategy as the angular ranges during which FES drove the motion, the comparison between the identified strategy and the physiological muscular activation strategy, and the setting of the pulse amplitude and duration of each stimulated muscle. Preliminary trials on 10 healthy volunteers helped define the procedure. Feasibility tests on 8 hemiparetic patients (5 stroke, 3 traumatic brain injury) were performed. The procedure maximized the motor output within the tolerance constraint, identified a biomimetic strategy in 6 patients, and always lasted less than 5 minutes. Its reasonable duration and automatic nature make the procedure usable at the beginning of every training session, potentially enhancing the performance of FES‐cycling training.
Discrete Event Simulation of Patient Admissions to a Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Hahn-Goldberg S. , Chow E. , Appel E. , Ko F. T. F. , Tan P. , Gavin M. B. , Ng T. , Abrams H. B. , Casaubon L. K. , Carter M. W.
Published: September 2014

Evidence exists that clinical outcomes improve for stroke patients admitted to specialized Stroke Units. The Toronto Western Hospital created a Neurovascular Unit (NVU) using beds from general internal medicine, Neurology and Neurosurgery to care for patients with stroke and acute neurovascular conditions. Using patient‐level data for NVU‐eligible patients, a discrete event simulation was created to study changes in patient flow and length of stay pre‐ and post‐NVU implementation. Varying patient volumes and resources were tested to determine the ideal number of beds under various conditions. In the first year of operation, the NVU admitted 507 patients, over 66% of NVU‐eligible patient volumes. With the introduction of the NVU, length of stay decreased by around 8%. Scenario testing showed that the current level of 20 beds is sufficient for accommodating the current demand and would continue to be sufficient with an increase in demand of up to 20%.
PREMONITION - Preprocessing motifs in protein structures for search acceleration
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep , Rao Basuthkar J. , Asgeirsson Bjarni , Venkatramani Ravindra , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: September 2014

The remarkable diversity in biological systems is rooted in the ability of the twenty naturally occurring amino acids to perform multifarious catalytic functions by creating unique structural scaffolds known as the active site. Finding such structrual motifs within the protein structure is a key aspect of many computational methods. The algorithm for obtaining combinations of motifs of a certain length, although polynomial in complexity, runs in non-trivial computer time. Also, the search space expands considerably if stereochemically equivalent residues are allowed to replace an amino acid in the motif. In the present work, we propose a method to precompile all possible motifs comprising of a set (n=4 in this case) of predefined amino acid residues from a protein structure that occur within a specified distance (R) of each other (PREMONITION). PREMONITION rolls a sphere of radius R along the protein fold centered at the C atom of each residue, and all possible motifs are extracted within this sphere. The number of residues that can occur within a sphere centered around a residue is bounded by physical constraints, thus setting an upper limit on the processing times. After such a pre-compilation step, the computational time required for querying a protein structure with multiple motifs is considerably reduced. Previously, we had proposed a computational method to estimate the promiscuity of proteins with known active site residues and 3D structure using a database of known active sites in proteins (CSA) by querying each protein with the active site motif of every other residue. The runtimes for such a comparison is reduced from days to hours using the PREMONITION methodology.
The American Religious Right and James Dobson’s “Family Values Empire”
Authors: Napierała Paulina
Published: September 2014

The aim of this article is to discuss the role of such organizations as the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family, which together constitute what is sometimes called Dr. James Dobson’s “family values empire.” Both of these organizations are an important part of the American Religious Right movement. While the Family Research Council has been extremely important in terms of political involvement, it would probably not have been able to gain its strength without cooperation with Focus on the Family, which in many cases served as a tool in its grassroots networking. Therefore, this paper includes an analysis of both organizations’ agendas.
O komiksowych panelach translacyjnych, czyli tłumaczenie ustne inaczej
Authors: Jankowski Jakub
Published: September 2014

About comic book translation sessions or oral translation in a different way

Oral translation can have many faces, mutations and varieties. Some of them may spring out from putting some texts into a new environment. What will happen to the comics if they are forced to speak with the voice of the very one who translated them? What will become of the units which give to the comics the form that we know? How the situation between the emissor and receptor can change while experiencing that kind of audio‑comics? Moreover, is it so that only comics can find themselves in such situation? These problems can be found in the article entitled About comic book translation sessions or oral translation in a different way. We try to prove that border oral translations can be starting points towards brave new areas of scientific interest in the oral translation field.
„Solidarność” i opozycja demokratyczna PRL w latach 1982-1988 a problem realizmu politycznego
Authors: Olaszek Jan
Published: September 2014

“Solidarity” and the democratic opposition in the Polish People’s Republic in 1982‑1988 and the problem of political realism

How a realist oppositionist could keep being during the martial law? He could not accept the actions of the authorities, because it would mean giving up their ideological identity. The political realism of oppositionist must lead to demands of cancellation of martial law and stop the repression. “Solidarity” during the martial law sustained idealistic goals: program of “Autonomous Republic” and in the future democratic and independent state. Realism method consisted of choosing forms of action that can be used with success. It can be said that a realistic attitude was Lech Walesa in internment, which relied on government inducements to support the martial law, and while there he didn’t give radical slogans and tried to make a realistic political action. Similarly, you can define the actions of leaders of underground “Solidarity”. They are generally approached from a distance to the ideas of a general strike, considering it is not unrealistic, but rather a legitimate considering the concept of the underground society and the long march. In terms of the discussion on political realism, you can also look at the main debate within the “Solidarity” in the second half of the 80th: for making public action and the pursuit of compromise. In conclusion we can say that all the time since martial law opposition was balanced between idealism and realism.