bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of demographic factors affecting performance in a paediatric membership multiple-choice examination
Authors: Menzies Lara , Minson Susan , Brightwell Alexandra , Davies-Muir Anna , Long Andrew , Fertleman Caroline
Published: January 2015

Objective

To determine if demographic factors are associated with outcome in a multiple-choice, electronically marked paediatric postgraduate examination.

Method

Retrospective analysis of pass rates of UK trainees sitting Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) part 1B from 2007 to 2011. Data collected by the RCPCH from examination candidates were analysed to assess the effects of gender, age, and country and university of medical qualification on examination outcome.

Results

At first attempt at MRCPCH part 1B, the overall pass rate from 2007 to 2011 was 843/2056 (41.0%). In univariate analysis, passing the examination was associated with being a UK graduate (649/1376 (47.2%)) compared with being an international medical graduate (130/520 (25.0%)) (OR 2.68 (95% CI 2.14 to 3.36), p<0.001). There was strong evidence that the proportion of candidates passing the examination differed for graduates of the 19 different UK medical schools (Fisher's exact test p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for age, sex and whether the part 1A examination was taken concurrently, being a UK graduate was still strongly associated with passing the examination (OR 3.17 (95% CI 2.41 to 4.17), p<0.001). UK graduates performed best at 26–27 years of age (52.4% pass rate), whereas overseas graduates performed best at ≥38 years of age (50.8% pass rate).

Conclusions

MRCPCH part 1B outcome was related to place of primary medical qualification, with a significantly lower pass rate for international medical graduates compared with UK graduates, as well as significant variation in examination outcome between graduates from different UK medical schools. These data may be used to guide new initiatives to improve support and education for these trainees and to inform development of undergraduate curricula and help trainees prepare more successfully for postgraduate examinations.
Loss of Gab1 adaptor protein in hepatocytes aggravates experimental liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Kizu Takashi , Yoshida Yuichi , Furuta Kunimaro , Ogura Satoshi , Egawa Mayumi , Chatani Norihiro , Hamano Mina , Takemura Takayo , Ezaki Hisao , Kamada Yoshihiro , Nishida Keigo , Nakaoka Yoshikazu , Kiso Shinichi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: January 2015

Grb2-associated binder 1 (Gab1) adaptor protein amplifies signals downstream of a broad range of growth factors/receptor tyrosine kinases. Although these signals are implicated in liver fibrogenesis, the role of Gab1 remains unclear. To elucidate the role of Gab1, liver fibrosis was examined in hepatocyte-specific Gab1-conditional knockout (Gab1CKO) mice upon bile duct ligation (BDL). Gab1CKO mice developed exacerbated liver fibrosis with activation of hepatic myofibroblasts after BDL compared with control mice. The antifibrotic role of hepatocyte Gab1 was further confirmed by another well-established mouse model of liver fibrosis using chronic injections of carbon tetrachloride. After BDL, Gab1CKO mice also displayed exacerbated liver injury, decreased hepatocyte proliferation, and enhanced liver inflammation. Furthermore, cDNA microarray analysis was used to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of the Gab1-mediated signal in liver fibrosis, and the fibrosis-promoting factor chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 ( Ccl5) was identified as upregulated in the livers of Gab1CKO mice following BDL. Interestingly, in vitro studies using primary hepatocytes isolated from control and Gab1CKO mice revealed that the loss of Gab1 resulted in increased hepatocyte CCL5 synthesis upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Finally, pharmacological antagonism of CCL5 reduced BDL-induced liver fibrosis in Gab1CKO mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that hepatocyte Gab1 is required for liver fibrosis and that hepatocyte CCL5 could be an important contributor to this process. Thus, we present a novel antifibrotic function of hepatocyte Gab1 in liver fibrogenesis.
The impact of capillary dilation on the distribution of red blood cells in artificial networks
Authors: Schmid Franca , Reichold Johannes , Weber Bruno , Jenny Patrick
Published: January 2015

Recent studies suggest that pericytes around capillaries are contractile and able to alter the diameter of capillaries. To investigate the effects of capillary dilation on network dynamics, we performed simulations in artificial capillary networks of different sizes and complexities. The unequal partition of hematocrit at diverging bifurcations was modeled by assuming that each red blood cell (RBC) enters the branch with the faster instantaneous flow. Network simulations with and without RBCs were performed to investigate the effect of local dilations. The results showed that the increase in flow rate due to capillary dilation was less when the effects of RBCs are included. For bifurcations with sufficient RBCs in the parent vessel and nearly equal flows in the branches, the flow rate in the dilated branch did not increase. Instead, a self-regulation of flow was observed due to accumulation of RBCs in the dilated capillary. A parametric study was performed to examine the dependence on initial capillary diameter, dilation factor, and tube hematocrit. Furthermore, the conditions needed for an efficient self-regulation mechanism are discussed. The results support the hypothesis that RBCs play a significant role for the fluid dynamics in capillary networks and that it is crucial to consider the blood flow rate and the distribution of RBCs to understand the supply of oxygen in the vasculature. Furthermore, our results suggest that capillary dilation/constriction offers the potential of being an efficient mechanism to alter the distribution of RBCs locally and hence could be important for the local regulation of oxygen delivery.
Prevention of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary vascular remodeling by antenatal simvastatin treatment in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Makanga Martine , Maruyama Hidekazu , Dewachter Celine , Da Costa Agnès Mendes , Hupkens Emeline , de Medina Geoffrey , Naeije Robert , Dewachter Laurence
Published: January 2015

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has a high mortality rate mainly due to lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Simvastatin has been shown to prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in experimental models of PH. We, therefore, hypothesized that antenatal simvastatin would attenuate PPHN in nitrofen-induced CDH in rats. The efficacy of antenatal simvastatin was compared with antenatal sildenafil, which has already been shown to improve pathological features of PPHN in nitrofen-induced CDH. On embryonic day (E) 9.5, nitrofen or vehicle was administered to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. On E11, nitrofen-treated rats were randomly assigned to antenatal simvastatin (20 mg·kg−1·day−1orally), antenatal sildenafil (100 mg·kg−1·day−1orally), or placebo administration from E11 to E21. On E21, fetuses were delivered by cesarean section, killed, and checked for left-sided CDH. Lung tissue was then harvested for further pathobiological evaluation. In nitrofen-induced CDH, simvastatin failed to reduce the incidence of nitrofen-induced CDH in the offspring and to increase the body weight, but improved the lung-to-body weight ratio and lung parenchyma structure. Antenatal simvastatin restored the pulmonary vessel density and external diameter, and reduced the pulmonary arteriolar remodeling compared with nitrofen-induced CDH. This was associated with decreased lung expression of endothelin precursor, endothelin type A and B receptors, endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase, together with restored lung activation of apoptotic processes mainly in the epithelium. Antenatal simvastatin presented similar effects as antenatal therapy with sildenafil on nitrofen-induced CDH. Antenatal simvastatin improves pathological features of lung hypoplasia and PPHN in experimental nitrofen-induced CDH.
Assessment practices of Canadian occupational therapists working with adults with mental disorders
Authors: Rouleau Suzanne , Dion Karyne , Korner-Bitensky Nicol
Published: January 2015

Background.

Little is known about assessment practices of occupational therapists working with adults with mental disorders.

Purpose.

This study investigates the assessment practices of occupational therapists working with clients experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or major depressive disorder.

Method.

We conducted a national survey of assessment practices using case vignettes of hypothetical clients.

Findings.

From 343 vignettes completed by 286 respondents, 68.4% included the use of one or more standardized measures during treatment. Measures were rarely repeated. Results showed that the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was the most frequently used, suggesting a focus on assessing global functioning, while the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills was listed as the most desired assessment tool. Implementing nonstandardized assessments was common.

Implications.

Despite wide variations in occupational therapists’ assessment practices, the use of standardized assessments is prevalent. The low rate of repeated measures (0% to 25.9%) suggests a need to better monitor changes and treatment outcomes.
Empowering people to change occupational behaviours to address critical global issues
Authors: Ikiugu Moses N. , Westerfield Madeline A. , Lien Jamie M. , Theisen Emily R. , Cerny Shana L. , Nissen Ranelle M.
Published: January 2015

Background.

The greatest threat to human well-being in this century is climate change and related global issues.

Purpose.

We examined the effectiveness of the Modified Instrumentalism in Occupational Therapy model as a framework for facilitating occupational behaviour change to address climate change and related issues.

Method.

Eleven individuals participated in this mixed-methods single-subject-design study. Data were gathered using the Modified Assessment and Intervention Instrument for Instrumentalism in Occupational Therapy and Daily Occupational Inventories. Quantitative data were analyzed using two– and three–standard deviation band methods. Qualitative data were analyzed using heuristic phenomenological procedures.

Findings.

Occupational performance changed for five participants. Participants’ feelings shifted from frustration and helplessness to empowerment and a desire for action. They felt empowered to find occupation-based solutions to the global issues.

Implications.

Occupation-based interventions that increase personal awareness of the connection between occupational performance and global issues could empower people to be agents for action to ameliorate the issues.
Detecting Test Tampering Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Wollack James A. , Cohen Allan S. , Eckerly Carol A.
Published: January 2015

Test tampering, especially on tests for educational accountability, is an unfortunate reality, necessitating that the state (or its testing vendor) perform data forensic analyses, such as erasure analyses, to look for signs of possible malfeasance. Few statistical approaches exist for detecting fraudulent erasures, and those that do largely do not lend themselves to making probabilistic statements about the likelihood of the observations. In this article, a new erasure detection index, EDI, is developed, which uses item response theory to compare the number of observed wrong-to-right erasures to the number expected due to chance, conditional on the examinee’s ability-level and number of erased items. A simulation study is presented to evaluate the Type I error rate and power of EDI under various types of fraudulent and benign erasures. Results show that EDI with a correction for continuity yields Type I error rates that are less than or equal to nominal levels for every condition studied, and has high power to detect even small amounts of tampering among the students for whom tampering is most likely.
Effects of edutainment on knowledge and perceptions of Lisu mothers about the immunisation of their children
Authors: Dway Ngwa Sar , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Jandee Kasemsak , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Pan-Ngum Wirichada , Sinthuvanich Daorirk , Kaewkungwal Jaranit
Published: January 2015

Objective:

This study assessed the immediate effects of edutainment modules on changes in knowledge and perceptions towards the Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) among an under served minority (Lisu) population.

Method:

An edutainment module was developed on mobile tablets for use by village health volunteers. As the study was conducted among a vulnerable population in a low-resource setting, it was designed as a simple pre–post assessment without a comparison group.

Results:

Participating Lisu mothers accepted and understood the edutainment module, and the intervention appears to have successfully improved their knowledge and perceptions of EPI. Tests showed a significant immediate improvement in knowledge, and an increasing proportion of participants reported having positive perceptions of the EPI process. The edutainment module may be an effective tool for highlighting the importance of appropriate practices and addressing misconceptions.

Conclusion:

The edutainment modules were considered user-friendly and attractive health-promotion tools by both health-care providers and villagers. This initiative’s effect on knowledge and perceptions towards child immunisation programmes among this group showed the positive potential of using modern technology when approaching hard-to-reach, under-vaccinated populations.
Experienced and anticipated discrimination among people with major depressive disorder in Serbia
Authors: Milačić Vidojević Ivona , Dragojević Nada , Tošković Oliver
Published: January 2015

Background:

Experiences of discrimination have significant impact on the lives of people with mental illness.

Aim:

This study investigates the nature and severity of experienced and anticipated discrimination reported by persons with a depressive disorder in Serbia.

Methods:

Patients were recruited from two psychiatric day hospitals and a primary mental health service with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Interviews were conducted using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Discrimination and Stigma Scale.

Results:

The respondents experienced discrimination mostly in the field of family relationships, making and keeping friends and keeping a job. In domains of making close personal relationships or applying for education, anticipated discrimination was higher than experienced. The need to conceal mental health problems was stronger than experiences of being avoided. The need to hide mental health problems was higher than the overall score for experienced discrimination. Participants who were hospitalized in some period of life reported higher experienced discrimination. Compared to younger participants, older participants experienced more negative as well as positive discrimination. Married participants experienced more negative discrimination than unmarried.

Conclusion:

It is important to design interventions to overcome discrimination toward persons with depression at all levels.
Developmental Trajectories of Individuals’ Code of the Street Beliefs through Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Moule Richard K. , Burt Callie H. , Stewart Eric A. , Simons Ronald L.
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

This study seeks to contribute to research on the patterning and stability of code of the street beliefs. We describe trajectories of street code beliefs from late childhood to emerging adulthood and investigate social factors that influence membership in and distinguish between trajectories.

Methods:

Using six waves of panel data from the Family and Community Health Study, group-based trajectory models were estimated to describe developmental patterns of street code beliefs from age 10 to 26. Correlates of street code beliefs, including racial discrimination, parenting practices, and neighborhood crime, were used to predict trajectory membership.

Results:

Analyses identified five distinct trajectories of street code beliefs. Four trajectories were largely stable across the study period; however, one group, comprised of 12 percent of the sample, dramatically declined in beliefs. Being male and experiencing racial discrimination significantly distinguish between all of the trajectories. Parental monitoring and perceptions of neighborhood crime differentiate between the declining trajectory and the stable trajectories.

Conclusions:

Findings provide insights into the developmental patterns and correlates, of street code beliefs. Results suggest beliefs are malleable but remain largely stable and underscore the need for more nuanced, longitudinal approaches to the code of the street.
Minority Entity Disability, Health, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Productivity Facilitators
Authors: Moore Corey L. , Aref Fariborz , Manyibe Edward O. , Davis Evia
Published: January 2015

The U.S. federal research agency’s (i.e., National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research [NIDRR], National Institutes of Health [NIH]) sponsored research capacity building (RCB) efforts in the field of disability, health, independent living, and rehabilitation have historically focused on individual research skill building activities (e.g., postdoctoral fellowships, advanced research methods and statistics courses, grant-writing workshops) as a main intervention to facilitate increased research productivity among investigators. However, investigators’ personal intrinsic attributes as well as federal research agency policy and systems context are rarely considered as research productivity facilitators. On trend, minority entity (ME) RCB efforts tend to focus on addressing a single challenge, research skill building, while oftentimes neglecting the importance of intrinsic factors and federal agency policy and systems context. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the available peer review and gray literature, and policy on factors that facilitate investigators’ research productivity. Recommendations for advancing the current state of the science on research productivity facilitators are presented.
Reliance on Luck
Authors: Hamerman Eric J. , Morewedge Carey K.
Published: January 2015

People often resort to superstitious behavior to facilitate goal achievement. We examined whether the specific type of achievement goal pursued influences the propensity to engage in superstitious behavior. Across six studies, we found that performance goals were more likely than learning goals to elicit superstitious behavior. Participants were more likely to engage in superstitious behavior at high than at low levels of chronic performance orientation, but superstitious behavior was not influenced by chronic learning orientation (Studies 1 and 2). Similarly, participants exhibited stronger preferences for lucky items when primed to pursue performance goals rather than learning goals (Studies 3 and 4). As uncertainty of goal achievement increased, superstitious behavior increased when participants pursued performance goals but not learning goals (Study 5). Finally, assignment to use a lucky (vs. unlucky) item resulted in greater confidence of achieving performance goals but not learning goals (Study 6).
Alienation and global poverty
Authors: Luttrell Johanna C.
Published: January 2015

The language that global justice theorists use to characterize global poverty, the terms of duty and charity, are detached discourses that fail to capture the reality of poverty as most people currently experience it, as slum dwellers living on the outskirts of the world’s megacities. In contrast, the language of alienation better captures the experience of global, urban poverty. This article’s aim is to draw from Hannah Arendt to form a new idea of alienation that responds to the specific conditions of urban, global poverty. Arendt posits alienation in terms of the ‘loss of the world’: the deprivation of durable material structures and lasting institutions that are the preconditions for political speech and action. The language of alienation evidences how the problem of poverty is one of a lack of meaningful work, the kind of work that creates a livable world.
En Bloc Resection of the Temporal Bone and Temporomandibular Joint for Advanced Temporal Bone Carcinoma
Authors: Kutz Joe Walter , Mitchell Derek , Isaacson Brandon , Roland Peter S. , Allen Kyle P. , Sumer Baran D. , Barnett Sam , Truelson John M. , Myers Larry L.
Published: January 2015

Advanced skin malignancies involving the temporal bone can involve the temporomandibular joint and glenoid fossa. Many of these tumors can be removed with a lateral temporal bone resection; however, extensive involvement of the glenoid fossa should include an en bloc resection of the temporal bone, glenoid fossa, and condyle. We describe a novel surgical approach that is an extension of a temporal bone resection that includes the glenoid fossa and condyle in an en bloc resection with the temporal bone. This procedure has been performed in 7 patients with advanced carcinoma of the temporal bone involving the glenoid fossa. There were no short‐term complications as a result of the surgical approach. The addition of a middle fossa craniotomy and inclusion of the glenoid fossa and condyle as part of an en bloc resection of the temporal bone can be performed safely.
Adolescent loneliness and social anxiety
Authors: Cavanaugh Alyson M. , Buehler Cheryl
Published: January 2015

This study tested whether cumulative support (i.e., parental, interparental, peer, and teacher) was associated with decreases in youths’ loneliness and social anxiety during early adolescence. The unique associations of support sources and moderating effects of youth gender also were examined. Participants included 416 youth in sixth grade at the beginning of the study (mean age = 11.86, SD = .69; 91% European American). Cumulative support during sixth grade was associated with decreased loneliness and social anxiety across early adolescence, and it was found that the association with decreased social anxiety was stronger for boys than girls. Parental and peer support were uniquely associated with decreased loneliness and social anxiety, respectively. The protection offered by multiple sources of support for developmental tasks across early adolescence is discussed.
Information sources and profile of informed citizens
Authors: Bernal Aníbal Torres , Vásquez William F.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate how Guatemalans procure information on national and local matters. Using data from two nationally representative household surveys, probit models are estimated to identify mechanisms that activate information seeking behaviors among Guatemalans. Findings of the study reveal that Guatemalans primarily use communication media (e.g. television, radio and newspapers) to access information on national issues. In contrast, information procurement on local matters is primarily accessed through individuals’ social networks (e.g. family, neighbors and friends). The findings indicate that females, indigenous groups, citizens living in rural areas and poor individuals are less likely to be informed on both national and local matters, in comparison to other groups.
Brand Meaning Rigidity in China
Authors: Eckhardt Giana M. , Bengtsson Anders
Published: January 2015

Brands are prominent symbols in contemporary Chinese culture. Furthermore, in China, brand meanings are created at the social rather than the individual level. These socially constructed meanings result in brand meaning rigidity. That is, brands tend to have a widespread, societally agreed upon meaning, which is broadly stable across China. Consumers desire congruity between the brand, the person, and the social context, and thus we do not see individual or inconsistent cultural brand meanings. That is, rather than conflict and contested meanings, shared and stable brand meanings arise. These meanings become codified within social circles, and then within society at large. We chronicle how this meaning rigidity, or stability, across society allows brands to play an anchoring role for Chinese consumer identities in flux. This results in brand meanings that are highly structured but limited as to where they can be taken by brand managers.
Segmental Arterial Mediolysis in Pigs Presenting With Renal Infarcts
Authors: Leifsson P. S. , Slavin R. E.
Published: January 2015

Segmental arterial mediolysis, a rare arteriopathy first reported in humans, is described in the kidneys of 36 pigs slaughtered in an abattoir in Jutland, Denmark. The kidney changes presented themselves macroscopically as one or more cortical wedge-shaped hemorrhagic or pale lesions. The arterial lesions involved the interlobar and arcuate arteries and exhibited injurious and reparative phases of development. Two types of injurious lesions occurred: (1) a tearing separation of the outer media from the adventitia with fibrin, erythrocytes, and edema fluid filling the formed space, causing collapse of the arterial wall, and (2) outer and mid-medial foci showing irregularly bordered cytoplasmic vacuolar change containing membranous and organelle debris or smooth muscle shrinkage with nuclear loss. In the reparative phase, granulation tissue filled and expanded tear sites and zones of arterial medial muscle loss and extended into the adventitia and through the intima into the arterial lumen. Sequelae, including dissecting hematomas and arterial occlusions causing renal infarcts, were found. Although repartitioning agents widely used in animal husbandry in many countries may potentially cause segmental arterial mediolysis, no such link could be identified. The causation of segmental arterial mediolysis in these pigs is currently unknown but is being further investigated.
Association between neurovascular contact and clinical characteristics in classical trigeminal neuralgia: A prospective clinical study using 3.0 Tesla MRI
Authors: Maarbjerg Stine , Wolfram Frauke , Gozalov Aydin , Olesen Jes , Bendtsen Lars
Published: January 2015

Background

Previous studies demonstrated that a severe neurovascular contact (NVC) causing displacement or atrophy of the trigeminal nerve is highly associated with classical trigeminal neuralgia (TN). There are no studies describing the association between the clinical characteristics of TN and severe NVC.

Methods

Clinical characteristics were prospectively collected from consecutive TN patients using semi-structured interviews in a cross-sectional study design. We evaluated 3.0 Tesla MRI blinded to the symptomatic side.

Results

We included 135 TN patients. Severe NVC was more prevalent in men (75%) compared to women (38%) ( p < 0.001), and the odds in favor of severe NVC on the symptomatic side were 5.1 times higher in men compared to women (95% CI 2.3–10.9, p < 0.001). There was no difference between patients with and without severe NVC in age (≥60 years vs. <60) (OR 1.6 95% CI (0.8–3.4), p = 0.199) or duration of disease ( p = 0.101).

Conclusions

Severe NVC was much more prevalent in men than in women, who may more often have other disease etiologies causing or contributing to TN. Severe NVC was not associated with age or with duration of disease.
Potential for Proteomic Approaches in Determining Efficacy Biomarkers Following Administration of Fish Oils Rich in Omega‐3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Runau Franscois , Arshad Ali , Isherwood John , Norris Leonie , Howells Lynne , Metcalfe Matthew , Dennison Ashley
Published: January 2015

Pancreatic cancer is a disease with a significantly poor prognosis. Despite modern advances in other medical, surgical, and oncologic therapy, the outcome from pancreatic cancer has improved little over the last 40 years. To improve the management of this difficult disease, trials investigating the use of dietary and parenteral fish oils rich in omega‐3 (ω‐3) fatty acids, exhibiting proven anti‐inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties, have revealed favorable results in pancreatic cancers. Proteomics is the large‐scale study of proteins that attempts to characterize the complete set of proteins encoded by the genome of an organism and that, with the use of sensitive mass spectrometric–based techniques, has allowed high‐throughput analysis of the proteome to aid identification of putative biomarkers pertinent to given disease states. These biomarkers provide useful insight into potentially discovering new markers for early detection or elucidating the efficacy of treatment on pancreatic cancers. Here, our review identifies potential proteomic‐based biomarkers in pancreatic cancer relating to apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metabolic regulation in clinical studies. We also reviewed proteomic biomarkers from the administration of ω‐3 fatty acids that act on similar anticarcinogenic pathways as above and reflect that proteomic studies on the effect of ω‐3 fatty acids in pancreatic cancer will yield favorable results.
Safety and Tolerability of Enteral Protein Supplementation for Infants With Brain Injury
Authors: Merhar Stephanie L. , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Sprague Jennifer , Wessel Jacqueline J. , Leugers Staci , Painter Jessica , Valentine Christina J.
Published: January 2015

Background:We hypothesized that enteral protein supplementation in infants with brain injury would be safe and well tolerated and improve growth. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐five infants with perinatal brain injury were randomized to a high‐protein (4 g/kg/d) or standard‐protein diet and followed for 12 months. Results: The whey protein powder was well tolerated by 9 of the 13 infants in the high‐protein group, and no adverse events related to the supplement were seen. The protein group had higher serum urea nitrogen at 10 and 30 days after study initiation but no difference in bicarbonate levels at either time point. Infants in the protein group maintained their weight z score from birth to 3 months of age, while infants in the standard group had a significant decrease in their weight z score over the same time period. Conclusion: These results suggest that enteral protein supplementation may reduce growth failure in infants with brain injury.
Breastfeeding Infants with Congenital Torticollis
Authors: Genna Catherine Watson
Published: January 2015

Infants with unilateral sternocleidomastoid tension and associated craniofacial, spinal, and hip asymmetries may feed poorly. Anatomic and muscular asymmetry stress both biomechanics and state control, increasing the potential for difficulty latching and sucking. A combination of positioning modifications to allow the infant to maintain his or her comfortable head tilt and turn, supportive techniques to restore alignment of oral structures, and handling techniques to help activate the weak contralateral muscles have been effective in the author’s practice. Lactation consultants can promote positioning and muscle activation strategies and encourage physical therapy referrals for infants who do not respond promptly to reduce the risk of craniofacial deformity and developmental problems.
Categories of failure in climate change mitigation policy in Australia
Authors: Newman Joshua , Head Brian W
Published: January 2015

Discussions of failure in public policy have been hampered by a lack of consensus on a definition of the term ‘failure’. It can be shown that arguments relating to policy failure tend to conflate forms of failure that are actually discrete, such as failure to meet objectives, claims of negative distributional outcomes and negative electoral outcomes attributed to specific policy decisions. This article attempts to unify and clarify the discourse on policy failure by presenting a multi-dimensional approach that can identify separate aspects of failure within a single policy or program. This multi-dimensional approach to policy failure is then be applied to climate change policy in Australia, in order to demonstrate how some aspects of a policy can be interpreted as failed while others can simultaneously be interpreted as successful, even by the same observer. As this example illustrates, global pronouncements of a public policy as a ‘success’ or ‘failure’ should be avoided in favour of more precise evaluations of what kind of failure occurred, and who was affected and in what ways.
A partial lubrication model between valve plate and cylinder block in axial piston pumps
Authors: Han Lei , Wang Shaoping , Zhang Chao
Published: January 2015

Axial piston hydraulic pumps are commonly used in aircraft, which makes analysis of their lubrication conditions of significant importance. Oil film between valve plate and cylinder block plays an most important role in pump lubrication. This paper proposes a partial lubrication model of the contact surfaces between valve plate and cylinder block in axial piston pumps for predicting film thickness. The asperity curvature at multiple scales and height distribution are obtained by analyzing actual contact surface profiles, then the separating pressure of asperities is estimated by the Hertz theory and the fluid separating pressure is calculated by Reynolds equation. Experimental results indicate that this model can predict film thickness accurately.
Frequency response function adaptation for reconstruction of combustion signature in a 9-L diesel engine
Authors: Jia Libin , Naber Jeffrey D , Blough Jason R
Published: January 2015

An accelerometer as a low-cost non-intrusive transducer for sensing the combustion events in a diesel engine was investigated via the reconstruction of in-cylinder pressure using an adapting frequency response function (FRF). As the noise introduced into the accelerometer signal and the response to combustion vary with the operating condition, the FRF computed from a single operating condition only works for the same or similar conditions. To overcome this limitation, an adaptation process for the FRF was explored. Robustness of FRF over additional operational conditions with start of injection, start of combustion, and load variations was greatly improved. Frequency domain analysis shows that only the low-frequency content is determinant for the in-cylinder pressure reconstruction, and the adaptation of the first and second (0 Hz and 121 Hz) harmonics of the FRF results in the greatest improvement for the in-cylinder pressure estimation accuracy. The 0 Hz harmonic is adjusted based on the pre-measured in-cylinder pressure offset and the online measured accelerometer signal offset. Particle swam optimization as a computational algorithm is applied to adapt the 121 Hz harmonic of FRF. The results show that the adapted FRF, in comparison to the unadapted FRF, can reduce the phase error up to 1.3 crank angle degrees and reduce the amplitude error by up to 90%.
Optimal energy management for a flywheel-assisted battery electric vehicle
Authors: Dhand Aditya , Pullen Keith
Published: January 2015

Battery electric vehicles are crucial to the reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels and for moving towards a zero-emission transport system. Although battery electric vehicle technology has been rapidly improving, the limited driving range and the high cost are significant impediments to the popularity of electric vehicles. The battery is the main element which affects the range and the cost of the vehicle. The batteries can provide either high power or high energy but not both. Hybridisation of the energy source is one of the methods to improve the energy efficiency of the vehicle, which involves combining a high-energy battery with a high-power source. High-speed flywheels have attractive properties and low-cost potential which makes them excellent secondary energy storage devices to be used in hybrid and electric vehicles. They are utilised to load the battery to a level so as to protect it from peak loads and to enhance its capacity and life. The flywheel is coupled to the drive line with a continuously variable transmission. This paper presents the optimal energy management strategy for a mechanically connected flywheel-assisted battery electric vehicle powertrain. The optimisation problem is complex because of factors such as the small storage capacity of the flywheel, the kinematic constraints and the slipping of clutches. Dynamic programming is used to calculate the optimal control strategy for torque distribution during operation in real-world driving cycles. The results show significant potential for reduction in the energy consumption in extra-urban and highway cycles, while reducing the peak battery loads during all cycles. The results give a benchmark of the energy-saving potential for such a powertrain and insights into how a real suboptimal controller can be designed.
A non-contact method to measure the difference between the left wheelbase and the right wheelbase for dynamic vehicle detection
Authors: Zhang Libin , Yue Hongwei , Shan Hongmei , Su Jian
Published: January 2015

The measurement of the difference between the left wheelbase and the right wheelbase is the most important part of vehicle detection. A large difference between the left wheelbase and the right wheelbase may lead to a serious traffic accident. This paper develops a new method for dynamic detection, which is based on binocular stereo vision and is a non-contact method that can reduce the equipment failure rate. A real vehicle experiment is performed to verify the proposed method. The manual measurement method and the photosensitive detection method are applied for comparison. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is more stable than the manual measurement method and the photosensitive detection method, and the proposed method can also be extended to other vehicles. Thus, the proposed method is useful for vehicle detection.
Establishing Feasibility of Early Palliative Care Consultation in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lafond Deborah A. , Kelly Katherine Patterson , Hinds Pamela S. , Sill Ann , Michael Michele
Published: January 2015

Children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) encounter a number of distressing physical symptoms and existential distress but may not be afforded timely access to palliative care services to help ameliorate the distress. This feasibility study investigated the acceptability and outcomes of early palliative care consultation to promote comfort in this population. A longitudinal, descriptive cohort design examined both provider willingness to refer and willingness of families to receive palliative care interventions as well as satisfaction. Feasibility was demonstrated by 100% referral of eligible patients and 100% of patient and family recruitment (N = 12). Each family received 1 to 3 visits per week (ranging from 15 to 120 minutes) from the palliative care team. Interventions included supportive care counseling and integrative therapies. Families and providers reported high satisfaction with the nurse-led palliative care consultation. Outcomes included improvement or no significant change in comfort across the trajectory of HSCT, from the child and parental perspective. Early integration of palliative care in HSCT is feasible and acceptable to families and clinicians.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Kuhlthau Karen , Luff Donna , Delahaye Jennifer , Wong Alicia , Yock Torunn , Huang Mary , Park Elyse R.
Published: January 2015

This article uses qualitative methods to describe the domains of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors identify as important. Survivors clearly attributed aspects of their current HRQoL to their disease or its treatment. We identified 7 key domains of AYA CNS tumor survivorship: physical health, social well-being, mental health, cognitive functioning, health behaviors, sexual and reproductive health, and support systems. Although most aspects of HRQoL that survivors discussed represented new challenges, there were several areas where survivors pointed out positive outcomes. There is a need for a HRQoL tool designed for this population of survivors, given their unique treatment and survivorship experience. Aspects of HRQoL related to cognition, sexual and reproductive health, health behaviors, and support systems are not typically included in generic HRQoL tools but should be assessed for this population. Developing HRQoL measurement instruments that capture the most significant aspects of HRQoL will improve the ability to track HRQoL in AYA CNS tumor survivors and in the long-term management of common sequelae from CNS tumors and their treatments.
Effects of heat treatment and strain rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 Al alloy
Authors: Li Ling , Flores-Johnson EA , Shen Luming , Proust Gwénaëlle
Published: January 2015

In the present work, the effects of heat treatment and strain rate on mechanical behaviour and microstructure evolution of aluminium alloy 6061 have been investigated. The micro-crack initiation and crystallographic texture evolution are obtained from scanning electron microscope and electron back-scatter diffraction experiments. Quasi-static and high strain rate compression tests are conducted on AA6061 specimens that underwent two different heat treatments: the as-received material with the original T6 heat treatment and the heat treated and artificially aged specimens. For the high strain rate compression (∼2000 and ∼4000 s−1) tests, the split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus is used. It is observed that the additional heat treatment has significantly reduced the yield strength of the material. Furthermore, electron back-scatter diffraction results show that the higher the applied strain rate is, the less significant change will happen to the texture. Scanning electron microscope images show that, for both T6 and HT specimens, the number and size of micro-cracks in the dynamic compressed specimens are smaller than in the quasi-static deformed specimen. Therefore, the strain rate is considered to be the dominant factor in forming micro-cracks.
Autonomic fault tolerant scheduling approach for scientific workflows in Cloud computing
Authors: Bala Anju , Chana Inderveer
Published: January 2015

Autonomic fault tolerant scheduling is now a mandatory approach for the execution of performance-motivated Cloud applications such as scientific workflows. Since concurrent engineering is strongly associated with scientific workflows, an efficient scheduling for scientific workflows can have major impact on the performance of concurrent systems and engineering applications in Cloud computing. To facilitate the execution of concurrent tasks in scientific workflows, Cloud providers entail efficient scheduling heuristics and fault tolerant approaches. The work presented in this article formulates an effort focusing on this research problem to design an autonomic fault tolerant scheduling approach for scientific workflow applications. First, hybrid heuristic has been proposed to schedule scientific workflows effectively. Second, fault tolerant technique has been implemented using virtual machine migration approach that migrates the virtual machine automatically in case of task failure occurrences due to the overutilization of resources. Furthermore, the proposed approach has been validated through performance evaluation parameters using CloudSim and WorkflowSim toolkits. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach to improve the performance of scientific workflows by appreciably reducing total mean execution time, standard deviation time, and makespan.
Clinical Relevance of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Hamed Gehan Mostafa , Fattah Mona Fathey Abdel
Published: January 2015

We measured levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) as a potential risk factor in 75 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared to 25 patients with stable angina (SA) and 20 healthy participants. Patients were studied stressing on smoking, hypertension, diabetes, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, MMP-9, and electrocardiography. Patients with ACS had higher MMP-9 levels than the SA group. The highest MMP-9 levels were found among ST-elevated myocardial infarction (MI), while the lowest levels were found among the control group. The MMP-9 level was significantly higher among patients with ACS having poor disease outcome (recurrent ischemic attacks, congestive heart failure, or death). The MMP-9 cutoff value of 3100 pg/mL was able to discriminate MI from unstable angina (UA), while the best prognostic utility was established at 4700 pg/mL. We suggest that serum MMP-9 could be an early marker that discriminates MI from UA and predicts poor outcome in terms of disease severity and extent of disease complications.
Effects of Hyperbaric and Decompression Stress on Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis
Authors: Peng Henry T. , Cameron Bruce A. , Rhind Shawn G.
Published: January 2015

Hyperbaric and decompression stress from diving impairs blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. We hypothesized that thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) were suitable to characterize the effects of stress on global hemostatic profiles. We thus conducted a comparative study of the hyperbaric effects on human coagulation using TEG and ROTEM. Maximum clot strength (maximum amplitude [MA]) and clot lysis (lysis index at time 30 minutes [LI30]) were reduced as indicated by TEG MA and EXTEM LI30, respectively. The relative changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis by the hyperbaric effects of diving were indicated by reduced TEG reaction time R at 5 hours, MA at 24 hours postdive, and reduced EXTEM coagulation time at 15 minutes postdive as well as decreased fibrinolysis (EXTEM LI30) at all postdiving time points investigated. Comparison of the parameter values and the diving-induced changes in each parameter between TEG and ROTEM showed both differences and correlations. The discrepancies between the 2 systems may be due to the different assay reagents used. Future studies will seek to further elucidate the changes in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis following varying levels of hyperbaric and decompression stress.
Temozolomide retreatment in a recurrent prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma: Hormonal and radiographic response
Authors: Strowd RE , Salvatori R , Laterra JJ
Published: January 2015

Background

Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent with schedule-dependent antitumor activity against high-grade malignancies including high-grade glioma. Increasingly, reports have suggested that temozolomide may have activity as a salvage therapy for aggressive, recurrent pituitary adenomas or carcinomas that fail surgery, radiation and other pharmacotherapy. To our knowledge, temozolomide retreatment following initial responsiveness has not previously been demonstrated.

Case report

A woman was diagnosed with a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma in 1995 (age 44). Despite bromocriptine therapy, transphenoidal resection, radiotherapy, and cabergoline treatment she experienced continued clinico-radiographic progression, and temozolomide was initiated in 2011. She received three treatment cycles with rapid, dramatic clinico-radiographic response, and 99.3% reduction in serum prolactin. After three years of close observation, she developed recurrent radiographic progression and prolactin elevation. She was re-initiated on temozolomide, and after four cycles, clinical, radiographic and hormonal response was observed with a 92.2% reduction in serum prolactin.

Conclusions/Summary

Temozolomide is an increasingly described treatment option for refractory pituitary adenomas and carcinomas. In the current report, we document rapid biochemical response following retreatment with temozolomide in aggressive pituitary adenoma. When “off label” salvage therapy with temozolomide is offered for patients with recurrent prolactinomas, retreatment at the time of recurrence can be considered.