bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microvascular Free Flaps and Intraoperative Vasopressors
Authors: Wilson Matt , Hunt Jason P. , Buchmann Luke
Published: September 2011

Objective

Identify if the use of an intraoperative vasopressor increases the risk of microvascular free flap failure or affects the rate of complications.

Method

A retrospective chart review performed between November 2008 and November 2010 of patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction. Flap type, ASA classification, use of a vasopressor, and fluid status were documented and analyzed with respect to flap failure and complications. A Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Eighty‐six patients underwent microvascular reconstruction during the study period. No patients were excluded. Seventy‐six (88.4%) patients received at least 1 vasopressor intraoperatively. Ten (11.6%) did not have administration of vasopressors. Total flap failure occurred in 3 (3.5%) patients. All flap failures occurred in patients that received vasopressors (3.9%) (P =. 696). Flap complications (intraoperative clot requiring revision anastomosis, leech therapy, or flap failure) occurred in 11 (12.8%) patients, including 2 (20%) of the patients that did not receive a vasopressor and 9 (11.8%) of the patients that received a vasopressor (P =. 408).

Conclusion

The use of vasopressors in head and neck microvascular reconstruction is very common. There is no evidence that vasopressors have an effect on microvascular free flap survival or complications.
Outcomes for Total Glossectomy vs Laryngoglossectomy
Authors: Sinclair Catherine Fiona , Desmond Renee , Rosenthal Eben L. , Carroll William R.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Compare functional and survival outcomes for patients undergoing total glossectomy (TG) or total glossectomy plus laryngopharyngectomy (TGLP) for advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue.

Method

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients undergoing TG or TGLP at an academic tertiary referral center between 2002 and 2010. There were 30 included patients (20 TG, 10 TGLP). Outcomes included tumor recurrence, disease‐free survival and functional data (swallowing, gastrostomy tube dependence, speech, airway).

Results

Mean patient age was 56 years with a male predominance (90%). Compared with TG, TGLP was more commonly performed for recurrent tumors (P =. 06). Perineural invasion and extracapsular extension occurred more commonly for TGLP patients (80% vs 50%, P =. 12). There was a trend toward increased tumor recurrence in the TG group (61% vs 40%, P =. 43). Twelve month disease free survival was 40% (TG) vs 50% (TGLP). Functionally, more TG patients were totally gastrostomy tube dependent (70% vs 30%, P =. 04), and 50% of TG patients were also tracheostomy dependent. Intelligible speech was achieved by 30% TG and 10% TGLP patients (P =. 68).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing TGLP had similar functional and survival outcomes to patients undergoing TG despite more locally advanced disease with greater adverse pathological features. Positive or close margins for TG occurred most commonly at the inferior resection margin which could explain why TGLP for advanced tongue SCC may improve local disease control.
pERK Expression in Skin Squamous and Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Phillips Jeffrey , Sonavane Kunal , Moore‐Medlin Tara , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O. , Abreo Fleurette , Clark Cheryl
Published: September 2011

Objective

Curcumin, a naturally occurring bioactive food compound has been shown to inhibit progression of cutaneous SCCa, possibly via inhibition of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. In our effort to selectively inhibit cutaneous SCCa, we hypothesize that the MEK/ERK pathway is over‐expressed in SCCa, suggesting a novel target for curcumin.

Method

Normal human skin (N = 28), BCCa (N = 12), and SCCa (N = 11) were analyzed for pERK (Thr202/Tyr204) expression by IHC. Tumor sections were subjectively scored from 0 to 2+ (none, weak or focal, strong) based on the intensity of the stain, and compared by Chi Square analysis.

Results

All SCCa (N = 11) and only 5/12 (54%) BCC stained positive for pERK. Tumors expressed more pERK than normal skin χ2 (2, N = 51) = 26.37, P <. 001, and differed by tumor type, χ2 (1, N = 23) = 6.77, P =. 009. Tumor type significantly predicted pERK staining, b =. 67, t(20) = 2.39, P =. 027, and explained a significant proportion of variance in pERK scores, R2 =. 33, F(3, 20) = 3.33, P =. 04, whereas age (P =. 59) and gender (P =. 17) did not explain the variance in pERK staining.

Conclusion

The MEK/ERK pathway appears to be over‐expressed in SCCa compared with the more common BCCa. As curcumin has been shown to slow progression of cutaneous SCCa and inhibit pERK expression, the MEK/ERK pathway may prove a key biomarker in developing pharmaceutical agents that prevent SCCa tumor growth.
Perceived partner uniqueness and communicative and behavioral transgression outcomes in romantic relationships
Authors: Dillow Megan R. , Afifi Walid A. , Matsunaga Masaki
Published: September 2011

This four-study investigation examines the role of perceived partner uniqueness (PPU) in determining the immediate communicative and relational consequences of transgressions in romantic relationships. Study 1 reports a psychometrically sound PPU measure distinct from similar constructs. Study 2 reveals that PPU is associated with conflict responses following the discovery of infidelity, which then predict termination intentions. Study 3 involves an experimentally manipulated flirting transgression between one partner and a confederate, witnessed by the other partner, which provides a controlled examination of PPU on partners’ non-verbal immediacy. Study 4 expands and refines PPU measurement, and tests PPU’s ability to predict relational decisions beyond other partner-focused constructs. Results support the utility of PPU as a unique construct with communicative and relational impacts.
Perceived relational stability in on-again/off-again relationships
Authors: Dailey René M. , Middleton Ashley V. , Green Erik W.
Published: September 2011

This study assessed characteristics associated with on-again/off-again (on–off) partners’ perceived relational stability. We employed a three-category conceptualization of stability in which participants were classified as believing the relationship was relatively stable, permanently dissolved, or continuing to cycle between breakups and renewals. Investment theory was first used to distinguish the three stability groups with satisfaction and alternatives mostly strongly associated with perceived stability. We also assessed specific characteristics salient to on–off relationships. Most were associated with perceived stability, but relational uncertainty, relational stress, positive feelings about the relationship, and number of renewals emerged as the best discriminators. Overall, the cycling group reported moderate levels of most characteristics along with greater uncertainty, suggesting they have a more ambivalent view of their relationship.
Emotion and support perceptions in everyday social interaction: Testing the “less is more” hypothesis in two cultures
Authors: Kafetsios Konstantinos , Nezlek John B.
Published: September 2011

The study examined emotional experience and perceived social support during naturally occurring social interactions in Greece and Britain. Multilevel analyses found that people in Greece (a more interdependent culture) perceived less support and experienced less positive and more negative affect in social interactions than those in the UK (a more independent culture). Positive relationships between positive affect and perceptions of support were stronger in Greece than in the UK. Global perceptions of social support did not differ between the two samples, and global perceptions were weakly related to perceived support in interaction. The results support the “less is more” hypothesis ( Oishi, S., Diener, E., Choi, D. W., Kim-Prieto, C., & Choi, I. (2007 ). The dynamics of daily events and well-being across cultures: When less is more. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93, 685-698) concerning cultural differences in social support and distal and proximal antecedents of interaction-level relational processes.
SME financing in Europe: Cross-country determinants of bank loan maturity
Authors: Hernández-Cánovas Ginés , Koëter-Kant Johanna
Published: September 2011

This article examines the influence of cross-country differences on bank loan maturity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using a sample of 3366 SMEs from 19 European countries. It analyses a country’s legal and institutional environment while controlling for banking structure, economic situation and firm-specific characteristics. The study finds that SMEs in countries that protect its creditors and enforce existing laws are more likely to obtain long-term bank debt. It also shows evidence that banks seem to rely more on the institutional environment when determining loan maturity for micro-firms than for medium-sized firms. Policymakers should take these findings into consideration when proposing policy changes that are likely to impact the legal or institutional environment. For example, policy changes that affect creditor protection may have a direct impact on SME lending, and thus have economic consequences.
When Students Complain
Authors: Lala Vishal , Priluck Randi
Published: September 2011

This article explores the factors that influence students’ intention to complain following a bad classroom experience using a customer service framework from the marketing literature. An online survey was conducted with 288 participants using the critical incident approach. Results indicate that predictors of intention to complain differ based on the target of complaint behavior (school, friends, or unknown others) and the mode of complaint (in person or using the web). Specifically, the more dissatisfied students are, the more likely they are to complain to the school and to friends either in person or using the web but not to unknown others. Students complain to the school only if the effort involved is minimal and they believe the school will respond. Students complain to friends and unknown others in person if they feel the school will respond to negative press. Personal characteristics also influence intentions to complain. Students with a propensity to complain broadcast their negative experience via the web, grade conscious students tell their friends but only in person, and heavy social media users inform their friends using the web. Implications for faculty and administrators are discussed.
Running with improved disturbance rejection by using non-linear leg springs
Authors: Karssen JG Daniël , Wisse Martijn
Published: September 2011

Most running robots and running models use linear leg springs. Non-linear leg springs have the potential to improve the performance of running robots and models, but it is not clear to what extent. In this paper, the effect of non-linear leg springs on disturbance rejection behavior is investigated. The optimal leg stiffness profile is determined by optimizing the gait sensitivity norm, a measure for disturbance rejection. The results of this optimization show that the optimal leg stiffness profile is strongly non-linear, and that the disturbance rejection is a factor of seven better than it would be with the optimal linear leg stiffness. The cause for this great improvement is that non-linear leg springs allow stable limit cycles that are much further away from the fall modes.
“I Can’t Go to School and Leave Her in So Much Pain”
Authors: Cluver L. , Operario D. , Lane T. , Kganakga M.
Published: September 2011

“I go to the hospital with my mother when she is sick. I can’t go to school and leave her in so much pain. I won’t concentrate.” Millions of adolescents live with AIDS-affected parents or primary caregivers. Little is known about educational impacts of living in an AIDS-affected home, or of acting as a “young carer” in the context of AIDS. This study combined qualitative and quantitative methods to determine educational impacts of household AIDS-sickness and other-sickness. Six hundred and fifty-nine adolescents (aged 10-20) were interviewed in high-poverty areas of urban and rural South Africa. Qualitative findings identified three major themes of missing school, being hungry at school, and concentration problems due to worry about the sick person. In quantitative analyses, living in an AIDS-affected home predicted all these three outcomes ( p < .001) compared to homes affected by other sickness and to healthy homes, and independent of sociodemographic cofactors. This study demonstrates that familial AIDS-sickness is associated with negative educational impacts for adolescents. It is important that policies are developed to support young people in these circumstances to continue with their education.
Solid particle erosion of glass epoxy composite strengthened by metal powder
Authors: Aktaş Alaattin
Published: September 2011

In the present study, the solid particle erosion behavior of glass-epoxy composite strengthened by metal powder has been studied. Four types of specimens were tested; one is composite specimen without metal powder, the others with metal powder, the percentages of which were 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight, respectively. Steady state erosion rates of these composites have been evaluated at various impingement angles (changed from 15° to 90° by 15° increments) with different impact velocities (34 m/s, 53 m/s and 80 m/s). The erosion experiments have been carried out by using silica sand particles (450 ± 50 μm) as erodent. The results show that the erosion rate of the composites with and without powder is the highest when the particles impact angle is between 15° and 30°. In addition, the erosion quantity of the composites were nearly the same for the specimens with and without metal powder.
A Tale of Two Charitable Campaigns
Authors: Agypt Brett , Christensen Robert K. , Nesbit Rebecca
Published: September 2011

In light of the current economic conditions and the subsequent increased pressure on nonprofit organizations to collaborate, many nonprofit organizations are developing and conducting cross-sector workplace giving campaigns to increase philanthropic activity. Although some scholars have focused on the implications of such activities for for-profit organizations, little research has been conducted to better understand employee-level giving behaviors in charitable workplace campaigns. This longitudinal study focuses on workplace givers and the impact of individual-level factors on actual donation amounts in two annual workplace campaigns at a large public university from 2001 to 2008. Results show that salary consistently predicts giving amounts across campaigns; length of service, however, only predicts giving amounts in one campaign. Being promoted and receiving tenure led to employees donating less, whereas being promoted while already tenured led to employees donating more. We close the article with a discussion of the managerial implications of our findings.
Preserving the Publicness of the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Moulton Stephanie , Eckerd Adam
Published: September 2011

Nonprofit organizations are increasingly advised to become fiscally self-sufficient and reduce resource dependence to preserve autonomy. However, little is known empirically about the relationships between particular resource streams and the roles espoused by nonprofit organizations that define their public value, including service delivery, innovation, advocacy, individual expression, social capital creation, and citizen engagement. To address this gap in the literature, we collect and analyze survey data from more than 100 nonprofit organizations, developing and testing a new “Nonprofit Sector Public Role Index” that assesses their perceived performance on six different roles simultaneously. Furthermore, we evaluate characteristics that make nonprofits more or less likely to fulfill various roles, with primary emphasis on financial resources. We find evidence that particular resource streams are strongly associated with particular nonprofit roles. Therefore, resource dependence—particularly dependence on public support—may play an important value preservation role in the nonprofit sector.
Affinities, seeing and feeling like family: Exploring why children value face-to-face contact
Authors: Davies Hayley
Published: September 2011

This article examines face-to-face contact as a way in which children practise, imagine and constitute their closest relationships. Based on the findings of a qualitative school-based study, the article shows that children regard ‘seeing’ as a family and relational practice that enables them to feel connected to and develop affinities with others. The article traces the interplay of given, negotiated and created, and sensory affinities in children’s family and kin relationships. Face-to-face contact is explored as a context in which children gain knowledge of others and develop intimate, ‘family-like’ relationships.
Enhancement of measurement capability for precision manufacturing processes using an attribute gauge system
Authors: Chen M , Lyu J
Published: September 2011

This research discusses precision manufacturing processes that have near-zero-defect manufacturing environments with occasional non-conformities in some samples when random shocks arise. Repeatability variance and reproducibility variance are commonly used to assess measurement precision, but they may fail to estimate measurement parameters in precision manufacturing processes. This paper proposes a novel attribute gauge system that consists of five modules. The measurement parameters estimation module derives equations for the random shock probability and measurement parameters using the Expectation–Maximization algorithm and zero-inflated Poisson model. The variance between measurement systems module derives the equation of variance within operators and gauges from the laboratory component of the bias. The repeatability variance module derives a repeatability measurement equation and the reproducibility variance module derives the reproducibility measurement equation using the ASTM E691 standard. Finally, the measurement system acceptability criteria module derives a measurement capability index and assesses measurement precision based on the ASTM F1469 standard. A thin-film transistor liquid crystal display manufacturing case study is used to illustrate the process and potential of the proposed system. Findings can be used as a reference for evaluating measurement systems with attribute data. Analytical results are also useful to quality practitioners attempting to improve measurement system effectiveness.
Observation of weld pool profiles in short-circuiting gas metal arc welding
Authors: Wu C S , Gao J Q , Wang D M
Published: September 2011

Short-circuiting gas metal arc welding (GMAW), a main joining process for light-weight steel structures, is a complex, strongly non-linear, dynamic, and multi input/output process. It is essential to implement real-time monitoring and control of this process in order to ensure product quality and service reliability of the welded structures. In this paper, a low-cost and compact vision system is developed to observe the weld pool surface profiles in short-circuiting GMAW under different levels of welding current, welding speed, and contact tube-to-workpiece distance. Appropriate technical means are employed to lower the arc light interference and to synchronize the image grabber with the short-circuiting stage. Clear and complete weld pool surface images are captured by Observation from the Front of the Pool (OFP) and Observation from the Rear of the Pool (ORP), and the weld pool shape and size are determined. The two viewing methods (OFP and ORP) can detect the pool width reliably, but the detected pool length has a larger error. A modification method is proposed. The weld pool images are captured by Observation from the Side Position (OSP), and the tilted slope of the pool surface and the reinforcement height are detected in this way. Through modification, the measurement accuracy of the pool length is improved. This lays a foundation for the process control of short-circuiting GMAW, but further investigation is still required as a next step.
Assessment of the failure load for an AA6061-T6 friction stir spot welding joint
Authors: Nguyen N-T , Kim D-Y , Kim H Y
Published: September 2011

Failure loads of a friction stir spot welding (FSSW) joint of two aluminum alloy 6061-T6 sheets under specific loading cases were predicted using the finite-element method. The detailed modelling technique of a FSSW joint using available experimental data is presented in this paper. The characteristics and dimensions of different zones of the FSSW joint including the stir zone (SZ), heat-affected zone (HAZ), thermal-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and base metal (BM) were obtained from literature. The mechanical properties calculated from a relation between the measured hardness values and the corresponding strengths for each zone were then applied to the failure prediction model. In this model the ESI–Wilkins–Kamoulakos (EWK) rupture model of the PAM-CRASH commercial software was employed to verify the case of the lap-shear tension test. The failure load obtained in this model showed a good agreement with the experimental value in the reference. The failure prediction for the other loading cases (peel-tension test and cross-tension test) was then conducted following the same analysis procedure.
Adaptive backstepping integral control of servo systems with backlash
Authors: Huang J , Li C , Duan B Y
Published: September 2011

Backlash in servo mechanisms causes a severe deterioration in system performance. To reduce the influence of backlash on the system, a backstepping integral adaptive control is proposed. A dynamic model of a servo mechanism with backlash, considering equivalent stiffness and damping, is established. The control design is achieved by introducing parameter adaptation with a backstepping technique that ensures the convergence of parameter estimation and global stability of the adaptive system. Simulation and experimental results show that the system’s tracking accuracy and servo bandwidth are significantly improved and increased. More importantly, the impact and oscillation are evidently reduced while reversing, compared with conventional proportional-integral-derivative control.
The role of wage bargaining partners in public sector reform: The case of primary care contracts
Authors: Heins Elke , Parry Richard
Published: September 2011

We take the 2004 contract between British general practitioners and the government as an example of dilemmas that confront all European health systems. The contract allowed doctors to withdraw from out-of-hours coverage, but enabled commercial providers to enter the primary care market. Our research suggests that the doctors underestimated the threat of commercialization posed by these new contracts. Only after the consequences of the reform became clear they took policy positions against the commercialization which was facilitated by the contract they had agreed. This case is an illustrative example of the way that wage bargaining partners in the health service become involved in the structural maintenance of the system as well as the pay and conditions of their members, with possible trade-offs between the two.
Piezoelectric Fiber Composite Strip Transducer Design Considerations for Generating Lamb Waves
Authors: Sheng Li  , Lissenden Cliff J.
Published: September 2011

Lamb waves have great promise among the various active monitoring schemes being researched for Structural Health Monitoring. Planar Lamb wave excitation using surface-bonded piezoelectric strips to function as comb transducers is investigated numerically for both the fundamental symmetric S0 and the antisymmetric A0 wave modes. This comb-type transducer is comprised of multiple piezoelectric elements, which are piezoelectric fiber composites sandwiched between electrodes. These transducer strips reduce the wiring requirements, can conform to curved surfaces, and the properties can be tailored to suit the application. Transducer variables are many; here fiber orientation, volume fraction, poling directions, and electrode locations are investigated. Specifically, piezocomposite properties are estimated through micromechanical modeling for input to finite element analysis of Lamb wave generation and propagation. For this multiphysics problem, the finite element analysis employs co-simulation using ABAQUS Standard and ABAQUS Explicit to simulate transient wave propagation from a strip transducer on a plate. In the finite element results, the amplitude of the Lamb wave at a prescribed distance from the transducer is evaluated to characterize the effectiveness of the composite comb transducer. Furthermore, results show that there are a number of cases where composite actuators provide a large amplitude response. After considering piezoelectric fiber direction, poling direction, and electric field direction, it appears that fiber, polarization, and activation electric fields through the thickness of the transducer represent the optimal design.
Discourses of Influence and Autonomy in Physicians’ Accounts of Treatment Decision Making for Depression
Authors: McMullen Linda M.
Published: September 2011

Models of patient–physician decision making are typically framed on a continuum of discourses and practices ranging from patient autonomy to physician paternalism, with the middle ground being occupied by terms such as shared decision making. Critiques of these models center on the gulf between these idealized models and actual practice and on how context influences decision-making practices. In this article I focus on how 11 Canadian family physicians talked about patient–physician decision making in interviews about their diagnostic and treatment practices for depression. I adopt a discursive approach to analyzing extracts from these interviews, and show how these physicians constructed themselves as engaging in acts of professional judgment and persuasion, and patients as having the final say in decision making about treatment for depression. I argue that whether the intertwining of discourses of physician influence and patient autonomy is understood as a balance of power between physicians and patients is an open question.
Parents’ Emotional and Social Experiences of Caring for a Child Through Cleft Treatment
Authors: Nelson Pauline A. , Kirk Susan A. , Caress Ann-Louise , Glenny Anne-Marie
Published: September 2011

Little is known about the experiences of parents caring for a child through long-term treatment for cleft lip and/or cleft palate. We conducted in-depth interviews with 35 parents with children between the ages of 20 weeks and 21 years to explore experiences across the treatment program. We analyzed the data using a constructivist grounded theory approach and present in detail in this article one subcategory from the analysis: managing emotions. Throughout childhood and adolescence, parents experienced conflicting emotions about their child’s impairment, uncertainty about cleft treatment, and stigmatizing attitudes. Although parents attempted to manage emotional tensions by pursuing cleft treatments, the interventions could themselves be a source of conflict for them. We suggest that routine assessment of parents’ emotional and social well-being should be included in cleft treatment programs, and access to psychosocial support made available.
Living With Arthritis
Authors: Janke Megan C. , Jones Jesse J. , Payne Laura L. , Son Julie S.
Published: September 2011

In this article, we explore how adults with arthritis use self-care strategies in their valued leisure activities, and variations in use based on their access to environmental resources. We conducted six focus groups ( N = 34) with adults aged 55 and older with a diagnosis of arthritis. Adults living in residential communities were recruited, with 31% of the sample residing in subsidized housing. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using content analysis based on themes of selective optimization with compensation. We found some differences in strategy use between the resource-rich and resource-poor participants. Adults highlighted the value of their leisure activities and the importance of leisure in maintaining their health and well-being. Our findings point to the need to incorporate leisure education into interventions and programs targeting adults with arthritis.
A Working Relationship Model That Reduces Homelessness Among People With Mental Illness
Authors: Chen Fang-pei , Ogden Lydia
Published: September 2011

We applied grounded theory methodology to generate a working relationship model that influences motivation for stable housing among homeless people with serious mental illness, to understand the role of a working relationship in critical service transitions. We focused on practitioners’ perspectives and practices in Critical Time Intervention (CTI), a community intervention aimed to reduce homelessness through providing support during the transition from institutional to community living. We found a working relationship that highlighted “nonauthoritative” and “humanistic” features. Workers respected client autonomy and maintained flexibility in the format of client contact and service activities. They used practice strategies including following client leads and informal relating approaches to facilitate the development of client trust. The trusting relationship enhanced client interest in obtaining housing and the commitment to the transformation crucial for retaining housing. We discuss the significance of the relationship and ethical considerations of relationship-building activities in community mental health practices.
Establishing Therapeutic Relationships With Vulnerable and Potentially Stigmatized Clients
Authors: Porr Caroline , Drummond Jane , Olson Karin
Published: September 2011

Grounded theory was employed to elucidate how public health nurses (PHNs) develop therapeutic relationships with vulnerable and potentially stigmatized clients, specifically, single mothers living in low-income situations. We named the emerging theoretical model Targeting Essence: Pragmatic Variation of the Therapeutic Relationship, after discovering that although PHNs strove to achieve relational goals, their attention was primarily focused on the goal of ascertaining concerns foremost on the hearts and minds of mothers, and that PHNs had to accomplish these goals within short practice timeframes. The study’s focused context elicited a nuanced explanation of the dynamic relationship-building process derived from subjective relationship experiences of PHNs and single mothers living in low-income situations. We believe Targeting Essence will serve as an effectual relationship-building model, enabling PHNs to know essentially what mothers want and need, and enabling mothers to know essentially that their PHN can be trusted not to render judgment.
Perceived Competency and Resolution of Homelessness Among Women With Substance Abuse Problems
Authors: Finfgeld-Connett Deborah , Bloom Tina L. , Johnson E. Diane
Published: September 2011

Using a metasynthesis approach, our aim was to articulate new insights relating to the most efficient and effective means of helping homeless women with substance abuse problems to enhance their well-being and become more stably housed. Distorted perceptions of competency, which are shaped by dysfunctional relationships and mental health problems, make it challenging for women with substance abuse problems to resolve homelessness. Women with particularly low or high levels of perceived competency tend to grapple with challenges related to structure and control, trust, and hopelessness. Therapeutic strategies for approaching these women include careful assessment, caring, personalized structure and control, development of interpersonal trust, instillation of hope, and the targeted use of psychotherapeutic agents and counseling. Framing care for homeless women within the context of perceived competency offers a new way of understanding their plight and shaping interventions to more expeditiously move them toward healthy and stable lives.
Parental Cancer
Authors: Levesque Janelle V. , Maybery Darryl
Published: September 2011

Cancer is a disease that affects the entire family, with each member having unique psychological needs. To date, there has been limited research into the effect of parental cancer on adult children. Furthermore, existing research has largely overlooked the possibility of positive psychological growth in the adult offspring of cancer patients. To investigate the perceived benefits arising from parental cancer, 11 interviews were undertaken with adults whose parents had been diagnosed with cancer, to discuss their experiences of their parent’s illness, and their evaluation of both the positive and negative changes that had arisen. All participants were able to identify positive outcomes in direct response to their parent’s cancer. Frequently suggested changes included improved relationships with their sick parent, an increased emphasis on family, revised life priorities, and personal development. The implications of these findings, their link to posttraumatic growth theory, and avenues for future research are discussed.
Registered Nurses Integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine Into the Triage Process
Authors: Bertrand Sharon W.
Published: September 2011

People in the United States often consult registered nurses (nurses) for advice when they want to explore alternatives to Western medicine, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Nurses find themselves confronting dilemmas when they are caught between these radically different worlds of medical cultures and thinking. Twenty Minnesota nurses were interviewed to learn how they integrate TCM into their triage process. Symbolic interactionism was the research framework used, and mixed coding methods facilitated data analysis. Several sociological theories explain the findings. The major finding is that nurses use a four-step triage process that begins from the Western medical perspective and includes consideration of TCM use. Nurses’ recommendations are influenced by their situational roles and relationships, and by the cues they read from the person who is asking their advice. The results point to nurses being natural disseminators of TCM information and education in their resource role for others making health care decisions.
Aligning the Hidden Curriculum of Management Education With PRME
Authors: Blasco Maribel
Published: September 2011

This article argues that mainstreaming responsible management education in line with the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) requires close attention to the hidden curriculum (HC), that is, the implicit dimensions of educational experiences. Altering formal curricular goals and content alone is not enough to improve students’ sense of social responsibility. Business schools are conceptualized in this article as multilevel learning environments comprising various message sites where students undergo moral learning and socialization processes. Using perspectives from HC research combined with transformative learning and communities of practice theory, the article offers an inquiry-based framework for PRME implementation that takes these moral learning and socialization processes into account. It provides suggestions for how to address the hidden curriculum both in the diagnostic phase of assessing a school’s PRME needs and in the implementation phase where PRME is integrated into business school learning environments. The concept of meta-messages is introduced to account for how students apprehend the HC at business schools.
Hemostasis Research in India
Authors: Ghosh Kanjaksha , Ghosh Kinjalka , Shetty Shrimati
Published: September 2011

Hemostasis research in India has a long history considering the fact that it is one of the youngest specialities in the world. If we take creation of prothrombin time (PT) test as one of the beginning of modern hemostsis research, then the specialty is no older than 60 years. School of Tropical Medicine Kolkata, Banaras Hindu University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Delhi, Christian Medical College at Vellore, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research at Chandigarh, and KEM Hospital at Mumbai contributed substantially in defining various bleeding disorders in our country. Unfortunately, some of these institutes are no longer as active in the field as they used to be. Currently, the Institute of Immunohaematology at Mumbai, Chrstian medical College at Vellore, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Delhi are actively engaged in hemostsis research in India. Developing prenatal diagnostic technologies, mutation detection of various hemostatic disorders, developing low-cost management technologies for hemophilia, and other bleeding disorders are becoming important present day research activity in the area of hemostasis in addition to age old areas of prevalence and unusual case description studies. Entry of many new corporate hospitals, development of structured postgraduate training program in hematology, and easy availability of instruments and reagents are likely to foster further growth in this area of medical research in India in future.
Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the Capital Province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasuriya Vathsala , Wijewardena Kumudu , Axemo Pia
Published: September 2011

This article presents findings from a cross-sectional community survey exploring intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in the Western province of Sri Lanka. Findings show that lifetime prevalence of physical violence (34%), controlling behavior (30%), and emotional abuse (19%) was high and the prevalence of sexual violence was low (5%). Young women and those with partners who abused alcohol/drugs and had extra-marital affairs are at increased risk of violence. Although living in a patriarchal society, low prevalence of child marriages and lack of dowry-related violence could be to Sri Lankan women’s advantage relative to their Asian counterparts in preventing IPV.
A Canadian Model for Building University and Community Partnerships
Authors: Jaffe Peter G. , Berman Helene , MacQuarrie Barb
Published: September 2011

The importance of Canadian research on violence against women became a national focus after the 1989 murder of 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montreal. This tragedy led to several federal government studies that identified a need to develop centers for applied research and community–university alliances on violence against women. One such center is the Centre for Research & Education on Violence against Women and Children. The Centre was founded in London, Canada in 1992 out of a partnership of a university, a community college, and community services. The centre’s history and current activities are summarized as a model for the development and sustainability of similar centers.
Dropout from Computer-based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Dunn Tamara L. , Casey Leanne M. , Sheffield Jeanie , Newcombe Peter , Chang Anne B.
Published: September 2011

Dropout is a frequent problem in face-to-face psychological interventions. However, little is known regarding dropout in computer-based interventions (CBIs). It is important to understand the extent to which children and adolescents drop out of CBIs, so we can ensure that more people complete the programmes to gain maximum benefit. A systematic review of current research on dropout from CBIs identified 15 studies. Dropout rate ranged from 0 per cent to 54 per cent with a median of 15 per cent. There is a need for more rigorous investigation of the extent of, and reasons for, dropout from CBIs with children and adolescents with chronic health conditions.
Scale and the digital: The miniaturizing of global knowledge
Authors: Pietrobruno Sheenagh
Published: September 2011

Popular performance cultures, once largely diffused through lived interaction and physical migration, are currently being disseminated on video-sharing websites. This article maintains that performances circulated through videos become miniaturized. The miniaturization of actual performance cultures through their transmission on online videos in turn elicits a relation between individual users and global popular knowledge: users may experience a sense of control over online data as well as sensations of intimacy and closeness to the global culture of digital performances. The miniaturization of virtual knowledge and its potential to engender feelings of control and intimacy are illustrated through the lens of the specific case study of salsa dance. This research integrates diverse areas of inquiry such as theories of affect, miniaturization and space, communication technology as a process of miniaturization, the history of salsa dance, ethnographic research of salsa dance as well as a content survey of videos featured on YouTube.
Housing Alternatives to Promote Holistic Health of the Fragile Aged
Authors: Lee Yeunsook , Yoon Hyegyung , Lim Soohyun , An Somi , Hwang Jihye
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to provide research-based argument for a better housing for the dementia elderly within the apartment complex neighbourhood. Six case study’s designs are included to illustrate the types of facilities that could be possible that would provide a better environment for the care of elderly and older people with dementia. Literature was analyzed to give the perspectives of “sustainable and aging society,” “social integration” and “natural environment that promotes health.” Small group workshop was carried out with experienced professionals to discuss the concepts and features of the developed housing alternatives plans to validate the proposal to integrate local residents and promote holistic health for the fragile aged. The findings illustrate the vision for the shared space community, a community home for the dementia elderly, with appropriate scale for easy management and being connected with local community and with affluent green environment for healing and natural environment that would ease local residents’ aversion towards elderly housing. These housing alternatives would enable the elderly to age in place and with the most natural social integration available to local people, with a proper spatial planning to promote holistic health of the fragile aged.
Effect of intake valve closure modulation on effective compression ratio and gas exchange in turbocharged multi-cylinder engines utilizing EGR
Authors: Modiyani R , Kocher L , Van Alstine D G , Koeberlein E , Stricker K , Meckl P , Shaver G
Published: September 2011

Advanced combustion strategies including premixed charge compression ignition, homogeneous charge compression ignition, and lifted flame combustion are promising approaches for meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations and improving fuel efficiency in next generation powertrains. Variable valve actuation and closed-loop control promise to play a key role in the promotion and control of these advanced combustion modes. For example, modulation of intake valve closure timing dictates the effective compression ratio and influences the total amount of charge trapped inside the cylinder, and in so doing allows manipulation of the in-cylinder reactant concentrations and temperature prior to and during the combustion process. The effort described here uses data from, and an experimentally-validated simulation model for, a multi-cylinder engine with variable geometry turbocharging, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, and fully flexible variable valve actuation. This effort’s intent is to determine the control authority over the gas exchange process and effective compression ratio when intake valve closure timing modulation is included on a modern turbocharged diesel engine, as well as to lay the groundwork for closed-loop control design for the promotion and control of advanced combustion modes. The engine testbed at Purdue provides a unique opportunity to pursue these objectives for turbocharged engines with exhaust gas recirculation, as it is the only such engine system in academia outfitted with multi-cylinder fully-flexible valve actuation. A method to estimate in-cylinder temperature at top dead centre is also described. Candidate control architectures for both steady state and transient operation are introduced.
Use of the MMSE to screen for dementia in Delhi
Authors: Brijnath Bianca
Published: September 2011

Screening tools are created and administered within specific political, cultural and clinical contexts that problematize their supposed universality. This paper, drawing on interviews and participant observation undertaken in 2008 in New Delhi in India, examines how clinical environments influence the interpretations and use of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), a popular screening instrument for dementia. Findings indicate that while doctors recognize the limitations of the MMSE in theory, its continued use in practice is because of time shortages and competing work demands. Yet misdiagnosis or even false-positive screening has implications for service delivery and quality of care. Further research is necessary into how diagnoses are made, which account for cultural and structural variance.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes by lifestyle intervention in primary health care setting in Poland: Diabetes in Europe Prevention using Lifestyle, physical Activity and Nutritional intervention (DE-PLAN) project
Authors: Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra , Szybinski Zbigniew , Kissimova-Skarbek Katarzyna , Piwonska-Solska Beata , Pach Dorota , Topor-Madry Roman , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Lindström Jaana , Peltonen Markku , Schwarz Peter Eh , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja
Published: September 2011

Aim

To find out whether diabetes prevention via a lifestyle intervention programme is feasible in a primary healthcare setting in Poland.

Methods

The intervention (Diabetes in Europe: Prevention using Lifestyle, physical Activity and Nutritional intervention; DE-PLAN project) was completed by 175 middle-aged, slightly obese participants in nine primary healthcare centres in Krakow, Poland. The inclusion criterion was diabetes risk (Finnish Diabetes Risk score (FRS) >14). The nurse-delivered intervention consisted of 10 group sessions on lifestyle changes, six motivational telephone sessions, two motivational letters and the opportunity to participate in once or twice weekly physical activity sessions.

Results

At 12 months there were mean reductions in weight, 85.7 to 83.7 kg; body mass index, 31.8 to 31.1 kg/m2 (p<0.05); waist circumference, 98.8 to 95.5 cm (p<0.05); total cholesterol 5.6 to 5.3 mmol/L (p<0.05), systolic and diastolic blood pressure 133 to 130 and 83 to 81 mmHg respectively (p<0.05); FRS 18–16 (p<0.05) and 25% of participants lost ≥5% of initial body weight. No changes were observed in fasting or 2-h post-oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose, triglycerides, or high-density lipoproteins. Significant improvements were found in lifestyle risk factors like diet and physical activity.

Conclusions

Prevention of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle intervention is feasible in primary healthcare settings in Poland.
Alerting effects of daytime light exposure – a proposed link between light exposure and brain mechanisms
Authors: Rautkylä E , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: September 2011

The effects of light on alertness have been shown several times and the proposed cause has been suppressed melatonin levels. The relation of melatonin and alertness applies at night but not by day when there is hardly any melatonin. Still, light can be used to improve daytime alertness, but how? This paper describes the brain mechanisms involved in light-induced daytime alertness and proposes a novel model of two parallel mechanisms. In addition to the well-established circadian pathway, it is suggested that light can use the amygdala in the limbic system to send signals to the cerebral cortex. The participation of the amygdala in light-induced alertness means that light is provoking and modulating emotions that induce alerting responses. The model is assembled from known relations but has not yet been verified as a functional system. The paper proposes methods to test the model.