bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helping Severely Handicapped Persons Enter Competitive Employment
Authors: Wehman Paul , Hill Janet W. , Koehler Frances
Published: July 2017

This paper addresses the issues involved in helping severely developmentally disabled individuals become placed in competitive employment. Based on the placement experiences of Project Employability, factors in job selection and in working with employers are described. The client's previous work history, functioning level, supplemental security income, living situation, transportation needs, and parent attitudes are identified as critical factors in selecting an appropriate job. Identification of an appropriate employer is discussed as well. Factors involved in this process include community job assessment, approaching the employer, establishing a training period, and conducting a job interview. The information in this article will facilitate job placement of severely disabled clients with limited work histories.
Training Teachers to Maximize Instructional Time Provided to Severely and Profoundly Handicapped Children
Authors: McCormick Linda , Cooper Margaret , Goldman Ronald
Published: July 2017

Observations affirming the considerable time required for caretaking in classrooms for the severely and profoundly handicapped led to the development of a teacher-training module with the objective of maximizing instructional time. With a minimum of direct training focused on integrating instruction with caretaking, student teachers were able to significantly increase the amount of daily instruction. The importance of quantity of schooling as a critical education variable is discussed.
Signs Used in Manual Communication Training with Persons Having Severe Communication Impairment
Authors: Fristoe Macalyne , Lloyd Lyle L.
Published: July 2017

An examination of 20 manuals designed to teach sign communication to persons with severe communication impairment revealed over 850 words appearing in two or more manuals. These words are listed in alphabetical order with their frequency of occurrence. The list is designed to show what is being taught, not what should be taught. Because it is empirically based, it is thought to represent parents', teachers', and clinicians' ideas about which signs are most needed, and it should be of aid to persons designing similar basic sign vocabularies and to persons who wish to do research concerning early sign training for similar individuals.
A Comparison of Direct-Manipulation, Selection, and Data-Entry Techniques for Reordering Fields in a Table
Authors: Tullis Thomas S. , Kodimer Marianne L.
Published: July 2017

A useful feature of data base systems is to allow the user to change the order in which fields appear in the columns of a table. The purpose of this study was to compare the usability of seven different user interfaces for performing this task in the Microsoft Windows environment. The fields to be reordered were file name, file number, size, and creation date. The seven approaches studied covered a range of interaction styles, including dragging and dropping, menu selection, text entry, and button pressing. Fifteen Windows users completed a set of two practice trials using each approach, followed by a set of twelve main trials. For each trial, the user was shown the current order of the fields and a target order to change to. The completion times showed significant differences according to the approach used. Overall, a data-selection technique using radio buttons and a data-entry technique using a single entry area were significantly faster than all of the others. Another data-entry technique, involving multiple entry areas, was consistently the slowest. Somewhat surprisingly, given the current trend toward direct-manipulation interfaces, the two approaches involving dragging and dropping were not among the most effective approaches.
A Comparison of Three Pointing Devices: Mouse, Cursor Keys, and a Keyboard-Integrated Pushbutton
Authors: Loricchio David F.
Published: July 2017

The IBM Design Center in Boca Raton studied an integrated pointing device for a personal computer keyboard. The device, a pushbutton, is a flat, round button that tilts and moves the cursor in the direction of tilt. We wanted to know if this device would be acceptable to computer users. Twelve participants used the pushbutton, a mouse, and the cursor movement keys to select targets and edit text. Participants without previous mouse experience hit significantly more targets with the pushbutton than with the mouse. Participants with previous mouse experience performed significantly better on both tasks with the mouse, and preferred the mouse over the pushbutton and the cursor keys. Several participants said that the pushbutton was too sensitive and difficult to control. The results suggest: 1. The pushbutton tested in this study would not be acceptable to users; 2. The pushbutton operation could be more accurate if the force-to-motion mapping were improved.
Cursor Control Device Use by Persons with Physical Disabilities: Implications for Hardware and Software Design
Authors: Casali Sherry Perdue
Published: July 2017

Computer technology has the potential to offer individuals with physical limitations greater levels of independence and increased opportunities for meaningful employment, but this can only be realized when the individual can interact efficiently with the computer. Choosing a cursor control device is particularly important given the growing popularity of direct-manipulation style interfaces. Twenty persons with impaired hand and arm function (as a result of a spinal chord injury) and 10 nondisabled persons performed a target acquisition task with five cursor control devices: a mouse, trackball, cursor keys, joystick, and tablet. Even persons with profound impairment were able to compensate for their disability and operate each device by using minor device modifications and/or unique operating strategies. These modifications and compensation techniques are described. Regardless of the physical skill level of the user, the rank ordering of the five devices with respect to target acquisition time was the same. The mouse, trackball, and tablet provided better performance than the keys, which provided better performance than the joystick. Dragging was particularly problematic for persons with motor control limitations, as was acquiring small targets. The implications of the results for hardware and software design are discussed.
Machine-Recorded Protocols: Tools and Techniques
Authors: Smith John B. , Smith Dana Kay , Kupstas Eileen
Published: July 2017

The UNC Textlab/Collaboratory Project has developed a set of tools and techniques for recording and analyzing machine-recorded protocols of users while they work with an application system developed by our project — in the case described here, a hypertext-based writing environment, called WE. A tracking facility automatically records users' actions. Replay allows a researcher to recreate and view a user session in time proportional to the original, in uniform time, and in manually controlled steps Our grammar incorporates a cognitive model of the users' mental behaviors for the task of expository writing and parses protocols to produce parse trees that show users' strategies for working sessions. Finally, our display tools work with these data to produce static and animated representations from which researches can infer user strategies and patterns of behavior. In this paper, we discuss the tools we have developed and issues they raise. While this methodology is described with respect to a particular task and system, it is quite general and could be used for other systems and purposes. A brief conclusion outlines our current and future work, including our plans for a comprehensive protocol analysis environment that can be used by other researchers as well as our group and our plans to extend our tools and method to record, analyze, and display multiple protocol streams for groups of individuals working collaboratively.
Managing: To Succeed with Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Carter Jim A.
Published: July 2017

Rapid prototyping is a powerful tool both for analyzing user requirements and for involving the users in the design of suitable user interfaces. With it, the analysts/designers have users focus on frequent presentations of incomplete prototypes in order to get realistic expressions of the users' needs and wants. If not properly managed, these presentations may miss their objectives and either become high pressure sales pitches for designs or endless cycles of minor changes.

Suitable management methods are required to ensure that the use of prototyping provides its expected benefits The process oriented nature of prototyping requires some different management techniques from those used to manage more traditional and artifact oriented analysis and design activities.
Usability Testing vs. Heuristic Evaluation: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Authors: Bailey Robert W. , Allan Robert W. , Raiello P.
Published: July 2017

The importance of user testing, heuristic evaluation and iterative design in the development of computer software programs was examined. In the first study, twenty-five subjects with limited computer experience, were randomly divided into five groups of five subjects each. All groups were asked to perform a telephone bill inquiry task using two character-based screens. After having one group perform, one change per screen was made before beginning the testing of the next group. The system was improved three times. A final experimental group completed the same task using an “ideal” system designed and presented by Molich and Nielsen (1990). Rather than the 29 changes originally suggested by Molich and Nielsen, our results showed that only one change to each of the original screens was necessary to achieve the same performance and preference levels as those demonstrated by their “ideal” system. The same task was repeated using a graphical user interface. A heuristic evaluation suggested up to 43 potential changes, whereas the usability test demonstrated that only two changes optimized performance. These findings demonstrate one of the major weaknesses of heuristic evaluations, and the importance of usability testing in the design and development of human interfaces.
Relative Contribution of Training and Interface Design to Mental Model Assimilation
Authors: Jones Peter H. , Biers David W.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the study was to determine the relative efficacy of training (advance organizers) and interface design in the formation of a mental model of a menu-oriented data base management system. The study employed a 2 × 5 factorial between-subjects design with two levels of Menu Interface (Data vs. Task) and 5 levels of Advance Organizers (None, Functional Job Description, Spatial Menu Map, Data Menu Map, Task Menu Map). Subjects engaged in a series of tasks which simulated the operation of a video store. Results indicated that the task-oriented menu interface resulted in less task completion time, fewer errors, and greater lexical model assimilation than did the data-oriented menu interface. There were no significant differences in these same measures as a function of advance organizer condition (training). This suggests that the actual interface itself may have more to do with the formation of a mental model and that some interface designs lead to better assimilation of the system model than do others. The failure to obtain an effect of advance organizers was attributed to lack of use of the training material, task and interface simplicity, and subject familiarity with the task domain.
Designing Control Rooms for the Year 2000: New Technologies, New Techniques?
Authors: Cochran Edward L.
Published: July 2017

Control rooms are one of the most visible areas of applied human factors, and they represent perhaps the most thorough integration of the various disciplines that comprise the field. Control rooms may well be revolutionized by the turn of the century through the widespread application of technologies that are just now emerging. This symposium will explore, from a variety of perspectives, the technologies likely to affect the next generation of control rooms. We hope to stimulate debate about which emerging technologies are likely to have significant impact, how control room designers should incorporate those technologies in the near term (and plan for them in the long term), and how the enhanced capabilities of the operators of large systems of the future could affect the design of those systems.
Star Cruiser: A Laboratory Task for Investigating Dynamic Decision Making
Authors: Keifer Kellie S. , Lanham Jennifer S. , Kirlik Alex , Shively R. Jay
Published: July 2017

Star Cruiser is a complex laboratory task that was designed to study decision making processes. It is intended to provide a rich perceptual environment in which to study the perceptual decision heuristics utilized by operators in similar tasks (Shively & Kirlik, 1991, Kirlik, Markert & Shively, 1990). In addition, a great deal of flexibility is offered by its script-style control. Researchers interested in such areas as workload, situational awareness, and skill development may also find it useful. It is presently being utilized in laboratories at NASA-Ames and Georgia Tech, where it was jointly developed, but the software is now available for distribution to other interested laboratories.
Photo CD Consumer Player User Interface Design
Authors: Mitropoulos-Rundus David B.
Published: July 2017

During this demonstration, the user interface for one model of a Photo CD Player will be presented. This product, currently available to consumers, plays both Photo CD discs and Audio CDs. The Photo CD technology as it relates to consumers will be introduced as well as Human Factors design goals and intended usage. Demonstration of the product will be used to show how well the user interface met these design goals. User interface evaluation techniques and the design direction for future player models will be discussed.
The Use of Aiding Techniques and Continuous Cursor Controllers to Designate Targets in 3-D Space
Authors: Liggett Kristen K. , Reising John M. , Beam Douglas J. , Hartsock David C.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of three variables on target designation tasks using three-dimensional (3-D) maps. Variable 1: two continuous control techniques, Variable 2: two aiding techniques, and Variable 3: two target densities. The two continuous controllers used were an ultrasonic hand tracker and a joystick. The two aiding techniques were referred to as simple and enhanced aiding. Simple aiding consisted of a color change to the target when the cursor penetrated the target volume. Enhanced aiding consisted of an algorithm (Osga, 1991) that “pulled” the cursor to the closest target and then changed its color. The two target densities were high (16 targets) and low (8 targets).

Results showed that the hand tracker provided the best performance with respect to total target designation time. Enhanced aiding provided the best performance in terms of both total target designation time and percent errors. For the density variable, the common speed-accuracy trade-off was present — the low density condition had faster total target designation times, but the high density had less percent errors.
Simulating the Replacement of Spacecraft Modules by Means of a Telerobot
Authors: Sauerwein Timothy A. , Molino John A.
Published: July 2017

An experiment was conducted to simulate executing a proposed on-orbit Space Station maintenance task by means of a telerobotic system. A battery Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) changeout task was simulated in the laboratory. This task was performed by 5 experienced robot operators using full-scale mockups of the ORU battery module and its interfaces. The space telerobot was emulated by a pair of Kraft robot arms mounted on a Cimcorp gantry robot.

The results of the experiment demonstrated that the preliminary flight procedures defining the ORU changeout task worked well. The results also showed that the basic hardware design for the battery ORU could be manipulated by the telerobot. The effects of operator training were significant. Average task completion times improved almost 40 percent over 8 trials. The effects of training were not as pronounced on measures of performance quality, either in terms of errors made or forces and torques exerted on the ORU. Certain operator interface improvements were suggested.
Biodynamic Testing of Helmet Mounted Systems
Authors: Perry Chris E , Buhrman John R. , Knox Francis S.
Published: July 2017

New helmet mounted visually coupled systems (night vision devices and helmet mounted displays) which are designed to improve pilot performance may only increase the existing potential for neck injury during emergency escape due to the increase in head supported weight and altered center-of-gravity (CG). Designers need criteria for helmet system mass properties which will not increase the risk of injury above acceptable limits. A research study reviewed and analyzed accident statistics, current literature, and in-house laboratory data. Mass properties of various helmet systems were related to biodynamic responses of instrumented humans and manikins from impact tests conducted on the Armstrong Laboratory Vertical Deceleration Tower. Accident data revealed severe neck injuries are relatively rare in an operational setting. Laboratory studies of head/neck biodynamic response relating compression force at the occipital condyles to head supported weight indicate average forces exceed safe guidelines. The studies also suggest that helmet systems weighing less than 2.27 kg and having a center-of-gravity located only slightly above the anatomical axis origin of the head, will not induce severe neck injury during the catapult phase of ejection compared to current operational helmets.
User Performance and Preference for Alphabetic Entry from 10-Key Pads: Where to Put Q and Z?
Authors: Blanchard Harry E. , Lewis Steven H. , Ross David , Cataldo Gaye
Published: July 2017

The numeric keys on the keypads of devices such as telephones and point of sale terminals have the letters of the alphabet mapped onto the digits 2-9, except for Q and Z, which are missing. The international standards bodies CCITT and ISO/TEC are standardizing the placement of letters on 10-digit keypads, and must decide where to place Q and Z. Two alternatives have been considered: placing Q and Z in alphabetic order on the 7 and 9 keys, respectively, or placing Q and Z on the 1 key. A study was conducted to determine if one of these alternatives is to be preferred on the basis of human keying performance and/or preferences. Performance differences were too small to conclude that one alternative should be preferred, however, the majority of users clearly indicated a preference for alphabetic order. A nation-wide preference and usage survey among active calling card and bank machine users revealed an overwhelming preference for the alphabetic order. Finally, a summary is given of the current status of the 10-key pad standardization process in CCLTT and ISO/TEC.
Shape of Push and Turn Lids
Authors: Chen Chih-Ming , Konz Stephan
Published: July 2017

Two experiments were performed on push and turn lids. In Experiment 1, the reference design was circular. “Radiator cap” lids were built with 5, 7 and 9 mm levers with 2, 3 or 4 levers/lid. Lids were 54 and 76 mm dia. The 19 student subjects exerted 29% more torque on the 76 mm dia lid. Either 2 or 4 levers, each 7 or 9 mm long, gave most torque. In Experiment 2, dome-shaped lids were tested vs flat lids. The dome lids were not significantly better.
The Relationship between Privacy, Control, and Stress Responses in Office Workers
Authors: O'Neill Michael J. , Carayon Pascale
Published: July 2017

This paper describes a field study that examined the relationship between objective and subjective measures of enclosure, perceived privacy, and outcome measures of stress responses and environmental satisfaction. The use of designed features of the environment (such as work space panels) as a means of controlling visual privacy was also examined. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study examined the responses of 276 workers who used systems furniture in seven buildings around the United States.

The stepwise regression analyses of the data show that there is a significant relationship between objective measures of the physical environment (such as square footage, number of panels and panel heights) and privacy. Perceived enclosure is an important predictor of privacy, environmental satisfaction and stress. The analyses also revealed a significant relationship between control over the environment and perceived privacy. There were no significant relationships directly between control over visual privacy and stress symptoms. These analyses provide indications that there is a link between work space design features, perceptions of enclosure and subsequent stress reactions to the environment.
The Effectiveness of an Interactive Warning in a Realistic Product-Use Situation
Authors: Duffy Richard R. , Kalsher Michael J. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: July 2017

Warning labels are widely used to convey information about the safe use of products. In an attempt to design better warnings, researchers are exploring factors that influence their effectiveness. One design factor that appears promising is an interactive label that requires manipulation by the consumer using the product. In the present research, the effectiveness of two interactive warning labels (with and without a color component) were compared to a standard label in the context of a realistic product-use task. Additionally, task load was manipulated (low vs. higher). The results showed that the interactive labels were noticed, recalled and complied to more often than the standard on-product label. No effect of increasing task load and adding color to the interactive label was observed. The results indicate that the interactive label is a viable means of facilitating warning effectiveness.
Behavioral Compliance to Personalized Warning Signs and the Role of Perceived Relevance
Authors: Wogalter Michael S. , Racicot Bernadette M. , Kalsher Michael J. , Simpson S. Noel
Published: July 2017

Recent research has shown that compliance to a posted warning sign is much lower than the same warning located within a set of task instructions, even when the sign is highly visible. One possible reason for this finding is that participants' believe the sign to be less relevant to the task and to themselves than the within-instructions warning. One purpose of the present research was to examine whether a personalized sign (with the participant's name) is more effective than a more conventional impersonal sign (with the signal word CAUTION). A second purpose was to examine the influence of a dynamic display compared to a static display. A sign composed of programmable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) presented the warning message using special effects (apparent motion) or it was displayed continuously. A third purpose was to examine whether various sign placements in a cluttered laboratory environment influences compliance. The wearing of protective equipment by participants as directed by the warning was the measure of behavioral compliance in a chemistry laboratory task. More participants wore the protective equipment when a warning was present than when it was absent. The personalized sign increased compliance compared to the impersonal sign. No effect of dynamic presentation was found, and the only effect among sign placements was found for perceived accuracy. The effect of personalization is explained in terms of the special alerting feature of one's own name and increased perceived relevance that results when the message is directed to them. Implications for flexible control of personalized warning messages using available technology are discussed.
Integrated Decision/Engineering Aid (IDEA)-Enhancements
Authors: Heasly Christopher C. , Malone Thomas B.
Published: July 2017

Integrated Decision/Engineering Aid (IDEA) incorporates a standard process and a set of automated tools to support the application of the Department of Defense's Human/System Integration (HSI) program, the Army's Manpower and Personnel Integration (MANPRINT) initiative and Human Factors Engineering (HFE) throughout the materiel development process. IDEA provides the HSI/HFE analyst with guidelines, data and tools to integrate HSI/HFE into the acquisition of: (a) non-developmental items (NDI), (b) product improvements, and (c) new system developments, focusing on the activities and products at each phase of the materiel acquisition process.

The purpose of the session is to demonstrate how IDEA is utilized in the definition of the HSI/MANPRINT requirements in support of the system development/acquisition process. Emphasis will be placed on a review of the overall architecture, arrangement and organization of the modules, and on the recent additions and modifications.
Methods for Correlating Visual Scene Elements with Simulator Sickness Incidence
Authors: Kennedy Robert S. , Berbaum Kevin S. , Smith Martin G.
Published: July 2017

Simulator sickness occurs in a large number of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps simulators, and is most prevalent in moving-base, rotary-wing devices which employ cathode ray tube (CRT) video displays as opposed to fixed-wing, dome-display trainers with no motion base. Based on data from a factor analysis of over 1000 Navy and Marine Corps pilot simulation exposures, a new scoring procedure was applied to two helicopter simulators with similar rates of simulator sickness incidence. Based on the factor analytic scoring key, the two simulators showed slightly different sickness profiles. Preliminary work was begun to record the visual scene by video frame-by-frame decomposition and automated scoring algorithms were developed. The findings are discussed from the standpoints of (1) recommendations for future design and use of simulators, and (2) the metric advantages and other merits of the “field experiment” methodology to address human factors problems with simulator sickness.
Transfer of Training in a Fault Diagnosis Task
Authors: Dammon Charles T. , Lane David M.
Published: July 2017

Two experiments on the learning and transfer of the hypothesis testing strategy of testing easy-to-test hypotheses first were conducted. The first experiment found that this strategy could be discovered and used in a very simple fault diagnosis task but not in a slightly more complicated task. Subjects who learned the strategy in the simple task were able to transfer it to the more complicated task. The second experiment showed far transfer: The learning of this principle of hypothesis testing transferred to a task sharing no surface features with the training task. It is concluded that it is worthwhile to train people on the use of fault diagnosis strategies.
Physics Education in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Brelsford John W.
Published: July 2017

A study is directed at a comparison of Virtual Reality as an educational tool in physics instruction with standard, teacher-organized, or computer-aided learning. Findings generally indicated that virtual reality-based learning is superior to lecture-based control conditions. The dependent variable was a residualized knowledge of physics measure obtained from subjects four weeks following termination of training. As a training method, virtual reality was superior to the control condition at the four-week retention period. Such a finding supports cognitive theorists who argue that the lack of opportunities for hands-on, manipulation of objects in the physical world is one of the reasons children are often poor at intuitive physics. Virtual reality provides them the opportunity to develop manipulational skills they did not previously possess.
A Review of the Injuries of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Thumb
Authors: Azad S M , Doebler C , Raine C , Dixon J E , Irvine B E , Erdmann M W H
Published: July 2017

Injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament are common, often seen in younger patients involved in athletic activities. Partial ruptures are best treated with hand therapy. Complete ruptures, however, are optimally managed by early surgical repair. We discuss the anatomical basis of this injury and also present key aspects of management.
Hand Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Part II: Pre-Operative Considerations Surgical Technique and Post operative Therapy
Authors: Ellis Jo , Mckenna Helen , Burke Frank D
Published: July 2017

Carpal tunnel decompression has become one of the most common procedures in hand surgery. This second paper on carpal tunnel decompression describes the pre-operative management of patients undergoing surgery, the procedure and the immediate post-operative care. It outlines the possible interventions for the minority of patients with post-operative complications.
The Effect of Physical Factors on Grip Strength and Dexterity
Authors: Macdermid Joy C , Fehr Lb , Lindsay Kc
Published: July 2017

This study evaluated the relationship between physical factors (age, sex, hand size and dominance, height and weight) and both grip strength and dexterity. Ninety healthy subjects without current upper extremity pathology or injuries were recruited. Anthropometric measures of the hand were taken using the NK Micrometer, grip strength using the NK Digit-Grip, and dexterity (small, medium and large subsets) was tested using the NK Dexterity Board. Univariate correlations between grip strength and subject height, hand span, width and length were significant (r=0.38-0.82). Sex (p 0.001) and hand dominance (p 0.05) were also significant predictors of grip strength. Increased age resulted in increased time in all dexterity subtests (r=0.30-0.51). Multivariate stepwise regression revealed that sex explained the majority of variance in grip strength scores (r2=0.46-0.76), with additional contribution of age and height. Dexterity was less predictable, but most related to age (r2=0.13-0.26), with sex and dominance providing some additional information. While it is relatively easy to establish that a patient has an impaired grip, caution should be taken when ascribing that label to an individual patient's performance on a dexterity test.
Rehabilitation of Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders and Ergonomic Workplace Assessment – Can more be done?
Authors: Richardson Barbara
Published: July 2017

The incidence of work-related upper limb disorders remains high. This paper explores current understanding of aetiology and management of these disorders and highlights opportunities for an increased collaborative approach within the health care team which can enhance the contribution of the work of hand therapists.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Handoll Helen HG
Published: July 2017

This paper reminds readers of this journal of an important source of summaries of the evidence for effectiveness of healthcare interventions, namely the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Strategies for Facilitation of Tendon Transfers for Enhanced Wrist Extension in Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report
Authors: Schwartz Deborah A
Published: July 2017

Strategies for facilitation of tendon transfers following surgery for enhanced wrist extension in a patient with cerebral palsy are described.

The therapeutic process began prior to surgery with a thorough pre-operative assessment and evaluation. This case report emphasises the effectiveness of a closely monitored therapeutic programme following surgery, and promotes the comprehensive utilisation and supervision of facilitation techniques during subsequent rehabilitation.
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) for the Reduction of Hand Oedema after Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Härén Kathrin , Wiberg Mikael
Published: July 2017

The effectiveness of MLD in reducing oedema of the hand after a traumatic injury was evaluated. Patients with oedema of the hand, which is defined as having a volume greater than 40ml compared to the uninjured hand, were chosen when the fixation period was completed after a fracture of the distal radius. Fractures were treated either with plaster or with an external fixator. A total of 51 patients were included in the study over a period of three years and were randomized into an experimental or control group. Therapy started on average three and a half days after mobilization. All patients received the same conventional treatment, including exercises, activities, oedema control and education. In addition, the experimental group received six treatments of MLD. Oedema of the injured hand was measured with a volumeter at 14 days and 60 days after commencement of treatment, and this was compared to the pre-treatment volume. There was a significantly greater reduction in oedema in the experimental group (median difference 30ml) compared to the control group (median difference 20ml) at the first measurement (p=0.005) taken at 14 days. These results indicate that MLD is a useful method for reducing post-traumatic oedema of the hand in the early phase.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation After PIP Joint Arthroplasty with Early Active Motion: A Retrospective Review of Outcomes
Authors: Pratt Anna L , Burr Nicola
Published: July 2017

We present a retrospective review of outcomes of the first 15 patients who underwent proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty and were treated using the same early active motion rehabilitation regime introduced by the therapy department at Mount Vernon Hospital. The regime utilises early motion of the PIP joint, while protecting the arthroplasty with a small static splint and digit strapping to reduce lateral forces on the joint.

The notes of 15 patients were reviewed and their outcomes presented. To evaluate the outcomes in more detail, the patients were divided into three groups according to their diagnostic reason for the procedure (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and trauma). The overall mean arc of motion at the PIP joint on discharge from therapy was 54° improved from 28° pre-operatively.

The patients with the osteoarthritic PIP joints gained the largest improvement in the PIP joint arc of motion and required the least rehabilitation intervention. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis required intense rehabilitation to gain less overall PIP joint motion, but still reported satisfaction with their outcome. All 15 patients experienced an improvement in their pain level and subjectively reported increased function in their affected hand.

Following this retrospective review of cases, the team continue to use this regime for metal and silastic prosthesis, but now routinely provide additional written information pre operatively to assist patients’ understanding of the procedure and the extent of the rehabilitation required.
Treatment of Acute Adhered Flexor Tendons Following Proximal Phalangeal Fracture: A Case Study
Authors: Kennedy Sue
Published: July 2017

Adhered flexor tendons are an uncommon complication following the conservative management of proximal phalangeal (PP) fractures. However, failure to diagnose this condition in the acute setting will result in significant long-term digital stiffness and disability.

Flexor tendons can become adhered following phalangeal fracture because the flexor tendons lie intimately aligned to the phalanges of the finger. Injury to the synovial lining of the tendons can result in inflammation and scarring. Callus formation may also cause adherence of tendons to bone.

A case study is presented in which both flexor tendons are adhered at the proximal phalanx following two and a half weeks immobilisation after fracture. Treatment, involving a technique of non-surgical tenolysis of the flexor tendons, was employed. An anaesthetic block was used to remove pain and the patient encouraged to actively engage the digital flexor muscles to free the adhesions. The tendons freed with a ‘pop’ and active flexor tendon glide was immediately improved. Post-traumatic flexor tenosynovitis was evident following tendon release. This was successfully treated with steroid infiltration of the flexor sheath. Following exercise and oedema control, the patient was discharged after five treatments with a full range of movement of the affected finger.
Changes in Hand Function with Age and Normative Unimpaired Scores when Measured with the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure
Authors: D Metcalf Cheryl , Woodward Hannah , Wright Vicky , H Chappell Paul , H Burridge Jane , T Yule Victoria
Published: July 2017

Assessment of limitations in hand function due to impairment is commonplace in clinical practice and clinical research. When assessing impairment, it is useful to have an understanding of what comparative results an aged-match unimpaired participant population would generate and how the natural effects of an increase in age have on these results. Using the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), this study assessed dominant hand function of 95 unimpaired participants between the ages of 18–75 years. The results extended available data from previous research and showed that the average SHAP score was 98 (± 3.3). The results indicate that there is a natural decline in hand function after the age of 65 years (p <0.001), which concurs with previously published studies using other assessments.
Resisting Social Justice in Leadership Preparation Programs: Mechanisms that Subvert
Authors: Hernandez Frank , McKenzie Kathryn Bell
Published: July 2017

It is well documented that the achievement gap between affluent students and economically disadvantaged students and between White students and students of color continues to widen. In addition to these achievement gaps, marginalizing practices are often imbedded in the structures of schooling. These challenges require educational leadership programs that effectively prepare school principals who can meet our most pressing school challenges and who, in particular, strive for social justice ends; however, the literature on leadership for social justice provides no clear consensus on what an entire educational leadership program oriented toward social justice would include. This study attempts to fill the gap in the literature by critically examining a curriculum and instruction leadership program that has social justice embedded into the program's core practices. Specifically we ask the following questions: What critical elements underlie programs that prepare professionals for social justice in fields outside of educational leadership? What can we learn from these programs in support of educational leadership programs whose aim is to prepare leaders for social justice? What possible resistance was faced by these programs, and what can we learn from these experiences that can inform our practice of preparing educational leaders for social justice?

There were several key findings that range from how students were selected into the program to the way in which faculty worked with each other in their teaching responsibility. The paper concludes with implications and recommendations for principal-preparation programs.
Applying Management Principles to the Occupational Health Unit
Authors: Goodwin Jack S. , Horner Stanley O.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the occupational health unit as a subsystem competing with other subsystems in the organization for limited resources. By applying management principles the nurse can design a program to show management its results in dollar terms. This will enable the health unit to compete more favorably with the other subsystems for limited resources. An example of how this approach can be applied to the problem of absenteeism is presented.
Ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, exhibits antitumoral activity and induces autophagy in glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Xiaoyang , Hong Yongzhi , Wang Songtao , Chen Pin , Gu Aihua , Guo Xiaoyuan , Zhao Peng
Published: July 2017

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, is a novel anticancer drug used for treating several types of cancers. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of ibrutinib on GBM.

Methods

Cell proliferation was determined by using cell viability, colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migratory ability was evaluated by wound healing assays and trans-well migration assays. ATG7 expression was knocked-down by transfection with Atg7-specific small interfering RNA. Overexpression of active Akt protein was achieved by transfecting the cells with a plasmid expressing constitutively active Akt (CA-Akt). Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the formation of autophagosomes in cells. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses were used to analyze protein expression. Tumor xenografts in nude mice and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the effect of ibrutinib on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Ibrutinib inhibited cellular proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis and autophagy in LN229 and U87 cells. Overexpression of the active Akt protein decreased ibrutinib-induced autophagy, while inhibiting Akt by LY294002 treatment enhanced ibrutinib-induced autophagy. Specific inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3MA) or Atg7 targeting with small interfering RNA (si-Atg7) enhanced the anti-GBM effect of ibrutinib in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that ibrutinib exerts a profound antitumor effect and induces autophagy through Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in GBM cells. Autophagy inhibition promotes the antitumor activity of ibrutinib in GBM. Our findings provide important insights into the action of an anticancer agent combining with autophagy inhibitor for malignant glioma.
HIV treatment cascade among female entertainment and sex workers in Cambodia: impact of amphetamine use and an HIV prevention program
Authors: Muth Sokunny , Len Aynar , Evans Jennifer L. , Phou Maly , Chhit Sophal , Neak Yuthea , Ngak Song , Stein Ellen S. , Carrico Adam W. , Maher Lisa , Page Kimberly
Published: July 2017

Background

HIV prevalence remains high in Cambodia among female entertainment and sex workers (FESW), and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use significantly increases risk of infection. A successful continuum of care (CoC) is key to effective clinical care and prevention. This study aimed to describe the HIV CoC in HIV-positive FESW. We examined CoC outcomes among HIV-positive FESW participating in the Cambodia Integrated HIV and Drug Prevention Implementation (CIPI) study, being implemented in ten provinces. CIPI is a trial aimed at reducing ATS use concomitant with the SMARTgirl HIV prevention program.

Methods

From 2013 to 2016, 1198 FESW ≥ 18 years old who reported multiple sex partners and/or transactional sex were recruited. We identified 88 HIV-positive women at baseline. We described linkage to care as 12-month retention and viral suppression (<1000 copies/mL). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine correlates of retention in care at 12 months, and viral suppression.

Results

Median age of the 88 HIV-positive women was 32 years [interquartile range (IQR) 28, 35]; 50% were working in entertainment venues and 50% as freelance sex workers; 70% reported SMARTgirl membership. In the past 3 months, women reported a median of 15 sex partners, 38% reported unprotected sex, and 55% reported using ATS. Overall, 88% were receiving HIV care, 83% were on antiretroviral therapy, 39% were retained in care at 12 months, and 23% were virally suppressed. SMARTgirl membership was independently associated with fourfold greater odds of 12-month retention in care (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI 1.38, 12.56). Those at high risk for an ATS use disorder had 91% lower odds of 12-month retention in care (AOR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01, 0.72). Viral suppression was independently associated with SMARTgirl membership, older age, reporting of STI symptoms, worse symptoms of psychological distress, and greater numbers of sex partners.

Conclusions

This is the first study to characterize the HIV CoC in Cambodian FESW. While most women were successfully linked to HIV care, retention and viral suppression were low. Tailored programs like SMARTgirl, targeting the broader population of HIV-positive FESW as well as interventions to reduce ATS use could optimize the clinical and population health benefits of HIV treatment.

Trial registration This work reports data collected as part of a trial: NCT01835574. This work does not present trial results
High-quality draft genome sequence of a biofilm forming lignocellulolytic Aspergillus niger strain ATCC 10864
Authors: Paul Sujay , Ludeña Yvette , Villena Gretty K. , Yu Fengan , Sherman David H. , Gutiérrez-Correa Marcel
Published: July 2017

Filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger has high industrial value due to their lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and ATCC 10864 is one of the few type strains of A. niger which has a unique biofilm forming capability. Here we report the first draft genome sequence of A. niger ATCC 10864 strain. The genome of A. niger ATCC 10864 is 36,172,237 bp long and comprise of 310 scaffolds with 49.5% average GC content. A total of 10,804 protein-coding genes were predicted among which 10,761 genes were with putative functions. A. niger ATCC 10864 genome coded for 709 putative carbohydrate active enzyme families distributed in six functional categories and among them glycoside hydrolases (GHs) represent the most number of families (279). Genes that include pepA, brlA, exgA, LaeA, rodA, GCN have also been identified in this study, which may play a role in biofilm formation. This high-quality draft genome sequence will facilitate our understanding of the mechanisms behind fungal biofilm formation and higher lignocellulolytic enzyme production.
Complete genome sequence of Leuconostoc suionicum DSM 20241T provides insights into its functional and metabolic features
Authors: Chun Byung Hee , Lee Se Hee , Jeon Hye Hee , Kim Dong-Woon , Jeon Che Ok
Published: July 2017

The genome of Leuconostoc suionicum DSM 20241T (=ATCC 9135T = LMG 8159T = NCIMB 6992T) was completely sequenced and its fermentative metabolic pathways were reconstructed to investigate the fermentative properties and metabolites of strain DSM 20241T during fermentation. The genome of L. suionicum DSM 20241T consists of a circular chromosome (2026.8 Kb) and a circular plasmid (21.9 Kb) with 37.58% G + C content, encoding 997 proteins, 12 rRNAs, and 72 tRNAs. Analysis of the metabolic pathways of L. suionicum DSM 20241T revealed that strain DSM 20241T performs heterolactic acid fermentation and can metabolize diverse organic compounds including glucose, fructose, galactose, cellobiose, mannose, sucrose, trehalose, arbutin, salcin, xylose, arabinose and ribose.