bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligibility as a clinical outcome measure following intervention with children with phonologically based speech–sound disorders
Authors: Lousada M. , Jesus Luis M. T. , Hall A. , Joffe V.
Published: May 2014

Background

The effectiveness of two treatment approaches (phonological therapy and articulation therapy) for treatment of 14 children, aged 4;0–6;7 years, with phonologically based speech–sound disorder (SSD) has been previously analysed with severity outcome measures (percentage of consonants correct score, percentage occurrence of phonological processes and phonetic inventory). Considering that the ultimate goal of intervention for children with phonologically based SSD is to improve intelligibility, it is curious that intervention studies focusing on children's phonology do not routinely use intelligibility as an outcome measure. It is therefore important that the impact of interventions on speech intelligibility is explored.

Aims

This paper investigates the effectiveness of the two treatment approaches (phonological therapy and articulation therapy) using intelligibility measures, both in single words and in continuous speech, as the primary outcome.

Methods & Procedures

Fourteen children with phonologically based SSD participated in the intervention. The children were randomly assigned to phonological therapy or articulation therapy (seven children in each group). Two assessment methods were used for measuring intelligibility: a word identification task (for single words) and a rating scale (for continuous speech). Twenty‐one unfamiliar adults listened and judged the children's intelligibility. Reliability analyses showed overall high agreement between listeners across both methods.

Outcomes & Results

Significant improvements were noted in intelligibility in both single words (paired t(6) = 4.409, p = 0.005) and continuous speech (asymptotic Z = 2.371, p = 0.018) for the group receiving phonology therapy pre‐ to post‐treatment, but no differences in intelligibility were found for those receiving the articulation therapy pre‐ to post‐treatment, either for single words (paired t(6) = 1.763, p = 0.128) or continuous speech (asymptotic Z = 1.442, p = 0.149).

Conclusions & Implications

Intelligibility measures were sensitive enough to show changes in the phonological therapy group but not in the articulation therapy group. These findings emphasize the importance of using intelligibility as an outcome measure to complement the results obtained with other severity measures when exploring the effectiveness of speech interventions. This study presents new evidence for the effectiveness of phonological therapy in improving intelligibility with children with SSD.
The Saving Behaviour of Immigrants and Home‐Country Characteristics: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Gatina Liliya
Published: May 2014

This article investigates the determinants of saving rates of Australian residents, determines whether the saving behaviour of immigrants is different from that of native‐born Australians and if it is affected by their country‐of‐origin characteristics. Comparison of estimated saving rates for 2006 using Australian longitudinal data reveals that immigrants save less than their native‐born counterparts. Amid the determinants, a home country's gross domestic product per capita and old‐age dependency ratio are found to be positively correlated, while national household saving rate is negatively correlated, with immigrants' saving rates. The latter finding may be driven by unaccounted remittances or changes in saving habits after immigration.
Labour Market Dynamics in Australia
Authors: Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: May 2014

This article estimates a stylised search‐and‐matching model on data for Australia, covering the period 1978–2008. Using Bayesian methods, I find that the model does a fairly good job in replicating the data. Surprisingly, I find a large value for the worker's bargaining power and low vacancy‐posting costs. The model generates a strong Beveridge curve and matches the standard deviations of all variables but vacancies. I identify technology and separation shocks to be the main drivers of fluctuations.
Cross‐Market Linkages: The Case of Commodities, Bonds, Inflation and Industrial Production
Authors: Chevallier Julien , Ielpo Florian
Published: May 2014

This article provides a case‐study of the cross‐market linkages at stake between commodities, bonds, industrial production and inflation. We show that one cointegration relationship exists between these variables during 1993–2011 and by taking into account structural breaks.
Australia's National School Data and the ‘Big Data’ Revolution in Education Economics
Authors: Pugh Kevin , Foster Gigi
Published: May 2014

The increasing availability of large‐N datasets on students, schools and student achievement has produced an explosion of research in education economics over the past 20 years. In this data survey, we first review the micro‐level education datasets presently available around the world, focusing on their strengths and data access protocols, and we highlight samples of research by economists that have drawn upon them. We then discuss Australia's forays into ‘Big Data’ in education, with our main objective a description and assessment of the national school data recently made available to researchers through the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
Using Linking to Sharpen Policy‐Thinking: Early Findings from the Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset
Authors: Smith David , Smith Therese
Published: May 2014

With the recent Australian Bureau of Statistics release of the Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID), we can, for the first time ever, analyse migrant Census data by visa category. For policy‐makers, this is an important development: the categories of migrants are quite distinct in terms of composition and what constitutes a successful outcome will vary markedly among different groups. This article presents findings from a brief analysis of the ACMID, providing new insights into how different groups of migrants fare over time and focusing on the ‘three E's’: English proficiency, education and employment.
Gay Male Academics in UK Business and Management Schools: Negotiating Heteronormativities in Everyday Work Life
Authors: Ozturk Mustafa Bilgehan , Rumens Nick
Published: May 2014

This paper contributes to a neglected topic area about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people's employment experiences in UK business and management schools. Drawing on queer theory to problematize essentialist notions of sexuality, we explore how gay male academics negotiate and challenge discourses of heteronormativity within different work contexts. Using in‐depth interview data, the paper shows that gay male academics are continually constrained by heteronormativity in constructing viable subject positions as ‘normal’, often having to reproduce heteronormative values that squeeze opportunities for generating non‐heteronormative ‘queer’ sexualities, identities and selves. Constructing a presence as an openly gay academic can invoke another binary through which identities are (re)constructed: as either ‘gay’ (a cleaned up version of gay male sexuality that sustains a heteronormative moral order) or ‘queer’ (cast as radical, disruptive and sexually promiscuous). Data also reveal how gay men challenge organizational heteronormativities through teaching and research activities, producing reverse discourses and creating alternative knowledge/power regimes, despite institutional barriers and risks of perpetuating heteronormative binaries and constructs. Study findings call for pedagogical and research practices that ‘queer’ (rupture, destabilize, disrupt) management knowledge and the heterosexual/homosexual binary, enabling non‐heteronormative voices, perspectives, identities and ways of relating to emerge in queer(er) business and management schools.
Protocol‐driven self‐expanding metallic stenting for malignant large‐bowel obstruction in a district hospital
Authors: Lo Xina , Li Ka‐Ho , Fok Benny Ka‐Lung , Poon Michael Chi‐Ming , Cheung Michael Ho‐Yin , Li Raymond Shiu‐Ki , Leong Heng‐Tat
Published: May 2014

Aim

The acute management of non‐perforated malignant large‐bowel obstruction (MLBO) now includes self‐expanding metallic stenting (SEMS) as one of the possible options. Whether it can be the standard treatment of MLBO, however, remained controversial.

Patients and Methods

Our hospital adopted a new protocol concerning case selection, timing and personnel involved in SEMS since January 2009 to incorporate this option into our management flow of MLBO; data were prospectively collected. Outcome measures included technical and clinical success, related complications, subsequent operation type, stoma formation, patency and survival of patients.

Results

A total of 48 patients attempted SEMS to relieve their obstruction, 50 per cent with an aim as bridge to definitive surgery and 50 per cent for palliation of incurable disease on presentation, during the initial period from January 2009 to June 2011. The technical and clinical success rates were 91.6 per cent and 89.6 per cent, respectively, without immediate perforations. The overall stoma rate was 22.9 per cent.

Conclusion

With standardization by way of a well‐designed protocol, SEMS can be recommended as part of a routine‐management option of MLBO in centres with expertise available to produce favourable results.
Potential biomarkers and latent pathways for vasculitis based on latent pathway identification analysis
Authors: Zhou Tao , Zhang Yudong , Wu Peng , Sun Qiang , Guo Yanan , Yang Yanfei
Published: May 2014

Aim

We aimed in this study to identify the significant latent pathways and precise molecular mechanisms underlying the syndrome of vasculitis.

Methods

Agilent dual‐channel data of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls and vasculitis patients were downloaded from EBI Array Express database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and vasculitis PBMCs samples were selected. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were carried out to identify significant biological processes and pathways. DEGs were matched to NetBox software database to obtain LINKER genes with statistical significance. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with LINKER genes and DEGs according to STRING database. Latent pathway identification analysis (LPIA) was used to identify the most significant interactions among different pathways involved by DEGs.

Results

A total of 266 DEGs were selected. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the up‐regulated genes were significantly enriched in defense and wounding response; the down‐regulated genes were enriched in immune response. The modules analysis of PPI network suggested that ISG15 and IFIT3 were the potential biomarkers for vasculitis. The results of LPIA showed that NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway and shigellosis related pathway were the two most significant latent pathway interactions for vasculitis. ISG15 and IFIT3 were the potential biomarkers for vasculitis identification.

Conclusion

NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway and shigellosis related pathway were the most significant latent pathway interactions for vasculitis. Moreover, LPIA was a useful method for revealing systemic biological pathways and cellular mechanisms of diseases.
Management of traumatically intruded young permanent tooth with 40‐month follow‐up
Authors: Chacko V , Pradhan M
Published: May 2014

Background

Intrusive luxation injuries often result in severe damage to the tooth, periodontal ligament and pulpal tissue. Furthermore, treatment outcome is often unpredictable because of the large number of injury related variables which influence choice of treatment and prognosis. This report presents the case of a 9‐year‐old boy with a 6 mm intruded permanent maxillary central incisor with an open apex.

Methods

The treatment option chosen was to wait and watch for ‘spontaneous re‐eruption’. At the end of two weeks, the tooth showed signs of pulp necrosis and external root resorption. A palatal mucoperiostal flap was reflected and endodontic access was established, following which an intracanal medicament of calcium hydroxide was applied. By the end of the fifth month, there was radiographic evidence of apical barrier formation and by the tenth month, the tooth had re‐erupted to the level of the adjacent central incisor. Root canal treatment was completed at the end of 24 months and the root was reinforced using a glass fibre post.

Results

At the last follow‐up visit (40 months after trauma), the tooth was asymptomatic and radiographic examination showed satisfactory periapical and periodontal healing.

Conclusions

Spontaneous re‐eruption is possible, even in severely intruded teeth with open apices.
A retrospective analysis of oral and maxillofacial pathology in an Australian adult population
Authors: Kelloway E , Ha WN , Dost F , Farah CS
Published: May 2014

Background

The prevalence of oral and maxillofacial pathology has not previously been reported in the Australian adult population. This study aimed to audit a large pathology service to provide insight into the prevalence of head and neck pathologies.

Methods

Written records of a major Australian oral pathology service were imported into an electronic database. Age, gender and histological diagnosis were assessed. Prevalence of histological diagnoses as a percentage of the major diagnostic categories and of the whole sample were calculated, as well as gender predilections and mean age of presentation of disease.

Results

A total of 6344 oral pathology specimens, collected from adults aged 17 years and over were included in the analysis. Mucosal pathology was the most common pathology (37.2%), followed by odontogenic cysts (16.3%) and dental pathology (14.5%). The three most common histological diagnoses were fibrous hyperplasia (15.2%), chronic periapical granuloma (9.6%) and radicular cyst (9.5%). The male:female ratio of the entire sample was 0.74.

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe the prevalence of oral and maxillofacial pathology among adult patients in an Australian population. The trends seen in this study are repeated in studies from other parts of the world, and are of diagnostic importance.
Competition in Turkish Banking: Impacts of Restructuring and the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Yildirim Canan
Published: May 2014

This paper investigates the evolution of competition in the Turkish banking industry by taking into account the transformation in the sector in the aftermath of the country's financial crisis of 2000 to 2001 and the global financial crisis. The results demonstrate that the level of competition in the system did not increase despite the restructuring that was undertaken and the increased foreign bank participation. In addition, the level of competition in the sector deteriorated during the global crisis. There is also some evidence that the market power of banks with different ownership characteristics varied and did not converge over time.
Informal Credit, Usury, or Support? A Case Study forVietnam
Authors: Viet Nguyen Cuong , van den Berg Marrit
Published: May 2014

The informal credit market remains an important source of finance for the poor inVietnam. Yet, little if anything is known about the impact of informal loans on poverty and inequality, and theVietnamese government has no policies towards the informal credit market. In the present study paper, we found that the effect of credit from friends and relatives on per capita expenditure is positive but not statistically significant. Meanwhile, the effect of credit from private moneylenders on per capita expenditure is positive and statistically significant. Borrowing from private moneylenders increases per capita expenditure of households by around 15%. Further, it reduced the poverty incidence of borrowers by around 8.5 percentage points in 2006 and significantly decreases the poverty gap index and the poverty‐severity index. Borrowing from private moneylenders also reduces expenditure inequality, albeit at a very small magnitude.
A Comparison between Formal and Informal Mutual‐credit Arrangements
Authors: Reito Francesco , Spagano Salvatore
Published: May 2014

We analyze under what conditions a group of potential entrepreneurs prefer to form a Rotating Savings and Credit Association (ROSCA), or a mutual‐guarantee association, which we interpret in a rotating scheme and call Rotating Savings and Collateral Association (ROSCoA). We argue that: (1) ROSCAs (ROSCoAs) are likely to be more developed in countries with high (low) bank concentration; (2) the individual flow of savings required to participate in a ROSCoA is generally lower than that needed in a ROSCA; (3) under the assumption that members share their project income at the end of each period, ROSCAs and ROsCoAs are sustainable even without the use of sanctioning mechanisms.
Obstacles to care in first‐episode psychosis patients with a long duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Bay Nina , Bjørnestad Jone , Johannessen Jan O. , Larsen Tor K. , Joa Inge
Published: May 2014

Aim

This qualitative study is a sub‐study of the early ‘Treatment and Intervention in Psychosis Study’ (TIPS‐2), a program for early intervention strategies for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. We aimed to improve knowledge about factors that prevent or delay patients with a long duration of psychosis from accessing psychiatric health‐care services at an earlier illness stage and their personal views on the impact of ongoing informational campaigns (ICs) on help‐seeking behaviour.

Method

Following an interpretative‐phenomenological approach, eight consecutive TIPS‐2 patients with duration of untreated psychosis lasting for more than 6 months were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using a meaning condensation procedure.

Results

Five main themes were identified: (i) participants’ failure to recognize symptoms of psychosis; (ii) difficulties expressing their experiences; (iii) concerns about stigma; (iv) poor psychosis detection skills among health‐care professionals; and (v) participants’ lack of awareness or understanding of ICs.

Conclusions

The five themes identified may suggest that despite exposure to the targeted ICs, participants were unable to recognize or understand the severity of their symptoms. Further, although family members or others sometimes recognized the initial symptoms of psychosis development, these symptoms were attributed to reasons other than psychosis. Participants reported that health‐care personnel also had trouble identifying emerging signs of psychosis. The ICs need to be carefully crafted to relay information to people who do not consider themselves as currently experiencing signs of psychosis.
Tamil diaspora and the political spaces of second‐generation activism in Switzerland
Authors: HESS MONIKA , KORF BENEDIKT
Published: May 2014

In this article, we study the emergence of the political spaces of activism of second‐generation Swiss Tamils resulting from a critical event – the suffering of Tamils during and after the final battle in early 2009 of a civil war in northern Sri Lanka that had lasted for decades. We contend that we can explain the geographies of newly emerging second‐generation activism committed to achieving Tamil Eelam through two factors. These are first, this generation's multiple senses of belonging both to Switzerland and to the Tamil ‘nation’ and, second, the way a specific politics of affect remoulded second‐generation identities because the pain of witnessing the brutality of war and suffering of Tamils occurred concurrently with a perceived lack of interest from their ‘new home’ (Switzerland). The combination of these factors made them want to acknowledge their Tamil ‘roots’ and encouraged them to become politically active. Consequently, these second‐generation activists primarily sought to engage with their host society – to awaken it from its indifference to the suffering of Tamils and from its passivity in taking action on an international level. We thereby witness the emerging of a new type of Tamil activism in Switzerland, which is firmly located in and bound to the host country.
Genetic linkage map of Lolium multiflorum Lam. constructed from a BC1 population derived from an interspecific hybridization, L. multiflorum × Lolium temulentum L. × L. temulentum
Authors: Guan Xuanli , Hirata Mariko , Ding Chenglong , Xu Nengxiang , Yuyama Nana , Tan Lubin , Fu Yongcai , Wang Jianping , Cai Hongwei
Published: May 2014

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and conserved‐intron scanning primer (CISP) markers developed from cereal expressed sequence tag sequences were successfully used to construct a linkage map for Lolium multiflorum Lam. using a L. multiflorum × Lolium temulentum L. × L. temulentum BC1 population consisting of 88 individuals. The genetic linkage map included 108 SSR and 84 CISP markers that covered 488.8 centimorgan (cM) in seven linkage groups, ranging in length from 42.2 to 98.9 cM. The average density of markers was 2.5 cM. Syntenic relationships between Lolium and rice (Oryza sativa L.) based on the positions of the CISP markers largely agree with the previously reported relationships. The map constructed in the present study will be useful in developing a denser linkage map as well as for analysis of quantitative trait loci for important agronomic traits in Lolium species.
Expression of the oncoprotein gankyrin and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein in human testis and testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: Ando Satoshi , Matsuoka Taeko , Kawai Koji , Sugita Shintaro , Joraku Akira , Kojima Takahiro , Suetomi Takahiro , Miyazaki Jun , Fujita Jun , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: May 2014

Objective

The oncoprotein, gankyrin, is known to facilitate cell proliferation through phosphorylation and degradation of retinoblastoma protein. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of gankyrin and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein in human testis and testicular germ cell tumors.

Methods

The effects of suppression of gankyrin by locked nucleic acid on phosphorylation status of retinoblastoma and cell proliferation were analyzed using western blot analysis and testicular tumor cell line NEC8. The expressions of gankyrin, retinoblastoma and retinoblastoma protein were analyzed in 93 testicular germ cell tumor samples and five normal human testis by immunohistochemistry. The retinoblastoma protein expression was determined using an antibody to retinoblastoma protein, Ser795.

Results

Gankyrin was expressed in NEC8 cells as well as a normal human testis and testicular tumors. Suppression of gankyrin by locked nucleic acid led to suppression of retinoblastoma protein and cell proliferation in NEC8 cells. Immunohistochemistry of normal testis showed that gankyrin is expressed dominantly in spermatocytes. In testicular germ cell tumors, high expressions of gankyrin and phosphorylated‐retinoblastoma protein were observed in seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, whereas the expressions of both proteins were weak in histological subtypes of non‐seminoma. Growing teratoma and testicular malignant transformation tissues expressed phosphorylated‐retinoblastoma protein strongly, but gankyrin faintly.

Conclusion

Gankyrin is dominantly expressed in normal spermatocytes and seminoma/embryonal carcinoma, and its expression correlates well with retinoblastoma protein expression except in the growing teratoma and testicular malignant transformation cases. These data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of normal spermatogenesis and pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumors.
Current management and future perspectives of metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee‐Ying Richard , Lester Renee , Heng Daniel YC
Published: May 2014

Over the last number of years, the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer has evolved tremendously with the advent of targeted therapy. Previously, immunotherapies, such as interferon alpha and interleukin‐2, were the only treatment options available for this chemoresistant malignancy. Currently, seven additional agents, including sunitinib, sorafenib, axitinib, pazopanib, bevacizumab, everolimus and temsirolimus, have been approved for use in metastatic renal cell cancer, with several more in development. The efficacy of these agents depends primarily on inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways, and have drastically improved the outcomes of patients diagnosed with metastatic renal cell cancer. This article reviews the major treatment advances that have occurred for metastatic renal cell cancer with the advent of targeted treatments, summarizes the evidence to support their use and addresses clinical issues that have arisen with them. To help guide clinicians in their decision‐making with these emerging therapeutic choices, the evidence for sequencing and combining these agents, and the need for biomarkers will be addressed. The role of surgical management options, such as cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastectomy, in the era of targeted treatment is also reviewed. Several novel treatments are also on the horizon, which might serve as future avenues for treatment advancement in metastatic renal cell cancer.
Alterations in the time course of expression of the Nox family in the brain in a rat experimental cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model: effects of melatonin
Authors: Li Haiying , Wang Yang , Feng Dongxia , Liu Yin , Xu Min , Gao Anju , Tian Fengxuan , Zhang Li , Cui Yonghua , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: May 2014

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in a poor prognosis for ischemic stroke patients. This study was designed to evaluate the time course of expression of the Nox family, a major source of ROS, and whether melatonin, a potent scavenger of ROS, influences these parameters in a rat model of cerebral I/R caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 2‐hr occlusion, the filament was withdrawn to allow reperfusion. At 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr after reperfusion, brain tissue samples were obtained for assays. Among the Nox family, the mRNA and protein levels of Nox2 and Nox4 were increased both in the ischemic hemisphere and contralateral counterpart in the experimental I/R rats at 0 hr after reperfusion, peaked at 3 hr, and then returned to the basal level at 24 hr. Double‐immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the expressions of Nox2 and Nox4 in three major types of brain cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. In addition, melatonin (5 mg/kg) or its vehicle was injected intraperitoneally at 0.5 hr before MCAO. Compared with I/R + vehicle group, melatonin pretreatment diminished the increased expression of Nox2 and Nox4, reduced ROS levels, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Our findings suggested that the inhibition of Nox2 and Nox4 expressions by melatonin may essentially contribute to its antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic effects during brain I/R.
Tradition and Habitus in Tesol Teacher Education
Authors: Diaz Maggioli Gabriel
Published: May 2014

This paper explores different perspectives in the education of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in light of recent developments in Sociocultural Learning Theory. It advocates for a view of learning as participation in socially mediated activities, which has the potential of helping the field overcome the pervasiveness of the habitus that characterizes it. This habitus can be understood as those collective, yet individualized and internalized structures that help us define, interpret, and judge our lived experience. The paper argues that two main traditions (one practical and one theoretical) have polarized the field and rendered it difficult to modify. However, the emergent adoption of a Sociocultural Perspective by many teacher educators can prove to be a plausible alternative to the status quo that may help resolve some of the conundrums the profession is experiencing.
Rediscovery and improved description of Orchidantha insularis (Lowiaceae), a rare species from Hainan, China
Authors: Zou Pu , Ye Yu‐Shi , Cai Xi‐An , Liao Jing‐Ping
Published: May 2014

Orchidantha insularis (Lowiaceae) has been rediscovered around Mt Diaoluo, Hainan Island, China, for the first time since the type gathering by F. C. How in 1935. A revised description of the species is presented, and especially its inflorescence was found completely different from the original description. Pollen and seed characters are reported for the first time, and are found to be similar to those of the two relatives O. chinensis and O. chinensis var. longisepala that occur in mainland China. In addition, the chromosome numbers of these three taxa are also discussed.
Ethics and gender issues in palliative care in nursing homes: an Austrian participatory research project
Authors: Reitinger Elisabeth , Heimerl Katharina
Published: May 2014

Background

The development of palliative care in nursing homes in German‐speaking countries has gained in importance within the past 15–20 years. Ethical and gender issues are core aspects of a palliative care culture and should therefore be better understood.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to highlight insights regarding ethical and gender issues, based on the experiences of professionals in nursing homes.

Design

A 2‐year participatory action research study was performed in collaboration with three nursing homes in Austria.

Methods

The article focusses on 10 group discussions with interdisciplinary professional teams that were conducted to generate ethical narratives. Thematic and narrative analysis was undertaken both individually and within the interdisciplinary research team. Findings and interpretations were validated with practitioners and researchers.

Findings

A total of 36 narratives were collected and summarised within eight themes concerning the theoretical journey of a nursing home resident with relatives from entry into the house until death. The most burdensome ethical dilemmas are not the ones around death and dying but rather those relating to small‐scale everyday work/life issues. Sharing experiences and feelings in ethical discussions provides relief. Emotions are important facilitators of insight into ethical dilemmas. Gender issues can be observed in care situations as well as in the organisational structure of nursing homes.

Conclusions

Opportunities to share experiences and perspectives around ethical questions in interdisciplinary group discussions help professionals to better understand difficult issues and find appropriate ways of managing them.

Implications for practice

There is a need for communication structures such as facilitated ethical discussions that enable nursing home staff to reflect their everyday decisions. Expression of emotions should be encouraged in ethical decision‐making processes in nursing homes. Gender‐sensitive reflection supports the development of palliative care as organisational culture.
Congenital hyperinsulinism: Global and Japanese perspectives
Authors: Yorifuji Tohru , Masue Michiya , Nishibori Hironori
Published: May 2014

Over the past 20 years, there has been remarkable progress in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). These advances have been supported by the understanding of the molecular mechanism and the development of diagnostic modalities to identify the focal form of ATP‐sensitive potassium channel CHI. Many patients with diazoxide‐unresponsive focal CHI have been cured by partial pancreatectomy without developing postsurgical diabetes mellitus. Important novel findings on the genetic basis of the other forms of CHI have also been obtained, and several novel medical treatments have been explored. However, the management of patients with CHI is still far from ideal. First, state‐of‐the‐art treatment is not widely available worldwide. Second, it appears that the management strategy needs to be adjusted according to the patient's ethnic group. Third, optimal management of patients with the diazoxide‐unresponsive, diffuse form of CHI is still insufficient and requires further improvement. In this review, we describe the current landscape of this disorder, discuss the racial disparity of CHI using Japanese patients as an example, and briefly note unanswered questions and unmet needs that should be addressed in the near future.
Phytophthora austrocedrae emerges as a serious threat to juniper (Juniperus communis) in Britain
Authors: Green S. , Elliot M. , Armstrong A. , Hendry S. J.
Published: May 2014

From 2011 to 2013, Phytophthora austrocedrae was isolated from diseased Juniperus communis exhibiting dieback and mortality at eight geographically separate sites in Scotland and northern England. The pathogen was also confirmed present either by standard PCR of the ITS locus and sequencing or by real‐time PCR on J. communis with symptoms at a further 11 sites in northern Britain. Out of 167 J. communis sampled across the 19 sites, 154 had foliage dieback over all or part of the crown as a result of basal lesions, which extended up the stem. Thirteen sampled trees had aerial branch lesions or discrete stem lesions with no apparent connection to the base of the tree. At 13 sites, dieback was concentrated in areas of poor drainage and/or alongside streams and other watercourses. In artificial inoculation experiments, P. austrocedrae caused rapidly extending stem and root lesions on J. communis and was reisolated from these lesions. Lesions also developed on Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis but the pathogen was not reisolated. All P. austrocedrae isolates obtained from J. communis in Britain shared 100% identity across the ITS locus but were distinct at one sequence position from P. austrocedrae isolates collected in Argentina from diseased Austrocedrus chilensis. This study provides clear evidence that P. austrocedrae is a primary pathogen of J. communis and now presents a significant threat to this species in Britain. Pathways for the emergence of P. austrocedrae in Britain, and possible ways in which the pathogen may have spread within the country, are discussed.
Lung cryobiopsies: A paradigm shift in diagnostic bronchoscopy?
Authors: Poletti Venerino , Casoni Gian Luca , Gurioli Carlo , Ryu Jay H. , Tomassetti Sara
Published: May 2014

In 1963, the first bronchoscopic lung biopsy was performed. Less than 10 years later, the technique of transbronchial lung biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope was introduced into clinical practice, significantly reducing the rate of major complications and the rate of surgical lung biopsies in patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. The diagnostic yield of transbronchial lung biopsy varies among various parenchymal lung diseases. In pulmonary sarcoidosis and lymphangitis carcinomatosa, a diagnosis can be obtained in up to 80% of patients. This method is considered inadequate, however, in identifying more complex histological patterns such as usual interstitial pneumonitis or nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis. Introduction of the ‘jumbo forceps’ and of a more ‘surgically oriented’ procedural setting (patients deeply sedated and intubated) allowed larger and more numerous lung specimens to be obtained without a significant increase of complications such as pneumothorax or bronchial bleeding. However, the possibility to obtain enough parenchymal tissue for a morphological diagnosis of complex patterns remained unmet. Recently, the use of cryoprobes has achieved a significant impact on this issue allowing to obtain large quantity of tissue. Recent studies document that with transbronchial cryobiopsies the diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonitis can be made confidently by pathologists with a good inter‐observer agreement. Pneumothorax is the main complication (reported in up to one fourth of cases in some series); bronchial bleeding is easily controlled using Fogarty balloon. Transbronchial cryobiopsy is a promising new technique that may become a valid alternative to surgical lung biopsy in the near feature.
Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices in Hemodialysis Patients: Prevalence and Implications for Arteriovenous Hemodialysis Access Interventions
Authors: Saad Theodore F. , Ahmed Waqas , Davis Karen , Jurkovitz Claudine
Published: May 2014

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are frequently utilized in hemodialysis patients. CIED leads are typically implanted via the subclavian vein resulting in stenosis and venous hypertension. We studied 1235 chronic hemodialysis patients under the care of our nephrology practice. For each, we determined the presence of a CIED, indication for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD), and type of hemodialysis access. Records were reviewed to identify all interventions performed on the access circuit and the central veins specifically. A CIED was present in 129 patients (10.5%), including ICDs in 75 (6.1%) and pacemakers in 54 (4.4%). The access circuit intervention rate was 1.48/access year (AY) and was similar when a CIED was ipsilateral (1.53/AY) or contralateral (1.44/AY) to arteriovenous access (p = 0.477). The rate of central venous interventions was greater in the ipsilateral (0.59/AY) versus contralateral group (0.28/AY), (p < 0.001). Fifty‐four of 59 patients with ipsilateral access and CIED required <2 interventions per AY, but six failed angioplasty and required access ligation. None had superior vena cava stenosis requiring intervention. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of CIEDs in our HD patients. Ipsilateral CIED and arteriovenous access results in higher central venous intervention rates compared with contralateral cases; overall access circuit intervention rates are similar.
Predictors of Article Impact in Suicidology: The Bereavement Literature, A Research Note
Authors: Andriessen Karl , Krysinska Karolina , Stack Steven
Published: May 2014

Citation analysis has been neglected in suicidology. The present note applies a mixed‐methods approach to both test and suggest hypotheses for the variation in article impact in the bereavement literature. One hundred three articles from three core suicidology journals met the criteria for inclusion in the investigation. Citations to the articles were obtained from the Web of Science. Predictor variables included structural characteristics of the author (e.g., gender) and the article itself (e.g., years since publication). A multivariate regression analysis determined that, controlling for the other variables, the most important predictor of citations was the review article (β = .461), followed by year of publication (β = −.414), the multiauthored article (β = .302), publication in Suicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior (SLTB) (β = .161), and male gender (β = .156). The 12 most cited articles were published between 1979 and 2004 in SLTB. The majority of these papers was written by males, were U.S. authors, and had more than one author. Four of the most cited articles were reviews. The study concludes that structural characteristics of articles and authors explained 41% of the variance in citations. The qualitative analysis determined that review papers, and papers on characteristics of suicide bereavement and psychological autopsies have been most frequently cited. Replication studies are needed for other subfields of suicidology.
Blood product recalls in the United States
Authors: McCullough Jeffrey , Riley Erinn , Lindgren Bruce , Pulkrabek Shelly , Hall Ralph , Riley William
Published: May 2014

Background

The blood recall process is intended to remove from use products that may be harmful, but characteristics of recalls nationally have not been reported.

Study Design and Methods

We analyzed recalls of all blood products for 2010 and categorized the reason for the recall, the organizations producing the recalled products, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) district in which the blood was collected.

Results

During 2010, there were 2468 recalls involving 8278 blood products. None of the recalls was considered to have a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death (FDA Class I). The most common reasons for recalls were donation and donor qualification (73%) and finished product quality control (14%). The FDA class of recalls varied by recall reason, month of the year, FDA district, number of units of blood collected per FDA district, and number of units of blood collected by the blood center. The number of recalls per 100,000 units of blood and the reason for recall varied by FDA district and blood centers collecting smaller numbers of units had more recalls.

Conclusion

The absence of Class I recalls suggests a high level of quality and safety in the US blood supply. Organizations that collected larger numbers of units of blood had fewer recalls and there may be some FDA influences since the number and reason for the recalls varied by FDA district.
Measuring trade‐offs that matter: assessing the impact of a new electronic cross‐match policy on the turnaround time and the cross‐match workload efficiency
Authors: Lin David M. , Goldfinger Dennis , Lu Qun , Wallace Bridget , Kosaka‐Nguyen Dawn , Wood Alisa , Porter Bethany , Bumerts Pamela , Jeffery Rebecca , Fang Amy , Stalcup Irene , Penaflorida Tracy , Ziman Alyssa
Published: May 2014

Background

Our traditional cross‐match (XM) policy generated a significant number of XM units that were never issued. To minimize the unnecessary XM workload, we proposed a new policy where orders eligible for the electronic XM (EXM) are pended until orders to issue red blood cells (RBCs) are received. To address concerns that this new policy might unduly delay blood availability, we conducted a study to assess whether the new policy was noninferior to the traditional policy with regard to the turnaround time (TAT).

Study Design and Methods

We monitored the TAT and XM workload efficiency (XM‐to‐issue [C : I] ratio) for a total of 8 weeks split between the two policies' periods. The primary outcome was the proportion of RBC issue requests that was turned around in less than 12 minutes.

Results

Fifty percent (1133 of 2265) of issue requests were turned around in 12 minutes or less under the traditional policy compared to 43.9% (975 of 2223) under the new policy (absolute difference of 6.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2%‐9.1%; p < 0.001). The adjusted overall median TAT was slower by 1 minute (13 min vs. 14 min, p < 0.001) but the adjusted C : I ratio was better (1.00 vs. 1.15; p < 0.001) under the new policy.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the impact of the new policy on the TAT was not inferior to the traditional policy. Since the median TAT of 14 minutes under the new policy met the published benchmarks, the trade‐off between delays in the TAT and efficiency gains in the XM workload remained acceptable for patient care.
Self- and Team-Efficacy Beliefs of Rowers and Their Relation to Mindfulness and Flow
Authors: Pineau Timothy R. , Glass Carol R. , Kaufman Keith A. , Bernal Darren R.
Published: May 2014

The present study explored self- and team-efficacy beliefs in rowers, examining the relations between efficacy beliefs, mindfulness, and flow. Fifty-eight rowers from nine teams completed sport-specific measures of self- and team-efficacy, along with questionnaires assessing mindfulness, flow, sport anxiety, and sport confidence. Self- and team-efficacy were significantly related to mindfulness, dispositional flow, and sport confidence. In addition, both self-efficacy and sport confidence mediated the association between both total mindfulness (and the describe dimension of mindfulness) and the challenge-skill balance dimension of flow. These results provide indirect support for a proposed model, which suggests that mindfulness may positively impact the integral challenge-skill balance aspect of flow in athletes through self-efficacy.
A PLCγ1-Dependent, Force-Sensitive Signaling Network in the Myogenic Constriction of Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Gonzales Albert L. , Yang Ying , Sullivan Michelle N. , Sanders Lindsey , Dabertrand Fabrice , Hill-Eubanks David C. , Nelson Mark T. , Earley Scott
Published: May 2014

The signaling pathway that links the sensing of increased blood pressure to constriction in cerebral arteries is delineated.
On submanifolds with parallel Möbius second fundamental form in the unit sphere
Authors: Zhai Shujie , Hu Zejun , Wang Changping
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we study umbilic-free submanifolds of the unit sphere with parallel Möbius second fundamental form. As one of our main results, we establish a complete classification for such submanifolds under the additional condition of codimension two.
Balance equations in semi-relativistic quantum hydrodynamics
Authors: Ivanov A. Yu. , Andreev P. A. , Kuz'menkov L. S.
Published: May 2014

Method of the quantum hydrodynamics has been applied in quantum plasmas studies. As the first step in our consideration, derivation of classical semi-relativistic (i.e., described by the Darwin Lagrangian on microscopic level) hydrodynamical equations is given after a brief review of method development. It provides better distinguishing between classic and quantum semi-relativistic effects. Derivation of the classical equations is interesting since it is made by a natural, but not very widespread method. This derivation contains explicit averaging of the microscopic dynamics. Derivation of corresponding quantum hydrodynamic equations is presented further. Equations are obtained in the five-momentum approximation including the continuity equation, Euler and energy balance equations. It is shown that relativistic corrections lead to presence of new quantum terms in expressions for a force field, a work field etc. The semi-relativistic generalization of the quantum Bohm potential is obtained. Quantum part of the energy current, which is an analog of the quantum Bohm potential for the energy evolution equation, is derived. The Langmuir wave dispersion in semi-relativistic quantum plasmas, corresponding to the Darwin Lagrangian, is also considered to demonstrate contribution of semi-relativistic effects on basic plasma phenomenon.
Multi-mode coherent states and multi-mode nonlinear coherent states
Authors: Chung Won Sang
Published: May 2014

In this paper, three-mode nonlinear coherent states are introduced by using the complex solution of the equation q3 = 1. The photon-added or photon-subtracted three-mode nonlinear coherent states are shown to be three-mode nonlinear coherent states with different nonlinear functions. The Z3-graded parity coherent states are introduced as examples of three-mode nonlinear coherent states. Finally, multi-mode coherent states and multi-mode nonlinear coherent states are also constructed in a similar way.
A SURVEY OF TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING AND LEVERAGING CACHES IN GPUs
Authors: MITTAL SPARSH
Published: May 2014

Initially introduced as special-purpose accelerators for graphics applications, graphics processing units (GPUs) have now emerged as general purpose computing platforms for a wide range of applications. To address the requirements of these applications, modern GPUs include sizable hardware-managed caches. However, several factors, such as unique architecture of GPU, rise of CPU–GPU heterogeneous computing, etc., demand effective management of caches to achieve high performance and energy efficiency. Recently, several techniques have been proposed for this purpose. In this paper, we survey several architectural and system-level techniques proposed for managing and leveraging GPU caches. We also discuss the importance and challenges of cache management in GPUs. The aim of this paper is to provide the readers insights into cache management techniques for GPUs and motivate them to propose even better techniques for leveraging the full potential of caches in the GPUs of tomorrow.