bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Determinants of College Readiness for Historically Underrepresented Students at 4-Year Colleges and Universities
Authors: Strayhorn Terrell L.
Published: December 2013

College readiness is a national policy priority in the United States, yet relatively little is known from large national samples about the factors and experiences that determine college readiness for historically underrepresented minorities at 4-year colleges and universities. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors and experiences that influence various measures of college readiness for historically underrepresented or underserved minorities (URMs) at 4-year colleges and universities using data from the Education Longitudinal Study (ELS:2002). Using multivariate statistics and hierarchical linear regression techniques, the author examines the following questions: (a) Are there differences among historically underrepresented groups in their level of college readiness? and (b) What factors significantly predict URMs’ college readiness as measured by high school GPA, 12th grade National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) standardized math score, and 12th grade highest math level? Implications for future policy, practice, and research are highlighted.
Peripheral scholarship and the context of foreign paid publishing in Nigeria
Authors: Omobowale Ayokunle Olumuyiwa , Akanle Olayinka , Adeniran Adebusuyi Isaac , Adegboyega Kamorudeen
Published: December 2013

Lately, a phenomenal dimension of peripheral scholarship, compulsorily demanding the ‘foreign’, has evolved into the practice of paid publishing in ‘foreign’ journals among Nigerian academics. These ‘foreign’ journals afford speedy publishing at a fee with little or no peer review. This study is a descriptive research which collected qualitative data through 30 in-depth interviews conducted with academics in two federal universities in Nigeria. The findings established that though some universities are beginning to question their intellectual validity and propriety, predatory paid-for foreign journals remain popular among academics desirous to satisfy the ‘international publishing rule’ for promotion at all costs. Lacking international scholarly credibility, predatory journals will not advance Nigerian scholarship into the global scholarly mainstream which the ‘international rule’ ultimately seeks.
Positive Display Polarity Is Particularly Advantageous for Small Character Sizes
Authors: Piepenbrock Cosima , Mayr Susanne , Buchner Axel
Published: December 2013

Objective:

To test the display luminance hypothesis of the positive polarity advantage and gain insights for display design, the joint effects of display polarity and character size were assessed with a proofreading task.

Background:

Studies have shown that dark characters on light background (positive polarity) lead to better legibility than do light characters on dark background (negative polarity), presumably due to the typically higher display luminance of positive polarity presentations.

Method:

Participants performed a proofreading task with black text on white background or white text on black background. Texts were presented in four character sizes (8, 10, 12, and 14 pt; corresponding to 0.22°, 0.25°, 0.31°, and 0.34° of vertical visual angle).

Results:

A positive polarity advantage was observed in proofreading performance. Importantly, the positive polarity advantage linearly increased with decreasing character size.

Conclusion:

The findings are in line with the assumption that the typically higher luminance of positive polarity displays leads to an improved perception of detail.

Application:

The implications seem important for the design of text on such displays as those of computers, automotive control and entertainment systems, and smartphones that are increasingly used for the consumption of text-based media and communication. The sizes of these displays are limited, and it is tempting to use small font sizes to convey as much information as possible. Especially with small font sizes, negative polarity displays should be avoided.
Competing interests and the political market for smart growth policy
Authors: Hawkins Christopher
Published: December 2013

The broad intent of smart growth is to reduce development in environmentally sensitive areas by limiting the outward expansion of development and redirecting private investment to urban areas. Local decisions that shape and constrain land uses can pit narrow economic interests against broader-based environmental organisations and impact decisions on smart growth. Based on the political market framework, this study specifically examines the influence of pro-growth and smart-growth interest groups on smart growth policies adopted by local governments in the state of Massachusetts, USA. The results suggest both real estate interests and environmental groups influence local policy decisions, and depending on the policy, the characteristics of local political institutions mediate these influences.
Toward a Robust Theory of the Chinese Constitutional State
Authors: Backer Larry Catá
Published: December 2013

The state of constitutional theory is in flux. What was once the preserve of those who organized the state became the expression of mass democracy and the popular will, one that has been increasingly constrained by international consensus on the limits of political will within national borders. The stakes are high—constitutional legitimacy is fundamental to internal political stability and to international acceptance. Among the most contested forms of modern constitutional states are party-state systems grounded in Marxist-Leninist theory. This article considers Jiang Shigong’s development of a coherent and legitimating constitutionalist theory of China’s party-state system. It considers Jiang’s argument that constitutionalism must start with values and structure and then considers the mechanics through which it is institutionalized—either in writing or through structuralist approaches. It also examines Jiang’s construction of a formal-functional theory of Chinese constitutionalism that acknowledges the democratic basis and the representative character of the Chinese Communist Party within the party-state system. Jiang’s theoretical developments point to the deepening of an understanding of the legitimacy of Chinese constitutionalism. Jiang Shigong is part of a small group of Chinese academics who are working along distinct paths to move beyond the “legitimacy” issue of Chinese constitutionalism and tackle the much harder but more important question of the continued development of Chinese constitutionalism along the lines of its own logic. Critical to that project are notions of civic education and the consequences of the separation of powers at the heart of Chinese constitutionalism—one that distinguishes between the administrative power of the government, including the administration and rule of law, and the political power of the Chinese Communist Party, including the nation’s constitutional norms.
The Crisis of Representativeness and Post-Party Politics*
Authors: Hui Wang
Published: December 2013

This article analyzes the crisis of representativeness in contemporary China from three perspectives: first, the fracture of representativeness is a general political crisis in the world; second, the crisis of representativeness resulted from the crisis of the socialist system in China, the core of which is the decline of class politics; third, theoretical debates and the mass line in the modern Chinese revolution are not only historical prerequisites for representative politics in China but also contain elements that transcend its representative system. In the context of post-party politics, rethinking this political heritage will contribute to the exploration of the future of politics.
Down-Regulating Narcissistic Tendencies
Authors: Giacomin Miranda , Jordan Christian H.
Published: December 2013

Narcissism has been conceptualized as a set of coherent, mutually reinforcing attributes that orients individuals toward self-enhancement and positive self-feelings. In this view, reducing one element of narcissism—such as a greater concern for agency than communion—may situationally reduce narcissism in a state-like manner. Across five studies, we found that increasing communal focus toward others decreases state narcissism. In Study 1, participants induced to feel empathy reported less state narcissism. In Studies 2 to 4, participants primed with interdependent self-construal reported less state narcissism than control participants and those primed with independent self-construal. Furthermore, in Study 4, changes in state narcissism mediated changes in desire for fame and perceptions that others deserve help. Thus, changes in one element of narcissism may situationally reduce narcissistic tendencies. These findings suggest that narcissism is more state-like and context-dependent than previously assumed.
Beyond the War on Drugs? Notes on Prescription Opioids and the NFL
Authors: King Samantha
Published: December 2013

The recent problematization of opioid use among National Football League players presents an opportunity for scholars to rethink conventional approaches to drugs in sport, and to incorporate into their analyses a consideration of medically authorized substances. Such an undertaking may help illuminate the social dimensions of painkilling and the contextual complexity that fades from view in seemingly compassionate media portrayals of the struggles of former players who are living in pain and dependent on drugs. It may also offer new insights into more established traditions of research on cultures of drug use in sport.
Children with communication impairments: Caregivers’ and teachers’ shared book-reading quality and children’s level of engagement
Authors: Kaderavek Joan N , Pentimonti Jill M , Justice Laura M
Published: December 2013

This study addressed two aims: First, to examine the quality of adult shared book-reading behaviors for teachers and caregivers of children with communication impairments (CI) and, second, to compare the level of child literacy engagement during the teacher-led (group) and caregiver-led (one-on-one) shared book-reading sessions. Sixteen children with communication impairments were observed in both teacher-led and caregiver-led book-reading sessions using four matched manipulative storybooks. Children were observed during the fall and the spring of their preschool year. The quality of book-reading was evaluated using the ‘systematic assessment of book reading’ (SABR). Children’s level of literacy engagement was documented using the Children’s Orientation to Book Reading Rating Scale. Results indicated that teachers’ shared book-reading quality was significantly higher than caregivers’. Children’s level of engagement was high across both adult-led contexts.
Evaluation of the effects of anti-motion sickness drugs on subjective sleepiness and cognitive performance of healthy males
Authors: Weerts AP , Pattyn N , Van de Heyning PH , Wuyts FL
Published: December 2013

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and cognitive side effects of baclofen (10 mg), meclizine (25 mg), dimenhydrinate (40 mg) plus cinnarizine (25 mg) and promethazine (25 mg) plus d-amphetamine (10 mg). The study had a double-blind, placebo controlled, repeated measures design and was conducted on healthy male volunteers. The psychomotor vigilance test, the Sternberg working memory task, the implicit memory test and the automated Operation Span (Ospan) task were performed. The Stanford, the Karolinska and the Epworth Sleepiness scale determined the degree of sleepiness. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) evaluated mood states and adverse effects were reported on a 22-item questionnaire. Letter recalls and time for solving mathematical problems, recorded during the Ospan task, were impaired by baclofen and dimenhydrinate-cinnarizine respectively, suggesting an influence of these drugs on the working memory. Significant side effects for baclofen were: sleepiness, tiredness, blurred vision, concentration problems and dizziness whereas for dimenhydrinate-cinnarizine only sleepiness and blurred vision were reported. Meclizine decreased the accuracy on the Sternberg working memory task and thus seemed to affect short-term memory. A reported side effect was increased sleepiness. Promethazine plus d-amphetamine did not affect any of the tested cognitive functions. However, many side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, vertigo, confusion, insomnia and tremors were reported. The results show that meclizine and dimenhydrinate combined with cinnarizine were the two drugs with the most acceptable combination of side effects.
Impact of beta-blockade premedication on image quality of ECG-gated thoracic aorta CT angiography
Authors: Entezari Pegah , Collins Jeremy , Chalian Hamid , Tore Huseyin Gurkan , Carr James , Yaghmai Vahid
Published: December 2013

Background

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is one of the most common aorta pathologies worldwide, which is commonly evaluated by computed tomography angiography (CTA). One of the routine methods to improve the image quality of CTA is heart rate reduction prior to study by beta-blockade administration.

Purpose

To assess the effect of beta-blockade on image quality of the ascending aorta in electrocardiography (ECG)-gated dual-source CTA (DSCTA) images.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, ECG-gated thoracic aorta CTA images of 40 patients without beta-blocker administration were compared with ECG-gated images of 40 patients with beta-blockade. Images of the aorta were analyzed objectively and subjectively at three levels: sinus of Valsalva (sinus), sinotubular junction (STJ), and mid ascending aorta (MAA). Quantitative sharpness index (SI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated and two radiologists evaluated the image quality using a 3-point scale.

Results

Mean heart rate in beta-blocker and non-beta-blocker groups was 61.7 beats per minute (bpm) (range, 58.1–63.9 bpm) and 72.9 bpm (range, 69.3–84.1 bpm), respectively ( P <0.05). Aorta wall SI, SNR, and subjective grading were comparable between the two groups at all three levels ( P >0.05).

Conclusion

Beta-blocker premedication may not be necessary for imaging of ascending aorta with ECG-gated DSCTA.
Changes in matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels during progression of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Li Mingjiang , Yang Guokang , Xie Bin , Babu Kamesh , Huang Congxin
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

To observe levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and evaluate their significance in various stages of idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:

Patients with idiopathic AF were recruited into this prospective study and classified into one of three groups according to stage of disease progression: paroxysmal AF; persistent AF; permanent AF. Healthy individuals were enrolled as control subjects. Serum levels of MMP-9 in all four groups were determined using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Each AF group included 25 patients; 40 healthy individuals were included as controls. MMP-9 levels in the three AF groups were significantly higher than in the control group: 168.72 ± 25.970, 201.36 ± 31.26 and 253.20 ± 22.99 ng/ml for the paroxysmal, persistent and permanent AF groups respectively, versus 76.80 ± 14.90 ng/ml for the control group. MMP-9 levels increased with idiopathic AF disease progression ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

An elevated MMP-9 level appears to be associated with a diagnosis of AF. MMP-9 levels appear to increase in relation to the stage of idiopathic AF progression.
Mental health among left-behind preschool-aged children: Preliminary survey of its status and associated risk factors in rural China
Authors: Tao Xu-Wei , Guan Hong-Yan , Zhao Ya-Ru , Fan Zhao-Yang
Published: December 2013

Objective

A large proportion of preschoolers have been left behind due to parental migration in rural China. We conducted a preliminary cross-sectional survey to investigate the mental health of these left-behind preschool-aged children (LBPC) and associated risk factors.

Methods

A total of 750 LBPC, comprising 217 and 433 children left behind as a result of migration of either or both parents, respectively, and 100 controls were enrolled from two counties in Anhui province, China. Their caregivers completed questionnaires on demographics, the Family Support Scale, the Parenting Self-efficacy Scale and the Preschool-aged Child Mental Health Scale.

Results

There were no significant differences in mental outcomes among the three groups. However, male LBPC who were younger, fostered by caregivers with lower levels of life satisfaction and parenting efficacy, and came from poorer families with less social support, experienced more mental health problems than other children.

Conclusions

LBPC did not have worse mental well-being than their control counterparts, but some subpopulations were at potential risk of mental health problems compared with other LBPC. More research on other underlying factors and strategies to prevent the development of psychopathology is urgently needed.
What Do Patients and Families Want From a Child Neurology Consultation?
Authors: Dooley Joseph M. , Gordon Kevin E. , Brna Paula M. , Wood Ellen P. , Mohamed Ismail S. , MacDonald Erin , Jackson-Tarlton Caitlin
Published: December 2013

Understanding what patients and their parents want is essential to plan appropriate patient-centered care. Questionnaires were distributed to 500 consecutive children and parents seen for their first pediatric neurology consultation. Both patients and their families answered questions about their expectations of the consultation, their level of worry, and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. The 5 most important issues for the parents were to get information, to work with the doctor to manage the problem, to have questions answered, to find out what was wrong, and to discuss the impact on the child’s life. The children had very similar priorities. The 5 least important concerns for parents were to get a prescription, blood tests, to talk to others with similar problems, to get a radiograph/computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to be told nothing is wrong. The pediatric neurologists did well in anticipating these priorities but had more difficulty appreciating parent and patient level of worry.
Going With the Flow or Swimming Against the Tide
Authors: Miller Jessica , Dalton Meghan K. , Duggan Christopher , Lam Shirley , Iglesias Julie , Jaksic Tom , Gura Kathleen M.
Published: December 2013

Children who require long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN) have central venous catheters (CVCs) in place to allow the safe and effective infusion of life‐sustaining fluids and nutrition. Many consider recreational swimming to be a common part of childhood, but for some, the risk may outweigh the benefit. Children with CVCs may be at increased risk of exit site, tunnel, and catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) if these catheters are immersed in water. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature regarding the risk of infection for patients with CVCs who swim and determine if there is consensus among home PN (HPN) programs on this controversial issue. A total 45 articles were reviewed and 16 pediatric HPN programs were surveyed regarding swimming and CVCs. Due to the limited data available, a firm recommendation cannot be made. Recreational water associated outbreaks are well documented in the general public, as is the presence of human pathogens even in chlorinated swimming pools. As a medical team, practitioners can provide information and education regarding the potential risk, but ultimately the decision lies with the parents. If the parents decide swimming is worth the risk, they are encouraged to use products designed for this use and to change their child's dressing immediately after swimming. Due to our experience with a fatal event immediately after swimming, we continue to strongly discourage patients with CVCs from swimming. Further large and well‐designed studies regarding the risk of swimming with a CVC are needed to make a strong, evidence‐based recommendation.
Quality of Life Analysis During Transition From Stationary to Portable Infusion Pump in Home Parenteral Nutrition Patients
Authors: Saqui Olivia , Fernandes Gail , Allard Johane P.
Published: December 2013

Background: Quality of life (QOL) of patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) may be impacted by device technology. Historically, our HPN patients used pole‐mounted pumps which can hinder activities and affect QOL. Methods: Patients receiving HPN with a pole‐mounted pump completed Short Form 36 (SF‐36®) and pump‐specific questionnaires. Patients were then enrolled in a 2‐month prospective crossover open study. Patients were randomized to use a pole‐mounted pump or a portable pump. After 1 month, each arm crossed over. Measurements were repeated at 4 and 8 weeks. Results: Participants included 5 males, 15 females; age 52.8 ± 3.3 (mean ± SEM) years; 50% had short bowel syndrome; received HPN for 83.3 ± 15.9 months; infused HPN over 11.2 ± 0.3 hours/day; 4.3 ± 0.4 days/week. Portable pump users scored 53.75 ± 5.64, 61.25 ± 6.14, and 40.31 ± 4.94 in SF‐36v2 physical, social, and health vitality, respectively, while the stationary pump users scored 45.50 ± 4.82, 55.00 ± 5.97, and 35.31 ± 4.63, respectively (NS). They reported ease of movement between rooms (4.11 ± 0.21 vs 1.44 ± 0.20; P = .001); when traveling (5.00 ± 0.00 vs 3.00 ± 0.45; P < .02) (1 = very difficult, 5 = very easy); 5.0% were sleep disturbed with the portable compared to 42.1% with pole‐mounted pump (P < .04). Overall, patients were significantly happier with the portable vs pole‐mounted pump (4.53 ± 0.19 vs 2.68 ± 0.22; P < .001) (1 = very unhappy, 5 = very happy). Conclusion: Our HPN patients reported improved happiness and satisfaction regarding ease of use and function with a portable vs pole‐mounted pump
In-vitro biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of strontium incorporated TiO2 nanotube arrays for orthopaedic applications
Authors: Indira K , Mudali U Kamachi , Rajendran N
Published: December 2013

This article investigates the in-vitro biocompatibility and corrosion behaviour of strontium ion incorporated TiO2 nanotube arrays formed by anodization method for orthopaedic applications. The morphological studies were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thin film X-ray diffraction techniques. The morphological investigation indicated that the length and the average diameter of nanotube were 2.1 ± 0.3 µm and 110 ± 4 nm, respectively. The wettability measurements showed that the TiO2 nanotube arrays have super wettability, as well as, strontium ion incorporated TiO2 nanotube arrays exhibited hydrophilic behaviour. Excellent in-vitro bioactivity was observed for TiO2 nanotube arrays with strontium ions. Electrochemical studies in Hank’s solution showed that the TiO2 nanotube arrays with strontium ions have enhanced corrosion resistance.
A Survey of Community Pharmacists and Final-Year Student Pharmacists and their Perception of Psychotherapeutic Agents
Authors: McKee Brian D. , Larose-Pierre Margareth , Rappa Leonard R.
Published: December 2013

Introduction:

The World Health Organization has estimated that as many as 450 million people worldwide have mental disorders. More than 44 million people in the United States have a mental disorder annually, estimating the annual direct costs of mental illness to exceed US$69 billion. Psychotherapeutic agents are used to treat mental illnesses and improve quality of life. The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge and knowledge perception of community pharmacists and final-year student pharmacists regarding psychotherapeutic agents dispensed to their community of patients with mental illness.

Methods:

A survey was distributed to pharmacists and final-year student pharmacists regarding psychotherapeutic agents.

Results:

In all, 100 pharmacists and 40 final-year student pharmacists completed the survey. Upon analysis of surveys returned by pharmacists, knowledge deficiency was assessed regarding anxiolytics and mood stabilizers. The analysis of student participant surveys demonstrated knowledge deficiency regarding antidepressants and anxiolytics.

Conclusions:

Final-year student pharmacists would benefit from the curricular incorporation of courses and advanced pharmacy practice experiences in Psychiatry. Community pharmacists caring for customers with psychiatric disorders should take advantage of continuing education series that highlight updates and new developments regarding psychotherapeutic agents in order to improve clinical outcomes of patients.
A proposed weighted additive model to optimize multiple quality responses in the Taguchi method with applications
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas
Published: December 2013

Optimizing multiple responses received significant research attention. Nevertheless, most of the proposed approach ignored engineer’s preferences about factor settings as well as the mathematical relationship between quality responses and process factors. This research utilizes the weighted additive model in fuzzy goal programming for optimizing multiple responses in the Taguchi method. The mathematical relationships between each quality response and process factors are first formulated. Then, each of quality responses and process factors is represented by a proper membership function with desired preference settings. A general optimization model is finally proposed. Four case studies are provided for illustration; in all of which the proposed approach efficiently optimized multiple responses. Compared to previous techniques, such as fuzzy logic, grey relational analysis, and multiple response signal-to-noise approach, the proposed approach provides more reliable optimal factor settings, considers engineer’s preferences about process factors, and provides mathematical relationships that can enable process engineers predict process performance accurately. In conclusion, the proposed approach may provide process engineers great assistance in optimizing process performance in the manufacturing applications on the Taguchi method.
Rasch-family models are more valuable than score-based approaches for analysing longitudinal patient-reported outcomes with missing data
Authors: de Bock Élodie , Hardouin Jean-Benoit , Blanchin Myriam , Le Neel Tanguy , Kubis Gildas , Bonnaud-Antignac Angélique , Dantan Étienne , Sébille Véronique
Published: December 2013

The objective was to compare classical test theory and Rasch-family models derived from item response theory for the analysis of longitudinal patient-reported outcomes data with possibly informative intermittent missing items. A simulation study was performed in order to assess and compare the performance of classical test theory and Rasch model in terms of bias, control of the type I error and power of the test of time effect. The type I error was controlled for classical test theory and Rasch model whether data were complete or some items were missing. Both methods were unbiased and displayed similar power with complete data. When items were missing, Rasch model remained unbiased and displayed higher power than classical test theory. Rasch model performed better than the classical test theory approach regarding the analysis of longitudinal patient-reported outcomes with possibly informative intermittent missing items mainly for power. This study highlights the interest of Rasch-based models in clinical research and epidemiology for the analysis of incomplete patient-reported outcomes data.
Use of auxiliary covariates in estimating a biomarker-adjusted treatment effect model with clinical trial data
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Qu Yanping , Zhang Bo , Nie Lei , Soon Guoxing
Published: December 2013

A biomarker-adjusted treatment effect (BATE) model describes the effect of one treatment versus another on a subpopulation of patients defined by a biomarker. Such a model can be estimated from clinical trial data without relying on additional modeling assumptions, and the estimator can be made more efficient by incorporating information on the main effect of the biomarker on the outcome of interest. Motivated by an HIV trial known as THRIVE, we consider the use of auxiliary covariates, which are usually available in clinical trials and have been used in overall treatment comparisons, in estimating a BATE model. Such covariates can be incorporated using an existing augmentation technique. For a specific type of estimating functions for difference-based BATE models, the optimal augmentation depends only on the joint main effects of marker and covariates. For a ratio-based BATE model, this result holds in special cases but not in general; however, simulation results suggest that the augmentation based on the joint main effects of marker and covariates is virtually equivalent to the theoretically optimal augmentation, especially when the augmentation terms are estimated from data. Application of these methods and results to the THRIVE data yields new insights on the utility of baseline CD4 cell count and viral load as predictive or treatment selection markers.
The Impact of Presentation Form, Entrepreneurial Passion, and Perceived Preparedness on Obtaining Grant Funding
Authors: Galbraith Craig S. , McKinney Bruce C. , DeNoble Alex F. , Ehrlich Sanford B.
Published: December 2013

This study investigates important questions for any emerging high-technology firm attempting to obtain funding: Does the design of the presentation and the perceived passion and preparedness of the presenter influence expert reviewers’ assessment of the merits of the firm’s proposal? The authors analyzed 22 videotaped presentations to reviewer panels at a U.S. Department of Defense technology transfer consortium and compared the panels’ assessments of the presenting firms’ proposals both before and after the formal presentations. The data showed that, on average, higher levels of perceived entrepreneurial passion and presenter preparedness and presentation designs that effectively captured the audiences’ attention resulted in higher ratings by decision makers on the firm’s technology merit, management ability, and commercial potential.
The Relationship Decision Making Box
Authors: Larsen Nate , Gray Malcolm , Eckstein Daniel
Published: December 2013

The authors introduce the Relationship Decision Making Box (RDMB) as an activity for couples to explore their decision-making process. It is meant to be a systematic way for couples to work together in understanding and respecting their respective relationship decision-making strategies. The RDMB can also be used by counselors in conjoint couple’s therapy.
Intraductal Membranous Fat Necrosis in a Fibroadenoma of breast
Authors: Coyne John D.
Published: December 2013

Membranous fat necrosis is an unusual type of fat necrosis occurring in the breast and normally involves the parenchyma. This report describes an apparently unique intraductal focus in a fibroadenoma following prior needling. Displacement of fatty tissue in the form of membranous fat necrosis within ducts could be added to the list of histological features following core biopsy.
Short-term Results of Total Ankle Arthroplasty for End-stage Ankle Arthritis With Severe Varus Deformity
Authors: Sung Ki-Sun , Ahn Jungtae , Lee Keun-Ho , Chun Tae-Hwan
Published: December 2013

Background:

Many authors have reported that an ankle varus deformity more than 10 to 15 degrees may be the cause of failures in total ankle arthroplasty. Our study aim was to analyze short-term outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty with additional procedures accompanied by more than 20 degrees of varus deformity.

Methods:

Among the patients who received total ankle arthroplasty for end-stage osteoarthritis between June 2006 and May 2012, 103 cases that were followed for more than 6 months were reviewed. Depending on the degree of varus deformity, 24 cases with more than 20 degrees of coronal deformity were allocated into group A, and 79 cases with less than 20 degrees were allocated into group B. Soft tissue balancing, bony realignment osteotomy, and subtalar arthrodesis were also performed intraoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and ankle range of motion (ROM) were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. Subjective satisfaction of the patients (excellent, good, fair, or poor) and complications (major or minor) were identified.

Results:

The average AOFAS and VAS scores significantly improved in both groups ( P < .001), but there was no significant difference between the groups. Patients’ subjective satisfaction levels also improved in both groups.

Conclusion:

Short-term follow-up of total ankle arthroplasty, according to the degree of varus deformity, revealed clinically satisfactory progress in both groups without significant differences. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative complications and early implant failures.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Intraoperative Epicardial Ultrasound Probe for Visualization of Embedded Coronary Arteries
Authors: Setty Sudarshan , Bello Ricardo , Leff Jonathan D.
Published: December 2013

The identification of coronary anatomy at the time of cardiac revascularization can be problematic. Preoperative studies (ie, coronary angiography) can aid in the mapping of the coronary anatomy. However, there remain a select few patients with intramyocardial coronaries that provide challenges for surgical dissection during revascularization. Probing the visible portion of the coronary artery, intraoperative cine angiography, thermal angiography, and epicardial Doppler probes have been used to identify the coronary anatomy intraoperatively. Aggressive surgical maneuvers can result in damage and increased time on cardiopulmonary bypass. Previous studies have used epicardial echocardiography on patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. We report 2 cases in patients undergoing cardiac revascularization on cardiopulmonary bypass where the use of a high-frequency epicardial ultrasound probe facilitated the identification of the embedded coronary arteries. We describe a technique of using antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia administration sequentially to locate the coronary arteries. Easy availability and familiar technology make the epicardial Doppler probe an attractive tool for the identification of embedded coronary arteries.
The Effect of Exposure to Pro-Tobacco Advertising on Experimentation With Emerging Tobacco Products Among U.S. Adolescents
Authors: Agaku Israel T. , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan A.
Published: December 2013

Introduction. This study assessed the influence of exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements on experimentation with emerging tobacco products among U.S. adolescents aged ≥9 years, in Grades 6 to 12. Method. Data were obtained from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to measure the association between experimentation with snus and e-cigarettes and exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements from three sources: over the Internet, in newspapers/magazines, and at retail stores. Results. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and current use of other tobacco products, the odds of experimenting with snus were 1.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-3.16), 2.03 (95% CI = 1.30-3.17), and 3.24 (95% CI = 2.07-5.07), among students exposed to one, two, or all three types of pro-tobacco advertisements, respectively, compared with those exposed to none. Similar results were obtained for e-cigarettes. Conclusion. Stronger restrictions on tobacco advertisements, in concert with increased tobacco taxes and warning about the dangers of tobacco, use may help reduce youth tobacco use.
Circles of Care
Authors: Hanson Laura C. , Green Melissa A. , Hayes Michelle , Diehl Sandra J. , Warnock Steven , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Lin Feng-Chang , Earp Jo Anne
Published: December 2013

Background. Community-based peer support may help meet the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of African Americans with advanced cancer. Support teams are a unique model of peer support for persons facing serious illness, but research is rare. This study sought to (a) implement new volunteer support teams for African Americans with advanced cancer in two distinct regions and (b) evaluate support teams’ ability to improve support, awareness of services, and quality of life for these patients. Methods. The study used a pre–post design. Community and academic partners collaborated to implement volunteer support teams and evaluate the intervention using pre–post surveys of volunteers and patients. Patients who declined support teams were also interviewed as a comparison group. Results. Investigators enrolled and trained 130 volunteers who formed 25 support teams in two geographic regions. Volunteers supported 25 African American patients with advanced cancer (72%) or other diseases. After 2 months, patients with support teams reported fewer needs for practical, emotional, and spiritual support on a structured checklist. They more often communicated with someone about their cancer care needs (48% vs. 75%, p = .04), and were more aware of Hospice (4% vs. 25%, p = .04), but quality of life scores were unchanged. Comparison patients who refused a support team had fewer support needs at baseline and follow-up, suggesting that refusals were based on a lack of need. Conclusion. Coordinated volunteer support teams are a promising new model to provide peer support for African Americans facing cancer and other serious illnesses. Further testing in a pragmatic clinical trial is warranted.
Measuring HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma Across South Africa
Authors: Smith Edward A. , Miller Jacqueline A. , Newsome Valerie , Sofolahan Yewande A. , Airhihenbuwa Collins O.
Published: December 2013

Reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma is critical in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Although national campaigns and prevention programs have been implemented across South Africa to address this critical concern, assessing the impact of these initiatives is difficult as it requires that measurement of HIV/AIDS-related stigma is uniform and comparable nationwide. The appropriateness of existing stigma measures for this task is unclear as measurement of HIV/AIDS-related stigma may be qualitatively different across South Africa’s diverse population. The current study assesses a theoretically and culturally informed multidimensional, HIV/AIDS-related stigma scale for measurement invariance across a sample drawn from two culturally distinct South African provinces: Limpopo ( n = 597) and Western Cape ( n = 598). Results suggest measurement invariance across groups for the HIV/AIDS stigma scale, supporting the scale’s integrity and appropriateness for use across diverse populations.
Reproductive Toxicity Evaluation of the Dental Resin Monomer Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate (CASRN 109-16-0) in Mice
Authors: Moilanen Lori H. , Dahms Janell K. , Hoberman Alan M.
Published: December 2013

The reproductive toxicity potential of the resin monomer triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA; Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 109-16-0) was investigated in male and female Crl:CD1(ICR) mice, 4 dosage groups, 25 mice/sex/group. Formulations of TEGDMA (0, 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 mg/kg/d) in reverse osmosis-processed deionized water were intubated once daily beginning 28 days before cohabitation and continuing through mating (males) or through gestation day 17 (females). The following parameters were evaluated: viability, clinical signs, body weights, estrous cyclicity, necropsy observations, organ weights, sperm concentration/motility/morphology, cesarean-sectioning and litter observations, and histopathological evaluation of select tissues. No deaths or clinical signs related to TEGDMA occurred. No significant changes in male and female body weights and body weight gains were recorded for any of the administered dosages of TEGMDA. All mating and fertility parameters and all litter and fetal data were considered to be unaffected by dosages of TEGMDA as high as 1 mg/kg/d. Gross or histopathologic tissue changes attributable to the test article were not observed. Reproductive and developmental no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for TEGMDA were 1.0 mg/kg/d, the highest dose tested. Comparison of conservatively estimated TEGDMA exposures from dental treatments to the NOAEL of 1.0 mg/kg/d identified in this study indicates margins of exposure of at least 120- to 3000-fold depending on the exposure scenario. The results of this study support the continued safe use of TEGDMA in polymeric dental products applied according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
Toward a language of mixed reality in the continuity style
Authors: Barba Evan
Published: December 2013

If mixed and augmented reality (MAR) is to one day operate as a communications medium on par with film and television, it must evolve a set of conventions that will allow for meaningful communication between its users. These sets of conventions, often referred to as media languages, bear many similarities to the pattern languages discussed in architecture, human–computer interaction, and other fields. This work introduces the possibility of building a language of MAR based on the notion of scale, which is common to both media and pattern languages. Using examples from previously published work, the idea of transitioning across different scales is posited as the mixed reality equivalent of a fundamental technique of film editing: the cut. A number of possibilities for creating meaningful scale transitions in MAR are also discussed.
Tourist shopping style preferences
Authors: Lehto Xinran Y , Chen Sabrina Y , Silkes Carol
Published: December 2013

Shopping has been recognized as the most popular activity for both domestic and international tourists. With many destinations adopting shopping as a positioning strategy, the development of shopping products is central to tourism promotion. The present study attempted to develop a tourist shopping style typology by evaluating tourist’s shopping attitudes and preferences. The Consumer Style Inventory (CSI) was adapted into the tourism setting to develop a tourist shopping style typology. The adaptation of CSI assists in solidifying theoretical foundations for tourism shopping research. The exploration of the interrelationship between tourists’ shopping psychology, tourist demographics, and their actual purchases revealed valuable practical information on how to strategically integrate shopping into tourism planning and marketing.
Anthropomorphic bias found in typically developing children is not found in children with autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: Chaminade Thierry , Rosset Delphine , Da Fonseca David , Hodgins Jessica K , Deruelle Christine
Published: December 2013

The anthropomorphic bias describes the finding that the perceived naturalness of a biological motion decreases as the human-likeness of a computer-animated agent increases. To investigate the anthropomorphic bias in autistic children, human or cartoon characters were presented with biological and artificial motions side by side on a touchscreen. Children were required to touch one that would grow while the other would disappear, implicitly rewarding their choice. Only typically developing controls depicted the expected preference for biological motion when rendered with human, but not cartoon, characters. Despite performing the task to report a preference, children with autism depicted neither normal nor reversed anthropomorphic bias, suggesting that they are not sensitive to the congruence of form and motion information when observing computer-animated agents’ actions.
Causes of successful medico-legal claims following amputation
Authors: Toolan Caroline C , Cartwright-Terry Matthew , Scurr James RH , Smout Jonathan D
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The causes of successful medico-legal claims following amputation were reviewed.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of claims handled by the National Health Service Litigation Authority, from 2005 to August 2010, was performed. Under the Freedom of Information Act, the National Health Service Litigation Authority provided limited details on closed claims, settled with damages, following a search of their database with the term “amputation.” No demographic data were provided.

Results

During this period, 174 claims were settled by the National Health Service Litigation Authority, who paid out more than £36.3 million. The causes of the claims were the need for a lower limb amputation due to a delay in the diagnosis and or treatment of arterial ischaemia (56), an iatrogenic injury (15), the development of preventable pressure sores (15), the delay and or failure to diagnose a limb malignancy (6) and the delay in the management of an infected pseudo-aneurysm (1). Complications following orthopaedic surgery resulted in 25 successful claims as did the delayed diagnosis or mismanagement of 10 lower limb fractures. Additional claims followed the amputation of the wrong toe (1), a retained foreign body (2), an unnecessary amputation (4), inadequate consent (4), failure to provide thrombo-prophylaxis following amputation resulting in death (2) and a diathermy burn injury during an amputation (1). Delay in the diagnosis of and/or failure to manage an injury or infection resulted in 21 upper limb amputations. There was insufficient information provided in the remaining 11 claims to determine how the claim related to an amputation procedure. The largest single payout for damages (£1.9 million) resulted from the failure to diagnose and treat a femoral artery injury following a road traffic accident leading to an eventual below knee amputation.

Conclusion

Delays in the diagnosis and or treatment of arterial ischaemia were the commonest reasons for a settled claim. Lessons can be learnt from potentially preventable cases that can be incorporated in medical education and training programs with the aim of reducing both amputation rates and litigation costs.
Median nerve neuropraxia by a large false brachial artery aneurysm
Authors: Lijftogt Niki , Cancrinus Ernst , Hoogervorst Erwin LJ , Mortel Rob HW van de , Vries Jean-Paul PM de
Published: December 2013

Peripheral nerve compression is a rare complication of an iatrogenic false brachial artery aneurysm. We present a 72-year-old patient with median nerve compression due to a false brachial artery aneurysm after removal of an arterial catheter. Surgical exclusion of the false aneurysm was performed in order to release traction of the median nerve. At 3-month assessment, moderate hand recovery in function and sensibility was noted. In the case of neuropraxia of the upper extremity, following a history of hospital stay and arterial lining or catheterization, compression due to pseudoaneurysm should be considered a probable cause directly at presentation. Early recognition and treatment is essential to avoid permanent neurological deficit.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of saphenous vein presenting as deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Fremed Daniel I , Faries Peter L , Schanzer Harry R , Marin Michael L , Ting Windsor
Published: December 2013

Only a small number of venous leiomyosarcomas have been previously reported. Of these tumors, those of saphenous origin comprise a minority of cases. A 59-year-old man presented with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and was eventually diagnosed with primary leiomyosarcoma of great saphenous vein origin. The tumor was treated with primary resection and femoral vein reconstruction with autologous patch. Although extremely rare, saphenous leiomyosarcoma can present as deep vein thrombosis. Vascular tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of atypical extremity swelling refractory to conventional deep vein thrombosis management.