bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Scaffolding for Composing Additional Musical Voices
Authors: Hoover Amy K. , Szerlip Paul A. , Stanley Kenneth O.
Published: December 2014

Many tools for computer-assisted composition contain built-in music-theoretical assumptions that may constrain the output to particular styles. In contrast, this article presents a new musical representation that contains almost no built-in knowledge, but that allows even musically untrained users to generate polyphonic textures that are derived from the user's own initial compositions. This representation, called functional scaffolding for musical composition (FSMC), exploits a simple yet powerful property of multipart compositions: The pattern of notes and rhythms in different instrumental parts of the same song are functionally related. That is, in principle, one part can be expressed as a function of another. Music in FSMC is represented accordingly as a functional relationship between an existing human composition, or scaffold, and a generated set of one or more additional musical voices. A human user without any musical expertise can then explore how the generated voice (or voices) should relate to the scaffold through an interactive evolutionary process akin to animal breeding. By inheriting from the intrinsic style and texture of the piece provided by the user, this approach can generate additional voices for potentially any style of music without the need for extensive musical expertise.
A Study on Proprioception and Peripheral Vision in Synesthesia and Immersion
Authors: Boucher Marc
Published: December 2014

Building on the one hand on the link between immersion and peripheral vision, and on the other hand on the visually induced perceptual illusion of self-motion (vection), the author examines synesthesia through the relationship between peripheral vision and proprioception. The author maintains that immersion in installations results from multimodal perception grounded in motor-sensory activity, and he considers installations and scenographies in which the viewer’s peripheral vision, balance, motion and posture play an important role.
Revision of the stick insect genus Clitarchus Stål (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae): new synonymies and two new species from northern New Zealand
Authors: BUCKLEY THOMAS R. , MYERS SHELLEY S. , BRADLER SVEN
Published: December 2014

We describe two new species of Clitarchus Stål from Northland, New Zealand. Clitarchus rakauwhakanekeneke sp. nov. is described from the Poor Knights Islands and Clitarchus tepaki sp. nov. is described from the Te Paki / North Cape area and the Karikari Peninsula at the northernmost tip of New Zealand. Two new synonymies are proposed including Clitarchus multidentatus Brunner (syn. nov.) and Clitarchus tuberculatus Salmon (syn. nov.) as synonyms of Clitarchus hookeri (White). Clitarchus magnus Brunner, recorded from Thailand, is transferred to Ramulus Saussure and given the replacement name Ramulus changmaiense nom. nov. The holotype of C. multidentatus was recorded as being collected from New Caledonia; however we believe this is a labelling error and the specimen was collected from New Zealand. These taxonomic changes render Clitarchus endemic to New Zealand and consisting of three species; C. hookeri, C. rakauwhakanekeneke and C. tepaki. Keys to the adult males and females of Clitarchus species are given in addition to notes on host plants, ecology and geographic distributions.
Five new species of Disepyris Kieffer, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), with emended generic diagnosis
Authors: LIM JONGOK , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: December 2014

Five new species of Disepyris Kieffer (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) are described and illustrated: D. kenyaensis Lim & Azevedo, sp. nov. (Kenya), D. fessus Lim & Azevedo, sp. nov., D. mongoliaensis Lim & Azevedo, sp. nov., D. prolatatus Lim & Azevedo, sp. nov. (Mongolia), D. niveus Lim & Azevedo, sp. nov. (United Arab Emirates) and the genus is first recorded from Yemen, based on a female of D. guigliae (Benoit). The diagnosis of Disepyris is emended by a combination of following characteristics: head with palpal formula 6:3; ventral surface of antennal flagellomeres III–XI with one pair of parallel basiconic sensillae; clypeus with median lobe distinctly wider than lateral lobe; eyes with sparse, very minute hairs; occipital carina present; mesonotum with notauli weakly carinate, present on anterior half of mesoscutum, median area without transverse foveolate or punctate groove; propodeal spiracle present antero-dorsally on propodeal disc, lateral surface of propodeum strigate; forewing without postmarginal vein, long radial flexion line present, medial flexion line divided into two apical lines. Legs polished without sculpture, appressed pubescence absent; mesotibia with sparse, short spines on apical half; hind basitarsus with one row of comb ventrally.
Healing Septal Perforations by Secondary Intention Using Acellular Dermis as a Bioscaffold
Authors: Sharma Ayushman , Janus Jeffrey , Diggelmann Henry R. , Hamilton Grant S.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Several techniques are described in the literature for nasal septal perforation repair. Most of these involve interposition grafts in conjunction with local pedicled mucosal flaps. The following article describes our experience using acellular dermis as a bioscaffold to support the regrowth of nasal septal mucosa by secondary intention.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent repair of nasal septal perforations by the senior author using acellular dermis placed between the 2 sides of the perforation and covered with silastic splints to allow for mucosalization.

Results:

Thirteen patients underwent nasal septal perforation repair using this technique. All perforations repaired were under 2 cm in greatest dimension. Two-thirds of patients had complete closure of the perforation upon initial use of bioscaffolding technique. The remaining third achieved near-total closure with bioscaffolding technique and were able to be completely closed with a single additional procedure.

Conclusions:

Acellular dermis offers an alternative to most currently described complex flaps. The method can be used in patients with defects less than 2 cm, but initial data suggest caution when using in those with wound healing impediments. This technique is also an excellent choice for patients with multiple small septal perforations.
Imaging Optimization of Temporal Bones With Cochlear Implant Using a High-resolution Cone Beam CT and the Corresponding Effective Dose
Authors: Zou Jing , Koivisto Juha , Lähelmä Jaakko , Aarnisalo Antti , Wolff Jan , Pyykkö Ilmari
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of tube voltage, tube current, pulse number, and magnification factor on the image quality of a novel experimental set-up and the corresponding radiation.

Materials and Methods:

Six human temporal bones with cochlear implant were imaged using various tube voltages, tube currents, pulse numbers, and magnification. The effect of radiation was evaluated using a metaloxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) dosimeter device on an anthropomorphic RANDO RAN102 male head phantom. A copper and aluminum combination filter was used for hardware filtration.

Results:

Overall, 900 frames, 11 mA, and 88 kV provided the best image quality. In temporal bones imaged with the optimized parameters, the cochlea, osseous spiral lamina, modiolus, stapes, round window niche, and oval window landmarks were demonstrated with anatomic structures still fully assessable in all parts and acceptable image quality. The most dominant contributor to the effective dose was bone marrow (36%-37 %) followed by brain (34%-36%), remainder tissues (12%), extra-thoracic airways (7%), and oral mucosa (5%).

Conclusions:

By increasing the number of frames, the image quality of the inner ear details obtained using the novel cone-beam computed tomography improved.
Gender differences in psychological distress in Spain
Authors: Matud M Pilar , Bethencourt Juan M , Ibáñez Ignacio
Published: December 2014

Background and aims:

Epidemiological and community-based surveys consistently report gender differences in mental health. This study examines gender differences in psychological distress by analyzing the relevance of stress, coping styles, social support and the time use.

Methods:

Psychological tests were administered to a convenience sample of 1,337 men and 1,251 women from the Spanish general population, aged between 18 and 65 and with different socio-demographic characteristics, although both the women and men groups had similar age and educational levels.

Results:

Women had more psychological distress than men. Although psychological distress in the women and men groups have some common correlates such as more stress, more emotional and less rational coping and less social support, we find some gender differences. Work role dissatisfaction was more associated with distress in the men than in the women group. In addition, women’s distress was associated with more daily time devoted to childcare and less to activities they enjoy, and men’s distress was associated with more time devoted to housework and less to physical exercise.

Conclusions:

Social roles traditionally attributed to women and men – and the differences in the use of time that such roles entail – are relevant in gender differences in psychological distress.
Imperial Links: The Italian-Ethiopian War and Japanese New Order Thinking, 1935–6
Authors: Hofmann Reto
Published: December 2014

This article investigates Japanese New Order thinking in terms of the political and cultural debates sparked by the Italian aggression of Ethiopia (1935–6). Interpreting the war in light of Japan’s earlier conquest of Manchuria (1931), Japanese ideologues, policymakers, and journalists expressed a mixture of rage and relief. On one side, they regarded Fascist Italy’s war as old-fashioned Western imperialism – from which Japan claimed to be liberating Asia. On the other side, they concluded that the Italian-Ethiopian war accelerated the collapse of the international order established after the First World War. In this way the Japanese recognized a commonality of interest with Mussolini’s attempt to contrast the League of Nations and the Great Powers by means of empire-building. This article argues that, in the attempt to overcome the international order centered on the League of Nations, Imperial Japan’s fascist tendencies overlapped with Fascist Italy’s imperial policies – and that Japanese observers were conscious of (albeit often ambivalent about) this unexpected ideological common ground. Ultimately, the article attempts to shed new light on the relationship between imperialism and fascism in the interwar period.
Amelogenins as Potential Buffers during Secretory-stage Amelogenesis
Authors: Guo J. , Lyaruu D.M. , Takano Y. , Gibson C.W. , DenBesten P.K. , Bronckers A.L.J.J.
Published: December 2014

Amelogenins are the most abundant protein species in forming dental enamel, taken to regulate crystal shape and crystal growth. Unprotonated amelogenins can bind protons, suggesting that amelogenins could regulate the pH in enamel in situ. We hypothesized that without amelogenins the enamel would acidify unless ameloblasts were buffered by alternative ways. To investigate this, we measured the mineral and chloride content in incisor enamel of amelogenin-knockout ( AmelX-/-) mice and determined the pH of enamel by staining with methyl-red. Ameloblasts were immunostained for anion exchanger-2 (Ae2), a transmembrane pH regulator sensitive for acid that secretes bicarbonate in exchange for chloride. The enamel of AmelX-/- mice was 10-fold thinner, mineralized in the secretory stage 1.8-fold more than wild-type enamel and containing less chloride (suggesting more bicarbonate secretion). Enamel of AmelX-/- mice stained with methyl-red contained no acidic bands in the maturation stage as seen in wild-type enamel. Secretory ameloblasts of AmelX-/- mice, but not wild-type mice, were immunopositive for Ae2, and stained more intensely in the maturation stage compared with wild-type mice. Exposure of AmelX-/- mice to fluoride enhanced the mineral content in the secretory stage, lowered chloride, and intensified Ae2 immunostaining in the enamel organ in comparison with non-fluorotic mutant teeth. The results suggest that unprotonated amelogenins may regulate the pH of forming enamel in situ. Without amelogenins, Ae2 could compensate for the pH drop associated with crystal formation.
‘Other’ Posts in ‘Other’ Places: Poland through a Postcolonial Lens?
Authors: Mayblin Lucy , Piekut Aneta , Valentine Gill
Published: December 2014

Postcolonial theory has tended to focus on those spaces where European colonialism has had a territorial and political history. This is unsurprising, as much of the world is in this sense ‘postcolonial’. But not all of it. This article focuses on Poland, often theorised as peripheral to ‘old Europe’, and explores the application of postcolonial analyses to this ‘other’ place. The article draws upon reflections arising from a study of responses to ethnic diversity in Warsaw, Poland. In doing so we conclude that postcolonialism does indeed offer some important insights into understanding Polish attitudes to other nationalities, and yet more work also needs to be done to make the theoretical bridge. In the case of Poland we propose the ‘triple relation’ be the starting point for such work.
Students’ Understanding of Diagrams for Solving Word Problems
Authors: Poch Apryl L. , van Garderen Delinda , Scheuermann Amy M.
Published: December 2014

A visual representation, such as a diagram, can be a powerful strategy for solving mathematical word problems. However, using a representation to solve mathematical word problems is not as simple as it seems! Many students with learning disabilities struggle to use a diagram effectively and efficiently. This article provides a framework for supporting special educators’ use of diagnostic assessment as a means of understanding and identifying areas of need for students with learning disabilities in order to promote diagram proficiency for solving mathematical word problems.
Moving to suburbia? Effects of residential mobility on community engagement
Authors: Magre Jaume , Vallbé Joan-Josep , Tomàs Mariona
Published: December 2014

Previous research has emphasised that residential mobility, especially the suburbanisation of metropolitan regions, is a key factor in understanding the social and institutional context that shapes local political dynamics. Recent studies show that local communities with high rates of recent population growth show lower levels of turnout than others with significantly lower levels or even negative growth. However, because of both the aggregate nature of most available data and sample designs, no firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the specific relationship between residential mobility and the individual and contextual determinants of social and political behaviour. In this paper we explore the interaction between individual and contextual features to better understand the problems that suburbanisation poses to local community engagement. We use data from a survey specifically designed to comply with the requirements of such a study. The sample was designed through strata that take into account the recent population growth of municipalities. Results show the relevance of accounting for both individual- and contextual-level variables to shed light on the political and social dimensions of residential mobility and local suburbanisation.
A Company I Can Trust? Organizational Lay Theories Moderate Stereotype Threat for Women
Authors: Emerson Katherine T. U. , Murphy Mary C.
Published: December 2014

Women remain under-represented in the leadership of corporate America. According to stereotype threat theory, this under-representation may persist because women are concerned about being stereotyped in business settings. Three studies investigated whether an entity (fixed), compared with an incremental (malleable), organizational lay theory is threatening for women evaluating a consulting company. Men and women viewed a company mission statement or website containing an entity or incremental theory. Results revealed that women—more so than men—trusted the entity company less than the incremental company. Furthermore, only women’s mistrust of the entity company was driven by their expectations about being stereotyped by its management. Notably, when combined with high or low representations of female employees, only organizational lay theories predicted trust. Finally, people’s—particularly women’s—mistrust of the entity company led them to disengage more before interacting with a representative. Implications for women’s experiences and outcomes in workplace settings are discussed.
Site for Bone‐Anchored Hearing System for Children Younger than 5 Years
Authors: Ukatu Ceisha Chinwe , Desai Nilesh Kundanlal , Todd Norman Wendell
Published: December 2014

Objective

To describe in children younger than the present US FDA–approved 5 years of age the thickest part of the temporal bone available for placement of a bone‐anchored hearing system. Children with unilateral hearing loss, as with aural atresia, have deficits in at least language comprehension and oral expression. The early provision of hearing to the atretic ear may minimize the potential for auditory deprivation.

Study Design

Point prevalence descriptive study.

Setting

Tertiary referral pediatric hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐eight patients less than 6 years old with congenital aural atresia had undergone temporal bone computed tomography (CT). Bone thickness lateral (ie, superficial) to the sinodural angle, in the topmost axial CT slice that included any adjacent petrous ridge, was measured.

Results

The mean bone thicknesses lateral to the sinodural angles of the atretic ears were 5.1, 5.0, 5.9, 5.2, 5.2, and 4.8 mm for the <1, 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, 5‐year‐olds, respectively; of the non‐atretic ears, thicknesses were 4.1, 4.9, 5.5, 6.7, 4.3, and 4.7 mm.

Conclusion

Based on this small case series, bone thickness lateral (ie, superficial) to the sinodural angle is sufficient for many children suffering from aural atresia to have bone‐anchored hearing devices implanted younger than age 5 years. Use of the sinodural site would require a magnetic bone‐anchored hearing system, which could be repositioned posteriorly at age 5 years when pinna construction and atresiaplasty endeavors typically begin.
How does a dog attack on a guide dog affect the wellbeing of a guide dog owner?
Authors: Marquès-Brocksopp Lorna
Published: December 2014

Despite over 70% of guide dog owners reporting that their emotional wellbeing had been affected by a dog attack on their guide dog, in-depth qualitative studies examining this issue are lacking. The aim of this work was to further our understanding of the impact of a dog attack on the overall, holistic wellbeing of the guide dog owner. A total of 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with guide dog owners whose dogs had been the victim of a dog attack. The data were analysed thematically. Findings suggest that a dog attack can have a long-term impact on a guide dog owner’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. As such, service providers who manage the aftermath of an attack should recognise the potentially multiple and long-term effects on guide dog owner wellbeing and the importance of more holistically oriented support.
Epidemiology of ocular disorders and visual impairment among school pupils in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Abu Emmanuel K , Yeboah Abena A , Ocansey Stephen , Kyei Samuel , Abokyi Samuel
Published: December 2014

The purpose of the study was to determine the epidemiology of ocular disorders and visual impairment among junior high school children in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among junior high school children from both public and private schools. Participants underwent ophthalmic examination that included visual acuity testing, external eye examination, fundus examination, cover testing, and objective and subjective refraction. Socioeconomic statuses of the children were also determined. A principal cause of visual impairment was determined for participants with uncorrected visual acuities of 6/12 or worse in the better eyes. A total of 1252 were enumerated and 1029 children examined. Overall, ocular disorders were found among 104 (10.1%) pupils: refractive errors (37), conjunctival disorders (33), eyelid disorders (5), corneal disorders (4), retinal disorders (4), heterophoria (14), heterotropia (3), and amblyopia (4). Prevalence of visual impairment of 6/12 or worse in the better eye was 47 (4.6%), with refractive error being the major cause accounting for 37 (78.7%). Other causes were amblyopia, 4 (8.5%); retinal disorders, 4 (8.5%); and corneal disorders, 2 (4.3%). By the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria, mild and moderate visual impairment using the better eye was 7.3% and 1.1%, respectively. Visual impairment was not significantly associated with age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Only 209 (20.3%) school pupils had had a previous eye examination, among whom 7 were wearing glasses. Majority (754 [73.3%]) of pupils were within low socioeconomic status ( p < .001). The prevalence of eye disorders among junior high school pupils in the Cape Coast Metropolis was high compared to the global estimates. The cause of visual impairment was largely preventable, refractive error being the major cause. Uptake of eye care services among the school pupils was poor as majority of them had never had a previous eye examination. Incorporation of school eye screening programs into the school curriculum is recommended.
US-Based Drug Cost Parameter Estimation for Economic Evaluations
Authors: Levy Joseph F. , Meek Patrick D. , Rosenberg Marjorie A.
Published: December 2014

Introduction. In the United States, more than 10% of national health expenditures are for prescription drugs. Assessing drug costs in US economic evaluation studies is not consistent, as the true acquisition cost of a drug is not known by decision modelers. Current US practice focuses on identifying one reasonable drug cost and imposing some distributional assumption to assess uncertainty. Methods. We propose a set of Rules based on current pharmacy practice that account for the heterogeneity of drug product costs. The set of products derived from our Rules, and their associated costs, form an empirical distribution that can be used for more realistic sensitivity analyses and create transparency in drug cost parameter computation. The Rules specify an algorithmic process to select clinically equivalent drug products that reduce pill burden, use an appropriate package size, and assume uniform weighting of substitutable products. Three diverse examples show derived empirical distributions and are compared with previously reported cost estimates. Results. The shapes of the empirical distributions among the 3 drugs differ dramatically, including multiple modes and different variation. Previously published estimates differed from the means of the empirical distributions. Published ranges for sensitivity analyses did not cover the ranges of the empirical distributions. In one example using lisinopril, the empirical mean cost of substitutable products was $444 (range = $23–$953) as compared with a published estimate of $305 (range = $51–$523). Conclusions. Our Rules create a simple and transparent approach to creating cost estimates of drug products and assessing their variability. The approach is easily modified to include a subset of, or different weighting for, substitutable products. The derived empirical distribution is easily incorporated into 1-way or probabilistic sensitivity analyses.
Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of 99 m-Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy and 18 F-FDG PET/CT for the detection of skeletal metastases
Authors: Chang Connie Y , Gill Corey M , Joseph Simeone F , Taneja Atul K , Huang Ambrose J , Torriani Martin , Bredella Miriam A
Published: December 2014

Background

Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) is commonly performed for cancer staging, as it can detect metastatic disease in multiple organ systems. However, there has been some controversy in the scientific literature when comparing FDG PET/CT and technetium-99 m-bone scintigraphy (bone scan) for the detection of skeletal metastases.

Purpose

To compare the accuracy of FDG PET/CT with bone scan for the detection of skeletal metastases.

Material and Methods

The study group comprised 202 adult cancer patients who underwent both FDG PET/CT and bone scan within 31 days for staging. Bone scans and FDG PET/CT were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists for the presence and location of skeletal metastatic disease. Confirmation of the final diagnosis was based on the CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance, follow-up imaging, or histology.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting skeletal metastatic disease of FDG PET/CT were 97%, 98%, and 98%, respectively, and of bone scan were 83%, 98%, and 93%, respectively. The lesions that bone scan most commonly missed were located in the pelvis, spine, and sacrum. FDG PET/CT missed mostly lesions that were outside of the field of view, but in all of these cases the patient had additional sites of skeletal metastatic disease. Bone scan falsely identified six metastatic lesions and FDG PET/CT falsely identified three metastatic lesions.

Conclusion

FDG PET/CT is an accurate technique for detection of skeletal metastases, and is superior to bone scan, especially in the spine and pelvis.
Alcohol-related violence and disorder
Authors: Jayne Mark , Valentine Gill
Published: December 2014

This paper presents critical perspectives into alcohol-related violence and disorder. In doing so, we advance writing by geographers challenging ontological and epistemological orthodoxies which dominate ‘alcohol studies’. By engaging with work focused on playful or ludic urbanism, and literature considering emotions, embodiment and affect, we address an impasse between medical and social sciences approaches in order to better understand and tackle alcohol-related violence and disorder. We conclude with theoretical and policy-relevant insights.
Social geography I
Authors: Del Casino Vincent J
Published: December 2014

This review discusses the social geographies of food, focusing on how social geographic research has been taken up in and influenced by the wider discussions of food geographies in the discipline. It does so with particular attention to: the spatial politics of food deserts, food security, and food justice movements; the socialities of food identities; and the embodiments of food. This tripartite discussion of the social geographies of food is intended to highlight the complex theoretical and methodological approaches that geographers are employing when interrogating this particular object.
Puerto Rican Victimization and Crime on the Mainland
Authors: Adams Wallis E. , Todorova Irina L.G. , Falcón Luis M.
Published: December 2014

This study addresses criminal victimization and contact with police among older Puerto Ricans living in Northeastern United States. Framing their experiences within the context of immigration, we assess the role that acculturation and perceived stress play on Puerto Rican crime and victimization. Data from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS; N = 1,504) were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions. The experience of criminal victimization by Puerto Ricans is associated with higher educational attainment, increased perceived stress, and also with psychological acculturation. Contact with police is associated with linguistic, but not psychological, acculturation. Our findings give strength to the argument that exposure to crime and the criminal justice system increases with acculturation and that this argument is relevant to Puerto Ricans. Thus, the association between acculturation, criminal victimization, and police contact depends on the conceptualization of acculturation used. The relationship between stress, acculturation, and crime among Latinos is complex and warrants further assessment.
Early-Onset Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome
Authors: Vanderver Adeline , Prust Morgan , Kadom Nadja , Demarest Scott , Crow Yanick J. , Helman Guy , Orcesi Simona , Piana Roberta La , Uggetti Carla , Wang Jichuan , Gordisch-Dressman Heather , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Livingston John H.
Published: December 2014

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is an inherited leukodystrophy with calcifying microangiopathy and abnormal central nervous system myelination. As fewer diagnostic computed tomographic (CT) scans are being performed due to increased availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is a potential for missed diagnoses on the basis of calcifications. We review a series of patients with MRIs selected from IRB-approved leukodystrophy biorepositories to identify MRI patterns for recognition of early-onset Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and scored for a panel of radiologic predictors. Each individual predictor was tested against disease status using exact logistic regression. Features for pattern recognition of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome are temporal lobe swelling followed by atrophy with temporal horn dilatation, early global cerebral atrophy and visible calcifications, as evidenced by 94.44% of cases of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome correctly classified with a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 96.9%. We identify a panel of MRI features predictive of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome in young patients that would differentiate it from other leukoencephalopathies.
Discrepant Perspectives on Conflict Situations Among Urban Parent–Adolescent Dyads
Authors: Parker Elizabeth M. , Lindstrom Johnson Sarah R. , Jones Vanya C. , Haynie Denise L. , Cheng Tina L.
Published: December 2014

Parents influence urban youths’ violence-related behaviors. To provide effective guidance, parents should understand how youth perceive conflict, yet little empirical research has been conducted regarding parent and youth perceptions of conflict. The aims of this article are to (a) report on the nature of discrepancies in attribution of fault, (b) present qualitative data about the varying rationales for fault attribution, and (c) use quantitative data to identify correlates of discrepancy including report of attitudes toward violence, parental communication, and parents’ messages about retaliatory violence. Interviews were conducted with 101 parent/adolescent dyads. The study population consisted of African American female caretakers ( n = 92; that is, mothers, grandmothers, aunts) and fathers ( n = 9) and their early adolescents (mean age = 13.6). A total of 53 dyads were discrepant in identifying instigators in one or both videos. When discrepancy was present, the parent was more likely to identify the actor who reacted to the situation as at fault. In the logistic regression models, parental attitudes about retaliatory violence were a significant correlate of discrepancy, such that as parent attitudes supporting retaliatory violence increased, the odds of discrepancy decreased. The results suggest that parents and adolescents do not always view conflict situations similarly, which may inhibit effective parent–child communication, parental advice, and discipline. Individuals developing and implementing family-based violence prevention interventions need to be cognizant of the complexity of fault attribution and design strategies to promote conversations around attribution of fault and effective conflict management.
Effect of stress on bandwidth of antagonistic shape memory alloy actuators
Authors: Sunjai Nakshatharan S , Dhanalakshmi K , Josephine Selvarani Ruth D
Published: December 2014

This article presents the experimental study on the influence of stress generated between the antagonistically connected shape memory alloy wire actuators over its bandwidth of operation. It is a well-known fact that behaviour of shape memory alloy is strongly coupled with temperature, stress and strain. An attempt is made to understand the effect of these factors on its bandwidth from control perspective through frequency response analysis. A phenomenological correlation is presented between the frequency response of antagonistic shape memory alloy and stress acting between the wires under different strains and temperatures. A clear demarcation between influence of temperature and stress over the operating frequency is discussed. Experimental result shows that apart from temperature, operating frequency of antagonistically connected shape memory alloy is also highly influenced by stress acting between the wires at higher temperatures. Also, the effect becomes much more significant under partial transformation strain. The result of the study is extended and demonstrated through tracking control of antagonistic shape memory alloy at a frequency of about 2 Hz.
How Is ADHD Assessed and Documented? Examination of Psychological Reports Submitted to Determine Eligibility for Postsecondary Disability
Authors: Nelson Jason M. , Whipple Brittany , Lindstrom Will , Foels Patricia A.
Published: December 2014

Objective: To examine how ADHD evaluations are documented for postsecondary students requesting disability eligibility. Method: A total of 100 psychological reports submitted for eligibility determination were coded for documentation of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) criteria, methods and instruments used in the evaluations, and recommended academic accommodations. Results: Results showed that a minimal number of reports (≤1%) documented that students met all DSM criteria for ADHD. Psychologists rarely documented childhood impairment, symptoms across settings, or the use of rule-outs. Symptom severity was emphasized over current impairment. The majority of psychologists utilized a multi-informant, multi-method evaluation approach, but certain methods (e.g., symptom validity tests, record reviews) were limited in use. Most reports included recommendations for academic accommodations, with extended time being the most common (72%). Conclusion: This study raises awareness to the aspects of adequate ADHD evaluation and subsequent documentation that can be improved by psychologists. Recommendations are made regarding valid documentation of ADHD for disability determination purposes.
Impact of neurological impairment, depression, cognitive function and coping on quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis: A relative importance analysis
Authors: Fernández-Jiménez Eduardo , Arnett Peter A.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Determining the relative importance of factors that predict quality of life (QoL) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) must be addressed through multiple regression metrics, e.g. relative weights, which are designed to solve colinearity problems.

Objective:

We aimed to compare disease variables, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), depressive symptomatology (BDI-FS), cognitive performance and coping in predicting MS patients’ QoL, using relative weights.

Methods:

We assessed 97 patients with MS, using the Functional Assessment of MS (FAMS) as the criterion.

Results:

EDSS predicted global and physical QoL domains, whereas BDI-FS predicted general contentment and global QoL.

Conclusion:

EDSS and BDI-FS are relevant determinants of QoL in people with MS.
Changes in inpatients’ experiences of hospital care in England over a 12-year period: a secondary analysis of national survey data
Authors: Reeves Rachel , West Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Adult inpatient surveys generate approximately 70,000 responses per year about patients’ experiences of National Health Service hospital care in England. We examine historical data to assess change between 2002 and 2013 and consider the factors that may have stimulated any change.

Methods

Archived national data from National Health Service Inpatient Surveys between 2002 and 2013 (comprising 840,077 patient responders) were obtained. Questions were selected for inter-year analysis if they had been replicated for at least seven years. The percentage of responses in the most positive category was compared for each question’s earliest and most recent year. The statistical significance of differences was tested using chi-square. Also, since such large sample sizes mean that even 1% differences are statistically significant, effect sizes were used to assess the practical significance of those differences.

Results

There were statistically significant ( p < .001) increases in positive responses to 35 questions, a significant deterioration for 8 questions and no change for 7 questions. There was one ‘moderate’ improvement (ϕ = 0.3), six ‘small’ improvements (ϕ > 0.1) and one ‘small’ decline, but differences were not meaningful for 42 questions. The greatest improvements were for patients receiving copies of doctors’ letters; single sex ward areas; clinicians’ hand washing; ward cleanliness and planned admission waiting times. The greatest decline was that fewer responders said their call bells were usually answered within 2 min.

Conclusions

More aspects of care have improved than have deteriorated. This study highlights the need for a consistent repeated survey programme to detect changes over the long term, since year-to-year changes tend to be small. The greatest improvements are in areas that can be influenced by organisation-wide interventions and many are associated with top–down government policies, targets or media campaigns. Patients’ evaluations of many aspects of their interactions with clinicians are unchanged or have declined. Further research could test whether ward-specific facilitated communication of survey results to clinicians could drive improvements in clinician–patient interactions.
An exploration of the participation of kindergarten-aged Hong Kong children in extra curricular activities
Authors: Lau Eva Yi Hung , Cheng Doris Pui Wah
Published: December 2014

In this study, we used a mixed-methods research design to investigate the extra curricular participation of kindergarten-aged Hong Kong children, based on reports provided by 1260 parents, and parents’ perceptions of their children’s extra curricular participation, through nine individual interviews. The results of the survey indicated that kindergarten-aged Hong Kong children are regularly and extensively involved in extra curricular activities, and that children with more educated parents and children from families with higher incomes participate in more extra curricular activities. The interview responses revealed that, in general, the parents believe that extra curricular participation provides their children with opportunities for positive development that are beyond the scope of the training provided by kindergartens. We discuss the implications of these findings for parent education and Hong Kong’s policy of subsidizing kindergarten education.
E-Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation
Authors: White Nicole D.
Published: December 2014

Nicotine cessation medication, combined with behavioral support, is considered the “gold standard” treatment for tobacco cessation, but it is only successful in 20% to 30% of patients. New and alternate tobacco cessation strategies are needed to address patients who fail or are unwilling to use current evidence-based options for cessation. Electronic cigarettes are one such product gaining popularity for use as a smoking cessation aid. Robust evidence-based support of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is lacking, but their use is likely less harmful than that of conventional cigarettes. As such, it is reasonable to support a quit attempt with e-cigarettes following failure of evidence-based cessation treatments and behavioral support, stressing the fact that it is safest to do so without continuing to smoke tobacco.
Soft Tissue Fixation With a Cortical Button and Interference Screw
Authors: Shinabarger Andrew B. , Manway Jeffrey M. , Nowak Jessica , Burns Patrick R.
Published: December 2014

Tendon transfers are commonly performed procedures in the foot and ankle. They have been described for multiple tendons and a myriad of pathologies. One issue with these procedures has always been inadequate fixation with several methods available to the surgeon. In this report, we describe a novel technique in foot and ankle surgery using a cortical button and an interference screw.
Democracy is good for the poor: A procedural replication of Ross (2006)
Authors: Martel García Fernando
Published: December 2014

Here I propose procedural replication as a method for diagnosing errors and omissions and identifying research artifacts in published studies. The goal of procedural replication is not to make substantive contributions so much as improve research practice, or how scientists go about doing science. This is accomplished by generating checklists of lessons learned that scholars can use to assess the reliability of new or existing studies, guide editorial reviews, and make scientific knowledge production more reliable. I demonstrate the method by implementing a procedural replication of Michael Ross’s controversial finding that democracy has no effect on child mortality. I find this null finding is an artifact of the way five-year averages were computed and the static nature of the preferred model. I demonstrate, using causal diagrams, how concerns about listwise deletion and selection bias affecting previous studies may have been overstated. I also provide a checklist with lessons learned.
Catch Them Before They Fall
Authors: Saldanha Marita , Siddaiah Anand , Veerappa Avinash M. , Ramachandra Nallur B. , Padakannaya Prakash
Published: December 2014

The challenge of mastering reading is universally seen across all populations and languages. A small fraction of students all over the world, however, fail in learning to read proficiently. Early assessments can help children who are likely to get into the vicious circle of failure in mastering word reading, leading to poor academic performance and eventually to low motivation in academics and possible lifelong socioeconomic and mental health consequences. In languages such as English, there are quite a few tests available for early assessment and interventions. In India, a multilingual society, all children going to school learn to read at least in three languages, including English. Dearth of suitable assessment tools in local languages is a major impediment in clinical services and research. Here, we report an attempt at developing a quick and reliable test for assessment of decoding and sight-word reading skills in Kannada language.
Pair Tests in a High School Classroom
Authors: Ngotngamwong Rachaniphorn
Published: December 2014

This study was conducted to find out how high school students responded to pair tests: the collaboration of two students in taking a test together. The objectives of pair tests were intended to create excitement, a higher motivation to study, increase learning through discussion, and close collaboration during a test. The outcome of the study indicated that the majority of the students enjoyed pair tests, and there were increases in motivation, discussion, learning, and collaboration. The main downsides of pair tests were disagreements over answers and the laziness of some test takers as this behavior created negative impacts on their responsible partners. The overall picture of pair tests was positive, and it is recommended that they are administered not more than once a quarter.
Voluntary Glenohumeral Joint Luxation In Children
Authors: Malkoc Melih , Korkmaz Ozgur , Seker Ali , Oltulu Ismail , Batmaz Guray , Mahirogulları Mahir
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Voluntary shoulder dislocation is a rare pathology and can be seen in childhood. We aimed to present, diagnosis and treatment of two girls with Voluntary Glenohumeral Joint Luxation(VGJL) with seven and nine years old, in this study.

Methods:

Physical examination of both shoulders were performed carefully and standard Antero-posterior (AP) X-ray radiography obtained and for identify any soft tissue (like labral tears, rotator cuff tears, capsular pathologies, etc.) pathologies Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed. While the seven years old girl luxate her shoulder to anterior the other with nine years old was luxating her shoulder inferior, volunterly with no pain. No other direction, the both two girls could perform the luxation. No connective tissue or genetic disorders were detected for two children. The familial history was investigated and hyperelasticity-like history obtained at the seond degree relatives of both children. In treatment, physical therapy program was planned for two children.

Results:

At the x-ray AP radiography demonstrated no clue of abnormality about bony structure. However, at the nine years old girl, the MRI images showed the labral tear localised at the inferomedial part of the labrum while seven years of girl had no pathology showed at MRI images. Both shoulders of the patients, except in the case of voluntary shoulder luxation, would normally use and all the active full range of motion of both glenohumeral joints. Pain was not a complaint; even with or without demonstrating the controlled voluntary luxation for both two girls. Physical therapy was performed and at the end of the one year of follow-up, by phone consulting with parents of two children, it was recorded that the repetition of voluntary shoulder luxation was decreased.

Conclusion:

The VGJL is a rare but easily managed antity without surgery. Awareness of family and recommendations about the pathology is important.
Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Treatment of Chronic Persistent Jumper’s Knee
Authors: Enginsu Müjdat , Lokmaoğlu Recep , Selimoğlu Şafak , Korkmaz Erol
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiple PRP injections on the healing of chronic persistent patellar tendinopathy, after previous classical treatment have failed.

Methods:

We treated 30 patients affected by chronic jumper’s knee, who had failed previous nonsurgical treatments, with multiple PRP injections and physiotherapy. We also compared the clinical outcome with a homogeneous group of 15 patients primarily treated with the physiotherapy approach. Tegner, VAS, and pain level were used for clinical evaluation before, at the end of the treatment and 3-6 month follow up. Complications, functional recovery and patient satisfaction were also recorded. A statistically significant improvement in all scores was observed at the end of the PRP injections in patients with chronic persistent patellar tendinopathy and a further improvement was noted at 6 month, after physiotherapy was added.

Results:

Moreover, comparable results were obtained with respect to the less severe cases in the VAS score and pain level evaluation, as in the time to recover and patient satisfaction, with an ever higher improvement in the sports activity level achieved in the PRP group

Conclusion:

The clinical results are encouraging, indicating that PRP injections have the potential to promote the achievement of a satisfactory clinical outcome, even in difficult cases with chronic persistent tendinopathy after previous classical treatments have failed.