bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADVISING AS A PROFESSION
Authors: Gordon Virginia N. , Swenson Ruth W. , Spencer LaVona , Kline Diane I. , Bogenschutz Margie , Seeger Brian
Published: July 2013

This summary has been adapted from a report of a NACADA Task Force focusing on the particular issue of advising as a profession. The authors are members of the appointed Task Force which presented its findings to the NACADA membership in October 1987.
CENTRALIZED INTRUSIVE ADVISING AND UNDERGRADUATE RETENTION
Authors: Backhus DeWayne
Published: July 2013

This study discusses the impact of the presence of “a centralized student advising service which practices intrusive advising” on the “persistence of entering students” and suggests that this strategy could be useful to other institutions.
MARKETING YOUR ADVISING CENTER
Authors: Flickinger Jan
Published: July 2013

Here, you'll find some marketing strategies that you should consider if you are looking for ways to make your advising center more appealing to students.
ORIENTATION PROGRAMMING FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: Vickio Craig J. , Tack Martha W.
Published: July 2013

Although colleges and universities are increasingly expanding their graduate programs, many institutions continue to focus too little attention on orienting new graduate students after they arrive on campus. Orientation programming at the graduate level, however, can serve many functions such as reducing anxieties, familiarizing students with new academic challenges, and orienting graduate students' spouses. While serving these functions, orientation programming also can heighten student retention, satisfaction, and success. 1% authors offer several guidelines for developing programs responsive to the diverse needs of graduate students.
ACADEMIC PROBATION, SUSPENSION, AND THE ADULT STUDENT
Authors: Swift John Stewart
Published: July 2013

This article provides the results of a study completed at a major urban university. The research was meant to answer some of the questions about adults who experience academic difficulty. The article also includes the results of a special intervention program created after data were analyzed.
Assessing Student Learning in Academic Advising Using Social Cognitive Theory
Authors: Erlich Richard J. , Russ-Eft Darlene F.
Published: July 2013

We investigated whether the social cognitive theory constructs of self-efficacy and self-regulated learning apply to academic advising for measuring student learning outcomes. Community college students (N = 120) participated in an individual academic-advising session. We assessed students' post-intervention self-efficacy in academic planning and their retrospective pre-intervention self-efficacy as well as pre and post self-regulated learning-strategy levels in academic planning. We used 2 hypotheses to verify that students experienced increased levels of self-efficacy and self-regulated learning through academic planning strategies. The 3rd hypothesis verified a positive, reciprocal relationship between self-efficacy and self-regulated learning in academic planning. We discuss results regarding the theoretical usefulness for applying social cognitive theory to assess student learning outcomes in academic advising.
Revision surgery is overestimated in hip replacement
Authors: Keurentjes J. C. , Fiocco M. , Schreurs B. W. , Pijls B. G. , Nouta K. A. , Nelissen R. G. H. H.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The Kaplan-Meier estimation is widely used in orthopedics to calculate the probability of revision surgery. Using data from a long-term follow-up study, we aimed to assess the amount of bias introduced by the Kaplan-Meier estimator in a competing risk setting.

Methods

We describe both the Kaplan-Meier estimator and the competing risk model, and explain why the competing risk model is a more appropriate approach to estimate the probability of revision surgery when patients die in a hip revision surgery cohort. In our study, a total of 62 acetabular revisions were performed. After a mean of 25 years, no patients were lost to follow-up, 13 patients had undergone revision surgery and 33 patients died of causes unrelated to their hip.

Results

The Kaplan-Meier estimator overestimates the probability of revision surgery in our example by 3%, 11%, 28%, 32% and 60% at five, ten, 15, 20 and 25 years, respectively. As the cumulative incidence of the competing event increases over time, as does the amount of bias.

Conclusions

Ignoring competing risks leads to biased estimations of the probability of revision surgery. In order to guide choosing the appropriate statistical analysis in future clinical studies, we propose a flowchart.
Radiological method for measuring patellofemoral tracking and tibiofemoral kinematics before and after total knee replacement
Authors: Sharma G. B. , Saevarsson S. K. , Amiri S. , Montgomery S. , Ramm H. , Lichti D. D. , Lieck R. , Zachow S. , Anglin C.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Numerous complications following total knee replacement (TKR) relate to the patellofemoral (PF) joint, including pain and patellar maltracking, yet the options for in vivo imaging of the PF joint are limited, especially after TKR. We propose a novel sequential biplane radiological method that permits accurate tracking of the PF and tibiofemoral (TF) joints throughout the range of movement under weightbearing, and test it in knees pre- and post-arthroplasty.

Methods

A total of three knees with end-stage osteoarthritis and three knees that had undergone TKR at more than one year’s follow-up were investigated. In each knee, sequential biplane radiological images were acquired from the sagittal direction (i.e. horizontal X-ray source and 10° below horizontal) for a sequence of eight flexion angles. Three-dimensional implant or bone models were matched to the biplane images to compute the six degrees of freedom of PF tracking and TF kinematics, and other clinical measures.

Results

The mean and standard deviation for the six degrees of freedom of PF tracking and TF kinematics were computed. TF and PF kinematics were highly accurate (< 0.9 mm, < 0.6°) and repeatable.

Conclusions

The developed method permitted measuring of in vivo PF tracking and TF kinematics before and after TKR throughout the range of movement. This method could be a useful tool for investigating differences between cohorts of patients (e.g., with and without pain) impacting clinical decision-making regarding surgical technique, revision surgery or implant design.
Time-dependent gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis of the injured anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Naraoka T. , Ishibashi Y. , Tsuda E. , Yamamoto Y. , Kusumi T. , Kakizaki I. , Toh S.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate time-dependent gene expression of injured human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and to evaluate the histological changes of the ACL remnant in terms of cellular characterisation.

Methods

Injured human ACL tissues were harvested from 105 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction and divided into four phases based on the period from injury to surgery. Phase I was < three weeks, phase II was three to eight weeks, phase III was eight to 20 weeks, and phase IV was ≥ 21 weeks. Gene expressions of these tissues were analysed in each phase by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using selected markers (collagen types 1 and 3, biglycan, decorin, α-smooth muscle actin, IL-6, TGF-β1, MMP-1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1). Immunohistochemical staining was also performed using primary antibodies against CD68, CD55, Stat3 and phosphorylated-Stat3 (P-Stat3).

Results

Expression of IL-6 was mainly seen in phases I, II and III, collagen type 1 in phase II, MMP-1, 2 in phase III, and decorin, TGF-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin in phase IV. Histologically, degradation and scar formation were seen in the ACL remnant after phase III. The numbers of CD55 and P-Stat3 positive cells were elevated from phase II to phase III.

Conclusions

Elevated cell numbers including P-Stat3 positive cells were not related to collagens but to MMPs’ expressions.
The Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation – an abridged protocol for the WHiTE Study
Authors: Griffin X. L. , Achten J. , Parsons N. , Boardman F. , Griffiths F. , Costa M. L.
Published: July 2013

Fractures of the proximal femur are one of the greatest challenges facing the medical community, constituting a heavy socioeconomic burden worldwide. The National Hip Fracture Audit currently provides a framework for service evaluation. This evaluation is based upon the assessment of process rather than assessment of patient-centred outcome and therefore it fails to provide meaningful data regarding the clinical effectiveness of treatments. This study aims to capture data from the cohort of patients who present with a fracture of the proximal femur at a single United Kingdom Major Trauma Centre. Patient-centred outcomes will be recorded and provide a baseline cohort within which to test the clinical effectiveness of experimental interventions.
The horse as a model of naturally occurring osteoarthritis
Authors: McIlwraith C. W. , Frisbie D. D. , Kawcak C. E.
Published: July 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an important cause of pain, disability and economic loss in humans, and is similarly important in the horse. Recent knowledge on post-traumatic OA has suggested opportunities for early intervention, but it is difficult to identify the appropriate time of these interventions. The horse provides two useful mechanisms to answer these questions: 1) extensive experience with clinical OA in horses; and 2) use of a consistently predictable model of OA that can help study early pathobiological events, define targets for therapeutic intervention and then test these putative therapies. This paper summarises the syndromes of clinical OA in horses including pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment, and details controlled studies of various treatment options using an equine model of clinical OA.
Extra-articular hip endoscopy
Authors: Verhelst L. , Guevara V. , De Schepper J. , Van Melkebeek J. , Pattyn C. , Audenaert E. A.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this review is to evaluate the current available literature evidencing on peri-articular hip endoscopy (the third compartment). A comprehensive approach has been set on reports dealing with endoscopic surgery for recalcitrant trochanteric bursitis, snapping hip (or coxa-saltans; external and internal), gluteus medius and minimus tears and endoscopy (or arthroscopy) after total hip arthroplasty. This information can be used to trigger further research, innovation and education in extra-articular hip endoscopy.
An ink surgical marker pen is damaging to tendon cells
Authors: Franklin S. L. , Jayadev C. , Poulsen R. , Hulley P. , Price A.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Surgical marking during tendon surgery is often used for technical and teaching purposes. This study investigates the effect of a gentian violet ink marker pen, a common surgical marker, on the viability of the tissue and cells of tendon.

Methods

In vitro cell and tissue methods were used to test the viability of human hamstring explants and the migrating tenocytes in the presence of the gentian violet ink.

Results

The outcome of this study was that a constituent of the surgical marker pen causes cell and tissue death in culture, implying the same would occur in vivo.

Conclusions

This is a cause for concern when marking tendon during surgical procedures, as it may compromise healing and repair and potentially contribute to a poor outcome. The authors suggest that an alternative surgical marking procedure should be found, or that all marker pens should undergo testing on human tendon tissue in vitro prior to use.
Age-related differences in the neck strength of adolescent rugby players
Authors: Hamilton D. F. , Gatherer D. , Jenkins P. J. , Maclean J. G. B. , Hutchison J. D. , Nutton R. W. , Simpson A. H. R. W.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the neck strength of school-aged rugby players, and to define the relationship with proxy physical measures with a view to predicting neck strength.

Methods

Cross-sectional cohort study involving 382 rugby playing schoolchildren at three Scottish schools (all male, aged between 12 and 18 years). Outcome measures included maximal isometric neck extension, weight, height, grip strength, cervical range of movement and neck circumference.

Results

Mean neck extension strength increased with age (p = 0.001), although a wide inter-age range variation was evident, with the result that some of the oldest children presented with the same neck strength as the mean of the youngest group. Grip strength explained the most variation in neck strength (R2 = 0.53), while cervical range of movement and neck girth demonstrated no relationship. Multivariable analysis demonstrated the independent effects of age, weight and grip strength, and the resultant model explained 62.1% of the variance in neck strength. This model predicted actual neck strength well for the majority of players, although there was a tendency towards overestimation at the lowest range and underestimation at the highest.

Conclusion

A wide variation was evident in neck strength across the range of the schoolchild-playing population, with a surprisingly large number of senior players demonstrating the same mean strength as the 12-year-old mean value. This may suggest that current training regimes address limb strength but not neck strength, which may be significant for future neck injury prevention strategies. Age, weight and grip strength can predict around two thirds of the variation in neck strength, however specific assessment is required if precise data is sought.
A two-year clinical outcomes study of 400 patients, comparing open surgery and arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair
Authors: Walton J. R. , Murrell G. A. C.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any significant difference in temporal measurements of pain, function and rates of re-tear for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) patients compared with those patients undergoing open RCR.

Methods

This study compared questionnaire- and clinical examination-based outcomes over two years or longer for two series of patients who met the inclusion criteria: 200 open RCR and 200 arthroscopic RCR patients. All surgery was performed by a single surgeon.

Results

Most pain measurements were similar for both groups. However, the arthroscopic RCR group reported less night pain severity at six months, less extreme pain and greater satisfaction with their overall shoulder condition than the open RCR group. The arthroscopic RCR patients also had earlier recovery of strength and range of motion, achieving near maximal recovery by six months post-operatively whereas the open RCR patients took longer to reach the same recovery level. The median operative times were 40 minutes (20 to 90) for arthroscopic RCR and 60 minutes (35 to 120) for open RCR. Arthroscopic RCR had a 29% re-tear rate compared with 52% for the open RCR group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic RCR involved less extreme pain than open RCR, earlier functional recovery, a shorter operative time and better repair integrity.
Can tibial coverage in total knee replacement be reliably evaluated with three-dimensional image-based digital templating?
Authors: Costa A. J. , Lustig S. , Scholes C. J. , Balestro J-C. , Fatima M. , Parker D. A.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

There remains a lack of data on the reliability of methods to estimate tibial coverage achieved during total knee replacement. In order to address this gap, the intra- and interobserver reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) digital templating method was assessed with one symmetric and one asymmetric prosthesis design.

Methods

A total of 120 template procedures were performed according to specific rotational and over-hang criteria by three observers at time zero and again two weeks later. Total and sub-region coverage were calculated and the reliability of the templating and measurement method was evaluated.

Results

Excellent intra- and interobserver reliability was observed for total coverage, when minimal component overhang (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.87) or no component overhang (ICC = 0.92) was permitted, regardless of rotational restrictions.

Conclusions

Measurement of tibial coverage can be reliable using the templating method described even if the rotational axis selected still has a minor influence.
Local inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase enhances bone formation in a rat model
Authors: Cottrell J. A. , Keshav V. , Mitchell A. , O’Connor J. P.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Recent studies have shown that modulating inflammation-related lipid signalling after a bone fracture can accelerate healing in animal models. Specifically, decreasing 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activity during fracture healing increases cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the fracture callus, accelerates chondrogenesis and decreases healing time. In this study, we test the hypothesis that 5-LO inhibition will increase direct osteogenesis.

Methods

Bilateral, unicortical femoral defects were used in rats to measure the effects of local 5-LO inhibition on direct osteogenesis. The defect sites were filled with a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold containing 5-LO inhibitor (A-79175) at three dose levels, scaffold with drug carrier, or scaffold only. Drug release was assessed in vitro. Osteogenesis was assessed by micro-CT and histology at two endpoints of ten and 30 days.

Results

Using micro-CT, we found that A-79175, a 5-LO inhibitor, increased bone formation in an apparent dose-related manner.

Conclusions

These results indicate that 5-LO inhibition could be used therapeutically to enhance treatments that require the direct formation of bone.
Matrix assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation for cartilage treatment
Authors: Kon E. , Filardo G. , Di Matteo B. , Perdisa F. , Marcacci M.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) has been developed and applied in the clinical practice in the last decade to overcome most of the disadvantages of the first generation procedures. The purpose of this systematic review is to document and analyse the available literature on the results of MACT in the treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee.

Methods

All studies published in English addressing MACT procedures were identified, including those that fulfilled the following criteria: 1) level I-IV evidence, 2) measures of functional or clinical outcome, 3) outcome related to cartilage lesions of the knee cartilage.

Results

The literature analysis showed a progressively increasing number of articles per year. A total of 51 articles were selected: three randomised studies, ten comparative studies, 33 case series and five case reports. Several scaffolds have been developed and studied, with good results reported at short to medium follow-up.

Conclusions

MACT procedures are a therapeutic option for the treatment of chondral lesions that can offer a positive outcome over time for specific patient categories, but high-level studies are lacking. Systematic long-term evaluation of these techniques and randomised controlled trials are necessary to confirm the potential of this treatment approach, especially when comparing against less ambitious traditional treatments.
Does bone compaction around the helical blade of a proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) decrease the risk of cut-out?
Authors: Goffin J. M. , Pankaj P. , Simpson A. H. R. W. , Seil R. , Gerich T. G.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Because of the contradictory body of evidence related to the potential benefits of helical blades in trochanteric fracture fixation, we studied the effect of bone compaction resulting from the insertion of a proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA).

Methods

We developed a subject-specific computational model of a trochanteric fracture (31-A2 in the AO classification) with lack of medial support and varied the bone density to account for variability in bone properties among hip fracture patients.

Results

We show that for a bone density corresponding to 100% of the bone density of the cadaveric femur, there does not seem to be any advantage in using a PFNA with respect to the risk of blade cut-out. On the other hand, in a more osteoporotic femoral head characterised by a density corresponding to 75% of the initial bone density, local bone compaction around the helical blade provides additional bone purchase, thereby decreasing the risk of cut-out, as quantified by the volume of bone susceptible to yielding.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate benefits of using a PFNA over an intramedullary nail with a conventional lag screw and suggest that any clinical trial reporting surgical outcomes regarding the use of helical blades should include a measure of the femoral head bone density as a covariable.
Developing core sets for patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Duijnisveld B. J. , Saraç Ç. , Malessy M. J. A. , Brachial Plexus Advisory Board The ICF , Vliet Vlieland T. P. M. , Nelissen R. G. H. H.
Published: July 2013

Background

Symptoms of obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) vary widely over the course of time and from individual to individual and can include various degrees of denervation, muscle weakness, contractures, bone deformities and functional limitations. To date, no universally accepted overall framework is available to assess the outcome of patients with OBPI. The objective of this paper is to outline the proposed process for the development of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for patients with an OBPI.

Methods

The first step is to conduct four preparatory studies to identify ICF categories important for OBPI: a) a systematic literature review to identify outcome measures, b) a qualitative study using focus groups, c) an expert survey and d) a cross-sectional, multicentre study. A first version of ICF Core Sets will be defined at a consensus conference, which will integrate the evidence from the preparatory studies. In a second step, field-testing among patients will validate this first version of Core Sets for OBPI.

Discussion

The proposed method to develop ICF Core Sets for OBPI yields a practical tool for multiple purposes: for clinicians to systematically assess and evaluate the individual’s functioning, for researchers to design and compare studies, and for patients to get more insight into their health problems and their management.
Time to surgery in acute rotator cuff tear
Authors: Mukovozov I. , Byun S. , Farrokhyar F. , Wong I.
Published: July 2013

Aims

We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine whether earlier surgical repair of acute rotator cuff tear (ARCT) leads to superior post-operative clinical outcomes.

Methods

The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Libraries, controlled-trials.com and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched using the terms: ‘rotator cuff’, or ‘supraspinatus’, or ‘infraspinatus’, or ‘teres minor’, or ‘subscapularis’ AND ‘surgery’ or ‘repair’. This gave a total of 15 833 articles. After deletion of duplicates and the review of abstracts and full texts by two independent assessors, 15 studies reporting time to surgery for ARCT repair were included. Studies were grouped based on time to surgery < 3 months (group A, seven studies), or > 3 months (group B, eight studies). Weighted means were calculated and compared using Student’s t-test.

Results

Group B had a significantly higher pre-operative Constant score (CS) (p < 0.001), range of movement in external rotation (p = 0.003) and abduction (p < 0.001) compared with group A. Both groups showed clinical improvement with surgical repair; group A had a significantly improved Constant score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, abduction and elevation post-operatively (all p < 0.001). Group B had significantly improved Constant score (p < 0.001) and external rotation (p < 0.001) post-operatively. The mean Constant score improved by 33.5 for group A and by 27.5 for group B.

Conclusion

These findings should be interpreted with caution due to limitations and bias inherent to case-series. We suggest a trend that earlier time to surgery may be linked to better Constant score, and active range of movement in abduction and elevation. Additional prospective studies are required.
Clustering of risk factors in the smoking habits of schoolchildren in Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Nouira Asma , Maatoug Jihen , Harrabi Imed , Hmad Sonia , Belkacem Mmyléne , Slama Slim , al’Absi Mustafa , Lando Harry , Ghannem Hassen
Published: July 2013

Background: In Tunisia, little is known about the association between tobacco use and other chronic disease risk factors. This is the case for both adults and children. It is important to know the characteristics of young smokers to facilitate the creation and implementation of future programs for tobacco prevention.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between tobacco use and other lifestyle factors among schoolchildren in Tunisia.

Methods: We conducted a 2009/2010 cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 4003 randomly selected school children aged 13 years old (7th and 9th grades) to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes towards, and beliefs about the three risk factors for chronic disease (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use). Written informed consent was obtained from each child’s parents who allowed their child to participate.

Results: The mean age of our sample was 13.36±1.28 years. The proportions of daily smokers were 2.2% and 0.1% among boys and girls, respectively. The proportions of irregular smokers were 9.1% and 1.5% among boys and girls, respectively. In our population, 19.1% (n=767) had ever experimented to smoke, with 29.8% among boys and 9% among girls (p<0.001). The proportions of schoolchildren who reported daily participation in physical activity were different between smokers and nonsmokers with 17.7% and 11.5%, respectively (p=0.03). Concerning eating habits, there was no significant difference in the consumption of fruits and vegetables; however, smokers frequently ate more high fat foods and in fast food restaurants. Similar results were found while comparing regular smoking children with those who experimented but who never became hooked on smoking.

Conclusion: This study and previous research suggest the importance of early intervention in adolescents on smoking and combing these efforts with interventions focusing on physical activity and dietary habits.
Perceived Fitness Protects against Stress‐based Mental Health Impairments among Police Officers Who Report Good Sleep
Authors: Gerber Markus , Kellmann Micheal , Elliot Catherine , Hartmann Tim , Brand Serge , Holsboer‐Trachsler Edith , Pühse Uwe
Published: July 2013

Perceived Fitness Protects against Stress‐based Mental Health Impairments among Police Officers Who Report Good Sleep: Markus GERBER, et al. Institute of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland—

Objectives

This study examined a cognitive stress‐moderation model that posits that the harmful effects of chronic stress are decreased in police officers who perceive high levels of physical fitness. It also determined whether the stress‐buffering effect of perceived fitness is influenced by officers' self‐reported sleep.

Methods

A total of 460 police officers (n=116 females, n=344 males, mean age: M=40.7; SD=9.7) rated their physical fitness and completed a battery of self‐report stress, mental health, and sleep questionnaires. Three‐way analyses of covariance were performed to examine whether officers' self‐reported mental health status depends on the interaction between stress, perceived fitness and sleep.

Results

Highly stressed officers perceived lower mental health and fitness and were overrepresented in the group of poor sleepers. Officers with high fitness self‐reports revealed increased mental health and reported good sleep. In contrast, poor sleepers scored lower on the mental health index. High stress was more closely related to low mental health among poor sleepers. Most importantly, perceived fitness revealed a stress‐buffering effect, but only among officers who reported good sleep.

Conclusions

High perceived fitness and good sleep operate as stress resilience resources among police officers. The findings suggest that multimodal programs including stress management, sleep hygiene and fitness training are essential components of workplace health promotion in the police force.
Emotional competencies in the process of teaching and learning in nursing, from the perspective of the neurosciences
Authors: Pereira Wilza Rocha , Ribeiro Mara Regina Rosa , Depes Valéria Binato Santili , Santos Neuci Cunha
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE: to investigate aspects of the interaction which occurs between feeling and learning from the perspective of the neurosciences. METHOD: research with a qualitative approach, of the case study type, undertaken in Brazilian public nursing colleges. The research subjects were lecturers and students. The techniques of use of a questionnaire, individual interviews and a focus group were used in data collection. RESULTS: knowledge of cerebral functioning and the functioning of different structures involved in the learning of cognitive, technical, emotional and relational competences can help the lecturer in her task of teaching. CONCLUSIONS: we can outline the difficulties of learning and need, as lecturers, to develop teaching strategies based in the new knowledge from the neurosciences so as to maximize the students' learning. This new knowledge brings elements which contribute to the teacher's training, facilitate the process for the person learning, and make teaching more pleasurable.
Nursing values as social practice: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Zoboli Elma Lourdes Campos Pavone , Schveitzer Mariana Cabral
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE: to identify values which structure and guide nursing as social practice. METHOD: qualitative meta-synthesis. RESULTS: three concepts were identified: The tension between technique, organization and ethics in the nurse's practice; Historical carry-overs of the values which run through nursing practice; Attention to ethics, to reform of the health system, and to the humanization of care. These led to the synthesis of the principal variables 'planning' and 'care', which represent, respectively, guiding values of the technical-operative and ethical-moral elements of the social practice of nursing. CONCLUSION: these values are articulated through the prism of ordering so as to care well. Their recognition contributed to a better understanding of the process of health care and nursing care.
Old age and elderly people: social representations of adolescent students
Authors: Freitas Maria Célia de , Ferreira Maria Assunção
Published: July 2013

OBJECTIVE: to know the main elements of social representations about elderly people and old age among adolescents at a public high school. METHOD: 172 adolescents between 14 and 19 years of age participated. The free evocation of words technique was applied through the terms elderly and old age. RESULTS: The main elements of the representations significantly designed for elderly people were: respect and disrespect, 78; experience, 49; care, 32; wisdom, 23; fragility, 19. For old age: disease, 51; retirement, 27; experience, 27; wisdom, 19; wrinkles, 17. The social representations of adolescents are strongly marked by physical, psychological and social aspects, with positive and negative aspects about old age. CONCLUSION: Participatory health education activities are needed to make adolescents critically reflect on and the condition of elderly people in contemporary society.
Particle breakage in gap-graded soil
Authors: Zhang X. , Baudet B. A.
Published: July 2013

One-dimensional compression tests to high stresses were performed on gap-graded soil specimens in order to investigate their breakage behaviour. Gap-graded specimens were produced by combining small and large soil particles with ratios of large to small grain diameters varying between 5 and 15, and with varying proportions of small grains. Breakage was observed as the particle size distribution evolved with stress level. It was found that, unlike most soils and in contrast to what is usually assumed, the gap-graded specimens did not tend towards a fractal grading curve. Instead, the particular shape of their initial grading curve constrained the organisation of the breakage. The ratio between large and small grain diameters does not seem to affect the amount of small grains created or the relative breakage. A fractal dimension could still be computed from the number of particles, and it was found to increase slightly with small grains content. Finally, it was observed that the shape of particles does not change upon breakage.
Micromechanisms of inelastic deformation in sandstones: an insight using x-ray micro-tomography
Authors: Fonseca J. , Bésuelle P. , Viggiani G.
Published: July 2013

This study investigates the grain-scale mechanisms that lead to failure by strain localisation in specimens of Fontainebleau sandstone with different degrees of cementation. While the effects of inter-particle bonding on the mechanical behaviour of granular geomaterials, including soft rocks, have been largely studied, the physical micro-scale mechanisms governing the material deformation are still poorly understood. In this study, laboratory techniques have been developed to allow a non-invasive investigation of the internal deformation of sandstones during triaxial compression to failure. The material investigated was Fontainebleau sandstone, a quartzite formation from the Paris basin (France), which can be found as very hard, tightly cemented sandstone or more porous and less cemented material. Specimens with porosities of 6 and 21% were investigated. Triaxial compression tests at confining pressures of 2 and 7 MPa were conducted on dry cylindrical specimens of 11 mm diameter and 22 mm height. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the full specimens were obtained by carrying out x-ray micro-tomography scans at key points throughout the test. The high-resolution 3D tomographic images have a voxel size of 8·5 μm (0·033d50), allowing clear identification of the grains. This analysis suggests that dilatancy of the material, which depends on the degree of bonding between grains, plays a fundamental role in the failure mode of granular media. Insights into bonding rupture mechanisms and grain damage by inter- and intra-granular cracking are presented.
The chronographical approach for construction project modelling
Authors: Francis Adel
Published: July 2013

Graphical modelling is considered a suitable approach for displaying project data because of its ability effectively to communicate information. The current scheduling methods seem to be unable, individually, to meet all of the planner’s needs, to be understood visually and to be efficient in terms of displaying as much information as possible. The main purpose of this paper is to present the chronographical approach for planning and monitoring construction projects. The chronographical approach is a more complete communication method, having the ability to alternate from one visual approach to another by manipulation of graphics by way of a set of defined graphical parameters. Each individual approach can help to schedule a certain project type or speciality, show valuable information in a clear and comprehensible manner and facilitate the management of construction site problems visually. Visual communication can also be improved through layering, sheeting, juxtaposition, alterations and permutations, allowing for groupings, hierarchies and classification of project information. In this way, graphical representation becomes a living, transformable image, thus assisting planners in solving problems of a variable nature, and simplifying site management while simultaneously using the visual space as efficiently as possible.
The gutter oil issue in China
Authors: Lu Mingming , Tu Qingshi , Jin Yiying
Published: July 2013

In China, the term gutter oil collectively refers to the oils recovered from various types of food waste, used cooking oil and food processing waste. People are deeply concerned about gutter oil returning to the dining table disguised as cooking oil. Driven by profit, some illegal companies and individuals have formed a illegal supply chain to refine the waste oils from various food sources and sell it as cooking oil, and the operation usually spans several provinces. As a result, many Chinese biodiesel manufacturers cannot compete with these illegal processing facilities for feedstock and are facing survival challenges. However, research on the gutter oil issue has been lacking. This review paper integrates information from various reports on gutter oil and summarises the existing gutter oil inventory, the illegal supply chain from gutter oil to dining table and the management practices in China and the USA, to gain a better understanding of the gutter oil issue, the challenges and possible solutions.
A Swan Song for the Swan-Song Phenomenon: Multi-Level Evidence against Robust End-of-Life Effects for Classical Composers
Authors: Meredith Daniel , Kozbelt Aaron
Published: July 2013

Simonton (1989) examined late-life creativity, analyzing 1,919 works by 172 classical composers, and found that their late compositions were less melodically original (and sometimes shorter in duration) but more critically acclaimed. He suggested that composers approaching death may show a last burst of creativity—a “swan-song” effect. Here we refined that analysis, examining 2,270 works by 57 composers, employing variables isomorphic to those of Simonton but re-analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Five characteristics of each work (both with and without overall age controls) were used to predict linear or exponential time until death. Results showed few reliable effects, sometimes in the opposite direction than found earlier. Isomorphic regression analyses were also performed on each composer individually; not one case of the swan-song effect as described by Simonton was found. These results suggest that the swan-song phenomenon—at least as presently characterized—is not reliable.
Teaching and Learning in a Virtual World
Authors: Guzzetti Barbara J. , Stokrocki Mary
Published: July 2013

Although virtual worlds offer teachers the potential to enhance the K-12 curriculum in novel ways, there have been few systematic attempts to instruct teachers about virtual worlds, research their reactions, or track their explorations of these three-dimensional environments. Therefore, this study was designed to respond to the call to help teachers to master digital skills, increase their self-confidence with digital media, and promote educators' use of new technologies in their personal and professional lives. To accomplish this, the first author offered a course based in the virtual world of Second Life (SL) in which the second author participated as a student and a co-researcher. The purpose of this study was to describe teachers' responses to a virtual world for teaching and learning. This study was conducted on the basis of the methodology of teacher research using methods of virtual ethnography. Participants demonstrated high degrees of ability with the digital skills of SL, articulated educational uses for virtual worlds, and identified obstacles to implementation and ways to address those obstacles. This study offers support and a model for others in constructing similar courses for teacher education.
A Digital Identity: Creating Uniqueness in a New Contextual Domain
Authors: Vella Anthony Joseph
Published: July 2013

Individuals have often used various methods to express who they are and what they represent. Throughout time techniques may have changed but the essential ideas and goals remain the same: how am I able to show the world who I am and what I believe? This study placed that question in the context of the digital world and culture which has been created by all those who choose to partake within it. Centrally, an exploration has been undertaken into how individuals are able to build and engage with a personal identity which is created in a digital context. The study was conducted with recently graduated secondary school students in Australia who use technology for study as well as enjoyment. While a digital representation has both positive and negative consequences for a real-life setting, the techniques and features of what has become a digital literacy have allowed individuals to better define the world they live in, as well as how they want to be represented in that world. As a result of this investigation, participants were able to effectively reflect upon their experiences online and had begun to see the differences between the social and academic context in a real-life setting and a digital one. Further inquiry into this area may allow fellow researchers to better understand what makes the digital world an interesting and vital part of the modern context for the youth generation.
Effect of Client Reputation on Audit Fees at the Office Level: An Examination of S&P 500 Index Membership
Authors: Asthana Sharad C. , Kalelkar Rachana
Published: July 2013

Prior studies have examined the effect of a decline in the auditor's or client's reputation on auditor switching, market shares, and stock prices. We extend these studies by examining the effect of an unexpected increase in a client's reputation on audit fees at the office level. We argue that association with a reputed client will enhance the auditor's reputation and establish a brand name, thus enabling the auditor to charge higher fees from other clients. Using a client's inclusion into the prestigious S&P 500 index as a proxy for the client's change in reputation, we find that the audit fees are discounted for this S&P client when it enters the index. The audit fee for this client increases following its exit from the index. We posit that changes in the audit fees for the S&P 500 clients are attributable to the changes in the reporting quality of these firms following their entry to and exit from the index. We also find increases in the audit fees of non-S&P clients of the audit office around such events. We argue that the presence of S&P clients helps auditors differentiate themselves from other auditors and allows them to extract rents from non-S&P clients. Last, we find no evidence of improvement in the reporting quality of other non-S&P clients, supporting our rent-extraction story.
VEGF Secreted by Hypoxic Müller Cells Induces MMP-2 Expression and Activity in Endothelial Cells to Promote Retinal Neovascularization in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Rodrigues Murilo , Xin Xiaoban , Jee Kathleen , Babapoor-Farrokhran Savalan , Kashiwabuchi Fabiana , Ma Tao , Bhutto Imran , Hassan Syed Junaid , Daoud Yassine , Baranano David , Solomon Sharon , Lutty Gerard , Semenza Gregg L. , Montaner Silvia , Sodhi Akrit
Published: July 2013

In proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), retinal ischemia promotes neovascularization (NV), which can lead to profound vision loss in diabetic patients. Treatment for PDR, panretinal photocoagulation, is inherently destructive and has significant visual consequences. Therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have transformed the treatment of diabetic eye disease but have proven inadequate for treating NV, prompting exploration for additional therapeutic options for PDR patients. In this regard, extracellular proteolysis is an early and sustained activity strictly required for NV. Extracellular proteolysis in NV is facilitated by the dysregulated activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here, we set out to better understand the regulation of MMPs by ischemia in PDR. We demonstrate that accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in Müller cells induces the expression of VEGF, which, in turn, promotes increased MMP-2 expression and activity in neighboring endothelial cells (ECs). MMP-2 expression was detected in ECs in retinal NV tissue from PDR patients, whereas MMP-2 protein levels were elevated in the aqueous of PDR patients compared with controls. Our findings demonstrate a complex interplay among hypoxic Müller cells, secreted angiogenic factors, and neighboring ECs in the regulation of MMP-2 in retinal NV and identify MMP-2 as a target for the treatment of PDR.
C-Peptide Activates AMPKα and Prevents ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Fission and Endothelial Apoptosis in Diabetes
Authors: Bhatt Mahendra Prasad , Lim Young-Cheol , Kim Young-Myeong , Ha Kwon-Soo
Published: July 2013

Vasculopathy is a major complication of diabetes; however, molecular mechanisms mediating the development of vasculopathy and potential strategies for prevention have not been identified. We have previously reported that C-peptide prevents diabetic vasculopathy by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated endothelial apoptosis. To gain further insight into ROS-dependent mechanism of diabetic vasculopathy and its prevention, we studied high glucose–induced cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS production and its effect on altered mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis. For the therapeutic strategy, we investigated the vasoprotective mechanism of C-peptide against hyperglycemia-induced endothelial damage through the AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) pathway using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and aorta of diabetic mice. High glucose (33 mmol/L) increased intracellular ROS through a mechanism involving interregulation between cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS generation. C-peptide (1 nmol/L) activation of AMPKα inhibited high glucose–induced ROS generation, mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and endothelial cell apoptosis. Additionally, the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribofuranoside and the antihyperglycemic drug metformin mimicked protective effects of C-peptide. C-peptide replacement therapy normalized hyperglycemia-induced AMPKα dephosphorylation, ROS generation, and mitochondrial disorganization in aorta of diabetic mice. These findings highlight a novel mechanism by which C-peptide activates AMPKα and protects against hyperglycemia-induced vasculopathy.
Maternal Obesity Induces Epigenetic Modifications to Facilitate Zfp423 Expression and Enhance Adipogenic Differentiation in Fetal Mice
Authors: Yang Qi-Yuan , Liang Jun-Fang , Rogers Carl J. , Zhao Jun-Xing , Zhu Mei-Jun , Du Min
Published: July 2013

Maternal obesity (MO) predisposes offspring to obesity and type 2 diabetes despite poorly defined mechanisms. Zfp423 is the key transcription factor committing cells to the adipogenic lineage, with exceptionally dense CpG sites in its promoter. We hypothesized that MO enhances adipogenic differentiation during fetal development through inducing epigenetic changes in the Zfp423 promoter and elevating its expression. Female mice were subjected to a control (Con) or obesogenic (OB) diet for 2 months, mated, and maintained on their diets during pregnancy. Fetal tissue was harvested at embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5), when the early adipogenic commitment is initiated. The Zfp423 expression was 3.6-fold higher and DNA methylation in the Zfp423 promoter was lower in OB compared with Con. Correspondingly, repressive histone methylation (H3K27me3) was lower in the Zfp423 promoter of OB fetal tissue, accompanied by reduced binding of enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2). Gain- and loss-of-function analysis showed that Zfp423 regulates early adipogenic differentiation in fetal progenitor cells. In summary, MO enhanced Zfp423 expression and adipogenic differentiation during fetal development, at least partially through reducing DNA methylation in the Zfp423 promoter, which is expected to durably elevate adipogenic differentiation of progenitor cells in adult tissue, programming adiposity and metabolic dysfunction later in life.