bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The museum’s lexis: Driving objects into ideas
Authors: Nicolescu Gabriela
Published: November 2016

This article discusses how exhibition making can be seen as a creative method for building anthropological knowledge. Situations of conflict between social classes, curatorial practices and disciplines remind us of the existence of a very subtle and enduring museum lexis which governs how political ideas are put on display. Research was conducted in tandem with an exhibition the author curated in the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant 21 years after the collapse of the communist regime in South-Eastern Europe. Reflecting upon this process, the author shows how museums use a specific lexis that is based not only on existing practices but also on contingency. These facets each engage two different notions of temporality: while practice involves repetitiveness, predictability and continuity over different historical periods, contingency creates unexpected groupings of things, settings and meanings. It is the balance of the interplay between practice and contingency that dictates how the audience engages with museum discourse.
A stone that feels right in the hand: Tactile memory, the abduction of agency and presence of the past
Authors: Harries John
Published: November 2016

This article is a theoretical and ethnographic exploration of the possibility of ‘touching the past’. Drawing on fieldwork from Newfoundland, Canada, and in conversation with Gell’s Art and Agency (1998), it focuses on the process of abduction whereby, in their discovery and handling, pieces of stone become artefacts that index the presence of an absent other. It is argued that through this tactile process of becoming an artefactual index, the distinction between past and present is momentarily dissolved, enfolded into the fit between stone and hand, giving rise to the possibility of historical sensation and the feeling of pastness.
“Home and beautiful things”: Aspirational politics in dance bars in India
Authors: Lakkimsetti Chaitanya
Published: November 2016

This article examines the controversy surrounding women’s sexual labor of dancing in the city of Mumbai in the western state of Maharashtra, India. Whereas much of the debate around the dance bars focuses on bar dancers’ livelihood and right to work, I turn the discussion to the realm of desire and consumption to show how intimate labor is connected to class aspirations. Using legal, media and cultural sources, I suggest that the intimate labor in dance bars produces new aspirations for bar dancers. These aspirations are made possible by the specific labor and exchange conditions and relational possibilities that are specific to the bars, illustrating what I call the aspirational politics of sex, where sexual labor acts as a site for individual existential pursuits such as social mobility and a sense of well-being. Dance bars offer young women from marginalized communities the opportunity for livelihood and social mobility as well as access to middle-class lifestyles through involvement in new consumer cultures but without the corresponding status or protection of being middle class. Additionally, by analyzing the politics around the ban on dancing in Mumbai, the article reveals the cultural conflicts inherent in sexual labor and illuminates an important arena where women can mobilize hegemonic discourses to serve their own interests and stretch the limits of their subordination.
Flexural behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced polymer and ultra-high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete composite beams subjected to elevated temperature
Authors: Wijayawardane Isuru Sanjaya Kumara , Mutsuyoshi Hiroshi , Nguyen Hai , Manalo Allan
Published: November 2016

Composite beams consisting of pultruded glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) I-beams and ultra-high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete (UFC) slabs have been developed for use in short-span bridges. Fibre-reinforced polymer bolts (fibre-reinforced polymer threaded rods) and epoxy adhesive were used to connect the UFC slab to the GFRP I-beam. The authors conducted material tests and large-scale static bending tests at room and elevated temperatures (less than 90°C) to investigate the flexural behaviour of GFRP-UFC composite beams subjected to elevated temperature. The test results demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the GFRP I-beams, fibre-reinforced polymer bolts and epoxy adhesive were significantly deteriorated at elevated temperatures due to the glass transition of their polymer resin matrices. As a result, the stiffness and ultimate flexural capacity of the GFRP-UFC composite beams under elevated temperatures were significantly reduced. More than 85% of the flexural capacity of the GFRP-UFC composite beams was retained up to 60°C but that was decreased to 50% at 90°C. Fibre model analysis results confirmed that the stiffness of the GFRP-UFC composite beams is not significantly affected by actual hot environments, where there is a moderate temperature gradient across the beam cross-section.
Relationships between children’s behaviour and parents’ work within families of mining and energy workers
Authors: Robinson Keith , Peetz David , Murray Georgina , Griffin Sonya , Muurlink Olav
Published: November 2016

We examine the relationships between the working arrangements of mineworkers and behavioural issues in their children, using a large Australian matched-pair dataset of workers and their partners. The findings suggest both that workers’ work conditions, and aspects of safety and security influence aspects of child behaviour, reflecting not least the results of tiredness, emotional exhaustion and sleep interruption. In addition, it appears that child behaviour probably influences the pressure experienced by their parents and hence their attitudes towards aspects of work.
Non-linear vibration analysis of a 2-DOF railway vehicle model under random rail excitation
Authors: Masoomi Mohsen , Jalili Mohammad Mahdi
Published: November 2016

With increase in the axle load and wagon speed, the cost of damage to rail track and wagon components increases significantly. This leads to widespread interests in the investigation of the dynamic interactions of the rail track and the wagon. Rail irregularities are one of the important vibration sources of the rail track structure and train. These irregularities have generally random distribution that are assumed to be stationary random and ergodic processes in space, with Gaussian amplitude probability densities and zero mean values. In this paper, the dynamic response of the railway vehicle due to random irregularity of rail track is analysed. The wagon is modelled as a two degrees-of-freedom non-linear model where includes non-linear spring and linear damper of primary suspension system. The Hertzian contact theory is used to obtain the relationship between normal contact force and the displacement of the mass centre of the wheel. Using the method of multiple scales the analytical approximate response of the railway vehicle due to track irregularities is obtained. The amplitudes of vibrations of the vehicle and the interaction forces between the vehicle and the rail for different line grades and train speeds have been analysed analytically by this model. According to the results, rail irregularities have more effect on the vertical acceleration of the vehicle than the train speed.
Real time soot models for production CI engines based on pressure trace information
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Waschl Harald , Fuerhapter Richard , del Re Luigi
Published: November 2016

Better knowledge of the instantaneous soot and nitrogen oxides (NO x) emissions in Diesel engines would allow better choices of injection parameters and thus lead to better raw emissions than, for instance, with classical averaged measures, like smoke maps. Unfortunately, while for most regulated emissions fast measurements are possible and reasonably fast sensors are available, the same is not true for soot. Against this background, this paper proposes a real time, delay-free soot model based on the pressure trace information. The model essentially maps changes of the pressure trace into changes of the raw soot emissions. The key elements of the approach are the design of experiments, segmentation of the pressure trace and the use of the principal component analysis technique to extract the essential information. The model is based only on data; that is, it needs an initial calibration with working points measured with a standard device, such as an AVL Microsoot or Opacimeter. This paper describes the method and then shows validation results with an additional amount of pilot injection in one cylinder which confirms the delay-free soot estimation.
Big graph visual analytics
Authors: Haglin David , Trimm David , Wong Pak Chung
Published: November 2016

This special issue of Information Visualization explores the technical challenges and technology development opportunities of graph visual analytics arising from the trend of big data. Big graph visual analytics is about applying visualization and analytics techniques to gather, analyze, and understand big graphs and the knowledge behind them.
Hobbes and political realism
Authors: Douglass Robin
Published: November 2016

Thomas Hobbes has recently been cast as one of the forefathers of political realism. This article evaluates his place in the realist tradition by focusing on three key themes: the priority of legitimacy over justice, the relation between ethics and politics, and the place of imagination in politics. The thread uniting these themes is the importance Hobbes placed on achieving a moral consensus around peaceful coexistence, a point which distances him from realists who view the two as competing goals of politics. The article maintains that only a qualified version of the autonomy of the political position can be attributed to Hobbes, while arguing more generally that attending to the relation between ethics and politics is central to assessing his liberal credentials from a realist perspective. Against the prevalent reading of Hobbes as a hypothetical contract theorist, the article proceeds to show that the place of consent in his theory is better understood as part of his wider goal of transforming the imagination of his audience: a goal which is animated by concerns that realists share.
Populism, liberal democracy and the ethics of peoplehood
Authors: Wolkenstein Fabio
Published: November 2016

Populism is widely thought to be in tension with liberal democracy. This article clarifies what exactly is problematic about populism from a liberal–democratic point of view and goes on to develop normative standards that allow us to distinguish between more and less legitimate forms of populism. The point of this exercise is not to dismiss populism in toto; the article strives for a more subtle result, namely, to show that liberal democracy can accommodate populism provided that the latter conforms to particular discursive norms. What the article calls a ‘liberal ethics of populism’ turns out to be closely bound up with a broader ethics of peoplehood, understood as a way of articulating who ‘the people’ are in a way that is compatible with liberal–democratic principles of political justification. Such an ethics, concludes the article, inevitably has a much wider audience than populist political actors: its addressees are all those who seek legitimately to exercise power in the name of the people.
Images and identity: Children constructing a sense of belonging to Europe
Authors: Healy Mary , Richardson Mary
Published: November 2016

The European Framework for Key Competences (2006) promotes a shared European identity as a priority for assuring a cohesive future for the European Union (EU), yet the development of a discrete European identity remains acutely contentious, with critics claiming it is too shallow to support the bonds of solidarity needed to engender and support a shared ‘future together’. Most EU member states now have some sort of citizenship curriculum within their state education systems and most are aware that such programmes are difficult to introduce, to teach and to assess within conventional school curricula. However, much of the citizenship education literature tells us that educators are conscious of the problematic nature of exploring citizenship identities. Drawing on both philosophical perspectives and an empirical investigation undertaken by one of the authors, this paper argues that issues of belonging may prove a useful way to explore wider conceptions of citizenship. The research was designed to examine how visual art and citizenship education could be combined to explore and extend children’s notions of European identity, using data from Images & Identity, an EU-funded 2-year curriculum development project on citizenship and art education in the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Germany, Malta and Portugal.
The Principal–Agent Framework and Independent Regulatory Agencies
Authors: Maggetti Martino , Papadopoulos Yannis
Published: November 2016

The goal of this contribution is to discuss the application of the principal–agent framework to the study of interactions between elected politicians – the principal – and independent regulatory agencies – the agent. Through a review of recent research we suggest that the principal–agent framework, despite its parsimony and analytical leverage, requires considerable refinement to make sense of these relations. Indeed, evidence on the functioning of independent regulatory agencies shows that some of their key practices tend to deviate from expectations based on the principal–agent framework. First, principals do not necessarily seek to exert control over agencies. Second, relations which structure the principal–agent mechanics other than those with elected principals are decisive in shaping the behaviour of regulators. Third, agencies can acquire political power over time and eventually subvert the logic of delegation. It is time to recognise that these deviations should not be conceived as anomalies but rather as systemic features that characterise post-delegation relations between elected politicians and independent regulators.
The Influence of Residential Status on the Adjustment to College at Four Urban Universities
Authors: Melendez Mickey C.
Published: November 2016

College student adjustment, success, and retention have been a focus of college administrators and student development professionals for decades. However, national college retention and graduation statistics are typically focused on full-time residential college populations. The purpose of the current study was to examine more closely the influence of commuting on the adjustment to college. Residential status, race or ethnicity, and gender were utilized as predictors of college adjustment for 359 college freshmen attending four diverse urban universities. The four subscales of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire were employed as outcome variables. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the model of residential status, gender, and race or ethnicity proved to be the best model and a significant predictor of the social adjustment and institutional attachment subscales of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire for the current population. Implications for future research and commuter student support programming are discussed.
Rethinking Academic Support
Authors: Rennar-Potacco Donna , Orellana Anymir , Chen Peter , Salazar Andres
Published: November 2016

This article presents findings of a study conducted to determine the impact of academic support provided through videoconferencing on the academic outcomes of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics students enrolled in high-risk science courses in higher education. A quasi-experimental nonequivalent posttest only design was employed to determine if grade and retention outcomes of students receiving online academic support through videoconferencing were equivalent to outcomes received by students receiving face-to-face academic support and students not receiving academic support. Data from 1,276 students were analyzed and significant differences were found in rate of retention and final grades of “Cs or above” among the three groups. The untutored group had the lowest rate. There was no significant difference in retention or final grade proportions for online and face-to-face groups, providing evidence that synchronous academic support through videoconferencing is as effective as face-to-face academic support.
Voices Through Cameras
Authors: Leung May May , Agaronov Alen , Entwistle Tara , Harry Lorene , Sharkey-Buckley Julie , Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: November 2016

Engaging and empowering youth to promote health could be important in promoting sustainable positive behaviors. Photovoice is a community-based participatory research tool giving priority populations opportunities for active community engagement and advocacy through photography. Our project objective was to better understand youth perceptions related to food justice within their own community and identify solutions to promote positive change, using photovoice. Twelve minority youth from a low-income New York City neighborhood participated. Six photovoice sessions were conducted within a 24-week after-school food justice program, which included three photo assignments aimed at answering, “What influences me to eat healthy and unhealthy in my community and home environment?” Photos guided interviews and discussions. Inductive and deductive processes were used to identify codes; similar codes were grouped into themes. Five major themes emerged from the data: (1) attitudes toward food industry and food safety, (2) environmental influences of food choices, (3) social influences of food choices, (4) diet impact on health and well-being, and (5) solutions to improve the food environment. Participants shared their photos with community members at a celebration/photo exhibit. Photovoice could be a useful tool for youth to reflect on their food environment and engage in promoting positive change within their community.
Serving Those That Serve
Authors: Torrens Armstrong Anna
Published: November 2016

Since 1986, health promotion has had a place within the U.S. Department of Defense. Emphasizing the leading health indicators of Healthy People, the role of health promotion has continued to support the U.S. Armed Forces in perhaps one of the most challenging decades of wartime operations. Serving a sizable population with both typical and mission-related health issues, health promotion plays a critical role in maintaining and improving health. The purpose of this article is to highlight military health promotion by offering insight into the day-to-day life of a “boots on the ground” military health educator, reviewing the challenges and opportunities of working with a unique population. A summary of a variety of military specific initiatives is provided. Additionally, the article highlights the barriers and benefits to military health promotion. Last, the article concludes with a call to action to consider the role of all health educators in serving those that serve.
First-in-Human Experience With the Gore Balloon-Expandable Covered Endoprosthesis in Iliac Artery Occlusive Disease
Authors: Holden Andrew , Merrilees Stephen , Buckley Brendan , Connor Brigid , Colgan Frances , Hill Andrew
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To report the first-in-human iliac artery experience of a new balloon-expandable covered endoprosthesis. Methods: A prospective, single-center pilot study recruited 30 symptomatic patients (mean age 64 years; 18 men) to evaluate the safety and early efficacy of the new Gore balloon-expandable covered endoprosthesis for the treatment of de novo or restenotic common and/or external iliac artery lesions. According to protocol, up to 2 discrete lesions could be treated with a maximum total treated length ≤110 mm. Follow-up included clinical evaluation with duplex ultrasound at 1, 6, and 12 months. Data are presented through 12-month follow-up. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of device- or procedure-related death, myocardial infarction, or amputation in the treated leg within 30 days of the index procedure. Multiple performance outcomes were also evaluated. Results: The primary 30-day safety endpoint was 0%. Per-subject estimates of primary patency, freedom from target lesion revascularization, and freedom from target vessel revascularization were 100% at 1 and 6 months and 96.6% at 12 months. Estimates of assisted primary and secondary patency were both 100% at 12 months. Freedom from major adverse events at 12 months was 100%. Most patients experienced improvements in Rutherford category, ankle-brachial index, and functional status that were sustained to 12 months. Conclusion: This positive first-in-human experience with the Gore balloon-expandable covered endoprosthesis suggests this device will have an important role in the management of aortoiliac occlusive disease.
Leveraging Spousal Support to Improve Health Promotion in Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Renn Brenna N. , Thakur Aishwarya , Trahan Lisa H. , Stanley Melinda A. , Dubbert Patricia , Evans-Hudnall Gina
Published: November 2016

Although the majority of Veterans are overweight or obese, and many have comorbid mental health disorders, little is known about the most effective way to intervene in this complex population. This case describes a telephone-based cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression and weight management with an obese Veteran with bipolar disorder. His wife joined sessions to leverage spousal support. The Veteran evidenced variable levels of physical activity and mood fluctuations during treatment; although he reported some degree of positive behavior change and improved social support, he did not lose weight. He continued to endorse moderate levels of depressive symptomatology at the end of the nine-session intervention. This case illustrates the complexity of treating those with chronic serious mental illness and multimorbidities. Further research is needed to inform interventions that concurrently improve mental health symptomatology and weight-related outcomes in chronic, complex cases.
Sex Before the Law: Transgender Arguments under Title VII and Shifting Stases of Sex
Authors: Collins Laura J.
Published: November 2016

Until recently, transgender plaintiffs claiming sex discrimination were successful only when the discrimination was argued to be based on the plaintiff’s birth sex. Schroer v. Billington is often mistakenly understood to have been decided based on a more expansive understanding of sexed identity. Here, I call upon stasis theory to highlight how Schroer shifts the focus on sex away from sexed identities to structure, calling attention to how sex as system gives rise to discrimination. In so doing, Schroer ultimately refuses law’s responsibility for the maintenance of sex as system and locates the problem of sex with society.
Do routine activities help predict young adults’ online harassment: A multi-nation study
Authors: Näsi Matti , Räsänen Pekka , Kaakinen Markus , Keipi Teo , Oksanen Atte
Published: November 2016

This study examined the feasibility of routine activity theory in predicting online harassment victimization of people aged 15 to 30 years in the USA, Finland, Germany, and the UK. Logistic regression models controlled for socio-demographic factors, exposure to offender, target suitability, and absence of guardianship. According to the results, between 15 percent and 20 percent of respondents reported having been victims of online harassment. Of routine activity theory variables tested, only exposure to offenders was statistically significant in each of the four countries. Females were more likely to be victims than males in Finland, but not in other countries. Those with an immigrant background had a higher likelihood of being victims in Germany, but not in the other countries, whereas the protective role of guardianship was supported in the USA and Germany. Our findings indicate that while routine activity theory is a useful tool for predicting online victimization, its feasibility varied across countries.
Recovery, responsiveness and interpretability of patient-reported outcome measures after surgery for Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: Rodrigues J. N. , Zhang W. , Scammell B. E. , Davidson D. , Fullilove S. , Chakrabarti I. , Russell P. G. , Davis T. R. C.
Published: November 2016

This prospective cohort study investigated the responsiveness and interpretability of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) outcome measures for assessing recovery after fasciectomy and dermofasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease. DASH outcome scores at 1 year were significantly better than at 6 weeks, suggesting that recovery is not complete by 6 weeks. Of the 101 patients recruited to the DASH cohort, 71 completed preoperative, 6 week and 1 year postoperative DASH scores; 68 of them completed preoperative and 1 year postoperative DASH scores and an external anchor question. In the URAM cohort, 30/44 completed the preoperative and the 1 year postoperative URAM scores and the anchor question. The DASH score exhibited moderate responsiveness but poor interpretability on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, such that a minimal important change could not be estimated. The URAM score showed acceptable responsiveness, and an MIC of 10.5 on receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Level of evidence: II
The evolving landscape of combination therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Griffin Matthew , Trow Terence K.
Published: November 2016

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressively fatal disease, and the goal in treatment is to prevent disease progression. The standard of care often involves medications from multiple therapeutic classes, and there has been significant interest both in the choice of agent as well as the timing of initiation. There is a growing body of support for starting multiple medications at the time of diagnosis, or ‘upfront ’, rather than using sequential addition to prevent clinical deterioration.
A case of successfully managed pregnancy in a patient with complex cyanotic congenital heart disease
Authors: Liu JY , Tan WK , Tan EL , Tan JL , Tan LK
Published: November 2016

Medical advances have increased survival of patients with congenital heart disease. However, cardiac disease in pregnancy carries significant maternal and fetal risks, posing enormous challenges to obstetricians. Cyanotic congenital heart disease is associated with maternal complications such as arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and death. Fetal complications include small for gestational age, miscarriage and prematurity. Cyanotic congenital heart disease patients who continue their pregnancies require holistic multidisciplinary team care with early and coordinated planning for delivery. Management of such patients include early counseling regarding pregnancy-associated risks, close monitoring of their cardiac function and regular scanning for fetal assessment. Choice of anesthesia for these patients requires meticulous planning to achieve a favorable balance between systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, ensuring minimal change in right-to-left shunting. We report a case of a successfully managed pregnancy in a patient with complex congenital heart disease and a single ventricle of left ventricle morphology.
Healthcare professionals’ hand hygiene knowledge and beliefs in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ng Wai Khuan , Shaban Ramon Z. , van de Mortel Thea
Published: November 2016

Background:

Hand hygiene at key moments during patient care is considered an important infection prevention and control measure to reduce healthcare-associated infections. While there is extensive research in Western settings, there is little in the United Arab Emirates where particular cultural and religious customs are thought to influence hand hygiene behaviour.

Aim:

To examine the hand hygiene knowledge and beliefs of health professionals at a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods:

A mixed methods design employed a survey followed by focus groups with nurses and doctors.

Findings:

A total of 109 participants (13.6%) completed the survey: 96 nurses (88%) and 13 doctors (12%). Doctors’ hand hygiene knowledge was slightly higher than that of nurses (78.5% versus 73.5%). There was no significant difference in scores on the hand hygiene beliefs scale between nurses (M = 103.06; SD = 8.0) and doctors (M = 99.00; SD = 10.53; t (80) = 1.55; p = 0.13, two-tailed). Seven categories emerged following transcript analysis.

Discussion:

Hand hygiene knowledge scores suggest further hand hygiene education is required, especially on alcohol-based hand rub use. Addressing doctors’ beliefs is particularly important given the leadership roles that doctors play in healthcare settings.
Muscle spasms: an unexpected adverse drug reaction of pemetrexed?
Authors: de Rouw Hendrika J. A. , Jessurun Naomi T. , Masen-Poos Lucie J. P. , Derijks Hieronymus J.
Published: November 2016

In this report we describe a 53-year-old woman with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, treated with pemetrexed and cisplatin combination therapy, followed by pemetrexed monotherapy. The patient developed severe muscle spasms at least twice, shortly after administration of pemetrexed monotherapy. A possible explanation for this observation is that in combination with cisplatin therapy, the patient was hyperhydrated before administration to promote renal excretion and reduce toxicity. Pemetrexed is also renally excreted, which supports the finding that toxicity did not occur when the patient was hyperhydrated. After discontinuation of pemetrexed the symptoms did not reoccur. All aspects of this case point to a possible relationship between pemetrexed and an adverse drug reaction (ADR). We conclude that muscle spasms are a rare, but possibly dose-related ADR of pemetrexed-based therapy.
Results of the Gravity Stress Examination in the Normal Patient Population
Authors: Jastifer James R. , Jaykel Matthew
Published: November 2016

In ankle fractures, the result of a gravity stress radiographic examination is clinically used to determine if a patient may need surgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to report the results of a gravity stress examination in the normal patient population. Fifty study participants were prospectively enrolled and complete ankle radiographs were obtained, including a nonweightbearing gravity stress examination. The mean medial clear space in the gravity stress view was 3.6 mm. This compared to a mean medial clear space of 3.3 mm, and 3.1 mm in the anteroposterior and mortise views. These values were statistically significantly different from the gravity stress view (  P = .006 and P < .001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the talar tilt as measured on the anteroposterior and gravity stress radiographs (  P = .22). No participant had medial clear space widening with gravity stress to more than 5.2 mm or an increase in their widening by more than 0.2 mm. In conclusion, this study helps guide surgeons by providing normative radiographic data for a gravity stress examination and supports the notion that measureable medial clear space widening or talar tilt on gravity stress examination represents an unstable injury.

Levels of Evidence: Level II: Prospective
Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Hyperthermia for Treating Cartilage in Guinea Pigs with Primary Osteoarthritis
Authors: Takahashi Kenji , Nakamura Hiroshi , Ozawa Hitoshi , Hashimoto Sanshiro , Iijima Norio , Higo Shimpei , Watanabe Hiroshi , Mochizuki Yusuke , Takai Shinro
Published: November 2016

Objective

Autophagy was reported to be essential for maintaining chondrocyte function, and reduced autophagy leads to osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies showed involvement of heat shock stress in the control of autophagy in cells. This study sought to investigate the effect of hyperthermia on the expression of autophagy-related proteins in articular cartilage and the progression of naturally occurring OA in Hartley guinea pigs.

Design

Radiofrequency pulses of 13.56 MHz were applied to the animals’ knees for 20 minutes to induce hyperthermia. The knee joints were resected at 8 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and 6 months after hyperthermia. Serial sections of knees were examined for histopathological changes. The expression levels of Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) and Beclin1 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Analysis of the distribution of positive cells showed that, in cases of moderate OA, ULK1 and Beclin1 expression levels were significantly decreased in the superficial zone (SZ) and middle zone (MZ) ( P < 0.01) compared with normal cartilage. Seven days after exposure to radiofrequency waves, expression levels of ULK1 and Beclin1 were augmented in the SZ in animals with mild OA. The severity of cartilage degradation was significantly reduced ( P < 0.01) in the radiofrequency-treated knees versus the untreated knees.

Conclusions

This study showed that heat stimulation enhanced autophagy in healthy knee chondrocytes and chondrocytes in knees with mild OA. The study also showed that long-term periodic application of hyperthermia suppresses aging-related progression of OA. The activation of autophagy by radiofrequency hyperthermia may be an effective therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis.
Long-term iron polymaltose infusions associated with hypophosphataemic osteomalacia: a report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Bishay Ramy H. , Ganda Kirtan , Seibel Markus J.
Published: November 2016

Iron-induced hypophosphataemic osteomalacia remains under-recognized as a potential complication of parenteral iron therapy. We here report two cases of symptomatic hypophosphataemic osteomalacia with multiple insufficiency fractures in the context of chronic gastrointestinal blood loss, necessitating monthly iron polymaltose infusions over prolonged periods of time. Respective blood tests revealed severe hypophosphataemia [0.29 and 0.43; normal range (NR) 0.8–1.5 mmol/l] in the presence of normal serum calcium and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. Urinary fractional phosphate excretion was elevated (16% and 24%; NR < 5%) and the tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption was reduced, consistent with renal phosphate wasting. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) obtained in one patient was significantly elevated at 285 pg/ml (NR < 54 pg/ml). Bone mineral density was significantly reduced and whole-body bone scans revealed metabolic bone disease and multiple insufficiency fractures consistent with osteomalacia. Cessation of iron infusions resulted in clinical and biochemical improvement within 2 months in one patient whereas the second patient required phosphate and calcitriol supplementation to improve symptomatically. Iron-induced hypophosphataemic osteomalacia is thought to be due to reduced degradation of FGF23, resulting in phosphaturia and reduced synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Monitoring of patients on long-term parenteral iron is recommended to avoid clinically serious adverse effects.
Yield of prolonged wireless pH monitoring in achalasia patients successfully treated with pneumatic dilation
Authors: Mauro Aurelio , Franchina Marianna , Elvevi Alessandra , Pugliese Delia , Tenca Andrea , Conte Dario , Penagini Roberto
Published: November 2016

Background

Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a long‐term complication of achalasia treatments. The aim of our study was to evaluate the yield of prolonged wireless pH monitoring in patients with successfully treated achalasia and its influence on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with achalasia who underwent prolonged wireless pH monitoring after a successful treatment with pneumatic dilation were enrolled. pH variables were analysed in the first 24 hours of monitoring to determine if tracings were indicative of GORD; the same variables were analysed in the following 24‐hour period in order to obtain a worst‐day diagnosis of GORD. PPI therapy before and after the test was recorded.

Results

Five out of 25 patients had GORD diagnosis during the first day of monitoring and four of them had oesophagitis at endoscopy. During the following days of monitoring four more patients had a diagnosis of GORD. Out of the 25 patients, PPIs were started after the test in six asymptomatic GORD‐positive ones, whereas prescription of PPIs was stopped without detrimental effect on symptoms in three GORD‐negative patients.

Conclusions

Prolonged wireless pH monitoring is a useful test to be added to endoscopy in order to evaluate GORD and to optimise antisecretory treatment in successfully treated achalasia patients.
Latino/Hispanic Alzheimer’s caregivers experiencing dementia-related dressing issues: corroboration of the Preservation of Self model and reactions to a “smart dresser” computer-based dressing aid
Authors: Feeney Mahoney Diane , Coon David W , Lozano Cecil
Published: November 2016

Objective

To gain an understanding of Latino/Hispanic caregivers’ dementia-related dressing issues, their impressions of using a “smart” context-aware dresser to coach dressing, and recommendations to improve its acceptability.

Method

The same Latina moderator conducted all the caregiver focus groups. She followed a semi-structured interview guide that was previously used with White and African American family caregivers who experienced Alzheimer’s disease related dressing challenges. From that study, the Preservation of Self model emerged. Using a deductive qualitative analytic approach, we applied the thematic domains from the Preservation of Self model to ascertain relevance to Latino/Hispanic caregivers.

Results

Twenty Latino/Hispanic experienced caregivers were recruited, enrolled, and participated in one of three focus groups. The majority were female (75%) and either the spouse (25%) or adult child (35%). Striking similarities occurred with the dressing challenges and alignment with the Preservation of Self model. Ethnic differences arose in concerns over assimilation weakening the Latino culture of family caregiving. Regional clothing preferences were noted. Technology improvement recommendations for our system, called DRESS, included developing bilingual prompting dialogs and video modules using the local vernacular to improve cultural sensitivity. Caregivers identified the potential for the technology to enable user privacy, empowerment, and exercise as well as offering respite time for themselves.

Conclusion

Findings suggest dementia-related dressing issues were shared in common by different racial/ethnic groups but the response to them was influenced by cultural dynamics. For the first time Latino/Hispanic voices are heard to reflect their positive technology impressions, concerns, and recommendations in order to begin to address the cultural digital disparities divide.
Teaching Strategies for Addressing Poverty Awareness With Aspiring Helping Professionals
Authors: Lee Othelia Eun-Kyoung , Priester Mary Ann
Published: November 2016

This study describes the use of guided learning activities that exposed aspiring helping professionals to the challenges and discrimination experienced by individuals living in poverty. Pretest/posttest and qualitative analysis of participants’ reactions to a Poverty Simulation and a Bridges Out of Poverty Workshop were analyzed to explore perceived learning benefits reported by 43 master of social work (MSW) students. Incorporating poverty content into masters-level social work curriculum stimulated classroom discussions about how the lived experiences of individuals living in poverty impact the service relationship between helping professionals and clients. This observational study evaluated the effectiveness of the used strategies and methods in impacting individual assumptions about socioeconomic class and illustrated the value of university–community collaborations in supporting diversity education and awareness both on and off campus.
Leadership Styles in Relation to Employees’ Trust and Organizational Change Capacity
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Imran Rabia , Irshad Muhammad Kashif , Mohamad Noor Azmi , Khan Muhammad Muddassar
Published: November 2016

This article intends to examine the role of leadership styles (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire) and employees’ trust toward organizational change capacity (OCC). Data were collected from a convenient sample of managers, coordinators, officers, community facilitators, social organizers, and activists through questionnaires. A total of 250 respondents were sent questionnaire, usable questionnaires were 204. Results revealed positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership and employees’ trust. Moreover, an insignificant relationship was found between transactional leadership and employees’ trust, whereas laissez-faire and employees’ trust were found to be negatively associated. Findings of the study also depicted a positive and significant relationship of transformational leadership and transactional leadership with OCC. However, laissez-faire was negatively associated with OCC. Results also revealed that employees’ trust mediates the relationship between leadership styles (transformational and laissez-faire) and OCC. However, employees’ trust did not mediate the relationship between transactional leadership and OCC. Finally, implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
Can Video Engender Empathic Concern for Others? Testing a Positive Affect Arousing Intervention
Authors: Cargile Aaron Castelán
Published: November 2016

Empathy is widely recognized as the psychological foundation for prosocial behavior, yet very little is known about methods to increase affective empathy in students and trainees. The present research sought to assess the reliability and potential boundary conditions of one such intervention—a brief emotional video featuring a boy diagnosed with cancer. Study 1 found that the video succeeded in indirectly increasing empathic concern for an African American victim of police abuse among an ethnically diverse student sample in a classroom setting. Study 2 replicated the effect in an online environment among a population of near-racially homogeneous adults. The effect of this brief, convenient, positive-affect intervention is in line with other practice-based and negative-affect interventions.
Each Is in Different Circumstances Anyway
Authors: Eastwood John , Kemp Lynn , Jalaludin Bin
Published: November 2016

We present here a realist multilevel situational analysis of maternal depression. We use situational analysis to identify the interaction of mothers with social structures and the possible causal influence of those social structures on her well-being. The analysis moves from an emergent empirical approach toward the more reflexive and abductive approach of situational analysis, thus better informing our abductive reasoning and the generation of theory. Critical realism and symbolic interactionism provide the methodological underpinning for the study. The setting was South Western Sydney, Australia. Interviews of mothers and practitioners were analyzed using open coding to enable maximum emergence. Situational analysis was then undertaken using situational and social worlds/arena maps. Home and neighborhood situational analysis mapping and analysis of relations identified the following concepts: (a) expectations and dreams, (b) marginalization and being alone, (c) loss or absence of power and control, and (d) support and nurturing. The neighborhood and macro-arena situational analysis mapping and analysis of relations identified the following concepts: (a) social support networks, social cohesion and social capital; (b) services planning and delivery and social policy; and (c) global economy, business, and media. Emerging was the centrality of being alone and expectations lost as possible triggers of stress and depression within circumstances where media portrays expectations of motherhood that are shattered by reality and social marginalization. We further observe that powerful global economic and political forces are having an impact on the local situations. The challenge for policy and practice is to support families within this adverse regional and global economic context.
Review of Best Practices for CLABSI Prevention and the Impact of Recent Legislation on CLABSI Reporting
Authors: Woodward Benjamin , Umberger Reba
Published: November 2016

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are a very common source of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Incidence of CLABSI has been significantly reduced through the efforts of nurses, healthcare providers, and infection preventionists. Extrinsic factors such as recently enacted legislation and mandatory reporting have not been closely examined in relation to changes in rates of HAI. The following review will examine evidence-based practices related to CLABSI and how they are reported, as well as how the Affordable Care Act, mandatory reporting, and pay-for-performance programs have affected these best practices related to CLABSI prevention. There is a disconnect in the methods and guidelines for reporting CLABSI between these programs, specifically among local monitoring agencies and the various federal oversight organizations. Future research will focus on addressing the gap in what defines a CLABSI and whether or not these programs to incentivize hospital to reduce CLABSI rates are effective.