bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum and Prevalence of
CALM1
-,
CALM2
-, and
CALM3
-Encoded Calmodulin Variants in Long QT Syndrome and Functional Characterization of a Novel Long QT Syndrome–Associated Calmodulin Missense Variant, E141G
Authors: Boczek Nicole J. , Gomez-Hurtado Nieves , Ye Dan , Calvert Melissa L. , Tester David J. , Kryshtal Dmytro O. , Hwang Hyun Seok , Johnson Christopher N. , Chazin Walter J. , Loporcaro Christina G. , Shah Maully , Papez Andrew L. , Lau Yung R. , Kanter Ronald , Knollmann Björn C. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: March 2016

Background—

Calmodulin (CaM) is encoded by 3 genes,
CALM1
,
CALM2
, and
CALM3
, all of which harbor pathogenic variants linked to long QT syndrome (LQTS) with early and severe expressivity. These LQTS-causative variants reduce CaM affinity to Ca
2+
and alter the properties of the cardiac L-type calcium channel (Ca
V
1.2). CaM also modulates Na
V
1.5 and the ryanodine receptor, RyR2. All these interactions may play a role in disease pathogenesis. Here, we determine the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic CaM variants in a cohort of genetically elusive LQTS, and functionally characterize the novel variants.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-eight genetically elusive LQTS cases underwent whole-exome sequencing to identify CaM variants. Nonsynonymous CaM variants were over-represented significantly in this heretofore LQTS cohort (13.2%) compared with exome aggregation consortium (0.04%;
P
<0.0001). When the clinical sequelae of these 5 CaM-positive cases were compared with the 33 CaM-negative cases, CaM-positive cases had a more severe phenotype with an average age of onset of 10 months, an average corrected QT interval of 676 ms, and a high prevalence of cardiac arrest. Functional characterization of 1 novel variant, E141G-CaM, revealed an 11-fold reduction in Ca
2+
-binding affinity and a functionally dominant loss of inactivation in Ca
V
1.2, mild accentuation in Na
V
1.5 late current, but no effect on intracellular RyR2-mediated calcium release.

Conclusions—

Overall, 13% of our genetically elusive LQTS cohort harbored nonsynonymous variants in CaM. Genetic testing of
CALM1-3
should be pursued for individuals with LQTS, especially those with early childhood cardiac arrest, extreme QT prolongation, and a negative family history.
Durable Clinical Effectiveness With Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents in the Femoropopliteal Artery
Authors: Dake Michael D. , Ansel Gary M. , Jaff Michael R. , Ohki Takao , Saxon Richard R. , Smouse H. Bob , Machan Lindsay S. , Snyder Scott A. , O’Leary Erin E. , Ragheb Anthony O. , Zeller Thomas
Published: March 2016

Background—

This randomized controlled trial evaluated clinical durability of Zilver PTX, a paclitaxel-coated drug-eluting stent (DES), for femoropopliteal artery lesions. Outcomes compare primary DES versus percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), overall DES (primary and provisional) versus standard care (PTA and provisional Zilver bare metal stent [BMS]), and provisional DES versus provisional BMS.

Methods and Results—

Patients with symptomatic femoropopliteal artery disease were randomly assigned to DES (n=236) or PTA (n=238). Approximately 91% had claudication; 9% had critical limb ischemia. Patients experiencing acute PTA failure underwent secondary randomization to provisional BMS (n=59) or DES (n=61). The 1-year primary end points of event-free survival and patency showed superiority of primary DES in comparison with PTA; these results were sustained through 5 years. Clinical benefit (freedom from persistent or worsening symptoms of ischemia; 79.8% versus 59.3%,
P
<0.01), patency (66.4% versus 43.4%,
P
<0.01), and freedom from reintervention (target lesion revascularization, 83.1% versus 67.6%,
P
<0.01) for the overall DES group were superior to standard care in nonrandomized comparisons. Similarly, clinical benefit (81.8% versus 63.8%,
P
=0.02), patency (72.4% versus 53.0%,
P
=0.03), and freedom from target lesion revascularization (84.9% versus 71.6%,
P
=0.06) with provisional DES were improved over provisional BMS. These results represent >40% relative risk reduction for restenosis and target lesion revascularization through 5 years for the overall DES in comparison with standard care and for provisional DES in comparison with provisional BMS.

Conclusions—

The 5-year results from this large study provide long-term information previously unavailable regarding endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease. The Zilver PTX DES provided sustained safety and clinical durability in comparison with standard endovascular treatments.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00120406.
Changes in Arterial Access Site and Association With Mortality in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mamas Mamas A. , Nolan James , de Belder Mark A. , Zaman Azfar , Kinnaird Tim , Curzen Nick , Kwok Chun Shing , Buchan Iain , Ludman Peter , Kontopantelis Evangelos
Published: March 2016

Background—

The transradial access (TRA) site has become the default access site for percutaneous coronary intervention in the United Kingdom, with randomized trials and national registry data showing reductions in mortality associated with TRA use. This study evaluates regional changes in access site practice in England and Wales over time, examines whether changes in access site practice have been uniform nationally and across different patient subgroups, and provides national estimates for the potential number of lives saved or lost associated with regional differences in access site practice.

Methods and Results—

Using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society database, we investigated outcomes for growth of TRA in different regions in England and Wales in 448 853 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention from 2005 to 2012. Multiple logistic regression was used to quantify the effect of TRA on 30-day mortality and quantify lives saved and lost by differences in TRA adoption. TRA use increased from 14.0% to 58.6% in 417 038 PCI patients with large variations in different parts of the country. TRA was independently associated with a decreased risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio=0.70; 95% confidence interval=0.66–0.74), with significant but small differences observed across different regions. The number of estimated lives saved was 450 (95% confidence interval=275–650), and we estimate that an additional 264 (95% confidence interval=153–399) lives would have been saved if TRA adoption were uniform nationally.

Conclusions—

TRA has become the dominant percutaneous coronary intervention approach in the United Kingdom, with a wide variation in different parts of the country. Changes in practice have contributed to mortality reductions, and inequalities have resulted in missed opportunities for further improvements.
Use of Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Who Have a History of Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Chao Tze-Fan , Liu Chia-Jen , Liao Jo-Nan , Wang Kang-Ling , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Chung Fa-Po , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: March 2016

Background—

The risk of further intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and the benefit of stroke risk reduction with the use of oral anticoagulants for patients who have atrial fibrillation with a history of ICH remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the risks and benefits in patients who have atrial fibrillation with a previous ICH treated with warfarin or antiplatelet drugs in comparison with no antithrombotic therapies.

Methods and Results—

This study used the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Among 307 640 patients who have atrial fibrillation with a CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score ≧2, 12 917 patients with a history of ICH were identified and were assigned to 1 of 3 groups, that is, no treatment, antiplatelet therapy, and warfarin. Among patients with previous ICH, the rate of ICH and ischemic stroke in untreated patients was 4.2 and 5.8 per 100 person-years, respectively. The annual ICH and ischemic stroke rates in warfarin users were 5.9% and 3.4%, respectively. Among users of antiplatelet agents, the rates were 5.3% per year and 5.2% per year, respectively. The number needed to treat for preventing 1 ischemic stroke was lower than the number needed to harm for producing 1 ICH with warfarin use for patients with a CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score ≧6 (37 versus 56). The number needed to treat was higher than the number needed to harm for patients with a CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score <6 (63 versus 53).

Conclusions—

Warfarin use may be beneficial for patients who have atrial fibrillation with a previous ICH having a CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score ≧6. Whether the use of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants could lower the threshold for treatment deserves further study.
Clock Speed as a Window into Dopaminergic Control of Emotion and Time Perception
Authors: Cheng Ruey-Kuang , Tipples Jason , Narayanan Nandakumar S. , Meck Warren H.
Published: March 2016

Although fear-producing treatments (e.g., electric shock) and pleasure-inducing treatments (e.g., methamphetamine) have different emotional valences, they both produce physiological arousal and lead to effects on timing and time perception that have been interpreted as reflecting an increase in speed of an internal clock. In this commentary, we review the results reported by Fayolle et al. (2015):Behav. Process., 120, 135–140) and Meck (1983: J. Exp. Psychol. Anim. Behav. Process., 9, 171–201) using electric shock and by Maricq et al. (1981: J. Exp. Psychol. Anim. Behav. Process., 7, 18–30) using methamphetamine in a duration-bisection procedure across multiple duration ranges. The psychometric functions obtained from this procedure relate the proportion ‘long’ responses to signal durations spaced between a pair of ‘short’ and ‘long’ anchor durations. Horizontal shifts in these functions can be described in terms of attention or arousal processes depending upon whether they are a fixed number of seconds independent of the timed durations (additive) or proportional to the durations being timed (multiplicative). Multiplicative effects are thought to result from a change in clock speed that is regulated by dopamine activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. These dopaminergic effects are discussed within the context of the striatal beat frequency model of interval timing (Matell & Meck, 2004:Cogn. Brain Res.,21, 139–170) and clinical implications for the effects of emotional reactivity on temporal cognition (Parker et al., 2013:Front. Integr. Neurosci., 7, 75).
Long-term Voice Outcomes of Early Thyroplasty for Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis Following Aortic Arch Surgery
Authors: Kwak Paul E. , Tritter Andrew G. , Donovan Donald T. , Ongkasuwan Julina
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To describe this institution’s experience with and the long-term outcomes of early type 1 thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) following surgery on the aortic arch.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review with telephone questionnaire.

Setting:

Academic tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods:

Three hundred forty-eight patients with UVFP following surgery on the aortic arch since 1999 were identified; 40 were available for follow-up. The number of revision procedures following initial thyroplasty was ascertained, and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was administered by telephone. The hypothesis that early thyroplasty produced voice outcomes and revision rates comparable to injection laryngoplasty was established prior to the initiation of data collection.

Results:

Six out of the 40 patients (15%) required revision thyroplasty following their initial procedure. Mean VHI of all patients was 36.0 (SD, 27.2). Mean VHI was significantly different in the 18 to 39 age group (13.1) when compared to the 40 to 59 (51.8) and 60+ (37.7) age groups ( P = .013). Mean follow-up since initial thyroplasty was 46.5 months (SD, 42.2).

Conclusions:

In the setting of aortic arch surgery with injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, early thyroplasty produces voice outcomes comparable to those achieved in the literature with repeated injection and delayed thyroplasty and can be considered in select populations.
Compound Motor Action Potential Quantifies Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Innervation in a Canine Model
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Park Andrea M. , Al-Lozi Muhammad , Paniello Randal C.
Published: March 2016

Objective:

The compound motor action potential (CMAP) is the summated action potential from multiple muscle fibers activated by a single nerve impulse. The utility of laryngeal muscle CMAP for quantifying innervation following recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury was investigated.

Method:

In a series of 21 canine hemi-laryngeal preparations, RLNs were exposed and a stimulating electrode placed. Maximum CMAP amplitudes and area under the curve from the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles were obtained at baseline and at 6 months following injury to the RLN. Injury mechanisms included crush, stretch, cautery, and complete transection with microsuture repair.

Results:

Prior to injury, baseline CMAP amplitudes and area under the curve were 15.81 mV and 15.49mVms, respectively. Six months following injury, CMAP amplitude and area under curve were 105.1% and 102.1% of baseline for stretch, 98.7% and 112.7% for crush, 93.3% and 114.3% for cautery. The CMAP amplitude and area under the curve in the transection/repair group had a 54.3% and 69.4% recovery, respectively, which were significantly different than baseline ( P < .01, P < .05). These values were correlated with vocal fold motion.

Conclusion:

The CMAP is a measure of vocal fold innervation. The technique could be further developed for clinical and experimental applications.
The Role of Parental Leadership in Academic Performance
Authors: Bellon Emmanuel O. , Ngware Moses Waithanji , Admassu Kassahun
Published: March 2016

The study examines the combined effects of key elements in parental leadership on academic performance. In the wake of inadequate learning resources, parental leadership becomes an indispensable learning input for children’s academic performance. The discourse utilized data collected from 2005 to 2010 in a longitudinal study involving 1,549 children who sat for the national standardized examination in Kenya. Our findings showed that monitoring and aspirations are essential elements of parental leadership and have direct and positive effect on children’s learning achievement. The effects were stronger among children from urban informal settlements compared with those from urban formal settlements. The effect of parental aspiration on children’s performance was mediated through parental support and monitoring in informal settlements. The study provides evidence on the extent to which parental leadership enhances academic performance. This is useful to parents, teachers, and policy makers in their efforts to secure effective mechanisms for improving learning outcomes.
The Two Banquets: Mark’s Vision of Anti-Imperial Economics
Authors: Nadella Raj
Published: March 2016

This article examines Mark’s depiction of the empire, specifically the intrinsic and symbiotic link between the empire and economics within first-century Judea. It highlights Mark’s critique of Roman economic structures, the worldview underlying those structures, and the mechanisms the empire employs to maintain them. The article suggests that the kingdom of God inaugurated by Jesus challenges existing structures as it models alternative paradigms of economic transactions.
Mark and Disability
Authors: Clark-Soles Jaime
Published: March 2016

This essay explores the Gospel of Mark through the lens of disability, with attention to understandings of disability in the ancient world, the language of affliction, questions of faith and sin, forms of healing, and the agency of the impaired person. The essay examines the “powers” in the Gospel of Mark as a form of empire and demonstrates how Jesus’s action in casting out demons and unclean spirits is a disruption of the status quo at a cosmic level.
Ligature mark on the face – forensic implications
Authors: Kanchan Tanuj , Raghavendra Babu YP , Atreya Alok , Acharya Jenash
Published: March 2016

In deaths due to hanging and strangulation, the position, course and direction of the ligature mark, the kind of knot used and injuries to the neck structures help in deducing the cause and manner of death. Two cases of suicidal hanging are reported where the unusual positioning of ligature and presence of the ligature mark on the face raise doubts concerning the circumstances of death. The presence of a ligature mark on the face is an unusual and rarely reported phenomenon that can have serious medico-legal implications.
Fatal chilli bite
Authors: Behera Chittaranjan , Prasad Hari , Mridha Asit Ranjan , Swain Rajanikanta
Published: March 2016

A healthy 2-year-old girl bit a green chilli accidentally following which she had many bouts of vomiting. She became unconscious and was immediately admitted to hospital. In spite of all medical intervention, she died after one day. The autopsy confirmed that the death was caused by respiratory failure due to acute respiratory distress syndrome following aspiration of gastric contents into tracheobronchial tree. Aspiration of gastric contents resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome and death is not uncommon; however, death following the accidental bite of a chilli is rarely reported in medical-legal literature.
Polish Version of the Managing the Emotions of Others Scale (MEOS)
Authors: Jankowski Konrad S. , Zajenkowski Marcin , Stolarski Maciej , Styła Rafał , Zajenkowska Anna , Jędrasik-Styła Małgorzata , Linke Magdalena
Published: March 2016

The present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the managing the emotions of others scale (MEOS). MEOS consists of six dimensions: mood enhancing (Enhance), mood worsening (Worsen), concealing emotions from others (Conceal), use of inauthentic displays for self-serving purposes (Inauthentic), poor emotion skills (Poor skills), and use of diversion to enhance another’s mood (Divert). The results showed that among MEOS dimensions, Enhance was the most strongly related to performance-based emotional intelligence. Among the Dark Triad, Narcissism was related to the greatest number of MEOS subscales—all except Poor skills. The results indicated that the MEOS has a similar factor structure, reliability, and pattern of correlations with personality and emotional intelligence in Poland as in previous studies.
Behind School Doors: The Impact of Hostile Racial Climates on Urban Teachers of Color
Authors: Kohli Rita
Published: March 2016

Despite recruitment efforts, teachers of Color are underrepresented and leaving the teaching force at faster rates than their White counterparts. Using Critical Race Theory to analyze and present representative qualitative narratives from 218 racial justice–oriented, urban teachers of color, this article affirms that urban schools—despite serving majority students of Color—operate as hostile racial climates. Color blindness and racial microaggressions manifest as macro and micro forms of racism and take a toll on the professional growth and retention of teachers of Color. These findings suggest a need for institutionalized reform to better support a diverse K-12 teaching force.
People, Nature, and Climate
Authors: Cid-Aguayo Beatriz E.
Published: March 2016

A Latourian actor-network analysis of social narratives about climate change in the city of Concepción and the strategies of collective adaptation to climate change deployed by two social groups shows a difference in people’s relationships with nature. The discourses of climate change in the city view it as a backdrop about which not much can be done and hold more powerful others responsible for causing it and for dealing with it. In contrast, in the settlement of Agüita de la Perdiz and among the peasants of the agro-ecological movement in the Bío-Bío Region, climate change is not simply a backdrop but a threat to their quality of life and subsistence, an actant that brings agency to their socio-techno-natural networks, and they have developed measures to control its potential destructive effects.

Un análisis actor-red latouriano de narrativas sociales sobre el cambio climático en la ciudad de Concepción y las estrategias de adaptación colectiva al cambio climático empleadas por dos grupos sociales muestran una diferencia en las relaciones de las personas con la naturaleza. Los discursos sobre el cambio climático en la ciudad lo presentan como un trasfondo sobre el cual no se puede hacer mucho, y declaran responsables a otros más poderosos por causarlo y por tratarlo. En contraste, en el asentamiento de Agüita de la Perdiz y entre los campesinos del movimiento agro-ecológico en la Región Bío-Bío, el cambio climático no es simplemente un trasfondo sino una amenaza a su calidad de vida y subsistencia, un activador que otorga agencia a sus redes socio-tecno-naturales, y han elaborado medidas para controlar sus potenciales efectos destructivos.
Am I My Sister’s Keeper? Linking Domestic Violence Attitudes to Black Racial Identity
Authors: Blackmon Sha’Kema M. , Owens Archandria , Geiss Meaghan Leigh , Laskowsky Vanessa , Donahue Stephanie , Ingram Christina
Published: March 2016

This exploratory online investigation sought to examine the links between African American college women’s gender role attitudes, Black racial identity attitudes, and domestic violence attitudes toward African American women in heterosexual marital relationships where domestic violence occurs ( N = 192). Less sophisticated Black racial identity attitudes (i.e., pre-encounter and immersion-emersion) predicted greater self-reports of justifying domestic violence toward African American women and believing that African American women benefit from abuse. Pre-encounter and immersion-emersion attitudes also predicted less willingness to help victims. An Afrocentric worldview (i.e., internalization Afrocentricity) was positively predictive of believing that African American women benefit from domestic violence as well as greater willingness to help victims. Appreciating one’s African American identity and other racial and ethnic groups (i.e., internalization multiculturalist inclusive) predicted less justification, fewer reports that African American women benefit from abuse, and a greater willingness to help victims. Post hoc mediation analyses revealed that gender role attitudes and an investment in protecting African American male domestic violence perpetrators (i.e., Black male victimage and justification beliefs) mediated the link between internalization Afrocentricity attitudes and the belief that African American women benefit from abuse.
Overturning Italy’s Article 18: Exogenous and endogenous pressures, and role of the state
Authors: Rutherford Tod , Frangi Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

Since 1970 Article 18 provided important employment protection for workers in larger firms in Italy. Its core aspect (i.e. reinstatement in the case of unfair dismissal) was recently overturned by the Jobs Act for employees hired after its approval. To explain Article 18’s abolition, the authors assess the explicative power of (1) stronger exogenous pressures from economic international institutions, and (2) weaker endogenous pressures from unions and business organizations. Documentary analyses and semi-structured interviews with key informants reveal that while these two forces are critical, they tend to ‘read off’ the state policy decision making role, which, the authors argue, is central to explaining the overturning of Article 18.
The roles of shared perceptions of individual job insecurity and job insecurity climate for work- and health-related outcomes: A multilevel approach
Authors: Låstad Lena , Näswall Katharina , Berntson Erik , Seddigh Aram , Sverke Magnus
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study is to examine job insecurity from a multilevel perspective and to investigate the roles of two types of job insecurity – job insecurity climate and individual job insecurity – for work-related attitudes and health outcomes. It further explores the role of the workgroup – as a social context – in shaping job insecurity perceptions. Data were collected from white-collar employees in a Swedish organization, with 126 participants nested in 18 groups. The results show that 19% of the variance in job insecurity climate perceptions, and none of the variance in individual job insecurity perceptions, could be attributed to group membership. Further, compared to other members of their group, those perceiving a stronger job insecurity climate reported lower levels of negative self-rated health and higher burnout scores. These results imply that the workgroup is an important social context for job insecurity climate perceptions.
(Re)presenting heritage: Laser scanning and 3D visualisations for cultural resilience and community engagement
Authors: Tait Elizabeth , Laing Richard , Grinnall Andy , Burnett Simon , Isaacs John
Published: March 2016

Cultural heritage is increasingly being viewed as an economic asset for geographic areas who aim to capitalise in the surge in interest in local history and heritage tourism from members of the public. Digital technologies have developed that facilitate new forms of engagement with heritage and allow local areas to showcase their history, potentially broadening interest to a wider audience, thus acting as a driver for cultural and economic resilience. The research presented in this paper explores this through interdisciplinary research utilising laser scanning and visualisation in combination with social research in Elgin. 3D data capture technologies were used to develop and test 3D data visualisations and protocols through which the urban built heritage can be digitally recorded. The main focus of this paper surrounds the application and perceptions of these technologies. Findings suggest that the primary driver for cultural heritage developments was economic (with an emphasis on tourism) but further benefits and key factors of community engagement, social learning and cultural resilience were also reported. Stakeholder engagement and partnership working, in particular, were identified as critical factors of success. The findings from the community engagement events demonstrate that laser scanning and visualisation provide a novel and engaging mechanism for co-producing heritage assets. There is a high level of public interest in such technologies and users who engaged with these models reported that they gained new perspectives (including spatial and temporal perspectives) on the built heritage of the area.
Confluence of social network, social question and answering community, and user reputation model for information seeking and experts generation
Authors: Alam Aftab , Khusro Shah , Ullah Irfan , Karim Muhammad Shuaib
Published: March 2016

Social question and answering (Q&A) is one of the most effective approaches to knowledge acquisition using information seeking and collaboration. Most modern social Q&A systems use a static points-based user reputation model, which has the effect of diminishing the value of experts. In order to overcome this issue, we have developed a dynamic points-based user reputation model that takes user rating and social network analysis as input. The impact weight of each relation and user ratings are not static but are dependent on the current level of asker and answerer and on the difficulty level of the question. We propose a novel social Q&A platform that is the confluence of different features of social network, social Q&A, and the dynamic points-based user reputation model. The beta version of the system was evaluated by conducting a clinical study for 4 months in different academic environments. The results show that the proposed social Q&A outperforms the available static points-based social Q&A systems in representing the actual user reputation with an increased user satisfaction.
Measurement of Intellectual Capital in the Indian Banking Sector
Authors: Chahal Hardeep , Bakshi Purnima
Published: March 2016

Executive Summary

Intellectual capital has recently been receiving increased attention from both academic communities and practitioners, and is identified as an important strategic asset which provides sustainability and yields better performance. It also gives rise to the view that the organizations which possess skilled, creative, and distinctive knowledgeable employees along with supportive organizational structures and systems, and maintains cordial customer relations contribute in achieving superior organizational position. Hence, it is important to understand to what extent intellectual capital is efficiently utilized by specific sectors in creating value for organizations ( Kamath, 2007 ). The present study aims to develop, establish, and empirically validate the intellectual capital scale in the banking sector, in the context of emerging economies like India.

Data were collected from three executives each (including one manager and two senior employees) from 144 branches of 21 public and seven private commercial banks operating in Jammu city, India. The three senior most executives were purposively selected because of being more knowledgeable and experienced. The study established the intellectual capital scale as a multidimensional scale comprising human capital, relational capital, and structural capital. All the three dimensions were found to significantly contribute to the intellectual capital, among which relational capital contributed relatively more, followed by human capital and structural capital.

Relational capital consists of important items like meeting with customers, customer feedback, and knowledge and regular customer interaction. Similarly, human capital dimension consists of significant items like employee creativity, devoted staff, training and education, experience, attitude, and innovative employees. Structural capital is a composite of valuable items like structure, systems, information technology, capabilities, culture, empowerment, and service quality which helps in developing intellectual capital.

The research findings can help bank managers in determining how to generate value using human, structural, and relational capital. For instance, the study findings offer valuable insight into how the managers can improve bank’s structural capital by encouraging innovation ability among employees, positive culture, and strengthening information technology in terms of continuously updating software and hardware. The study is limited to public and private commercial banks operating in Jammu city. In future, the scale validation can be undertaken to investigate whether the three-dimensional intellectual capital scale can be generalized for other industries and countries.
At cross purposes: Islam and the crucifixion of Christ, a theological response
Authors: Neely Brent
Published: March 2016

The paper relates to the classic issue of Islam and the Cross of Christ. It is in two parts. The first part tackles the “textual” issues of the crucifixion (or not) in the Qur’an and tafsir, including some of the “minority reports” in Islamic thought. The second part moves on to a Christian theological engagement with the mainstream Islamic (if not qur’anic) denial of the crucifixion of the Messiah. Some of this section springboards off of the well-known discussion of these issues by Kenneth Cragg and others, but (perhaps) the most original emphasis in this “theological” half of the paper is the attempt to bring the Christus Victor model of the Atonement into interaction with Islamic denials of the cross of Christ.
Review of the Series: Major Findings and Trends
Authors: Dowsett Rose
Published: March 2016

This series gathers together in one place a snapshot of understanding of mission today from right across the world church spectrum. I am not aware of anywhere else where that is so. In years to come, people will be able to read these books and peer into the minds and hearts of men and women across the church families and from around the world.
Sources of information for urban vegetable farmers in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Osei Simon K. , Folitse Benjamin Y. , Dzandu Lucy P. , Obeng-Koranteng Grace
Published: March 2016

This study assesses sources of information for vegetable farmers in urban part of Accra, Ghana. One hundred vegetable farmers in the study area were sampled and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that urban vegetable farming is regarded as the business of men. Most of the urban vegetable farmers use radio as a source of agricultural information. Farmers use information on agrochemicals acquired in applying fertilizer, weedicides and pest control. A challenge to the urban vegetable farmers in Accra is poor public relations on the part of agricultural extension agents. The study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture roll out a programme to educate urban vegetable farmers on the various sources of agricultural information and sponsor adult education programmes in the local languages on national radio and television for farmers to help them make use of different sources of agricultural information effectively.
Strategic impact documentary: Contexts of production and social intervention
Authors: Nash Kate , Corner John
Published: March 2016

The past decade has seen the emergence of a new kind of documentary making that marries documentary storytelling and the principles of strategic communication. Strategic impact documentary is a transmedia practice that aims to achieve specific social change by aligning documentary production with online and offline communications practices. The contemporary media environment is one in which a wide range of organizations work to achieve their political and social goals through the media. This article highlights key characteristics of an emerging form of professional documentary production, drawing attention to formal development and changing contexts of production and the implications of this for our understanding of the link between documentary and social change.
The historicity of technological attachments and engagements: The case of Turkish telephony
Authors: Çelik Burçe
Published: March 2016

This article is concerned with the symbolic power of individualized media technologies in the peripheral contexts of capitalist globality and modernity. In a critique of studies that have suggested that technologies as structuring agents of social positions of the users seem to emerge from the neo-liberalization of the non-West and from the specific use of digital technologies, I argue that such a positioning has a deeply historical character. Its historical roots are to be found in the social, political and cultural regimes of modernity, where it is demanded that agents define and shape themselves in terms of a capacity to adjust to technological practices and to employ technologies in order to occupy distinct positions within social relations. By focusing on the social history of telephony in the post-war era through the 1970s, I show the ways in which a technology such as telephony can become a forceful agent of symbolic power that structures and deepens social distinctions within the peripheral contexts of capitalist globality and modernity.
Direct brain infusion can be enhanced with focused ultrasound and microbubbles
Authors: Wang Shutao , Karakatsani Maria E , Fung Christine , Sun Tao , Acosta Camilo , Konofagou Elisa
Published: March 2016

The delivery of most therapeutic agents is rendered ineffective for the treatment of brain diseases due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-infusion focused ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles on the distribution of direct brain infusion in vivo. A single-element FUS transducer was used in all sonications, which were carried out immediately prior to direct infusion procedures. Mice received direct infusion of either Gadolinium-labeled albumin (Gd-albumin, 74 kDa) or adeno-associated virus (AAV, ∼4 MDa). The volumes of Gd-albumin at 30 min were deemed comparable ( P = 0.334) between the direct infusion (DI)-only group and the FUS + DI group. At 120 min, the FUS + DI group showed significantly higher contrast-enhanced volume (9.76 ± 0.74 mm3) than the DI-only group (7.14 ± 0.34 mm3). For mice infused with AAV, the total volume of transduction was estimated as GFP-positive regions and FUS + DI group demonstrated significantly higher ( P = 0.017) transduction efficiency in vivo. In conclusion, enhanced bio-distribution of directly infused agents was observed when the targeted region was pre-conditioned with FUS and microbubbles. Focused ultrasound has the potential, as an adjuvant technique, to significantly enhance direct brain infusion and achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes.
Do current vocational evaluation practices in traumatic brain injury align with best practices? Strengths, challenges and recommendations
Authors: Stergiou-Kita Mary , Grigorovich Alisa , Dawson Deirdre , Bottari Carolina , Hebert Debbie
Published: March 2016

Introduction

To support implementation of the Inter-professional Guideline for Vocational Evaluation Following Traumatic Brain Injury we compared current practices to best practices as outlined in the guideline.

Method

We recruited health/vocational professionals who do vocational evaluation of traumatic brain injury survivors to participate in qualitative semi-structured interviews. We also conducted a document review of internal clinical and provincial workers’ compensation insurance documents. All data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results

Thirteen individuals participated and three types of documents were reviewed. Practices that were found to be frequently aligned with the Inter-professional Guideline for Vocational Evaluation Following Traumatic Brain Injury included: (a) identification of evaluation purpose; (b) obtaining informed consent; (c) gathering background information; (d) assessing persistent symptoms and abilities; (e) analyzing and synthesizing results; and (f) developing return to work recommendations. Practices partially aligned included: (a) incorporating the worker’s perspectives into the evaluation; (b) observing work behaviors in naturalistic settings (c) assessing available supports; and (d) assessing occupational/job demands in context. Practices that did not align with the guideline included: (a) evaluation of the workplace environment and workplace supports; (b) accommodation potential; and (c) assessment of workplace safety.

Conclusion

To support implementation of the guideline and enhance successful vocational outcomes, additional attention and resources should be dedicated to evaluating workplace-based factors and assessing workplace-based risks.
Return to Play After Periacetabular Osteotomy for Treatment of Acetabular Dysplasia in Adolescent and Young Adult Athletes
Authors: Heyworth Benton E. , Novais Eduardo N. , Murray Kerri , Cvetanovich Gregory , Zurakowski David , Millis Michael B. , Kim Young-jo
Published: March 2016

Background:

The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an effective surgical treatment option for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Little evidence exists regarding the results of PAO and rates of return to play (RTP) in an athletic population.

Hypothesis:

The majority of athletes will demonstrate improvements in functional outcome measures, such as the modified Harris Hip Score and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and will be able to return to sports after PAO.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A comprehensive surgical hip database at an academic referral center was used to identify a subpopulation of athletes on whom PAO was performed. Data analyzed included preceding surgeries, reoperations, and RTP timing and features. Standard pre- and postoperative radiologic parameters and validated functional outcome measures were assessed, and a regression model assessed risk factors for prolonged time to RTP.

Results:

Of 245 PAOs performed over the 5-year study period, 46 were performed in 41 patients who met inclusion criteria for being an athlete (mean age, 26.2 years; range, 13-41 years; 36 females; 19% of all PAOs), representing a variety of sports. Prior surgery had been performed on 9 hips (20%). Only 1 post-PAO procedure (2%), excision of heterotopic ossification, was performed during the study period. At final follow-up (median, 3.1 years; range, 1.2-4.4 years), significant mean improvements were observed in modified Harris Hip Score (from 71 to 90; P < .001) and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (from 64 to 89; P < .001). The University of California–Los Angeles Activity Scale scores were maintained at a high level (range, 8.0-8.2; P = .28). RTP was reported in 80% of patients (37 of 46) at a median of 9 months postoperatively, with increased postoperative pain as the only independent predictor of longer time to RTP. Of these 37 athletes, 27 (73%) returned to the same level, although this was significantly less common ( P = .06) in competitive athletes (11 of 19; 58%) than in recreational athletes (16 of 18; 89%). Among those who did return at the same level, 23 of 27 (85%) were able to maintain this level over time, but this was not significantly different between competitive (8 of 11; 73%) and recreational (15 of 16; 94%) athletes ( P = .27).

Conclusion:

Most athletic patients undergoing PAO are female patients and show postoperative improvements in function and return to athletic play. However, although there was no decline in overall activity level at a mean of 3 years, self-assessed athletic performance was attained and maintained in approximately one-half of the study population.
Exiled from history
Authors: Frangie Samer
Published: March 2016

Through a reading of the Syrian Marxist Yasin al-Hafiz’s (1930–1978) autobiographical preface, the essay investigates the changing coordinates of political critique in the Arab world in the aftermath of the defeat of 1967. The autobiography, as the essay argues, draws the contours of the figure of an ‘internal exile’, an exile from history into time, which characterizes the experience of a generation of disillusioned radicals. After presenting the interplay of history and time in al-Hafiz’s text, the essay reflects on the historiographical sensibility needed for a revisiting of this past, a revisiting called for by the present disillusionment from the Arab revolutions. A tragic posture provides a different take on this past, the essay concludes, one that requires coming to terms with the notion of inheritance.
The plague and the Panopticon
Authors: Sharpe Matthew
Published: March 2016

Albert Camus’s 1947 novel La Peste and 1948 drama L’État de Siège, allegories of totalitarian power using the figure of the plague (Part I), remarkably anticipate Foucault’s celebrated genealogical analyses of modern power (Part II). Indeed, reading Foucault after Camus highlights a fact little-remarked in Discipline and Punish: namely, that the famous chapter on the ‘Panopticon’ begins by analysing the measures taken in early modern Vincennes following the advent of plague. Part III argues that, although Camus was cited as an inspiration by the nouveaux philosophes, he does not accept the reactionary motif of the total bankruptcy of the modern cultural and political worlds as hopelessly implicated in the totalitarian crimes. Indeed, Part IV highlights how Camus defends modern, descriptive scientific rationality against its totalitarian appropriations, alongside ‘the power of passion, doubt, happiness, and imaginative invention’ – positions which Part V suggests as Camus’s continuing poignancy and relevance in the period after post-structuralism (Camus, 1952: 301).
Mandatory Reporting (MR) in Higher Education
Authors: Mancini Christina , Pickett Justin T. , Call Corey , Roche Sean Patrick
Published: March 2016

Mandatory reporting (MR) policies concerning sexual assault victimization now extend to institutions of higher education. The laws are new and thus controversial since relatively little investigation into their impact has occurred. Additionally, since the laws require disclosure to police, at times, even in instances where victims object, opponents have expressed concerns about potential unintended effects, such as diminished victim autonomy. Perhaps, though, the most glaring question involves how college students perceive the policies. Because students are the focus of the laws, this investigation evaluates student opinion about MR, including approval for the policy, the likelihood of personally reporting under MR, perceptions of faculty compliance, and expected outcomes of MR laws. Findings suggest overwhelming support for MR, substantial likelihood of personally reporting assault under the law, and strong belief in faculty compliance. Not least, although students recognize both the positive and negative possibilities of the law, higher percentages believed in the law’s potential benefits (e.g., increase university accountability). Implications for research and policy are discussed.
Diagnostic Utility of the Social Skills Improvement System Performance Screening Guide
Authors: Krach S. Kathleen , McCreery Michael P. , Wang Ye , Mohammadiamin Houra , Cirks Christen K.
Published: March 2016

Researchers investigated the diagnostic utility of the Social Skills Improvement System: Performance Screening Guide (SSIS-PSG). Correlational, regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and conditional probability analyses were run to compare ratings on the SSIS-PSG subscales of Prosocial Behavior, Reading Skills, and Math Skills, to report card grades for conduct, reading, and math, respectively. Respective subscales were all statistically significantly correlated with one another. In addition, all regressions indicated significant predictions for the SSIS-PSG to respective report card grades. ROC analyses for SSIS-PSG Math with math grades and SSIS-PSG Reading with reading grades were statistically significant and described as fair. ROC analysis for SSIS-PSG Prosocial Behavior with conduct grades was not significant and described as poor. In a conditional probability analysis, the variable of concern for screeners concerns false negative ratios; all estimates for this fell within the targeted range.
Flame retardancy of ammonium polyphosphate–montmorillonite nanocompounds on epoxy resin
Authors: He Xiangdong , Zhang Wenchao , Yi Deqi , Yang Rongjie
Published: March 2016

Ammonium polyphosphate–montmorillonite nanocompound was used to retard epoxy resin with a comparison to the physical mixture of ammonium polyphosphate and montmorillonite. The thermal decompositions of the epoxy resin composites were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis. The flame retardancy of epoxy resin composites was studied by limited oxygen index measurements, UL-94 testing, and cone calorimeter test. The ammonium polyphosphate–montmorillonite nanocompound shows better flame retardancy (limited oxygen index, UL-94, time to ignition, peak of heat release rate, etc.) than the ammonium polyphosphate + montmorillonite mixture. The morphology of epoxy resin composites is studied by scanning electron microscopy. The ammonium polyphosphate and montmorillonite intimately mixed or pre-reacted give a reaction that quickly helps to form char during burning, whereas in the ammonium polyphosphate + montmorillonite mixture, the ammonium polyphosphate particles and montmorillonite particles are separated in the epoxy resin matrix, the polymer burns away before ammonium polyphosphate and montmorillonite can interact with one another. The quickly effective char layer formation should be the main reason that the ammonium polyphosphate–montmorillonite nanocompound shows better flame retardancy than the ammonium polyphosphate + montmorillonite mixture.