bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRKing Down an Old Oncogene in a New Era of Targeted Therapy
Authors: Vaishnavi Aria , Le Anh T. , Doebele Robert C.
Published: December 2014

The use of high-throughput next-generation sequencing techniques in multiple tumor types during the last few years has identified NTRK1, 2, and 3 gene rearrangements encoding novel oncogenic fusions in 19 different tumor types to date. These recent developments have led us to revisit an old oncogene, Trk (originally identified as OncD), which encodes the TPM3–NTRK1 gene fusion and was one of the first transforming chromosomal rearrangements identified 32 years ago. However, no drug has yet been approved by the FDA for cancers harboring this oncogene. This review will discuss the biology of the TRK family of receptors, their role in human cancer, the types of oncogenic alterations, and drugs that are currently in development for this family of oncogene targets.

Significance: Precision oncology approaches have accelerated recently due to advancements in our ability to detect oncogenic mutations in tumor samples. Oncogenic alterations, most commonly gene fusions, have now been detected for the genes encoding the TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC receptor tyrosine kinases across multiple tumor types. The scientific rationale for the targeting of the TRK oncogene family will be discussed here. Cancer Discov; 5(1); 25–34. ©2014 AACR.
B7-H4 Expression by Nonhematopoietic Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Rahbar Ramtin , Lin Albert , Ghazarian Magar , Yau Helen-Loo , Paramathas Sangeetha , Lang Philipp A. , Schildknecht Anita , Elford Alisha R. , Garcia-Batres Carlos , Martin Bernard , Berman Hal K. , Leong Wey L. , McCready David R. , Reedijk Michael , Done Susan J. , Miller Naomi , Youngson Bruce , Suh Woong-Kyung , Mak Tak W. , Ohashi Pamela S.
Published: December 2014

The B7 family plays a critical role in both positive and negative regulation of immune responses by engaging a variety of receptors on lymphocytes. Importantly, blocking coinhibitory molecules using antibodies specific for CTLA-4 and PD-1 enhances tumor immunity in a subset of patients. Therefore, it is critical to understand the role of different B7 family members since they may be suitable therapeutic targets. B7-H4 is another member that inhibits T-cell function, and it is also upregulated on a variety of tumors and has been proposed to promote tumor growth. Here, we investigate the role of B7-H4 in tumor development and show that B7-H4 expression inhibits tumor growth in two mouse models. Furthermore, we show that B7-H4 expression is required for antitumor immune responses in a mouse model of mammary tumorigenesis. We found that the expression levels of B7-H4 correlate with MHC class I expression in both mouse and human samples. We show that IFNγ upregulates B7-H4 expression on mouse embryo fibroblasts and that the upregulation of B7-H4 on tumors is dependent on T cells. Notably, patients with breast cancer with increased B7-H4 expression show a prolonged time to recurrence. These studies demonstrate a positive role for B7-H4 in promoting antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(2); 184–95. ©2014 AACR.
Application of Ripple Mapping to Visualize Slow Conduction Channels Within the Infarct-Related Left Ventricular Scar
Authors: Jamil-Copley Shahnaz , Vergara Pasquale , Carbucicchio Corrado , Linton Nick , Koa-Wing Michael , Luther Vishal , Francis Darrel P. , Peters Nicholas S. , Davies David Wyn , Tondo Claudio , Bella Paolo Della , Kanagaratnam Prapa
Published: December 2014

Background—

Ripple mapping (RM) displays each electrogram at its 3-dimensional coordinate as a bar changing in length according to its voltage–time relationship with a fiduciary reference. We applied RM to left ventricular ischemic scar for evidence of slow-conducting channels that may act as ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate.

Methods and Results—

CARTO-3© (Biosense Webster Inc, Diamond Bar, CA) maps in patient undergoing VT ablation were analyzed on an offline MatLab RM system. Scar was assessed for sequential movement of ripple bars, during sinus rhythm or pacing, which were distinct from surrounding tissue and termed RM conduction channels (RMCC). Conduction velocity was measured within RMCCs and compared with the healthy myocardium (>1.5 mV). In 21 maps, 77 RMCCs were identified. Conduction velocity in RMCCs was slower when compared with normal left ventricular myocardium (median, 54 [interquartile range, 40–86] versus 150 [interquartile range, 120–160] cm/s;
P
<0.001). All 7 sites meeting conventional criteria for diastolic pathways coincided with an RMCC. Seven patients had ablation colocating to all identified RMCCs with no VT recurrence during follow-up (median, 480 [interquartile range, 438–841] days). Fourteen patients had ≥1 RMCC with no ablation lesions. Five had recurrence during follow-up (median, 466 [interquartile range, 395–694] days). One of the 2 patients with no RMCC locations ablated had VT recurrence at 605 days post procedure. RMCCs were sensitive (100%; negative predictive value, 100%) for VT recurrence but the specificity (43%; positive predictive value, 35.7%) may be limited by blind alleys channels.

Conclusions—

RM identifies slow conduction channels within ischemic scar and needs further prospective investigation to understand the role of RMCCs in determining the VT substrate.
Endocarditis Pathogen Promotes Vegetation Formation by Inducing Intravascular Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Through Activated Platelets
Authors: Jung Chiau-Jing , Yeh Chiou-Yueh , Hsu Ron-Bin , Lee Chii-Ming , Shun Chia-Tung , Chia Jean-San
Published: December 2014

Background—

Endocarditis-inducing streptococci form multilayered biofilms in complex with aggregated platelets on injured heart valves, but the host factors that interconnect and entrap these bacteria-platelet aggregates to promote vegetation formation were unclear.

Methods and Results—

In a
Streptococcus mutans
endocarditis rat model, we identified layers of neutrophil extracellular traps interconnecting and entrapping bacteria-platelet aggregates inside vegetation that could be reduced significantly in size along with diminished colonizing bacteria by prophylaxis with intravascular DNase I alone. The combination of activated platelets and specific immunoglobulin G–adsorbed bacteria are required to induce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps through multiple activation pathways. Bacteria play key roles in coordinating the signaling through spleen tyrosine kinase, Src family kinases, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways to upregulate the expression of P-selectin in platelets, while inducing reactive oxygen species–dependent citrullination in the arm of neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular traps in turn serve as the scaffold to further enhance and entrap bacteria-platelet aggregate formation and expansion.

Conclusions—

Neutrophil extracellular traps promote and expand vegetation formation through enhancing and entrapping bacteria-platelet aggregates on the injured heart valves. (Circulation. 2015;131:571–581. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.011432.)
Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Kandolin Riina , Lehtonen Jukka , Airaksinen Juhani , Vihinen Tapani , Miettinen Heikki , Ylitalo Kari , Kaikkonen Kari , Tuohinen Suvi , Haataja Petri , Kerola Tuomas , Kokkonen Jorma , Pelkonen Markus , Pietilä-Effati Päivi , Utrianen Seppo , Kupari Markku
Published: December 2014

Background—

This study was designed to assess the epidemiology, characteristics, and outcome of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) in Finland.

Methods and Results—

We identified in retrospect all adult (>18 years of age) patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed CS in Finland between 1988 and 2012. A total of 110 patients (71 women) 51±9 years of age (mean±SD) were found and followed up for outcome events to the end of 2013. The annual detection rate of CS increased >20-fold during the 25-year period, reaching 0.31 in 1×10
5
adults between 2008 and 2012. The 2012 prevalence of CS was 2.2 in 1×10
5
. Nearly two thirds of patients had clinically isolated CS. Altogether, 102 of the 110 patients received immunosuppressive therapy, and 56 received an intracardiac defibrillator. Left ventricular function was impaired (ejection fraction <50%) in 65 patients (59%) at diagnosis and showed no overall change over 12 months of steroid therapy. During follow-up (median, 6.6 years), 10 patients died of a cardiac cause, 11 patients underwent transplantation, and another 11 patients suffered an aborted sudden cardiac death. The Kaplan–Meier estimates for 1-, 5-, and 10-year transplantation-free cardiac survival were 97%, 90%, and 83%, respectively. Heart failure at presentation predicted poor outcome (log-rank
P
=0.0001) with a 10-year transplantation-free cardiac survival of only 53%.

Conclusions—

The detection rate of CS has increased markedly in Finland over the last 25 years. With current therapy, the prognosis of CS appears better than generally considered, but patients presenting with heart failure still have poor long-term outcome.
Metformin Beyond Diabetes: Pleiotropic Benefits of Metformin in Attenuation of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Forouzandeh Farshad , Salazar Gloria , Patrushev Nikolay , Xiong Shiqin , Hilenski Lula , Fei Baowei , Alexander R. Wayne
Published: December 2014

Background

Clinical studies show that metformin attenuates all‐cause mortality and myocardial infarction compared with other medications for type 2 diabetes, even at similar glycemic levels. However, there is paucity of data in the euglycemic state on the vasculoprotective effects of metformin. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of metformin on ameliorating atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

Using ApoE
−/−
C57BL/6J mice, we found that metformin attenuates atherosclerosis and vascular senescence in mice fed a high‐fat diet and prevents the upregulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor by a high‐fat diet in the aortas of mice. Thus, considering the known deleterious effects of angiotensin II mediated by angiotensin II type 1 receptor, the vascular benefits of metformin may be mediated, at least in part, by angiotensin II type 1 receptor downregulation. Moreover, we found that metformin can cause weight loss without hypoglycemia. We also found that metformin increases the antioxidant superoxide dismutase‐1.

Conclusion

Pleiotropic effects of metformin ameliorate atherosclerosis and vascular senescence.
Mental illness and housing outcomes among a sample of homeless men in an Australian urban centre
Authors: Spicer Bridget , Smith David I , Conroy Elizabeth , Flatau Paul R , Burns Lucy
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The over-representation of mental illness among homeless people across the globe is well documented. However, there is a dearth of Australian literature on the mental health needs of homeless individuals. Furthermore, longitudinal research examining the factors that contribute to better housing outcomes among this population is sparse. The aim of this research is to describe the mental illness profile of a sample of homeless men in an Australian urban centre (in Sydney) and examine the factors associated with better housing outcomes at 12-month follow-up.

Methods:

A longitudinal survey was administered to 253 homeless men who were involved in the Michael Project: a 3-year initiative which combined existing accommodation support services with assertive case management and access to coordinated additional specialist allied health and support services. A total of 107 participants were followed up 12 months later. The survey examined the demographics of the sample and lifetime mental disorder diagnoses, and also included psychological screeners for current substance use and dependence, psychological distress, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress.

Results:

Consistent with existing literature, the prevalence of mental illness was significantly greater amongst this sample than the general Australian population. However, mental illness presentation was not associated with housing situation at 12-month follow-up. Instead, type of support service at baseline was the best predictor of housing outcome, wherein participants who received short to medium-term accommodation and support were significantly more likely to be housed in stable, long-term housing at the 12-month follow-up than participants who received outreach or emergency accommodation support.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence to support an innovative support model for homeless people in Australia and contributes to the limited Australian research on mental illness in this population.
Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages (RAS-DS): Its feasibility and outcome measurement capacity
Authors: Hancock Nicola , Scanlan Justin Newton , Honey Anne , Bundy Anita C , O’Shea Katrina
Published: December 2014

Objective:

A self-report instrument of mental health recovery is needed both to facilitate collaborative, recovery-oriented practice and measure recovery-focused outcomes. The Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages (RAS-DS) has been developed to simultaneously fulfill these goals. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and measurement properties of the RAS-DS.

Method:

Feasibility was examined by 58 consumer-staff pairs volunteering from 3 non-government organisations. Consumers completed the RAS-DS, discussed it with staff, and then both completed Usefulness Questionnaires. The psychometric properties were examined using Rasch analysis with the data from these consumer participants and from additional participants recruited from two Partners in Recovery programs ( N=324).

Results:

Over 70% of consumers reported taking 15 minutes or less to complete the RAS-DS and rated the instrument as easy or very easy to use. Qualitative data from both consumers and staff indicated that, for most, the RAS-DS was an easy to use, meaningful resource that facilitated shared understandings and collaborative goal setting. However, for a very small number of consumers, the instrument was too confronting and hard to use. Rasch analysis demonstrated evidence for excellent internal reliability and validity. Raw scores were highly correlated with Rasch-generated overall scores and thus no transformation is required, easing use for clinicians. Preliminary evidence for sensitivity to change was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

The results provide evidence of the feasibility and psychometric strengths of the RAS-DS. Although further research is required, the RAS-DS shows promise as a potential addition to the national suite of routine outcome measures.
Diagnosis of the times vs description of society
Authors: Hammershøj Lars Geer
Published: December 2014

The main purpose of this article is to contribute to the methodological reflection on diagnosis of the times. Such reflection is generally lacking and the main reason is that diagnosis of the times is often confused with description of society, the article argues. Building on social-analytical diagnostics the hypothesis of the article is that diagnosis of the times and description of society are two diametrically opposed kinds of analytical strategies: to diagnose the times is not about describing the existing society, but about diagnosing transformations of the conditions of the times. The object of this diagnosis is thus indications in the times (tendencies) of transformations of the field of possibility for the times (conditions), whereas the object of description of society in the social sciences is the actual social institutions and structures and the actual social actors. The article engages in discussions of the methodological reflections of Ulrich Beck and others carrying out diagnosis of the times. Finally the article gives examples of social-analytical diagnosis of anorexia and creativity in education.
Conquering condos from within: Condo-isation as urban governance and knowledge
Authors: Lippert Randy K , Steckle Rhys
Published: December 2014

The inner governance of condominiums profoundly matters for understanding urban governance and life but has so far been neglected in urban studies. This article examines its relation to development and suggests how several overlooked institutional processes, forms of knowledge and corresponding agents render the condominium possible through relations of governance. These multiple, reinforcing institutional elements – juridification, financialisation and commodification – are constituents of an urban governmental process we refer to as ‘condo-isation’. Drawing on interviews with condominium owners and condominium industry representatives and on related qualitative data in Toronto, Canada, we illustrate overlap between condominium development and inner condo governance and elaborate these institutional processes, agents and knowledges. We conclude by discussing implications of our analysis for existing concepts and future urban studies research.
Conspicuous Consumption of the Elite
Authors: Correia Antónia , Kozak Metin , Reis Helena
Published: December 2014

This paper relies on social and economic psychology to explore how the travel choices of Portuguese citizens, with different status levels in their daily lives, perceive and adopt different conspicuous travel patterns because of public exposure. To account for the moderated role of public exposure on conspicuous travel patterns, 36 Portuguese citizens were interviewed. Q-methods were applied to explore the varying senses of conspicuous travel choices among citizens with different levels of public exposure, both individually and relative to each other. Complementary qualitative methods were applied, in order to explore how the interviewees construct tourism conspicuous meanings that match their social or self-representations. The results suggest that social contexts moderate the ways in which individuals perceive and experience conspicuous travel. Further, the results show that public groups with higher exposure tend to prefer subtle signals of conspicuousness, in order to differentiate themselves from the mainstream.
On the Causes of Effects
Authors: Dawid A. Philip , Faigman David L. , Fienberg Stephen E.
Published: December 2014

We welcome Professor Pearl’s comment on our original article, Dawid et al. Our focus there on the distinction between the “Effects of Causes” (EoC) and the “Causes of Effects” (CoE) concerned two fundamental problems, one a theoretical challenge in statistics and the other a practical challenge for trial courts. In this response, we seek to accomplish several things. First, using Pearl’s own notation, we attempt to clarify the similarities and differences between his technical approach and that in Dawid et al. Second, we consider the more practical challenges for CoE in the trial court setting, and explain why we believe Pearl’s analyses, as described via his example, fail to address these. Finally, we offer some concluding remarks.
Fly-in, fly-out, drive-in, drive-out: The Australian mining boom and its impacts on the local economy
Authors: Perry Martin , Rowe James E
Published: December 2014

A traditional question in local economic development is whether it is better to take work to the workers or workers to the work. The widespread use of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) or drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) to support Australia’s mining industry raises a variant to this question: is it possible to promote regional development without a permanent, resident workforce? FIFO and DIDO have become the predominant ways of providing a permanent operational workforce to the mining industry. It explains why cities such as Perth, Brisbane and Mackay have large populations of mining workers while mining operations are located in remote parts of the country. FIFO brings advantages to mining companies and employees but is generally viewed as antithetical to local economic development: it is accused of eroding the viability of the resource towns that emerged with earlier phases of the mining industry and of generating social problems in both the places where FIFO workers reside permanently and around their temporary work locations. The offsetting advantages appear to provide a strong case for the use of non-resident workers but they arise from the particular context in which mining is occurring rather than being an inherent feature of this form of employment. A case study of the proposed Mt. Todd gold mine located in close proximity to the Northern Territory town of Katherine shows how the potential use of FIFO workers encourages local support for mining operations.
Thinking ahead – the need for early Advance Care Planning for people on haemodialysis: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Bristowe Katherine , Horsley Helen L , Shepherd Kate , Brown Heather , Carey Irene , Matthews Beverley , O’Donoghue Donal , Vinen Katie , Murtagh Felicity EM
Published: December 2014

Background:

There is a need to improve end-of-life care for people with end-stage kidney disease, particularly due to the increasingly elderly, frail and co-morbid end-stage kidney disease population. Timely, sensitive and individualised Advance Care Planning discussions are acceptable and beneficial for people with end-stage kidney disease and can help foster realistic hopes and goals.

Aim:

To explore the experiences of people with end-stage kidney disease regarding starting haemodialysis, its impact on quality of life and their preferences for future care and to explore the Advance Care Planning needs of this population and the timing of this support.

Study design:

Semi-structured qualitative interview study of people receiving haemodialysis. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Recruitment ceased once data saturation was achieved.

Setting/participants:

A total of 20 patients at two UK National Health Service hospitals, purposively sampled by age, time on haemodialysis and symptom burden.

Results:

Themes emerged around: Looking Back, emotions of commencing haemodialysis; Current Experiences, illness and treatment burdens; and Looking Ahead, facing the realities. Challenges throughout the trajectory included getting information, communicating with staff and the ‘conveyor belt’ culture of haemodialysis units. Participants reported a lack of opportunity to discuss their future, particularly if their health deteriorated, and variable involvement in treatment decisions. However, discussion of these sensitive issues was more acceptable to some than others.

Conclusion:

Renal patients have considerable unmet Advance Care Planning needs. There is a need to normalise discussions about preferences and priorities in renal and haemodialysis units earlier in the disease trajectory. However, an individualised approach is essential – one size does not fit all.
Sexual Violence and Abuse Against Children
Authors: Leclerc Benoit , Chiu Yi-Ning , Cale Jesse
Published: December 2014

Most criminal justice responses to address sexual violence and abuse against children are aimed at identifying and incarcerating offenders or at best, trying to prevent them from reoffending. This policy situation, primarily characterized by tertiary intervention strategies, is exacerbated by a lack of evidence-based knowledge about the circumstances in which this phenomenon occurs. This specific information can inform certain types of primary and secondary prevention strategies. In this study, we are taking the first steps to address this situation by (a) organising and reviewing for the first time the empirical knowledge on this phenomenon according to questions asked by environmental criminologists and crime analysts, that is, the who, what, where, when, and how this phenomenon occurs, and (b) discussing directions for future research. By engaging in this exercise, we argue that environmental criminology can substantially contribute to understanding and informing prevention practices in the field of sexual violence and abuse against children.
Influence of thermo-oxidative aging on the impact property of conventional and graphene-based carbon fabric composites
Authors: Fan Wei , Li Jia-lu , Wang Huan , Guo Dan-dan
Published: December 2014

The effects of reinforced structure (three-dimensional braided preform and laminated plain woven fabric) and graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced hierarchical interface on the impact properties of carbon fabric composites after thermo-oxidative aging were investigated. The results indicated that the impact properties decreased with increasing aging time due to the degradation of the matrix and fiber–matrix interface. After exposure to 140℃ for 1200 h, the peak impact force and impact strength retention rates of 3D-braided graphene nanoplatelet-coated carbon fiber-reinforced composite were 13% and 8% higher than those of the laminated composite, respectively. One of the reasons was the graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced gradient interphase may provide an effective shield against interface oxidation, transfer the localized thermal stress, and restrict the movement of the different phase of the materials at the composites interface. Another reason was the integrated structure of the 3D-braided composite can make the fiber bear impact force together although the resin was damaged and the adhesive force between fiber bundles and resin decreased after thermo-oxidative aging. This synergetic reinforcing effect of 3D-braided structure and graphene nanoplatelet-reinforced hierarchical interface provides an easy and effective way to design and improve the thermo-oxidative stability of carbon fiber-reinforced composites.
The Built Environment and Actual Causes of Death
Authors: Botchwey Nisha D. , Falkenstein Rachel , Levin Josh , Fisher Thomas , Trowbridge Matthew
Published: December 2014

This article reviews empirical scholarship on preventable actual causes of death—namely, physical activity, food, and traffic-induced injury–related built environment interventions that lead to health improvements. A systems perspective built on the ecological health model is offered that addresses social determinants of health- and place-based contexts. In doing so, this article offers examples of upstream approaches to address the actual causes of death and ends with guidance on planning practice, research, and teaching organized around the research divisions of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.
Rape and the Straw Man
Authors: Benatar David
Published: December 2014

Lindsay Kelland has taken issue with a claim I made in a book titled The Second Sexism: Discrimination Against Men and Boys. In response to this claim, she has argued that when a woman is raped, it matters that her rapist is a male because “her situation as a woman under patriarchy is partly constitutive of the harm that she suffers” in being raped. In my response to her article, I show that she has taken my claim out of context and thereby misrepresented it. As a result, her article fails to respond to anything I said.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Justice Outreach Program
Authors: Finlay Andrea K. , Smelson David , Sawh Leon , McGuire Jim , Rosenthal Joel , Blue-Howells Jessica , Timko Christine , Binswanger Ingrid , Frayne Susan M. , Blodgett Janet C. , Bowe Tom , Clark Sean C. , Harris Alex H. S.
Published: December 2014

The Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration has a primary mission of linking military veterans in jails, courts, or in contact with law enforcement to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. National data of veterans with VJO contact were used to describe demographic characteristics, and mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses and treatment use and test correlates of treatment entry and engagement using multi-level logistic regression models. Of the 37,542 VJO veterans, treatment entry was associated with being homeless and having a mental health disorder or both a mental health and a substance use disorder versus a substance use disorder only. Being American Indian/Alaskan Native was associated with lower odds of treatment entry. Engagement was associated with female gender, older age, Asian race, urban residence, and homeless status. Increased utilization of substance use disorder treatment, especially pharmacotherapy, is an important quality improvement target.
Mobilizing against neo-liberalism? Global affirmative action in context
Authors: Harvey Colin
Published: December 2014

This article uses the example of Northern Ireland to illustrate how political mobilization may be deployed to challenge structural forms of inequality. The experience suggests that regulatory models can be designed for particular contexts to shape approaches that present challenges to dominant economic and political orthodoxies. The intention is not to overstate the significance of this specific transitional context but simply to highlight elements that might feature in any attempt to mobilize successfully around human rights and equality, and against aspects of neo-liberal thinking.
Conceptual design of a two-pass cross-flow aeroengine intercooler
Authors: Zhao Xin , Grönstedt Tomas
Published: December 2014

Establishing an optimal intercooled aeroengine constitutes a coupled problem where the conceptual design of the intercooler and the engine has to be considered simultaneously. The heat transfer and pressure loss characteristics will depend on the choice of the intercooler architecture. Hence, to be able to optimize the performance of an intercooled aeroengine, the performance characteristics of a given intercooler architecture has to be known in the parameter range anticipated for the aeroengine optimization. Here, the conceptual design of a tubular two-pass cross-flow intercooler architecture intended for a turbofan aeroengine application is presented. The internal flow is simulated applying a porous media model for the intercooler tubes, whereas the connecting ducts are analyzed with three-dimensional simulations allowing the assessment of a number of design solutions. The external flow is treated with two-dimensional simulations investigating the external pressure loss and heat transfer characteristics of the two elliptical tube stacks. The intercooler performance is then generalized by developing a reduced order correlation covering a parameter range anticipated for a turbofan conceptual design optimization. The paper constitutes a first effort to establish an open literature complete set of correlations for the prediction of aeroengine intercooler performance.
The Size-Weight Illusion Induced Through Human Echolocation
Authors: Buckingham Gavin , Milne Jennifer L. , Byrne Caitlin M. , Goodale Melvyn A.
Published: December 2014

Certain blind individuals have learned to interpret the echoes of self-generated sounds to perceive the structure of objects in their environment. The current work examined how far the influence of this unique form of sensory substitution extends by testing whether echolocation-induced representations of object size could influence weight perception. A small group of echolocation experts made tongue clicks or finger snaps toward cubes of varying sizes and weights before lifting them. These echolocators experienced a robust size-weight illusion. This experiment provides the first demonstration of a sensory substitution technique whereby the substituted sense influences the conscious perception through an intact sense.
Philosophical commitments, empirical evidence, and theoretical psychology
Authors: Allen Pamela M. , Clough Sharyn
Published: December 2014

The philosophical or theoretical commitments informing psychological research are sometimes characterized, even by theoretical psychologists themselves, as nonempirical, outside the bounds of methodological consideration, and/or nonrational. We argue that this characterization is incoherent. We illustrate our concern by analogy with problematic appeals to Kuhn’s work that have been influential in theoretical psychology. Following the contemporary pragmatist tradition, we argue that our philosophical/theoretical commitments are part of our larger webs of belief, and that for any of these beliefs to have meaning their content must be informed by our practical engagement with the world, i.e., they are based on empirical evidence, broadly construed. It is this empirical basis that allows us to recognize our commitments at all and rationally to assess and criticize them when necessary. We conclude by demonstrating a rational assessment of the philosophical/theoretical commitments underlying a recent study in the social psychology of religion.
Ethics rounds
Authors: Silén Marit , Ramklint Mia , Hansson Mats G , Haglund Kristina
Published: December 2014

Background:

Ethics rounds are one way to support healthcare personnel in handling ethically difficult situations. A previous study in the present project showed that ethics rounds did not result in significant changes in perceptions of how ethical issues were handled, that is, in the ethical climate. However, there was anecdotal evidence that the ethics rounds were viewed as a positive experience and that they stimulated ethical reflection.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how the ethics rounds were experienced and why the intervention in the form of ethics rounds did not succeed in improving the ethical climate for the staff.

Research design:

An exploratory and descriptive design with a qualitative approach was adopted, using individual interviews.

Participants and research context:

A total of 11 healthcare personnel, working in two different psychiatry outpatient clinics and with experience of participating in ethics rounds, were interviewed.

Ethical considerations:

The study was based on informed consent and was approved by one of the Swedish Regional Ethical Review Boards.

Findings:

The participants were generally positive about the ethics rounds. They had experienced changes by participating in the ethics rounds in the form of being able to see things from different perspectives as well as by gaining insight into ethical issues. However, these changes had not affected daily work.

Discussion:

A crucial question is whether or not increased reflection ability among the participants is a good enough outcome of ethics rounds and whether this result could have been measured in patient-related outcomes. Ethics rounds might foster cooperation among the staff and this, in turn, could influence patient care.

Conclusion:

By listening to others during ethics rounds, a person can learn to see things from a new angle. Participation in ethics rounds can also lead to better insight concerning ethical issues.
Comparison of professional values between nursing students in Taiwan and China
Authors: Lin Yu-Hua , Li Jie , Shieh Show-Ing , Kao Chia-Chan , Lee I , Hung Shu-Ling
Published: December 2014

Background:

People in both Taiwan and China originally descended from the Han Chinese, but the societies have been separated for approximately 38 years. Due to different political systems, variations exist in healthcare and nursing education systems in Taiwan and China.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the professional values of nursing students in Taiwan and China.

Design:

A cross-sectional design was applied in this study. The Nursing Professional Value Scale–Revised was used to measure the professional values of the students. The questionnaire was distributed to eligible undergraduate students in a classroom setting.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the first investigator’s university. Participants were informed that completion and return of the questionnaire was voluntary, and confidentiality was ensured by keeping the responses anonymous.

Participants:

A convenience sample included 292 Taiwanese students and 654 Chinese students.

Findings:

A total of 11 individual Nursing Professional Value Scale–Revised items showed significant differences between the two groups. These results reflect the differences in the perceived importance of these items between the groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean overall scores for the Nursing Professional Value Scale–Revised (p = .766) and three subscales (all p > .05).

Conclusion:

There are some differences in professional values between nursing students in Taiwan and China. Given the increasingly frequent and close interactions between Taiwan and China and the globalization of nursing, understanding these differences may help nursing educators identify students’ perceptions of their professional values and support the development of strategies to improve weaknesses in professional values.
Experiments on resonant vibration suppression of a piezoelectric flexible clamped–clamped plate using filtered-U least mean square algorithm
Authors: Ma Biao , Qiu Zhi-cheng , Zhang Xian-min , Han Jian-da
Published: December 2014

This article investigates the adaptive filtered-U least mean square feed-forward algorithm for active resonant vibration control of a clamped–clamped flexible piezoelectric plate structure under persistent harmonic excitation. Different from the widely used filtered-X least mean square algorithm based on the finite impulse response filter, the filtered-U least mean square algorithm uses the infinite impulse response filter. An infinite impulse response filter can be constituted simply by using two adaptive transversal filters. The filtered-U least mean square algorithm can model the system accurately with much fewer coefficients. Moreover, the filtered-U least mean square algorithm has better control performance and stability in the presence of vibration control feedback, owing to the inherent zero-pole structure of the infinite impulse response filter. In this investigation, the filtered-U least mean square algorithm is implemented only in experiments. Two experimental cases are carried out, including the reference signal extracted from the function signal generator and the lead zirconate titanate sensor. A proportional–derivative feedback control algorithm is also applied as a comparison. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the designed proportional–derivative controller and filtered-U least mean square controller.
The HAWK Highway
Authors: Quann Monica , Lyman Jennifer , Crumlish Jamie , Hines Sally , Williams Lynn , Pleet-Odle Amy , Eisenman Laura
Published: December 2014

Special educators at an inclusive career-technical high school created a model to support annually increasing expectations for self-determination and levels of student participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning and implementation. The grade-specific components of the model and supporting context are described. Students were observed to gain confidence in IEP participation and extend their self-advocacy into the classroom, within a model that reinforced a schoolwide focus on successful school–to–adult life transitions. Elements of the model that can be applied in other school settings are discussed.
Improving the Effectiveness of Pharmacist-Assisted Tobacco Cessation
Authors: Shen Xian , Bachyrycz Amy , Anderson Joe R. , Tinker Dale , Raisch Dennis W.
Published: December 2014

Background: The New Mexico Pharmaceutical Care Foundation provided a pharmacist-assisted tobacco cessation program from 2004 to 2010. In evaluating the program, discrepant 6-month quit rates were observed between pharmacies. Objective: To identify participant- and pharmacy-specific factors associated with improved quit rates. Methods: To supplement data regarding participant characteristics and quit rates, semistructured interviews of 7 participating pharmacists were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression quantified associations between successful abstinence at 6 months and participant characteristics and pharmacy-specific factors. Results: Quit rates by pharmacy ranged from 1.1% to 59.4% (mean = 19.1%). There were 1235 participants enrolled at 7 pharmacies, and because of missing participant data, 883 were included in the quantitative analysis. Three pharmacy-specific characteristics distinguished 6-month success rates: number and duration of follow-ups and format of counseling sessions. Participants followed up at least 3 times were more likely to quit at 6 months than those contacted once or twice (odds ratio [OR] =4.9; 95% CI = 1.6-15.0). Compared with follow-ups of <15 minutes, longer durations of follow-ups were associated with higher success rates: 15 to 30 minutes, OR = 7.2, 95% CI = 3.7-14.3); >30 minutes, OR = 10.0, 95% CI = 3.5-28.9. Participants who attended group sessions were more likely to quit at 6 months than those who attended individual sessions: OR = 8.2; 95% CI = 2.8-23.9. Most pharmacists (88%) noted that participants’ high or low commitment to quit was associated with success or failure, respectively. Several pharmacists (43%) noted difficulties with follow-up associated with participants’ relapse. Time constraints were an obstacle noted by 70% of pharmacists. Conclusions: Pharmacy-specific factors, including counseling format and program intensity, affected success.
Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Newsom Lydia C.
Published: December 2014

A new guideline for the treatment of blood cholesterol was recently released by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), serving as an update to the National Cholesterol Education Program’s (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III cholesterol guideline first released in 2001. With significant changes to key definitions, treatment strategy, and therapy selection, the guideline has transformed the treatment of blood cholesterol and also created controversy within the health care community. This controversy is largely focused on appropriate identification and treatment of patients for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Whereas statins play an integral role in the treatment and secondary prevention of ASCVD, their use for primary prevention is less clearly defined. It is imperative that health care providers are well versed in the concepts and controversies of the new guideline recommendations for primary prevention of ASCVD and can effectively assess the risks and benefits of statin therapy in this patient population.
Child Welfare Caseworkers as Brokers of Mental Health Services
Authors: Fitzgerald Monica M. , Torres Marcela M. , Shipman Kimberly , Gorrono Jessica , Kerns Suzanne E.U. , Dorsey Shannon
Published: December 2014

Youth in the child welfare system (CWS) have substantially higher rates of mental health needs compared to the general population, yet they rarely receive targeted, evidence-based practices (EBPs). Caseworkers play the critically important role of “service broker” for CWS youth and families. This study examines preliminary caseworker-level outcomes of Project Focus Colorado (PF-C), a training and consultation program designed to improve access to EBPs for CWS youth. PF-C evaluation occurred in four child welfare offices (two intervention [ n = 16 caseworkers] vs. two practice-as-usual, wait-list control [WLC; n = 12 caseworkers]). Receipt of PF-C was associated with significantly increased caseworker knowledge of (a) EBPs, (b) child mental health problems, (c) evidence-based treatment components targeting mental health problem areas, and (d) mental health screening instruments, compared to WLC. Dose of training and consultation was associated with greater ability to correctly classify mental health problems and match them to EBPs. These preliminary results suggest that targeted training and consultation help to improve caseworker knowledge of children’s mental health needs, EBPs for mental health, and mental health screening instruments.
Assessing Protective Factors of Youth Who Sexually Offended in Singapore
Authors: Zeng Gerald , Chu Chi Meng , Lee Yirong
Published: December 2014

Sexual offending has attracted increasing public concern because of its long-term effects. Although there is an increasing amount of research on the risk factors for recidivism among youth who have sexually offended, there is a dearth of research on the protective factors for desistence from recidivism. The current study investigated the associations between protective factors and recidivism among 97 Singaporean youth who sexually offended (YSO). In addition, the predictive validity with regard to two new measures of protective factors—the Desistence for Adolescents Who Sexually Harm (DASH-13), and Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF)—were also evaluated. Results indicated that both the DASH-13 and the SAPROF were inversely related to the Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism (ERASOR). However, neither the DASH-13 nor the SAPROF were found to have adequate predictive validity or incremental validity for sexual or nonsexual recidivism. The implications for the assessment and management of YSO are discussed.
Peer Rejection and Perceived Quality of Relations With Schoolmates Among Children With ADHD
Authors: Grygiel Paweł , Humenny Grzegorz , Rębisz Sławomir , Bajcar Elżbieta , Świtaj Piotr
Published: December 2014

Objective: The main aim of the current study was to investigate the links between ADHD diagnosis and the objective and subjective dimensions of social relationships among children from primary schools. Method: We used the data from 36 regular classrooms, consisting of 718 students, with each containing at least one child with an established clinical diagnosis of ADHD (38 children). Results: For children with ADHD, the level of the perceived quality of social relations was lower than that of children without such a diagnosis. After controlling for sociometric status, the impact of ADHD on perceived status proved to be statistically nonsignificant but the indirect impact of ADHD on this status through sociometric status was statistically significant. Conclusion: Children diagnosed with ADHD are more often rejected by their peers and have a more pessimistic view of their social world. Moreover, ADHD diagnosis does not have a direct influence on the perceived quality of social relations otherwise than through sociometric status.
Adaptation of a Counseling Intervention to Address Multiple Cancer Risk Factors Among Overweight/Obese Latino Smokers
Authors: Castro Yessenia , Fernández Maria E. , Strong Larkin L. , Stewart Diana W. , Krasny Sarah , Hernandez Robles Eden , Heredia Natalia , Spears Claire A. , Correa-Fernández Virmarie , Eakin Elizabeth , Resnicow Ken , Basen-Engquist Karen , Wetter David W.
Published: December 2014

More than 60% of cancer-related deaths in the United States are attributable to tobacco use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity, and these risk factors tend to cluster together. Thus, strategies for cancer risk reduction would benefit from addressing multiple health risk behaviors. We adapted an evidence-based intervention grounded in social cognitive theory and principles of motivational interviewing originally developed for smoking cessation to also address physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption among Latinos exhibiting multiple health risk behaviors. Literature reviews, focus groups, expert consultation, pretesting, and pilot testing were used to inform adaptation decisions. We identified common mechanisms underlying change in smoking, physical activity, and diet used as treatment targets; identified practical models of patient-centered cross-cultural service provision; and identified that family preferences and support as particularly strong concerns among the priority population. Adaptations made to the original intervention are described. The current study is a practical example of how an intervention can be adapted to maximize relevance and acceptability and also maintain the core elements of the original evidence-based intervention. The intervention has significant potential to influence cancer prevention efforts among Latinos in the United States and is being evaluated in a sample of 400 Latino overweight/obese smokers.