bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel nondestructive evaluation transducer for imaging of low-impedance targets
Authors: Dugnani Roberto
Published: March 2014

Piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate, display high electromechanical coupling, low internal losses, and exceptional environmental durability making them the material of choice for acoustic imaging transducers. Traditionally, piezoelectric transducers are actuated in the thickness-extension mode and they often make use of “matching” films to improve the signal transmissibility into lower acoustic impedance targets. In this article, we propose the use of transducers coupled to a structure in a direction orthogonal to the resonating plane. An analytical solution for the electromechanical behavior of a piezoelectric plate coupled transversely is derived. The analytical model shows that when resonated transversely, a transducer could display significantly lower effective acoustic impedance compared to transducers actuated in the thickness-extension mode. This feature eliminates the need for the matching films, hence helping reducing manufacturing costs. General guidelines on how to optimize the design of the proposed transducer for impedance imaging are also given. Finally, this article shows one example of how using a lead zirconate titanate transducer resonated transversely can reliably detect matrix cracking in fiberglass composite plates.
Family Involvement in Treatment Among Youth in Residential Facilities
Authors: Robst John , Rohrer Lodi , Dollard Norín , Armstrong Mary
Published: March 2014

Youth treated in a residential treatment center (RTC) receive an array of services to address their mental health and behavioral issues, including psychotherapy and medication. Prior studies have shown that youth continue to receive a considerable number of services after discharge from a RTC. This study describes the characteristics of children and youth served in Florida’s Medicaid-funded residential treatment facilities, examines whether family involvement in treatment is associated with discharge to a family-like setting, and assesses continuity of treatment after discharge. Data for this study were obtained from the SIPP Provider Monthly Report Database from January 2005 through December 2011. These data contain information on family involvement during treatment. Post-discharge data were from Medicaid enrollment/claims files and Prepaid Mental Health Plan encounters. Results of this study suggest that family contacts for interventions and treatment planning are associated with a greater likelihood of discharge to a family-like setting. Among youth discharged to a family-like setting, family involvement during treatment was associated with receiving follow-up outpatient care. Results support the continued emphasis on including family members in the treatment of youth with mental health needs to ensure better outcomes and continuity of treatment.
Measuring the Advising Alliance for Female Graduate Students in Science and Engineering
Authors: Primé Dominic R. , Bernstein Bianca L. , Wilkins Kerrie G. , Bekki Jennifer M.
Published: March 2014

Faculty advisors play an important role in the development of graduate students. One group for which the advising relationship has been shown to be especially crucial is women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We designed two studies to assess the advising alliance for women in STEM graduate programs using the student version of the Advisor Working Alliance Inventory (AWAI) along with additional content developed by our team. Study 1 ( N = 76) was developed to assess item performance and the initial structure with a pilot sample of undergraduate and graduate students in science and engineering. Study 2 ( N = 293) was designed to assess the advising alliance exclusively for women in STEM graduate programs. Our results indicated that an alternative alliance structure may exist for women in STEM and in Study 2 two factors emerged, which indicated that instrumental support and psychosocial support are two salient factors for women in STEM.
Investigating Mitochondrial Metabolism in Contracting HL-1 Cardiomyocytes Following Hypoxia and Pharmacological HIF Activation Identifies HIF-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms of Regulation
Authors: Ambrose Lucy J. A. , Abd-Jamil Amira H. , Gomes Renata S. M. , Carter Emma E. , Carr Carolyn A. , Clarke Kieran , Heather Lisa C.
Published: March 2014

Hypoxia is a consequence of cardiac disease and downregulates mitochondrial metabolism, yet the molecular mechanisms through which this occurs in the heart are incompletely characterized. Therefore, we aimed to use a contracting HL-1 cardiomyocyte model to investigate the effects of hypoxia on mitochondrial metabolism. Cells were exposed to hypoxia (2% O2) for 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours to characterize the metabolic response. Cells were subsequently treated with the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-activating compound, dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), to determine whether hypoxia-induced mitochondrial changes were HIF dependent or independent, and to assess the suitability of this cultured cardiac cell line for cardiovascular pharmacological studies. Hypoxic cells had increased glycolysis after 24 hours, with glucose transporter 1 and lactate levels increased 5-fold and 15-fold, respectively. After 24 hours of hypoxia, mitochondrial networks were more fragmented but there was no change in citrate synthase activity, indicating that mitochondrial content was unchanged. Cellular oxygen consumption was 30% lower, accompanied by decreases in the enzymatic activities of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I and IV, and aconitase by 81%, 96%, and 72%, relative to controls. Pharmacological HIF activation with DMOG decreased cellular oxygen consumption by 43%, coincident with decreases in the activities of aconitase and complex I by 26% and 30%, indicating that these adaptations were HIF mediated. In contrast, the hypoxia-mediated decrease in complex IV activity was not replicated by DMOG treatment, suggesting HIF-independent regulation of this complex. In conclusion, 24 hours of hypoxia increased anaerobic glycolysis and decreased mitochondrial respiration, which was associated with changes in ETC and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme activities in contracting HL-1 cells. Pharmacological HIF activation in this cardiac cell line allowed both HIF-dependent and independent mitochondrial metabolic changes to be identified.
Synchronization and anti-synchronization of fractional dynamical networks
Authors: Zhang Runfan , Chen Diyi , Do Younghae , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: March 2014

The issue of synchronization between dynamical systems has attracted much attention, and the systems with integer-order dynamical networks have been well studied. The synchronous behavior of fractional-order dynamical systems is very interesting and importance, but has rarely been studied. In this paper, we studied the synchronization and anti-synchronization behavior between integer-order dynamical networks and fractional-order dynamical systems via a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. Remarkably, there is synchronous behavior in such a system, and this is dramatically different from the behavior of integer-order dynamical networks. Moreover, we studied the impact of different coupling strengths on the dynamical process of synchronization and robustness of the designed controller to different coupling functions, different dimensions of dynamical equations and different fractional orders. Finally, we propose the theoretical analysis, which coincides well with the numerical simulations of five typical examples.
A novel dynamic modeling method for aerostatic spindle based on pressure distribution
Authors: Chen Wanqun , Liang Yingchun , Sun Yazhou , Bai Qingshun , An Chenhui
Published: March 2014

The pressure distribution in an aerostatic bearing has an important effect on the performance of the associated mechanical equipment. To more accurately predict performance, a new dynamic modeling method has been developed that takes into account the pressure distribution in the bearing by integrating the principle of flow equilibrium and finite element theory. The direct corresponding relationship between the fluid film characteristics and spindle dynamic performance is established using this method. The simulation and experimental results show that the new dynamic modeling method for the aerostatic bearing is more efficient and reliable than traditional modeling methods.
A beam theory consistent with three-dimensional thermo-elasticity
Authors: Favata Antonino
Published: March 2014

We propose a model for thermo-elastic beams, consistent with the theory of linear three-dimensional thermo-elasticity and deduced by a suitable version of the principle of virtual powers. Dimensional reduction is achieved by postulating convenient a priori representations for mechanical and thermal displacements, the latter playing the role of an additional kinetic variable. Such representations are regarded as internal constraints, some involving the first, others, the second, gradient of deformation and thermal displacements; these constraints are maintained by reactive stresses and hyper-stresses of the type occurring in non-simple elastic materials of grade two, and by reactive entropy influxes and hyper-influxes.
The Relation Between Parental Expressed Emotion and Externalizing Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bader Stephanie H. , Barry Tammy D. , Hann Jill A. H.
Published: March 2014

The current study examined the relation between parental expressed emotion, a construct of the quality and amount of emotion expressed within the family environment that is a well-established predictor of symptom relapse in various psychological disorders, with externalizing behaviors in children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 111 parents of 6- to 18-year-old children and adolescents with an ASD who completed questionnaires measuring family environment variables (including parental expressed emotion, parental distress, and parenting practices), as well as assessing their child’s autism symptoms and emotional and behavioral functioning. Results of regression analyses indicated that parental expressed emotion, specifically criticism/hostility, accounted for 18.7% of the variance in child externalizing behaviors beyond that accounted for by demographic control variables, overinvolvement, parental distress, and parenting practices. Findings highlight a possible point of intervention for parents of children and adolescents with an ASD with concomitant externalizing behaviors.
Investigating effects of non-uniform preload on the thermal characteristics of angular contact ball bearings through simulations
Authors: Wu Wenwu , Li Xiaohu , Xu Feng , Hong Jun , Li Yang
Published: March 2014

Methods utilising rigid preloading and constant preloading in ball bearing systems may not be adequate to address the optimisation of problems in which preloading occurs. This is because of non-uniform loading on the bearings that is induced by manufacturing error, assembly error and external loads. A non-uniform preload is presented for the analysis of non-uniform bearing loading. A simulation method is developed to determine the effects on non-uniform loading on bearing thermal performance under different preloads. A three-degree-of-freedom model is built to simulate the heat generation rate of angular contact ball bearings under non-uniform preloads. In this model, the non-uniform preload is divided equally into two parts: a uniform preload and an equivalent moment. The bearing heat generation rate can then be employed in finite element analysis software to simulate the temperature field associated with the entire ball bearing. The simulation data shows that non-uniform preloading conditions on ball bearings can decrease heat generation. The results also show that non-uniform preloads can alleviate heating concentrations and reduce peak temperature values under working conditions.
Ethics, equality and evidence in health promotion Danish guidelines for municipalities
Authors: Vallgårda Signild
Published: March 2014

Aim: The Danish National Board of Health has expressed its commitment to social equality in health, evidence-informed health promotion and public health ethics, and has issued guidelines for municipalities on health promotion, in Danish named prevention packages. The aim of this article is to analyse whether the Board of Health adheres to ideals of equality, evidence and ethics in these guidelines. Methods: An analysis to detect statements about equity, evidence and ethics in 10 health promotion packages directed at municipalities with the aim of guiding the municipalities towards evidence-informed disease prevention and health promotion. Results: Despite declared intentions of prioritizing social equality in health, these intentions are largely absent from most of the packages. When health inequalities are mentioned, focus is on the disadvantaged or the marginalized. Several interventions are recommended, where there is no evidence to support them, notwithstanding the ambition of interventions being evidence-informed. Ethical considerations are scanty, scattered and unsystematically integrated. Further, although some packages mention the importance of avoiding stigmatization, there is little indicating how this could be done. Conclusions: Including reduction of health inequalities and evidence-informed and ethically defendable interventions in health promotion is a challenge, which is not yet fully met by the National Board of Health. When judged from liberal ethical principles, only few of the suggested interventions are acceptable, i.e., those concerning information, but from a paternalistic view, all interventions that may actually benefit the citizens are justified.
The outlook for fuels for internal combustion engines
Authors: Kalghatgi Gautam T
Published: March 2014

The demand for transport energy is increasing, but this increase is heavily skewed toward heavier fuels such as diesel and jet fuel while the demand for gasoline might decrease. As spark-ignition engines develop to become more efficient, abnormal combustion such as knock and preignition will become more likely. High antiknock quality fuels, those with high research octane number and preferably low motor octane number, will enable future spark-ignition engines to reach their full potential. Higher fuel antiknock quality is also likely to mitigate “superknock” resulting from preignition—an abnormal combustion problem in turbocharged spark-ignition engines. In many parts of the world, fuel antiknock specifications are set on the assumption that higher motor octane number contributes to increased knock resistance. Specifications for fuel antiknock quality have a great impact on fuels manufacture and will need to be revised as this mismatch between existing specifications and engine requirements widens. The primary challenge for diesel engines is to reduce emissions of soot and NOx while maintaining high efficiency, and this becomes much easier if such engines are run on fuels of extremely low cetane. Significant development is needed before such engines can be seen on practical vehicles. In the long term, compression ignition engines are likely to use fuels with research octane number in the range of 70–85 (cetane number<∼30) but with no strict requirements on volatility. Such fuels would require less processing in the refinery than today’s fuels. Such an engine/fuels system will be at least as efficient as today’s diesel engine but could be significantly cheaper and also open a path to mitigate the imbalance in demand growth between heavy and light fuels that is expected to arise otherwise. The review concludes with a possible long-term fuel scenario.
The moderating effects of active and agreeable conflict management styles on cultural intelligence and cross-cultural adjustment
Authors: Chen Angela Shin-yih , Wu I-heng , Bian Min-dau
Published: March 2014

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of cultural intelligence (CQ) and conflict management styles on a person’s cross-cultural adjustment in an Asian context. A total of 260 international students completed the paper-based questionnaires in Taiwan. We utilized multiple hierarchical regression to analyze the data and thereby to test the effects of CQ on cross-cultural adjustment as well as the moderating effects of conflict management styles on the relationship between CQ and cross-cultural adjustment. The results showed that CQ had a positive relationship with both general adjustment and interaction adjustment after controlling for age, length of residence in the local country, previous overseas experience, English language ability, and Chinese language ability. Moreover, we found that an active conflict management style negatively moderated the relationships between CQ and general adjustment and between CQ and interaction adjustment, while an agreeable conflict management style only positively moderated the relationship of CQ and general adjustment. Ultimately, we were able to demonstrate the importance of CQ and conflict management styles in understanding the links that are related to cross-cultural adjustment. We also provided several practical implications for firms and for individuals in order to improve their cross-cultural effectiveness.
Possessory politics and the conceit of procedure: Exposing the cost of rights under conditions of dispossession
Authors: Porter Libby
Published: March 2014

Rights are central to the theory and practice of planning, and to the practice of struggles for those who are marked by conditions of dispossession and displacement. Those rights are often articulated through planning as property ‘rights in’ and procedural ‘rights to’. Yet when struggles against the dispossessory tendencies of planning become articulated through these rights-based discourses in planning, the potential arises for their immediate limitation and co-optation. This article takes two particular modes of dispossession – Indigenous dispossession under the ongoing processes of colonialism, and displacement as a result of urban regeneration – and exposes why a persistent stance of critique to the promise of rights is so critical.
Reframing planning theory in terms of five categories of questions
Authors: Dobrucká Lucia
Published: March 2014

This article investigates how planning is influenced by five categories of questions (what, who, when/where, how and why) and the interactions between them. Planning theories differ in their answers to these questions, but all of them are primarily built around an assumed connection between the questions of ‘what’ and ‘how’. This orthodox assumption of a ‘what–how’ connection is shown to be responsible for the failure of planning theories in practice and their inability to address issues of power. The article illustrates that both ends and means (‘what’ and ‘how’) are predefined by answers to three fundamental questions (‘who’, ‘when/where’ and ‘why’) and that there is no direct connection between ‘what’ and ‘how’ in practice.
Disclosure and responsibility in Arendt’s The Human Condition
Authors: Williams Garrath
Published: March 2014

Hannah Arendt is one of the few philosophers to examine the dynamics of political action at length. Intriguingly, she emphasises the disclosure of who the actor is as a specific distinction of political action. This emphasis is connected with some long-standing worries about Arendt’s account that centre on its apparent unconcern for political responsibility. In this paper, I argue that Arendt’s emphasis on disclosure actually harbours a profound concern with responsibility. I do so by examining three questions. The main part of the paper focuses on how disclosure is bound up with political actors’ attempts to act with one another. It asks: what would it be for an actor to evade disclosure? And: what is involved in an actor acknowledging the fact of disclosure? – Looking at the matter negatively, attempts to evade disclosure and its implications lead to irresponsibility. Positively, for the actor to accept disclosure is to see herself as bound to her fellow actors and audience by relations of joint action and mutual accountability. The conclusion asks a third question: what would it mean for on-lookers to deny the relevance of actors’ disclosure? I argue that Arendt’s historiography – which revolves around stories in which political actors reveal who they are – reflects her conviction that people can and must take responsibility for their world.
iPads as instructional tools to enhance learning opportunities for students with developmental disabilities: An action research project
Authors: Cumming Therese M , Strnadová Iva , Singh Sylvia
Published: March 2014

This study details an action research project completed by an Information and Communications Technology Integration Coordinator and a team of five teachers, supported by the university partners as consultants. The project focused on the process and outcomes of the introduction of iPad technology to support students with developmental disabilities at a private high school in Sydney. The data were analyzed using the inductive content analysis approach. This paper describes the experience, including teacher and student perceptions of iPad implementation. Recommendations for implementation and further study are also discussed.
Intervening on Affective Involvement and Expression of Emotions in an Adult With Congenital Deafblindness
Authors: Martens Marga A. W. , Janssen Marleen J. , Ruijssenaars Wied A. J. J. M. , Huisman Mark , Riksen-Walraven J. Marianne
Published: March 2014

This study examined the effects of a 20-week intervention to foster affective involvement during interaction and communication between an adult with congenital deafblindness (CDB) and his caregivers in a group home and a daytime activities center. Using a single-subject design, we examined whether the intervention increased affective involvement between the participant and his caregivers, and whether the participant’s positive emotions increased and his negative emotions decreased. In both settings, an increase in affective involvement and very positive emotions coincided with the onset of the intervention, with the clearest effects in the daytime activities center. Negative emotions decreased in the daytime activities center. During follow-up, affective involvement decreased in both settings but remained above baseline. The caregivers indicated that it was easier to share positive emotions than negative emotions. This study demonstrates that it is possible to foster affective involvement with an adult with CDB, both during interaction and communication.
Clouded Visions
Authors: Steirer Gregory
Published: March 2014

This article uses the neoclassical economic principles of substitutable goods and switching costs to examine how the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE) intended its digital media ecosystem, UltraViolet, to intervene in the U.S. market for long-form digital video. The article provides a detailed blueprint of the ecosystem’s industrial arrangement, an account of its bungled rollout, and an analysis of the DECE’s long-term strategy. The piece also contributes to a dialogue on the use of economics within the field of digital distribution scholarship by arguing for the value of neoclassical principles within this field.
Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions and Cancer Patient Survival Again
Authors: Xia Yi , Tong Guixian , Feng Rui , Chai Jing , Cheng Jing , Wang Debin
Published: March 2014

Hypotheses. Although there is evidence that psychosocial and behavioral interventions (PBIs) increase well-being, improve coping and adjustment, and reduce distress among cancer patients, findings regarding PBIs as a means for prolonging survival were not convincing. Conflicting findings resulted in tremendous controversies over the efficacy of PBIs. This study aims at estimating the pooled effects of PBIs on survival of cancer patients. Study Design and Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of any kind of PBIs on the survival of cancer patients included in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cancer Lit, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and reference lists of relevant articles were retrieved and reviewed by 2 independent researchers. Data items derived from the articles included time and duration of study, intervention types and doses, and numbers of patients dying and surviving 1, 2, 4, and 6 years after intervention. Estimation of the collective effects of the interventions used meta-analysis via Review Manager (version 5). Results. A total of 15 RCTs met inclusion criteria, involving 2041 subjects (1118 in intervention and 923 in control groups). Inclusive total mean Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios (RRs) ranged from 0.83 to 0.99, and 3 of these effect sizes were statistically nonsignificant. Yet when the RCTs with less than 30 hours of PBIs were excluded, all the RRs decreased to some extent, with the RR for the first 2 years being decreased to 0.69 (95% CI, 0.55-0.87) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71-0.95), respectively. Conclusion. PBIs with adequate intervention doses prolong survival at least for some cancer patients in the first 2 years after intervention, although longer term effects need to be determined via more studies.
Impact of Adapted Physical Activity and Therapeutic Patient Education on Functioning and Quality of Life in Patients With Postacute Strokes
Authors: Taricco Mariangela , Dallolio Laura , Calugi Simona , Rucci Paola , Fugazzaro Stefania , Stuart Mary , Pillastrini Paolo , Fantini Maria Pia ,   the EFG [Esercizio Fisico di Gruppo] /2009 Investigators, Taricco Mariangela , Bassi Elena , Bernucci Chiara , Gaudenzi Noemi , Kopliku Besa , Manigrasso Vincenzo , Morara Matteo , Dallolio Laura , Calugi Simona , Fantini Maria Pia , Pillastrini Paolo , Rucci Paola , Fugazzaro Stefania , Gandini Mattia , Piccinelli Barbara , Zanichelli Francesco Sassi , Tedeschi Claudio , Testoni Stefania
Published: March 2014

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess whether the combination of Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) improves function and quality of life in survivors of strokes. Methods. This nonrandomized controlled study enrolled patients with mild to moderate hemiparesis referred to 2 physical medicine and rehabilitation units in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, 3 to 18 months after a single unilateral mild to moderate stroke. The experimental group (n = 126) received 16 APA sessions and 3 sessions of TPE, and the control group (n = 103) received usual care; 86.9% completed treatment. The main outcome measure was a 4-month change in gait endurance (that corresponds to 2 months after intervention in the experimental group), and secondary outcomes included the Short Physical Performance Battery, Berg Balance Scale, Barthel Index, Geriatric Depression Scale, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and Caregiver Strain Index. Changes in scores at 4 months were compared between groups using analysis of variance and controlling for group imbalance by means of the propensity score. Results. Gait endurance, physical performance, balance, and the physical component of the quality of life score increased significantly at 4 months in the APA group and remained stable in the control group. The propensity-adjusted between-group change was significant for these scores at P < .01. Conclusions. Our results confirm that it is feasible and potentially effective to implement APA programs for elderly patients with complex clinical conditions as early as 3 months after a stroke and suggest that, when combined with TPE, the effects of a postrehabilitation APA program are relatively enduring.
A Unique Ictal EEG Pattern in a Patient with the Coexistence of Generalized and Focal Epilepsy
Authors: Ladino Lady Diana , Gleadow Aaron , Téllez-Zenteno José F.
Published: March 2014

The coexistence of focal and generalized epilepsy is rare. We report on a 17-year-old male with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). He began to experience generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) at the age of 3 years, with a good response to phenobarbital. At the age of 14 years, he began to experience complex partial seizures (CPS). Video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) telemetry showed the coexistence of right temporal spikes and bursts of generalized spike-wave (GSW). The ictal EEG showed a unique EEG pattern characterized by a 4- to 5-second burst of GSW followed by rhythmic delta activity over the right temporal region. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed right hippocampal sclerosis. The patient underwent a right temporal lobectomy that significantly improved his seizure control. He was rendered seizure free of the complex partial seizures and improvement of the GTCS. This case illustrates a very uncommon ictal EEG pattern, and shows that the decision for surgery in patients with focal drug-resistant epilepsy should not be affected by coexistent generalized epilepsy.
Specialty-Specific Trends in the Prevalence and Distribution of Outpatient Surgery
Authors: Hollingsworth John M. , Birkmeyer John D. , Ye Zaojun , Miller David C.
Published: March 2014

Background. With nearly 53 million ambulatory procedures performed annually, future efforts to achieve greater value in surgical care should include a focus on outpatient surgery. To inform such efforts, a better understanding of specialty-specific trends in outpatient surgery is required. Objectives. To assess the prevalence and distribution of outpatient surgery across specialties. Research design. Repeated cross-sectional. Measures. Using all-payer data from Florida (1998-2008), we identified physicians who performed one or more procedures. We assigned a specialty to each physician based on his procedure mix. After measuring the proportion of procedures performed on an outpatient basis, we assessed for specialty-specific changes over time in this proportion. Finally, we determined the frequency with which individual specialties used surgery centers for their outpatient care. Results. More than two thirds (67.8%) of all surgical procedures are carried out on an outpatient basis. The popularity of outpatient surgery has grown among many specialties over the past decade, including several (urology, gastroenterology, plastic surgery, and ophthalmology) that perform most of their cases in outpatient settings. Within surgical disciplines, overall trends in the use of outpatient surgery are strongly associated with the specialty’s affinity for freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.76; P < .001). Conclusions. A majority of surgeons in many specialties now provide predominantly outpatient care. Incorporating these findings into the design of future payment and delivery system reforms will help ensure adequate surgeon exposure to the efficiency gains that evolve from them.
Hijabers: How young urban muslim women redefine themselves in Indonesia
Authors: Beta Annisa R
Published: March 2014

This paper analyzes the dissemination of ‘Hijaber’ style through different forms of cyber media (blogs and social network sites) in order to determine how young, computer savvy Muslim Indonesians explore their gender and religious identities while working in the ‘creative economy’ through cyberspace. This article shows the plurality and flexibility of the Hijaber trend—compared to more conventional forms—and explores its significance for urban Indonesian youth.
Squint
Authors: Lapira Matthew , Murgatroyd Helen
Published: March 2014

Squint is a common childhood condition that, if not picked up early, can have a detrimental effect on a child’s visual development and later quality of life. In the majority of cases the exact cause remains unknown, although it may be the presenting symptom of a serious ocular or neurological disease. GPs need to appreciate the range of causes of squint, its potential consequences, and hence know when and how urgently a specialist referral is required.
Prediction of In-Season Shoulder Injury From Preseason Testing in Division I Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Pontillo Marisa , Spinelli Bryan A. , Sennett Brian J.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Collegiate football is a high-demand sport in which shoulder injuries are common. Research has described the incidence of these injuries, with little focus on causative factors or injury prevention.

Hypothesis:

Football athletes who score lower on preseason strength and functional testing are more likely to sustain an in-season shoulder injury.

Study Design:

Prospective, cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Twenty-six collegiate football players underwent preseason testing with a rotational profile for shoulder range of motion, isometric strength of the rotator cuff at 90° elevation and external rotation in the 90/90 position, fatigue testing (prone-Y, scaption, and standing cable press), and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). Data collected postseason included the type of shoulder injury and the side injured. Logistic regression was used to determine if the testing measures predicted injury, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to examine the relationship of CKCUEST to injury.

Results:

Six athletes sustained shoulder injuries during the season. Predictor variables could significantly predict whether that player would sustain an injury during the season for both the right and left shoulders ( P < 0.05). The variables that were significantly correlated with injury of the right side were forward elevation strength, prone-Y to fatigue, and the CKCUEST ( P < 0.05); on the left, only the CKCUEST was significant ( P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the CKCUEST was 0.86 (ϵ = 0.87, P = 0.01). Using a score of 21 touches, the CKCUEST had a sensitivity of 0.83, a specificity of 0.79, and an odds ratio of 18.75 in determining whether a player sustained a shoulder injury.

Conclusion:

For this sample, the combination of preseason strength, fatigue, and functional testing was able to identify football players who would sustain a shoulder injury during the season.

Clinical Relevance:

Using a battery of strength, fatigue, and functional testing may be helpful in identifying football players during preseason who are at a higher risk for sustaining a shoulder injury. This information can be used to optimize preseason testing and implementation of injury prevention programs.
Epidural analgesia provides effective pain relief in patients undergoing open liver surgery
Authors: Ganapathi Senthil , Roberts Gemma , Mogford Susan , Bahlmann Barbara , Ateleanu Bazil , Kumar Nagappan
Published: March 2014

Background:

Epidural analgesia has been the reference standard for the provision of post-operative pain relief in patients recovering from major upper abdominal operations, including liver resections. However, a failure rate of 20–32% has been reported.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to analyse the success rates of epidural analgesia and the outcome in patients who underwent liver surgery.

Methods:

We collected data from a prospectively maintained database of 70 patients who underwent open liver surgery by a bilateral subcostal incision during a period of 20 months (February 2009 to September 2010). Anaesthetic consultants with expertise in anaesthesia for liver surgery performed the epidural catheter placement. A dedicated pain team assessed the post-operative pain scores on moving or coughing using the Verbal Descriptor Scale. The outcome was measured in terms of epidural success rates, pain scores, post-operative chest infection and length of hospital stay.

Results:

The study group included 43 males and 27 females. The indication for resection was liver secondaries (70%), primary tumours (19%) and benign disease (11%). While major (≥3 segments) and minor resections (≤ 2 segments) were performed in 44% and 47% respectively, 9% of patients were inoperable. Epidural analgesia was successful in 64 patients (91%). Bacterial colonisation of epidural tip was noticed in two patients. However, no neurological complications were encountered. Five patients (7%) had radiologically confirmed chest infection. Four patients (6%) developed wound infection. One patient died due to liver failure following extended right hepatectomy and cholecystectomy for gall bladder cancer. The median length of stay was 6 days (3–27 days). The extent of liver resection (p = 0.026) and post-operative chest infection (p = 0.012) had a significant influence on the length of stay.

Conclusion:

Our experience shows that epidural analgesia is safe and effective in providing adequate pain relief following open liver surgery.
How do adolescents define their own competencies in the consumption field? A portrait approach
Authors: Batat Wided
Published: March 2014

The objective of this research is to highlight the importance of the concept of ‘competence’ in studies focusing on the adolescent consumer’s behavior via an empirical case. This article examines the meaning that adolescents attribute to their consumption competencies by using an interpretive analysis of 18 portraits of adolescents aged 11–15. The findings identify 11 dimensions of consumption competence.
Rap on Trial
Authors: Kubrin Charis E. , Nielson Erik
Published: March 2014

In criminal proceedings across the United States, rap music lyrics are being introduced as evidence of a defendant’s guilt. In this article, we draw attention to this disturbing practice, what we call “rap on trial,” and explore its context, describe its elements and contours, and consider its broader significance. We first offer historical context, demonstrating that although the widespread use of rap lyrics in criminal trials may be a relatively recent phenomenon, it resides within a long tradition of antagonism between the legal establishment and hip-hop culture, one that can be traced back to hip-hop’s earliest roots. We then offer examples of recent cases in which rap music has been used as evidence in trials against amateur rappers, almost all of whom are young men of color, in order to illustrate the specific ways that prosecutors present the music to judges and juries, as well as to highlight the devastating effects it can have on defendants. In the final section, we consider the elements of rap music that leave it vulnerable to judicial abuse and the artistic, racial, and legal ramifications of using this particular genre of music to put people in jail. We conclude with recommendations for further research in this area, pointing out specific areas where scholarship would most effectively expose what it means to put rap on trial.
Time and Cost of Diagnosis for Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Kahlenberg Cynthia A. , Han Brian , Patel Ronak M. , Deshmane Prashant P. , Terry Michael A.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears are common causes of hip pain that are often not promptly or properly diagnosed. To our knowledge, no reports have defined the time and cost of diagnosis of labral tears associated with FAI.

Hypothesis:

Patients with labral tears associated with FAI undergo extraneous diagnostic testing and pain and incur a significant amount of health care costs before they receive appropriate surgical management for their pathology.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 78 patients diagnosed with symptomatic FAI were surveyed. A standardized questionnaire asked patients about time to diagnosis, symptoms, health care providers visited, imaging tests, and treatments prior to diagnosis. Costs were calculated based on 2012 national Medicare data.

Results:

Patients in the cohort saw an average of 4.0 health care providers, had an average of 3.4 diagnostic imaging tests, and tried an average of 3.1 treatments prior to diagnosis. The average total amount spent per patient prior to diagnosis was US$2456.97. The calculated minimum cost of diagnosis, including a visit to an orthopaedic surgeon as well as an anteroposterior pelvis and lateral hip radiograph and 1 magnetic resonance arthrogram, was US$690.62. The average duration between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of labral tear was 32.0 months.

Conclusion:

The average amount of health care dollars spent per patient prior to receiving a diagnosis of acetabular labral tear was US$1766.35 higher than the calculated minimum cost. This figure is based on Medicare payment amounts, which may significantly underestimate the actual charges at many hospitals, thereby increasing the total cost of diagnosis.

Clinical Relevance:

The costs and pain associated with this time, along with the potential long-term degradation of the hip joint, make it important for all health care professionals to recognize and appropriately manage or refer the patient.
A novel tescalcin-sodium/hydrogen exchange axis underlying sorafenib resistance in FLT3-ITD+ AML
Authors: Man Cheuk Him , Lam Stephen S. Y. , Sun Murphy K. H. , Chow Howard C. H. , Gill Harinder , Kwong Yok Lam , Leung Anskar Y. H.
Published: March 2014

Key Points

A novel TESC-NEH1 pathway is involved in FLT3-ITD+ AML pathogenesis. Inhibition of NHE1 overcomes sorafenib resistance in FLT3-ITD+AML.
Idelalisib, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p110δ, for relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Brown Jennifer R. , Byrd John C. , Coutre Steven E. , Benson Don M. , Flinn Ian W. , Wagner-Johnston Nina D. , Spurgeon Stephen E. , Kahl Brad S. , Bello Celeste , Webb Heather K. , Johnson Dave M. , Peterman Sissy , Li Daniel , Jahn Thomas M. , Lannutti Brian J. , Ulrich Roger G. , Yu Albert S. , Miller Langdon L. , Furman Richard R.
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Idelalisib was evaluated in 54 patients with heavily pretreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and target inhibition was documented in vivo. Oral idelalisib therapy demonstrated a favorable safety profile and rapidly induced durable disease control in the majority of patients.
Atypical Listeria innocua strains possess an intact LIPI-3
Authors: Clayton Evelyn M , Daly Karen M , Guinane Caitriona M , Hill Colin , Cotter Paul D , Ross Paul R
Published: March 2014

Background

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen which is the causative agent of listeriosis and can be divided into three evolutionary lineages I, II and III. While all strains possess the well established virulence factors associated with the Listeria pathogenicity island I (LIPI-1), lineage I strains also possess an additional pathogenicity island designated LIPI-3 which encodes listeriolysin S (LLS), a post-translationally modified cytolytic peptide. Up until now, this pathogenicity island has been identified exclusively in a subset of lineage I isolates of the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.

Results

In total 64 L. innocua strains were screened for the presence of LIPI-3. Here we report the identification of an intact LIPI-3 in 11 isolates of L. innocua and the remnants of the cluster in several others. Significantly, we can reveal that placing the L. innocua lls genes under the control of a constitutive promoter results in a haemolytic phenotype, confirming that the cluster is capable of encoding a functional haemolysin.

Conclusions

Although the presence of the LIPI-3 gene cluster is confined to lineage I isolates of L. monocytogenes, a corresponding gene cluster or its remnants have been identified in many L. innocua strains.
Neuroprotection by rAAV-mediated gene transfer of bone morphogenic protein 7
Authors: Heinonen Ann-Marie , Rahman Mahbubur , Dogbevia Godwin , Jakobi Hannah , Wölfl Stefan , Sprengel Rolf , Schwaninger Markus
Published: March 2014

Background

Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) promote the survival of neurons, suggesting a therapeutic application of BMPs in the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. However, the application of recombinant BMPs in vivo is limited by their short half-life. To provide a continuous supply for functionally active BMPs, we expressed BMP7, BMP2 and the BMP inhibitor Noggin under the control of rAAV vectors in vivo. For visual control of rAAV-mediated BMP (v-BMP) expression we fused the secreted morphogenic polypeptides and the fluorescent reporter protein Venus via the ‘ribosomal skip’ promoting 2A peptide-bridge.

Results

In primary cortical neurons, the rAAV-expressed morphogenic polypeptides were efficiently released from the 2A-Venus fusion precursors, were secreted, correctly processed and functionally active as shown by their effects on Smad phosphorylation in HeLa cells and in primary neurons, by the protection of v-BMP7-transduced primary cortical neurons against oxidative stress, and by the activation of BMP responsive GFP in v-BMP2 transduced reporter mice. In the stroke model of middle cerebral artery occlusion rAAV-transduced v-BMP7 reduced the infarct size in mice.

Conclusion

Polycistronic rAAV vectors encoding secreted polypeptides and 2A-linked reporter proteins are potential novel therapeutic tools for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Using this technique we documented that rAAV delivery of BMP7 reduced ischemic cell death in mice.
Blood and breath profiles of volatile organic compounds in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Mochalski Paweł , King Julian , Haas Matthias , Unterkofler Karl , Amann Anton , Mayer Gert
Published: March 2014

Background

Monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath shows great potential as a non-invasive method for assessing hemodialysis efficiency. In this work we aim at identifying and quantifying of a wide range of VOCs characterizing uremic breath and blood, with a particular focus on species responding to the dialysis treatment.

Methods

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection coupled with solid-phase microextraction as pre-concentration method.

Results

A total of 60 VOCs were reliably identified and quantified in blood and breath of CKD patients. Excluding contaminants, six compounds (isoprene, dimethyl sulfide, methyl propyl sulfide, allyl methyl sulfide, thiophene and benzene) changed their blood and breath levels during the hemodialysis treatment.

Conclusions

Uremic breath and blood patterns were found to be notably affected by the contaminants from the extracorporeal circuits and hospital room air. Consequently, patient exposure to a wide spectrum of volatile species (hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, heterocyclic compounds) is expected during hemodialysis. Whereas highly volatile pollutants were relatively quickly removed from blood by exhalation, more soluble ones were retained and contributed to the uremic syndrome. At least two of the species observed (cyclohexanone and 2-propenal) are uremic toxins. Perhaps other volatile substances reported within this study may be toxic and have negative impact on human body functions. Further studies are required to investigate if VOCs responding to HD treatment could be used as markers for monitoring hemodialysis efficiency.