bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of Paraloxoblemmus Karny (Orthoptera: Gryllidae; Gryllinae) with a new combination, Paraloxoblemmus longifrons (Chopard 1969), and lectotype designation for Paraloxoblemmus loxoblemmoides (Karny)
Authors: YANG JENG-TZE
Published: January 2015

The genus Paraloxoblemmus Karny has not been revised since 1907. In this paper, I present a lectotype designation and photographs of the type species, Paraloxoblemmus loxoblemmoides (Karny). In addition, a new combination Paraloxoblemmus longifrons (Chopard, 1969) is established. This species is transferred from Loxoblemmus Saussure based on the structure of the male genitalia of the holotype. Loxoblemmus longifrons Chopard is relegated as a subjective synonym.
Moisture Pathways into the U.S. Intermountain West Associated with Heavy Winter Precipitation Events*
Authors: Alexander Michael A. , Scott James D. , Swales Dustin , Abel Mimi R. , Mahoney Kelly , Smith Catherine A.
Published: January 2015

Two methods were used to identify the paths of moisture transport that reach the U.S. Intermountain West (IMW) during heavy precipitation events in winter. In the first, the top 150 precipitation events at stations located within six regions in the IMW were identified, and then back trajectories were initiated at 6-h intervals on those days at the four Climate Forecast System Reanalysis grid points nearest the stations. The second method identified the leading patterns of integrated water vapor transport (IVT) using the three leading empirical orthogonal functions of IVT over land that were first normalized by the local standard deviation. The top 1% of the associated 6-hourly time series was used to construct composites of IVT, atmospheric circulation, and precipitation. The results from both methods indicate that moisture originating from the Pacific that leads to extreme precipitation in the IMW during winter takes distinct pathways and is influenced by gaps in the Cascades (Oregon–Washington), the Sierra Nevada (California), and Peninsular Ranges (from Southern California through Baja California). The moisture transported along these routes appears to be the primary source for heavy precipitation for the mountain ranges in the IMW. The synoptic conditions associated with the dominant IVT patterns include a trough–ridge couplet at 500 hPa, with the trough located northwest of the ridge where the associated circulation funnels moisture from the west-southwest through the mountain gaps and into the IMW.
Applying the Nominal Response Model Within a Longitudinal Framework to Construct the Positive Family Relationships Scale
Authors: Preston Kathleen Suzanne Johnson , Parral Skye N. , Gottfried Allen W. , Oliver Pamella H. , Gottfried Adele Eskeles , Ibrahim Sirena M. , Delany Danielle
Published: January 2015

A psychometric analysis was conducted using the nominal response model under the item response theory framework to construct the Positive Family Relationships scale. Using data from the Fullerton Longitudinal Study, this scale was constructed within a long-term longitudinal framework spanning middle childhood through adolescence. Items tapping this construct were completed annually by mothers when children were aged 9 to 17 years. The scale measures a construct customized for each age with uniquely informative items consisting exclusively of discriminating response categories as evaluated using the nominal response model. By using longitudinal data, the study is innovative in implementing the method of test equating to a psychological construct across nine assessments spanning 8 years. Future research pertaining to validity is discussed.
The salience of alcohol-related issues across the adult lifespan
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Pescud Melanie
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The growing costs to the community of excessive alcohol consumption have resulted in pressure for governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to develop strategies to address this problem, but they do so in a highly constrained resource environment. To provide evidence of health education approaches that may be effective across multiple drinker segments, and hence be relevant to a large number of drinkers, this study investigated the alcohol-related issues that are most salient to adult drinkers at different life stages.

Method:

Ten focus groups were conducted with 82 drinkers aged 18–65 years in Perth, Western Australia.

Results:

Sixteen categories of concerns were identified that related to three main themes of social, health and logistical issues. The youngest drinkers nominated the largest number of issues and older drinkers the least, although there were certain issues, such as concerns relating to role modelling and product quality, that became of increasing relevance with age.

Conclusion:

Study findings provide insights for those seeking to develop strategies to address alcohol-related harm at the population level.
A Study of “Quad Ps” in Suzan-Lori Parks’s Venus
Authors: Ghasemi Mehdi
Published: January 2015

In the present essay, I examine Venus from the standpoint of Black feminism. I study the impact factor of intersectionality on Black women and their lives and study how the perversion of Black womanhood as well as scientific racism can help the White men hail institutionalized discrimination, displacement, and sexploitation at them and scientifically promote themselves. In addition, I examine how the perversion of Black body helps the White entertainers to gain profit and White spectators to achieve pleasure. To this end, I employ a range of associated theories to show how Venus lends itself to the concerned theories of Black feminism to utter the concerns of Black women and at the same time create identity for them.
Generalization of Multipulse Transmission Techniques for Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Lin Fanglue , Cachard Christian , Varray François , Basset Olivier
Published: January 2015

To increase the contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) in contrast imaging or the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in tissue harmonic imaging, many multipulse transmission techniques have been suggested. This article first recalls the various imaging techniques proposed in the literature and then presents a mathematical background to synthesize and generalize most of the multipulse ultrasound imaging techniques. The formulation presented can be used to predict the relative amplitude of the nonlinear components in each frequency band and to design new transmission sequences to either increase or decrease specified nonlinear components in each harmonic band. Simulation results on several multipulse techniques agree with the results from previous studies.
Usability Evaluation of a Web-Based Symptom Monitoring Application for Heart Failure
Authors: Wakefield Bonnie , Pham Kassie , Scherubel Melody
Published: January 2015

Symptom recognition and reporting by patients with heart failure are critical to avoid hospitalization. This project evaluated a patient symptom tracking application. Fourteen end users (nine patients, five clinicians) from a Midwestern Veterans Affairs Medical Center evaluated the website using a think aloud protocol. A structured observation protocol was used to assess success or failure for each task. Measures included task time, success, and satisfaction. Patients had a mean age of 70 years; clinicians averaged 42 years in age. Patients took 9.3 min and clinicians took less than 3 min per scenario. Most patients needed some assistance, but few patients were completely unable to complete some tasks. Clinicians demonstrated few problems navigating the site. Patient System Usability Scale item scores ranged from 2.0 to 3.6; clinician item scores ranged from 1.8 to 4.0. Further work is needed to determine whether using the web-based tool improves symptom recognition and reporting.
Diagnostic assessment of reading and listening in a second or foreign language: Elaborating on diagnostic principles
Authors: Harding Luke , Alderson J. Charles , Brunfaut Tineke
Published: January 2015

Alderson, Brunfaut and Harding (2014) recently investigated how diagnosis is practised across a range of professions in order to develop a tentative framework for a theory of diagnosis in second or foreign language (SFL) assessment. In articulating this framework, a set of five broad principles were proposed, encompassing the entire enterprise of diagnostic assessment. However, there remain questions about how best to implement these principles in practice, particularly in identifying learners’ strengths and weaknesses in the less well-documented areas of SFL reading and listening. In this paper, we elaborate on the set of principles by first outlining the stages of a diagnostic process built on these principles, and then discussing the implications of this process for the diagnostic assessment of reading and listening. In doing so, we will not only elaborate on the theory of diagnosis with respect to its application in the assessment of these skills, but also discuss the ways in which each construct might be defined and operationalized for diagnostic purposes.
Le dessin comme langage de l’enfant : Contributions de la psychologie à l’enrichissement des méthodologies de recherche appliquées aux enfants consommateurs
Authors: Ezan Pascale , Gollety Mathilde , Hemar-Nicolas Valérie
Published: January 2015

Sur la base des connaissances acquises en psychologie, ce travail a pour ambition de mener une réflexion sur les ressorts du langage graphique et la manière dont ce langage peut être mobilisé dans les recherches sur les enfants consommateurs. Il fournit un cadre méthodologique et permet de légitimer l’utilisation du langage graphique en proposant trois manières de structurer la collecte des données (le dessin cadré, le dessin orienté, le dessin libre) et deux techniques d’analyse du corpus en fonction des objectifs de la recherche.
Teaching Creative Thinking Skills
Authors: Im Hyunjoo , Hokanson Brad , Johnson Kim K. P.
Published: January 2015

With an increasing degree of complexity in the retail business, future business success for retail professionals will likely require creative problem-solving abilities. Therefore, there is a need for retail merchandising programs to emphasize creative problem solving because creativity can be learned. In this study, we share how an undergraduate-level creative problem-solving class is designed and implemented to enhance retail merchandising students’ creative problem-solving skills. A longitudinal analysis of creativity scores of 45 undergraduate students in a retail merchandising program was conducted to test both short-term and long-term effects of creative problem-solving training on students’ creativity scores. The results provide support for creativity training.
Earning identity and respect through work: A study of children involved in fishing and farming practices in Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Sackey Enoch Tawiah , Johannesen Berit Overå
Published: January 2015

This article explores the meanings children involved in fishing and farming practices in two communities in Cape Coast, Ghana, give to their participation in work and school. Everyday work tasks are considered purposeful by the children, as they describe their own efforts as a reproduction of a traditional intergenerational order with strong moral connotations. More than anything, the moral dimension of participation is highlighted when children talk about how they earn their identity, respect, and competences through work. For their future, however, many children dream about other kinds of jobs.
Aircraft and engine economic evaluation for fleet renewal decision-making and maintenance contract valuation
Authors: Justin Cedric Y , Mavris Dimitri N
Published: January 2015

The fleet acquisition process represents a major gamble for airlines and aircraft leasing companies due to the fixed assumptions made when business plans are laid out and the abundance of uncertainties both at the technical and market levels. Indeed, the evaluation of aircraft and engine acquisitions is riddled with uncertainties regarding the product development (development schedule), the economic performance of the assets once in operations (operating cost), and the demand for air transportation. The trend in recent years has been for original equipment manufacturers to offer contracts and guarantees during sales campaigns that limit the exposure of airlines to technical uncertainty and that shift some of the operating risks from the airlines to the manufacturers. Airlines have embraced these “power-by-the-hour” maintenance contracts because they offer a way to mitigate operating risks and to anticipate cash outflows. Estimating the fair value of these contracts is paramount due to the significant risks faced by companies underwriting them. At the same time, valuing them is a daunting task due to the uncertainty regarding maintenance costs and their sensitivity to both the operations and the operating environment. Traditional evaluation methods are not always well adapted to perform these evaluations as they do not capture the problem in its entirety and they tend to oversimplify by using generic routes and surrogate models. This paper simultaneously proposes a customer-centric methodology to properly evaluate long-term aircraft and engine investments and a real-options inspired methodology to value long-term maintenance contracts and manufacturer guarantees.
Impact time control guidance law with large impact angle constraint
Authors: Zhang Youan , Wang Xingliang , Ma Guoxin
Published: January 2015

The problem of impact time control with large impact angle constraint is addressed. The dynamics of impact time error under the biased proportional navigation based impact angle control guidance law is first derived for the case of large impact angle constraint. Based on the impact time error dynamics, an additional control term is designed to drive the impact time error to converge in finite time. The resultant impact time and impact angle control guidance law comprises the biased proportional navigation based impact angle control guidance law and an additional term. The first term is used to achieve zero miss distance with the designated impact angle, and the second term is used to control the impact time. Compared with the existing impact time and impact angle control guidance law, which is shown to be only applicable for the case of small impact angle constraint, its application is not limited by the magnitude of the designated impact angle. Finite time convergence of the closed-loop guidance system under the proposed impact time and impact angle control guidance law is proved. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed impact time and impact angle control guidance law, especially for case of large impact angle constraint.
Dimorphous Expressions of Positive Emotion: Displays of Both Care and Aggression in Response to Cute Stimuli
Authors: Aragón Oriana R. , Clark Margaret S. , Dyer Rebecca L. , Bargh John A.
Published: January 2015

Extremely positive experiences, and positive appraisals thereof, produce intense positive emotions that often generate both positive expressions (e.g., smiles) and expressions normatively reserved for negative emotions (e.g., tears). We developed a definition of these dimorphous expressions and tested the proposal that their function is to regulate emotions. We showed that individuals who express emotions in this dimorphous manner do so as a general response across a variety of emotionally provoking situations, which suggests that these expressions are responses to intense positive emotion rather than unique to one particular situation. We used cute stimuli (an elicitor of positive emotion) to demonstrate both the existence of these dimorphous expressions and to provide preliminary evidence of their function as regulators of emotion.
Direct Real-Time Neural Evidence for Task-Set Inertia
Authors: Evans Lisa H. , Herron Jane E. , Wilding Edward L.
Published: January 2015

One influential explanation for the costs incurred when switching between tasks is that they reflect interference arising from completing the previous task—known as task-set inertia. We report a novel approach for assessing task-set inertia in a memory experiment using event-related potentials (ERPs). After a study phase, participants completed a test block in which they switched between a memory task (retrieving information from the study phase) and a perceptual task. These tasks alternated every two trials. An ERP index of the retrieval of study information was evident in the memory task. It was also present on the first trial of the perceptual task but was markedly attenuated on the second. Moreover, this task-irrelevant ERP activity was positively correlated with a behavioral cost associated with switching between tasks. This real-time measure of neural activity thus provides direct evidence of task-set inertia, its duration, and the functional role it plays in switch costs.
Building Blocks for Developing Spatial Skills: Evidence From a Large, Representative U.S. Sample
Authors: Jirout Jamie J. , Newcombe Nora S.
Published: January 2015

There is evidence suggesting that children’s play with spatial toys (e.g., puzzles and blocks) correlates with spatial development. Females play less with spatial toys than do males, which arguably accounts for males’ spatial advantages; children with high socioeconomic status (SES) also show an advantage, though SES-related differences in spatial play have been less studied than gender-related differences. Using a large, nationally representative sample from the standardization study of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Fourth Edition, and controlling for other cognitive abilities, we observed a specific relation between parent-reported frequency of spatial play and Block Design scores that was invariant across gender and SES. Reported spatial play was higher for boys than for girls, but controlling for spatial play did not eliminate boys’ relative advantage on this subtest. SES groups did not differ in reported frequency of spatial play. Future research should consider quality as well as quantity of play, and should explore underlying mechanisms to evaluate causality.
Impact of Climate Conditions on Occupational Health and Related Economic Losses
Authors: Kjellstrom Tord
Published: January 2015

One feature of climate change is the increasing heat exposure in many workplaces where efficient cooling systems cannot be applied. Excessive heat exposure is a particular problem for working people because of the internal heat production when muscle work is carried out. The physiological basis for severe heat stroke, other clinical effects, and heat exhaustion is well known. One feature of this health effect of excessive workplace heat exposure is reduced work capacity, and new research has started to quantify this effect in the context of climate change. Current climate conditions in tropical and subtropical parts of the world are already so hot during the hot seasons that occupational health effects occur and work capacity for many working people is affected. The Hothaps-Soft database and software and ClimateCHIP.org website make it possible to rapidly produce estimates of local heat conditions and trends. The results can be mapped to depict the spatial distribution of workplace heat stress. In South-East Asia as much as 15% to 20% of annual work hours may already be lost in heat-exposed jobs, and this may double by 2050 as global climate change progresses. By combining heat exposure data and estimates of the economic consequences, the vulnerability of many low- and middle-income countries is evident. The annual cost of reduced labor productivity at country level already in 2030 can be several percent of GDP, which means billions of US dollars even for medium-size countries. The results provide new arguments for effective climate change adaptation and mitigation policies and preventive actions in all countries.
Obeying the Rules of the Road
Authors: Bradford Ben , Hohl Katrin , Jackson Jonathan , MacQueen Sarah
Published: January 2015

Why do people comply with traffic laws and regulations? Road traffic policing tends to be premised on the idea that people comply when they are presented with a credible risk of sanction in the event of non-compliance. Such an instrumental model of compliance contrasts with the normative account offered by procedural justice theory, in which compliance is encouraged by legitimate legal authorities. Comparing these two accounts, we find evidence that both instrumental and normative factors explain variance in motorists’ self-reported propensity to offend. Extending the standard procedural justice account, we also find that it is social identity—not legitimacy—that forms the “bridge” linking procedural fairness and compliance, at least according to a definition of legitimacy that combines felt obligation and moral endorsement. Fair treatment at the hands of police officers seems to enhance identification with the social group the police represent, and in turn, identification seems to motivate adherence to rules (laws) governing social behavior. These findings have implications not only for understandings of legal compliance but also for our understanding of why procedural justice motivates compliance and the role of procedural justice in promoting social cohesion.
Public Cooperation With the Police in Japan
Authors: Tsushima Masahiro , Hamai Koichi
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study of public cooperation with the police in Japan is twofold: First, it draws on the legitimacy model to investigate the causal relationship between trust in and cooperation with the police in Japan, and explores how well the model fits the sample data. Second, it seeks to identify the determinant factors of public cooperation with the police in Japan. The key finding of the first analysis is that the legitimacy model does not seem to be sufficiently applicable to the Japanese data. The effects of the two key elements of police legitimacy—perceived duty toward and moral alignment with the police—on cooperation with the police were not significant. The findings of the second analysis show, rather, that gender, age, education, marital status, years of residence, and perceived sanctions are determinants of cooperation with the police. Among the findings, marital status and years of residence are worth our attention, given the results of the gender-specific analyses. Possible reasons for these results are discussed in consideration of various aspects of Japanese society, such as traditional gender role expectations.
Team Performance as a Joint Function of Team Member Satisfaction and Agreeableness
Authors: Kong Dejun Tony , Konczak Lee J. , Bottom William P.
Published: January 2015

Recent research on team personality has paid growing attention to team agreeableness; yet the literature is replete with mixed findings regarding the relationship between team agreeableness and team performance. Following the emerging trend of examining the moderating role of team personality traits in team dynamics, we propose a novel view of team agreeableness as a moderator for the relationship between team member satisfaction and team performance. With 230 senior-level professionals in 42 self-managed teams, we found that when team agreeableness was low, team member satisfaction was positively related to team performance, whereas when team agreeableness was high, team member satisfaction was not significantly related to team performance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Team Learning in a Multinational Military Staff Exercise
Authors: Hedlund Erik , Börjesson Marcus , Österberg Johan
Published: January 2015

International operations have become one of the main tasks for the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF). The SAF and Swedish National Defence College organize annual international staff exercises with the purpose of training officers to carry out effective staff work. This study analyzed a staff exercise using Edmondson’s team learning model in a military setting. The model was developed by including group cohesion. As defensive routines are a threat to team learning behavior, the possible presence of these was examined. The results indicate that team leader coaching is crucial to support all the variables in the model. The added variable of group cohesion contributed with insights on how the commander used task solving to create group cohesion. Some examples of defensive routines were also revealed but there seemed to be challenges in identifying such routines in this type of exercise setting.
Using a Qualitative Vignette to Explore a Complex Public Health Issue
Authors: Jackson Michaela , Harrison Paul , Swinburn Boyd , Lawrence Mark
Published: January 2015

This article discusses how qualitative vignettes were combined with interviews to explore a complex public health issue; that is, promoting unhealthy foods and beverages to children and adolescents. It outlines how the technique was applied in practice and the combination of vignette-based interviews with a broader approach involving Gadamerian hermeneutics. Twenty-one participants from the public health community and the marketing and food and beverage industries took part in vignette-based interviews between March and September 2012. Overall, the qualitative vignette method afforded an efficient, generally well-received technique that effectively explored the issue of promoting unhealthy foods and beverages to children and adolescents. The vignette provided structure to interviews but allowed certain responses to be investigated in greater depth. Through this research, we argue that qualitative vignettes allow researchers to explore complex public health issues. This article also provides a valuable resource for researchers seeking to explore this technique.
Use of Statins and Antihypertensive Medications in Relation to Risk of Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Thacker Evan L. , Jensen Paul N. , Psaty Bruce M. , McKnight Barbara , Longstreth W. T. , Dublin Sascha , Newton Katherine M. , Smith Nicholas L. , Siscovick David S. , Heckbert Susan R.
Published: January 2015

Background: After an initial episode of atrial fibrillation (AF), patients may develop long-standing persistent or permanent AF. Objective: We evaluated whether use of statins, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or β-blockers is associated with lower risk of long-standing persistent AF after an initial AF episode. Methods: We conducted a population-based inception cohort study of participants enrolled in Group Health, aged 30 to 84 years, with newly diagnosed AF in 2001-2004. We included only participants whose initial AF episode terminated within 6 months of onset. We ascertained the primary outcome of long-standing persistent AF from medical records, electrocardiograms, and administrative data. We determined time-varying medication use from Group Health pharmacy data. Results: Among 1317 participants with incident AF, 304 developed long-standing persistent AF. Our study suggests that current statin use versus never use may be associated with lower risk for long-standing persistent AF. However, the association was not statistically significant when adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and current use of antiarrhythmic medication (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.57, 1.03). In lagged analyses intended to reduce healthy user bias, current statin use 1 year prior versus never use 1 year prior was not associated with risk for long-standing persistent AF (HR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.67, 1.24). ACE inhibitor, ARB, and β-blocker use were not associated with risk for long-standing persistent AF. Conclusions: Current statin use may confer protection that wanes after discontinuing use. Alternatively, healthy user bias or chance may explain the association. The association of statin use with long-standing persistent AF warrants further investigation.
Juxtaoral Organ of Chievitz, an Obscure Anatomical Structure Masquerading as Perineural Invasion of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Sancheti Sankalp Mahendra , Sawaimoon Satyakam , Zameer Mohammed Abdul Lateef
Published: January 2015

The juxtaoral organ was first described by Chievitz in 1885. This is typically located deep to the medial pterygoid muscle (unilaterally or bilaterally) in the pterygomandibular space. Juxtaoral organ of Chievitz (JOOC) is usually incidentally detected in biopsies or resection specimen of other tumors but exceptionally, it can present as mass lesions. Awareness of this normal anatomic structure is important, because the epithelial islands in this area could be misinterpreted as an invasive carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, an odontogenic tumor such as ameloblastoma or adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, or a perineural invasion by carcinoma. When a portion of the juxtaoral organ of Chievitz is accidentally exposed by frozen biopsy, there is an even higher risk of mistaking these cells for an invasive cancer or a perineural invasion of carcinoma. We report this to create awareness about this obscure structure and to draw attention to its differential diagnosis
24(S)-Hydroxycholesterol as a Modulator of Neuronal Signaling and Survival
Authors: Sun Min-Yu , Linsenbardt Andrew J. , Emnett Christine M. , Eisenman Lawrence N. , Izumi Yukitoshi , Zorumski Charles F. , Mennerick Steve
Published: January 2015

The major cholesterol metabolite in brain, 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC), serves as a vehicle for cholesterol removal. Its effects on neuronal function, however, have only recently begun to be investigated. Here, we review that nascent work. Our own studies have demonstrated that 24S-HC has potent positive modulatory effects on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) function. This could have implications not only for brain plasticity but also for pathological NMDAR overuse. Other work has demonstrated effects of 24S-HC on neuronal survival and as a possible biomarker of neurodegenerative disease. Depending on circumstances, both upregulation/mimicry of 24S-HC signaling and down-regulation/antagonism may have therapeutic potential. We are interested in the possibility that synthetic analogues of 24S-HC with positive effects at NMDARs may hold neurotherapeutic promise, given the role of NMDA receptor hypofunction in certain neuropsychiatric disorders.
The Currency of Gender
Authors: North Louise
Published: January 2015

This paper reports on the development and implementation of the first unit1 in an Australian university undergraduate journalism program to specifically examine the gendered nature of both news content and production processes. The paper outlines why such a unit is important to addressing entrenched industry bias, the core content, and student and institutional responses. It notes the initial limitations and ongoing impediments to developing similar modules in other journalism programs. While the paper laments the parlous state of critical feminist reflection in Australian journalism education, its main aim is to bear witness to the success of the ground-breaking unit and to encourage journalism educators worldwide to embrace gender (and diversity) education in their curricula.
Estimates of Intraclass Correlation Coefficients From Longitudinal Group-Randomized Trials of Adolescent HIV/STI/Pregnancy Prevention Programs
Authors: Glassman Jill R. , Potter Susan C. , Baumler Elizabeth R. , Coyle Karin K.
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Group-randomized trials (GRTs) are one of the most rigorous methods for evaluating the effectiveness of group-based health risk prevention programs. Efficiently designing GRTs with a sample size that is sufficient for meeting the trial’s power and precision goals while not wasting resources exceeding them requires estimates of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)—the degree to which outcomes of individuals clustered within groups (e.g., schools) are correlated. ICC estimates vary widely depending on outcome, population, and setting, and small changes in ICCs can have large effects on the sample size needed to estimate intervention effects. This study addresses a gap in the literature by providing estimates of ICCs for adolescent sexual risk-taking outcomes under a range of study conditions. Method. Multilevel regression analyses were applied to existing data from four federally funded GRTs of school-based HIV/STI/pregnancy prevention programs to obtain a variety of ICC estimates. Results. ICCs ranged from 0 to 0.15, with adjustment for covariates and repeated measurements reducing the ICC in the majority of cases. Minimum detectable effect sizes with 80% power and 0.05 significance levels ranged from small to medium Cohen’s d (0.13 to 0.53) assuming 20 schools of 100 students each. Conclusions. This study provides the first known set of ICC estimates for investigators to use when planning studies of school-based programs to prevent sexual risk behaviors in youth. The results provide further evidence of the importance of using the appropriate adjusted ICC estimate at the design stage to maximize resources in costly GRTs.
Evaluating illness representations in heart transplant patients
Authors: Janelle Caroline , O’Connor Kieron , Dupuis Gilles
Published: January 2015

The aim was to see whether qualitative analysis improved quantitative measurement of illness perception after heart transplant. Two methods of evaluating illness representations were compared: one quantitative (administration of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised) and one qualitative (phenomenological reduction). The qualitative analysis provided greater insight into the idiosyncratic and dynamic nature of the concept of illness representations. Adjustments to the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised are suggested to improve the evaluation of illness perception in terms of dispersion of scores, emotional impact, coping strategies and treatment, and social support, and ultimately to enhance interventions designed to promote treatment compliance.
Care pathways as boundary objects between primary and secondary care: Experiences from Norwegian home care services
Authors: Håland Erna , Røsstad Tove , Osmundsen Tonje C
Published: January 2015

The need for integration of healthcare services and collaboration across organisational boundaries is highlighted as a major challenge within healthcare in many countries. Care pathways are often presented as a solution to this challenge. In this article, we study a project of developing, introducing and using a care pathway across healthcare levels focusing on older home-dwelling patients in need of home care services after hospital discharge. In so doing, we use the concept of boundary object, as described by Star and Griesemer, to explore how care pathways can act as tools for translation between specialist healthcare services and home care services. Based on interviews with participants in the project, we find that response to existing needs, local tailoring, involvement and commitment are all crucial for the care pathway to function as a boundary object in this setting. Furthermore, the care pathway, as we argue, can be used to push boundaries just as much as it can be used as a tool for bridging across them, thus potentially contributing to a more equal relationship between specialist healthcare services and home care services.
Silent subjects, loud diseases: Enactment of personhood in intensive care
Authors: Koksvik Gitte Hanssen
Published: January 2015

The topic of this article is personhood in the case of verbally inexpressive, typically unconscious patients or patients with a low level of lucidity. My aim is to show how personhood is done and undone in a close-knit network of personnel, patients, disease, technology, and treatment, borrowing the concept of enactment as developed by Annemarie Mol. The empirical data are based on grounded ethnographic fieldwork conducted in three separate intensive care units in three European countries: Spain, Norway, and France in the spring of 2014. Four weeks were spent at each site. The method used was participant observations and semi-structured interviews with 24 intensive care unit staff members (9 doctors, 12 nurses, and 3 nurses’ aides).
“It Gets Better”: Internet memes and the construction of collective identity
Authors: Gal Noam , Shifman Limor , Kampf Zohar
Published: January 2015

In September 2010, a video titled “It Gets Better” was uploaded to YouTube, responding to suicides of gay teens who had suffered from homophobic bullying. Before long, thousands of Internet users added their own versions of the clip, creating a mass appeal to young people while simultaneously negotiating the norms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) collective identity. Conceptualizing this body of videos as an Internet meme, we examine the extent to which participants imitate or alter textual components presented in previous videos. A combined quantitative and qualitative analysis of 200 clips shows that in an arena ostensibly free of formal gatekeepers, participants tend to police themselves, toeing the line with conformist norms. We also identify domains of potential subversion, related not only to the content of the videos but mainly to the forms facilitated by digital media.
Process–structure relationship of carbon/ polyphenylene sulfide commingled hybrid yarns used for thermoplastic composites
Authors: Schäfer Jens , Stolyarov Oleg , Ali Rana , Greb Christoph , Seide Gunnar , Gries Thomas
Published: January 2015

Commingling is a prospective manufacturing process for the production of hybrid yarn in which a reinforcement material and a thermoplastic matrix in the form of filaments are mixed to form continuous filament yarn. In this work, hybrid two-component carbon/ polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) yarns designed for high-performance thermoplastic composites were developed. Experiments were carried out to investigate the manufacturing process of commingled yarn and quantify the homogeneity of distribution of carbon and PPS fibers in cross section of commingled hybrid yarns. The effect of process parameters in commingling including degree of overfeeding, production speed, and air pressure on the filament distribution in the cross section of commingled hybrid yarns was investigated. The results show that process parameters play a large part in improving blend uniformity and filament distribution in hybrid commingled yarns. A correlation between the observed homogeneity and the process parameters was established.
Ganoderma lucidum for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Cheng Shujie , Sliva Daniel
Published: January 2015

The medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia to improve health and promote longevity. The idea of using G. lucidum for cancer treatment is based on numerous laboratory and preclinical studies with cancer and immune cells as well as animal models demonstrating various biological activities in vitro and in vivo. For example, G. lucidum possesses cytotoxic, cytostatic, antimetastatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating activities. Limited clinical studies, including case reports and randomized controlled trials, suggest G. lucidum as an alternative adjunct therapy for stimulating the immune system in cancer patients. To confirm the efficacy of G. lucidum in cancer treatment, systematic translational research programs should be started worldwide. In addition, only standardized preclinically evaluated, biologically active G. lucidum extracts should be used in alternative treatments. This approach will lead to the development of standardized G. lucidum preparations with specific chemical fingerprint-associated anticancer activities.
The Potential Harm of Prostate Cancer Health Supplements
Authors: Patel Minesh , Musa Faisal , Mousi Fahd , Landau Daniel
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Products that advertise “prostate health” are readily available at most major supplement and vitamin shops. The SELECT trial, SELenium and vitamin E Cancer prevention Trial, showed that men who were supplemented with vitamin E and selenium faced a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. We opted to look at nationally available products from major retailers that advertised prostate health to determine if they could potentially cause harm by inclusion of selenium and/or vitamin E. Methods. We collected data from national retailers including Vitamin Shoppe, General Nutrition Corporation (GNC), that sell vitamins and supplements. Any product that advertised terms such as “prostate health” or “prostate cancer prevention” or similar were analyzed. In total, 97 products were assessed. The ingredients were analyzed to see if the product contained selenium or vitamin E. The remaining ingredients were also recorded. Results. Of all the products, 17% contained both selenium and vitamin E, 36% had selenium without vitamin E, and 16% had vitamin E without selenium. Overall, more than 50% contained selenium. Of the products containing selenium, 35% had 200 µg daily; the amount used in the SELECT trial. Of the products containing vitamin E, none had the 400 IU used in the SELECT trial. The most common ingredient used in the nationally available supplements advertised for prostate health was saw palmetto, with 85% containing this ingredient. Conclusion. Nearly one fifth of all products advertised for prostate health contained both selenium and vitamin E, although vitamin E was at levels lower than used in the SELECT trial. Selenium was, however, much more common and often at the doses per the SELECT trial. These data do not take into account other supplements and vitamins that people may be taking that also contain these ingredients. According to results from the SELECT trial, products that contain selenium and vitamin E should not be used for prostate health. Patients should exercise caution in selecting nonprescription therapies for prostate health and should receive education from their physicians or pharmacists if seeking these products.
Audible handheld Doppler ultrasound determines reliable and inexpensive exclusion of significant peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Alavi Afsaneh , Sibbald R Gary , Nabavizadeh Reza , Valaei Farnaz , Coutts Pat , Mayer Dieter
Published: January 2015

Objective

To determine the accuracy of audible arterial foot signals with an audible handheld Doppler ultrasound for identification of significant peripheral arterial disease as a simple, quick, and readily available bedside screening tool.

Methods

Two hundred consecutive patients referred to an interprofessional wound care clinic underwent audible handheld Doppler ultrasound of both legs. As a control and comparator, a formal bilateral lower leg vascular study including the calculation of Ankle Brachial Pressure Index and toe pressure (TP) was performed at the vascular lab. Diagnostic reliability of audible handheld Doppler ultrasound was calculated versus Ankle Brachial Pressure Index as the gold standard test.

Results

A sensitivity of 42.8%, a specificity of 97.5%, negative predictive value of 94.10%, positive predictive value of 65.22%, positive likelihood ratio of 17.52, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.59. The univariable logistic regression model had an area under the curve of 0.78. There was a statistically significant difference at the 5% level between univariable and multivariable area under the curves of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial models ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Audible handheld Doppler ultrasound proved to be a reliable, simple, rapid, and inexpensive bedside exclusion test of peripheral arterial disease in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.
Missing not at random models for masked clinical trials with dropouts
Authors: Kang Shan , Little Roderick J , Kaciroti Niko
Published: January 2015

Background

Missing data are an unavoidable problem in clinical trials. Most existing missing data approaches assume the missing data are missing at random. However, the missing at random assumption is often questionable when the real causes of missing data are not well known and cannot be tested from observed data.

Methods

We propose a specific missing not at random assumption, which we call masked missing not at random, which may be more plausible than missing at random for masked clinical trials. We formulate models for categorical and continuous outcomes under this assumption. Simulations are conducted to examine the finite sample performance of our methods and compare them with other methods. R code for the proposed methods is provided in supplementary materials.

Results

Simulation studies confirm that maximum likelihood methods assuming masked missing not at random outperform complete case analysis and maximum likelihood assuming missing at random when masked missing not at random is true. For the particular missing at random model where both of missing at random and masked missing not at random are satisfied, theory suggests that maximum likelihood assuming missing at random is at least as efficient as maximum likelihood assuming masked missing not at random. However, maximum likelihood assuming masked missing not at random is nearly as efficient as maximum likelihood assuming missing at random in our simulated settings. We also applied our methods to the TRial Of Preventing HYpertension study. The missing at random estimated treatment effect and its 95% confidence interval are robust to deviations from missing at random of the form implied by masked missing not at random.

Conclusion

Methods based on the masked missing not at random assumption are useful for masked clinical trials, either in their own right or to provide a form of sensitivity analysis for deviations from missing at random. Missing at random analysis might be favored on grounds of efficiency if the estimates based on masked missing not at random and missing at random are similar, but if the estimates are substantially different, the masked missing not at random estimates might be preferred because the mechanism is more plausible.
Breastfeeding: Support a new mum today
Authors: Finnikin Lisa
Published: January 2015

Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for infants, and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life by the World Health Organisation. In the period 2012–13, NHS England reported that 73.9% of new mothers initiated breastfeeding However, by the 6 to 8 week check-up, this dropped dramatically to only 47.2% of babies being partially breastfed and as few as 32.3% being fed exclusively on the breast. It is well-recognised that breastfeeding can decrease the incidence of childhood disease and potentially decrease health inequalities. The question arises: What can GPs do to support women to successfully breastfeed?
Advancing the Development of Glycated Protein Biosensing Technology
Authors: Kameya Miho , Sakaguchi-Mikami Akane , Ferri Stefano , Tsugawa Wakako , Sode Koji
Published: January 2015

Research advances in biochemical molecules have led to the development of convenient and reproducible biosensing molecules for glycated proteins, such as those based on the enzymes fructosyl amino acid oxidase (FAOX) or fructosyl peptide oxidase (FPOX). Recently, more attractive biosensing molecules with potential applications in next-generation biosensing of glycated proteins have been aggressively reported. We review 2 such molecules, fructosamine 6-kinase (FN6K) and fructosyl amino acid-binding protein, as well as their recent applications in the development of glycated protein biosensing systems. Research on FN6K and fructosyl amino acid-binding protein has been opening up new possibilities for the development of highly sensitive and proteolytic-digestion-free biosensing systems for glycated proteins.