bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the minds of the mediators: The cognitive frames of climate journalists from five countries
Authors: Engesser Sven , Brüggemann Michael
Published: May 2015

This article is based on the premise that journalists play an important role as mediators of scientific information and their interpretations of climate change influence media debates and public opinion. The study maps the minds of climate journalists from five different countries (Germany, India, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and different types of leading media outlets. It identifies five cognitive frames that vary between attributing the responsibility for climate change to lobbying and national interests, blaming consumerist culture and the capitalist system, and expressing technological optimism. The study provides evidence for the emergence of a sustainability frame, indicates a “blame game” between industrialized countries and emerging economies, and shows the demand for a global ecological discourse. Finally, it explores how individual factors such as specialization, professional aims, and political alignment correlate with the cognitive frames of journalists.
Topically Applied Vancomycin Powder Reduces the Rate of Surgical Site Infection in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , Dikis Jeffrey W. , Monaco Spencer J. , Strannigan Kristin , Suder Natalie C. , Rosario Bedda L.
Published: May 2015

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topically applied vancomycin powder in reducing the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing foot and ankle surgery.

Methods:

Eighty-one patients with DM who underwent reconstructive surgery of a foot and/or ankle deformity and/or trauma and who received topically applied vancomycin were matched to 81 patients with DM who did not receive topically applied vancomycin. The mean age was 60.6 years in the vancomycin group and 59.4 years in the control group ( P < .05). The 2 groups were similar with regard to gender, body mass index, duration of DM, short-term and longer term glycemic control, and length of surgery.

Results:

The overall likelihood of SSI was decreased by 73% in patients who received topically applied vancomycin (odds ratio [OR], 0.267; 95% CI, 0.089-0.803; P = .0188). The rate of superficial infection was not significantly different between the 2 groups (OR, 0.400; 95% CI, 0.078-2.062; P = .2734); however, deep infections were 80% less likely in patients who received vancomycin powder (OR, 0.200; 95% CI, 0.044-0.913; P = .0377).

Conclusion:

High-risk diabetic patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery were notably less likely to develop an SSI with the use of topically applied vancomycin powder in the surgical wound, particularly with regard to deep infections. Topically applied vancomycin was associated with a very low rate of complications and was inexpensive ($5 per 1000 mg). Based on this study, foot and ankle surgeons may consider applying 500 to 1000 mg of vancomycin powder prior to skin closure in diabetic patients who are not allergic to vancomycin.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective case control series.
Corrective feedback in L2 Latvian classrooms: Teacher perceptions versus the observed actualities of practice
Authors: Dilāns Gatis
Published: May 2015

This two-part study aims to investigate teacher perceptions about providing oral corrective feedback (CF) to minority students of Latvian as a second language and compare the perceptions to the actual provision of CF in L2 Latvian classrooms. The survey sample represents sixty-six L2 Latvian teachers while the classroom observations involved 13 teachers of L2 Latvian from five minority schools in Latvia. The survey results show that all major types of oral CF were thought to be uniformly provided. The classroom observations, however, demonstrated a predominant provision of explicit, isolated recasts with the other types of feedback (explicit correction, elicitation, integrated recasts and repetition) present, yet trailing behind in terms of their use during classroom interactions.
Jinneography: Post-Soviet passages of traumatic exemplarity
Authors: Beigi Khashayar
Published: May 2015

While Russia has historically and geographically close ties with Islam, the second most-practiced religion in its vast territories, the collapse of the USSR changed the terms of this relationship in significant ways. One key shift is the emergence of new immigration patterns between Russia and former Soviet states. Traversing distant lands from the peripheries of the Caucasus and Central Asia to mainland Russia in search of work, migrants have come to recognize each other as fellow Muslims dispersed in a theological geography on the ruins of the universal comradeship dreamed by the Soviet utopia. I propose to study the Islamic pedagogical practice of ibra in the context of sociohistorical dynamics of education and migration between Russia and Central Asia to further locate and analyze this shift in relation to current debates on post-Soviet subjectivity. By discussing the case of a spirit possession of a Tajik national performed in Russia, I argue that the collective participation in the session pedagogically invokes, ciphers, and extends the post-Soviet terrains of history as ibra, or exemplary passage of worldly events. To do so, I first locate the Quranic concept of ibra as a pedagogical paradigm in Islamic traditions as well as an ethnographic lens in the context of educational campaigns for the Muslims of Eurasia and then apply the concept to my analysis of the possession session in order to show that in the ritualistic incarnations of ghosts, or jinns, the civil war of Tajikistan and its continuing cycle of terror is ciphered into a desire for learning, as well as a focus on approximation to the divine.
What constrains simultaneous mastery of first and second language word use?
Authors: Malt Barbara C. , Jobe Rachel L. , Li Ping , Pavlenko Aneta , Ameel Eef
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives:

We examined the bi-directional interaction of first language (L1) and second language (L2) word use patterns by asking whether L2 patterns of word use can be acquired with intensive exposure in a laboratory setting, and whether this early stage of L2 learning would impact L1 performance.

Methodology:

In two experiments, native speakers of English first labeled drinking vessels in English, then received intensive training on L2 Russian naming patterns for the objects, and, lastly, labeled the objects in English again.

Data and analysis:

Data were collected from eight different training groups with 14–15 participants each plus a control group with 14 participants who did not learn L2 Russian.

Findings/conclusions:

Trained participants successfully acquired L2 Russian patterns of word use regardless of specific training condition. However, they showed significantly less consistency in L1 English post-test labeling than the control group.

Originality:

Neither full acquisition of L2 patterns nor their simultaneous impact on L1 choices has been previously demonstrated.

Significance/implications:

These outcomes suggest that acquisition of target-like L2 word use can be facilitated by intensive exposure to word-referent mappings. However, even in the early stages of L2 learning, a L2 influence may be manifested in the L1 as a destabilization of word-to-referent mappings, suggesting continuous dynamic interaction between the two languages.
The incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness in Sweden
Authors: Hansdotter Frida I , Magnusson Måns , Kühlmann-Berenzon Sharon , Hulth Anette , Sundström Kristian , Hedlund Kjell-Olof , Andersson Yvonne
Published: May 2015

Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the self-reported domestic incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness in the Swedish population irrespective of route of transmission or type of pathogen causing the disease. Previous studies in Sweden have primarily focused on incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness related to consumption of contaminated food and drinking water. Methods: In May 2009, we sent a questionnaire to 4000 randomly selected persons aged 0–85 years, asking about the number of episodes of stomach disease during the last 12 months. To validate the data on symptoms, we compared the study results with anonymous queries submitted to a Swedish medical website. Results: The response rate was 64%. We estimated that a total number of 2744,778 acute gastrointestinal illness episodes (95% confidence intervals 2475,641–3013,915) occurred between 1 May 2008 and 30 April 2009. Comparing the number of reported episodes with web queries indicated that the low number of episodes during the first 6 months was an effect of seasonality rather than recall bias. Further, the result of the recall bias analysis suggested that the survey captured approximately 65% of the true number of episodes among the respondents. Conclusions: The estimated number of Swedish acute gastrointestinal illness cases in this study is about five times higher than previous estimates. This study provides valuable information on the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms in Sweden, irrespective of route of transmission, indicating a high burden of acute gastrointestinal illness, especially among children, and large societal costs, primarily due to production losses.
Trends in out-of-hospital ischemic heart disease mortality for the 25–64 year old population of Kaunas, Lithuania, based on data from the 1988–2012 Ischemic Heart Disease Registry
Authors: Bernotiene Gailute , Radisauskas Ricardas , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Milasauskiene Zemyna
Published: May 2015

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate trends in out-of-hospital ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality in the Kaunas, Lithuania population aged 25–64, from 1988 to 2012. Methods: The registry was maintained according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for the multinational MONICA (MONItoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease) project. We analysed out-of-hospital deaths from IHD, by sex and age groups, using the linear logistic regression model for identifying trends. Results: In 1988–2012, the out-of-hospital IHD deaths in Kaunas accounted for 78.4% and 68.4%, on average, of all IHD deaths in men and women aged 25–64, respectively. During the study period, the out-of-hospital IHD mortality for the Kaunas population aged 25–64 was 134.5 per 100,000 men and 18.2 per 100,000 women. From 1988 to 2012, the out-of-hospital IHD mortality for men and women aged 25–64 tended to decline by, on average, 8.3% per year ( p = 0.269) and 16.2% per year ( p = 0.101), respectively; whereas the corresponding rates for men aged 25–44 were declining significantly, by 22.5% per year ( p = 0.047). The most significant changes in out-of-hospital IHD mortality were among men aged 25–44 with no previous history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in whom the out-of-hospital IHD mortality was significantly declining, by 21.3% per year ( p = 0.015); whereas the corresponding rates for men aged 45–54 with a previous history of AMI tended to decline by 20.4% per year ( p = 0.114). Conclusions: In 1988–2012, the out-of-hospital IHD deaths of younger men and middle-aged women accounted for the highest percentage of all IHD deaths; and a higher proportion of both men and women with no previous history of AMI, as compared to the proportion of those with a previous history of AMI.
The metaphorical species: Evolution, adaptation and speciation of metaphors
Authors: Domínguez Martí
Published: May 2015

Studying cartoons about the economic crisis and focusing on a pair of scissors as a symbol, I prove how they first turn into unambiguous metaphor for the economic crisis and then experience an evolution in order to adapt to new communication contexts. Along these processes, they undergo more complex changes such as coadaptation and speciation. This has allowed for the scissors meme as a symbol of economic cutbacks to permeate society, and for its metaphorical use to occupy many disparate communication scenarios, unlike other symbolic elements that were also used, but turned out to be less cognitively efficient and therefore offered fewer evolutionary possibilities.
Modeling of combustion phasing of a reactivity-controlled compression ignition engine for control applications
Authors: Khodadadi Sadabadi Kaveh , Shahbakhti Mahdi , Bharath Anand N , Reitz Rolf D
Published: May 2015

Reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) is a promising combustion strategy to achieve near-zero NOx and soot emissions and diesel-like efficiencies. Model-based control of RCCI combustion phasing requires a computationally efficient combustion model that encompasses factors such as injection timings, fuel blend composition, and reactivity. In this work, physics-based models are developed to predict the onset of auto-ignition in RCCI and to estimate the burn duration based on an approximation of the spontaneous ignition front speed. A mean value control-oriented model of RCCI is then developed by combining the auto-ignition model, the burn duration model, and a Wiebe function to predict combustion phasing. The control-oriented model is parameterized and validated using simulation data from an experimentally validated, detailed computational fluid dynamics combustion model developed using the KIVA-3V code. The validation results show that the control-oriented model can predict the start of combustion, burn duration, and crank angle of 50% burnt fuel with an average error of less than 2 crank angle degrees. Thus, the control-oriented model demonstrates sufficient accuracy in predicting RCCI combustion phasing for control applications. The control-oriented model is an integral part of designing a model-based controller, which in the case of RCCI is of paramount importance due to various attributes concerning combustion, particularly for transient engine operation.
An examination of the impact of executive compensation disparity on corporate social performance
Authors: Hart Timothy A. , David Parthiban , Shao Feibo , Fox Corey J. , Westermann-Behaylo Michelle
Published: May 2015

We investigate the relationship between top management team compensation disparity and corporate social performance. We argue that pay structures with high disparity are reflective of transactional, individualistic organizations that foster a shareholder orientation. In contrast, pay structures with low disparity are indicative of relational, cooperative organizations that foster a stakeholder orientation. Examining the effect of these attributes on corporate social performance, we find that corporate social performance is higher in low pay disparity firms than in high pay disparity firms. We discuss our contributions to executive compensation and corporate social performance research and suggest directions for future research.
M1 and M2 macrophage proteolytic and angiogenic profile analysis in atherosclerotic patients reveals a distinctive profile in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Roma-Lavisse Charlotte , Tagzirt Madjid , Zawadzki Christophe , Lorenzi Rodrigo , Vincentelli André , Haulon Stephan , Juthier Francis , Rauch Antoine , Corseaux Delphine , Staels Bart , Jude Brigitte , Van Belle Eric , Susen Sophie , Chinetti-Gbaguidi Giulia , Dupont Annabelle
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to investigate atherosclerotic mediators’ expression levels in M1 and M2 macrophages and to focus on the influence of diabetes on M1/M2 profiles. Macrophages from 36 atherosclerotic patients (19 diabetics and 17 non-diabetics) were cultured with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or IL-4 to induce M1 or M2 phenotype, respectively. The atherosclerotic mediators’ expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that M1 and M2 macrophages differentially expressed mediators involved in proteolysis and angiogenesis processes. The proteolytic balance (matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), MMP-9/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and MMP-9/tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) ratios) was higher in M1 versus M2, whereas M2 macrophages presented higher angiogenesis properties (increased vascular endothelial growth factor/TFPI-2 and tissue factor/TFPI-2 ratios). Moreover, M1 macrophages from diabetics displayed more important proangiogenic and proteolytic activities than non-diabetics. This study reveals that M1 and M2 macrophages could differentially modulate major atherosclerosis-related pathological processes. Moreover, M1 macrophages from diabetics display a deleterious phenotype that could explain the higher plaque vulnerability observed in these subjects.
Continuous Traumatic Situations in the Face of Ongoing Political Violence
Authors: Nuttman-Shwartz Orit , Shoval-Zuckerman Yael
Published: May 2015

This article presents a literature review of the concept of continuous traumatic situations (CTS), which relates to residents living in ongoing situations of political violence and national security threats. The first aim of this review is to narrow the gap regarding knowledge about the concept of CTS by presenting findings from studies that have assessed the effects of CTS on civilian populations. The second aim is to describe CTS in a way that highlights the differences and similarities between posttraumatic stress disorder and responses to CTS. This distinction is a necessary precondition for examining CTS, as is a careful clinical analysis of the development and course of symptoms. This literature review also highlights the importance of adopting a supplementary perspective for understanding the psychological impact of ongoing exposure to real threats, which can be used as a basis for developing intervention strategies that are appropriate for coping with life in the context of persistent violence. CTS can be manifested as emotions, behaviors, and perceptions among individuals, families, communities, and societies. The nature of the proposed model of CTS is a circular one, combining past and future perceptions and emotional reactions that have resulted from continuous and repeated traumatic experiences over an extended period of time. This wider understanding reflects the complexity of the CTS phenomenon. Various micro and macro interventions relating to CTS as the result of political violence situations and national security threats are presented, and recommendations for practice, policy, and future research are offered.
What is a Blue Chip Recruit Worth? Estimating the Marginal Revenue Product of College Football Quarterbacks
Authors: Hunsberger Peter K. , Gitter Seth R.
Published: May 2015

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has faced growing scrutiny due to the perceived disparity between the compensation athletes receive and their contribution to athletic revenue. Our novel use of college football game–level statistics shows a gap of millions of dollars between compensation and marginal revenue product (MRP) for elite quarterbacks, consistent with previous studies. Professional sports typically weight pay toward ex ante expected value of performance rather than incentives that pay ex post of performance. Using high school prospect rankings, we show ex ante estimates of elite quarterback expected MRP are substantially lower, roughly US$400,000, and have limited statistical significance with respect to winning or revenue. Our ex ante measurements suggest that expected player value may be closer to the value of scholarships than previous research suggests due to the difficulty in predicting which high school quarterbacks will excel in college.
The cell cycle- and insulin-signaling-inhibiting miRNA expression pattern of very small embryonic-like stem cells contributes to their quiescent state
Authors: Maj Magdalena , Schneider Gabriela , Ratajczak Janina , Suszynska Malwina , Kucia Magda , Ratajczak Mariusz Z
Published: May 2015

Murine Oct4+, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), are a quiescent stem cell population that requires a supportive co-culture layer to proliferate and/or to differentiate in vitro. Gene expression studies have revealed that the quiescence of these cells is due to changes in expression of parentally imprinted genes, including genes involved in cell cycle regulation and insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS). To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in VSEL quiescence, we performed miRNA studies in highly purified VSELs and observed a unique miRNA expression pattern in these cells. Specifically, we observed significant differences in the expression of certain miRNA species (relative to a reference cell population), including (i) miRNA-25_1 and miRNA-19 b, whose downregulation has the effect of upregulating cell cycle checkpoint genes and (ii) miRNA-675-3 p and miRNA-675-5 p, miRNA-292-5 p, miRNA-184, and miRNA-125 b, whose upregulation attenuates IIS. These observations are important for understanding the biology of these cells and for developing efficient ex vivo expansion strategies for VSELs isolated from adult tissues.
Examining Literature on Hispanic Student Achievement in the Southeastern United States and North Carolina
Authors: Parker Michele A. , Segovia Edelmira , Tap Bethany
Published: May 2015

We surveyed literature on factors that may influence Hispanic students academically including generational status, gender roles, and use of language in the Southeastern United States and North Carolina. We discuss how risk factors can be addressed (e.g., increasing awareness of risk factors, tutoring, mentoring, and after-school programs). We provide specific suggestions for future research designed to mediate risk factors and increase the educational attainment of Hispanics in K-12 and higher education in this region.
Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy
Authors: Burns Heather L.
Published: May 2015

Sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant in higher education, as the need to address complex cultural and ecological problems intensifies. How sustainability is taught has a profound influence on the kind of learning that takes place and the impact it has in the world. Sustainability pedagogy is offered as a tool for creating transformational sustainability learning that is thematic and cocreated, critically questions dominant norms and incorporates diverse perspectives, is active, participatory and relational, and is grounded in a specific place. This pedagogical design draws on the wisdom of ecological systems, recognizing that ecological systems are our best teachers for creating sustainable and regenerative systems. This article connects this pedagogical model with Okanagan indigenous teachings about the whole self, to explore how the whole self can be intentionally included in an ecological design process to promote transformational learning.
Clinical and Psychometric Evaluations of the Cerebral Vision Screening Questionnaire in 461 Nonaphasic Individuals Poststroke
Authors: Neumann Guenter , Schaadt Anna-Katharina , Reinhart Stefan , Kerkhoff Georg
Published: May 2015

Background. Cerebral vision disorders (CVDs) are frequent after brain damage and impair the patient’s outcome. Yet clinically and psychometrically validated procedures for the anamnesis of CVD are lacking. Objective. To evaluate the clinical validity and psychometric qualities of the Cerebral Vision Screening Questionnaire (CVSQ) for the anamnesis of CVD in individuals poststroke. Methods. Analysis of the patients’ subjective visual complaints in the 10-item CVSQ in relation to objective visual perimetry, tests of reading, visual scanning, visual acuity, spatial contrast sensitivity, light/dark adaptation, and visual depth judgments. Psychometric analyses of concurrent validity, specificity, sensitivity, positive/negative predictive value, and interrater reliability were also done. Results. Four hundred sixty-one patients with unilateral (39.5% left, 47.5% right) or bilateral stroke (13.0%) were included. Most patients were assessed in the chronic stage, on average 36.7 (range = 1-620) weeks poststroke. The majority of all patients (96.4%) recognized their visual symptoms within 1 week poststroke when asked for specifically. Mean concurrent validity of the CVSQ with objective tests was 0.64 (0.54-0.79, P < .05). The mean positive predictive value was 80.1%, mean negative predictive value 82.9%, mean specificity 81.7%, and mean sensitivity 79.8%. The mean interrater reliability was 0.76 for a 1-week interval between both assessments (all P < .05). Conclusion. The CVSQ is suitable for the anamnesis of CVD poststroke because of its brevity (10 minute), clinical validity, and good psychometric qualities. It, thus, improves neurovisual diagnosis and guides the clinician in the selection of necessary assessments and appropriate neurovisual therapies for the patient.
Characterizing Pressure and Flow Rate for Aqueous Immersion Surgery
Authors: Montidoro Tyson A. , Burgess James E. , Antaki James F.
Published: May 2015

Hemorrhage control during surgery remains a major clinical challenge for surgeons. Bleeding can affect the safety and efficacy of any surgical procedure. There are well-established methods to address this side-effect of surgery, but all current technologies require the surgeon to direct attention to hemostasis rather than the continuance of the procedure. We have developed a novel surgical method, titled aqueous immersion surgery (AIS), that is able to sustain a bloodless surgical field by providing a controlled hydraulic pressure (immersion pressure) on the bleeding site. Together with the replenishment of an immersion fluid (immersion flow rate), AIS maintains optical clarity of the surgical field. This numerical study was undertaken to investigate the influence of the rate exchange of the immersion fluid on the concentration of blood, hence optical clarity therein. A 3-dimensional multicomponent simulation was performed to evaluate the mixing of blood from an idealized arterial bleeding vessel under pulsatile conditions. With an increase in immersion pressure, bleeding was reduced and increased perfusion was observed. Additionally, the magnitude and direction of the flow field affected the deflection of the bleeding trajectory and, in turn, affected the removal rate of blood from the surgical field. For an idealized case, an optimal immersion flow rate was found for immersion pressures of 100 and 110 mm Hg. From this study, fluid dynamic guidelines are postulated to support future development of AIS.
Dimensions of successful leadership in Soweto township secondary schools
Authors: Mbokazi Zakhele
Published: May 2015

This paper argues that the success of schools in disadvantaged township communities is shaped by an interplay of four dimensions: strategy, regulation, pedagogy and compensation. The paper presents these dimensions of successful leadership in secondary schools by drawing on a research study focusing on cases of three Soweto township secondary schools. Data sources included interviews, informal discussions and focus groups. The participants included principals, other members of the school management teams, teachers and parents. The case studies generated outcomes that contributed towards an emerging model of successful school leadership in township secondary schools facing multiple factors of deprivation. The successful school leadership practices explored in this study revealed that there were three discernible ways to characterise leadership practices in the case schools: principal-driven success; participative leadership driven by senior management; and teacher-led success.
Bad news from Fallujah
Authors: Zollmann Florian
Published: May 2015

This study uses the thematic analysis developed by the Glasgow University Media Group to explore how the US, UK and German national press covered the US/Coalition assault on the Iraqi city of Fallujah in November 2004. The study relies on quantitative and qualitative full text content analyses to assess 428 news, editorial and commentary items. The article suggests that, while government and military officials of the US/Coalition had argued the military ‘operation’ was necessary to secure Iraq and defeat an ‘insurgency’, organisations and actors from Iraqi society refer to the ‘operation’ as ‘collective punishment’ and a ‘massacre’ that targeted the Iraqi population. The article investigates how the press represented each of these perspectives. The findings suggest that the press overemphasised the US/Coalition perspective despite striking counter evidence. Critical aspects of coverage largely focused on tactical elements of the military dimension of the event. The article concludes that such findings are in accord with hegemonic models of media performance.
The effect of flexor digitorum profundus tendon shortening on jersey finger surgical repair: a cadaveric biomechanical study
Authors: Gillig J. D. , Smith M. D. , Hutton W. C. , Jarrett C. D.
Published: May 2015

Delayed diagnosis of jersey finger injuries often results in retraction of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon. Current practice recommends limiting tendon advancement to 1 cm in delayed repairs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical consequences of tendon shortening on the force required to form a fist. The flexor digitorum profundus muscle was isolated in ten cadaveric forearms and the force required to form a fist was recorded. Simulated jersey finger injuries to the ring finger were then created and repaired. The forces required to pull the fingertips to the palm after serial tendon advancements were measured. There was a near linear increase in the force required for making a fist with shortening up to 2.5 cm. The force required to make a fist should be taken into account when considering the limit of ‘safe’ tendon shortening in delayed repair of jersey finger injuries.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
Authors: Robinson Kelley J. , Hoplock Lisa B. , Cameron Jessica J.
Published: May 2015

Social support is critical to personal and relational well-being. Yet, receiving support appears to be contingent upon adequately conveying need to a receptive partner who both understands and is willing to provide said support. Or is it? We provide the first evidence of a covert haptic support system between adult intimates, showing that literally reaching out to a loved one can result in feeling supported even when the receiver of haptic support requests does not perceive them as bids for comfort. We tested this by unobtrusively observing support interactions between dating partners. As expected, those experiencing distress were more likely to seek touch from their partners, which elicited responsive touch—even though receivers failed to discern need from support-seekers’ touch. Importantly, those who received responsive touch from their romantic partners felt more supported. Because touch begets touch, clear communication between intimates is not always necessary for successful support interactions.
Reading Between the Lies
Authors: DesJardins Nicole M. Lawless , Hodges Sara D.
Published: May 2015

The best way to understand what someone is thinking is usually to listen to what she is saying, but what if she is being dishonest? We examined how perceivers’ expectations of dishonesty moderated the relationships among deception, deception detection, and empathic accuracy. Ninety-five dyads engaged in an interaction in which targets were instructed to lie about or exaggerate their skills. In half of the dyads, perceivers were told to anticipate deception. After the interaction, perceivers inferred how honest targets had been and what targets were thinking at multiple time points throughout the conversation. Perceivers tended to be more empathically accurate for thoughts that were reported when the target was being honest. They also tended to be empathically accurate when they also accurately detected deception. Moreover, naive perceivers were more empathically accurate than informed perceivers, and naive perceivers who inferred the content of honest thoughts achieved the highest levels of empathic accuracy.
Effect of zoledronic acid on serum calcium in Paget’s disease patients after educational strategies to improve calcium and vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Tucci Joseph R. , Bone Henry G. , Su Guoqin , Tan Monique , Ozturk Zafer E. , Aftring Paul
Published: May 2015

Objective:

Bisphosphonates are the most effective therapeutic agents in patients with Paget’s disease of bone. As a result of their inhibition of osteoclastic activity, hypocalcemia of variable frequency and severity following intravenous bisphosphonate therapy has been reported. The present study assessed the effect of physician and patient education on adequate supplementation of calcium and vitamin D to reduce the potential risk of developing hypocalcemia following infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid.

Methods:

This was an open-label, multicenter, controlled registry trial in which patients with Paget’s disease were treated with a single intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid. Physicians were provided with educational materials focusing on optimization of calcium and vitamin D supplementation following zoledronic infusion that they used to educate their patients. The primary safety variable was the percentage of patients with serum calcium level <2.07mmol/l 9–11 days after zoledronic acid infusion.

Results:

A total of 75 patients were evaluable in the post dose hypocalcemia safety analysis. Of these, only 1 patient had treatment-emergent hypocalcemia, with a serum calcium level of 1.92 mmol/l 4 days following therapy. Hypocalcemia-related symptoms were not reported in this patient and the serum calcium returned to normal range at 2.17 mmol/l within 1 week on oral calcium supplementation.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that, with optimization of calcium and vitamin D supplementation by physician and patient education, hypocalcemia is an infrequent occurrence following zoledronic acid infusion.
The need to do better – Are we still letting our patients down and at what cost?
Authors: Cumming Grant Philip , Currie Heather , Morris Edward , Moncur Rik , Lee Amanda J.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To survey women’s views on HRT and alternative therapies and make comparisons with 2007 data.

Study design

A questionnaire on a UK patient-tailored independent clinician-led website with anonymous responses analysed using descriptive statistics.

Main outcome measures

Answers to survey questions in 2007 and 2014.

Results

A total of 1476 responses from 33 countries were obtained. Almost 70% of respondents had used/would consider using HRT. Over the last 5 years, 27.7% felt that their views had changed for the better. Most obtained information from health professionals or the Internet. About 51.1% felt that their family doctor did not recognise the importance of the menopause with one-third feeling resistance to being offered HRT. Compared to 2007, significantly more women were aware of the different risks associated with different types of HRT. More women were able to respond positively to the question asking whether or not they felt able to make an informed choice regarding HRT/alternative therapies.

Conclusions

There has been negativity and confusion regarding HRT management since the beginning of the millennium. Our findings suggest that we, as health professionals, continue to let our patients down with poor provision of information, inaccurate or wrong information, or access to the right care. The cost of this is women living with preventable sequelae associated with the menopausal transition with a consequent adverse impact on health and the health economy. The importance of the menopause consultation as part of a life course approach is highlighted as well as the emerging discipline of Health Web Science.
Market Processes and the Ethics of Consumption
Authors: Peacock Mark
Published: May 2015

Consumers are often implicated in unjust economic practices when they purchase commodities produced in ethically unacceptable ways. Consumers are, however, ignorant about the production of many of the commodities which leads to these unwitting consumption of unethically produced commodities. This article asks whether consumers are culpable for their ignorance about the unethical commodities they purchase.
Evaluating Measurement Invariance in the Measurement of Developmental Assets in Latino English Language Groups Across Developmental Stages
Authors: Bulut Okan , Palma Jose , Rodriguez Michael C. , Stanke Luke
Published: May 2015

Noncognitive characteristics are gaining importance in addressing the persistent challenges facing youth in diverse settings. Measurement invariance of two youth developmental assets, Support and Positive Identity, is evaluated across grade levels and English language learner (ELL) subgroups of Latino students in 6th through 12th grade. Explanatory item response modeling is used to evaluate measurement invariance. The measurement of Latino students’ sense of support and positive identity varies depending on their developmental stage and language status. Students at later grade levels tend to require higher levels of Support to endorse items in the Support measure. There is a nonlinear relation between students’ grade level and item functioning for Positive Identity; students’ transition from middle to high school may influence the way they respond to Positive Identity items. This has implications for the measurement of assets with diverse Latino youth and for Latino youth development.
Identity Development and Political Self-Regulation in Emerging Adult Political Attitudes and Behavior
Authors: Walker Marie , Iverson Emma
Published: May 2015

This study examined the role of emerging adult (EA) development variables and political self-regulation in predicting political attitudes and behaviors in college students. We tested a large multi-institutional sample in which EA-identity exploration predicted political attitude strength and EA-negativity/instability and other-focus predicted political information seeking and political orientation (liberal/conservative). Political self-regulatory style, both internalized and not, predicted political attitude strength, media usage, and political orientation. EA development variables and a more autonomous motivation for participating in the political process offer insight into fostering political engagement in young adults.
The Trapped Medial Meniscus Tear
Authors: Herschmiller Thomas A. , Anderson John A. , Garrett William E. , Taylor Dean C.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Numerous clinical examination maneuvers have been developed to identify meniscus tears of the knee. While meniscus injuries vary significantly in type and severity, no maneuvers have been developed that help to distinguish particular tear characteristics.

Purpose:

This nonconsecutive case series highlights a distinctive clinical finding that correlates with inferiorly displaced flap tears of the medial meniscus that become trapped in the medial gutter of the knee, as identified through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Eight patients with trapped medial meniscus tears were identified from a single surgeon’s academic orthopaedic sports medicine practice between January 2009 and January 2012. Each patient underwent clinical evaluation, MRI, and arthroscopic treatment for meniscus injury. Clinical notes, MRI images, radiology reports, and operative findings were reviewed and compared in a descriptive fashion.

Results:

Each patient displayed a positive clinical examination finding of medial knee pain inferior to the joint line with flexion and the application of valgus stress in the setting of a torn medial meniscus and intact medial collateral ligament (MCL). Preoperative MRI revealed a distinctive flap tear of the medial meniscus flipped inferiorly to lay trapped between the tibia and deep fibers of the MCL. On arthroscopy, flap tears were found displaced inferiorly and trapped in the medial gutter in 6 of the 8 patients. Displaced meniscal fragments in the remaining 2 patients were found within the medial compartment.

Conclusion:

Inferiorly displaced flap tears of the meniscus that have been displaced to the medial gutter can be localized through a careful examination technique.

Clinical Relevance:

Early identification of this injury pattern may help reduce the likelihood that the trapped fragment will be missed during arthroscopy.
Restless Legs Syndrome in Pediatric Patients With Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Cheung Victoria , Wertenteil Sara , Sasson Susan , Vento Suzanne , Kothare Sanjeev , Trachtman Howard
Published: May 2015

Background. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by an urge to move or the presence of unpleasant sensations in the extremities. The prevalence of RLS is higher in children and adults with chronic kidney disease and in adults with glomerular disease. Objective. To determine the prevalence of RLS in children with nephrotic syndrome. Methods. We studied 50 children with nephrotic syndrome and 22 controls. The following surveys were administered: Pediatric Emory RLS questionnaire, Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale, and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Results. Children with nephrotic syndrome were 9.0 ± 4.4 years old, 27 were male, and 27 were in remission. The prevalence of RLS was similar in the nephrotic syndrome cases and controls, whether or not indeterminate cases were considered positive: 14.0% versus 13.6% including indeterminate cases, and 8.0% versus 9.1% excluding indeterminate cases. Conclusion. RLS is not more common in children with glomerular disease compared to healthy controls.
Numerical analysis of temperature distribution during ultrasonic welding process for dissimilar automotive alloys
Authors: Chen K. K. , Zhang Y. S.
Published: May 2015

Ultrasonic welding is attracting increasing attentions in lithium battery joining in the field of battery electric vehicle manufacturing. A three-dimensional finite element model was constructed to study the temperature distribution and heat generation in ultrasonic welding process. Numerical analysis showed that heat generation from plastic deformation accounts for nearly a quarter of the whole heat generation (material plastic deformation and interface friction). The fraction changes little with different sequence of specimens. The highest temperature locates at the contact interface of specimens and it is much lower than the melting point of the joining materials. Temperature distribution of the structure is not symmetric, and there are abnormal points under the effect of serrated ridges of sonotrode tip. Welding process can be divided in to three periods based on temperature evolution on the contact interface of lower specimen. The proposed model is validated by comparing simulated temperature evolution with experimental result.
Analysis of process parameters effects on dissimilar friction stir welding of AA1100 and A441 AISI steel
Authors: Derazkola H. A. , Aval H. J. , Elyasi M.
Published: May 2015

A prominent benefit of friction stir welding process is to join plates with dissimilar material. In this study, an attempt is made to find effects of tool offset, plunge depth, welding traverse speed and tool rotational speed on tensile strength, microhardness and material flow in dissimilar friction stir welding of AA1100 aluminium alloy and A441 AISI steel plates. Here, one factor at a time experimental design was utilised for conducting the experiments. Results indicated the strongest joint obtained at 1·3 mm tool offset and 0·2 mm plunge depth when the tool rotational speed and linear speed were 800 rev min− 1 and 63 mm min− 1 respectively. The maximum tensile strength of welded joints with mentioned optimal parameters was 90% aluminium base metal. Fracture locations in tensile test at all samples were in aluminium sides. Owing to the formation of intermetallic compounds at high tool rotational speed, the microhardness of joint interface goes beyond that of A441 AISI steel.
How I treat adults with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome–negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Frey Noelle V. , Luger Selina M.
Published: May 2015

The long-term prognosis of adult patients with relapsed Philadelphia chromosome–negative acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL) is poor. Allogeneic stem cell transplant in second remission is the only curative approach and is the goal when feasible. There is no standard chemotherapy regimen for relapsed disease, although a few agents are approved for use in this setting. The bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T-cell engager, blinatumomab, has recently been granted accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration for relapsed or refractory disease of B-cell lineage. For patients with relapsed T-cell ALL, nelarabine is available. Liposomal vincristine is also approved for relapsed disease. When selecting combination chemotherapy salvage options, evaluation of the prior treatment and timing of relapse informs treatment decisions. Monoclonal and cellular investigational therapies are quite promising and should be explored in the appropriate patient.
Fabrication of Fe3O4@mSiO2 Core-Shell Composite Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Uribe Madrid Sergio I , Pal Umapada , Kang Young Soo , Kim Junghoon , Kwon Hyungjin , Kim Jungho
Published: May 2015

We report the synthesis of Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanostructures of different meso-silica (mSiO2) shell thickness, their biocompatibility and behaviors for loading and release of a model drug ibuprofen. The composite nanostructures have superparamagnetic magnetite cores of 208 nm average size and meso-silica shells of 15 to 40 nm thickness. A modified Stöber method was used to grow the meso-silica shells over the hydrothermally grown monodispersed magnetite particles. The composite nanoparticles show very promising drug holding and releasing behaviors, which depend on the thickness of meso-silica shell. The biocompatibility of the meso-silica-coated and uncoated magnetite nanoparticles was tested through cytotoxicity assay on breast cancer (MCF-7), ovarian cancer (SKOV3), normal human lung fibroblasts MRC-5, and IMR-90 cells. The high drug holding capacity and reasonable biocompatibility of the nanostructures make them ideal agents for targeted drug delivery applications in human body.
Pattern recognition receptors as potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory rheumatic disease
Authors: Mullen Lisa M , Chamberlain Giselle , Sacre Sandra
Published: May 2015

The pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system are part of the first line of defence against pathogens. However, they also have the ability to respond to danger signals that are frequently elevated during tissue damage and at sites of inflammation. Inadvertent activation of pattern recognition receptors has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of many conditions including inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Prolonged inflammation most often results in pain and damage to tissues. In particular, the Toll-like receptors and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptors that form inflammasomes have been postulated as key contributors to the inflammation observed in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and systemic lupus erythematosus. As such, there is increasing interest in targeting these receptors for therapeutic treatment in the clinic. Here the role of pattern recognition receptors in the pathogenesis of these diseases is discussed, with an update on the development of interventions to modulate the activity of these potential therapeutic targets.
Graphene Nanosheets as the Counter Electrode in p-Type Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Yi , Zhao Shangbi , Xiang Jin , Liu Debei , Zhu Linna , Li Ping , Song Qunliang
Published: May 2015

Graphene nanosheet (GN) films on fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) are used as the counter electrode in p-type dye-sensitized solar cells. These films show unique 3D networks with enlarged effective reaction area, good adhesion to FTO, and high catalytic activity. By using the developed GN films on FTO as the counter electrode, a p-type dye-sensitized device with an open-circuit voltage of 134 mV, a short circuit of 1.90 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 36.37% is obtained, which is comparable to the performance of a device with a Pt counter electrode.