bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indwelling Pleural Catheters
Authors: Bhatnagar Rahul , Maskell Nick A.
Published: May 2014

Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) are now established as one of the major tools for the management of recurrent pleural effusions. Their traditional role, which saw them only as second line treatment for malignant effusions, has now expanded. Recent evidence has not only suggested that they may be effectively employed as first-line therapy in some malignant cases, but that there is a wider spectrum of diseases which may be managed by their use. The majority of patients are likely to experience symptomatic benefit and some may also go on to achieve pleurodesis. IPCs are relatively simple to insert and maintain, and theoretically allow patients to be managed entirely as an outpatient, meaning that they are likely to be cost-effective in the longer term. They can also dramatically improve the quality of life in patients who have typically needed lengthy hospital admissions or who have terminal malignant disease.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through Autophagy via Activation of c-Src Kinase
Authors: Moon Soo Young , Kim Hyo Sang , Nho Kyeong Woo , Jang Young Joo , Lee Sang Koo
Published: May 2014

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). ER stress is also known to induce autophagy. However, it is unclear whether ER stress-induced autophagy contributes to EMT. We hypothesized that ER stress might induce EMT through autophagy via activation of c-Src kinase in tubular epithelial cells. Method: All experiments were performed using HK-2 cells. Protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence and small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments were performed. Results: Chemical ER stress inducers such as tunicamycin (TM, 0.2 μM) and thapsigargin (TG, 0.2 μM) induced EMT, as shown by upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and downregulation of E-cadherin. ER stress inhibitors such as 4-PBA and salubrinal suppressed both TM- and TG-induced EMT. TM and TG also induced autophagy, as evidenced by upregulation of LC3-II and beclin-1, which were abolished by pretreatment with ER stress inhibitors. Transfection with siRNA targeting ER stress protein (IRE-1) blocked the TM- or TG-induced EMT and autophagy. Autophagy inhibitors such as 3-methyladenine and bafilomycin inhibited the TM- or TG-induced EMT. Transfection with siRNA targeting autophagy protein (beclin-1) also blocked the TM- or TG-induced EMT. Both TM and TG induced activation of c-Src kinase. Inhibitor of c-Src kinase (PP2) suppressed the TM- or TG-induced autophagy and EMT. Conclusion: ER stress by TM or TG induced EMT through autophagy via activation of c-Src kinase in tubular epithelial cells.
A New Era of Targeting the Ancient Gatekeepers of the Immune System: Toll-Like Agonists in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
Authors: Aryan Zahra , Holgate Stephen T. , Radzioch Danuta , Rezaei Nima
Published: May 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLR) belong to a large family of pattern recognition receptors known as the ancient ‘gatekeepers' of the immune system. TLRs are located at the first line of defense against invading pathogens as well as aeroallergens, making them interesting targets to modulate the natural history of respiratory allergy. Agonists of TLRs have been widely employed in therapeutic or prophylactic preparations useful for asthma/allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. MPL® (a TLR4 agonist) and the CpG oligodeoxynucleotide of 1018 ISS, a TLR9 agonist, show strong immunogenicity effects that make them appropriate adjuvants for allergy vaccines. Targeting the TLRs can enhance the efficacy of specific allergen immunotherapy, currently the only available ‘curative' treatment for respiratory allergies. In addition, intranasal administration of AZD8848 (a TLR7 agonist) and VTX-1463 (a TLR8 agonist) as stand-alone therapeutics have revealed efficacy in the relief of the symptoms of AR patients. No anaphylaxis has been so far reported with such compounds targeting TLRs, with the most common adverse effects being transient and local irritation (e.g. redness, swelling and pruritus). Many other compounds that target TLRs have been found to suppress airway inflammation, eosinophilia and airway hyper-responsiveness in various animal models of allergic inflammation. Indeed, in the future a wide variability of TLR agonists and even antagonists that exhibit anti-asthma/AR effects are likely to emerge.
Genetics of Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
Authors: Doimo Mara , Desbats Maria A. , Cerqua Cristina , Cassina Matteo , Trevisson Eva , Salviati Leonardo
Published: May 2014

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of eukaryotic cells and is involved in crucial biochemical reactions such as the production of ATP in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the biosynthesis of pyrimidines, and the modulation of apoptosis. CoQ10 requires at least 13 genes for its biosynthesis. Mutations in these genes cause primary CoQ10 deficiency, a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. To date mutations in 8 genes (PDSS1, PDSS2, COQ2, COQ4, COQ6, ADCK3, ADCK4, and COQ9) have been associated with CoQ10 deficiency presenting with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Onset can be at virtually any age, although pediatric forms are more common. Symptoms include those typical of respiratory chain disorders (encephalomyopathy, ataxia, lactic acidosis, deafness, retinitis pigmentosa, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), but some (such as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome) are peculiar to this condition. The molecular bases of the clinical diversity of this condition are still unknown. It is of critical importance that physicians promptly recognize these disorders because most patients respond to oral administration of CoQ10.
Recurrence of Susac Syndrome following 23 Years of Remission
Authors: Feresiadou Amalia , Eriksson Urban , Larsen Hans-Christian , Raininko Raili , Nygren Ingela , Melberg Atle
Published: May 2014

Susac syndrome is an autoimmune microangiopathy affecting the brain, retina and inner ear (cochlea and semicircular canals), leading to encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions (BRAOs) and asymmetric neurosensory hearing loss, respectively. The natural history and long-term prognosis are variable as the disease has been shown to be monophasic and self-limiting, polycyclic or chronic continuous. We describe a 35-year-old woman who presented with a sudden hearing loss in the left ear in the 37th week of her second pregnancy. She subsequently developed BRAO in the right eye 2.5 months after having given birth. MRI findings included round lesions in the corpus callosum which are pathognomonic for Susac syndrome. Previous patient records documented encephalopathy, sudden deafness of the right ear and visual field defects in the left eye at the age of 12, followed by permanent hearing and visual defects. We expand on the variability in the course of Susac syndrome as recurrence may occur after as long as 23 years. Cases of monophasic self-limiting Susac syndrome may in fact turn polycyclic with an interval of more than 2 decades between the bouts of the disease. In these cases, suspecting the development of exacerbation early is important in order to start the treatment promptly.
Genetic Determinants of P Wave Duration and PR Segment
Authors: Verweij Niek , Leach Irene Mateo , van den Boogaard Malou , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Christoffels Vincent M. ,   LifeLines Cohort Study, Hillege Hans L. , van Gilst Wiek H. , Barnett Phil , de Boer Rudolf A. , van der Harst Pim
Published: May 2014

Background—

The PR interval on the ECG reflects atrial depolarization and atrioventricular nodal delay which can be partially differentiated by P wave duration and PR segment, respectively. Genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci for PR interval, but it remains to be determined whether this is driven by P wave duration, PR segment, or both.

Methods and Results—

We replicated 7 of the 9 known PR interval loci in 16 468 individuals of European ancestry. Four loci were unambiguously associated with PR segment, while the others were shared for P wave duration and PR segment. Next, we performed a genome-wide analysis on P wave duration and PR segment separately and identified 5 novel loci. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in
KCND3
(
P
=8.3×10
–11
) and
FADS2
(
P
=2.7×10
–8
) were associated with P wave duration, whereas single-nucleotide polymorphisms near
IL17D (P
=2.3×10
–8
), in
EFHA1
(
P
=3.3×10
−10
), and in
LRCH1
(
P
=2.1×10
–8
) were associated with PR segment. Analysis on DNA elements indicated that genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms were enriched at genomic regions suggesting active gene transcription in the human right atrium. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that genes were significantly higher expressed in the right atrium and atrioventricular node compared with left ventricle (
P
=5.6×10
–6
).

Conclusions—

Genetic associations of PR interval seem to be mainly driven by genetic determinants of the PR segment. Some of the PR interval associations are strengthened by a directional consistent effect of genetic determinants of P wave duration. Through genome-wide association we also identified genetic variants specifically associated with P wave duration which might be relevant for cardiac biology.
Soluble Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 Predicts Incident Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Improves Reclassification in a Finnish Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aalto Kristiina , Havulinna Aki S. , Jalkanen Sirpa , Salomaa Veikko , Salmi Marko
Published: May 2014

Background—

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) associates to subclinical atherosclerotic manifestations in young people, but its association to incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and cardiovascular mortality in a general population is not known.

Methods and Results—

We used a newly developed ELISA to measure soluble VAP-1 (sVAP-1) levels in 2775 participants (mean age, 60 years) from a prospective cohort study (the FINRISK 2002). During a mean follow-up of 9 years, 265 participants underwent a MACE, and these participants had higher levels of sVAP-1 than those without MACE (868 ng/mL and 824 ng/mL, respectively,
P
<0.001). In multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model including traditional Framingham risk factors (age, sex, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, prevalent diabetes mellitus, and antihypertensive treatment), sVAP-1 independently predicted incident MACE (
P
=0.0046) and MACE mortality (
P
=0.026). The impact of sVAP-1 in predicting the 9-year absolute risk of MACE was analyzed using integrated discrimination improvement and net reclassification improvement with 10-fold cross-validation. Inclusion of sVAP-1 in the Framingham model improved integrated discrimination improvement (
P
=0.042), and the clinical net reclassification improvement by correctly reclassifying 9% (
P
=0.0019) of people in the intermediate risk (5%–20%) group.

Conclusions—

sVAP-1 associated with increased risk of MACE and MACE mortality in people aged >50 years without prior MACE, and inclusion of sVAP-1 in the risk prediction model improved the clinical net reclassification improvement of incident MACE. Thus, sVAP-1 may be a potential new biomarker for cardiovascular diseases.
The Autonomic Nervous System and Heart Failure
Authors: Florea Viorel G. , Cohn Jay N.
Published: May 2014

The pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) is characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities that result in neurohormonal activation and autonomic imbalance with increase in sympathetic activity and withdrawal of vagal activity. Alterations in receptor activation from this autonomic imbalance may have profound effects on cardiac function and structure. Inhibition of the sympathetic drive to the heart through β-receptor blockade has become a standard component of therapy for HF with a dilated left ventricle because of its effectiveness in inhibiting the ventricular structural remodeling process and in prolonging life. Several devices for selective modulation of sympathetic and vagal activity have recently been developed in an attempt to alter the natural history of HF. The optimal counteraction of the excessive sympathetic activity is still unclear. A profound decrease in adrenergic support with excessive blockade of the sympathetic nervous system may result in adverse outcomes in clinical HF. In this review, we analyze the data supporting a contributory role of the autonomic functional alterations on the course of HF, the techniques used to assess autonomic nervous system activity, the evidence for clinical effectiveness of pharmacological and device interventions, and the potential future role of autonomic nervous system modifiers in the management of this syndrome.
New Measures of Teachers’ Work Hours and Implications for Wage Comparisons
Authors: West Kristine L.
Published: May 2014

Researchers have good data on teachers' annual salaries but a hazy understanding of teachers’ hours of work. This makes it difficult to calculate an accurate hourly wage and leads policy makers to default to anecdote rather than fact when debating teacher pay. Using data from the American Time Use Survey, I find that teachers work an average of 34.5 hours per week on an annual basis (38.0 hours per week during the school year and 21.5 hours per week during the summer months). I find that when hours per week are accurately accounted for high school teachers earn in the range of 7–14 percent less than demographically similar workers in other occupations. However, elementary, middle, and special education teachers earn higher wages than demographically similar workers in other occupations.
When Unified Teacher Pay Scales Meet Differential Alternative Returns
Authors: Walsh Patrick
Published: May 2014

This paper quantifies the extent to which unified teacher pay scales and differential alternatives produce opportunity costs that are asymmetric in math and verbal skills. Data from the Baccalaureate and Beyond 1997 and 2003 follow-ups are used to estimate a fully parametric, selection-corrected wage equation for nonteachers, which is then used to predict the wages that teachers would have received in a nonteaching career. The difference between actual teacher salaries and this prediction can be considered the opportunity cost of teaching. Moving up one standard deviation in math SAT score increases the opportunity cost of teaching by $1,500 to $2,000 four years after college, rising to $3,000 to $3,800 ten years after college. Moving up one standard deviation in verbal SAT score increases the opportunity cost by $300 four years after college, and by $1,300 ten years after college. The teacher salary gap is also decomposed into policy versus teacher-characteristic components.
Grounded in the Body
Authors: Boase Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

The personification of Jerusalem as female in Lamentations is often the entry point for interpretive engagements with the book. Although Daughter Zion metaphorically represents the physical city, the figure is most often interpreted as a poetic means of portraying the suffering and distress of the human inhabitants of the city. Descriptions throughout are dominated by images of human suffering and degradation, and the struggle to come to terms with the trauma of military defeat and destruction. The book is, in its essence, anthropocentric. Does this mean, however, that these poems are limited only to an anthropocentric reading? Drawing on Bakhtinian dialogics, this paper explores the possibility of reading Lamentations 2 from another perspective. Taking its cue from Lamentations’ opening image of the widowed city seated (on the earth?), the discussion explores the metonymic potential of reading the embodied language of the text as a site of engagement with the other-than-human world. Through an excess of seeing, Lamentations 2 is read alongside Jer. 4:5–31as a means of retrieving the voice of another (non-human Other) in the text.
Assessment of Censoring Using Coherency-Based Detectors on Dual-Polarized Weather Radar
Authors: Ivić Igor R. , Keränen Reino , Zrnić Dušan S.
Published: May 2014

In Doppler weather radars, signals may exhibit coherency in sample time, whereas noise does not. Additionally, in dual-polarized radars, samples of precipitation echo obtained in the two orthogonally polarized channels are substantially more correlated than samples of noise. Therefore, estimates of auto- and cross correlations can be used individually, collectively, and/or with power measurements to enhance detection of precipitation signals, compared to the approach that uses only power estimates from one channel. A possible advantage of using only estimates of coherency for signal detection is that the detector’s performance is less sensitive to errors in noise power measurements. Hence, censoring is more likely to produce desired false alarm rates even if nonnegligible uncertainties are present in the noise power estimates. In this work these aspects are considered using real data from weather radars. Three novel censoring approaches are evaluated and compared to the censoring approach that uses only estimates of signal and noise powers. The first approach uses only cross-correlation measurements, and the second approach combines these with the lag-1 autocorrelation estimates. The third approach utilizes all estimates as in the previous two approaches in combination with power measurements from the horizontal and the vertical channels. Herein, it is shown that, when more accurate measurements of noise powers are available, the third approach produces the highest detection rates followed by the second and the first approaches. Also, it is corroborated that the first and the second approaches exhibit less sensitivity to inaccurate system noise power measurements than the third one.
Founding Teams as Carriers of Competing Logics
Authors: Almandoz Juan
Published: May 2014

Through archival data from 225 local banks founded between 2006 and 2009, as well as interviews with 73 bank founders, this paper explores the influence of founders’ institutional logics, specifically financial and community logics, on the degree of risk taking in the organizations they found. Local bank founders steeped in a financial logic see the bank as an investment vehicle and seek to maximize profits, while those motivated by a community logic are driven to meet community needs and focus less on profits. Despite demands from regulators and consultants that promote uniformity of operations, variation exists in banks’ risk strategies that seems connected to values and taken-for-granted predispositions inherent in such institutional logics. But such a connection is empirically demonstrated only in banks with larger founding teams. In those, increased internal representation of a financial logic is associated with higher use of risky deposit instruments to finance rapid asset growth, while a higher representation of a community logic is associated with lower use of such risky instruments. Furthering research on hybrid organizations that combine competing logics, this paper suggests that individuals are more likely to be the carriers of institutional influences especially when operating collectively in larger teams, in which one expects more group conformity and diffusion of responsibility. In smaller teams, individual discretion is more likely to dominate institutional forces.
Social Enterprises as an Embodiment of a Neoliberal Welfare Logic
Authors: Garrow Eve E. , Hasenfeld Yeheskel
Published: May 2014

We explore the rise of social enterprises, particularly, work integration social enterprises (WISEs), their particular hybrid organizational form, and their impact on their clients. We propose that WISEs are an expression of a neoliberal welfare logic that challenges social rights by emphasizing market solutions to social needs and by devolving and privatizing social services to the local level and the private sector. We show that as a hybrid organizational form, WISEs must balance between two conflicting institutional logics: market and social services. Our research demonstrates that when the WISEs are dominated by a market logic, they commodify their clients as production workers. We suggest that WISEs, as a hybrid organizational form, contribute to the neoliberal project of blurring the boundaries between the market and the welfare state.
Hybridity and Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Smith Steven Rathgeb
Published: May 2014

The emergent research on hybrid organizations is complicated by three circumstances: (a) the assertion that every organization possesses traits of hybridity, (b) the difficulty of operationalizing sector intersections in research, and (c) the alienation of the research field from nonprofit theory. This article proposes a research agenda for the study of hybridity that relates more strongly to the latter. It results in questions of significant explanatory potential, for instance, How does hybridity relate to market failure? How are legitimacy, trust, and accountability ensured if the nondistribution constraint is being abandoned? Which form transitions and innovations are being produced by hybridity? These questions have to be reflected against a variety of welfare state concepts and policy tools, such as tax credits or contracts, that may be used to govern hybridity. This article furthermore suggests that research on hybridity would benefit from relating nonprofit theory to disciplinary approaches, such as institutional theory or organizational life cycles.
Bait and switch or double-edged sword? The (sometimes) failed promises of calling
Authors: Berkelaar Brenda L , Buzzanell Patrice M
Published: May 2014

How people talk about their work and careers matters. Desiring meaningful work, people increasingly describe work and careers as a calling. Such callings may be secular or sacred. Popular ways of talking about calling often create problematic, rather than positive, career and life outcomes. In this article, we examine five common, historically influenced assumptions underlying contemporary talk about secular and sacred callings: necessity; agency and control; inequality; temporal continuity; and neoliberal economics. We showcase some of the likely downsides of calling as these underlying assumptions interact with people’s everyday lives. We suggest possible solutions for rehabilitating calling to help people find some of the career and quality-of-life benefits that calling promises. In sum, this essay contributes to a more nuanced understanding of calling and agency in contemporary careers while also offering a framework and direction for developing research and practice on calling.
Music Educators’ Perceived Effectiveness of Inclusion
Authors: VanWeelden Kimberly , Whipple Jennifer
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this research project was to examine whether music teachers’ perceptions of effectiveness of inclusion, curriculum adaptations/modifications, or student achievement had altered from previous research findings 20 years before. A survey based on that used by Gfeller, Darrow, and Hedden was sent to music educators through the United States and returned by 1,194, with all 50 states represented. Results indicate more positive responses as compared with 20 years ago, with participants generally reporting that the students were successfully integrated, their music needs were being met, and they did not hinder the progress of students without disabilities. Additionally, teachers’ responses indicated they were comfortable adapting and/or modifying their regular curriculum to meet the needs of students with special needs and that these students were graded on the same standards of music achievement as the other students in their classes.
Do You See What I See? Fostering Aspiring Leaders’ Racial Awareness
Authors: Gooden Mark A. , O’Doherty Ann
Published: May 2014

Programs preparing culturally responsive school leaders must address how race, power, and individual, institutional, and cultural racism impact beliefs, structures, and outcomes for students of color. To develop greater awareness of race, instructors in a principal preparation program assigned students in a primarily White cohort to compose racial autobiographies. Analysis of these racial autobiographies revealed early racial identity development impacted by racial isolation and family influence. The autobiographies included evidence of growing racial awareness and movement away from racial unconsciousness and colorblindness toward acknowledgment of privilege and commitment to future action. Racial autobiography serves as a useful tool to have students examine their own racial identity—a necessary first step toward building an awareness of race, privilege, and institutional and societal systems of racism and other forms of oppression. Further study will determine what changes in leadership practice, if any, might be attributed to this increased awareness.
Organizational Ethics and Foucault’s ‘Art of Living’: Lessons from Social Movement Organizations
Authors: Munro Iain
Published: May 2014

This article develops Foucault’s later work on ethics and his concept of ethical askesis in the transformation of the self as a new approach to understanding organizational ethics. Scholars within the field of management and organization studies have already proposed the development of a Foucauldian approach to ethics, but the precise nature of such an ‘art of living’ has yet to be clarified. To address this gap in the literature this article builds on Foucault’s theoretical and practical interest in the work of historical and contemporary social movement organizations. The article investigates the role that social movement organizations play as crucibles for the creation of new forms of organizational subjectivity and novel ethical practices. In this way the article develops a synthesis between the Foucauldian scholarship and social movement organization theory. The contribution of the article shows how social movement organizations act as sites for the creation of novel organizational subjectivities and ethical practices, and reconceptualizes organizational ethics in Foucauldian terms as a form of ethical askesis to transform the self.
Habitat and Habitus: Boxed-in versus Box-Breaking Research
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Sandberg Jörgen
Published: May 2014

This paper argues that scholarly work is increasingly situated in narrowly circumscribed areas of study, which are encouraging specialization, incremental adding-to-the-literature contributions and a blinkered mindset. Researchers invest considerable time and energy in these specialized areas in order to maximize their productivity and career prospects. We refer to this way of doing research and structuring careers as boxed-in research. While such research is normally portrayed as a template for good scholarship, it gives rise to significant problems in management and organization studies, as it tends to generate a shortage of novel and influential ideas. We propose box-breaking research as a strategy for how researchers and institutions can move away from the prevalence of boxed-in research and, thus, be able to generate more imaginative and influential research results. We suggest three versions: box changing, box jumping and, more ambitiously, box transcendence.
Antegrade filling of mammary graft by inappropriately revascularized artery
Authors: Hosseini Saeid , Samiei Niloufar , Bassiri Hossein Ali , Peighambari M Mehdi , Peighambari Shadi , Mestres Carlos-A
Published: May 2014

A 57-year-old man underwent multiple-arterial revascularization including a sequential left internal mammary artery graft to the diagonal branch and left anterior descending coronary artery. Twenty-one months later, repeat angiography due to a new onset of chest discomfort confirmed string sign and nonfunctional proximal left internal mammary artery, and antegrade filling of the distal leg of the sequential graft and the left anterior descending artery through the diagonal branch. This is a known but uncommon angiographic finding that confirms the importance of eventual competitive flow.
Dance therapy in patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Gomes Neto Mansueto , Menezes Mayara Alves , Carvalho Vitor Oliveira
Published: May 2014

Objective:

To see whether dance therapy was more effective than conventional exercise in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic heart failure.

Design and methods:

Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, SPORT Scielo, CINAHL (from the earliest date available to August 2013) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), examining effects of dance therapy versus exercise and/or dance therapy versus control on exercise capacity (VO2peak), and quality-of-life (QOL) in chronic heart failure. Two reviewers selected studies independently. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) test.

Results:

Two studies met the study criteria (62 dance therapy patients, 60 exercise patients and 61 controls patients). The results suggested that dance therapy compared with control had a positive impact on peak VO2 and HRQOL. Dance therapy resulted in improvement in: peak VO2 peak weighted mean difference (4.86 95% CI: 2.81 to 6.91) and global HRQOL standardized mean differences (2.09 95% CI: 1.65 to 2.54). Non-significant difference in VO2 peak and HRQOL for participants in the exercise group compared with dance therapy. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

Dance therapy may improve peak VO2 and HRQOL in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and could be considered for inclusion in cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency Presenting With Acute Reversible Cortical Blindness
Authors: Prasun Pankaj , Altinok Deniz , Misra Vinod K.
Published: May 2014

Acute focal neurologic deficits are a rare but known presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, particularly in females. We describe here a 6-year-old girl with newly diagnosed ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency who presents with an episode of acute cortical blindness lasting for 72 hours in the absence of hyperammonemia. Her symptoms were associated with a subcortical low-intensity lesion with overlying cortical hyperintensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the occipital lobes. Acute reversible vision loss with these MRI findings is an unusual finding in patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. Our findings suggest a role for oxidative stress and aberrant glutamine metabolism in the acute clinical features of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency even in the absence of hyperammonemia.
Posttraumatic Growth in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Valdez Christine E. , Lilly Michelle M.
Published: May 2014

Adverse consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) are well documented, whereas less research has explored positive changes. Recent efforts indicate that survivors report posttraumatic growth (PTG), but the schema reconstruction hypothesis by which this is achieved is in need of further investigation. One model of PTG suggests that growth is triggered by trauma(s) that challenges an individual’s assumptive world. This threat promotes cognitive processing and schema reconstruction that fosters a sense of meaning and value in one’s life. As schema change is posited as the main cognitive antecedent of PTG, a longitudinal assessment of world assumptions was used to examine whether assumption change predicts PTG in IPV survivors. Results indicate that world assumptions became more positive 1 year after an initial interview but only for women who had not been revictimized in the year between study assessments. Furthermore, positive world assumption change was associated with greater PTG scores. Implications for intervention and research are discussed.
The effect of coupling agents on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polyimide composites
Authors: Wenzhong Nie
Published: May 2014

Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polyimide (PI) has been widely used in many engineering fields because of its high specific strength and stiffness. However, PI does not adhere well with CFs because it has low free surface energy. In addition, high viscosity in the melted phase causes poor impregnation. In this study, surface treatment methods, that is, coupling agents (CAs) with plasma treatment on CFs, were applied to increase the interfacial strength between the CFs and the PI matrix. The modified CF surfaces were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To analyze the effectiveness of the surface treatment method, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was measured using the three-point bending test. From the test results, the ILSS of the specimens treated with the silane CA after the plasma treatment increased by 48.7% compared with the untreated specimens.
A guide to screening charcoal peaks in macrocharcoal-area records for fire-episode reconstructions
Authors: Finsinger Walter , Kelly Ryan , Fevre Jordan , Magyari Enikő K
Published: May 2014

Macroscopic charcoal records can be used to infer spatially explicit reconstructions of past fire history. However, a current deficiency in the charcoal-analysis toolbox has been the lack of a method to consider sampling variability and charcoal-particle area distributions for peak detection with charcoal-area records. We present a screening procedure specific for datasets comprising charcoal numbers and areas to screen the charcoal-area estimates with respect to the count sums. The rationale for screening charcoal-area peaks stems from the observation that although charcoal-area records can be more suitable in a statistical sense for peak detection (e.g. as established by the signal-to-noise index), charcoal-area peaks can be questionable if they are determined by just one or a few larger charcoal particles. Our method begins with a charcoal-area time series analysed by existing methods to identify peaks representing fire episodes. To screen these peaks, the method uses bootstrap resampling of charcoal-particle areas observed in a user-defined subsection of the record around each peak to obtain the range of likely charcoal areas for different counts. Peaks with total area within the likely range of bootstrapped samples (e.g. p > 0.05) are flagged as potentially unreliable, whereas samples with total area significantly greater than expected by chance are deemed robust indicators of past fire events. In an example application of the method to a charcoal record from Lake Brazi, Romania, several peaks failed to pass the screening suggesting that, as for count-based records, unscreened charcoal-area records may include spurious fire episodes and thus potentially underestimate past fire-return intervals.
The impact mechanism of social networks on Chinese rural–urban migrant workers’ behaviour and wages
Authors: Wang Chunchao , Lao Huahui , Zhou Xianbo
Published: May 2014

Chinese domestic rural–urban migrant workers have played a substantial role in economic development since the late 1970s. This article makes an attempt to establish a two-period hiring model interpreting the impact mechanism of social networks on migrant workers’ wages. The findings indicate that the extension of social networks of both firms and workers facilitates a decrease in the information gap between them and improves extra common benefits to both.
Biomechanical Comparison of an Open vs Arthroscopic Approach for Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Drakos Mark C. , Behrens Steve B. , Paller Dave , Murphy Conor , DiGiovanni Christopher W.
Published: May 2014

Background:

The current clinical standard for the surgical treatment of ankle instability remains the open modified Broström procedure. Modern advents in arthroscopic technology have allowed physicians to perform certain foot and ankle procedures arthroscopically as opposed to traditional open approaches.

Methods:

Twenty matched lower extremity cadaver specimens were obtained. Steinman pins were inserted into the tibia and talus with 6 sensors affixed to each pin. Specimens were placed in a Telos ankle stress apparatus in an anteroposterior and then lateral position, while a 1.7 N-m load was applied. For each of these tests, movement of the sensors was measured in 3 planes using the Optotrak Computer Navigation System. Changes in position were calculated and compared with the unloaded state. The anteriortalofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament were thereafter sectioned from the fibula. The aforementioned measurements in the loaded and unloaded states were repeated on the specimens. The sectioned ligaments were then repaired using 2 corkscrew anchors. Ten specimens were repaired using a standard open Broström-type repair, while the matched pairs were repaired using an arthroscopic technique. Measurements were repeated and compared using a paired t test.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference between the sectioned state and the other 3 states ( P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences between the intact state and either the open or arthroscopic state ( P > .05). There were no significant differences between the open and arthroscopic repairs with respect to translation and total combined motion during the talar tilt test ( P > .05). Statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the 2 methods in 3 specific axes of movement during talar tilt ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

Biomechanically effective ankle stabilization may be amenable to a minimally invasive approach.

Clinical Relevance:

A minimally invasive, arthroscopic approach can be considered for treating patients with lateral ankle instability who have failed conservative treatment.
Propagation of Love waves in a heterogeneous medium over an inhomogeneous half-space under the effect of point source
Authors: Kundu Santimoy , Gupta Shishir , Vaishnav Pramod Kumar , Manna Santanu
Published: May 2014

The present paper deals with the effect of point source on the propagation of Love wave in a heterogeneous layer and inhomogeneous half-space. The upper heterogeneous layer is caused by consideration of exponential variation in rigidity and density. Also in half-space inhomogeneity parameters associated to rigidity, internal friction and density are assumed to be functions of depth. The dispersion equation of Love wave has been obtained by using Green’s function technique. As a special case when the upper layer and lower half-space are homogeneous, our computed equation coincides with the general equation of Love wave. The propagation of Love waves are influenced by inhomogeneity parameters. The dimensionless phase velocity has been plotted against the dimensionless wave number for different values of inhomogeneity parameters. We have observed that the velocity of wave increases with the increase of inhomogeneity parameters.
ACL Tears
Authors: Shephard Meredith K. , Hoover Donald L. , Neelly Kurt R.
Published: May 2014

This article addresses the scientific literature on contributing factors and preventive strategies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and it offers suggestions home health care professionals may find useful in the prevention and rehabilitation of this injury. More specifically, this two-part article summarizes contemporary research on the functional anatomy of the knee, precipitating factors to ACL injuries, and current strategies in the rehabilitation of these injuries. Part 1—covered here—addresses the knee’s functional anatomy and precipitating factors to ACL injuries noted in the scientific literature. Part 2—covered in a subsequent issue of Home Health Care Management & Practice ( HHCMP)—addresses contemporary trends evident in the peer-reviewed literature on the topic of the rehabilitation of ACL injuries.
“Random acts of journalism?”: How citizen journalists tell the news in Sweden
Authors: Holt Kristoffer , Karlsson Michael
Published: May 2014

In this study, the results from a content analysis of four Swedish online citizen journalism outlets are presented and discussed. The analysis focuses on new digital venues for news-making in theory and the question of the political relevance of citizen journalism in reality. This broad question is operationalized by asking more specifically how citizen journalists tell the news, according to established distinctions between variations in topic dimensions, focus, and presentational style. Our results show that citizen journalists tend to tell soft news. They rarely report on policy issues, local authorities, or people affected by decisions being made by them. Furthermore, the news focuses on individual relevance and is mostly episodic in nature. The style of writing is predominantly impersonal and unemotional. In sum, our results suggest that citizen journalism in Sweden is not yet at a stage where it can be considered a plausible alternative to traditional journalism.
Responses to conflicting information in computer-mediated communication: Gender difference as an example
Authors: Chang Chingching
Published: May 2014

This article proposed a theoretical framework to demonstrate how and why people respond differently to conflicting information in computer-mediated communication. Using gender difference as an example, this study showed that women had greater tendencies to elaborate on positive rather than negative outcomes, whereas men had a balanced tendency to elaborate on both positive and negative outcomes. Accordingly, when they read conflicting consumer comments about initial product messages posted on weblogs, men, who elaborated on both positive and negative outcomes, experienced greater discomfort than women, who elaborated on positive outcomes to a greater degree than negative outcomes. Enhanced discomfort among men resulted in the reduced credibility and diagnosticity of the initial product information, which then led to deteriorated product evaluations.
Surrogate fuels for the simulation of diesel engine combustion of novel biofuels
Authors: Kerschgens Bruno , Cai Liming , Pitsch Heinz , Janssen Andreas , Jakob Markus , Pischinger Stefan
Published: May 2014

Recently, several promising biomass-derived fuels for diesel engines have been identified, produced, and tested. Diesel engine experiments confirmed very low soot and low nitrogen oxide emissions. With regard to further improvements of the combustion system, it is desirable to complement the diesel engine experiments with numerical simulations. To date, this is hindered by the lack of suitable chemical reaction mechanisms for these novel fuels. Therefore, a surrogate approach is presented here and applied in computational fluid dynamics simulations. Combustion and pollutant formation is simulated using the representative interactive flamelet model. Ignition, combustion, and pollutant formation are described in a consistent manner by inclusion of detailed reaction chemistry. Different mixtures of n-heptane, toluene, ethanol, dimethylether, ethane, and phenol are employed to describe the combustion chemistry of the biofuels. The compositions of the surrogate fuels are compiled according to hydrogen/carbon ratio, oxygen content, cetane rating, and molecular properties of the experimental fuels. Spray, injection, and evaporation properties of the experimental fuels, as obtained from spray vessel experiments, are included in the computational fluid dynamics simulations. By systematic comparison of experimental and numerical results, the surrogate methodology is validated and an improved understanding of the limitations of the current surrogates is achieved. Thus, a methodology for the fast adoption of novel fuels for simulations is proposed that can be used regardless of the availability of specific chemical reaction mechanisms.
Transformative Learning and the Form That Transforms
Authors: West Linden
Published: May 2014

In this article, I interrogate the changing forms that may be fundamental to transformative learning and how these are best chronicled and understood. Drawing on auto/biographical narrative research, I challenge the continuing primacy of a kind of overly disembodied, decontextualized cognition as the basis of transformation. Notions of epistemic shifts, for instance, and their central importance, can lack sufficient or convincing grounding in the complexities of whole people and their stories. I develop, instead, a psychosocial theory of recognition, drawing, especially, on critical theory and psychoanalysis: in this perspective, the experiencing self, in relationship, constitutes, agentically, the form that transforms, while fundamental changes in mind-set are deeply intertwined with shifts in inner–outer psychosocial dynamics. I challenge, in the process, some conventional boundaries between cognition and emotion, self and other, the psychological and sociocultural as well as collective and individual learning.
Model and program for the prediction of the indoor air temperature and indoor air relative humidity
Authors: Bishara Ayman , Häupl Peter , Hansel Frank
Published: May 2014

The solution of the simplified thermal and hygric room balance equations and adjacent walls is compared in selected application cases. In this article, the moisture part of the model is first reviewed and then applied to scenarios designed to illustrate the experimental and calculation results. For the common professional use, the user-friendly program CLIMT (Climate–Indoor–Moisture–Temperature) has been developed.
Spatial Design of Hearing Aids Incorporating Multiple Vents
Authors: Stevenson Daniel , Searchfield Grant , Xu Xun
Published: May 2014

The main aim of this study was to investigate the shape variation in the human ear canal and the effects of venting on the spatial design of hearing aids. The second aim was to determine the design feasibility of a multiple venting hearing aid and assess the flexibility of design provided. A statistical shape model based on principal component analysis was created from a dataset of 60 left and 49 right ears. The modal variations of these models were then examined to determine the narrowest portion of the ear canal likely to limit effective venting. Finally, 3D models of two hearing aid shells, one with multiple 0.4-mm vents and the other with a single large 3-mm vent were created. Results showed that more than 50% of the shape variation in the human ear canal can be described by the first three modes of the statistical shape model developed. The narrowest predicted variation of this model had a minimum area of 36.4 mm2, and the mean ear shape was found to have a minimum area of approximately 48 mm2. It is estimated that even with a conservative vent packing of 0.4, multiple venting equivalent to at least a single 2-mm vent is achievable. The predicted variation in the human ear canal provides adequate physical space for a feasible multiple vented hearing aid shell. Furthermore, as multiple small vents are able to fit in around other components in the hearing aid design, certain design flexibility is provided by this venting approach.