bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyaniline-coated polyurethane foam for pressure sensor applications
Authors: Muthukumar N. , Thilagavathi G. , Kannaian T.
Published: May 2015

In this article, conductive composite foams were developed by in situ polymerization of aniline on polyurethane (PU) foam. After the polyaniline (PANI) deposition process on the interior surfaces of the porous PU foams, the nonconductive PU foams became conductive composites. The morphology of coating has been observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PANI-coated foam has been characterized chemically by means of energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and spectrometric analyses. The thermal characterization has been carried out by means of differential scanning calorimetery (DSC). The developed PANI-coated foam was subjected to compression tests in Zwick/Roell tensile tester, and electrical resistance was recorded during the tests to study the pressure-sensing mechanism. The stability of the developed sensor was characterized with respect to temperature and humidity using programmable environmental test chamber. The SEM studies revealed the deposition of PANI onto the PU surface, and the presence of sulfur content in PANI-coated foam was found through EDX analysis. The treated foam showed increase in light absorption during spectrometric analysis. From DSC studies, it was found that there is reduction in the melting temperature of PU foam after PANI coating. The conductive foam exhibited varying electrical properties with respect to compression. It was found that a linear relationship existed between change in electrical resistance and applied pressure up to 100 N/m2, and the changes are less beyond this, making it suitable for pressure sensor applications for 0–100 N/m2 pressure range.
Integrating Workforce Diversity in Global Business: A Psycho-spiritual Perspective
Authors: Srinivasan M.S.
Published: May 2015

The present paradigm on management of diversity in global business is not very much interested in integrating diversity or in creating unity in diversity. The main aim of corporate diversity management strategies is to harness the diversity for sustaining or enhancing organizational effectiveness. This is an absolutely legitimate aim for business. However, there can also be deeper and broader perspectives on diversity management, which can be pursued simultaneously with the present paradigm in a mutually complementing manner. One of them could be the evolutionary paradigm which views the multinational and multicultural global business as a representative slice of humanity and an evolutionary laboratory for forging the psychological and spiritual unity of mankind. The aim of this evolutionary approach is to forge an inner fraternity of consciousness which embraces and harmonizes diversity in a creative spiritual synthesis, which, according to this view, is one of the ultimate goals of human and terrestrial evolution. This article examines the issue of diversity management in global business in this psychological, spiritual and evolutionary perspective.
Impact of Gunas and Karma Yoga on Transformational Leadership
Authors: Agarwalla Smriti , Seshadri Bhargavi , Krishnan Venkat R.
Published: May 2015

This study examined whether transformational leadership would be affected by the predominance of a particular guna ( sattva, rajas and tamas) in a leader and his or her belief in Karma Yoga. An experiment was conducted using a sample of 110 marketing executives working in a financial services firm in eastern India. A 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design was used to manipulate the three gunas ( sattva, rajas and tamas) and Karma Yoga. Sattva and rajas were crossed with Karma Yoga (yes or no) to produce four cells, with tamas being the fifth cell. Transformational leadership was the measured variable. Results show that compared to rajas, sattva enhances transformational leadership, whereas tamas reduces it. Further, Karma Yoga enhances transformational leadership when the leader is sattvic, but does not enhance transformational leadership when the leader is rajasic. Results imply that organizations interested in enhancing transformational leadership should develop s attvic qualities in their managers and encourage them to be duty oriented.
Permanence or Change: What Makes the World Tick?
Authors: Lønning Dag Jørund
Published: May 2015

Permanence has been the dominant cosmological and social model throughout European history. This value model is founded on centralized control of power and truth, and potential success and prosperity for the individual human being is dependent upon acceptance and subordination. New development is strictly controlled and regulated. Successions of civilizations and empires have been based on this construction of being and the world.

An almost diametrically opposite understanding of being was always present, however. In Heraclitus’ model of the world as Change, humans are no longer passive and subordinate receivers but active change- and future-makers. Change is no longer seen as dangerous, but rather as the prime mover of the world and therefore, also the fountain of knowledge and insight. Change is the only eternal truth and value, Heraclitus argues. Thus, strategies for meaningful and productive action must also be eternally changing.

This article discusses the views of Change propagated by Heraclitus and his most famous follower, Friedrich Nietzsche. It shows how a radical change of perspective and aim, a change from models aiming for Permanence to models with a much greater allowance for and appreciation of Change, can lead to explosions of human creativity and innovation.
Day program for young people with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Green Jessica , Melvin Glenn A , Newman Louise , Jones Meaghan , Taffe John , Gordon Michael
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

This study examined changes in body mass index (BMI), anorectic cognitions, and psychological distress following day program treatment.

Methods:

Participants were 42 female patients from the Monash Health Butterfly eating disorder day program, with anorexia nervosa (AN) restricting type ( n = 35) or AN binge-eating/purging type ( n = 7), ranging from 12 to 24 years.

Results:

Participants’ BMI increased significantly over time. Higher motivation at intake predicted a greater increase in BMI over time, compared to those with lower motivation at intake. There were also significant reductions in drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression scores, and improved motivation following two, four and six months of treatment.

Conclusions:

These findings provide further evidence that day programs can assist in weight restoration and improvements in psychological aspects of AN in adolescents and young adults.
Pseudohallucinations versus hallucinations: wherein lies the difference?
Authors: Wearne Deborah , Genetti Amanda
Published: May 2015

Objective:

This paper firstly explores the historical concept of pseudohallucinations and their phenomenology. It then examines the experience of hallucinosis in two subject groups, one with post-traumatic stress disorder with dissociative symptoms and the second with schizophrenia.

Method:

The two groups were assessed using the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale with a view to identifying differences in the hallucinatory and delusional experience.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the groups in loudness, control, position, duration, or frequency of the voices. Delusions and negative content differed significantly, however.

Conclusions:

Researchers have started to describe pseudohallucinations along a continuum. We build on this dimensional approach and suggest a collaborative nomenclature for subtyping.
“It Just Consumes Your Life”
Authors: Thai Julie N. , Barnhart Caroline E. , Cagle John , Smith Alexander K.
Published: May 2015

Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) for informal caregivers of disabled older adults aged 65+ with diverse backgrounds. Forty-two caregivers were interviewed in English and Cantonese about their caregiving experiences, their recollections of QoL over time, and the factors influencing their appraisals. Overall, 52% of caregivers experienced a decline in QoL. Factors associated with decreased QoL were less time for self, competing financial demands, and the physical and emotional impact of the patient’s illness. Factors associated with no change in QoL were minimal caregiving responsibilities, a sense of filial duty, and QoL being consistently poor over time. Factors associated with improved QoL were perceived rewards in caregiving, receiving institutional help, and increased experience. Chinese caregivers were more likely to cite filial duty as their motivator for continued caregiving than were Caucasian caregivers. In conclusion, informal caregivers take on a huge burden in enabling older adults to age in the community. These caregivers need more support in maintaining their QoL.
Lost (But Not Missing) at Work
Authors: Jones Christensen Lisa , Hammond Scott C.
Published: May 2015

This article draws from the psychology of lost person behavior, established from wilderness search and rescue missions, to suggest that employees experience the condition of being lost within organizations. Data from wilderness searches, survivors, and organizational actors suggests that lessons from lost person behaviors apply in organizations. Reactions to being lost in an organization follow predictable patterns and include five specific stages: separation, isolation, deviation, deprivation, and realization. In defining the construct of organizational lostness and differentiating it from stress, coping, and resistance, we suggest an organizing framework to understand employee behaviors that would previously seem idiosyncratic. This article offers propositions about the causes and consequences of becoming lost in organizations, describes its relationship to sensemaking, and discusses reunification as the positive resolution to being psychologically lost. This micro-level theory enables early identification of lost individuals, strategic interventions, shortened periods of disorientation, and increased chances of resilience for future change. Being psychologically lost in an organization, as defined herein, has not been identified as a workplace issue nor explored as a reaction to change.
Pushing Action Research Toward Reflexive Practice
Authors: Ripamonti Silvio , Galuppo Laura , Gorli Mara , Scaratti Giuseppe , Cunliffe Ann L.
Published: May 2015

Managers today increasingly find themselves facing unexpected problems, needing to learn how to cope with complex environments and to take action in an often chaotic flow of events. This article discusses how researchers can engage managers in a form of dialogical action research, capable of nurturing knowledge and change. This is achieved by creating space for collaborative dialogue between managers and researchers, and supplementing it with the integration of a reflexive writing practice. We first present methodological reflections related to the challenges of sustaining management practice through action research. Second, we explicate dialogical action research and illustrate the reflexive writing practice through two vignettes which provide opportunities to reflexively explore “how things work” in managers’ organizational contexts. This forms the basis for sustaining participation and learning at individual and collective levels. Finally, we identify and discuss the specific conditions and limits of such an approach.
Ankle Joint Contact Loads and Displacement With Progressive Syndesmotic Injury
Authors: Hunt Kenneth J. , Goeb Yannick , Behn Anthony W. , Criswell Braden , Chou Loretta
Published: May 2015

Background:

Ligamentous injuries to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis are predictive of long-term ankle dysfunction. Mild and moderate syndesmotic injuries are difficult to stratify, and the impact of syndesmosis injury on the magnitude and distribution of forces within the ankle joint during athletic activities is unknown.

Methods:

Eight below-knee cadaveric specimens were tested in the intact state and after sequential sectioning of the following ligaments: anterior-inferior tibiofibular, anterior deltoid (1 cm), interosseous/transverse (IOL/TL), posterior-inferior tibiofibular, and whole deltoid. In each condition, specimens were loaded in axial compression to 700 N and then externally rotated to 20 N·m torque.

Results:

During axial loading and external rotation, both the fibula and the talus rotated significantly after each ligament sectioning as compared to the intact condition. After IOL/TL release, a significant increase in posterior translation of the fibula was observed, although no syndesmotic widening was observed. Mean tibiotalar contact pressure increased significantly after IOL/TL release, and the center of pressure shifted posterolaterally, relative to more stable conditions, after IOL/TL release. There were significant increases in mean contact pressure and peak pressure along with a reduction in contact area with axial loading and external rotation as compared to axial loading alone for all 5 conditions.

Conclusion:

Significant increases in tibiotalar contact pressures occur when external rotation stresses are added to axial loading. Moderate and severe injuries are associated with a significant increase in mean contact pressure combined with a shift in the center of pressure and rotation of the fibula and talus.

Clinical Relevance:

Considerable changes in ankle joint kinematics and contact mechanics may explain why moderate syndesmosis injuries take longer to heal and are more likely to develop long-term dysfunction and, potentially, ankle arthritis.
Mitochondria
Authors: Xavier Joana M. , Rodrigues Cecília M. P. , Solá Susana
Published: May 2015

Mitochondria are organelles derived from primitive symbiosis between archeon ancestors and prokaryotic α-proteobacteria species, which lost the capacity of synthetizing most proteins encoded the bacterial DNA, along the evolutionary process of eukaryotes. Nowadays, mitochondria are constituted by small circular mitochondrial DNA of 16 kb, responsible for the control of several proteins, including polypeptides of the electron transport chain. Throughout evolution, these organelles acquired the capacity of regulating energy production and metabolism, thus becoming central modulators of cell fate. In fact, mitochondria are crucial for a variety of cellular processes, including adenosine triphosphate production by oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and also cellular specialization in a variety of tissues that ultimately relies on specific mitochondrial specialization and maturation. In this review, we discuss recent evidence extending the importance of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism to the context of neuronal development and adult neurogenesis.
Echoes of the Brain
Authors: Braga Rodrigo M. , Leech Robert
Published: May 2015

Transmodal (nonsensory-specific) regions sit at the confluence of different information streams, and play an important role in cognition. These regions are thought to receive and integrate information from multiple functional networks. However, little is known about (1) how transmodal cortices are functionally organized and (2) how this organization might facilitate information processing. In this article, we discuss recent findings that transmodal cortices contain a detailed local functional architecture of adjacent and partially overlapping subregions. These subregions show relative specializations, and contain traces or “echoes” of the activity of different large-scale intrinsic connectivity networks. We propose that this finer-grained organization can (1) explain how the same transmodal region can play a role in multiple tasks and cognitive disorders, (2) provide a mechanism by which different types of signals can be simultaneously segregated and integrated within transmodal regions, and (3) enhance current network- and node-level models of brain function, by showing that non-stationary functional connectivity patterns may be a result of dynamic shifts in subnodal signals. Finally, we propose that LFA may have an important role in regulating neural dynamics and facilitating balanced activity across the cortex to enable efficient and flexible high-level cognition.
Effects of Fibrinogen Concentrate on Thrombin Generation, Thromboelastometry Parameters, and Laboratory Coagulation Testing in a 24-Hour Porcine Trauma Model
Authors: Zentai Christian , Solomon Cristina , van der Meijden Paola E. J. , Spronk Henri M. H. , Schnabel Jonas , Rossaint Rolf , Grottke Oliver
Published: May 2015

Introduction:

In a 24-hour porcine model of liver injury, we showed that fibrinogen supplementation does not downregulate endogenous fibrinogen synthesis. Here we report data from the same study showing the impact of fibrinogen on coagulation variables.

Materials and Methods:

Coagulopathy was induced in 20 German land race pigs by hemodilution and blunt liver injury. Animals randomly received fibrinogen concentrate (100 mg/kg) or saline. Coagulation parameters were assessed and thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was performed.

Results:

Fibrinogen concentrate significantly reduced the prolongations of EXTEM clotting time, EXTEM clot formation time, and prothrombin time induced by hemodilution and liver injury. A decrease in clot strength was also ameliorated. Endogenous thrombin potential was significantly higher in the fibrinogen group than in the control group, 20 minutes (353 ± 24 vs 289 ± 22 nmol/L·min; P < .05) and 100 minutes (315 ± 40 vs 263 ± 38 nmol/L·min; P < .05) after the start of infusion. However, no significant between-group differences were seen in other thrombin generation parameters or in d-dimer or thrombin–antithrombin levels. Fibrinogen–platelet binding was reduced following liver injury, with no significant differences between groups. No significant between-group differences were observed in any parameter at ∼12 and ∼24 hours.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that, in trauma, fibrinogen supplementation may shorten some measurements of the speed of coagulation initiation and produce a short-lived increase in endogenous thrombin potential, potentially through increased clotting substrate availability. Approximately 12 and 24 hours after starting fibrinogen concentrate/saline infusion, all parameters measured in this study were comparable in the 2 study groups.
Research on method for adaptive imbalance vibration control for rotor of variable-speed mscmg with active-passive magnetic bearings
Authors: Cui Peiling , He Jingxian , Fang Jiancheng , Xu Xiangbo , Cui Jian , Yang Shan
Published: May 2015

Imbalance vibration control for rotor is the main factor affecting attitude control performance for satellite using magnetically suspended control moment gyro (MSCMG). The method for adaptive imbalance vibration control for the rotor of variable-speed MSCMG with active-passive magnetic bearings is investigated in this paper. Firstly, on the basis of feedforward compensation, a rotor model for the imbalance vibration of variable-speed MSCMG with active-passive magnetic bearings is built, and the main factor affecting imbalance vibration compensation is also analyzed. Then, power amplifier parameter modifier with control switches is designed to eliminate the effects of time-varying parameters on the imbalance vibration compensation precision. The adaptive imbalance vibration control based on this modifier not only has high compensation precision, but also can control the frequency of parameter adjustment according to the compensation precision. Besides, since the passive magnetic bearing displacement stiffness of the rotor of variable-speed MSCMG with active-passive magnetic bearings cannot be obtained accurately, displacement stiffness modifier is employed. Finally, stability analysis is made on the imbalance vibration control system, and the range of rotation speed to ensure system stability is derived. Simulation results show that, imbalance vibration control method proposed in this paper can suppress the imbalance vibration of the rotor of variable-speed MSCMG with active-passive magnetic bearings effectively and has high precision.
Neighborhood Disadvantage and Adolescent Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Handley Elizabeth D. , Rogosch Fred A. , Guild Danielle J. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: May 2015

The ecological–transactional model proposes that nested contexts interact to influence development. From this perspective, child maltreatment represents an individual-level risk factor posited to interact with numerous other nested contextual levels, such as the neighborhood environment, to affect development. The aim of this study was to investigate whether adolescents with maltreatment histories represent a vulnerable group for whom disadvantaged neighborhoods confer risk for substance use disorders. Participants were 411 adolescents (age 15–18; mean age = 16.24) from an investigation of the developmental sequelae of childhood maltreatment. Multiple-group structural equation models, controlling for family-level socioeconomic status, indicated that neighborhood disadvantage was associated with more marijuana-dependence symptoms among maltreated but not among non-maltreated adolescents. Moreover, among maltreated adolescents, those who experienced multiple subtypes of maltreatment were at greatest risk for problematic marijuana use in the context of neighborhood disadvantage. Interestingly, the direct effect of neighborhood disadvantage, but not the interaction with maltreatment, was related to adolescent alcohol-dependence symptoms. Results highlight the importance of considering multiple levels of influence when examining risk associated with child maltreatment.
Corticospinal tract integrity measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetic resonance imaging in neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Manogaran Praveena , Vavasour Irene , Borich Michael , Kolind Shannon H , Lange Alex P , Rauscher Alexander , Boyd Lara , Li David KB , Traboulsee Anthony
Published: May 2015

Background:

Both multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) can present with transverse myelitis; however, NMO symptoms are usually more severe and may present with more extensive axonal loss. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-based input–output recruitment curves can quantitatively assess the excitability of corticospinal tract pathways and myelin water imaging can quantify the amount of myelin within this same pathway.

Objective:

To compare differential effects of MS and NMO on TMS recruitment curves and myelin water imaging.

Methods:

Ten healthy controls, 10 individuals with MS and 10 individuals with NMO completed clinical assessments, a TMS assessment and magnetic resonance imaging scan to measure recruitment curves and myelin water fraction in the corticospinal tract.

Results:

Individuals with NMO had lower recruitment curve slopes (mean 13.6±6 μV/%) than MS (23.6±11 μV/%) and controls (21.9±9 μV/%, analysis of variance (ANOVA) P=0.05). Corticospinal tract myelin water fraction was lower in individuals with NMO (mean 0.17±0.02) compared to MS (0.19±0.02) and controls (0.20±0.02, ANOVA P=0.0006).

Conclusion:

Corticospinal pathway damage in individuals with NMO was evident by reduced recruitment curve slope and lower myelin water fraction. These specific measures of corticospinal function and structure may be used to obtain a better understanding and monitor brain injury caused by inflammatory central nervous system disorders.
Cognitive reserve in multiple sclerosis: Protective effects of education
Authors: Martins Da Silva Ana , Cavaco Sara , Moreira Inês , Bettencourt Andreia , Santos Ernestina , Pinto Cláudia , Gonçalves Alexandra , Coutinho Ester , Samões Raquel , Dias Cláudia C , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Da Silva Berta Martins , Montalban Xavier
Published: May 2015

Background:

Recent data suggest that cognitive reserve modulates the adverse effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology on cognitive functioning; however, the protective effects of education in MS are still unclear.

Objective:

To explore education as an indicator of cognitive reserve, while controlling for demographic, clinical and genetic features.

Methods:

A total of 419 MS patients and 159 healthy comparison (HC) subjects underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological (NP) assessment, and answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Based on the HC data, MS patients’ NP scores were adjusted for sex, age and education; and the estimated 5th percentile (or 95th percentile, when appropriate) was used to identify any deficits. Patients also performed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); and their human leucocyte antigen HLA-DRB1 and apolipoprotein E ( ApoE) genotypes were investigated.

Results:

Patients with higher education were less likely ( p < 0.05) to have cognitive deficits than those with lower education, even when controlling for other covariates. Other significant predictors of cognitive deficit were: age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSSS), and a progressive course. No significant association was found with the HLA-DRB1*15:01 or ApoE ε4 alleles.

Conclusions:

These results provide support to the use of education as a proxy of cognitive reserve in MS and stress the need to take into account education when approaching cognition in MS.
Characterizing caregiver responses to restricted and repetitive behaviors in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Harrop Clare , Gulsrud Amanda , Shih Wendy , Hovsepyan Lilit , Kasari Connie
Published: May 2015

Restricted and repetitive behaviors are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder. This descriptive study documented the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors in 85 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder as they interacted with their caregiver in a play interaction. For each child restricted and repetitive behavior, a caregiver response/non-response was coded. Caregiver responses were rated as successful or unsuccessful. In all, 83 toddlers demonstrated at least one restricted and repetitive behavior in 10 min. The most common child restricted and repetitive behavior was repetitive object use with 72 children displaying at least one instance of this category of restricted and repetitive behavior. Overall, caregivers responded to fewer than half of their child’s restricted and repetitive behaviors, and caregiver response varied by child restricted and repetitive behavior type. The most common response was redirection. Success varied by child restricted and repetitive behavior type and caregiver response—redirections were most successful for child verbal and motor restricted and repetitive behaviors, whereas physical or verbal responses were rated more successful for repetitive object use and visual restricted and repetitive behaviors. This study represents the first attempt to characterize how caregivers respond to restricted and repetitive behaviors. Toddlers with autism spectrum disorder are already demonstrating a variety of restricted and repetitive behaviors within the context of a free play sessions, and caregivers differentially and naturally respond to them.
Out the back: Race and reinvention in Johannesburg’s garden cottages
Authors: Falkof Nicky
Published: May 2015

The domestic worker’s room, or ‘maid’s room’, was ubiquitous in apartheid-era white South African suburbia. In the post-apartheid era many of these outdoor rooms have been reinvented as so-called garden cottages. Their histories of racialised labour have ostensibly been erased by a middle-class discourse in which garden cottages are rented to people who are seen to legitimately ‘belong’ in the suburbs. This article uses a combination of historical material, contemporary advertising texts and interviews to discuss the transition from maid’s room to garden cottage, considering how these spaces have been (in some cases literally) whitewashed. It argues that this discursive shift masks a continuation of the exclusionary politics of identity that have long motivated white South African suburban dwellers’ collective attempts to police the boundaries of the suburbs.
Regional inequalities in pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity in Sweden, 1992, 2000, and 2010
Authors: Chaparro M. Pia , Ivarsson Anneli , Koupil Ilona , Nilsson Karina , Häggström Jenny , de Luna Xavier , Lindgren Urban
Published: May 2015

Aims: To investigate regional differences and time trends in women’s overweight and obesity in Sweden. Methods: Using data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (women aged ⩾18 years, first pregnancy only) and the Total Population Register accessed through the Umeå SIMSAM Lab, age-standardized prevalence of pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity (BMI ⩾ 25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ⩾ 30 kg/m2) were estimated by county for the years 1992, 2000, and 2010. Maps were created using ArcMap v10.2.2 to display regional variations over time and logistic regression analyses were used to assess if the observed trends were significant. Results: The prevalence of pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and obesity increased significantly in all Swedish counties between 1992, and 2010. In 2010, Södermanland and Gotland exhibited the highest age-standardized overweight/obesity (39.7%) and obesity (15.1%) prevalence, respectively. The sharpest increases between 1992 and 2010 were observed in Västerbotten for overweight/obesity (75% increase) and in Gotland for obesity (233% increase). Across the years, Stockholm had the lowest prevalence of overweight/obesity (26.3% in 2010) and obesity (7.3% in 2010) and one of the least steep increases in prevalence of both between 1992 and 2010. Conclusions: Substantial regional differences in pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity prevalence are apparent in Sweden. Further research should elucidate the mechanisms causing these differences.
Dealing with the distress of people with intellectual disabilities reporting sexual assault and rape
Authors: Antaki Charles , Richardson Emma , Stokoe Elizabeth , Willott Sara
Published: May 2015

When police officers interview people with intellectual disabilities who allege sexual assault and rape, they must establish rapport with the interviewee but deal with their distress in a way that does not compromise the interview’s impartiality and its acceptability in court. Inspection of 19 videotaped interviews from an English police force’s records reveals that the officers deal with expressed distress by choosing among three practices: minimal (e.g. okay) or no acknowledgement, acknowledging the expressed emotion as a matter of the complainant’s difficulty in proceeding (e.g. take your time) and rarely (and only if the complainants were apparently unable to resume their talk) explicit reference to their emotion (e.g. it’s obviously upsetting for you). We discuss these practices as ways of managing the conflicting demands of rapport and evidence-gathering.
Evaluating the efficacy of children participating in Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters and Head Start
Authors: Brown Amber L , Lee Joohi
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program when implemented within Head Start programs by measuring children’s language proficiency scores. Participants were kindergarteners concurrently enrolled in both a Head Start program and the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program along with a comparison group of kindergarteners only enrolled in a Head Start program. According to the results of the chi-square analysis, all of the children who participated in the “Head Start and HIPPY” group scored “developed” on all sections of Texas Primary Reading Inventory or its Spanish language equivalent, El Inventario de Lectura en Español de Tejas. However, only about 33 percent of children in the “Head Start Only” group demonstrated “developed” remarks. The remainder of the “Head Start Only” group (67%) scored “needs intervention” on the Texas Primary Reading Inventory/ El Inventario de Lectura en Español de Tejas. Children who participated in both Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters and attended a Head Start Center showed statistically higher scores in language proficiency (χ2(1, N = 22) = 4.07, p = .04) than children who only attended Head Start.
Beyond immigrant status: Book-sharing in low-income Mexican-American families
Authors: Salinas Maria , Pérez-Granados Deanne R , Feldman Heidi M , Huffman Lynne C
Published: May 2015

Data from a sample (n = 145) of low-income Mexican-American mothers and their toddlers (9–26 months) were used to explore the prevalence of high-frequency book-sharing (⩾3 days/week) and its association with maternal immigrant status (Mexico-born vs US-born), as well as other demographic and psychosocial factors. Mexico-born mothers were more likely to report frequent book-sharing than were their US-born counterparts. This was contrary to expectations, and may be representative of the “immigrant paradox.” Other variables associated with high-frequency book-sharing included not receiving welfare, low levels of parenting stress, and having 10 or more books in the home; these factors remained statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression models. The findings of this study have the potential to inform not only intervention efforts targeting emergent literacy in family contexts and children’s school readiness in Latino families, but also practitioners and policy makers in the health and social services. Pediatricians and other health and social service practitioners are encouraged to be aware of the demographic and psychosocial factors that can affect mothers’ pursuit of child-focused early literacy activities.
Need to Increase Enrollment
Authors: Kiser Michelle , Hammer Emily E.
Published: May 2015

This article contributes to the literature addressing the needs of increasing student enrollment and retention across university campuses by identifying programs where progress can be made to improve the student retention rate and increase university enrollment. This article derives from a provisional program that began in the fall of 2009 at a 4-year university with respect to a community college partnership. In an effort to obtain information on provisional programs, this article examines the program using student data by researching the program transition rate and transfer rate into the 4-year university, the semester following program completion.
The Parotid Gland is an Underrecognized Organ at Risk for Craniospinal Irradiation
Authors: King Martin T. , Modlin Leslie , Million Lynn , Donaldson Sarah S. , Gibbs Iris C. , Choi Clara Y. H. , Soltys Scott G.
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

Current craniospinal irradiation (CSI) protocols do not include the parotid gland as an organ at risk, potentially leading to late effects of xerostomia and secondary parotid malignancies. We analyzed the effect of CSI treatment parameters on parotid dose.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive patients treated with CSI to an intracranial dose >26 Gy. Parotid dose was compared to a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) dose constraint (at least 1 parotid with mean dose <26 Gy). The effects of CSI dose (≤24 Gy vs 24 Gy), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) versus 3-dimensional (3D) CSI technique, boost dose (≤24 Gy vs 24 Gy), supratentorial versus infratentorial boost location, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)-based versus 3D boost technique, supine versus prone position, and age on parotid dose were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

The RTOG parotid dose constraint was exceeded in 22 (44%) of 50 patients. On multivariate regression analysis, lower CSI dose and VMAT CSI technique were associated with reduced parotid dose for the CSI fields. For the boost fields, lower boost dose and supratentorial boost location were associated with lower parotid dose. All 5 patients who underwent VMAT CSI met dose constraints. Furthermore, for infratentorial lesions with a total (CSI plus boost) dose prescription dose >50 Gy (n = 24), 11 of 16 patients who received low-dose CSI (18-23.4 Gy) were able to meet dose constraints, when compared to only 2 of 8 patients who received high dose CSI (36 Gy).

Conclusion:

Given the large number of patients exceeding the parotid dose constraint, the parotid gland should be considered an organ at risk. CSI dose de-escalation and IMRT-based CSI techniques may minimize the risk of xerostomia.
Progress of Circulating Tumor Cells in Cancer Management
Authors: Zhang Chufeng , Wang Lijie , Guan Yan , Sun Yulan , Liu Xiuju , Zhu Dongyuan , Guo Qisen
Published: May 2015

Circulating tumor cells are low-frequency cells that are shed into the peripheral bloodstream from a primary solid tumor and/or metastasis. Although these cells were recognized initially in 1869, it is only in the past 2 decades that they have been isolated for use as a surrogate biomarker to monitor response to therapy, evaluate prognosis, detect tumor mutations, assist in selecting personalized medicine, and enable earlier cancer diagnosis.
Ambitions in Action
Authors: Ryan Sarah
Published: May 2015

Using data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 and structural equation modeling techniques, this study focuses on the unique experiences of Hispanic adolescents who maintain bachelor’s degree expectations through the end of high school. Results indicate that the degree to which Hispanic students’ college expectations are aligned with the completion of key college-going actions during high school is strongly associated with their later level of college enrollment. The relationship between parent resources, including parent social capital, and engagement in college-aligned actions among Hispanic youth, however, appears less straightforward.
Lumbar spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous drainage after endoscopic lumbar surgery
Authors: Murakami Toshiharu , Nakagawa Ichiro , Wada Takeshi , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: May 2015

Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with perimedullary venous drainage are rare. This report describes a case of lumbar epidural AVF in a patient with a history of endoscopic lumbar discectomy at the same level 8 years prior to presenting with progressive myelopathy secondary to retrograde venous reflux into the perimedullary vein. A 69-year-old man presented with progressive lower extremity weakness and sensory disturbance and loss of sphincter control 8 years after endoscopic lumbar discectomy for a disc herniation at L4–5 level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal cord edema and dilated intradural perimedullary vessels. Spinal angiography revealed an epidural AVF at the site of the previous endoscopic lumbar surgery with intradural perimedullary venous drainage. The fistula was successfully occluded via endovascular transarterial embolization, and the patient had stabilization of his neurological deficits. Lumbar spinal epidural AVFs, especially those associated with iatrogenic trauma, are rare. Endoscopic surgical procedure can occlude the epidural venous plexus and disturb venous drainage, thereby inducing local venous hypertension and leading to epidural AVF with perimedullary venous drainage. This type of pathology should be considered within the differential diagnosis of delayed neurological deterioration after spinal surgery.
Identifying optimal biomarker combinations for treatment selection through randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Ying
Published: May 2015

Background/Aims

Biomarkers associated with treatment-effect heterogeneity can be used to make treatment recommendations that optimize individual clinical outcomes. To accomplish this, statistical methods are needed to generate marker-based treatment-selection rules that can most effectively reduce the population burden due to disease and treatment. Compared to the standard approach of risk modeling to derive treatment-selection rules, a more robust approach is to directly minimize an unbiased estimate of total disease and treatment burden among a pre-specified class of rules. This problem is one of minimizing a weighted sum of 0–1 loss function, which is computationally challenging to solve due to the nonsmoothness of 0–1 loss. Huang and Fong, among others, proposed a method that uses the Ramp loss to approximate the 0–1 loss and solves the minimization problem through repetitive constrained optimizations. The algorithm was shown to have comparable or better performance than other comparative estimators in various settings. Our aim in this article is to further extend the algorithm to allow for variable selection in the presence of a large number of candidate markers.

Methods

We develop an alternative method to derive marker combinations to minimize the weighted sum of Ramp loss in Huang and Fong, based on data from randomized trials. The new algorithm estimates treatment-selection rules by repetitively minimizing a smooth and differentiable objective function. Through the use of an L1 penalty, we expand the method to allow for feature selection and develop an algorithm based on the coordinate descent method to build the treatment-selection rule.

Results

Through extensive simulation studies, we compared performance of the proposed estimator to four existing approaches: (1) a logistic regression risk modeling approach, and three other “direct optimizing” approaches including (2) the estimator in Huang and Fong, (3) the weighted support vector machine, and (4) the weighted logistic regression. The proposed estimator performs comparably to that of Huang and Fong, and comparably or better than other estimators. Allowing for variable selection using the proposed estimator in the presence of a large number of markers further improves treatment-selection performance. The proposed estimator is also advantageous for selecting variables relevant to treatment selection compared to L1 penalized logistic regression and weighted logistic regression. We illustrate the application of the proposed methods in host-genetics data from an HIV vaccine trial.

Conclusion

The proposed estimator is appealing considering its effectiveness and conceptual simplicity. It has significant potential to contribute to the selection and combination of biomarkers for treatment selection in clinical practice.
Surrogate markers for time-varying treatments and outcomes
Authors: Hsu Jesse Y , Kennedy Edward H , Roy Jason A , Stephens-Shields Alisa J , Small Dylan S , Joffe Marshall M
Published: May 2015

Background:

A surrogate marker is a variable commonly used in clinical trials to guide treatment decisions when the outcome of ultimate interest is not available. A good surrogate marker is one where the treatment effect on the surrogate is a strong predictor of the effect of treatment on the outcome. We review the situation when there is one treatment delivered at baseline, one surrogate measured at one later time point, and one ultimate outcome of interest and discuss new issues arising when variables are time-varying.

Methods:

Most of the literature on surrogate markers has only considered simple settings with one treatment, one surrogate, and one outcome of interest at a fixed time point. However, more complicated time-varying settings are common in practice. In this article, we describe the unique challenges in two settings, time-varying treatments and time-varying surrogates, while relating the ideas back to the causal-effects and causal-association paradigms.

Conclusion:

In addition to discussing and extending popular notions of surrogacy to time-varying settings, we give examples illustrating that one can be misled by not taking into account time-varying information about the surrogate or treatment. We hope this article has provided some motivation for future work on estimation and inference in such settings.
Undocumented citizens: The civic engagement of activist immigrants
Authors: Hinton Kip Austin
Published: May 2015

IDEAS is the undocumented student support group at University of California Los Angeles. This ethnography follows their planning of a conference on immigrant rights legislation. How do undocumented immigrants engage in active citizenship? Patterns of student activism are seen during the conference planning process. IDEAS members emulate Freirean ideals. Schwarzenegger expressed sympathy, but issued vetoes; students learn leadership on their own terms and learn organizing on professors’ terms. Despite their agency, IDEAS members are disenfranchised and marginalized in specific ways. For university support services, the political engagement of undocumented activists raises important issues. For researchers, this illuminates gaps between conceptualizations of active citizenship and legal citizenship.
Whose history is this anyway? Social justice and a history curriculum
Authors: Hawkey Kate
Published: May 2015

History is the most contested of curricular subjects in all western democratic states. This article begins by setting out competing models of a history curriculum highlighting the shifting trends that have taken place in different types of schools in England in recent years. The different models of a history curriculum are critiqued from the dual perspectives that underpin social justice, namely, redistribution and recognition. In identifying different priorities in school history, this article draws from two small-scale empirical research projects which elicited the perspectives of different groups of teenage school students towards history, and included students based in multi-ethnic schools as well as those in largely white, homogenous, schools in more deprived areas. An inclusive, multi-perspective and dynamic approach towards history curriculum development is offered as a way forward for addressing issues of social justice within a history curriculum.
Service-learning and political engagement, efficacy, and apathy: A case study at Sam Houston State University
Authors: Evans Heather K
Published: May 2015

Given the decline in political engagement among the electorate, especially among youth, there has been an effort to increase engagement through service-learning courses at both the high school and college levels. The research that exists regarding the effects of these courses on students is mixed. Some studies show that students become more civically engaged and increase their political efficacy, but these effects are found in courses tied specifically to politics. Other studies involving courses from other disciplines show no effect. Using a longitudinal study gathered at two points in time (when students enter their college career and are graduating), I show that students who take a service-learning course are more likely to engage politically (especially online) and report significantly higher levels of political efficacy. These results hold for students overall regardless of the subject of the course.