bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified ‘closure’ constants of the Standard k–ε turbulence model for the prediction of wind-induced natural ventilation
Authors: Stavrakakis GM , Tomazinakis NM , Markatos NC
Published: August 2011

In this study, wind-driven natural ventilation in buildings is investigated by means of computational fluid dynamics. The airflow in and around three pilot buildings, which correspond to the most common natural-ventilation designs, i.e. cross-, windward- and leeward- single-sided ventilation, is simulated by applying both the Standard and a modified k–ε turbulence model. The latter represents a Prandtl number-modified version of the Standard k–ε model, based on the flow-variable (velocity and turbulence variables) distributions and on the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) assumptions. Numerical results of streamwise and vertical velocity components, as well as of pressure coefficients at the facades, obtained by both turbulence models are compared with available wind tunnel experimental data found in literature. It is concluded that both models applied are in acceptable agreement with measurements, especially for the mean streamwise velocity component, while the proposed modified model is more accurate as far as flow within the windward and the internal parts (i.e. within the building) of the domain is concerned.

Practical application: This study focuses on the development of a modified k–ε turbulence model for the prediction of wind-driven natural ventilation. The analysis described represents a methodology to produce ‘closure’ parameters, such as Prandtl numbers, compatible with the incoming wind characteristics (ABL). It was found that for all ventilation cases studied, i.e. cross- and single-sided ventilation, the proposed modified model is more accurate compared with the Standard k–ε model, and it accounts for the dumping effect near the walls and for kinetic energy reduction in the impinging region adequately. It is satisfying that the modified k–ε model leads to acceptable engineering results within relatively practical computer resources.
Health benefits of a view of nature through the window: a quasi-experimental study of patients in a residential rehabilitation center
Authors: Raanaas Ruth Kjærsti , Patil Grete Grindal , Hartig Terry
Published: August 2011

Objective: To examine the health benefits of a bedroom window view to natural surroundings for patients undergoing a residential rehabilitation programme.

Design: Longitudinal quasi-experiment.

Setting: A residential rehabilitation centre.

Subjects: Two-hundred and seventy-eight coronary and pulmonary patients provided data at all measurement points during the programme.

Intervention: Blind, quasi-random allocation to a private bedroom with a panoramic view to natural surroundings or with a view either partially or entirely blocked by buildings.

Main measures: Self-reported physical and mental health (SF-12), subjective well-being, emotional states, use of the private bedroom and leisure activities.

Results: For women, a blocked view appeared to negatively influence change in physical health (time × view × gender interaction, F(4,504) = 2.51, P = 0.04), whereas for men, a blocked view appeared to negatively influence change in mental health (time × view × gender interaction, F(4,504) = 5.67, P < 0.01). Pulmonary patients with a panoramic view showed greater improvement in mental health than coronary patients with such a view (time × view × diagnostic group interaction, F(4,504) = 2.76, P = 0.03). Those with a panoramic view to nature more often chose to stay in their bedroom when they wanted to be alone than those with a blocked view (odds ratio (OR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–5.01).

Conclusion: An unobstructed bedroom view to natural surroundings appears to have better supported improvement in self-reported physical and mental health during a residential rehabilitation programme, although the degree of change varied with gender and diagnostic group.
Responsiveness of the cervical Northern American Spine Society questionnaire (NASS) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) in chronic whiplash
Authors: Angst Felix , Verra Martin L , Lehmann Susanne , Gysi Françoise , Benz Thomas , Aeschlimann André
Published: August 2011

Objective: To determine and compare the sensitivity to change of the condition-specific cervical Northern American Spine Society (NASS) and the generic Short Form 36 (SF-36).

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Subjects: One hundred and seventy five patients after whiplash injury.

Interventions: Four-week inpatient interdisciplinary pain management programme.

Main measures, analysis: Responsiveness of the NASS and the SF-36 was quantified by effect size and standardized response mean and compared within the same construct by the modified Jacknife test. Ability to detect improvement was compared using sensitivities determined from receiver operating characteristics curves.

Results: In pain, the NASS was comparable responsive to the SF-36 at the one-month follow-up ( n = 175): effect sizes: 0.62 (NASS) versus 0.61 (SF-36), P = 0.914. The NASS was less responsive than the SF-36 in function: 0.23 versus 0.63, P < 0.001 and in pain+function: 0.35 versus 0.58 ( P = 0.001). These relationships remained consistent using standardized response means, at the six-month follow-up ( n = 103), and in the comparison of the sensitivities. Sensitivities at one month, pain: 70% (NASS) versus 62% (SF-36), P = 0.234; function: 65% versus 80%, P = 0.002; pain+function: 68% versus 78%, P = 0.035. The six-month data were similar.

Conclusions: The generic SF-36 was more responsive in function and equally responsive in pain when compared to the condition-specific NASS. The SF-36 can be recommended as a responsive instrument for measurement of pain and function in chronic whiplash syndrome.
Toward the Trusted Public Organization
Authors: Park Sung Min
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study is to probe the main determinants of organizational trust, as identified in the relevant literature: cognition-based (i.e., rational) trust and affect-based (i.e., relational) trust. This study explores the nature of trust among public employees and identifies important antecedents and moderating conditions based on systematic and rigorous empirical research. Using large data sets from Merit Principles Survey (MPS) and Best Places to Work (BPTW), as well as drawing upon the scholarly works from several disciplines, this study develops an antecedent-trust model and analyzes the different types of antecedents of organizational trust in the public sector at a hierarchical and multilevel ordering structure. The focus of the study is empirically testing the effects of vertical and shared leadership behaviors and work motivation attributes on organizational trust within U.S. federal agencies. In addition, the moderating impact of leadership on the relationship between work motivation and organizational trust is examined. This research finds that some of these predictors and moderators (e.g., vertical and shared leadership behaviors) play significant roles in fostering organizational trust directly and indirectly. Based on a discussion of the main findings, research and practical implications for public management theory and practice are provided.
Exploring the asset growth effect in the Australian equity market
Authors: Bettman Jenni L , Kosev Mitch , Sault Stephen J
Published: August 2011

This study presents the first empirical evidence on the existence of the asset growth effect in the Australian equity market. Specifically, we analyse all Australian listed firms over the period from 1998 to 2008, inclusive, to investigate whether the rate of growth in total assets has predictive power over subsequent stock returns. In addition, we conduct a multivariate analysis of the effect, providing the first application of dynamic panel methods using difference generalized method of moments (GMM) and system GMM to the asset growth literature. Results indicate that a significant asset growth effect exists when employing equal-weighted returns. However, this result disappears when utilizing value-weighted returns. In light of this, we further investigate the asset growth effect employing a multivariate analysis, which attempts to control for the influence of firm size. These results fail to confirm the existence of an asset growth effect. We argue that our initial evidence of an effect is due to the overstated influence of small stocks under equal weighting. Consequently, we are able to conclude from these results that over the period of our analysis, the asset growth effect does not exist in the Australian equity market.
Prevalence of Septic Arthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Professional Athletes
Authors: Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand , Archbold Pooler , Zayni Rachad , Bortolletto Juliano , Thaunat Mathieu , Prost Thierry , Padua Vitor B.C. , Chambat Pierre
Published: August 2011

Background: Septic arthritis of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a rare complication. Its prevalence and characteristics have never been reported among professional athletes.

Purpose: To report the prevalence and the characteristics of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction in professional athletes and a general population of patients.

Study Design: Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 1957 patients who underwent an ACL reconstruction between 2003 and 2008 was performed; 88 patients were professional athletes. The patient demographics, the prevalence of infection, the involved organism, and the method of treatment were reviewed. Three potential risk factors for infection—level of sporting participation, indoor/outdoor sports, and the presence or not of a combined lateral tenodesis—were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results: The prevalence of septic arthritis was 0.37% in the nonprofessional group and 5.7% in the professional athlete population. Being a professional athlete (odds ratio [OR], 16.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-59.8; P = .0001) or having a combined lateral tenodesis (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.04-18.04; P = .02) was found to be significantly correlated with septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction. A significant correlation exists between being a professional athlete and having a combined lateral tenodesis (χ2 = 16.7; P = 4 × 10−5), suggesting a potential confounding role is played by one of these variables. All the cases of infection in the professional athletes occurred in those who participated in outdoor sports, although this was not found to be statistically significant ( P = .17).

Conclusion: Participation in professional sports and having a combined lateral tenodesis are risk factors for the development of infection after ACL reconstruction. We hypothesize that professional athletes may be part of a specific group of patients at higher risk of infection after ACL reconstruction.
Complications of Bioabsorbable Suture Anchors in the Shoulder
Authors: Dhawan Aman , Ghodadra Neil , Karas Vasili , Salata Michael J. , Cole Brian J.
Published: August 2011

The development of the suture anchor has played a pivotal role in the transition from open to arthroscopic techniques of the shoulder. Various suture anchors have been manufactured that help facilitate the ability to create a soft tissue to bone repair. Because of reported complications of loosening, migration, and chondral injury with metallic anchors, bioabsorbable anchors have become increasingly used among orthopaedic surgeons. In this review, the authors sought to evaluate complications associated with bioabsorbable anchors in or about the shoulder and understand these in the context of the total number of bioabsorbable anchors placed. In 2008, 10 bioabsorbable anchor–related complications were reported to the US Food and Drug Administration. The reported literature complications of bioabsorbable anchors implanted about the shoulder include glenoid osteolysis, synovitis, and chondrolysis. These potential complications should be kept in mind when forming a differential diagnosis in a patient in whom a bioabsorbable anchor has been previously used. These literature reports, which amount to but a fraction of the total bioabsorbable anchors implanted in the shoulder on a yearly basis, underscore the relative safety and successful clinical results with use of bioabsorbable suture anchors. Product development continues with newer composites such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) and calcium ceramics (tricalcium phosphate) in an effort to hypothetically create a mechanically stable construct with and improve biocompatibility of the implant. Bioabsorbable anchors remain a safe, reproducible, and consistent implant to secure soft tissue to bone in and about the shoulder. Meticulous insertion technique must be followed in using bioabsorbable anchors and may obviate many of the reported complications found in the literature. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the existing literature as it relates to the rare complications seen with use of bioabsorbable suture anchors in the shoulder.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Releasate Inhibits Inflammatory Processes in Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: van Buul Gerben M. , Koevoet Wendy L.M. , Kops Nicole , Bos P. Koen , Verhaar Jan A.N. , Weinans Harrie , Bernsen Monique R. , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M.
Published: August 2011

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has recently been postulated as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Although anabolic effects of PRP on chondrocytes are well documented, no reports are known addressing effects on cartilage degeneration. Since OA is characterized by a catabolic and inflammatory joint environment, the authors investigated whether PRP was able to counteract the effects of such an environment on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.

Hypothesis: Platelet-rich plasma inhibits inflammatory effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Human osteoarthritic chondrocytes were cultured in the presence of IL-1 beta to mimic an osteoarthritic environment. Medium was supplemented with 0%, 1%, or 10% PRP releasate (PRPr, the active releasate of PRP). After 48 hours, gene expression of collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1), aggrecan (ACAN), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)4, ADAMTS5, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)13, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS)2 was analyzed. Additionally, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, nitric oxide (NO) production, and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activation were studied.

Results: Platelet-rich plasma releasate diminished IL-1 beta–induced inhibition of COL2A1 and ACAN gene expression. The PRPr also reduced IL-1 beta–induced increase of ADAMTS4 and PTGS2 gene expression. ADAMTS5 gene expression and GAG content were not influenced by IL-1 beta or additional PRPr. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 gene expression and NO production were upregulated by IL-1 beta but not affected by added PRPr. Finally, PRPr reduced IL-1 beta–induced NFκB activation to control levels containing no IL-1 beta.

Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma releasate diminished multiple inflammatory IL-1 beta–mediated effects on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes, including inhibition of NFκB activation.

Clinical Relevance: Platelet-rich plasma releasate counteracts effects of an inflammatory environment on genes regulating matrix degradation and formation in human chondrocytes. Platelet-rich plasma releasate decreases NFκB activation, a major pathway involved in the pathogenesis of OA. These results encourage further study of PRP as a treatment for OA.
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in Horseback Riding
Authors: Lin Cindy Y. , Wright Jerry , Bushnik Tamara , Shem Kazuko
Published: August 2011

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a potentially disabling neurologic injury that can occur in horseback riding. To date, no published study has examined the epidemiology of SCI from horseback riding in the United States, and few international studies exist on this topic. Several studies have described traumatic brain injuries, spine fractures, and extremity injuries; however, SCI patterns and outcomes in horseback riders are poorly understood.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to characterize the demographics, SCI patterns, and neurologic outcomes of persons with SCIs related to horseback riding.

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of 121 SCI cases from horseback riding in the National SCI Statistical Center database from 1973 to 2008. The treatment setting was 26 U.S. SCI Model Systems of Care. The number of injuries, gender, age, and SCI type for horseback riding were compared with other sports and activities. The level of preserved neurologic function, SCI completeness, American Spinal Injury Association classification, and mechanical ventilation use at discharge were examined in the horseback riding group.

Results: The mean age of injury was 37.8 years (standard deviation, 15.2). The majority of patients were white (88%) and female (50.4%). Compared with diving, motorcycle riding, football, and gymnastics, horseback riding involved a significantly higher number of women ( P < .005), a higher mean age of injury, and an equal likelihood of resulting in paraplegia and tetraplegia. The most common levels of preserved neurologic function were C4-C6, T12, and L1. Spinal cord injury from horseback riding most commonly resulted in incomplete tetraplegia (41%) followed by complete paraplegia (24%). Only 4 patients required mechanical ventilation on discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Spinal cord injury from horseback riding affects an equal proportion of women and men, has a wide age range, and most commonly results in incomplete tetraplegia followed by complete paraplegia. Study findings improve awareness of the demographics and neurologic outcomes of individuals with SCI from horseback riding and can help guide future studies evaluating SCI mechanisms in horseback riders to improve injury prevention and management.
Research and Theory Trends in Historic Dress and Textiles Research
Authors: Reeves-DeArmond Genna , Ogle Jennifer Paff , Tremblay Kenneth R.
Published: August 2011

Historic dress and textiles (HDT) has been a prominent research subject during the 20th century but has not been examined via a focused journal analysis. Thus, HDT research and theory trends were explored by analyzing 306 articles published in Clothing and Textiles Research Journal ( CTRJ) from 1982-2006 and Dress from 1975-2006. A content analysis approach was adopted to examine the following: quantity of HDT articles, single-multiple authorship, author affiliation, funding sources, research topic (including geography and time period), research method, and use of theory. The topics studied most often in CTRJ were apparel construction/production and research issues (19.5% each), and in Dress, social/psychological aspects of dress (18.3%). Most research articles (87.0%) used qualitative data to address research questions. The most frequently used research method in both journals was the social/cultural history-based approach. The majority of research articles (86%) did not articulate a specific or “named” theory. The findings yield valuable insights into the body of HDT research published within two key journals of the clothing and textiles field, including areas of strength related to topics of study and the suggestion that an open dialogue regarding theory development be continued.
Working vulnerability: Agency of caring children and children’s rights
Authors: Wihstutz Anne
Published: August 2011

A growing number of empirical studies deal with children’s participation in care relationships in the family. Based on a review of empirical findings in the UK and Germany, this article discusses care-giving children in terms of vulnerability and agency. The focus is set on understandings of family life as interdependent and reciprocal relationships between parents and their minor children. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and social-political programmes in the UK are analysed with regard to their influence on child carers’ agency and participation as social citizens. The article contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of child carers, and contributes to the development of a theory of care.
Researching children, youth and religion: Identity, complexity and agency
Authors: Hemming Peter J. , Madge Nicola
Published: August 2011

Research on children, young people and religion is becoming more prevalent following an increased interest in this traditionally under-researched area. However, little discussion has taken place to date on the appropriateness of past frameworks for making sense of children’s religious lives. This article calls attention to the issue of religious identity in relation to children and young people. By drawing on the diffuse body of interdisciplinary social scientific research in this area, the article seeks to apply the new social studies of childhood model through the two concepts of complexity and agency. Following this, it then goes on to make some suggestions for future directions in the study of children, young people and religious identity.
Reconceptualizing the ‘nature’ of childhood
Authors: Taylor Affrica
Published: August 2011

This interdisciplinary article draws upon human geography to bring fresh new perspectives to the relationship between two commonly conflated concepts: ‘childhood’ and ‘nature’. Childhood studies scholars have gone a long way towards retheorizing childhood beyond the ‘natural’ and the ‘universal’ by pointing to its historical and cultural construction. However, as yet, not enough attention has been paid to childhood’s key collateral term, nature. This article seeks to redress this gap by drawing upon interesting retheorizings of nature that have taken place within human geography in order to suggest new ways of reconceptualizing childhood.
Social networking sites and contact risks among Flemish youth
Authors: Vandoninck Sofie , d’Haenens Leen , De Cock Rozane , Donoso Verónica
Published: August 2011

This study investigates how teenagers use social networking sites (SNS) and other online communication applications, to what extent they are exposed to online contact risks related to the use of these online tools and how they cope with these risks. A written survey was administered among 815 Flemish adolescents aged 14–19. The study controls for sociodemographics and psychosocial factors, and it concludes that boys, pupils in technical or vocational education, adolescents living in lower SES families, teens with either low or high self-confidence and those having a bad relationship with their parents are more at-risk.
Techno-economic evaluation on the effects of alternating shielding gases for advanced joining processes
Authors: Campbell S W , Galloway A M , McPherson N A
Published: August 2011

A new method of supplying shielding gases in an alternating manner has been developed to enhance the efficiency of conventional gas metal arc welding (GMAW). However, the available literature on this advanced joining process is very sparse and no cost evaluation has been reported to date. In simple terms, the new method involves discretely supplying two different shielding gases to the weld pool at predetermined frequencies which creates a dynamic action within the liquid pool. In order to assess the potential benefits of this new method from a technical and cost perspective, a comparison has been drawn between the standard shielding gas composition of Ar/20%CO2, which is commonly used in UK and European shipbuilding industries for carbon steels, and a range of four different frequencies alternating between Ar/20%CO2 and helium.

The beneficial effects of supplying the weld shielding gases in an alternating manner were found to provide attractive benefits for the manufacturing community. For example, the present study showed that compared with conventional GMAW, a 17 per cent reduction in total welding cost was achieved in the case of the alternating gas method and savings associated with a reduction in the extent of post-weld straightening following plate distortion were also identified. Also, the mechanical properties of the alternating case highlighted some marginal improvements in strength and Charpy impact toughness which were attributed to a more refined weld microstructure.
A study on the conceptualization of librarians’ career movement and identification of antecedents
Authors: Noh Younghee
Published: August 2011

In today’s world, the surrounding environment and organizations are constantly requiring individuals to engage in lifelong learning and develop boundaryless careers. In this paper, the antecedents of career movement for librarians or those working in related organizations will be identified and conceptualized. To this end, this study establishes a theoretical model of internal and external career movement and its antecedents, verifies a model based on surveying librarians working at libraries and those whose functions are similar to those of librarians, and conducts usefulness analysis while exploring a new model. In the previous study, a structural equation model, originally designed for careers other than librarians, was applied to the targets of this study, librarians, to assess external validity. This study, however, sets out a new model because the basic model cannot fully explain the structure of the data. The new model has good fit and also offers a good explanation of a covariance matrix of the original data. The significance of all coefficients, except for the covariance between career development support and external career movement intention, are statistically significant.
Talking about ‘An Accommodation’: The implications of discussion group data for community engagement and pedagogy
Authors: Whiteley Sara
Published: August 2011

Community engagement is an important area of development both generally in Higher Education English departments and also in the disciplines of stylistics and cognitive poetics. Though claiming to be concerned with ‘real readers reading literature in the real world’ (Stockwell, 2002: 8), cognitive poetic and stylistic analyses could be biased towards the reading practices of academics (Miall, 2006). As a result, it is becoming increasingly popular for stylisticians to use empirical methods to investigate readers other than the analyst in their discussion of literary effect (e.g. Burke, 2010; Stockwell, 2009; Whiteley, 2011). This article examines extracts from group discussion data collected as part of the ‘Creative Writing in the Community’ project at the University of Sheffield. Five groups of readers were recorded discussing poems by contemporary British poet Simon Armitage. The groups consisted of cognitive poetic researchers, first-year undergraduate English students, and local reading groups respectively. I examine the style and content of their discussions in the light of existing research into the distinctions between ‘professional’ and ‘non-professional’ readers, and consider what the similarities and differences between their discourse could signal for university departments’ engagement with readers both within and outside of the classroom.
A duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the simultaneous detection of long terminal repeat regions and envelope protein gene sequences of Reticuloendotheliosis virus in avian blood samples
Authors: Sun Feng , Ferro Pamela J. , Lupiani Blanca , Kahl Janell , Morrow Michael E. , Flanagan Joseph P. , Estevez Carlos , Clavijo Alfonso
Published: August 2011

The Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) group of retroviruses infects a wide range of avian species, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail, and prairie chickens. The objective of the present study was to develop a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test for the detection of REV in whole blood samples. In order to increase the diagnostic sensitivity, a duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that detects both the envelope protein gene ( env) and the long terminal repeat (LTR) region of REV was designed. This assay demonstrated greater analytical and diagnostic sensitivity than the gel-based PCR assay when using DNA extracted from whole blood by both phenol-chloroform and magnetic bead methods. In general, threshold cycle values in the duplex real-time PCR assay were lower from DNA extracted using the magnetic bead system compared to DNA extracted by the phenol-chloroform method. Data presented herein show the successful development of a rapid and accurate test procedure, with high-throughput capability, for the diagnosis of REV infection using avian blood samples.
Distribution of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium in animals examined in veterinary laboratories in the United Kingdom
Authors: Foster Geoffrey , Hunt Brian
Published: August 2011

Arcanobacterium pluranimalium was first reported in 2001 for 2 isolates, from a harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena) and a fallow deer ( Dama dama). The same organism was subsequently reported from ovine material. A review of material submitted to veterinary laboratories in the United Kingdom from a range of domestic and wild animals during the following years revealed that A. pluranimalium had been recovered from ovine specimens on 33 occasions. Twenty ovine isolates came from abortion material, 5 from semen samples, 3 from abscesses, 3 from viscera, and 1 case each of navel ill and peritonitis. The only other A. pluranimalium isolate recovered during the period was from a milk sample collected from a cow with mastitis. The findings of the current study suggest that sheep were the host most frequently affected by infection with A. pluranimalium with recovery most commonly made from abortion material.
An applied printing immunoassay with recombinant Nc-SAG1 for detection of antibodies to Neospora caninum in cattle
Authors: Wilkowsky Silvina Elizabeth , Bareiro Guillermo Gimenez , Mon María Laura , Moore Dadin Prando , Caspe Gastón , Campero Carlos , Fort Marcelo , Romano María Isabel
Published: August 2011

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes an important reproductive disease in cattle. Neospora caninum surface antigen 1 (Nc-SAG1) is an immunodominant candidate for the development of a diagnostic reagent for neosporosis. The current study describes the development and evaluation of an antigen print immunoassay (APIA) with recombinant Nc-SAG1 for the detection of specific antibodies to N. caninum in cattle. The concordance between APIA and a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated with 232 serum samples from experimentally and naturally infected cattle. Sixty-one (26.7%) samples were positive for antibodies to N. caninum by ELISA and 58 (25.4%) by APIA. The new assay had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 96%. These results, along with the potential of APIA to evolve into a multiple antigen detection format, suggest that this method would be a reliable diagnostic test for detection of antibodies to N. caninum in cattle.
Use of high-resolution melting curve analysis to identify Mycoplasma species commonly isolated from ruminant, avian, and canine samples
Authors: Rebelo Ana Rita , Parker Lois , Cai Hugh Y.
Published: August 2011

A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay coupled with high resolution melting curve analysis (PCR-HRM) was developed for identifying and distinguishing Mycoplasma species commonly isolated from ruminant, avian, and canine samples. The real-time PCR used 1 set of universal primers specific for the spacer region between the 16S ribosomal RNA and the 23S ribosomal RNA genes; the melting curve analysis of the PCR product used a high-resolution melt fluorescent dye. The real-time PCR-HRM assay was able to distinguish M. arginini, M. bovigenitalium, M. bovis, M. bovirhinis, M. canadense, M. cynos, M. spumans, M. iowae, M. meleagridis, and M. agalactiae reference strains. The real-time PCR-HRM assay developed was evaluated by testing field isolates of M. bovis, M. arginini, M. bovirhinis, M. bovigenitalium, M. iowae, and M. spumans with results consistent with those of the fluorescent antibody test.
Pathology of neurologic disorders of raccoons (Procyon lotor)
Authors: Hamir Amir N.
Published: August 2011

The raccoon ( Procyon lotor) is almost ubiquitous in North America. In recent times, it was introduced in many parts of the world where it has now become largely feral. Since the outbreak of raccoon rabies epizootic in eastern United States and Canada, most diagnostic laboratories have had increased numbers of raccoon carcasses or raccoon brain submissions for diagnosis of rabies. However, since a number of other diseases that affect the central nervous system and have similar clinical signs as rabies have been documented in this species, the current review attempts to bring together the published information on neurologic disorders of raccoons.
Caudal vascular hamartoma accompanied by aberrant arteriovenous structures in a dog
Authors: Yasuno Kyohei , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Ohmuro Tamio , Kamiie Junichi , Sahara Hiroeki , Shirota Kinji
Published: August 2011

A 9-year-old, female German Shepherd Dog presented with a firm bulging lesion at the tip of the tail. Histologically, the lesion was characterized by numerous poorly circumscribed clusters of vascular structures resembling capillaries that were separated by normal or mucinous connective tissues. The capillary-like vascular structures were composed of several layers: a single von Willebrand factor–positive endothelial cell layer with round, oval, or flattened hyperchromatic nuclei; and 1 or 2 surrounding spindle-shaped smooth muscle actin–positive pericyte layers. In the deep portion of the lesion, there were large vessels that showed morphological aberrations. These thin-to-thick–walled blood vessels corresponded to arteries and veins of varying diameters and were surrounded by fibrosis. The present case report describes a rare cutaneous vascular hamartoma, accompanied by aberrant arteriovenous structures.
Walking in Your Shoes
Authors: Li Andrew , Bagger Jessica
Published: August 2011

The present study investigates factors that influence the effects of employees’ child care responsibility on their turnover intentions and job satisfaction. Results of a field study using 183 dyads of employees and their supervisors showed that child care responsibility difference between supervisors and employees and the similarity of their gender interacted to predict supervisory family support and turnover intentions and job satisfaction. Specifically, for cross-gender dyads of supervisors and employees, when supervisors had more child care responsibilities than their employees, they tended to provide more family support, which in turn was related to their employees’ turnover intentions and job satisfaction. No such effects were found for same-gender dyads. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
An Item Response Theory Analysis of the Problem Gambling Severity Index
Authors: Sharp Carla , Steinberg Lynne , Yaroslavsky Ilya , Hofmeyr Andre , Dellis Andrew , Ross Don , Kincaid Harold
Published: August 2011

Increases in the availability of gambling heighten the need for a short screening measure of problem gambling. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a brief measure that allows for the assessment of characteristics of gambling behavior and severity and its consequences. The authors evaluate the psychometric properties of the PGSI using item response theory methods in a representative sample of the urban adult population in South Africa ( N = 3,000). The PGSI items were evaluated for differential item functioning (DIF) due to language translation. DIF was not detected. The PGSI was found to be unidimensional, and use of the nominal categories model provided additional information at higher values of the underlying construct relative to a simpler binary model. This study contributes to the growing literature supporting the PGSI as the screen of choice for assessing gambling problems in the general population.
The Short- to Medium-Term Predictive Accuracy of Static and Dynamic Risk Assessment Measures in a Secure Forensic Hospital
Authors: Chu Chi Meng , Thomas Stuart D. M. , Ogloff James R. P. , Daffern Michael
Published: August 2011

Although violence risk assessment knowledge and practice has advanced over the past few decades, it remains practically difficult to decide which measures clinicians should use to assess and make decisions about the violence potential of individuals on an ongoing basis, particularly in the short to medium term. Within this context, this study sought to compare the predictive accuracy of dynamic risk assessment measures for violence with static risk assessment measures over the short term (up to 1 month) and medium term (up to 6 months) in a forensic psychiatric inpatient setting. Results showed that dynamic measures were generally more accurate than static measures for short- to medium-term predictions of inpatient aggression. These findings highlight the necessity of using risk assessment measures that are sensitive to important clinical risk state variables to improve the short- to medium-term prediction of aggression within the forensic inpatient setting. Such knowledge can assist with the development of more accurate and efficient risk assessment procedures, including the selection of appropriate risk assessment instruments to manage and prevent the violence of offenders with mental illnesses during inpatient treatment.
The Impact of Literacy Coaches on Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Stephens Diane , Morgan Denise N. , DeFord Diane E. , Donnelly Amy , Hamel Erin , Keith Karin J. , Brink David A. , Johnson Robert , Seaman Michael , Young Jennifer , Gallant Dorinda J. , Hao Shiqi , Leigh S. Rebecca
Published: August 2011

The field of literacy education has long been concerned with the question of how to help classroom teachers improve their practices so that students will improve as readers. Although there is consensus on what characterizes effective professional development, the reading research on which this consensus is based most often is small scale and involves direct support provided by university faculty. The South Carolina Reading Initiative is an exception: It is a statewide, site-based, large-scale staff development effort led by site-selected literacy coaches. Although university faculty provide long-term staff development to the coaches, the faculty are not directly involved with the professional development provided to teachers. In this study we sought to understand whether site-based, site-chosen literacy coaches could help teachers’ beliefs and practices become more consistent with what the field considers to be best practices. To understand teacher change, we used two surveys (Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile, n = 817; South Carolina Reading Profile, n = 1,005) and case study research ( n = 39) to document teachers’ beliefs and practices. We also had access to a state department survey ( n = 1,428). Across these data, we found that teachers’ beliefs and practices became increasingly consistent with best practices as defined by standards set by the South Carolina State Department of Education, standards that were consistent with national standards. This suggests that large-scale staff development can affect teachers when the providers are site-based, site-selected literacy coaches.
Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Summer Camp for Children With ADHD
Authors: Hantson Julie , Wang Pan Pan , Grizenko-Vida Michael , Ter-Stepanian Marina , Harvey William , Joober Ridha , Grizenko Natalie
Published: August 2011

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-week therapeutic summer day camp for children with ADHD, which included a social skills training program and parent psychoeducation and training program. This was an open-label, nonrandomized Phase I Clinical Intervention Trial. Method: Parents completed the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS) and the Conners’ Global Index–Parent Version (CGI-P), and children completed the Index of Peer Relations (IPR). All questionnaires were completed prior to the camp and 3 weeks after starting school. A total of 33 children who attended the camp were compared with a group of 15 children with ADHD who did not attend camp. Results: CGI-P, IPR, and WFIRS significantly improved in the group that attended the camp but not in the control group. Effect sizes were between 0.7 and 1.6. Conclusion: The therapeutic summer day camp is effective in improving ADHD symptoms, peer relationships, and overall functioning of children.
Of time and troubles: Patient involvement and the production of health care disparities
Authors: Sinding Christina , Miller Patricia , Hudak Pamela , Keller-Olaman Sue , Sussman Jonathan
Published: August 2011

Patient involvement in care practice has many and diverse proponents. It is endorsed by health care institutions and promoted by community agencies representing people with illness. A vast literature documents the benefits of patient involvement and describes ways to enable it. This article contributes to a critical literature on patient involvement by documenting the work done by women with cancer in relation to care timelines and in responding to troubles with care. We highlight continuities and disjunctures between this work, and discourses of patient involvement as they manifest in documents circulating at an Ontario cancer centre. In making visible the social and material resources that underpin successful involvement, the study shows how initiatives that endorse and promote ‘the involved patient’ can function to exacerbate health care and social disparities. As well, the study extends analysis of the individualization and privatization of health by showing how contemporary discourses of involvement enlist patients to monitor and sustain not only their own health, but also the health care they receive.
Indoor and Personal Carbon Monoxide Exposure Risk Assessment in Sample of Apartment Buildings in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Martínez P.A. , Caba F.M. , Alvarado S.A. , Cáceres D.D.
Published: August 2011

Indoor carbon monoxide (CO) exposure is considered around the world as one of the most important causes of poisoning with fatal outcomes. This study determined indoor CO levels and personal CO exposure and related risk factors during human activities in 96 apartments in a community of Santiago, Chile during the period from September to December of 2003. Indoor levels and personal exposure were determined using fixed, personal and single-breath CO monitors, respectively. Exposure risk factors and time-activities patterns were evaluated through an ad hoc exposure assessment questionnaire. Regression models were fitted to evaluate the effects of these risks factors on the personal CO levels. The median indoor CO level was 1 ppm; interquartile range (IQR): (0–1). The median personal CO level was 1 ppm; IQR: (0–7); CO exhaled was 3.0 ppm; IQR: (1–33). The number of cigarettes smoked and the levels of indoor environmental CO were significant predictors of the concentration of CO exhaled. This study showed that indoor median levels were below the national standard and the most important predictors of CO exposure were tobacco smoke and the smoking habit in apartments.
Writing web histories with an eye on the analog past
Authors: Ankerson Megan Sapnar
Published: August 2011

While acknowledging that the task of writing web histories introduces new problems and possibilities, this article urges web historians to consider broadcast historiography scholarship that grapples with questions of power, preservation, and the unique challenges of ephemeral media. Methodological concerns in web history and archiving are compared with examples from broadcast history that demonstrate strategies for coping with ephemeral media and the power relations that impact archiving. Recognizing the limitations of historical approaches that compare digital networked forms with old media, this article concludes by suggesting that the emerging field of software studies can help retain the focus on digital culture and digital artifacts. A short case study of Flash software is offered to demonstrate how attention to software, along with approaches informed by cultural histories of broadcast media, can provide a new perspective for exploring the ephemeral nature of web objects and the discursive negotiations surrounding their production.
Claiming blame and giving credit? Unintended effects of how government and opposition frame the Europeanization of welfare
Authors: Kumlin Staffan
Published: August 2011

A framing experiment on the Europeanization of health care supports two assumptions derived from the ‘blame avoidance’ literature. The constrained perceptions assumption states that performance evaluations at different political levels have ‘zero-sum’ implications for each other. Empirically, those receiving positive integration frames become not only more positive about the European Union (EU) level, but also more negative about domestic performance (even though frames about such a performance were not provided). The opposite is found for negative frames. Further, the negative bias assumption implies that zero-sum adjustments are best triggered by negative blame frames rather than by positive ‘credit’ frames. Finally, in contrast to standard blame avoidance assumptions, the experiment mimics the realistic situation in which the opposition attacks integration and the government defends it. This reverses the prototypical blame avoidance situation and opens the way for unintended effects. Governments may paint EU-induced conditions in rosy colours, reflecting negatively on its domestic performance. Conversely, the opposition runs the risk of being too gloomy about integration for its own good, as negative EU welfare frames reflect positively on domestic performance.
Living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Schoenheit Gadi , Becattelli Ian , Cohen Alan H
Published: August 2011

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease of unknown origin. Despite recent advancements, the diagnosis and management of IPF remains a distinct clinical challenge; as a result, patients often experience considerable delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis and confusion regarding prognosis and the availability of treatment options. In order to gain further insights regarding patients' perspectives on the diagnostic process, disease education, emotional well-being, and quality of life, we conducted a qualitative in-depth survey among IPF patients in Europe. Patients with a physician-confirmed IPF diagnosis were recruited to participate in an in-depth interview conducted by a trained facilitator who used a qualitative topic guide. A total of 45 patients from 5 European countries participated in the survey. The median reported time from initial presentation to confirmed diagnosis of IPF was 1.5 years (range <1 week to 12 years); in 58% of cases there was a delay of >1 year between initial presentation and a confirmed diagnosis of IPF. Additionally, 55% of patients reported consulting ≥3 physicians before receiving an IPF diagnosis. Patient satisfaction with medical care and disease education appeared to be higher among patients who were receiving care at a recognized center of excellence. Patients generally had reasonable expectations regarding the goals of therapy, with most recognizing the irreversibility of the disease and the limited prospects for achieving a cure. The most common unmet needs cited by participants were disease education resources, access to centers of excellence, and familial support programs. Our findings suggest that patients with IPF commonly experience protracted delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis and generally perceive the level of medical care as suboptimal, despite expressing reasonable expectations regarding the goals of therapy. These results support the need for further improvement in the areas of diagnosis, disease management, and patient education.