bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak average consensus of multi-agent system with partial flowing nodes
Authors: Mou Jinping , Ge Huafeng , Wang Jie
Published: March 2016

A weak average consensus problem is investigated for a distributed multi-agent system with partial flowing nodes (MASPFN), which is composed of subsystem I and subsystem II: subsystem I consists of a fixed agent set, whereas subsystem II consists of a varying agent set in which some agents may join in or quit from the multi-agent system with partial flowing nodes randomly. The weak average consensus refers to the fact that states of all agents in subsystem I approach a common value under the influence of subsystem II. Based on the Lyapunov function and the iterative method, several consensus criteria are obtained. One numerical example shows the reliability of the proposed methods.
Focal role of tolerability and reasonableness in the radiological protection system
Authors: Schneider T. , Lochard J. , Vaillant L.
Published: March 2016

The concepts of tolerability and reasonableness are at the core of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) system of radiological protection. Tolerability allows the definition of boundaries for implementing ICRP principles, while reasonableness contributes to decisions regarding adequate levels of protection, taking into account the prevailing circumstances. In the 1970s and 1980s, attempts to find theoretical foundations in risk comparisons for tolerability and cost–benefit analysis for reasonableness failed. In practice, the search for a rational basis for these concepts will never end. Making a wise decision will always remain a matter of judgement and will depend on the circumstances as well as the current knowledge and past experience. This paper discusses the constituents of tolerability and reasonableness at the heart of the radiological protection system. It also emphasises the increasing role of stakeholder engagement in the quest for tolerability and reasonableness since Publication 103.
Rethinking town centre economies: Beyond the ‘place or people’ binary
Authors: Dobson Julian
Published: March 2016

The ‘place or people?’ dilemma is a recurring refrain in local economic development. The contested question of the future of Britain’s high streets and town centres both transcends this binary and locates it in the broader question of what kind of economic development is required to revitalise struggling places and who benefits from it. Drawing on research underpinning the recently published How to Save Our Town Centres, this article argues that questions of equitable economic development cannot be separated from the question of land ownership, access and management. It concludes by arguing that rather than couching the debate about town centre economies in terms of ‘resilience’, questions of transition to alternative futures could provide a sharper focus for academic and policy discussion.
The efficacy of early initiated, supervised, progressive resistance training compared to unsupervised, home-based exercise after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jørgensen Peter B , Bogh Søren B , Kierkegaard Signe , Sørensen Henrik , Odgaard Anders , Søballe Kjeld , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To examine if supervised progressive resistance training was superior to home-based exercise in rehabilitation after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Design:

Single blinded, randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

Surgery, progressive resistance training and testing was carried out at Aarhus University Hospital and home-based exercise was carried out in the home of the patient.

Subjects:

Fifty five patients were randomized to either progressive resistance training or home-based exercise.

Intervention:

Patients were randomized to either progressive resistance training (home based exercise five days/week and progressive resistance training two days/week) or control group (home based exercise seven days/week).

Main measures:

Preoperative assessment, 10-week (primary endpoint) and one-year follow-up were performed for leg extension power, spatiotemporal gait parameters and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS).

Results:

Forty patients (73%) completed 1-year follow-up. Patients in the progressive resistance training group participated in average 11 of 16 training sessions. Leg extension power increased from baseline to 10-week follow-up in progressive resistance training group (progressive resistance training: 0.28 W/kg, P= 0.01, control group: 0.01 W/kg, P=0.93) with no between-group difference. Walking speed and KOOS scores increased from baseline to 10-week follow-up in both groups with no between-group difference (six minutes walk test P=0.63, KOOS P>0.29).

Conclusions:

Progressive resistance training two days/week combined with home based exercise five days/week was not superior to home based exercise seven days/week in improving leg extension power of the operated leg.
Beauty in Efficiency
Authors: da Silva Odette , Crilly Nathan , Hekkert Paul
Published: March 2016

Theory and discourse suggest that the aesthetic appreciation of a wide range of artifacts—including works of art and consumer products—is partially governed by the principle of maximum effect for minimum means. We conducted two studies to find experimental evidence of this principle in the context of product design. In Study 1, we tested the hypothesis that the aesthetic appreciation of a product would be positively affected by the perception of the product as the minimum means achieving the maximum effect. Encouraged by the results of this study, we conducted Study 2 to test again the principle of maximum effect for minimum means using a more controlled experimental design. Our findings provide support for our hypothesis, indicating that the aesthetic appreciation of a product depends, to some extent, on the perception that the product achieves more than other products from its category by making an efficient use of resources.
Symbolic, Nonsymbolic and Conceptual: An Across-Notation Study on the Space Mapping of Numerals
Authors: Zhang Yu , You Xuqun , Zhu Rongjuan
Published: March 2016

Previous studies suggested that there are interconnections between two numeral modalities of symbolic notation and nonsymbolic notation (array of dots), differences and similarities of the processing, and representation of the two modalities have both been found in previous research. However, whether there are differences between the spatial representation and numeral-space mapping of the two numeral modalities of symbolic notation and nonsymbolic notation is still uninvestigated. The present study aims to examine whether there are differences between the spatial representation and numeral-space mapping of the two numeral modalities of symbolic notation and nonsymbolic notation; especially how zero, as both a symbolic magnitude numeral and a nonsymbolic conceptual numeral, mapping onto space; and if the mapping happens automatically at an early stage of the numeral information processing. Results of the two experiments demonstrate that the low-level processing of symbolic numerals including zero and nonsymbolic numerals except zero can mapping onto space, whereas the low-level processing of nonsymbolic zero as a semantic conceptual numeral cannot mapping onto space, which indicating the specialty of zero in the numeral domain. The present study indicates that the processing of non-semantic numerals can mapping onto space, whereas semantic conceptual numerals cannot mapping onto space.
How Often Do Individuals with Major Depression Receive Minimally Adequate Treatment? A Population-Based, Data Linkage Study
Authors: Puyat Joseph H. , Kazanjian Arminee , Goldner Elliot M. , Wong Hubert
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Depression is usually treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or both. In this study, we examined the extent to which individuals with depression receive minimally adequate treatment with regard to the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Method:

Using population-based administrative data, we identified individuals with inpatient or outpatient diagnoses of depression and tracked their use of publicly funded mental health services within a 12-month period. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to assess the influence of patient-level characteristics and physician-level variations on the receipt of minimally adequate treatment.

Results:

A total of 108 101 individuals, predominantly women (65%) and urban residents (89%), were diagnosed with depression in 2010–2011. Of these, 13% received minimally adequate counseling/psychotherapy with higher proportions observed among men, younger individuals, and urban residents. In contrast, there were more who received minimally adequate antidepressant therapy (48%), with women, older individuals, and rural residents having the highest proportions. Overall, about 53% received either type of treatment, and the pattern of use was similar to that of antidepressant therapy. Mixed-effects logistic regression results indicate that these factors remain independent predictors of the receipt of minimally adequate depression care. Significant practice variations also exist, which determine patients’ receipt of minimally adequate care, particularly with respect to counseling or psychotherapy.

Conclusions:

Only about half of those with depression receive either minimally adequate counseling/psychotherapy or minimally adequate antidepressant therapy. Disparities also persist, affecting mostly men and younger individuals. A multifactorial approach is needed to improve access to and reduce variations in receipt of minimally adequate depression care.
Predictors of Bullying Behavior, Victimization, and Bully-Victim Risk Among High School Students With Disabilities
Authors: Blake Jamilia J. , Zhou Qiong , Kwok Oi-Man , Benz Michael R.
Published: March 2016

The literature on bullying among students with disabilities is burgeoning. The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors for adolescents’ involvement in bullying across the bullying continuum. Drawing from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2), 2,870 adolescents with disabilities were sampled. Results from multinomial regression analyses indicated that internalizing symptoms and interpersonal skills were significant predictors of victimization and bully-victimization risk, respectively. Disability status emerged as a significant predictor only for bullying behavior. Ethnic differences were found for victimization roles, but not for bullying, suggesting that Caucasian students were most vulnerable to being the target of bullying or serving dual roles as bully-victims relative to students from other ethnic backgrounds. Implications for these findings are discussed.
Clinical Experience With Deferiprone Treatment for Friedreich Ataxia
Authors: Elincx-Benizri Sandra , Glik Amir , Merkel Drorit , Arad Michael , Freimark Dov , Kozlova Evgenia , Cabantchik Ioav , Hassin-Baer Sharon
Published: March 2016

Friedreich ataxia is an inherited disorder characterized by degeneration of the peripheral and central nervous system and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Homozygous mutations in the frataxine (FXN) gene reduce expression of frataxin and cause accumulation of iron in the mitochondria. Deferiprone, an oral iron chelator, has been shown effective in cell and animal models of Friedreich ataxia. The results of a 6-month randomized, double blind placebo-controlled study suggested that deferiprone 20 mg/kg/day may reduce disease progression. The authors present their experience of 5 Friedreich ataxia patients treated with deferiprone (20 mg/kg/day), in addition to idebenone treatment, followed over a period of 10-24 months, under off-label authorization. The patients were monitored for laboratory parameters, cardiac assessment, neurological evaluations, and quality of life. The authors conclude that combined therapy of a low dose of deferiprone with idebenone is relatively safe, might improve neurological function, and seems to improve heart hypertrophy, warranting further studies.
A therapeutic delivery system for chronic osteomyelitis via a multi-drug implant based on three-dimensional printing technology
Authors: Wu Weigang , Ye Chenyi , Zheng Qixin , Wu Gui , Cheng Zhaohui
Published: March 2016

Chronic osteomyelitis is difficult to be cured and often relapses, which presents to be a great challenge to clinicians. We conducted this original study to explore the efficiency of therapeutic alliance for chronic osteomyelitis by a multi-drug implant based on three-dimensional printing technology. We designed and fabricated preciously a multi-drug implant with a multi-layered concentric cylinder construction by three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Levofloxacin and tobramycin were incorporated into the drug implant in a specific sequence. The drug release property of the drug implant was assayed in vitro. We also developed an animal model of chronic osteomyelitis to estimate the effect of the 3D printed multi-drug implant. The results showed that the multi-drug implant had a sustained and programmed drug release property. Levofloxacin and tobramycin which were released from the multi-drug implant worked in tandem to enhance pharmacodynamic action which was similar to a tumor chemotherapy program and were sufficient to treat chronic osteomyelitis. These findings imply that the administration of 3D printed multi-drug implant would be a potential therapeutic method for chronic osteomyelitis. Further studies are required.
Design and analysis of a new type of mineral car arrester
Authors: Xu Guiyun , Liu Li , Liu Yiming , Zhang Xiaoguang , Zhen Huipeng , Wang Hongxin
Published: March 2016

A new type of mineral car arrester, designed for transportation in the inclined shaft rail undermine, includes three degrees of freedom and seven links, to achieve the functions, like a one-way retarder, automatic resetting. The arrester achieves opening and closing functions by air cylinder driving and gravity resetting, and it arrests the car by the way of directly stopping the slipping car. Meanwhile, a buffering system installed under the track, including three buffering springs, as flexible energy absorption equipment absorbs the striking energy. This paper introduces the dynamics analysis of the impact behavior for the car arrester in detail, so that the impact dynamics for the ideal function of car arrester can be obtained by conclusion. The oscillatory differential equations freedom kinematics equations of the impact system are developed. The mineral car and arrester, under position-type nonlinear forces, are simplified to single mass bodies. The data such as the maximum spring force, maximum amplitude, the time and the numbers of impact are achieved by Mathcad, to solve the dynamic equations and analyze the motion law of the mine car after the impact. Then, the conclusion can be obtained that there are some reliability redundancies in the car arrester. Meanwhile, the three key components of the car arrester are analyzed in ANSYS finite-element analysis software. According to the analysis, it is confirmed that design of the structure and size parameters of the car arrester meets the security and functional requirements.
Dynamic response of high-speed rails due to heavy braking
Authors: Tran Minh Thi , Ang Kok Keng , Luong Van Hai
Published: March 2016

The dynamic response of a high-speed rail experiencing heavy braking is investigated using the moving element method. Possible sliding of train wheels over the rails as the train decelerates is accounted for. The train is modelled as a 14-DOF system comprising a car body, bogies and wheel sets interconnected by spring-damping units. The railway track is modelled as an infinite Euler–Bernoulli beam resting on a two-parameter elastic-damped foundation. A convected coordinate system attached to the moving train is employed in the formulation of the governing equations. The effects of braking torque, coefficient of static friction between wheels and rail, initial train speed and the severity of railhead roughness (track irregularity) on the dynamic response of the high-speed rail, including the occurrence of the ‘jumping wheel’ phenomenon, are examined. The phenomenon describes the momentary loss of contact between the wheel and track. A combination of high braking torque, large static friction coefficient, high initial train speed and severe track condition promotes larger dynamic effects.
Findings from within-subjects comparisons of drug use and sexual risk behaviour in men who have sex with men in England
Authors: Melendez-Torres GJ , Hickson Ford , Reid David , Weatherburn Peter , Bonell Chris
Published: March 2016

Epidemiological evidence for the encounter-level association between sexualised drug use and unprotected anal intercourse in men who have sex with men is unclear and has not examined men who have sex with men in England. To estimate this association, we compared dyadic sexual encounters within respondents. We used encounter-level data from a longitudinal online survey of men who have sex with men living in England and multilevel models to test univariate and multivariate associations between any respondent or partner drug use, specific respondent drug use, additional situational characteristics and unprotected anal intercourse. Based on 6742 encounters from 2142 men who have sex with men, respondent drug use and respondent use of certain specific drugs were associated with increased unprotected anal intercourse odds. In univariate models, partner drug use was associated with increased unprotected anal intercourse odds, but in multivariate models, only non-specific knowledge of partner drug use was associated with the same. Encounters with non-regular-and-steady partners or that were not HIV-seroconcordant were associated with decreased unprotected anal intercourse odds. This is the first within-subjects comparison of drug use and unprotected anal intercourse conducted on a sample from England, and the largest of its kind. Findings are consistent with other studies, though associations between drug use and unprotected anal intercourse are shaped by social contexts that may change over time.
Fissures in the discourse-scape: Critique, rationality and validity in post-foundational approaches to CDS
Authors: Macgilchrist Felicitas
Published: March 2016

This article explores one challenge facing critical discourse studies (CDS) in today’s mediatised world: the ontological and epistemological assumptions which prompt studies to analyse the construction of social orders (such as right-wing, racist or neoliberal orders) rather than the fissures and dislocations of these social orders. The former foregrounds stability, and the latter foregrounds instability. In this article, I first sketch postfoundational thinking, arguing that this thinking brings breakdown, disruption and instability to the centre of attention. Although postfoundational thought is most prominently associated with a particular set of thinkers (Nancy, Lefort, Laclau and Rancière), I also include approaches often omitted from current discussions (Lather, Haraway, Malabou and Sedgwick). Second, I consider three central concepts in CDS from a postfoundational perspective: critique, rationality and validity. Critique is conceptualised as a generative criticality which addresses unequal power relations through (fine-grained) analysis of hope-giving, reparative discourse which is oriented to well-being. Rationality is positioned as mobile, contingent, political and positioned, rather than universal and non-subjective. Validity is separated from understandings of objectivity and bias and associated instead with surprise and transgressive validities. Finally, two brief examples illustrate how postfoundational approaches to discourse have engaged with reframing social movements and democracy and rethinking what counts as the economy.
Recontextualization and transformation in media discourse: An analysis of the First-Instance Judgment of the Peng Yu Case
Authors: Wu Jianguo , Huang Shanshan , Zheng Rong
Published: March 2016

Enlightened by Van Dijk’s Context Model Theory and Wodak’s Discourse-Historical Approach, this article puts forward the Discourse-Historical-Contextual Approach as the analytical framework for the study of the recontextualization and transformation processes involved in media discourse. It is then applied to the analysis of the First-Instance Judgment of the Peng Yu Case. Through exploring the relevant context models, the article examines why a text is interpreted differently when it is circulated in different contexts. The study also reveals, by investigating the traces of previous texts in subsequent texts, how intertextuality is formed as well as how specific transformations are used in the processes. It is hoped that this study will provide some insights into the understanding of recontextualization and transformation processes in media discourse.
Interlending and resource sharing in UK public libraries: A mixed methods study
Authors: Wakeling Simon , Rutter Sophie , Birdi Briony , Pinfield Stephen
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the results of a mixed methods study of interlending and resource sharing in UK public libraries, based on the results of a survey distributed to both senior library managers and interlending staff, and in-depth follow-up interviews with 20 respondents. We present an analysis of perspectives towards rates of interlending, the rationales and strategies for providing the service, the perceived value for money offered by various interlending schemes, the impact of the current digital environment, and views on the future of interlending in the UK. Our findings suggest that while interlending services are undoubtedly threatened by the drastic cuts to public library funding, and that demand for the service is more generally in decline, resource sharing is viewed by some as a potential means of mitigating the effects of increasingly limited acquisitions budgets, and ensuring the public library system continues to provide access to a wide range of resources for its users.
The New Paradise: Utopia of Modernity from Bacon to Saint-Simon
Authors: Kahraman Omer
Published: March 2016

After the dissolution of the Ancien Régime, Europe went through a period of transition where the religion lost its power and a cavity emerged in the ideological structure of the social organization. This cavity was filled by utopian ideals of philosophers like Francis Bacon and Henri de Saint-Simon, who propagated the blessings of the new social organization. While the wealth production became a means of social organization, the political was subordinated by the economical. This article examines the utopian paradises presented by Francis Bacon and Henri de Saint-Simon in order to understand how the consumption goods dematerialize through the modern ideology to morally edify the society.
Medical leadership in the 21st century
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Ventriglio Antonio
Published: March 2016

Objective:

Psychiatry as a discipline and as a profession stands at the cusp of major challenges in many areas including social, biological and psychological spheres. The practice of psychiatry is affected by ideologically driven policies by politicians, and the continuing long-lasting impact of the global economic downturn along with new developments in health care delivery. Changing biological factors include better understanding of brain structures and functioning and potential developments in psychopharmacogenomics. Social changes facing psychiatry include globalisation and rapid urbanisation. Psychological changes include therapies without therapists and the impact of social media and the information age. The current paper explores these challenges and the opportunities for psychiatrists to provide leadership in a number of settings.

Conclusion:

Leadership skills are essential skills for psychiatrists, and enable an individual to plan and deliver services, and also help them to lead not only clinical teams but organisations and institutions. Psychiatrists are best placed because of the breadth of the training they undergo and their communication skills. Leadership is markedly different from managerial skills, although there may be a small degree of overlap.
Adjustment to Parkinson's Disease by Patients and Their Spouses
Authors: Gilbar Ora , Harel Yael
Published: March 2016

This study compares the psychosocial and psychological adjustment to the illness of thirty Parkinson's patients and their spouses. The main findings indicate that the patients' adjustment in both areas was significantly worse than their spouses', confirming one part of the authors' hypothesis. In terms of psychological adjustment specifically, the patients showed more symptoms of phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism, while spouses felt more anxiety. Contrary to the second part of the hypothesis, the findings did not indicate a correlation between patients' and spouses' adjustment to the illness.
The Impact of Postpregnancy Loss Services on Grief Outcome: Integrating Research and Practice in the Design of Perinatal Bereavement Programs
Authors: Rich Deborah E.
Published: March 2016

A national sample of 249 bereaved mothers and 114 of their male partners was investigated retrospectively, using a mailed questionnaire and the Perinatal Grief Scale, to determine the impact of postpregnancy loss services on grief outcome. Participants ranged in age from eighteen to forty-seven and experienced from one to twelve pregnancy losses with gestational age of two to forty-two weeks. A three-stage multiple regression analysis determined that predictors differed by gender and that services contributed to the prediction of grief outcome above and beyond demographic variables. Significant predictors for mothers were months since loss, attending counseling, and attending support group; significant predictors for fathers were length of pregnancy, talking with friends, and timing of talking with family. A large-scale longitudinal study that controls for service variables could inform the development of future perinatal bereavement programming in addressing the unique needs of bereaved mothers and fathers.
Health Care Provider Support and Grief after Perinatal Loss: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ujda Roberta M. , Bendiksen Robert
Published: March 2016

This article examines grief after perinatal loss, including factors that may have an impact on the parents' perceptions of support from health care providers after a pregnancy loss. The purpose is to determine whether health care provider support has a positive, or helping, effect on the parents' grief resolution. Data are from questionnaires administered to six men and thirty-four women as well as a focus group of six volunteers from the original set of forty persons experiencing perinatal loss. This article reports on the qualitative data from these interviews and makes recommendations for improving patient care. Quantitative analysis from this study is reported elsewhere.
When a Baby Dies: A Standard of Care
Authors: Gensch Bonnie K. , Midland Diane
Published: March 2016

When a baby dies, parents' hopes and dreams for that child die. Instead of planning a nursery, they must think about burial or cremation. Bereaved parents may never have experienced a death in their family. They may be unaware of what options are available and what decisions need to be made. One hospital has been addressing the needs of parents whose babies die during pregnancy or shortly after birth since the early 1980s. Using the RTS program as a model, this article provides a historical overview of the program, defines the theoretical framework underlying perinatal bereavement care, and describes practical ways to support patients and families experiencing pregnancy or perinatal loss. Care providers such as hospital personnel, clergy, and/or funeral directors are responsible for informing bereaved parents and guiding them through this unfamiliar territory. Case studies and practical examples of creating meaningful memories as part of healthy mourning are included.
Follow-up of Parents who Experience a Perinatal Loss: Facilitating Grief and Assessing for Grief Complicated by Depression
Authors: Friedrichs Judy , Daly Mary I. , Kavanaugh Karen
Published: March 2016

The importance of providing follow-up support to parents who have experienced a perinatal loss has been described in the literature. Anecdotal reports demonstrate that many health care professionals provide some type of telephone follow-up contact to bereaved parents in the weeks following the loss. Yet, limited information exists to guide the way that follow-up telephone calls are made, especially for assessing complicated grief. Health care professionals are often challenged as they attempt to identify parents at risk, especially when contacts are provided over the telephone. While it is never easy to talk to a parent during the very painful adjustment at home, guidelines for follow-up telephone calls can assist professionals in providing sensitive, individualized follow-up care.
Diagnostic Delays and Errors in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Opportunities for Improvement
Authors: Franco Joel , Elghouche Alhasan N. , Harris Michael S. , Kokoska Mimi S.
Published: March 2016

A retrospective review of 100 sequential patients (2009-2012) with head and neck cancer was performed to determine the frequency of 5 types of diagnostic delays and errors outlined by the Institute of Medicine. There were a total of 105 diagnostic delays/errors. The most common was delay in being seen in the otolaryngology clinic after referral placement (28.6%), followed by diagnostic error by the referring physician (22%), delay in referral of a symptomatic patient to the otolaryngology clinic (16.2%), delay in employing an appropriate diagnostic test or procedure (15.2%), delay in action following reporting of pathology or imaging results for an incidental lesion (11.4%), diagnostic error by the otolaryngology clinic (2.8%), delay in action following reporting of pathology or imaging results for the symptomatic lesion (2.8%), and use of outmoded tests or therapy (1%). Increased awareness of these types of delays/errors will direct actions and processes to reduce or eliminate them.
Functional status in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms: Coping styles and their relationship with depression and anxiety
Authors: Sempértegui Gabriela A , Karreman Annemiek , van Hout Gerbrand CM , Bekker Marrie HJ
Published: March 2016

This study examined how coping styles are related to functional status in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms and to what extent depression and anxiety account for this relationship. In 90 Dutch adult patients presenting medically unexplained physical symptoms, coping styles, health-related functional status, anxiety, and depression were measured. Multiple regression analyses and mediation analysis showed that coping styles were directly and indirectly related to functional status. In this relationship, depression and anxiety played an important role. The findings highlight the relevance of addressing coping styles, depression, and anxiety when targeting the functional status of patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms in clinical practice.
The behavioral benefits of other people’s deviance
Authors: Gunia Brian C. , Kim Sun Young
Published: March 2016

Employees who violate significant organizational norms are organizational deviants engaged in organizational deviance. Yet, few acts of organizational deviance involve all members of an organization; in many cases, many people are uninvolved. The current research examined the responses of the nondeviant actors. Several literatures led us to predict that organizational deviance would cause nondeviants to experience cognitive dissonance, especially its vicarious form, and redouble their own work effort in response. Yet, we also predicted that low levels of identification with the deviant actors would weaken this effect. Three studies with multiple samples and methods supported these predictions, showing that nondeviants experience deviants’ dissonance and increase their own work effort, but only when more rather than less identified with deviants. In addition to extending and connecting theories of deviance and dissonance, these findings suggest that organizational deviance may have unexpected benefits for groups and organizations.
Quantifying the benefits of peer support for people with dementia: A Social Return on Investment (SROI) study
Authors: Willis Elizabeth , Semple Amy C , de Waal Hugo
Published: March 2016

Objective

Peer support for people with dementia and carers is routinely advocated in national strategies and policy as a post-diagnostic intervention. However there is limited evidence to demonstrate the value these groups offer. This study looked at three dementia peer support groups in South London to evaluate what outcomes they produce and how much social value they create in relation to the cost of investment.

Methods

A Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis was undertaken, which involves collecting data on the inputs, outputs and outcomes of an intervention, which are put into a formula, the end result being a SROI ratio showing how much social value is created per £1 of investment.

Results

Findings showed the three groups created social value ranging from £1.17 to £5.18 for every pound (£) of investment, dependent on the design and structure of the group. Key outcomes for people with dementia were mental stimulation and a reduction in loneliness and isolation. Carers reported a reduction in stress and burden of care. Volunteers cited an increased knowledge of dementia.

Conclusions

This study has shown that peer groups for people with dementia produce a social value greater than the cost of investment which provides encouraging evidence for those looking to commission, invest, set up or evaluate peer support groups for people with dementia and carers. Beyond the SROI ratio, this study has shown these groups create beneficial outcomes not only for the group members but also more widely for their carers and the group volunteers.
Child protection threshold talk and ambivalent case formulations in ‘borderline’ care proceedings cases
Authors: Doherty Paula
Published: March 2016

This paper focuses on cases about children who were the subject of child protection plans and designated by children's social care services as ‘borderline’ for compulsory intervention by way of care proceedings. It moves beyond abstract language, into the everyday vocabularies of practice, with the aim of better understanding decision-making in such cases. The majority of these cases had been categorised as neglect (34/47 children). While social workers and managers clearly invoked a threshold or line for compulsory action, their discussions demonstrated a range of factors about why it was not always easy to identify when this line had been crossed.
What’s a charter school? How the charter school debate and misinformation mediate the local production of school choice
Authors: Convertino Christina
Published: March 2016

In this article, based on an ethnographic study in Sundale City, Arizona, I use an interpretive and anthropological approach to policy analysis to highlight how social actors interpreted the national charter school debate to enact local school choice policy development in their everyday lives. Specifically, findings from this study provide a contextualized portrayal that illustrates how an economic rationality of schooling and an absence of information on school choice policy served to polarize and fracture the potential for citizens to collectively grapple with and address local educational issues democratically.
Minireview: Clinical severity in sickle cell disease: the challenges of definition and prognostication
Authors: Quinn Charles T
Published: March 2016

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic, yet highly phenotypically variable disease with multisystem pathology. This manuscript provides an overview of many of the known determinants, modifiers, and correlates of disease severity in SCD. Despite this wealth of data, modeling the variable and multisystem pathology of SCD continues to be difficult. The current status of prediction of specific adverse outcomes and global disease severity in SCD is also reviewed, highlighting recent successes and ongoing challenges.
Association Between Periodontal Disease and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kellesarian Sergio Varela , Kellesarian Tammy Varela , Ros Malignaggi Vanessa , Al-Askar Mansour , Ghanem Alexis , Malmstrom Hans , Javed Fawad
Published: March 2016

A limited number of studies have reported an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present study is to assess the association between CP and ED through a systematic review of published literature. To address the focused question, “Is there a relationship between ED and CP?” indexed databases were searched till December 2015 using various key words “erectile dysfunction,” “periodontal disease,” “periodontitis,” “dental infection,” and “impotence.” Letters to the editor, commentaries, historic reviews, and experimental studies were excluded. The pattern of the present systematic review was customized to primarily summarize the pertinent data. Nine studies were included. Seven studies had a cross-sectional design and two studies were randomized control trials. The number of study participants ranged between 53 and 513,258 individuals with age ranging between 20 years and 85 years (median age ranging between 34.9 ± 4.9 years and 50.9 ± 16.6 years). In all studies, a positive relationship between CP and ED was reported. In four studies, odds ratio were reported, ranging between 1.53 and 3.35. From the literature reviewed, there seems to be a positive association between ED and CP; however, further well-designed controlled clinical trials are needed in this regard. It is emphasized that physicians should refer patients with ED to oral health care providers for a comprehensive oral evaluation and treatment.
Early transcriptional events in the udder and teat after intra-mammary Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus challenge
Authors: Petzl Wolfram , Günther Juliane , Mühlbauer Katharina , Seyfert Hans-Martin , Schuberth Hans-Joachim , Hussen Jamal , Sauter-Louis Carola , Hafner-Marx Angela , Zerbe Holm
Published: March 2016

Intra-mammary bacterial infections can result in harmful clinical mastitis or subclinical mastitis with persistent infections. Research during the last decades closely examined the pathophysiology of inflamed udders. Initial events after pathogen perception but before the onset of mastitis have not been examined in vivo. The objective of this study was to develop a mastitis model in cows by monitoring initial transcriptional pathogen-specific host response before clinical signs occur. We applied a short-term infection model to analyse transcripts encoding chemokines, cytokines and antimicrobial molecules in the teat cistern (TC) and lobulo-alveolar parenchyma (LP) up to 3 h after challenge with E. and Staphylococcus aureus. Both pathogens elicited an immune reaction by 1 h after challenge. Escherichia coli induced all analysed factors ( CCL20, CXCL8, TNF, IL6, IL12B, IL10, LAP, S100A9); however, S. aureus failed to induce IL12B, IL10, LAP and S100A9 expression. The E. coli-induced up-regulation was 25–105 times greater than that after S. aureus challenge. Almost all the responses were restricted to the TC. The short-term mastitis model demonstrates that a divergent pathogen-specific response is generated during the first h. It confirms that the first transcripts are generated in the TC prior to a response in the LP.
Acute mesenteric ischaemia
Authors: Forsyth James Michael
Published: March 2016

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a rare vascular emergency, but one that must be excluded as a cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in older patients, as it has a very high mortality rate. It is a time-critical disease process, and the best outcomes are seen when patients are rapidly diagnosed at the early stage and referred immediately to a hospital with vascular surgery, general surgery and interventional radiology services available. The aim of this article is to cover the diagnosis and management of AMI mainly from a primary care level. The aetio-pathology and clinical presentation of AMI will be described, and particular emphasis will be on how to identify AMI early, the importance of rapid referral, and appropriate approaches to risk factor reduction. There will be a brief discussion on the various secondary care management strategies. However, the main purpose of the article is to better equip GPs to optimally manage AMI in the community and thus improve global AMI outcomes.
Conceptual relationships between the ICF and experiences of mealtimes and related tasks among persons with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Westergren Albert , Hagell Peter , Wendin Karin , Sjödahl Hammarlund Catharina
Published: March 2016

The aim was to investigate experiences of mealtimes and related tasks among people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to link these conceptually to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Data were collected by use of semi-structured interviews of 19 people with PD. Inductive content analysis resulted in five categories: 1) Managing mealtime preparations and related tasks, 2) Compromised physical control, 3) Difficulties enjoying meals, 4) Difficulties eating together with others, and 5) Strategies to maintain conventional norms and independence. Deductive content analysis linked the categories to the ICF categories: body functions (mental, sensory, neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions); activities (self-determination and chores); participation (interpersonal interactions and relationships); and environmental factors (conventional norms, attitudes of friends and strangers). Emotional and involuntary movement functions were represented in all five inductively derived categories. Eating difficulties may have negative consequences on participation and the emotional wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s disease.
"Modified Adductor Sling Technique"- a surgical therapy for patellar instability in children and adolescents
Authors: Alm Lena , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Preiss Achim , Heitmann Maximilian , Akoto Ralph
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

Due to open femoral physis, the therapy of patellar instability in children and adolescents is challenging. We developed a surgical technique, modified form of the "Adductor-Sling-Technique" by Sillanpää which offers a surgical treatment to avoid damage to the femoral physis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a benefit in the clinical outcome for patients operated by the "modified Adductor Sling Technique" in comparison to patients with other surgical procedures.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty "modified Adductor Sling" reconstructions in 19 patients (age 11-24) were included in the study until now, 15 patients with open physis and 4 patients with closed physis with special indications. Since 2010 "modified Adductor Sling" reconstruction was performed by looping the gracilis tendon around the adductor magnus tendon and attaching it at the medial facette of the patella. Clinical outcome was retrospectively evaluated at a mean follow-up period of 1.3 years (range 0.5-3.6). The evaluation also included Lysholm Score, Kujala Score and DGU score. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM®SPSS®Statistics Version 21. A P value less than 0.5 was considered significant.

Results:

The average age at the time of operation was 14.9 years (range 11.2-24.3). Recurrent dislocation occurred in 4 out of 20 cases (20%). It was noticeable that out of those 4 patients 2 patients had a lateral release in addition to the "modified Adductor Sling Technique" due to lateral hyperpression. No other patients had a lateral release in our patient population. Also, out of those 4 patients 3 patients had an additional maltracking of the patella, caused by a high TTTG, severe trochlea dysplasia or additional axial deformity. The overall Kujala Score was 87 (range 46-100) points, in patients without re-dislocation it was 94 (range 46-100) points. The overall Lysholm Score was 85 (range 39-100) points, in the group without re-dislocation 90 (range 39-100) points. The mean TTTG was 16,59 (range 11,7-21,4) mm, in the group without re-dislocation it was 16,24 (range 11,7-21,4) mm. There was no significant difference between the patients with or without re-dislocation(p=0,312).

Conclusion:

The "modified Adductor Sling Technique" offers relevant clinical improvements in knee function and pain. An advantage is the avoidance of damaging the femoral physis. Our Hypothesis of less recurrent dislocation rates could not be confirmed. The re-dislocation rate was even higher than in MPFL reconstruction using femoral fixation in adults. Patients with patellar instabilities without maltracking (no severe trochlea dysplasia, no axial deformity, moderately elevated TTTG) and open physis benefit from the "modified Adductor Sling Technique". This technique is not recommended in patients with patellar instability and additional maltracking.
The use of a radiolucent triangle in knee surgery
Authors: Bauchspieß Felix , Gahr Ralf
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

There is a variety of different approaches in knee surgery of fractures, injuries of ligaments and knee osteotomy.

Materials and Methods:

The radiolucent triangle by Innomed®, designed by Stuart E. Fromm, is a very useful tool that helps with the positioning of the femur and tibia during knee surgery.

Results:

The radiolucent Triangle by Innomed® is available in three different sizes and offers a great variety of possible applications. It is useful for knee positioning in injuries of ligaments such as MCL or LCL but also in complex ligament injuries. Furthermore, it allows an easy access in knee osteotomy. It also provides a very comfortable positioning of the leg in arthroscopic fracture treatment of the tibial head especially when lifting the bone fragments. Using the Triangle in minimal invasive procedures such as MIPO with LISS or LCP-DF or distal femoral nail (DFN) one will find it very helpful that the leg almost rotates "automatically" in the right position.

Conclusion:

The Fromm Triangle by Innomed® offers a great variety of possible applications and improves the management during operative procedures in knee surgery.