bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNsatisfied? Public Support for Postconflict International Missions
Authors: Kelmendi Pellumb , Radin Andrew
Published: October 2016

Public opinion in postconflict societies toward international missions is widely believed to be important. We offer a theory that local satisfaction critically depends on an individual’s perception of whether the mission is furthering the wartime political agenda of his or her social group. To test this theory and competing hypotheses, we examine Kosovo Albanian satisfaction with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We use data from seventeen different representative surveys conducted in Kosovo from 2002 to 2007 as well as focus group and other primary and secondary sources. Consistent with our theory, we find that aggregate satisfaction over time reflected UNMIK’s growing acceptance of Kosovo’s independence and individuals with more radical views tended to be less satisfied with UNMIK. Our analysis implies that missions can achieve greater local satisfaction by doing what is possible to be responsive to, or at a minimum recognize, the wartime political agendas of the key social groups.
Effects of Focus of Attention on Tone Production in Trained Singers
Authors: Atkins Rebecca L.
Published: October 2016

Motor performance in familiar tasks is often advantaged when performers focus on the effects of their movements rather than on the movements themselves. But, this phenomenon has yet to be studied systematically in the context of vocal production. I evaluated 20 trained singers’ vocal tone as they varied their focus of attention. Each participant performed a short vocalise, a phrase of “My Country ’Tis of Thee,” and a prepared solo piece under six different conditions in which they focused attention on either keeping the vibrato steady, the position of their soft palate, directing their sound to points in the room at three different distances from the singer, or imagining “filling the room” with sound. Each session began with singers performing with no focus instructions, which served as a baseline for comparison. Expert listeners rated all performances on seven variables. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant effects for the evaluation variables of ring and overall tone quality in all singing tasks. Ratings were higher for ring and overall tone quality when the focus of attention moved farther from the singer.
‘I Probably Would Never Move, but Ideally Like I’d Love to Move This Week’: Class and Residential Experience, Beyond Elective Belonging
Authors: Jeffery Bob
Published: October 2016

This article critically engages with Savage et al.’s conceptualisation of ‘elective belonging’. Drawing on research in a case study site in central Salford, it argues that historical processes of deindustrialisation, slum clearance and social housing residualisation have been compounded by the subsequent strategies of gentrification and impact upon the forms of ‘belonging’ that can be constructed by marginal working-class people. Correcting for the predominance of research on belonging from the perspective of middle-class incomers, findings are organised around the themes ‘the local/incomer distinction’, ‘perceptions of and orientations to the neighbourhood’, ‘the power of economic capital’, ‘social others and social distance’ and ‘tectonic communities’. It is argued that the privileging of attracting inward investment into such locales necessarily entails that the elective belonging of the privileged is secured at the expense of the prescribed belonging of the marginal.
A study to assess the reliability and construct validity of the Abbreviated Self-leadership Questionnaire: a South African study
Authors: Mahembe Bright , Engelbrecht Amos , Wakelin Zani
Published: October 2016

Self-leadership has been recognised as a fundamental competency for effective learning and job performance. The primary goal of this study was to validate the Abbreviated Self-leadership Questionnaire on a South African sample. Numerous questionnaires have been developed to measure self-leadership, with the Revised Self-leadership Questionnaire being the most widely used questionnaire. However, the Revised Self-leadership Questionnaire has been deemed too long; hence, the authors abbreviated the measure. Therefore, there is a need to assess the reliability and construct validity of the abbreviated Self-leadership Questionnaire on a South African sample. A non-probability sample consisting of 400 students drawn from a university in the Western Cape was used. The reliability of the Abbreviated Self-leadership Questionnaire was evaluated using SPSS, while construct validity was assessed via confirmatory factory analyses in the LISREL program. Moderate levels of reliability were found for the subscales of the Abbreviated Self-leadership Questionnaire. Reasonable model fit with the data was found for the first-order measurement model. The study contributes to the requirements of the Amended Employment Equity Act of South Africa (Republic of South Africa, 1998) which promotes the use of reliable and valid instruments in South Africa by confirming the psychometric properties of the Abbreviated Self-leadership Questionnaire.
Wearable human–machine interface based on PVDF piezoelectric sensor
Authors: Dong Wentao , Xiao Lin , Hu Wei , Zhu Chen , Huang YongAn , Yin Zhouping
Published: October 2016

Flexible and stretchable electronics technologies have been attracting increasing attention owing to their potential applications in personal consumed electronics, wearable human–machine interfaces (HMI) and the Internet of Things (IoTs). This paper proposes an HMI based on a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) sensor and laminated it onto the surface of the skin for signal classification and controlling the motion of a mobile robot. The PVDF sensor with ultra-thin stretchable substrate can make conformal contact with the surface of the skin for more accurate measurement of the electrophysiological signal and to provide more accurate control of the actuators. Microelectro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies and transfer printing processes are adopted for fabrication of the epidermal PVDF sensor. Sensors placed on two wrists would generate two different signals with the fist clenched and loosened. It can be classified into four signals with a combination of the signals from both wrists, i.e. four control modes. Experiments demonstrated that PVDF sensors may be used as an HMI to control the motion of a mobile robot remotely.
Older, Church-Going African Americans’ Attitudes and Expectations About Formal Depression Care
Authors: Wharton Tracy , Watkins Daphne C. , Mitchell Jamie , Kales Helen
Published: October 2016

This phenomenological study involved focus groups with church-affiliated, African American women and men ( N = 50; ages 50 and older) in southeast Michigan to determine their attitudes and expectations around formal mental health care. Data analysis employed a constant comparative approach and yielded themes related to formal mental health care, along with delineating concerns about defining depression, health, and well-being. Health and well-being were defined as inclusive of physical and spiritual aspects of self. Churches have a central role in how formal mental health care is viewed by their attendees, with prayer being an important aspect of this care. Provider expectations included privacy and confidentiality; respect for autonomy and need for information, having providers who discuss treatment options; and issues related to environmental cleanliness, comfort, and accessibility. Implications include providing effective, culturally tailored formal depression care that acknowledges and integrates faith for this group.
Ice accretion on circular cylinder in relation to its diameter
Authors: Virk Muhammad S
Published: October 2016

Numerical study of atmospheric ice accretion on circular cylinder is carried out to understand the relation between cylinder diameter and resultant ice accretion. To validate the numerical model, results are compared with the experimental data and a good agreement is found. Numerical study shows that change in cylinder diameter significantly affects the air and droplet behavior that results a change in ice growth along cylinder. A detailed parametric study is carried out for different droplet sizes and cylindrical diameters. Results show a decrease in droplet collision efficiency and ice growth with the increase in cylinder diameter.
Home-Delivered Meals and Risk of Self-Reported Falls: Results From a Randomized Trial
Authors: Thomas Kali S. , Parikh Ravi B. , Zullo Andrew R. , Dosa David
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether home-delivered meals, and the frequency of delivery, reduces self-reported falls among homebound older adults. Data come from a randomized parallel three-arm study of 371 older adults on seven Meals on Wheels programs’ waiting lists. Participants were randomly assigned to receive (a) daily meal delivery ( n = 139); (b) once weekly, frozen meal delivery ( n = 106); or (c) control, remain on the waiting list for meals ( n = 126). Participants were surveyed at baseline and 15 weeks post randomization. At follow-up, 36 (28.6%) in the control group, 29 (27.4%) receiving once weekly delivered meals, and 33 (23.7%) receiving daily delivered meals reported a fall (compared with control, daily meal risk ratio [RR] = 0.83, 95% confidence limits [CL] = [0.55, 1.25]; frozen meal RR = 0.96, 95%CL = [0.63, 1.45]). Our study suggests that daily delivered meals may reduce the risk of falls. Additional work is needed to understand the effect of meals on falls, particularly among previous fallers, a high-risk subgroup.
Impact of Interior Colors in Retail Store Atmosphere on Consumers’ Perceived Store Luxury, Emotions, and Preference
Authors: Cho Ji Young , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: October 2016

A retail store space in luxury fashion functions as a critical marketing point communicating the brand’s intended image. This study explores the symbolic effect of aesthetic factors of retail atmosphere in luxury, focusing on the impact of perceived luxury of interior colors in retail atmosphere on perceived store luxury, consumer emotion, and preference. A total of 218 U.S. consumers participated in an online survey, employing a hypothetical store image reflecting a high- or low-luxury retail atmosphere (manipulated through the interior colors). The results statistically support that (a) participants exposed to the high-luxury retail atmosphere condition (of high-luxury colors) report a higher level of perceived store luxury than do the participants exposed to the low-luxury retail atmosphere condition (of low-luxury colors), (b) perceived store luxury increases felt pleasure and arousal but not felt dominance, and (c) felt pleasure and arousal improve store preference.
Advancing the Line: Increasing Empirical Literature on Justice-Involved Veterans
Authors: Lucas Paul A.
Published: October 2016

American veterans have long struggled with the aftereffects of combat exposure, repeated deployments to hostile countries, and extended time spent away from their families and loved ones. Historically, when veterans struggling with issues such as mental illness and substance abuse, which can be related back to their military service, came into contact with the criminal justice system, they were processed without regard to their unique military experience. Beginning in 2008, however, a new type of problem-solving court, veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs), have been increasingly adopted to target justice-involved veterans to address the distinct issues and challenges they face. VTCs are modeled after the successful drug and mental health court models and, as such, utilize therapeutic jurisprudence and effective intervention. However, they have not been subjected to the same amount of scholarly attention the aforementioned courts themselves have. This editorial introduction briefly reviews past and current research on justice-involved veterans and calls for the continued empirical assessment of VTCs to better understand both their impact and the military population they serve.
Synthesis of poly(arylene ether ketone) containing phenylsulfonic acid pendant for proton exchange membrane
Authors: Dong Bo , Zhu Shiyang , Song Ying , Guan Shaowei , Pang Jinhui , Jiang Zhenghua
Published: October 2016

A series of phenylsulfonic acid–containing poly(arylene ether ketone) (psa-PAEK) were synthesized via polycondensation from 2-(4-methoxy)phenylhydroquinone and other commercial monomers, followed by postsulfonation approach under mild reaction conditions. Controlled substituted sites and the degree of sulfonation were realized using quantities of 2-(4-methoxy)phenylhydroquinone. Giving the psa-PAEK can be soluble in common organic solvents such as Dimethylsulfoxide, purity ≥99.5% (DMSO, Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China), NMP, 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone purity ≥99.0% (NMP, Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Lted, Shanghai, China), and N,N-dimethylacetamide, purity ≥99.0% (DMAc, Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co., Lted, Shanghai, China). The tough and transparent polymer membrane was prepared by the solution casting method, which exhibited excellent mechanical properties and high proton conductivities. The tensile stress at maximum load and elongation at break of these membranes are 28.3–34.1 MPa and 101–126% in dry state, respectively. The proton conductivities of these membranes were higher than 10−2 S cm−1 at room temperature in water. Especially, the psa-PAEK-90 with ion exchange capacity of 1.62 mequiv. g−1 exhibited the proton conductivity of 176 mS cm−1 at 80°C in water. The clear microphase separation morphology was observed by small-angle X-ray scattering, which is a powerful evidence to explain their high conductive behaviors. These results suggest that the psa-PAEK membranes have great potential as a candidate membrane for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
A method for shock train leading edge detection based on differential pressure
Authors: Xiong B , Wang Z-G , Fan X-Q , Wang Y
Published: October 2016

In order to make the shock train leading edge detection method more possible for operational application, a new detection method based on differential pressure signals is introduced in this paper. Firstly, three previous detection methods, including the pressure ratio method, the pressure increase method, and the standard deviation method, have been examined whether they are also applicable for shock train moving at different speeds. Accordingly, three experimental cases of back-pressure changing at different rates were conducted in this paper. The results show that the pressure ratio and the pressure increase method both have acceptable detection accuracy for shock train moving rapidly and slowly, and the standard deviation method is not applicable for rapid shock train movement due to its running time window. Considering the operational application, the differential pressure method is raised and tested in this paper. This detection method has sufficient temporal resolution for rapidly and slowly shock train moving, and can make a real-time detection. In the end, the improvements brought by the differential pressure method have been discussed.
Importance of hydropower for sustainable energy development in Turkey: Case of Çoruh River
Authors: Kankal Murat , Nacar Sinan , Uzlu Ergun
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the sustainable development of hydropower in Turkey, focusing on development of Çoruh River. Çoruh Basin, which has magnificent dams, is one of the five largest basins in Turkey and represents 5.2% of the national gross hydropower potential (433 GWh/year). When all currently planned projects in Çoruh Basin are completed, the hydropower potential will reach 13,315 GWh/year, corresponding to 58.8% of the gross potential in Çoruh River and 5.12% of the annual electric energy production of Turkey in 2015.
Voluntary vs Compulsory Playing Contexts
Authors: Rodríguez-Aflecht Gabriela , Hannula-Sormunen Minna , McMullen Jake , Jaakkola Tomi , Lehtinen Erno
Published: October 2016

Background. Serious games are often used in formal school contexts, in which students’ lack of control over the playing situation may have repercussions on any motivational gains.

Aims and Method. The first aim was to investigate to what extent n = 579 fifth grade students in Mexico who received a mathematics serious game played it voluntarily. Then, we explored how students who played voluntarily ( n = 337) differed from those who did not by either gender or pre-test mathematical skills or motivation. The second aim was to find out whether two play contexts, the group of voluntary players and a second group consisting of students playing at school as a compulsory part of their regular mathematics lessons ( n = 482), differed in game experience, game performance, and cognitive and motivational outcomes.

Results. Students from the volunteer group who played had higher pre-test mathematical skills and math interest than those who did not play. Students in this group did not otherwise differ. Compared to students from the volunteer group who played, students in the school group played for longer, completed more tasks, and enjoyed playing the game more. However, their advanced mathematical skills did not improve as much.

Conclusion. Motivation did not improve regardless of play context, suggesting serious games should be implemented for their learning content rather than because they are assumed to be motivating.
Using English Language Arts to Teach a Song
Authors: Cardany Audrey Berger
Published: October 2016

Music and reading domains require similar auditory processing skills. Students employ these skills when learning a new song through an oral/aural or rote-teaching approach. In this article, I review literature on the effectiveness of immersion and phrase-by-phrase approaches for teaching a song with or without words. Then, using an amusing analogy, I suggest a process for using the English language arts to teach a song using a rote approach. Two lessons are described that include prompts to aid teachers in analyzing songs to teach music through language.
Furosemide Prescription During the Dry State Is a Predictor of Long-Term Survival of Stable, Optimally Medicated Patients With Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Sargento Luis , Simões Andre Vicente , Longo Susana , Lousada Nuno , Reis Roberto Palma dos
Published: October 2016

Background:

Furosemide is associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Aim:

To evaluate the association between daily furosemide dose prescribed during the dry state and long-term survival in stable, optimally medicated outpatients with HFrEF.

Population and Methods:

Two hundred sixty-six consecutive outpatients with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, clinically stable in the dry state and on optimal heart failure therapy, were followed up for 3 years in a heart failure unit. The end point was all-cause death. There were no changes in New York Heart Association class and therapeutics, including diuretics, and no decompensation or hospitalization during 6 months. Furosemide doses were categorized as low or none (0-40 mg/d), intermediate (41-80 mg/d), and high (>80 mg). Cox regression was adjusted for significant confounders.

Results:

The 3-year mortality rate was 33.8%. Mean dose of furosemide was 57.3 ± 21.4 mg/d. A total of 47.6% of patients received the low dose, 42.1% the intermediate dose, and 2.3% the high dose. Receiver operating characteristics for death associated with furosemide dose showed an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.79; P < .001), and the best cutoff was >40 mg/d. An increasing daily dose of furosemide was associated with worse prognosis. Those receiving the intermediate dose (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.57-6.64; P < .001) or high dose (HR = 19.8; 95% CI: 7.9-49.6; P < .001) had a higher risk of mortality compared to those receiving a low dose. Patients receiving >40 mg/d, in a propensity score–matched cohort, had a greater risk of mortality than those receiving a low dose (HR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.8-8.8; P = .001) and those not receiving furosemide (HR = 3.9; 95% CI: 0.07-14.2; P = .039).

Conclusion:

Furosemide administration during the dry state in stable, optimally medicated outpatients with HFrEF is unfavorably associated with long-term survival. The threshold dose was 40 mg/d.
The Relationship Between Children’s Age and Disclosures of Sexual Abuse During Forensic Interviews
Authors: Leach Chelsea , Powell Martine B. , Sharman Stefanie J. , Anglim Jeromy
Published: October 2016

Children’s disclosures of sexual abuse during forensic interviews are fundamental to the investigation of cases. Research examining the relationship between age and disclosure has shown mixed results; the aim of the current study was to clarify and extend our knowledge by modeling linear, quadratic, and interaction effects of age on disclosure. Child sexual abuse reports made by children, their caregivers, or mandated reporters over a 12-month period to police in one state of Australia were examined. Of the 527 children (age range 3–16 years) offered a forensic interview, 81% disclosed abuse during it. The other 19% did not disclose or refused the interview. Age had both linear and quadratic effects, whereby disclosure increased with age until 11 years, after which disclosure decreased with age to 16 years. The effect of age on disclosure was moderated by five variables: abuse severity, the child–suspect relationship, suspects’ violence histories, delay of report to police, and children’s previous disclosures. Particular groups of children had lower likelihoods of disclosing abuse in forensic interviews than others, such as adolescents who alleged abuse against suspects with histories of violent offending. By identifying these groups, targeted strategies may be developed to help increase their disclosure rates.
Getting beneath the surface in program planning, monitoring and evaluation: Learning from use of participatory action research and theory of change in the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems
Authors: Apgar J Marina , Allen Will , Albert Joelle , Douthwaite Boru , Paz Ybarnegaray Rodrigo , Lunda Jeston
Published: October 2016

Many rural poor and marginalized people strive to make a living in social-ecological systems that are characterized by multiple and often inequitable interactions across agents, scale and space. Uncertainty and inequality in such systems require research and development interventions to be adaptive, support learning and to engage with underlying drivers of poverty. Such complexity-aware approaches to planning, monitoring and evaluating development interventions are gaining strength, yet, there is still little empirical evidence of what it takes to implement them in practice. In this paper, we share learning from an agricultural research program that used participatory action research and theory of change to foster learning and support transformative change in aquatic agricultural systems. We reflect on our use of critical reflection within participatory agricultural research interventions, and our use of theory of change to collectively surface and revisit assumptions about how change happens. We share learning on the importance of being strengths-based in engaging stakeholders across scales and building a common goal as a starting point, and then staging a more critical practice as capacity is built and opportunities for digging deeper emerge.
Prototyping a façade-mounted, dynamic, dual-axis daylight redirection system
Authors: Dogan T , Stec P
Published: October 2016

Various emerging technologies encourage the embedding of intelligent and climate responsive behaviour into architectural elements. Light-shelves have been used for decades to enhance natural light in spaces, however, their static nature is limiting their overall performance potential. This paper explores the convergence of rapid prototyping, parametric design and environmental modelling software to create a dynamic and direct-reflection daylight redirection system that significantly enhances daylight availability. A Radiance-based simulation workflow to optimise and study the system is used and a 1:1 mock-up is developed. The mock-up is based on a horizontal-light shelf with an array of mirror tiles that can tilt in two axes based on sun position. The potential impact of such a system is then evaluated for a side lit office space in multiple climates in the northern hemisphere. Results show that daylight can be redirected deep into the building more effectively and therefore improve daylight availability for otherwise underlit floor plan regions. Projected savings for electric lighting range from 17% to 35% compared with a static redirection system.
Pulse Check
Authors: Varner Kendra , Mey Leann , Mentzel Tammy , Glazer Greer , Tobias Barbara , Seiple Tom
Published: October 2016

In February 2015, the Urban Universities for HEALTH (Health Equity Alignment through Leadership and Transformation of the Health Workforce) learning collaborative site team at the University of Cincinnati held focus groups seeking to understand the contributing factors of underrepresented minority students’ decision to study within the Academic Health Center colleges of Allied Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. Students identified university and program-level factors as contributing to their perception of a student-centered, quality educational experience. This “pulse check” project with the undergraduate and graduate health-care students affirmed the efficacy of many current recruitment practices and retention strategies. Participant feedback provided rich process improvement data for the Academic Health Center leadership, and the larger urban universities learning collaborative.
My Chinese Is in a Tiny Box With a Roof, My French and English Vocabulary Are in Boxes With No Roof. The Wind Blows Them Away: Creation and Resistance—Reconceptualizing Learning With Multilingual Children
Authors: Masny Diana , Bastien Maria Lynn
Published: October 2016

Children from multilingual families often attend preschool programming that engages in school readiness including school-based language and literacy through play. This article problematizes the privileged position of school-based language and literacy. Proposing all literacies and languages are equally important, what is the relationality of multilingualism and multiple literacies in an assemblage with families engaged in minority education? Two 7-year-old girls, their mothers, and the researcher discuss literacies, multilingualism, and learning. The conceptual and analytical lenses of Multiple Literacies Theory and rhizoanalysis deterritorialize arborescent learning and reterritorialize learning rhizomatically. Through problematization, multilingualism, multiple literacies, and minority education conceptualize differently.
An Innovative Sequential Focus Group Method for Investigating Diabetes Care Experiences With Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Authors: Jacklin Kristen , Ly Anh , Calam Betty , Green Michael , Walker Leah , Crowshoe Lynden
Published: October 2016

This article describes the innovative use of sequential focus groups (SFGs) with Indigenous adults living with type 2 diabetes. This use of SFGs has not been previously described in the literature. In our project, SFGs were used to explore Indigenous people’s experiences in managing their diabetes. Our research objective has been to elucidate deep understandings of these experiences in order to inform the development of continuing medical education curriculum with the aim of improving approaches to diabetes care for Indigenous people. Working in partnerships with Indigenous health organizations, we recruited four groups comprising participants from diverse Indigenous communities (two urban, two rural) in three provinces of Canada. We conducted a series of five focus groups (SFGs) with the same participants (6–8 participants) at each site for a total of 20 focus groups and 29 participants. Indigenous people living with type 2 diabetes were asked open-ended questions concerning their experiences with diabetes and diabetes care in primary health-care settings. Our findings concerning the use of SFGs for Indigenous health research draw on team member and participants’ reflections captured in facilitator field notes, memos from debriefing sessions, and focus group transcripts. The SFG approach enabled in-depth exploration of the complex, and at times sensitive, issues related to Indigenous people’s views on diabetes and their experiences of diabetes care. The repeated sessions facilitated comfort and camaraderie among participants, which led to insightful sessions filled with personal and emotional stories of living with diabetes, the impacts of colonization, and health-care experiences. Overall, the method fostered a deeper level of engagement, exploration, and reflection than a single-session focus group typically would. We suggest this adaptation of the traditional single-session focus groups would be applicable to a wide variety of research concerning sensitive health topics with vulnerable populations.
“It must be great being a female pedophile!”: The nature of public perceptions about female teacher sex offenders
Authors: Zack Emma , Lang John T , Dirks Danielle
Published: October 2016

Although female sex offenders have received increased scholarly attention in recent years, and have also gained widespread media attention, minimal research has focused specifically on public perceptions of their behavior. This study explores the nature of public perceptions of a group of offenders on which the media often focus—female teachers who assault adolescent male students—by examining reader comments posted on five Huffington Post articles published from November 2010 to November 2013. Using a thematic coding methodology to analyze over 900 online comments, we found that most comments recognize a current double standard in the sentencing process for female teacher sex offenders compared to their male counterparts. Comments also rely on traditional sexual scripts and/or gender role expectations to either acknowledge or deny a victim’s presence. Contrary to existing research that examined public perceptions and found that more punitive attitudes were expressed toward male sex offenders, these results suggest that the public believes in equality in sentencing for all sex offenders, regardless of gender. These results also confirm prior studies that find that the public perceives adolescent male victims of rape by older women “lucky.”
Durability of the beneficial effect of MLC601 (NeuroAiD™) on functional recovery among stroke patients from the Philippines in the CHIMES and CHIMES-E studies
Authors: Navarro Jose C , Chen Christopher LH , Lee Chun F , Gan Herminigildo H , Lao Annabelle Y , Baroque Alejandro C , Hiyadan John Harold B , Chua Carlos L , San Jose Ma Cristina , Advincula Joel M , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy ,   for the CHIMES and CHIMES-E Study Investigators
Published: October 2016

Background and Aim

A pre-specified country analysis of subjects from the Philippines in the CHInese Medicine NeuroAiD Efficacy on Stroke recovery (CHIMES) Study showed significantly improved functional and neurological outcomes on MLC601 at month (M) 3. We aimed to assess these effects on long-term functional recovery in the Filipino cohort.

Methods

The CHIMES-E (extension) Study evaluated subjects who completed three months of randomized placebo-controlled treatment in CHIMES up to two years. Blinding of treatment allocation was maintained and all subjects received standard stroke care and rehabilitation. Modified Rankin Score (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) were assessed in-person at M3 and by telephone at M6, M12, M18, M24. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for functional recovery using ordinal analysis of mRS and for achieving functional independence (mRS 0-1 or BI ≥ 95) at each time point were calculated, adjusting for age, sex, baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), onset-to-treatment time (OTT) and pre-stroke mRS.

Results

The 378 subjects (MLC601 192, placebo 186) included in CHIMES-E from the Philippines (mean age 60.2 ± 11.1) had more women ( p < 0.001), worse baseline NIHSS ( p < 0.001) and longer onset to treatment time ( p = 0.002) compared to other countries. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. The treatment effect of MLC601 seen at M3 peaked at M6 with OR for mRS shift of 1.53 (95% CI 1.05–2.22), mRS dichotomy 0–1 of 1.77 (95% CI 1.10–2.83), and BI ≥ 95 of 1.87 (95% CI 1.16–3.02). The beneficial effect persisted up to M24.

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of MLC601 seen at M3 in the Filipino cohort is durable up to two years after stroke.
Chronic hyperglycemia is related to poor functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Luitse Merel JA , Velthuis Birgitta K , Kappelle L Jaap , van der Graaf Yolanda , Biessels Geert Jan ,   on behalf of the DUST Study Group
Published: October 2016

Background

Acute hyperglycemia is associated with poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke, but the association between chronic antecedent hyperglycemia and outcome is unclear.

Aim

We assessed the association between chronic hyperglycemia, measured by hemoglobin A1c, and functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We included 812 patients with acute ischemic stroke (mean age 66 ± 14 years; 61.5% male). Patients were categorized per hemoglobin A1c level: no (<39 mmol/mol), moderate (39–42 mmol/mol), or severe chronic hyperglycemia (>42 mmol/mol). Poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score > 2 after 3 months. The relation between chronic hyperglycemia and functional outcome was assessed with a Poisson regression analysis and expressed as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals with no chronic hyperglycemia as the reference.

Results

Moderate chronic hyperglycemia was present in 234 (28.8%) patients and severe chronic hyperglycemia in 183 (22.5%) patients. Acute hyperglycemia on admission was present in 338 (41.6%) patients. Severe chronic hyperglycemia was associated with poor outcome (risk ratios 1.40; 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.79). After adjustment for age, sex, stroke severity, vascular risk factors, and acute hyperglycemia on admission the risk ratios was 1.35 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.76). Moderate chronic hyperglycemia was not associated with poor outcome (risk ratios 1.12; 95% confidence interval 0.87–1.44).

Conclusion

Severe chronic hyperglycemia is associated with poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This association is independent of hyperglycemia in the acute stage of stroke and of an unfavorable vascular risk factor profile.
Osimertinib in the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: clinical trial evidence and experience
Authors: Sullivan Ivana , Planchard David
Published: October 2016

Patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are particularly sensitive to treatment with first- or second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib, which block the cell-signaling pathways that drive the growth of tumor cells. Unfortunately, the majority of patients develop resistance to them after a median duration of response of around 10 months, and in over half of these patients the emergence of the EGFR T790M resistance mutation is detected. Osimertinib is an oral, highly selective, irreversible inhibitor of both EGFR-activating mutations and the T790M-resistance mutation, while sparing the activity of wild-type EGFR. This article reviews clinical trial development of osimertinib in patients with NSCLC, presenting efficacy and safety evidence for its value in the EGFR T790M mutation-positive population and in different settings, including patients with metastatic disease. The preclinical background of clinically acquired resistance to osimertinib is presented and the combination tactics being investigated in an attempt to circumvent this are addressed.
The protective role of vitamin D on the heart and the kidney
Authors: Manucha Walter , Juncos Luis I.
Published: October 2016

For a long time, vitamin D was regarded as an essential component for the maintenance of appropriate calcium metabolism. Indeed, the calcium-related functions were broadly studied and validated in numerous clinical and epidemiologic studies. All of these vitamin D effects are mediated by a specific receptor. Remarkably, recent investigations show that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) also affects autoimmunity and by these means, the course of neoplasias and tissue inflammation. Moreover, the VDR regulates genes that affect cellular activity including cell differentiation and apoptosis and, by these means, angiogenesis. Actually, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with structural and functional cardiovascular changes that can be reversed by receptor stimulation. In this regard, some of the injurious effects of vitamin D deficiency such as myocardial hypertrophy and high blood pressure seem linked to increased renin-angiotensin activity. Interestingly, chronic renal disease, a condition often associated with greater cardiovascular risk, high blood pressure, myocardial hypertrophy and inappropriate stimulation of the renin angiotensin system, is also tied to inadequate vitamin D activity. In fact, studies in several animal models such as the rat ureteral obstruction model, the 5/6 nephrectomy model and others, clearly show that VDR stimulation prevents both structural and functional changes in the heart and the kidney. Clinical trials are needed to validate the vitamin D potential benefits in chronic kidney disease and its associated cardiovascular risk.
Radiolucent Triangle as a Positioning Tool to Simplify Prone Ankle Fracture Surgery
Authors: Hamid Kamran S. , Dekker Travis J. , White Peter W. , Adams Samuel B.
Published: October 2016

Prone positioning affords significant benefits for the fixation of trimalleolar ankle fractures and has been the long-time standard for treatment of these injuries. However, 2 primary disadvantages hamper its utility. First, access to the medial ankle is impeded by the contralateral limb and inability to rotate the operative leg to the extent that is possible in other positions. Second, lateral fluoroscopic imaging of the ankle can be cumbersome and often necessitates physically elevating the ankle for a radiograph then placing it back on the operative table. We describe a simple and cost-conscious technique for overcoming these obstacles of prone positioning in ankle fracture surgery. Judicious placement of a radiolucent triangle under the nonoperative leg in the prone position allows for unobstructed access to the medial ankle in conjunction with simplified lateral fluoroscopic imaging. An alternative technique is to place the radiolucent triangle under the operative leg with the bed in reverse Trendelenberg. Surgeons should consider adding these positioning techniques to their operative armamentarium for usage in appropriate cases.

Levels of Evidence: Level V
Critical reflections on Samuel Huntington’s thesis of regimes and political science
Authors: He Baogang
Published: October 2016

Samuel Huntington once remarked that authoritarian societies are unable to produce great political scientists, that political science is closely linked to democracy, and that political scientists have a moral duty to promote political reform. Huntington did not, however, discuss in detail why authoritarianism cannot produce great political scientists. He also overlooked a number of other issues with regard to the relationship between regimes and political science. Through an examination of the case of China, this article confirms the main finding of Huntington’s thesis through a discussion of why democracy is associated with political science and why authoritarianism does not produce great political scientists. The article, however, also points out the problems associated with Huntington’s thesis on connections between regimes and political science. The article offers a number of causal mechanisms and constructive criticisms of Huntington’s thesis.
An Analysis of Motivation in Three Self-Determination Curricula
Authors: Sinclair James , Bromley Katherine W. , Shogren Karrie A. , Murray Christopher , Unruh Deanne K. , Harn Beth A.
Published: October 2016

Self-determination skill development is a central construct in the field of secondary special education. Recently, there has been discussion to revisit the motivational theoretical roots that influence the conceptualization of self-determination in special education, and merge motivational theories with instructional practices. Self-determination can be taught in a variety of formats, but one popular means is through self-determination curricula. To determine how motivational theories are reflected in self-determination instruction, a curriculum analysis was completed. Three motivational theories (contextual theory, self-determination theory, achievement goal theory) and three self-determination curricula (Steps to Self-Determination, Whose Future Is it Anyway?, and ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy) were analyzed. Results indicated variability of the presence of motivational theory across curriculum.
Communication
Authors: Holmes William T. , Parker Michele A.
Published: October 2016

Motivating language theory (Sullivan, 1988) is a leadership communication theory focused on the strategic use of leader oral language. Walk and talk alignment is a main pillar of motivating language theory. As such, within the field of educational leadership, we hypothesize that behavioral integrity and credibility are required in order for motivating language to occur. In this study, a survey was administered to teachers, from 2011 to 2014, at a Title I elementary school to gauge the motivating language use of the principal. We empirically tested the ability of behavioral integrity (Simons, 1999, 2008) and credibility (McCroskey & Teven, 1999) to predict the principal’s motivating language use. There were statistically significant correlations between behavioral integrity and motivating language, credibility and motivating language, and between behavioral integrity and credibility. In each year, behavioral integrity and credibility contributed significantly to the predication of the principal’s motivating language use. Behavioral integrity and credibility are integral to a leader’s use of motivating language. We discuss the results and implications for employees and organizations, along with ideas for future research.
Have Gender Gaps in Math Closed? Achievement, Teacher Perceptions, and Learning Behaviors Across Two ECLS-K Cohorts
Authors: Cimpian Joseph R. , Lubienski Sarah T. , Timmer Jennifer D. , Makowski Martha B. , Miller Emily K.
Published: October 2016

Studies using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (ECLS-K:1999) revealed gender gaps in mathematics achievement and teacher perceptions. However, recent evidence suggests that gender gaps have closed on state tests, raising the question of whether such gaps are absent in the ECLS-K:2011 cohort. Extending earlier analyses, this study compares the two ECLS-K cohorts, exploring gaps throughout the achievement distribution and examining whether learning behaviors might differentially explain gaps more at the bottom than the top of the distribution. Overall, this study reveals remarkable consistency across both ECLS-K cohorts, with the gender gap developing early among high achievers and spreading quickly throughout the distribution. Teachers consistently rate girls’ mathematical proficiency lower than that of boys with similar achievement and learning behaviors. Gender differences in learning approaches appear to be fairly consistent across the achievement distribution, but girls’ more studious approaches appear to have more payoff at the bottom of the distribution than at the top. Questions remain regarding why boys outperform girls at the top of the distribution, and several hypotheses are discussed. Overall, the persistent ECLS-K patterns make clear that girls’ early mathematics learning experiences merit further attention.
Contextualization in Pentecostalism: A Multicultural Perspective
Authors: Anderson Allan Heaton
Published: October 2016

This article begins with discussing contextualization, what it is and is not, and why it is an important concept to understand in the practice and theology of Christian mission. Then it suggests that Pentecostalism has a fairly good record of contextualizing its message and mission, and explains why. Pentecostalism, through its offer of the power of the Spirit to enable every believer to witness to the ends of the earth, provides a contemporary example of the contextual flexibility of Christian mission in proclamation and practice. Finally, the article looks at a well-known case study of Pentecostal contextualization in South Korea, showing both its strengths and its weaknesses.
The Effect of a Peer Mentorship Program on Perceptions of Success in Choral Ensembles: Pairing Students With and Without Disabilities
Authors: VanWeelden Kimberly , Heath-Reynolds Julia , Leaman Scott
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of a peer mentorship program on students’ perceptions of comfort, skills obtained, and feelings of success while working with a peer with dissimilar abilities. The participants ( N = 14), enrolled in choral ensemble classes, were divided into two groups: the peer mentors ( n = 7), who were typically developing students, and the peer mentees ( n = 7), who were students with disabilities who had an individualized education program. The researchers created a pretest–posttest survey, and all questions were measured using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Peer mentee self-perceptions of success in the choral classroom revealed slight negative changes from the beginning to the end of the program. However, while some did not want to continue in the program for music skill acquisition, they all indicated a desire to remain in their peer pair for social reasons.