bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Static Anthropometric Dimensions in a Population of Iranian High School Students
Authors: Mehrparvar Amir Houshang , Mirmohammadi Seyyed Jalil , Hafezi Rahmatollah , Mostaghaci Mehrdad , Davari Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2014

Background:

Anthropometric dimensions of the end users should be measured in order to create a basis for manufacturing of different products. This study was designed to measure some static anthropometric dimensions in Iranian high school students, considering ethnic differences.

Method:

Nineteen static anthropometric dimensions of high school students were measured and compared among different Iranian ethnicities (Fars, Turk, Kurd, Lor, Baluch, and Arab) and different genders.

Results:

In this study, 9,476 subjects (4,703 boys and 4,773 girls) ages 15 to 18 years in six ethnicities were assessed. The difference among ethnicities was statistically significant for all dimensions ( p values < .001 for each dimension).

Conclusion:

This study showed statistically significant differences in 19 static anthropometric dimensions among high school students regarding gender, age, and ethnicity.
The Effect of Federal Davis-Bacon and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Regulations on Highway Maintenance Costs
Authors: Duncan Kevin C.
Published: September 2014

The author compares winning bids on state and federal highway maintenance projects in Colorado between 2000 and 2011 to determine whether federal prevailing wage and disadvantaged business enterprise regulations are associated with increased construction costs. The effect of the Davis-Bacon Act is evaluated when average wage rates prevail for almost all workers involved in highway maintenance for most of the period of the study. The federal minimum for work completed by disadvantaged businesses is 10%. The goal for Colorado exceeds this minimum by two to three percentage points. Summary data indicate that federal projects are more expensive than state projects, but projects funded by the federal government are also larger and more complex. Regression results indicate that, with controls for project size and complexity, no statistically significant difference is found in the cost of federal and state projects. Results also indicate that federal regulations are not associated with reduced bid competition, an important determinant of project cost.
Conceptualizing the well-being of helpers living and working in war-like conditions: A mixed-method approach
Authors: Veronese Guido , Pepe Alessandro , Afana Abdelhamid
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to add to current understanding of the constituents of well-being amongst Palestinian helpers working in war-like conditions. Using a purposive sampling design, 23 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with health professionals in two Palestinian cities. Quantitative Textual Analysis was carried out, adopting content-pattern analysis via cluster methods. Two ‘macro’ dimensions emerged: specifically, a first dimension termed personal well-being and a second termed political well-being. Our investigation into the complex construct of quality of life illustrates that contextually based evidence does indeed help to identify bunched structures containing local cultural values defining well-being.
Physical or sexual violence against women of childbearing age within marriage in Nepal: Prevalence, causes, and prevention strategies
Authors: Pandey Shanta
Published: September 2014

This study examined prevalence and correlates of spousal physical or sexual violence against married women in Nepal using a nationally representative sample of 3,373 women. About 23 percent had experienced physical abuse and 14 percent had experienced sexual violence by their husbands. Compared to women married at age 20 and after, those married by age 15 had 83 percent and 71 percent higher odds of experiencing physical and sexual abuse respectively. Other risk factors included: husband’s humiliation of wife in front of others, jealousy and mistrust, excessive consumption of alcohol, and women’s awareness of physical violence against their mothers.
The mental health needs of deaf adults in Nepal
Authors: Crowe Teresa Victoria , Gimire Bhupendra , Trollo Stephanie
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this article is to report the findings of the mental health needs and community support systems for deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) adults in Nepal. Ninety-nine deaf Nepali adults completed a household-by-household, researcher-administered survey. The survey contained two World Health Organization instruments: the Self-Report Questionnaire and the Rapid Assessment of Mental Health Needs. The results indicated that 38 percent of the sample met the threshold score for the presence of mental health problems; 24 percent met the threshold for the presence of negative environmental influences. A multiple regression analysis indicated that the RAMH score was a significant predictor of SRQ-20 scores. Gender and age were not significant predictors. Respondents indicated that basic needs, assistive devices, such as hearing aids, job and educational opportunities, and supportive community programs are lacking. Several indicators also suggest that they are somewhat isolated from the surrounding community. Implications for social work and future research are noted.
China’s development and its aid presence in Africa: A critical reflection from the perspective of development anthropology
Authors: Niu Zhongguang
Published: September 2014

This paper is a preliminary reflection on China’s domestic development and its aid presence in Africa. “Development” had its day before the 1970s but then encountered de-constructive and re-constructive critics in the field of Development Anthropology. China’s conceptualization of development has not only drawn a lot from Western development discourse but also evolved with its own features, which deserve a critical reflection in terms of an “elusive discourse” and the “practical pursuit of welfare”, a seemingly paradoxical dichotomy. It follows with China’s foreign assistance or aid presence in Africa, which, the author holds, is imprinted with China’s development practice concepts and illustrated by a case of Chinese development aid in Ethiopia. The paper eventually discusses the would-be roles of Chinese anthropologists, who have been surprisingly absent in recent years, in contrast to Western academia’s intellectual tradition of widely reflecting development issues.
The applicability of a gel delivery system for self-administration of buprenorphine to laboratory mice
Authors: Hovard AMB , Teilmann AC , Hau J , Abelson KSP
Published: September 2014

Oral administration of perioperative analgesia to laboratory mice is beneficial compared with administration by injection. The mice become less stressed when allowed to voluntarily ingest the drug in a palatable feed item and it results in high and long-lasting serum concentrations of the drug. We have previously demonstrated sticky nut and chocolate paste to be well-liked by mice and readily ingested in most cases. However, a disadvantage with nut and chocolate paste is its high content of fat and sugar, which may have undesirable effects in some experimental models. Alternatively, a delivery system using an aqueous gel may serve as a supplementary source of fluid post-operatively and as a vehicle for analgesic drugs. In the present study, we investigated the willingness of the mice to ingest a commercially available gel, by measuring the duration from introduction of the gel to first ingestion, as well as the amount ingested overnight. Furthermore, buprenorphine in two different concentrations (5 and 15 µg/mL) was mixed in the gel and the resulting serum concentrations of buprenorphine were investigated. The aqueous gel was ingested by the mice, but their willingness was low and did not increase over time. The serum concentrations of buprenorphine were similar to, or higher than, those following a subcutaneous injection (0.1 mg/kg body weight), but the variation was considerably higher. In conclusion, aqueous gel may serve as a relevant vehicle for the voluntary ingestion of buprenorphine in mice, but the willingness of the mice to ingest the gel needs to be improved.
Revisiting ‘social tectonics’: The middle classes and social mix in gentrifying neighbourhoods
Authors: Jackson Emma , Butler Tim
Published: September 2014

Studies of gentrification in London have shown that some groups of middle-class people have been attracted to poor and multi-ethnic areas of inner London in part because of their social and ethnic mix. However, the attraction has often not translated into everyday interaction. In an earlier account of gentrification in Brixton this de facto social segregation was typified as a process of ‘social tectonics’. In this paper we compare two ethnically and socially mixed neighbourhoods, Peckham and Brixton, that at different times have represented the ‘front line’ of gentrification in London. We examine the extent to which the gentrification of Brixton in the late 1990s is being mirrored by the gentrification that is occurring today in Peckham – a similarly mixed and counter-cultural area of South London. Whilst we identify continuities between the gentrification process in these two areas separated by a decade of boom and recession, we suggest that the Peckham example demonstrates the need for a more developed approach to the issue of social mixing than that implied by the social tectonics metaphor. Specifically, we argue that there is a need to explain how the presence of classed and ethnic ‘others’ can be central to the formation of identities within some middle-class fractions in such enclaves in the inner city, and how attitudes and neighbourhood practices can change over time.
Brother, can you spare some time? Sustaining prosperity and social inclusion in America’s metropolitan regions
Authors: Benner Chris , Pastor Manuel
Published: September 2014

Understanding the factors and processes that help regions sustain economic growth has become a topic of increasing interest in recent years. We examine factors associated with the length of ‘growth spells’ for the 184 largest regions in the United States from the period 1990–2011. We find that growth duration is positively related to a number of factors one might expect, including lower levels of reliance on manufacturing and a higher proportion of the population with middle education levels. However, we also find that the length of growth spells is strongly related to lower levels of metropolitan income inequality and to measures of social and spatial segregation, suggesting that more equitable and more integrated regions are better able to sustain growth.
Researching Evaluation Influence
Authors: Herbert James Leslie
Published: September 2014

Background:

The impact of an evaluation is an important consideration in designing and carrying out evaluations. Evaluation influence is a way of thinking about the effect that an evaluation can have in the broadest possible terms, which its proponents argue will lead to a systematic body of evidence about influential evaluation practices.

Method:

This literature review sets out to address three research questions: How have researchers defined evaluation influence; how is this reflected in the research; and what does the research suggest about the utility of evaluation influence as a conceptual framework. Drawing on studies that had cited one of the key evaluation influence articles and conducted original research on some aspect of influence this article reviewed the current state of the literature toward the goal of developing a body of evidence about how to practice influential evaluation.

Results:

Twenty-eight studies were found that have drawn on evaluation influence, which were categorized into (a) descriptive studies, (b) analytical studies, and (c) hypothesis testing.

Conclusion:

Despite the prominence of evaluation influence in the literature, there is slow progress toward a persuasive body of literature. Many of the studies reviewed offered vague and inconsistent definitions and have applied influence in an unspecified way in the research. It is hoped that this article will stimulate interest in the systematic study of influence mechanisms, leading to improvements in the potential for evaluation to affect positive social change.
The Prevalence of Dysphagia among Adults in the United States
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: September 2014

Objective

To determine the prevalence of dysphagia, reported etiologies, and impact among adults in the United States.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of a national health care survey.

Subjects and Methods

The 2012 National Health Interview Survey was analyzed, identifying adult cases reporting a swallowing problem in the preceding 12 months. In addition to demographic data, specific data regarding visits to health care professionals for swallowing problems, diagnoses given, and severity of the swallowing problem were analyzed. The relationship between swallowing problems and lost workdays was assessed.

Results

An estimated 9.44 ± 0.33 million adults (raw N = 1554; mean age, 52.1 years; 60.2% ± 1.6% female) reported a swallowing problem (4.0% ± 0.1%). Overall, 22.7% ± 1.7% saw a health care professional for their swallowing problem, and 36.9% ± 0.1.7% were given a diagnosis. Women were more likely than men to report a swallowing problem (4.7% ± 0.2% versus 3.3% ± 0.2%, P <. 001). Of the patients, 31.7% and 24.8% reported their swallowing problem to be a moderate or a big/very big problem, respectively. Stroke was the most commonly reported etiology (422,000 ± 77,000; 11.2% ± 1.9%), followed by other neurologic cause (269,000 ± 57,000; 7.2% ± 1.5%) and head and neck cancer (185,000 ± 40,000; 4.9% ± 1.1%). The mean number of days affected by the swallowing problem was 139 ± 7. Respondents with a swallowing problem reported 11.6 ± 2.0 lost workdays in the past year versus 3.4 ± 0.1 lost workdays for those without a swallowing problem (contrast, +8.1 lost workdays, P <. 001).

Conclusion

Swallowing problems affect 1 in 25 adults, annually. A relative minority seek health care for their swallowing problem, even though the subjective impact and associated workdays lost with the swallowing problem are significant.
Middle Ear Cholesteatoma Treated with a Mastoidectomy: A Systematic Review of the Measures Used
Authors: Mor Niv , Finkel Dina A. , Hanson Matthew B. , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The inconsistent measures used to report outcomes after mastoidectomy to treat cholesteatoma make it impossible for clinicians to compare results and apply them appropriately to patient care. We sought to identify and assess the type and relative frequency of the reported measures.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science.

Review Methods

We searched 3 independent databases for articles that reported outcomes of middle ear cholesteatoma treated with mastoidectomy. Articles were assessed for eligibility using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and data were extracted by 2 independent investigators. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials from the past 30 years were included. Articles with less than 50 subjects and nonsurgical studies were excluded. The measures used by each study were recorded, and the relative frequency of each measure was calculated.

Results

Forty‐three of 380 articles met criteria. Time to follow up was inconsistent. Most articles reported on preoperative qualitative parameters (77%); however, few reported on the severity of disease (19%) or formally staged the disease (12%). Not all studies reported on the presence of recurrent or residual disease (88%) or the postoperative audiogram results (70%). Only 12% presented results as a Kaplan‐Meier disease‐free curve. Most studies reported on complications (70%).

Conclusion

Reported measures were inconsistent among the studies, which makes comparisons between studies unreliable. Standardization will optimize future reporting and will allow for the establishment of best practices.
Thoracoscopic lung biopsy in 285 patients with diffuse pulmonary disease
Authors: Samejima Joji , Tajiri Michihiko , Ogura Takashi , Baba Tomohisa , Omori Takahiro , Tsuboi Masahiro , Masuda Munetaka
Published: September 2014

Background

Surgical lung biopsy is generally considered the most appropriate method for diagnosing diffuse lung disease. However, there are few reports focusing on only one thoracoscopic technique. This study was designed to determine the morbidity and mortality related to video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy in a single center, thereby providing data on the severity of morbidity and clarifying the risk factors.

Methods

We analyzed 285 patients with undiagnosed diffuse lung disease who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy at Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center from February 2007 to April 2012. We recorded the severity of postoperative complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results

The surgical morbidity was 7.0% (20/285), including delayed pulmonary fistulas in 11 patients, acute exacerbation in 3, prolonged air leakage (>7 days) in 2, hypoxemia in 2, atrial fibrillation in 1, and premature ventricular contraction in 1. Based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, grade I, II, IIIa, IIIb, and IVa complications accounted for 20%, 10%, 50%, 5%, and 15%, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 0%. The diagnostic yield was 100%. Although acute exacerbation occurred in 2 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 1 with fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, there were no distinctive features that allowed preoperative prediction of acute exacerbation.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy is a feasible procedure. We hope to clarify risk factors in future research.
Roma rights and Roma expulsions in France: Official discourse and EU responses
Authors: Gould Robert
Published: September 2014

McGarry (2012) in CSP presented significant aspects and dilemmas of European Union (EU) policy towards Roma. Developing points raised there, this article analyses French government statements and practices concerning Roma in the period from summer 2010 to late 2013 as a case study. It puts into relief the contrasts between EU emphasis on Roma as citizens with rights, and official French attitudes which are largely discriminatory. The frequency at the highest levels of the French state of widely-used anti-Roma clichés: ‘alien values’; ‘cultural difference’; threat to property, safety, and health; crime, etc. is highly problematic for the development of citizen rights in the face of both the principle and reality of free mobility within the EU. The change in government in France in 2012 did not end either the discriminatory discourse or the expulsions, which commentators think is due to French and European Parliamentary elections in 2014.
Intra-procedural pain score in a randomised controlled trial comparing mechanochemical ablation to radiofrequency ablation: The Multicentre Venefit™ versus ClariVein® for varicose veins trial
Authors: Bootun R , Lane TRA , Dharmarajah B , Lim CS , Najem M , Renton S , Sritharan K , Davies AH
Published: September 2014

Objective

Endovenous techniques are, at present, the recommended choice for truncal vein treatment. However, the thermal techniques require tumescent anaesthesia, which can be uncomfortable during administration. Non-tumescent, non-thermal techniques would, therefore, have potential benefits. This randomised controlled trial is being carried out to compare the degree of pain that patients experience while receiving mechanochemical ablation or radiofrequency ablation. The early results of this randomised controlled trial are reported here.

Methods

Patients attending for the treatment of primary varicose veins were randomised to receive mechanochemical ablation (ClariVein®) or radiofrequency ablation (Covidien® Venefit™). The most symptomatic limb was randomised. The primary outcome measure was intra-procedural pain using a validated visual analogue scale. The secondary outcome measures were change in quality of life and clinical scores, time to return to normal activities and work as well as the occlusion rate.

Results

One-hundred and nineteen patients have been randomised (60 in the mechanochemical ablation group). Baseline characteristics were similar. Maximum pain score was significantly lower in the mechanochemical ablation group (19.3 mm, standard deviation ±19 mm) compared to the radiofrequency ablation group (34.5 mm ± 23 mm; p < 0.001). Average pain score was also significantly lower in the mechanochemical ablation group (13.4 mm ± 16 mm) compared to the radiofrequency ablation group (24.4 mm ± 18 mm; p = 0.001). Sixty-six percent attended follow-up at one month, and the complete or proximal occlusion rates were 92% for both groups. At one month, the clinical and quality of life scores for both groups had similar improvements.

Conclusion

Early results show that the mechanochemical ablation is less painful than the radiofrequency ablation procedure. Clinical and quality of life scores were similarly improved at one month. The long-term data including occlusion rates at six months and quality of life scores are being collected.
Strain field evolution on the surface of aluminum sheet alloys exposed to specific impact with oscillation loading
Authors: Chausov Mykola G , Berezin Valentyn B , Pylypenko Andrii P , Hutsaylyuk Volodymyr B
Published: September 2014

Strain field evolution on the surface of aluminum sheet D16 and 2024-T3 alloys has been analyzed during static deformation and during specific high-speed impact and oscillation loading—dynamical non-equilibrium process. Experiments have been conducted using an original mechanical testing technique and a specially developed software solution for non-contact study of strain field using digital image correlation fitted with a high-speed camera. It has been established that deformation process kinetics for tested aluminum alloys after a dynamical non-equilibrium process during further static deformation changes as compared with a process of static deformation mainly manifests itself in the increase in general alloy ductility and delay in “neck formation.” It has been shown that strain field is an important indicator for deformation band structure formation in the tested materials.
Is Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection Necessary for Patients With Radiological Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis and Rotator Cuff Tears?
Authors: Oh Joo Han , Kim Jae Yoon , Choi Jun Ha , Park Sang-Min
Published: September 2014

Background:

The failure of subacromial decompression may be attributed to persistent symptoms of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) arthritis, while inferior clavicular spurs of the ACJ may be associated with failed healing of repaired rotator cuffs.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopic distal clavicle resection (DCR) in patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant asymptomatic radiological ACJ arthritis.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 78 patients with rotator cuff tears in addition to radiological and asymptomatic ACJ arthritis who were scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. Patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with acromioplasty. Patients in group 1 (39 patients) underwent additional arthroscopic DCR, while patients in group 2 (39 patients) did not. Clinical outcomes of the 2 groups were compared using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion, Constant score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score up to at least 24 months. The structural integrity of repaired rotator cuffs was assessed using ultrasonography, computed tomography arthrography, or MRI at least 6 months after surgery. To evaluate ACJ instability, weighted stress radiography of the ACJ was studied at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results:

Patients in both groups showed significant improvement in the VAS score and all functional scores at final follow-up (mean, 29.2 months; range, 24-46 months) without significant differences between the 2 groups ( P > .05). Results (mean ± SD) for preoperative group 1/group 2 and postoperative group 1/group 2 were as follows, respectively: 7.2 ± 1.8/6.1 ± 1.9 ( P = .02) and 0.6 ± 1.8/0.6 ± 0.9 ( P = .97) for the VAS score, 74.1 ± 5.7/73.8 ± 8.0 ( P = .87) and 96.3 ± 5.7/95.7 ± 4.6 ( P = .77) for the Constant score, and 47.0 ± 10.3/50.8 ± 14.1 ( P = .22) and 91.5 ± 15.5/94.5 ± 11.8 ( P = .55) for the ASES score. Failed cuff healing occurred in 9 patients (23%) in group 1 and 10 patients (26%) in group 2, with no significant difference ( P = .95). In group 1, there were 2 patients (5.0%) with ACJ subluxation on weighted stress radiography at 6 months postoperatively. These patients complained of gross protrusion and ACJ tenderness.

Conclusion:

Preventive arthroscopic DCR in patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant asymptomatic radiological ACJ arthritis did not result in better clinical or structural outcomes, and it did lead to symptomatic ACJ instability in some patients. Preventive arthroscopic DCR is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis. Further long-term follow-up is needed to confirm the development of symptoms in ACJ arthritis.
A Clinic-Based Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Intervention in an Urban, Low-Income Population
Authors: Srinivas Ganga L. , Benson Mary , Worley Sarah , Schulte Elaine
Published: September 2014

Background:

Whereas breastfeeding initiation rates have risen in all groups throughout the country, rates of breastfeeding duration have changed more slowly. Peer counseling has had some success in sustaining breastfeeding, but with intensive programs and variable effects.

Objectives:

We aimed to improve rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months using a low-intensity peer counseling intervention beginning prenatally. We also planned to study the interaction of breastfeeding attitude and self-efficacy with the intervention.

Methods:

One hundred twenty prenatal women underwent stratified randomization based on breastfeeding attitude, measured by the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS). The peer counselor contacted the intervention group by telephone or in clinic up to 4 months postdelivery. Study groups were compared on breastfeeding outcomes, adjusting for IIFAS strata, and on interactions with self-efficacy.

Results:

One hundred three women were followed to at least 1 month. Women with positive attitudes had significantly higher rates of initiation (93% vs 61%) and breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months (79% vs 25% and 12% vs 0%, respectively) than those with negative attitudes, regardless of intervention. After adjusting for self-efficacy, women who received peer counseling had significantly higher breastfeeding rates at 1 month (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-9.8). The intervention group was marginally more likely to achieve their breastfeeding goal (43% vs 22%, P = .073).

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding rates in all women improved during the study period. Breastfeeding attitude was more strongly associated with breastfeeding behavior than peer support. Peer counseling supported women with low self-efficacy and helped women achieve their breastfeeding goals.
Primary syphilis of the oropharynx: an unusual location of a chancre
Authors: Drago Francesco , Ciccarese Giulia , Cogorno Ludovica , Tomasini Carlo F , Cozzani Emanuele C , Riva Silvia F , Parodi Aurora
Published: September 2014

A 33-year-old man presented with a two-week history of an asymptomatic ulcer of the oropharynx and submandibular lymph nodes swelling. Laboratory examinations were normal, but serological tests revealed positivity for rapid plasma reagin, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay and anti- T. pallidum IgM antibodies. Since the patient denied any homosexual relationship, a biopsy of the lesion was performed, which confirmed primary syphilis. The patient received an intramuscular injection of Benzathine Penicillin G (2.4 MU) with complete resolution of the lesion. Extragenital chancres occur in at least 5% of patients with primary syphilis, and the oral mucosa is the most frequent location as a consequence of orogenital/oroanal contact with an infectious lesion. Because of their transient nature, these oral ulcerations are often underestimated by the patient or by any unsuspecting clinician. Health professionals should consider the recent sexual history of their patients and should be prepared to recognise oral and systemic manifestations of sexually transmitted infections.
Learned Helplessness and Learned Prevalence
Authors: Teodorescu Kinneret , Erev Ido
Published: September 2014

Exposure to uncontrollable outcomes has been found to trigger learned helplessness, a state in which the agent, because of lack of exploration, fails to take advantage of regained control. Although the implications of this phenomenon have been widely studied, its underlying cause remains undetermined. One can learn not to explore because the environment is uncontrollable, because the average reinforcement for exploring is low, or because rewards for exploring are rare. In the current research, we tested a simple experimental paradigm that contrasts the predictions of these three contributors and offers a unified psychological mechanism that underlies the observed phenomena. Our results demonstrate that learned helplessness is not correlated with either the perceived controllability of one’s environment or the average reward, which suggests that reward prevalence is a better predictor of exploratory behavior than the other two factors. A simple computational model in which exploration decisions were based on small samples of past experiences captured the empirical phenomena while also providing a cognitive basis for feelings of uncontrollability.
Curbing Craving
Authors: Silvers Jennifer A. , Insel Catherine , Powers Alisa , Franz Peter , Weber Jochen , Mischel Walter , Casey B. J. , Ochsner Kevin N.
Published: September 2014

Although one third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, developmental changes in food craving and the ability to regulate craving remain poorly understood. We addressed this knowledge gap by examining behavioral and neural responses to images of appetizing unhealthy foods in individuals ages 6 through 23 years. On close trials (assessing unregulated craving), participants focused on a pictured food’s appetitive features. On far trials (assessing effortful regulation), participants focused on a food’s visual features and imagined that it was farther away. Across conditions, older age predicted less craving, less striatal recruitment, greater prefrontal activity, and stronger frontostriatal coupling. When effortfully regulating their responses to the images, all participants reported less craving and exhibited greater recruitment of lateral prefrontal cortex and less recruitment of ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Greater body mass predicted less regulation-related prefrontal activity, particularly among children. These results suggest that children experience stronger craving than adults but can also effectively regulate craving. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying regulation may differ for heavy and lean children.
A new case-depth estimation technique for induction-hardened plates based on dynamic response studies using laser Doppler vibrometer
Authors: Misra Mohan K , Bhattacharya Bishakh , Singh Onkar , Chatterjee A
Published: September 2014

This article presents the effect of case depth due to surface hardening on the dynamic response of steel alloy–based circular plate. It indicates that such changes significantly affect the high-frequency response, especially, resonating modes and corresponding damping ratios of the plates. As the circular steel plates are quite rigid and hence the frequency responses are very small, a high precision three-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometer with a minimum velocity measurement capacity of 0.01 m/s is used to obtain the modal response. A statistical approach based on response surface methodology is then applied to obtain the correlation between the dynamic response of the system and the effective case depth. Also, another sensitive parameter termed as curvature change factor is introduced for the determination of the hardened layer thickness on the basis of laser Doppler vibrometer data. Thus, a new technique of condition monitoring of case-depth profile of steel plates based on non-contact dynamic response of the system has been established.
Redesigning the architecture of policy-making: Engaging with Māori on nanotechnology in New Zealand
Authors: Munshi Debashish , Kurian Priya A. , Morrison Talei , Morrison Sandra L.
Published: September 2014

Although there is an extensive literature on public engagement on the use of new and emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, there is little evidence of the participation of marginalised indigenous communities in processes of such engagement. How do particular cultural values and worldviews shape the perceptions of new technologies among such indigenous peoples? This article addresses this question through an analysis of the deliberations of an indigenous Māori citizens’ panel on nanotechnology in Aotearoa New Zealand. An active process of public engagement with the nation’s Māori stakeholders, and their conversations with nanotechnology experts, sustainability activists and Māori researchers, helps map an alternative, culture-based architecture of public engagement on policies around new technologies. The analysis is grounded in a concept of active citizenship that we term ‘sustainable citizenship’.
Metasynthesis Findings
Authors: Finfgeld-Connett Deborah
Published: September 2014

Early on, qualitative researchers predicted that metasynthesis research had the potential to significantly push knowledge development forward. More recently, scholars have questioned whether this is actually occurring. To examine this concern, a randomly selected sample of metasynthesis articles was systematically reviewed to identify the types of findings that have been produced. Based on this systematic examination, it appears that findings from metasynthesis investigations might not be reaching their full potential. Metasynthesis investigations frequently result in isolated findings rather than findings in relationship, and opportunities to generate research hypotheses and theoretical models are not always fully realized. With this in mind, methods for moving metasynthesis findings into relationship are discussed.
Time While Waiting
Authors: Carr Tracey , Teucher Ulrich C. , Casson Alan G.
Published: September 2014

Research on patients’ experiences of wait time for scheduled surgery has centered predominantly on the relative tolerability of perceived wait time and impacts on quality of life. We explored patients’ experiences of time while waiting for three types of surgery with varied wait times—hip or knee replacement, shoulder surgery, and cardiac surgery. Thirty-two patients were recruited by their surgeons. We asked participants about their perceptions of time while waiting in two separate interviews. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), we discovered connections between participant suffering, meaningfulness of time, and agency over the waiting period and the lived duration of time experience. Our findings reveal that chronological duration is not necessarily the most relevant consideration in determining the quality of waiting experience. Those findings helped us create a conceptual framework for lived wait time. We suggest that clinicians and policy makers consider the complexity of wait time experience to enhance preoperative patient care.
Lessons Learned Using Web Conference Technology for Online Focus Group Interviews
Authors: Tuttas Carol A.
Published: September 2014

Researchers use Internet technology for data collection in qualitative studies. In the literature there are published accounts of synchronous (real-time) and more commonly, asynchronous (not-real-time) focus group data collection methods supported by Internet technology in the form of email correspondence, LISTSERVs, discussion boards, and chat rooms. Real-time audiovisual Web conference technology offers qualitative researchers a promising alternative means to carry out focus groups. In this methodological article I describe how I used Web conference technology to host online focus groups for a qualitative study about job integration experiences of travel nurses geographically dispersed across the United States. I describe lessons learned from the use of this innovative method for qualitative data collection, including a brief overview about the use of dictation software for transcription. This new knowledge is useful to researchers considering Web conference technology to carry out focus group data collection in qualitative research.
Help Yourself
Authors: Toms Gill R. , Quinn Catherine , Anderson Daniel E. , Clare Linda
Published: September 2014

Self-management interventions are increasingly offered to people with chronic health conditions. However, there has been limited exploration of how applicable such an approach is in early stage dementia. In this study we explored the views of people with dementia and family caregivers on the use of self-management in dementia. We conducted semistructured interviews with 13 people with early stage dementia and 11 caregivers. We analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis. We found eight themes in the analysis, and they indicated that self-management occurs in the context of peoples’ family and social relationships as well as relationships with professional services. Six of the themes involved barriers to and facilitators of self-management. It is evident from these findings that people with dementia and caregivers use self-management techniques. Their use of such techniques could be enhanced by the development of interventions designed to help people with dementia to develop their self-management skills.
Do Families Cope Communally With Breast Cancer, or is it Just Talk?
Authors: Wolf Bianca M.
Published: September 2014

Cancer experiences are sites of transition and struggle that are made meaningful through communication with others. As such, they are events in which communal coping might occur as survivors and families deal with cancer collectively. I conducted 64 interviews with family members who had coped with breast cancer. Using relational dialectics theory, I analyzed data for discursive struggle and competition via a contrapuntal analysis. Thematic and discourse analyses revealed that communal coping was not highly prevalent in family member talk of their experiences. Individual coping by female breast cancer survivors typified the experience, and family members depicted coping as an individual identity disruption as opposed to a communal experience. This article contributes to a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of communal coping within a context of cancer. I offer suggestions for a reconceptualization of communal coping to benefit health practitioners and researchers.
Topical Nitroglycerin Ointment for Treatment of Acute Hypertension in Hospitalized Inpatients
Authors: Brower Kathryn A. , Garcia Nelson A. Telles , Smith Hayden L. , Wall Geoffrey C.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Hypertension in the hospital setting is common; however, guidelines provide limited guidance specific to the inpatient setting. Acute antihypertensive treatment options can be limited in this setting by monitoring requirements of intravenous medications and patients’ inability to take oral medications. A possible treatment choice used to treat acute hypertension is nitroglycerin ointment. Nitroglycerin is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition, and limited evidence exists to support this indication.

Objective:

To evaluate the statistical and clinical effectiveness of nitroglycerin ointment as a treatment option for acute hypertension based on a 20 mm Hg or greater reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review at a large tertiary community teaching hospital was performed on all adult noncardiac inpatients with an episode of acute hypertension that resulted in the administration of nitroglycerin ointment.

Results:

Seventy-two patients met inclusion criteria with a total of 112 applications of nitroglycerin ointment. Of the 112 applications, systolic blood pressure decreased 20 mm Hg or more in 42% of occurrences with a median decrease of 16 mm Hg.

Conclusion:

Study results suggest possible efficacy of nitroglycerin ointment for the treatment of acute hypertension in noncardiac hospitalized patients.
Statins for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography/Percutaneous Interventions
Authors: Liu Yuan-hui , Liu Yong , Duan Chong-yang , Tan Ning , Chen Ji-yan , Zhou Ying-ling , Li Li-wen , He Peng-cheng
Published: September 2014

Background:

Statins have been demonstrated to prevent the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Nevertheless, clinical research has indicated conflicting results. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the protective effects of statins on CIN and the requirement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous interventions.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov , and the Cochrane Central RCTs were searched for RCTs from inception to February 2014 to compare statins with placebo treatment for preventing CIN in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous interventions.

Results:

Nine RCTs were identified and analyzed in a total of 5143 patients involving 2560 patients with statin pretreatment and 2583 patients as control. Patients who received statin therapy had a 53% lower risk of CIN with different definitions (within 48 or 72 hours) compared to the control group based on a fixed effect model (risk ratio = 0.47, 95% confidence interval = 0.37-0.60, P < .0001) and were less likely to require RRT based on Peto fixed effect. Subgroup analysis showed that statin pretreatment could decrease the incidence of CIN in patients with preexisting renal dysfunction or diabetes mellitus. In addition, patients on rosuvastatin had a similar reduced incidence of CIN compared to patients on atorvastatin.

Conclusion:

This updated meta-analysis demonstrated that preprocedural statin treatment could reduce the risk of CIN and the need for RRT in patients undergoing coronary angiography/percutaneous interventions. Moreover, statin therapy would be helpful in reducing the incidence of CIN in high-risk patients with preexisting renal dysfunction or diabetes mellitus. Additionally, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin had similar efficacies in preventing CIN development.
Parody as brand
Authors: Gurney David , Payne Matthew Thomas
Published: September 2014

Advergames – a neologism for video games designed to advertise a product or service – are marketing devices employed to impact consumers’ purchasing decisions and, more frequently, shape their impressions of a promoted brand. The online advergames of the programming block-turned media brand [adult swim] (AS) present a clear case in which the games act as rich signifiers of brand aesthetics even if they are not directly connected to the content of the brand’s television shows, live events, and other assorted merchandise. Although these ‘casual’-style titles have gameplay mechanics that are accessible to broad audiences, these advergames often exhibit a critical stance toward other games, which differentiates them from the vast majority of casual games on the market. But rather than being anti-casual, we argue that these games are best understood as being paracasual because they use parody to both trouble prevailing definitions of casual games and advergames, and deploy an aesthetic disposition that further helps define the brand. Furthermore, they are an increasingly visible and vital component of a constellation of texts and practices that function as what James Paul Gee calls an ‘affinity space’ for a lucrative audience demographic. This article assesses how AS games use parody to deconstruct textually video gaming’s most popular genres and how such parodic deconstruction, as evidenced by players’ online discussions, serves as an affinity space for a media-savvy taste culture.
The longitudinal relation between childhood autistic traits and psychosexual problems in early adolescence: The Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey study
Authors: Dekker Linda P , Hartman Catharina A , van der Vegt Esther JM , Verhulst Frank C , van Oort Floor VA , Greaves-Lord Kirstin
Published: September 2014

Individuals with autistic traits are considered to be prone to develop psychosexual problems due to their limited social skills and insight. This study investigated the longitudinal relation between autistic traits in childhood (T1; age 10-12 years) and parent-reported psychosexual problems in early adolescence (T2; age 12-15 years). In a general population cohort study (n = 1873; the Tracking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS)), autistic traits and psychosexual problems were determined. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate whether childhood autistic traits, in individuals displaying no psychosexual problems in childhood, predicted the presence of psychosexual problems in adolescence, while controlling for pubertal development and conduct problems. Higher levels of autistic traits at T1 significantly predicted mild psychosexual problems at T2, above and beyond pubertal development and conduct problems. Particularly two dimensions of autistic traits at T1 were significant predictors; i.e. ‘reduced contact/social interest’ and ‘not optimally tuned to the social situation’. Children with autistic traits – especially those with limited social interest and social regulation problems – showed to have a higher risk to develop psychosexual problems, albeit mild, in early adolescence as reported by parents. Although we showed that autistic traits predict psychosexual problems, it is only one of multiple predictors.
Services for children with autism spectrum disorder in three, large urban school districts: Perspectives of parents and educators
Authors: Iadarola Suzannah , Hetherington Susan , Clinton Christopher , Dean Michelle , Reisinger Erica , Huynh Linh , Locke Jill , Conn Kelly , Heinert Sara , Kataoka Sheryl , Harwood Robin , Smith Tristram , Mandell David S , Kasari Connie
Published: September 2014

This study used qualitative methods to evaluate the perceptions of parents, educators, and school administrators in three large, urban school districts (Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Rochester) regarding services for children with autism spectrum disorder within the context of limited district resources. Facilitators followed a standard discussion guide that contained open-ended questions regarding participants’ views on strengths and limitations of existing services and contextual factors that would facilitate or inhibit the process of introducing new interventions. Three primary themes were identified: (1) tension between participant groups (teachers and paraprofessionals, staff and administration, teachers and parents, special education and general education teachers), (2) necessity of autism spectrum disorder–specific and behavioral training for school personnel, and (3) desire for a school culture of accepting difference. These themes highlight the importance of developing trainings that are feasible to deliver on a large scale, that focus on practical interventions, and that enhance communication and relationships of school personnel with one another and with families.