bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-way communication on bank websites in Ghana
Authors: Okoe Abednego Feehi , Boateng Henry
Published: September 2015

The objective of the study was to assess how banks adopt a two-way communication approach in communicating with their customers. It further examined the difference that exists between the websites of locally and foreign owned banks operating in Ghana with respect to their dialogic potentials. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was obtained from the contents of the websites as well as from customers of the banks considered. A two-sample t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The results show that all the banks incorporate ease of interface, usefulness of information and conservation of visitors’ features in their websites. Again, the results show that significant differences exist between locally-owned banks and foreign-owned banks with regards to user perceptions of the conservation of visitors’ principles on bank websites. The findings are that user perceptions must be taken into consideration in the development of websites. Firms should avoid the temptation of blindly imitating other websites without considering the input of specific users and other stakeholders. The novelty of the research stems from the data triangulation approach used.
The correlation analysis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-308G/A polymorphism and venous thromboembolism risk: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Quangen , Zhang Peijin , Wang Wei , Ma He , Tong Yue , Zhang Jing , Lu Zhaojun
Published: September 2015

Objective

Venous thromboembolism is a common complex disorder, being the resultant of gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine which has been implicated in venous thromboembolism risk. A promoter 308G/A polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene has been suggested to modulate the risk for venous thromboembolism. However, the published findings remain inconsistent.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of all available data regarding this issue. Eligible studies were identified through search of Pubmed, EBSCO Medline, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, Chinese) databases up to June 2014. Pooled Odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were applied to estimating the strength of the genetic association in the random-effects model or fixed-effects model.

Results

A total of 10 studies involving 1999 venous thromboembolism cases and 2166 controls were included in this meta-analysis to evaluate the association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha-308G/A polymorphism and venous thromboembolism risk. Overall, no significantly increased risk venous thromboembolism was observed in all comparison models when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis. However, in stratified analyses by ethnicity, there was a pronounced association with venous thromboembolism risk among West Asians in three genetic models (A vs. G: OR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.13–2.94; GA vs. GG: OR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.08–3.06; AA/GA vs. GG: OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.12–3.16). When stratifying by source of controls, no significant result was detected in all genetic models.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates that tumor necrosis factor-alpha 308G/A polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to venous thromboembolism among West Asians. Studies are needed to ascertain these findings in larger samples and different racial groups.
Keeping up with the Joneses: Hosting mega-events as a regenerative strategy in nation imaging, imagining and branding
Authors: Harris John
Published: September 2015

Wales is a small nation of approximately three million people that sits in the shadow of a much bigger and more powerful neighbour – England. For many, England and Wales is a single place, so one of the main ways in which Wales and a distinct Welsh identity is promoted is through sport. Hosting international sporting events offers a means for small nations to put themselves more firmly on the map and develop tourism within a particular locale. Drawing upon case studies of the 1999 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 Ryder Cup, this paper examines the ways in which Wales and the Welsh have (or have not) been regenerated through staging two of the biggest sporting events in the world. Through a discussion of the discourses surrounding place and identity, it will consider the importance of sporting events as a visible signifier of post-industrial Wales and will consider some of the progress made in this sphere. Finally, the work will also reflect upon some of the ongoing challenges shaping this regenerating of Wales.
Sensory interventions to support the wellbeing of people with dementia: A critical review
Authors: Haigh Judith , Mytton Carol
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Promoting the wellbeing of people with dementia is central to current social policies. To address the psychological impact of dementia, sensory stimulation is one approach practised by occupational therapists. This article will critically review the primary research that tests the link between sensory interventions and wellbeing for people with dementia. This research is inspired by theory relating to person-centred care and sensory processing.

Method

A literature search was conducted using electronic databases for health and social care. Nine papers were identified that met the inclusion criteria. These were critically appraised to identify the quality of the evidence available, and to collate emerging themes from their results.

Results

Although the studies appraised varied widely in the quality of their methodologies, some significant results and themes were found that do link sensory stimulation with emotional wellbeing and occupational engagement. Two distinctly different methods of intervention were documented in the evidence base. Most studies tested the impact of session based interventions in specific environments. One large scale randomised controlled trial implemented sensory care plans that were embedded in the lived environment of participants. This approach is more congruent with sensory processing theory and occupational science theories than time-bound sessions of sensory stimulation.

Conclusion

Attending to the sensory needs of people with dementia can positively affect their emotional wellbeing and their ability to engage in occupations. This can be incorporated into the reasoning and interventions of occupational therapists when supporting this client group.
A systematic review of professional reasoning literature in occupational therapy
Authors: Unsworth Carolyn , Baker Anne
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Over the past 33 years, theoretical and empirical articles have been published on professional reasoning in occupational therapy. This systematic review sought to answer two questions: (1) What is the nature and volume of professional reasoning literature; and (2) What do we know about the development of professional reasoning in students through literature exploring novice and expert differences?

Method

A systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature with narrative and critical analysis.

Findings

A total of 140 articles were classified into six topic areas: what is professional reasoning, ethics and moral reasoning?, methods of studying professional reasoning, novice–expert differences, professional reasoning of assistants, and advancing specific fields of practice using professional reasoning. Of these, 68% included analysis of data, and the remainder were discussions. Fourteen articles examining novice–expert differences were critiqued but only eight were rated as strong. Research findings prompt the need for reflection, extended fieldwork, and development of protocols to facilitate reasoning.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic review of the professional reasoning literature, and provides a foundation for more detailed critiques of specific topics to be undertaken. While research strengths have been identified, gaps include the use of standardised measures of professional reasoning and identification of educational approaches that promote professional reasoning.
The association between measures of visual perception, visual-motor integration, and in-hand manipulation skills of school-age children and their manuscript handwriting speed
Authors: Brown Ted , Link Julia
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate whether measures of visual perception, visual-motor integration, and in-hand manipulation skills of school-age children were associated with their manuscript handwriting speed.

Method

A convenience sample of 39 typically developing Australian students aged six to eight years completed the Beery–Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration – 6th edition (DTVMI), the Developmental Test of Visual Perception – 3rd edition (DTVP-3), the Test of In-Hand Manipulation – Revised (TIHM-R), and the Handwriting Speed Test (HST). Spearman rho correlations and multi-linear regression analyses were completed to analyze the data.

Results

Significant correlations were found between visual perception, visual-motor integration, and in-hand manipulation skills and total letters written and total letters per minute. Regression analyses indicated that, when modeled together, the DTVP-3 eye–hand coordination and visual closure subscales and the TIHM-R were significant predictors of total letters written accounting for 25.5% of the variance. The DTVP-3 copying and visual closure subscales and the TIHM-R were predictive of total letters written per minute, with the TIHM-R making a significant unique contribution of 9.1% to the total variance of 26%.

Conclusion

Visual perception abilities, specifically visual closure skills, plus in-hand manipulation skills appear to be significant predictors of children’s printing speed and need to be assessed and potentially targeted for skill remediation when working with school-age children who present with manuscript handwriting difficulties.
Mechanisms of Shoulder Range of Motion Deficits in Asymptomatic Baseball Players
Authors: Bailey Lane B. , Shanley Ellen , Hawkins Richard , Beattie Paul F. , Fritz Stacy , Kwartowitz David , Thigpen Charles A.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Shoulder range of motion (ROM) deficits have been identified as injury risk factors among baseball athletes. Despite the knowledge surrounding these risk factors, there is a lack of consensus regarding the specific tissues responsible for these deficits in ROM.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the primary mechanisms of posterior shoulder tightness (capsular, musculotendinous, bony) by examining the tissue responses that occur with the application of an acute intervention in baseball players with ROM deficits. The hypothesis was that posterior rotator cuff stiffness, not glenohumeral joint mobility, would be primarily responsible for ROM gains observed within an acute treatment setting.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Through use of ultrasound elastography, electromagnetic motion analysis, and ultrasound imaging, posterior rotator cuff stiffness, glenohumeral joint translation, and humeral torsion were examined in 60 asymptomatic baseball players (age, mean ± SD, 19 ± 2 years) with shoulder ROM deficits. Tissue mechanisms were examined concurrently, with the ROM gains elicited by an acute application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus self-stretching (n = 30) versus self-stretching only (n = 30). Separate 3-way analyses of variance (group × arm × time) and linear regression analyses were used to determine the treatment effects and relationships between tissue mechanisms and ROM gains.

Results:

ROM gains were associated with decreases in rotator cuff stiffness (internal rotation: r = 0.35, P = .034; horizontal adduction: r = 0.44, P = .008) and increased humeral retrotorsion (internal rotation: r = −0.35, P = .034), not joint translation ( P > .05). Players receiving instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization plus stretching displayed greater shoulder ROM gains (internal rotation, +5° ± 2° [ P = .010]; total arc of motion, +8° ± 6° [ P = .010]; horizontal adduction, +7° ± 2° [ P = .004]; and decreased posterior rotator cuff stiffness, −0.2 ± 0.3 kPa [ P = .050]) compared with players receiving self-stretching alone.

Conclusion:

Decreases in rotator cuff stiffness were associated with acute ROM gains in baseball players. The study results show that changes in rotator cuff stiffness, not glenohumeral joint mobility or humeral torsion, are most likely associated with the ROM deficits observed in adolescent baseball players.

Clinical Relevance:

Reducing rotator cuff stiffness may be beneficial in improving the ROM deficits associated with injury risk in overhead athletes.
Preoperative Femoral Nerve Block for Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Xing Jerry G. , Abdallah Faraj W. , Brull Richard , Oldfield Stephanie , Dold Andrew , Murnaghan M. Lucas , Whelan Daniel B.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Arthroscopy has become a standard method of treatment for a variety of intra-articular hip disorders. While most arthroscopic hip procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries, patients can still experience significant postoperative pain and opioid-associated side effects.

Purpose:

The potential benefits of a preoperative femoral nerve block (FNB) in hip arthroscopy were explored in a previous retrospective review. The study objective was to confirm these findings in a prospective randomized study.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Fifty patients undergoing hip arthroscopy were included in this prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial that was patient-, operator-, and assessor-blinded. Patients received either a preoperative ultrasound-guided FNB with 20 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine (FNB group) or normal saline (control group). Nerve blockade was confirmed via standardized sensory testing before the induction of general anesthesia. The primary endpoint was cumulative consumption of oral morphine equivalent at 24 hours after discharge. Secondary endpoints included opioid use at various time points, pain scores, Quality of Recovery (QoR-27) score, incidence of nausea and vomiting, time to discharge, block-related complications, falls at 24 hours, and patient satisfaction.

Results:

Fifty patients completed the study, including 27 in the FNB group and 23 in the control group. Most patient characteristics were statistically similar between groups except for operative time, which was longer in the control group. Cumulative oral morphine consumption was lower in the FNB group at 48 hours; there was no difference at 24 hours or 7 days postoperatively. Pain scores were significantly lower up to 6 hours postoperatively in the FNB group compared with control; however, rebound pain was observed at 24 hours after discharge in patients who received FNB. There was no difference in most secondary outcomes. Importantly, a total of 6 patients in the FNB group reported falls (without injury) within the first 24 hours postoperatively compared with none in the control group. Patient satisfaction with pain control was high in both groups at all time points.

Conclusion:

Preoperative FNB may improve early pain control after hip arthroscopy. However, given the observed risk of falls, the routine use of FNB for outpatient hip arthroscopy cannot be recommended.
Early Anatomic Changes of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament Identified by Stress Ultrasound of the Elbow in Young Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Atanda Alfred , Buckley Patrick S. , Hammoud Sommer , Cohen Steven B. , Nazarian Levon N. , Ciccotti Michael G.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Stress ultrasound (SUS) of the elbow has demonstrated changes in the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in professional baseball pitchers. However, there have been no reports documenting the chronological appearance of these changes.

Purpose:

To characterize the chronology of anatomic changes of the UCL in a cohort of young professional baseball pitchers.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

SUS of the elbow was performed on the dominant arm in 127 asymptomatic professional pitchers aged 17 to 21 years. UCL thickness was measured at rest. The width of the ulnohumeral joint was measured at 30° of elbow flexion, both at rest and with 150 N of valgus stress, using a standardized instrumented device. Any ligament heterogeneity and calcifications were documented. Players were divided into 3 groups based on the number of years of professional experience before the ultrasound examination: 0 years (n = 51), 1-2 years (n = 54), and 3-4 years (n = 22). Additionally, players were divided into 5 groups based on chronological age at the time of the first SUS examination: 17 years (n = 5), 18 years (n = 18), 19 years (n = 33), 20 years (n = 20), and 21 years (n = 51). Statistically significant differences between the groups were determined.

Results:

The mean UCL thickness was 5.85 ± 1.22 mm, 6.23 ± 1.32 mm, and 6.94 ± 2.12 mm in the players with 0, 1-2, and 3-4 years of professional experience, respectively. This difference was statistically significant overall ( P = .024) as well as statistically significant between each consecutive group. There was no statistically significant difference in joint space width at rest or with applied stress between groups ( P = .944). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in the presence of calcifications (27.5%, 27.8%, and 40.9%, respectively; P = .144) or heterogeneity (29.4%, 16.7%, and 40.9%, respectively; P = .502) as years of professional experience increased from 0 to 3-4 years. There were no significant differences in UCL thickness ( P = .363), joint space width with stress ( P = .648), or echotextural abnormalities based on chronological age ( P = .871 [hypoechoic foci] and P = .520 [calcifications]).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that an increase in UCL thickness may be one of the first changes to develop in young professional baseball pitchers.
Horner’s syndrome: An unusual presentation of metastatic disease in breast cancer
Authors: Vitale Maria Giuseppa , Riccardi Ferdinando , Carrillo Giovanna , Trunfio Martino , Mocerino Carmela , Minelli Salvatore , Barbato Carmela , Ambrosio Francesca , Cartenì Giacomo
Published: September 2015

Horner’s syndrome (HS) is caused by an interruption of the cervical sympathetic pathway to the eye and the face. Acquired HS is mainly caused by benign or malignant neoplasms, and in patients with a history of cancer, it is almost always the result of tumor infiltration into the periphery or the central region of the cervical sympathetic chain.

We present the case of a 52-year-old patient with long-term disease-free survival (6 years) after a radical mastectomy for breast cancer who presented with cervicobrachialgia and typical HS due to a left lateral-cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodal mass. Treatment of the metastatic disease with taxanes and concurrent trastuzumab resulted in a complete pain resolution, as well as long-term clinical and radiologic remission; however, the neurological cohort of HS remained as the expression of permanent damage to the sympathetic pathway.

This report presents a highly rare case of HS as the first and solitary appearance of metastatic disease in a breast cancer patient. This neurologic involvement should always raise suspicion of metastatic infiltration, and the early recognition of the syndrome may prevent permanent nerve injury.
Crash analysis of composite energy-absorbing cylindrical impact attenuator
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Zhao Jinghui , Liu Tao , He Zhongqing , Li Kun , Yang Wenfei
Published: September 2015

Thin-walled composite structures are becoming increasingly popular over metals for crashworthy applications in the automotive industry due in part from advantages such as their higher strength to weight ratio. In this study, the analysis of the crash behavior was conducted by means of a series of quasi-static axial compression tests and LS-DYNA simulations. A set of comparative quasi-static compression tests were conducted on simple composite tubes with different lay-up orientations. Based on experimental data on load/displacement and on the comparison between results of experiments and simulations, the factors affecting energy-absorbing capacity were discussed and the mechanism of failure in composites during the crushing process was concluded. Load versus displacement diagrams confirm that the composite cylindrical attenuator shows high energy-absorbing characteristics and efficiencies. The energy-absorbing capacity is strongly affected by the ply wrap angle. Specific energy absorption increases with the increasing of angle of the fiber. Based on the analysis of these experiments and simulations, factors influencing the value of specific energy absorption are determined and design principles of composite impact attenuators are provided.
Using Regional Archived Multimodal Transportation System Data for Policy Analysis
Authors: Giuliano Genevieve , Chakrabarti Sandip , Rhoads Mohja
Published: September 2015

Development of a comprehensive historical archive of regional real-time multimodal multiagency transportation system data makes possible more detailed study of impacts of major transport investments on travel and system performance. We illustrate with a case study of a new light rail transit line. We use transit, freeway, and arterial data of high spatial and temporal resolution to examine transportation system performance impacts of the Exposition (Expo) light rail line (Phase 1) in Los Angeles. Using a quasi-experimental research design, we explore the impact of the Expo Line on transit ridership, freeway traffic, and arterial traffic within the corridor it serves. Our results suggest a net increase in transit ridership, but few effects on roadway traffic system performance. Given the latent travel demand in this heavily congested corridor, results are consistent with expectations. The benefits of rail transit investments are in increasing transit accessibility and person throughput within high-demand corridors; effects on roadway traffic are small and localized.
Manufacturing of thermoplastic composite sandwich structures
Authors: Grünewald Jonas , Parlevliet Patricia , Altstädt Volker
Published: September 2015

Composite sandwich structures show promising lightweight properties for the aviation industry. Nowadays time-consuming manufacturing methods still prevent an extensive application of composite sandwiches, which can be overcome by the use of thermoplastic polymers in skins and core. During manufacturing of thermoplastic composite (TPC) sandwich structures, the joining of skins and core is a critical step. Therefore, several skin–core joining methods have been under investigation and development in the published literature, which can be categorized into adhesive bonding or fusion bonding. Fusion bonding by means of vacuum moulding, compression moulding or in situ foaming shows great potential for joining sandwich skins and core. Although various phenomena such as core collapsing or skin deconsolidation challenge the processes. This article aims to present an overview of research that has been done in the area of manufacturing TPC sandwich structures and will serve as a baseline and aid for further research and development efforts.
Modern Portfolio Theory and Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Authors: Grasse Nathan J. , Whaley Kayla M. , Ihrke Douglas M.
Published: September 2015

This study examines the revenue structures of nonprofit organizations in the arts subsector to identify theoretically ideal revenue portfolios by examining the risk, return, and covariance of revenue streams. This article examines four major sources of revenue for arts organizations and builds on Kingma’s work on nonprofit revenue portfolios by carrying out the theoretical modeling suggested in his seminal work. Beyond identifying the efficient frontier, this approach can also reveal the composition of theoretically efficient portfolios found along the frontier. These portfolios are optimal in that they maximize revenue growth and minimize variability. This study has practical implications for the understanding of revenue diversification in the nonprofit sector, which has been identified as one mechanism by which nonprofit organizations can mitigate risk and increase survivability. This research also suggests that a commonly used measure of diversity, the Herfindahl-Hirshman index, may not always correspond with theoretical efficiency.
The voter’s blunt tool
Authors: Bowen T Renee , Mo Cecilia Hyunjung
Published: September 2015

When do voters win? We derive conditions under which a democracy will produce policies that favor the voter over special interests in a setting where politicians can be influenced by contributions from special interests, and are also motivated by electoral incentives. We show that increasing office holding benefits, increasing political competition, decreasing potential rents to special interests, and increasing the salience of policy imply improved policies for the representative voter. We examine panel data on the ratio of taxes paid by individuals relative to corporations in the United States and show that it is negatively correlated with political competition, office holding benefits, and policy salience, as predicted by the model.
Model predictive control for hybrid electric vehicle platooning using route information
Authors: Yu Kaijiang , Liang Qing , Yang Junqi , Guo Yanan
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a new model predictive control system for hybrid electric vehicle platooning using route information to improve fuel economy. The new features of this study are as follows. First, a system for hybrid electric vehicle platooning has been developed considering varying the desired vehicle speed. Second, a general model of road slope in a vehicle platoon is developed. Third, the effect of prediction horizon and sampling interval on battery efficiency is analyzed. The model predictive control problem is solved using a discrete numerical computation method, the continuation and generalized minimum residual method. Computer simulation results reveal improvements in fuel economy using the proposed control method.
Consistently high HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in Chengdu city from 2009 to 2014
Authors: Zhenhua Duan , Shuangfeng Fan , Rong Lu , Xueqing Wu , Yaying Shi , Zhijun Li , Weihua Jiang , Fang Liu , Zhen Dai , Xiaodong Wang , Yujing Zhang , Qinying He
Published: September 2015

To describe the trends of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu city, China, consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted by the Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention. These surveys were carried out between 2009 and 2014 according to the protocol of the national HIV Sentinel Surveillance System. For the 2422 MSM who participated in the survey, the overall HIV prevalence was 15.5% (375/2422, 95% CI 14.0–16.9%). Between 2009 and 2014, the HIV prevalence of MSM remained high, with HIV-positivity rates of 15.0%, 15.1%, 16.3%, 13.9%, 17.8% and 14.0% each year respectively (χ2 for trend = 0.008, P = 0.931). However, the majority (89.8%) of participants had had anal sex in the six months prior to the interview, and the percentage always using condoms during anal sex increased over the study period (36.7% in 2009, 39.8% in 2010, 36.9% in 2011, 46.2% in 2012, 65.1% in 2013, 49.0% in 2014; Chi-square for trend = 49.883, P < 0.001). HIV prevalence among MSM in Chengdu city has remained high. Given the continuing high levels of unprotected anal intercourse and high HIV prevalence among MSM, more effective intervention strategies are required to increase the coverage of MSM by risk-reduction interventions and to promote HIV testing among this population.
Combined treatment of anogenital HPV infection with cryodestruction, podophyllin 25% and post-ablation immunomodulation with sinecatechins 15% ointment – a retrospective analysis
Authors: Juhl Mark E , Seferovic Vernes , Antonijevic Sasha , Krunic Aleksandar
Published: September 2015

External genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus, have a significant clinical, epidemiological, and financial impact, including the risk for malignant transformation. Treatment modalities include: (a) destructive (ablative); (b) cytotoxic (proapoptotic) and (c) immunomodulatory, with success and recurrence rates varying from 23% to 94% and from 4.1% to 77%, respectively. Most studies evaluated only single modality therapy, with few reports examining a combined approach for external genital warts management. The introduction of sinecatechins ointment in recent years has resulted in very low recurrence rates of 4.1–10.6%, despite lower initial clearance rates than ablative methods. We present a retrospective review of 27 patients who underwent combined therapy for external genital warts by using one or two sessions of cryodestruction combined with 25% podophyllin as the cytotoxic agent, and post-ablation immunomodulation with topical sinecatechins 15% ointment. This approach resulted in an excellent initial clearance rate of 96.3% with a recurrence rate of 7.4% after a total period of six months of follow-up. We suggest the importance of the combined approach in external genital warts management including post-ablative immunomodulation to augment the immune response and combat the residual latent infection. We hope to encourage trials examining the combined approach to the treatment of external genital warts.
Renal flare prediction and prognosis in lupus nephritis Hispanic patients
Authors: Mejía-Vilet J M , Córdova-Sánchez B M , Arreola-Guerra J M , Morales-Buenrostro L E , Uribe-Uribe N O , Correa-Rotter R
Published: September 2015

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis focusing on lupus nephritis renal flare incidence and outcome predictors. One hundred and eighteen patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis were segregated by induction/maintenance regimes. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing renal flare. Secondary assessment included doubling of serum creatinine and development of end-stage renal disease. After a median follow-up of 31 months (interquartile range 21–46) from the date of response to induction therapy, 47 patients (39.8%) developed a renal flare. Azathioprine-maintained patients had a higher risk of renal flare compared with mycophenolate mofetil-maintained patients (hazard ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval 1.39–4.59, p < 0.01). Age (hazard ratio 0.96, 0.92–0.99, p = 0.03), serum creatinine at presentation (hazard ratio 1.76, 1.13–2.76, p = 0.01), complete remission after induction therapy (hazard ratio 0.28, 0.14–0.56, p < 0.001) and azathioprine maintenance therapy (hazard ratio 4.78, 2.16–10.6, p < 0.001) were associated with renal flare on multivariate analysis. Ten patients progressed to end-stage renal disease (8.5%) by a median 32.5 months. Age (hazard ratio 0.88, 0.77–0.99, p = 0.05), complete remission after induction therapy (hazard ratio 0.08, 0.01–0.94, p = 0.04) and severe nephritic flare (hazard ratio 13.6, 1.72–107.7, p = 0.01) were associated with end-stage renal disease development. Azathioprine maintenance therapy is associated with a higher incidence of relapse in the Mexican-mestizo population. Younger age and nephritic flares predict development of end-stage renal disease.
An ensemble survival model for estimating relative residual longevity following stroke: Application to mortality data in the chronic dialysis population
Authors: Phadnis Milind A , Wetmore James B , Shireman Theresa I , Ellerbeck Edward F , Mahnken Jonathan D
Published: September 2015

Time-dependent covariates can be modeled within the Cox regression framework and can allow both proportional and nonproportional hazards for the risk factor of research interest. However, in many areas of health services research, interest centers on being able to estimate residual longevity after the occurrence of a particular event such as stroke. The survival trajectory of patients experiencing a stroke can be potentially influenced by stroke type (hemorrhagic or ischemic), time of the stroke (relative to time zero), time since the stroke occurred, or a combination of these factors. In such situations, researchers are more interested in estimating lifetime lost due to stroke rather than merely estimating the relative hazard due to stroke. To achieve this, we propose an ensemble approach using the generalized gamma distribution by means of a semi-Markov type model with an additive hazards extension. Our modeling framework allows stroke as a time-dependent covariate to affect all three parameters (location, scale, and shape) of the generalized gamma distribution. Using the concept of relative times, we answer the research question by estimating residual life lost due to ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the chronic dialysis population.
Self-Reported And Objectively Recorded Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation In England
Authors: Lo Siu Hing , Waller Jo , Vrinten Charlotte , Wardle Jane , von Wagner Christian
Published: September 2015

Objective

To compare self-reported with objectively recorded participation in Faecal Occult Blood testing (FOBt) colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in a national programme.

Methods

Survey respondents living in England who were eligible for screening were asked in face-to-face interviews if they had ever been invited to do a CRC screening test, how many times they had been invited, and how many times they had participated. National Health Service (NHS) Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) records were consulted for respondents who had consented to a record check. The outcome measures were ‘ever uptake’ (responded to ≥1 invitation), ‘repeat uptake’ (responded to ≥2 invitations), and ‘consistent uptake’ (responded to all invitations).

Results

In the verified group, self-reported ever uptake was highly consistent with recorded ever uptake (87.0% vs. 87.8%). Among those who indicated that they had been invited more than once, self-reported repeat uptake was 89.8% compared with 84.8% recorded repeat uptake. Among those with more than one recorded invitation, self-reported repeat uptake was 72.7% compared with 77.2% recorded repeat uptake, and self-reported consistent uptake was 81.6% compared with 65.6% recorded consistent uptake.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that people can accurately report whether they have ever taken part in CRC screening. The vast majority of those whose records were verified could also accurately report whether they had taken part in screening at least twice. They were somewhat less accurate in reporting whether they had responded to all screening invitations.
One psychiatrist’s experience of visiting offshore processing centres for people seeking asylum in Australia
Authors: Adler Robert
Published: September 2015

Objective:

To describe the author’s experience of visiting Christmas Island and Nauru offshore detention centres as a visiting child and adolescent psychiatrist in the context of his own experience as a refugee from Europe after WWII.

Method:

Following a visit to Nauru the author wrote to the Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition expressing his objections to the policies of recent Coalition and Labor Governments.

Results:

His actions have led to the author not being invited to return to these centres as a visiting psychiatrist.

Conclusions:

The author acknowledges the importance of stopping the boats and proposes that a more humane approach is needed for asylum seekers who arrive by boat.
Identification of aeroelastic parameters for helicopter tail rotor limit cycle oscillation monitoring
Authors: Chen Yong , Wickramasinghe Viresh , Zimcik David G
Published: September 2015

The aeroelastic parameters of helicopter main rotor and tail rotor are required in the monitoring and evaluation of rotor aeroservoelastic instability incidents such as limit cycle oscillations. However, in situ measurement of these parameters on helicopters is generally difficult due to the need to transfer vibration data across a rotating interface. This article presents a novel center frequency scaling factor relationship of the aeroelastic parameters between the rotating and stationary frames. Together with the stochastic parameter identification technique, this methodology enables real-time estimation and tracking of the critical aeroelastic parameters in the rotating frame during limit cycle oscillation events based on vibration information measured exclusively in the stationary frame. The methodology has been validated using flight vibration data measured from both the rotating and stationary frames of a helicopter tail rotor system during a limit cycle oscillation event. Moreover, this methodology has been applied to the analysis of vibration data measured from the teeter tail rotor system on the Canadian CH-149 Cormorant helicopters to derive the critical aeroelastic parameters during several limit cycle oscillation events.
Why Randomized Trials Are Challenging Within Adventure Therapy Research
Authors: Gabrielsen Leiv Einar , Fernee Carina Ribe , Aasen Gunnar Oland , Eskedal Leif Torvald
Published: September 2015

There are few high-quality studies using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the adventure and wilderness therapy literature. Thus, a unison call is heard for more such studies to be carried out. This article presents a Norwegian wilderness therapy research project that planned to incorporate this “gold standard” that is regarded as the most scientific and rigorous approach available. We did not succeed. Mounting challenges led us to discard the RCT altogether and select other methodologies. Here, we account for the ethical, health outcome, practical, and empirical obstacles that we encountered when attempting to randomize at-risk adolescents into experiment and control groups. Our conclusion is that although RCTs may be superior in some aspects, they hold the potential to become bad science when the interventions are as complex and multi-faceted as adventure and wilderness therapy programs.
Automatic building of a numerical simplified constitutive law for Ceramic Matrix Composites using Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Friderikos Orestis , Baranger Emmanuel
Published: September 2015

In this work, a technique for reducing the dimensionality of a complex constitutive law for Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is presented. An exploration of methods for low-rank matrix approximations begins by proposing a decomposition of the internal state variables (fourth-order tensors) of the reference thermodynamic potential in a certain range of loading conditions. The difference with a previous methodology that introduces a modified potential with a reduced set of state variables is that here, SVD is performed directly on the state variables of the reference model. The performance of the specific low-rank approximations are illustrated by thorough investigations concerning the “energy” captured by the singular vectors, as well as, by the computation of the relative error in the energy potential, in the elastic strain tensor components and in the energy dissipation. Levels of the relative error are compared over a wide range of stress loading conditions for different rank- k approximations. The reduced model is shown to be efficient in representing the reference model, and is well suited for the application and implementation in standard finite element codes.
Public Health Interventions for School Nursing Practice
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Anderson Linda J. W. , Rising Shannon
Published: September 2015

School nurses (SNs) use public health nursing knowledge and skills to provide nursing services to school populations. The Public Health Intervention Wheel is a practice framework that can be used to explain and guide public health nursing interventions. SNs who were also members of the National Association of School Nurses completed an electronic survey on their use of public health interventions as defined by the wheel. Although 67% of the participants were not familiar with the Public Health Intervention Wheel, respondents reported conducting activities that were consistent with the Wheel interventions. Screening, referral and follow-up, case management, and health teaching were the most frequently performed interventions. Intervention use varied by educational level, age of nurse, years of practice, and student population. The Public Health Intervention Wheel is a relevant and useful framework that provides a language to explain population-based school nursing practice.
Knowledge Tools for Cancer Treatment–Related Symptom Management by Home Care Nurses
Authors: Nichol Kathryn , Stacey Dawn , Kuziemsky Craig , Gifford Wendy , Mackenzie Shelley
Published: September 2015

A mixed methods descriptive study explored 38 nurses’ perceptions of usability and factors influencing the use of 13 symptom management protocols when caring for patients with cancer in the home. Descriptive analysis of the usability survey revealed protocols had high readability, right amount of information, appropriate terms, and were self-evident to complete. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified barriers to using the protocols including lack of time, paper-based documentation systems, and length of the protocols. Facilitating factors included high usability of the protocols, integration of a remote symptom support nursing role, and the usefulness for education and training. In summary, the protocols were described as a useful resource and beneficial for nursing orientation but required support to overcome some barriers and improve fit with clinical workflow.
Response Patterns to Emotional Faces Among Adolescents Diagnosed With ADHD
Authors: Dan Orrie , Raz Sivan
Published: September 2015

Objective: The present study investigated differences in emotional face processing between adolescents (age 15-18) with ADHD-Combined type (ADHD-CT) and typically developing controls. Method: Participants completed a visual emotional task in which they were asked to rate the degree of negativity/positivity of four facial expressions (taken from the NimStim face stimulus set). Results: Participants’ ratings, ratings’ variability, response times (RTs), and RTs’ variability were analyzed. Results showed a significant interaction between group and the type of presented stimuli. Adolescents with ADHD-CT discriminated less between positive and negative emotional expressions compared with those without ADHD. In addition, adolescents with ADHD-CT exhibited greater variability in their RTs and in their ratings of facial expressions when compared with controls. Conclusion: The present results lend further support to the existence of a specific deficit or alteration in the processing of emotional face stimuli among adolescents with ADHD-CT.
Neurotoxicity of Dietary Supplements from Annonaceae Species
Authors: Höllerhage Matthias , Rösler Thomas W. , Berjas Magda , Luo Rensheng , Tran Kevin , Richards Kristy M. , Sabaa-Srur Armando U. , Maia José Guilherme S. , Moraes Maria Rosa de , Godoy Helena T. , Höglinger Günter U. , Smith Robert E.
Published: September 2015

Dietary supplements containing plant materials of Annonaceae species ( Annona muricata L., A. squamosa L., A. mucosa JACQ., A. squamosa × cherimola Mabb.) were extracted by hot, pressurized ethyl acetate and analyzed for their effect in vitro on Lund human mesencephalic neurons. Cell viability was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cell death was determined by lactate dehydrogenase levels. Three supplements strongly decreased the cell viability at extract concentrations of 1 µg/mL, of which 1 decreased cell viability at 0.1 µg/µL. Also, strong neuronal toxicities of these supplements were found. Cell death was observed at concentrations of 10 µg/mL. The degree of toxicity was comparable to the ones found in Annonaceous fruit extracts. Two fruit pulps of Annonaceae ( A. muricata and A. squamosa) showed a reduction in cell viability at lower concentrations. The fruit pulp extract of A. muricata revealed the strongest neurotoxic effect, with 67% cell death at a concentration of 1 µg/mL. A high reduction in cell viability coupled with pronounced cell death was found at 0.1 µg/mL for an Annonaceous seed extract. These results demonstrate that the intake of dietary supplements containing plant material from Annonaceae may be hazardous to health in terms of neurotoxicity.
In Lust We Trust? Masculinity and Sexual Desire in Later Life
Authors: Sandberg Linn
Published: September 2015

Recent years have seen increasing discussions of sexuality in later life. Today, continued sexual activity is gradually understood as a positive and healthy aspect of aging, in contrast to how aging historically was primarily associated with asexuality. Old men’s sexual function, in particular, has been a topic of notable interest to scholars and popular media alike, an interest spurred not least by the market introduction of Viagra and other sexuo-pharmaceuticals. If aging men’s sexual function has been the object of extensive discussion, considerably less attention has been given to the question of sexual desire in later life, neither women’s nor men’s. Old men’s sexual desire is a potentially conflictual field as men are often expected to be sexually willing but the old man who shows continued sexual interest also run the risk of being labeled a “dirty old man.” This article focuses on old men, masculinity, and sexual desire through the interview narratives of Swedish med between sixty-seven and eighty-seven years old. In dialogue with Sara Ahmed’s work on queer phenomenology, the article discusses asserted sexual desire as a form of orientation that shapes old men’s heterosexual subjectivities. The interviewees expressed that sexual desire continued to be an important aspect of later life, but sexual desire was also understood to vanish as one aged. For those who expressed a lack of sexual desire, this was sometimes experienced as a “gender trouble” but was also made sense of in relation to feeling old. All on all, intimacy was a central way of making sense of later life sexuality. The article concludes that narratives on intimacy could be understood as ways of retaining a heterosexual orientation as one ages. Through narratives of intimacy men could express a continued interest in sexuality, but in positive and unthreatening ways that avoided the stigmatization of being a dirty old man.
The research on the effect of SiO2 and CF on the tensile and tribological properties of PI composite
Authors: Gang Du , Chilan Cai , Haobin Tian , Zhenhua li , Dingzhong Zhang , Kang Qi
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the effect of carbon fiber and SiO2 on the mechanical and tribological properties of PI composites was investigated. Reinforced polyimide composite with short carbon fiber and SiO2 was prepared by hot molding press technology and a dramatic improved tensile strength of SiO2-filled carbon fiber/PI composites was observed. Approximately, an increase of 136% in tensile strength was obtained in case of composites with SiO2 compared with the CF/PI composites. The addition of SiO2 in composites can significantly improve the anti-wear properties and the load-carrying capacity of the CF/PI composites. The research extend the application of CF/PI composites in engineering area.
Behavior of micro-cycle lubrication generated by a grid-textured surface
Authors: Lu Yan , Liu Zuomin
Published: September 2015

The micro-cycle lubrication phenomenon generated by a grid-textured surface is investigated through experiments. The experiments involve designing a grid-textured surface and observing its lubrication behavior. Results show that the grid-textured surface helps set up hydrodynamic lubrication micro-region pressure and peak value locals at the intersection points of the grooves. The grid-textured surface decreases graduation from the intersection point to the center of the rhombus. The experiments show that micro-cycle flow improves lubrication and wear. A simulation model is developed to investigate lubrication. The comparison of pressure distribution on the grid-textured and smooth surfaces reveals the details of lubrication behavior.