bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Federalism in India during the Nehru and Post-Nehru Periods
Authors: Narang Amarjit Singh
Published: November 2014

In the present context of rejuvenation of ethnicity the world over, states in India having become more autonomous due to changes in party system, democratic mobilisation and globalisation, and some states operating in violation of the letter and spirit of the Constitution while dealing with minorities. The article analyses the nature of federalism as adopted in India in the peculiar situation of post-independence and partition, its working during Nehruvian and later periods and the changes it has witnessed both in terms of centralisation and decentralisation. The argument is that while federalism is an important device to manage diversity and to an extent has done well in India in that respect, it is not the panacea for justice to minorities. It can also be, and has been, used by majority groups as a tool for disempowering national minorities. What is therefore required is to understand federalism not merely in terms of centre–state relations or in legal and constitutional terminology, but in the context of economic, social, political and cultural forces. What is required is a multi-layered, democratic and non-hegemonic federal system that is responsive to both external and domestic pressures and serves the interests of minorities both territorially concentrated and spread over.
Nehruvian Vision of Global Order and its Relevance in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Kumar Suneel , Singh Gurnam
Published: November 2014

Rejecting the various ‘World Order Models’ being projected as a panacea for a lasting peace, Nehru visualised ‘World Union’ based on democratic principles to create an egalitarian social and economic order across the globe and to eliminate the recurring phenomena of conflict and tension which produce wars at regular intervals. The perceived ‘World Government’ could provide a platform to manage and eliminate the modern forms of warfare: ethnic conflicts, proxy wars, militancy, terrorism, etc., while accommodating and redressing the grievances and resentments of specific people across as well as within the borders of national units. A global legislature can provide the community of nations a uniform, codified and effective international legal order. The Nehruvian model which sought to create an egalitarian, ‘planned’ and ‘socialised’ world economic order by eliminating imperialism and colonialism in all forms and manifestations could be relevant to manage the global economic crisis and also for the development of underdeveloped world. A World Union based on democracy and freedom may protect individual and group rights against ethnic cleansings and genocides and may help to universalise the institution of democracy. A strong world government, suggested by Nehru, can control nuclear proliferation and save mankind from the scourge of nuclear war.
Revisiting Nehruvian Asianism in the Contemporary Asian Reality
Authors: Mitra Debamitra
Published: November 2014

Taking the legacies of colonialism and non-alignment of post colonial Asian countries, Nehru’s ‘Asianism’ ushered the solidarity of the Asian countries to promote peace and fashion a normative international order. His foreseeing of Asian prosperity through the ideology of ‘Asianism’ has to a large extent taken a commendable shape in the twenty-first century Asianism, where China and India have become the most powerful players. But ‘Asianism’ in reality has not been contemplated holistically in contemporary Asianism, because solidarity, growth and prosperity of Asianism have not been uniform. Taking the analogy of H.J. Mackinder’s ‘Heartland’ theory of 1904, while South, Southeast and East Asia represent the ‘heartland’ of current Asia, West and Central Asia even today remain stagnant, infested with disunity, militancy, religious fundamentalism and are victims of regional and extra-regional powers’ diplomatic game plan. Hence, normative Asianism should also bear the onus where the qualitative benchmark of Asia’s contemporary ‘heartland’ needs to catalyse the stagnant Asia to prosper, for the larger ideals of ‘Asianism’.
Relevance of Nehru’s Vision Today
Authors: Yadav R.S.
Published: November 2014

Contemporary changes in the form of introducing structural reforms in the country and end of the Cold War at the global level have brought about significant transformations and new orientations in India’s domestic and foreign policies. Questions are being raised regarding the relevance of Nehru’s model of development and his foreign policy of non-alignment. Besides, a volatile socio-economic and political scenario in the country and prevailing non-polarity in the international milieu have created a situation of chaos and uncertainty. Hence, it becomes imperative to have a look at Nehru’s visionary philosophy so as to ascertain whether it can provide a solution to the new challenges faced by the country both at the domestic and international levels.
Reading Neoliberal Market Economy with Jawaharlal Nehru
Authors: Ram Ronki
Published: November 2014

This article intends to explore how neoliberal market economy impacts social democracy in globalising India and examines its implications for the millions of Dalits. It argues that the institution of social democracy, which flourished in India during the Nehruvian era of mixed economy and welfare state, seems to be fast approaching its demise under the ongoing process of neoliberalism. It further argues that the fast-expanding domain of the corporate sector and the free flow of global capital, in conjunction with the gradual withdrawal of the welfare state, will not only widen inequalities, but also stifle the growth of social democracy in the country.
Reducing mental illness stigma in health care students and professionals: a review of the literature
Authors: Stubbs Alison
Published: November 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce mental illness stigma among healthcare students and professionals.

Method:

A literature search was conducted using the Cochrane Library and PubMed.

Results:

Randomised controlled trial level evidence demonstrated that interventions involving direct contact, indirect filmed contact or an educational email effectively reduced stigma in the short term. Role play was the only intervention with randomised controlled trial level evidence demonstrating no effect. There was not enough evidence to suggest that any intervention can maintain stigma reduction over time.

Conclusions:

Stigma reduction in healthcare students and professionals needs to be sustained over time if it is to result in positive changes for people living with mental illness. Further research is needed to determine which interventions, if any, can achieve this. Only then will large-scale implementation of a stigma reduction intervention be feasible and beneficial to people living with mental illness.
Effect of temperature on magnetic field–induced response of Ni-Mn-Ga single crystals
Authors: Lei Hongshuai , Tong Liyong , Wang Zhenqing
Published: November 2014

This study presents an experimental and theoretical investigation into the effect of temperature on the magnetic field–induced responses of Ni-Mn-Ga single crystals, such as reorientation behaviour, critical threshold fields and hysteresis loops. Nano-indentation, differential scanning calorimetry and magnetic field–induced strain tests were conducted. The experimental results reveal that the critical threshold field decreases with an increase in temperature under a constant compressive stress. A revised magnetization rotation angle equation was developed by considering the effect of temperature on material magnetic anisotropy. By comparing with the measured magnetic field–induced strain versus magnetic field curves, the present theoretical model is shown to be capable of predicting the effect of temperature on the macroscopic responses of magnetic shape memory alloy.
Edutainment for Sustainable Development
Authors: Katsaliaki Korina , Mustafee Navonil
Published: November 2014

Background. The ever-increasing demand for natural resources has led to the continuing depletion of resources. Reversing this trend will require knowledge of effective environmental management strategies and adoption of sustainable development practices by society at large. Thus, it is critical that citizens increase their awareness of sustainability and acquire managerial skills required to effect change. Use of decision games for teaching sustainable development is a step in this direction. Games present great opportunities as tools of edutainment (educational entertainment) for teaching and training, with positive effects on learning outcomes.

Aim and Method. In this article, we undertake a methodological review of games on sustainable development, analyzing their underlying characteristics, including the stated focus of the games, game availability, number of players and their roles, their target age, game validation and evaluation, stakeholder involvement in game development, learning outcomes, and so on. A total of 49 games are included in this survey.

Conclusion. Our findings suggest that the games used for teaching sustainable development have generally increased players’ understanding of issues around sustainability and have enhanced their knowledge of sustainable development strategies. Our classification of the games’ characteristics assists educational instructors and potential learners in identifying games that are best suited for their teaching and learning needs.
Measuring Game Engagement
Authors: Martey Rosa Mikeal , Kenski Kate , Folkestad James , Feldman Laurie , Gordis Elana , Shaw Adrienne , Stromer-Galley Jennifer , Clegg Ben , Zhang Hui , Kaufman Nissim , Rabkin Ari N. , Shaikh Samira , Strzalkowski Tomek
Published: November 2014

Background. Engagement has been identified as a crucial component of learning in games research. However, the conceptualization and operationalization of engagement vary widely in the literature. Many valuable approaches illuminate ways in which presence, flow, arousal, participation, and other concepts constitute or contribute to engagement. However, few studies examine multiple conceptualizations of engagement in the same project.

Method. This article discusses the results of two experiments that measure engagement in five different ways: survey self-report, content analyses of player videos, electro-dermal activity, mouse movements, and game click logs. We examine the relationships among these measures and assess how they are affected by the technical characteristics of a 30-minute, custom-built, educational game: use of a customized character, level of narrative complexity, and level of art complexity.

Results. We found that the five measures of engagement correlated in limited ways, and that they revealed substantially different relationships with game characteristics. We conclude that engagement as a construct is more complex than is captured in any of these measures individually and that using multiple methods to assess engagement can illuminate aspects of engagement not detectable by a single method of measurement.
Redefining Risk and Benefit
Authors: Rendle Katharine A. S. , Halley Meghan C. , May Suepattra G. , Frosch Dominick L.
Published: November 2014

Rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) among unilateral breast cancer patients are rapidly increasing; however, there are little data documenting the decision-making process of patients with no known BRCA mutations, who elect this more aggressive treatment. We conducted semistructured interviews with nine newly diagnosed patients who elected CPM over other surgical options. Using grounded theory, we analyzed interview data to identify influential decision-making factors by prevalence and intensity across participants. Decision-making factors included subjective evaluations of risk and benefit, avoidance of future breast cancer surveillance and accompanying worry, and desire to maintain (or improve) breast appearance. Based solely on survival benefit, the decision to undergo CPM might be viewed as unnecessary or even misguided. However, our findings show the importance of psychosocial factors in patients’ assessments of risk and benefit, and support the need for additional patient–provider communication regarding these factors.
Influence of Crosslinking on the Wear Performance of Polyethylene Within Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Bischoff Jeffrey E. , Fryman J. Craig , Parcell Jerry , Orozco Villaseñor Diego A.
Published: November 2014

Background:

Wear debris of polyethylene within joint replacement systems can result in clinical complications including osteolysis and component loosening. Highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXPE) was introduced to improve these outcomes, and has been shown to result in improved wear performance in several joint replacement systems. However, bearing couples within total ankle replacement (TAR) systems have historically used conventional polyethylene (CPE) articulating on metal. The extent to which HXPE would result in a reduction of polyethylene wear compared to CPE in the ankle has not been studied. The hypothesis motivating this study was that use of HXPE within TAR will result in significantly lower wear rate than CPE.

Methods:

HXPE and CPE inserts within a semiconstrained, bicondylar TAR system were manufactured for this study. Samples were subjected to 5.0 million cycles of wear on an in vitro wear simulator. Testing was performed within a physiological environment, using kinematic and kinetic loading profiles characteristic of walking gait. Samples were weighed at regular intervals to determine gravimetric mass loss, and the morphology of wear particles was analyzed.

Results:

The wear rates for CPE and HXPE samples were 7.4 ± 1.3 and 1.9 ± 0.3 mg/Mc (mean ± SD), respectively. HXPE samples exhibited a significant ( P < .01) wear rate reduction of 74% when compared with the CPE. Debris morphology trends between HXPE and CPE were consistent with what has been observed in other joint systems.

Conclusion:

Use of HXPE significantly reduces wear of TAR as compared to CPE, based on in vitro wear testing.

Clinical Relevance:

Highly crosslinked polyethylene may reduce clinical complications of total ankle replacement that are linked to polyethylene wear.
Factor Structure and Construct Validity of the Parent-Reported Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits Among High-Risk 9-Year-Olds
Authors: Waller Rebecca , Wright Aidan G. C. , Shaw Daniel S. , Gardner Frances , Dishion Thomas J. , Wilson Melvin N. , Hyde Luke W.
Published: November 2014

The presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits delineates a subgroup of youth with severe antisocial behavior. However, debate surrounds the best method to assess CU traits. This study examined the factor structure of the parent-reported Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) among high-risk 9-year-olds ( N = 540) and its predictive validity over 1 year. Confirmatory factor analysis showed support for a three-factor bifactor model and revised two-factor model using a shortened ICU. Within a three-factor bifactor framework the general CU traits factor and specific uncaring factor scores were related to higher externalizing and lower internalizing behavior problems at ages 9.5 and 10.5. Findings were replicated using teacher-reported outcomes. However, results also suggest the need for item refinement and highlight the utility of a two-factor solution using a shortened ICU. In particular, the meaning of the unemotional items is discussed in relation to the conceptualization of CU traits.
Perceived control and self-efficacy, subjective well-being and lifestyle behaviours in young Iranian women
Authors: Salehi Asiyeh , Harris Neil , Coyne Elisabeth , Sebar Bernadette
Published: November 2014

This study examined whether young Iranian women’s perceived control and self-efficacy, as a component of cognitive social capital, predicts health and well-being. A total of 391 women aged between 18 and 35 years completed a survey including scales measuring control and self-efficacy and health outcomes including quality of life, satisfaction with life and lifestyle behaviours. Statistical analyses indicated that participants had low perceived control and influence over community affairs together with high perceived control over their personal lives. Multiple regression analyses indicated the predictive role of control and self-efficacy for well-being outcomes suggesting the potential role for health interventions targeting control and self-efficacy.
Effect of a short-term psychological intervention on the anxiety and depression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Díaz José Luis , Sancho Jesús , Barreto Pilar , Bañuls Pilar , Renovell Mercedes , Servera Emilio
Published: November 2014

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a psychological intervention in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, consisting of four semi-structured sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy combined with counselling techniques. An intervention group and a control group were established. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess levels of anxiety and depression. In total, fifty-four patients took part. Prior to the intervention, the intervention group displayed rates of 63.3 and 36.7 per cent for anxiety and depression, respectively, falling to 16.7 and 10.0 per cent afterwards. The psychological intervention demonstrated potential for the reduction of levels of anxiety and depression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.
The relationship between nature relatedness and anxiety
Authors: Martyn Patricia , Brymer Eric
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the relationship between anxiety and feelings of being connected to nature. Two standardised self-report scales, the Nature Relatedness Scale and the State Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety, were used in tandem with a qualitative question. Quantitative results indicated that connection to nature was significantly related to lower levels of overall, state cognitive and trait cognitive anxiety. Qualitative results revealed seven themes: relaxation, time out, enjoyment, connection, expanse, sensory engagement and a healthy perspective. Taken together, these results suggest that opportunities that enhance experiences of being connected to nature may reduce unhelpful anxiety.
Media performance in the aftermath of terror: Reporting templates, political ritual and the UK press coverage of the London Bombings, 2005
Authors: Matthews Julian
Published: November 2014

This article examines newspaper reaction in the immediate aftermath of the London bombings 2005 to identify the repertoires they use to respond to this large-scale terrorist incident perpetrated on UK soil. It introduces to our established view of media reporting of terrorism, a moment when traditionally differentiated newspapers respond collectively to this incident with coverage marked by its representations of condemnation, solidarity and law and enforcement brought together within human-interest story treatments. These findings point to newspaper journalists employing a generic reporting template at this time to reproduce copy so ordered as to respond consensually to this incident. Newspapers’ performances across this period privilege official responses and collective national reaction to the bombings as they cauterise an identified social wound produced by the incident. Their investigation calls attention to the ritual character of reporting produced against this context, pointing in particular to the enacted images of ‘Britishness’ central to its performance.
Sparse principal balances
Authors: Mert Mehmet Can , Filzmoser Peter , Hron Karel
Published: November 2014

Compositional data analysis deals with situations where the relevant information is contained only in the ratios between the measured variables, and not in the reported values. This article focuses on high-dimensional compositional data (in the sense of hundreds or even thousands of variables), as they appear in chemometrics (e.g., mass spectral data), proteomics or genomics. The goal of this contribution is to perform a dimension reduction of such data, where the new directions should allow for interpretability. An approach named principal balances turned out to be successful for low dimensions. Here, the concept of sparse principal component analysis is proposed for constructing principal directions, the so-called sparse principal balances. They are sparse (contain many zeros), build an orthonormal basis in the sample space of the compositional data, are efficient for dimension reduction and are applicable to high-dimensional data.
The voices of Iris: Cinematic representations of the aged woman and Alzheimer’s disease in Iris (2001)
Authors: Graham Megan E
Published: November 2014

Audiences must be critical of film representations of the aged woman living with Alzheimer’s disease and of dangerous reinscriptions of stereotypical equations about ageing as deterioration. This paper analyses the representation and decline of the aged woman through the different voices of Iris Murdoch in Richard Eyre’s film Iris (2001). Key vocal scenes are considered: On-screen encounters between young and aged Iris, vocal representations of dementia symptoms and silencing Iris as her disease progresses. Further, Iris’ recurrent unaccompanied song, “The Lark in the Clear Air,” compels audiences to “see” Iris with their ears more than with their eyes, exemplifying the representational power of sound in film. This paper is an appeal for increased debate about sonic representations of aged women, ageing and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in film. The significance of audiences’ critical awareness and understanding about the social implications of these representations is discussed.
Co-research with older people: Perspectives on impact
Authors: Littlechild Rosemary , Tanner Denise , Hall Kelly
Published: November 2014

Although research in partnership with older people has been slower to develop than that with some other service user ‘groups’, there are a growing number of health and social care studies that have involved older people as co-researchers. We build on this existing evidence by addressing two key areas. First, despite the growth of participatory research with older people generally, some groups tend to be excluded. We focus particularly on a project in which older people with dementia and older people from a black and minority ethnic community were involved as co-researchers. They worked with academic researchers in all stages of the research process, exploring other older people’s experiences of transitions between care services. Second, recent literature suggests a lack of critical evaluation of involvement, arguing that researchers tend to emphasise the positives on the basis of retrospective narrative accounts of the process, rather than critically appraising the impact of involvement. This article offers a critical account of the impact of a participatory approach at different stages of a research project, evaluating this from the perspective of different stakeholders. In so doing, we engage with incisive critiques which claim that, far from empowering service users, much service user involvement activity contributes to their oppression. We conclude that participatory research with marginalised older people has the potential to achieve meaningful change at both individual and social levels. However, in view of its dangers and limitations, we argue the need for the impact of participatory research to be carefully evaluated from the perspectives of all parties in the process.
Community-Based Prevention Marketing for Policy Development
Authors: Bryant Carol A. , Courtney Anita H. , McDermott Robert J. , Lindenberger James H. , Swanson Mark A. , Mayer Alyssa B. , Panzera Anthony D. , Khaliq Mahmooda , Schneider Tali , Wright Ashton P. , Lefebvre R. Craig , Biroscak Brian J.
Published: November 2014

Community-based prevention marketing (CBPM) is a community-driven framework for program planning, which applies social marketing concepts and techniques to the development of health behavior interventions. Whereas community members who comprise an action committee or coalition set the goals and make programmatic decisions, social marketing provides the planning framework to guide program design, implementation, and evaluation. CBPM has guided successful initiatives to promote physical activity in both youth and adults, to increase safety eyewear use in agricultural settings, and to delay alcohol and tobacco initiation among youth. However, the emergence of evidence-based policy has fostered renewed interest in “upstream” approaches to health behavior change that, in the United States, have included community partnerships as an important tool for policy development. Unfortunately, these community partnerships have had variable success because of the lack of a systematic framework for identifying, selecting, tailoring, and promoting evidence-based policies. We describe the adaptation and application of CBPM to improve community capacity for identifying and promoting evidence-based policies. The resulting framework, CBPM for Policy Development, is comprised of the following eight steps: (1) build a strong foundation for success; (2) review evidence-based policy options; (3) select a policy to promote; (4) identify priority audiences among beneficiaries, stakeholders, and policy makers; (5) conduct formative research with priority audiences; (6) develop a marketing plan for promoting the policy; (7) develop a plan for monitoring implementation and evaluating impact; and (8) advocate for policy change. We provide a description of each step and an examination of the experiences and lessons learned in applying it to youth obesity prevention.
Variation of community consultation and public disclosure for a pediatric multi-centered “Exception from Informed Consent” trial
Authors: Holsti Maija , Zemek Roger , Baren Jill , Stanley Rachel M , Mahajan Prashant , Vance Cheryl , Brown Kathleen M , Gonzalez Victor , King Denise , Jacobsen Kammy , Shreve Kate , van de Bruinhorst Katrina , Jones Anne Marie , Chamberlain James M
Published: November 2014

Background:

The US federal regulation “Exception from Informed Consent for Emergency Research,” 21 Code of Federal Regulations 50.24, permits emergency research without informed consent under limited conditions. Additional safeguards to protect human subjects include requirements for community consultation and public disclosure prior to starting the research. Because the regulations are vague about these requirements, Institutional Review Boards determine the adequacy of these activities at a local level. Thus, there is potential for broad interpretation and practice variation.

Aim:

To describe the variation of community consultation and public disclosure activities approved by Institutional Review Boards, and the effectiveness of this process for a multi-center, Exception from Informed Consent, pediatric status epilepticus clinical research trial.

Methods:

Community consultation and public disclosure activities were analyzed for each of the 15 participating sites. Surveys were conducted with participants enrolled in the status epilepticus trial to assess the effectiveness of public disclosure dissemination prior to study enrollment.

Results:

Every Institutional Review Board, among the 15 participating sites, had a varied interpretation of Exception from Informed Consent regulations for community consultation and public disclosure activities. Institutional Review Boards required various combinations of focus groups, interviews, surveys, and meetings for community consultation, and news releases, mailings, and public service announcements for public disclosure. At least 4335 patients received information about the study from these efforts. In all, 158 chose to be included in the “Opt Out” list. Of the 304 participants who were enrolled under Exception from Informed Consent, 12 (5%) had heard about the study through community consultation or public disclosure activities. The activities reaching the highest number of participants were surveys and focus groups associated with existing meetings. Public disclosure activities were more efficient and cost-effective if they were part of an in-hospital resource for patients and families.

Conclusion:

There is substantial variation in Institutional Review Boards’ interpretations of the federal regulations for community consultation and public disclosure. One of the goals of community consultation and public disclosure efforts for emergency research is to provide community members an opportunity to opt out of Exception from Informed Consent research; however, rarely do patients or their legally authorized representatives report having learned about a study prior to enrollment.
Vision
Authors: Murphy Joseph , Torre Daniela
Published: November 2014

Few concepts are more noted in the leadership effects research than vision. It is a cardinal element in the school improvement equation as well. Yet, it remains one of the least well-specified components of that algorithm. Based on a comprehensive review of the research on effective leadership and school improvement from 1995 to 2012, we bring ‘concreteness’ to our understanding of vision. We identify its three essential dimensions. More importantly, we provide tangible scaffolding for each of these dimensions, scaffolding that should sharpen research in this area and guide the work of those who desire to bring this ethereal concept to life in schools.
Transformational leadership related to school climate
Authors: McCarley Troy A , Peters Michelle L , Decman John M
Published: November 2014

Across the nation, quality leadership and positive school climate are critical to the success of every principal, student, and school. As a result, this study examined the relationship between teacher perceptions of the degree to which a principal displays the factors of transformational leadership and the perceived school climate. A purposeful sample of 399 teachers, representing five high schools in a large urban school district in southeast Texas, were administered the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire to assess his or her principal in terms of being a transformational leader and the Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire for Secondary Schools to evaluate the climate of his or her respective school. The results of the HLM analysis indicated that there was a correlation between transformational leadership and the supportive, engaged, and frustrated elements of a school’s climate.
The role of the GP in UK Mental Capacity Legislation
Authors: Bennett Shona N , Harrison Mark , Gilmore Michelle , Bennett Daniel M
Published: November 2014

The assessment of mental capacity is a skill that every GP uses in all consultations. The majority of patients have mental capacity to make treatment decisions. Capacity is presumed until proven to be lacking. However, patients can lose their ability to make treatment decisions for a range of reasons, and decisions may need to be made on their behalf. The loss of capacity may be permanent or temporary, and these clinical decisions may ultimately be a matter of life or death. Capacity is considered situation-specific, and thus should be judged separately for each decision faced by the patient. This article gives an overview of the main pieces of legislation in the different legislative areas of the UK: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland; and assists the GP in navigating the practicalities of applying the legislation to clinical cases to allay anxieties around working in this area.
Clinical Accuracy of a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System With an Advanced Algorithm
Authors: Bailey Timothy S. , Chang Anna , Christiansen Mark
Published: November 2014

Background:

We assessed the performance of a modified Dexcom G4 Platinum system with an advanced algorithm, in comparison with frequent venous samples measured on a laboratory reference (YSI) during a clinic session and in comparison to self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) during home use.

Methods:

Fifty-one subjects with diabetes were enrolled in a prospective multicenter study. Subjects wore 1 sensor for 7-day use and participated in one 12-hour in-clinic session on day 1, 4, or 7 to collect YSI reference venous glucose every 15 minutes and capillary SMBG test every 30 minutes. Carbohydrate consumption and insulin dosing and timing were manipulated to obtain data in low and high glucose ranges.

Results:

In comparison with the laboratory reference method (n = 2,263) the system provided a mean and median absolute relative differences (ARD) of 9.0% and 7.0%, respectively. The mean absolute difference for CGM was 6.4 mg/dL when the YSIs were within hypoglycemia ranges (≤ 70 mg/dL). The percentage in the clinically accurate Clarke error grid A zone was 92.4% and in the benign error B zone was 7.1%. Majority of the sensors (73%) had an aggregated MARD in reference to YSI ≤ 10%. The MARD of CGM-SMBG for home use was 11.3%.

Conclusions:

The study showed that the point and rate accuracy, clinical accuracy, reliability, and consistency over the duration of wear and across glycemic ranges were superior to current commercial real-time CGM systems. The performance of this CGM is reaching that of a self-monitoring blood glucose meter in real use environment.
Gender differences in symptoms in partial responders to proton pump inhibitors for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Vakil N , Niklasson A , Denison H , Rydén A
Published: November 2014

Background

Gender differences may exist in the symptom experience of patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who have a partial response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyse gender differences in partial responders to PPIs.

Methods

Patients with GERD who responded partially to PPIs (n  = 580; NCT00703534) completed the Reflux Symptom Questionnaire 7‐day recall (RESQ‐7) and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

Women had significantly higher RESQ‐7 domain scores than men for Heartburn (frequency: 4.3 vs 3.9; intensity: 3.1 vs 2.8), Burping (frequency: 4.9 vs 4.4; intensity: 3.1 vs 2.8) and Hoarseness, cough and difficulty swallowing (frequency: 2.6 vs 2.2; intensity: 1.8 vs 1.5), and had higher GSRS domain discomfort scores than men for Abdominal pain (3.51 vs 3.23), Indigestion (3.80 vs 3.45) and Constipation (2.69 vs 2.17) (all p  < 0.05). Anxiety and depression were significantly more prevalent in women than in men.

Conclusion

In this population of partial responders, women had more frequent/intense heartburn and extra‐oesophageal symptoms and more discomfort from abdominal pain, indigestion and constipation than men. Comorbid anxiety and depression may contribute to the increased symptom burden in women.
Effects of Apophenia on Multiple-Choice Exam Performance
Authors: Paul Stephen T. , Monda Samantha , Olausson S. Maria , Reed-Daley Brenna
Published: November 2014

There is a broad literature on the various issues related to effective exam construction applicable to both on-ground and online course delivery. These guidelines tend to support rather close contact between the instructor and the exam. However, to remain competitive, both textbook and course management providers have developed technologies to automate many aspects of exam construction. As test construction becomes automated, the possibility of inadvertently deviating from demonstrated or intuitive guidelines increases. Two experiments were conducted to examine the degree to which apophenia (perceiving patterns in random data) might negatively influence multiple-choice exam performance among college students. Experiment 1 indirectly demonstrated the extent to which certain answer patterns seemed to be tolerated among students (maximum of three repeated answers) in comparison with what might be expected from randomly generated exams from Blackboard. Experiment 2 directly examined the effects of answer patterns on exam performance. Participants’ performance declined as the underlying answer patterns became more obvious, and this effect appeared to be particularly strong for the upper level psychology students. The importance and implications of these findings with regard to automated test construction were discussed, and a recommendation is provided.
Rarity or Non-Existence of Phrasal Verbs in the Written Discourse of Omani Student-Teachers of English
Authors: Abdul Rahman Zuhair Abdul Amir , Abid Raith Zeher
Published: November 2014

This article mainly aims at examining the use of phrasal verbs in the written discourse of Omani student-teachers. The participants of the study composed of three groups: first-year student-teachers, fourth-year student-teachers, and a group of native speakers. Two production tests and one recognition test were presented to the participants to find out if they could produce and recognize phrasal verbs, especially idiomatic ones. The results of the study showed that phrasal verbs were rare or non-existent in Omani students’ writing. Hence, the researchers identified implications and provided recommendations through which Omani learners of English can be helped to use phrasal verbs efficiently in their communication.
Perceptions of Achieved Criteria for Adulthood Among Austrian, Slovene, and U.S. Students
Authors: Zupančič Maja , Friedlmeier Wolfgang , Puklek Levpušček Melita , Sirsch Ulrike , Bruckner-Feld Johanna , Horvat Martina
Published: November 2014

This study investigated perceptions of achieved criteria for adulthood (ACA) among emerging adult student samples from Austria ( n = 210), Slovenia ( n = 201), and the United States ( n = 225). Controlling for parental education, students’ age (18-27 years), and gender, we aimed to explain between- and within-sample differences in the ACA by taking the students’ living situation, intimate relationship status, and expectations about their future perspectives into account. The participants indicated the ACA on the questionnaire based on criteria for reaching adulthood used in studies of adulthood conceptions. The students also provided information about when they think they will start the first full-time career, get married, gain financial independence, and become a parent. The Europeans indicated less ACA than the Americans; 20% of the variance in the ACA was, along with the country effect, explained by the intimate relationship status and future perspectives.
Comparison of four arc welding processes used for aluminium alloy cladding
Authors: Benoit A. , Paillard P. , Baudin T. , Klosek V. , Mottin J.-B.
Published: November 2014

Metal inert gas (MIG), pulsed MIG, cold metal transfer MIG (CMT) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding processes were employed to produce clads. The cladding operations were analysed by an infrared thermal imaging technique and beads were characterised by X-ray radiography, neutron diffraction and microhardness mapping. Surprisingly, the CMT process produces the highest temperatures, but also the highest cooling rate. The MIG processes produce more residual stress and defect than TIG process.
Influence of austenitising temperature on kinetics of phase transformations in medium carbon TRIP steel
Authors: Kokosza A. , Pacyna J.
Published: November 2014

Comprehensive, dilatometric studies of the kinetic transformations of undercooled austenite in medium carbon TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) steel during cooling from the temperature range of 750–1030°C were carried out. Selection of austenitising temperatures was based on the knowledge of the critical temperatures. The influence of the austenitising temperature on the formation ranges of new phases and microstructural constituents during continuous cooling was determined. It was also shown that the annealing of the investigated steel at the lowest temperature resulted in the strongest lowering of Ms temperature as well as in the lowering hardenability. Based on the analysis of the stated relationships, modifications of the annealing, adapted to the investigated steel chemical composition, were proposed.
Grain growth and stabilisation of nanostructured aluminium at high temperatures: Review
Authors: Asgharzadeh H. , McQueen H. J.
Published: November 2014

Nanostructured (NS) materials have a large stored energy due to their large grain boundary area and thus tend to be unstable with respect to grain growth during high temperature annealing or deformation. This problem can limit the application of NS materials at high temperatures (>0·5 Tm, absolute melting temperature), especially Al alloys owing to their low melting points. Restoration processes and grain growth in NS Al based materials are critically reviewed, with emphasis on nanostructure grain stabilisation at high temperatures. The mechanisms of normal and abnormal grain growth during isothermal annealing are presented, followed by consideration of thermal stabilisation by the addition of solute atoms/impurities and/or dispersion of second phase particles. Grain growth is significantly facilitated by applying deformation at elevated temperatures during preparation or further processing of semifinished NS materials. The dynamic restoration processes, dynamic grain growth and dynamic particle coarsening are addressed in NS Al. Finally, grain growth during consolidation of nanocrystalline powders (one of the principal methods to fabricate bulk NS Al) is presented, and the effects of processing parameters on grain size stabilisation are discussed.
Controlling the morphological, structural, and optical properties of one-dimensional PCDTBT nanotubes by template wetting
Authors: Bakar Nor Asmaliza , Supangat Azzuliani , Sulaiman Khaulah
Published: November 2014

In this study, the synthesis of poly [N-9′-heptadecanyl-2, 7-carbazole-alt-5, 5-(4′, 7′-di-2-thienyl-2′, 1′, 3′-benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) nanotubes via a templating method is reported. PCDTBT nanotubes were successfully grown by immersing the porous alumina template into 15 mg/ml of solution concentration for 2- and 24-h periods and annealed at 50°C. Changes in morphological and optical properties between nanotubes of different infiltration times (2 and 24 h) as well as its thin films are observed. The longer infiltration time of 24 h produced nanotubes with enhanced morphological, structural, and optical properties. Nanotubes that are formed between 2 and 24 h of infiltration show enhancement in absorption, photoluminescence, and shift in Raman peak if compared to their thin films.
Counselling versus Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for persistent sub-threshold and mild Depression (CLICD): study protocol for a pilot/feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Freire Elizabeth , Morrison Jill , Williams Christopher , Cooper Mick , Elliott Robert , McConnachie Alex , Walker Andrew , Heard Deborah
Published: November 2014

Background

Persistent sub-threshold depressive symptoms are important because almost all patients who experience symptoms for more than 2 years go on to develop major depressive episodes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the United Kingdom recommends research into the efficacy of person centred counselling and low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy for persistent sub-threshold and mild depression.

Methods/design

A two-arm, parallel group, pilot randomised trial to test the key components of trial delivery. The participants will be 50 patients with the diagnosis of persistent sub-threshold depressive symptoms and mild depression, recruited at five general practices in Glasgow, Scotland. Eligible patients will be randomised to receive either Person-Centred Counselling (PCC) or Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LI-CBT). The primary outcome measures are recruitment, adherence and retention rates at six months from baseline. The secondary outcome measures are changes at 6 months on GRID-HAMD-17; recovery from, or prevention of, depression according to DSM-IV diagnosis at 6 months; changes at 6 months on the PHQ-9, WSAS, EQ5D, and SF12v2 MH Enhanced.

We will provide estimates, with adequate precision, to help design future studies, of the recruitment rate and the proportion followed-up at 6 months; and identify potential moderators of outcome.

Discussion

Evidence of comparative effectiveness of commonly used psychological treatments such as person-centred counselling and low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy is lacking in patients with sub-threshold and mild depression. This study will provide the information needed to construct a trial comparing these two treatments. This would help to inform early intervention treatment strategies for these conditions.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN Register ID: ISRCTN60972025
An unexpected alliance between stress responses to drive oncogenesis
Authors: Keenan Melissa M , Ding Chien-Kuang Cornelia , Chi Jen-Tsan
Published: November 2014

XBP1 is a well-characterized regulator of the unfolding protein response that is activated in response to unfolded or misfolded proteins or nutrient deprivation. The conventional wisdom is that XBP1 is activated to coordinate the unfolded protein response and promote cellular survival under stresses. A recent study provides intriguing evidence that, in triple-negative breast cancer, XBP1 plays a major role in promoting oncogenesis and cancer stem cell properties. Unexpectedly, XBP1 accomplishes this by recruiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and activating oncogenic transcriptional programs. This study reveals a surprising hierarchy and alliance between two stress regulators with distinct transcriptional outputs to promote an aggressive oncogenic state.
Higher Risk of Aggressive Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in MEN1 Patients With MEN1 Mutations Affecting the CHES1 Interacting MENIN Domain
Authors: Bartsch Detlef K. , Slater Emily P. , Albers Max , Knoop Richard , Chaloupka Brunhilde , Lopez Caroline L. , Fendrich Volker , Kann Peter H. , Waldmann Jens
Published: November 2014

Context:

Sixty to 80% of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients develop pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasias (pNENs), which reveal an aggressive behavior in 10%-20% of patients. Causative MEN1 mutations in the interacting domains of the encoded Menin protein directly alter its regulation abilities and may influence the phenotype.

Objective:

The objective of the study was the evaluation of an association between MEN1 mutations in different interacting domains of Menin and the phenotype of pNENs.

Design:

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of 71 genetically confirmed MEN1 patients at a tertiary referral center.

Main Outcome Measures:

Analysis of patients' characteristics and clinical phenotype of pNENs regarding the mutation type and its location in Menin interacting domains was measured.

Results:

Sixty-seven patients (93%) developed pNENs after a median follow-up of 134 months. Patients with mutations leading to loss of interaction (LOI) with the checkpoint kinase 1 (CHES1) interacting domain codons (428–610) compared with patients with mutations resulting in LOI with other domains (eg, JunD, Smad3) had significantly higher rates of functioning pNENs (70% vs 34%), malignant pNENs (59% vs 16%), and aggressive pNENs (37% vs 9%), respectively. Patients with CHES1-LOI also had an increased pNEN-related mortality (20% vs 4.5%). Neither gender, age, nor the ABO blood types were associated with the phenotype of pNENs.

Conclusions:

MEN1 patients with MEN1 mutations leading to CHES1-LOI have a higher risk of malignant pNENs with an aggressive course of disease and disease-related death.