bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and the We-Mode. A Cognitive Account of Plural First Persons
Authors: Bianchin Matteo
Published: April 2015

In this article, I argue that a capacity for mindreading conceived along the line of simulation theory provides the cognitive basis for forming we-centric representations of actions and goals. This explains the plural first personal stance displayed by we-intentions in terms of the underlying cognitive processes performed by individual minds, while preserving the idea that they cannot be analyzed in terms of individual intentional states. The implication for social ontology is that this makes sense of the plural subjectivity of joint actions without making group agents require either a corporate body or the unity of consciousness.
The Factorial Survey
Authors: Dülmer Hermann
Published: April 2015

The factorial survey is an experimental design consisting of varying situations (vignettes) that have to be judged by respondents. For more complex research questions, it quickly becomes impossible for an individual respondent to judge all vignettes. To overcome this problem, random designs are recommended most of the time, whereas quota designs are not discussed at all. First comparisons of random designs with fractional factorial and D-efficient designs are based on fictitious data, first comparisons with fractional factorial and confounded factorial designs are restricted to theoretical considerations. The aim of this contribution is to compare different designs regarding their reliability and their internal validity. The benchmark for the empirical comparison is established by the estimators from a parsimonious full factorial design, each answered by a sample of 132 students (real instead of fictitious data). Multilevel analyses confirm that, if they exist, balanced confounded factorial designs are ideal. A confounded D-efficient design, as proposed for the first time in this article, is also superior to simple random designs.
Reinforcement learning analysis for a minimum time balance problem
Authors: Tutsoy Onder , Brown Martin
Published: April 2015

Reinforcement learning was developed to solve complex learning control problems, where only a minimal amount of a priori knowledge exists about the system dynamics. It has also been used as a model of cognitive learning in humans and applied to systems, such as pole balancing and humanoid robots, to study embodied cognition. However, closed-form analysis of the value function learning based on a higher-order unstable test problem dynamics has been rarely considered. In this paper, firstly, a second-order, unstable balance test problem is used to investigate issues associated with the value function parameter convergence and rate of convergence. In particular, the convergence of the minimum time value function is analysed, where the minimum time optimal control policy is assumed known. It is shown that the temporal difference error introduces a null space associated with the experiment termination basis function during the simulation. As this effect occurs due to termination or any kind of switching in control signal, this null space appears in temporal differences (TD) error for more general higher-order systems. Secondly, the rate of parameter convergence is analysed and it is shown that residual gradient algorithm converges faster than TD(0) for this particular test problem. Thirdly, impact of the finite horizon on both the value function and control policy learning has been analysed in case of unknown control policy and added random exploration noise.
Building the Bridge From Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Care
Authors: Egan Eileen A. , Corrigan Jean , Shurpin Kathleen
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured transition program by measuring clinical and psychometric properties related to transition and adherence to follow-up. Transition of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes can be problematic. This natural progression to adult health care is often delayed, leading to transition at less than optimal times. Implementation of a transition program will improve the transition process for emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Mixed-method, prospective longitudinal study involving collaboration between pediatric and adult providers. Subjects age 18 to 28 years were identified for transition. Transition was facilitated via joint appointment with pediatric and adult health care providers. Participants completed pre- and posttransition surveys measuring diabetes-related distress (Diabetes Distress Scale [DDS]), quality of life (Diabetes Quality of Life Youth–Short Form [DQOLY-SF]), and perceived health care provider autonomy support (Health Care Climate Questionnaire [HCCQ]). Primary outcome was adherence to follow-up. Secondary outcomes evaluated correlations in DDS, DQOLY-SF, HCCQ, and A1C. Chart review assessed acute complications, A1C, and adherence to follow-up.

Results

Adherence to follow-up was 100%. This study found that correlations between DQOLY-SF and DDS and correlations between DDS and A1C were highly significant during the pretransition phase. This study also indicated that the same correlations were highly significant following transition. Paired t test indicated a statistically significant reduction in diabetes distress from pre- to posttransition evaluations and an increase in HCCQ. Content comparative analysis of open-ended questions further illustrated issues related to transition.

Conclusion

Use of a structured transition process with joint appointments and transition coordinator improves adherence to follow-up and reduces diabetes-related distress.
Laryngeal Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dutta Rahul , Husain Qasim , Kam David , Dubal Pariket M. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: April 2015

Objective

Papillary squamous cell carcinoma has emerged as a distinct entity from the more common keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The basis behind this distinction relates not only to its histologic variation but also to its overall prognosis and survival. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the incidence, demographics, and long‐term survival of laryngeal papillary squamous cell carcinoma (LPSCC) and how it relates to other laryngeal malignancies using a population‐based database.

Study Design

Analysis of a population‐based tumor registry.

Methods

The United States National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was used to perform a retrospective analysis. Patients diagnosed with LPSCC from 1973 to 2011 were identified. Data endpoints extracted included patient demographics, incidence, and survival.

Results

Three‐hundred seventy cases of LPSCC were identified, corresponding to 0.5% of all laryngeal tumors. There was a 3:1 male predilection, without a significant racial preference. Most tumors identified were localized (T1) and at stage 1. The 1‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) for LPSCC was 97.1%, 83.1%, and 73.9%, respectively, compared with 87.9%, 64.5%, and 50.5% for other laryngeal malignancies (P values <.0001). Surgery was associated with a higher overall DSS in both LPSCC (87.4% vs 78.8%) and other laryngeal malignancies (70% vs 59.4%) when compared with other treatment modalities.

Conclusion

This analysis of the largest sample of LPSCC demonstrates a better prognosis for this pathology compared with other laryngeal malignancies.
Oropharyngeal Contamination Predisposes to Complications after Neck Dissection
Authors: Jain Umang , Somerville Jessica , Saha Sujata , Hackett Nicholas James , Ver Halen Jon P. , Antony Anuja K. , Samant Sandeep
Published: April 2015

Objective

While neck dissection is important in the treatment of head and neck cancer, there is a paucity of studies evaluating outcomes. We sought to compare preoperative variables and outcomes between clean and contaminated neck dissections, using the 2006‐2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) data sets.

Study Design

Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database.

Setting

Multicenter (university hospitals; tertiary referral centers).

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review was performed of the NSQIP database to identify patients undergoing neck dissection in clean vs oropharyngeal contaminated cases. Clinical factors, comorbidities, epidemiologic factors, and procedural characteristics were analyzed to identify factors associated with 30‐day postoperative adverse events, including medical and surgical complications, unplanned reoperation, and mortality. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed for the outcome of one or more adverse events.

Results

In total, 8890 patients had clean neck dissections, while 572 patients had neck wound contamination with oropharyngeal flora. On multivariable regression analysis, oropharyngeal contamination was a significant risk factor for surgical complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96‐5.96;P<. 001). However, medical complications and mortality were not significantly different between the 2 cohorts. This finding persisted after subgroup analysis, with removal of all thyroidectomy patients from analysis (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.25‐4.36;P=. 008).

Conclusion

Using the ACS‐NSQIP data set, this study found an increased risk of surgical complications in the setting of contaminated neck dissections. These data should be used for patient risk stratification, informed consent, and to guide further research.
Robust Differences in p16‐Dependent Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Distant Metastasis
Authors: Jaber James J. , Murrill Lauren , Clark Joseph I. , Johnson Jonas T. , Feustel Paul J. , Mehta Vikas
Published: April 2015

Objective

Historically, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been earmarked a lymphatic malignancy. Recently, this has been called into question. Our study aims to (1) illustrate the robust differences in distant metastases between p16+ and p16– oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and (2) provide support that p16+ OPSCC has a predilection toward vasculature invasion and hematogenous spread.

Study Design

Multi‐institutional, case series with chart review.

Setting

Four academic institutions.

Subjects and Methods

Within a group of 1113 patients with primary OPSCC who received treatment between 1979 and 2013, those who developed distant metastasis (DM) were divided into 2 cohorts based on p16 status. Intergroup and intragroup univariate analysis was performed as well as descriptive analysis of end‐organ sites.

Results

Of the 1058 patients included, 89 developed DM. Thirty were p16– and 59 were p16+. Of the p16– patients with DM, only 10% had disseminated disease (distant metastases at ≥2 sites) compared with 74% of p16+ patients. Distant disease in p16+ patients included brain, abdomen, and a distinct pattern of pulmonary metastases.

Conclusion

Our large, multi‐institutional study supports published reports that p16+ OPSCC metastasizes with a unique phenotype that is hematogenous and widely disseminated with atypical end‐organ sites. Our data suggest that p16+ OPSCC has a predilection toward active vasculature invasion as evidenced by the results and illustrative radiologic and pathohistologic examples. These findings may have implications for future targeted therapy when treating p16+ OPSCC.
From employment to entrepreneurship and back: A legitimate boundaryless view or a bias-embedded mindset?
Authors: Marshall David R
Published: April 2015

This article explores entrepreneurial cognition theory and the boundaryless view of careers analyzing how a boundaryless view may be composed of several cognitive biases such as overconfidence, belief in the law of small numbers, and illusions of control focused on the ability to enter employment following entrepreneurial exit or failure. These biases reduce risk perceptions associated with the decision to start a venture; however, critical decision-making information may be missed by boundaryless biased individuals, such as negative attributions about former entrepreneurs made by recruitment managers.
Endovascular occlusion of primary major pelvic arteriovenous fistula using patent ductus arteriosus occluder
Authors: Xu L , Wu Z , Qu L , Burchell S
Published: April 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and safety of a patent ductus arteriosus occluder (PDAO) in the management of major abdominal arteriovenous fistula. A 56-year-old man was admitted into our hospital, presenting with impeded defecation and claudication. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was conducted upon admission, which revealed an aneurysm-like lesion, with the left internal iliac artery as its feeding artery. Super-selective embolization treatment was accomplished using a single PDAO. The results of the CTA at follow-up showed no recanalization of the lesion and that a PDAO was at the site. The patient had no pelvic ischemia complications.
Who frames the debate on the Arab uprisings? Analysis of Arabic, English, and French academic scholarship
Authors: AlMaghlouth Nada , Arvanitis Rigas , Cointet Jean-Philippe , Hanafi Sari
Published: April 2015

Since 2010, there has been a proliferation of literature (newspaper articles and scholarly publications) on the recent uprisings in some Arab countries. This article focuses on the way the academic articles have perceived the Arab uprisings and the ways in which we portray them in scientific discourse, taking into account the social forces that come into play in the production of knowledge. In line with Bruno Latour, this study analyzes (1) what knowledge on the Arab uprisings is made of; (2) who produces and who frames the debate (network of authors); (3) semiotic analysis; and (4) quantitative measures of ‘sociological markers,’ such as discipline, language, and institutional affiliation. The study is based on a database of around 519 articles (from Web of Science, Scopus, E-Marefa, Cairn) dealing with the Arab uprisings from January 2011 up to now.
Silent and Infertile
Authors: Ceballo Rosario , Graham Erin T. , Hart Jamie
Published: April 2015

To date, the preponderance of research on infertility in the United States has been conducted with affluent, White couples seeking advanced medical interventions. However, racial/ethnic minorities are equally, if not more, likely to experience infertility in the United States. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 50 African American women of different socioeconomic backgrounds, our study uses an intersectional framework to explore the experiences of African American women who cope with infertility. First, we found that experiencing infertility greatly impaired women’s sense of self and gender identity. Moreover, the imperative to be an African American mother was influenced by an interplay of gendered, racial, and religious mandates. Second, women’s relationships with friends and family members were characterized by a deep sense of silence and isolation; several explanations for this finding are proposed, including stereotypes about African American women’s sexuality. Third, interactions with medical professionals were influenced by women’s multiple social identities, with no single identity conferring an advantage in medical settings. Finally, we highlight several interventions, such as the dissemination of information featuring a greater range of African American women’s reproductive experiences, and we underscore the clinical importance of normalizing African American women’s experiences with infertility, thereby lessening women’s sense of shame and isolation.
An Analysis of Factors Related to Receipt of Accommodations and Services by Postsecondary Students With Disabilities
Authors: Newman Lynn A. , Madaus Joseph W.
Published: April 2015

A secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 examined the relationship between demographic, disability-related, secondary school preparation, and transition planning variables and receipt of accommodations and other disability-specific services at the postsecondary level for 2,470 postsecondary students with disabilities. The results indicated that secondary students who received transition planning education were more likely to receive accommodations and other disability-specific services in 2-year colleges and that those who had a transition plan that specified postsecondary accommodations and supports as a needed post–high school service were more likely to receive those types of services in 2-year colleges and in career and technical education schools. These findings suggest that secondary schools can influence the likelihood that students will seek out and receive postsecondary accommodations and other disability-specific services.
Peripheral Innervation in Children With Global Developmental Delay
Authors: Symons Frank J. , Tervo Raymond C. , Barney Chantel C. , Damerow John , Selim Mona , McAdams Brian , Foster Shawn , Crabb Gwen Wendelschafer , Kennedy William
Published: April 2015

The relation between somatosensory mechanisms and self-injury among children with neurologic impairments associated with developmental delay is not well understood. We evaluated the feasibility of procuring skin biopsies to examine epidermal nerve fiber density and reported self-injury. Following informed parental consent, epidermal skin biopsies were obtained from a distal leg site with no pre-existing skin damage from 11 children with global developmental delay (55% male; mean age = 36.8 months, 17-63 months). Visual microscopic examination and quantitative analyses showed extremely high epidermal nerve fiber density values for some children. Children with reported self-injury (5/11) had significantly ( P < .02) greater density values (138.8, standard deviation = 45.5) than children without self-injury (80.5, standard deviation = 17.5). Results from this novel immunohistologic analysis of skin in very young children with neurodevelopmental delays suggest it may be a useful tool to study peripheral innervation as a possible sensory risk factor for self-injury.
The Impact of Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence on Friends
Authors: Sigurvinsdottir Rannveig , Riger Stephanie , Ullman Sarah E.
Published: April 2015

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects people connected to survivors as well as survivors themselves. Despite this, we do not have measures assessing IPV’s impact on others. The Impact on Friends measure was developed to understand the impact of disclosure of sexual assault (SA) on friends of survivors. In the present study, the Impact on Friends measure was modified to apply to IPV and administered to two separate online samples. Exploratory factor analysis in one sample (U.S.-based participants) revealed a very similar factor structure to the original Impact on Friends measure, consisting of Emotional Distress, Validation, and Confusion. This factor solution was then applied to the next sample (mostly Indian participants), resulting in an adequate model fit. The Impact on Friends-IPV measure has adequate reliability. One of its factors, Emotional Distress, is related to increased depression and post-traumatic distress disorder symptoms of friends, but only in the U.S. sample. These findings suggest that even though the same dimensions have been found in both a U.S. and an Indian sample, how disclosure of IPV on friends relates to psychological symptoms may differ. This study suggest that there is at least some overlap in the experiences of friends of IPV and SA survivors, but that certain dimensions of the measure may have different relationships to other phenomena in different cultures.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Lifestyle-Related Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region: Comparative Study in Okinawa, Palau and Thailand
Authors: Kagawa Y , Dever GJ , Otto CTY , Charupoonphol P , Supannatas S , Yanagisawa Y , Sakuma M , Hasegawa K
Published: April 2015

Genetic differences between Asians and Caucasians may be involved in the rapid increase in lifestyle-related diseases in the Asia-Pacific region that has coincided with Westernisation of diets in the region. In the present study, we assessed correlation between 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and chronic disease risk factors in age-matched and population-based groups in four Asian-Pacific locations: Okinawa, Palau and Thailand (two areas). The following allelic SNP profiles significantly differed (p<0.01) among the four populations, in both men and women: uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), uncoupling protein 3 promoter (UCP3p), leptin receptor (LEPR) exon 6, and angiotensinogen (AGTa-20c). Multiple regression analyses showed significant associations between SNPs and clinical data. For men, these associations were between β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p<0.01), UCP3p and total cholesterol (p<0.01), UCP2 and age (p<0.05), and AGTa-20c and age (p<0.01). For women, these associations were between LEPR exon 14 and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05), UCP2 and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05), UCP3p and DBP (p<0.05), UCP2 and DBP (p<0.01), apolipoprotein E (Apo-E)nd total cholesterol (p<0.01), β3AR and triglyceride (p<0.05), AGTa-20c and triglyceride (p<0.05), and UCP2 and age (p<0.05). These results illustrate the interrelationships among SNPs and risk factors in the Asia-Pacific including China and Japan.
Ethnic Differences in the BMI-%BF Relationships between Young Japanese and Australian-Caucasian Males Living in Australia Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
Authors: Kagawa M , Kerr D , Binns C
Published: April 2015

The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used worldwide as an indicator of fatness. However, the universal cut-off points by the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification may not be appropriate for every ethnic group when consider the relationship with their actual total body fatness (%BF). The application of population-specific classifications to assess BMI may be more relevant to public health.

Ethnic differences in the BMI-%BF relationship between 45 Japanese and 42 Australian-Caucasian males were assessed using whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and anthropometry using a standard protocol.

Japanese males had significantly ( p<0.05) greater %BF at given BMI values than Australian males. When this is taken into account the newly proposed Asia-Pacific BMI classification of BMI >23 as overweight and >25 as obese may better assess the level of obesity that is associated increased health risks for this population. To clarify the current findings, further studies that compare the relationships across other Japanese populations are recommended.
Dealing with Obesity: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Pal S , Egger G , Wright G
Published: April 2015

Over half of all Australians are classified as overweight or obese and this is increasing by 1% of the population per year. Obesity is linked with a range of health ailments including type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and some cancers. At a population level it is well accepted that obesity is a result of the increasing use of modern technology, resulting in decreased energy expenditure, in combination with easily available high energy density foods, the “obesogenic environment”. In the modern environment, there are two major areas of management to assist the overweight and obese. Both include a change in lifestyle. Future strategies in weight management should include reduction in energy density and increase in daily physical activity.
Enacting Varieties of Subjectivity Through Practices of Care
Authors: Sakellariou Dikaios
Published: April 2015

People living with disability or chronic illness often use practices of care to construct a version of life they are satisfied with. Drawing from a narrative-based study with people living with motor neuron disease (MND), I show how one couple tried to be recognized as active agents in their life, although oscillating between positions of less and more power. Through an examination of the practices of care that the couple enacted, I illustrate how their positioning in relation to practices of care helped them create meaning in their life. In their efforts to create a way of living they were satisfied with, they engaged in negotiations between varieties of subjectivity. Their subjectivity was not static but was constructed as they shared power to carry out everyday self-care activities. The findings also underline the importance for health care practices of exploring the experiential knowledge of people living with MND.
Research and modeling of the tractor tire enveloping behavior
Authors: Stojić Boris , Poznanović Nenad , Poznić Aleksandar
Published: April 2015

Vibration characteristics are one of the most important criteria to assess performances of agricultural tractors. Since vibration excitation primarily arise from short wavelength ground unevenness, tire enveloping behaviour plays significant role in determining effective excitation transmitted to the tractor and human operator. In order to be able to influence tractor vibration behaviour in early stage of computer simulation based development, appropriate tire model is needed that is able to account for this phenomenon, characterized at the same time by high computational speed. In this work, two quasistatic enveloping models of the tractor tire were developed and compared to each other. Main purpose of quasistatic enveloping model is to pass effective excitation to the dynamic model of tire viscoelastic structure. For one of the models, novel approach that makes use of artificial neural network for empirical modelling is introduced. In the second case modelling approach is of physical nature, based on analytical description of the simplified tire structure represented by radially distributed springs. It was concluded that neural network based model fulfils requirements for use in vehicle dynamics simulations, due to high computational speed and satisfactory accuracy. Physically based model, due to low computational speed, is not appropriate for vehicle dynamics but can serve as auxiliary model to obtain broader set of empirical data for neural network model development, hence reducing laboratory work needed.
Balancing a wheeled inverted pendulum with a single accelerometer in the presence of time delay
Authors: Xu Qi , Stepan Gabor , Wang Zaihua
Published: April 2015

The output of an accelerometer often has coupled components of displacement and acceleration, and is rarely used individually for balancing tasks. In order to balance a wheeled inverted pendulum like the Segway, the conventional control usually requires gyroscopes or a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes. In this paper, we prove that even in the presence of time delay, a wheeled inverted pendulum can be well stabilized with only one accelerometer as the sensor when the mechanical structure is slightly modified. The key idea is the introduction of an additional damper that does not have a physical connection with the wheels. Moreover, we show that balancing can be achieved with an appropriately selected accelerometer position over a range of time delays.
Surgical Considerations in d-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Hermsen Joshua L. , Chen Jonathan M.
Published: April 2015

The surgical treatment for d-transposition has evolved dramatically since the inception of cardiac surgery in the 1950s. Today, the arterial switch operation is employed almost exclusively in the management of this disease unless significant left ventricular outflow obstruction is present. Surgical options for these patents are reviewed and an in-depth technical discussion of arterial switch for d-transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum follows.
Complicity Revisited
Authors: Sturges Keith M.
Published: April 2015

Drawing on a qualitative study of an educational reform and its external evaluation, I describe how a well-intentioned but poorly conceptualized evaluation helped perpetuate asymmetries in the generation and use of evaluation findings. This article explores this project’s failure to clarify evaluator roles, identify intended users and expected subjects, and generate formal agreements so that the evaluation could meet the information needs of its diverse stakeholder groups. I offer suggestions for minimizing evaluators’ contributions to the creation or maintenance of these kinds of asymmetries and, when these prove to be of limited avail, when to opt out of an evaluation project.
Politics is too important to be left to political scientists: A critique of the theory–policy nexus in International Relations
Authors: Zambernardi Lorenzo
Published: April 2015

Albeit fashionable in some academic circles, the idea that International Relations theory should influence practice is based on the problematic view that scholars allegedly have a privileged epistemological standpoint making them more qualified than laymen and decision-makers alike to understand how international politics works. The present article tries to show why this assumption is mistaken and suggests that the so-called theory–practice gap should not be bridged. The fact that International Relations theory should not directly influence policy does not mean, however, that students of international politics are of no political use. Their work can be justified not in terms of the direct application of their findings, but rather by virtue of its indirect and unintended consequences on policymaking. Relying on a liberal view of political knowledge, the article claims that the role of International Relations scholars is not to suggest to policymakers what action to take, but rather to prevent foreign policy being formulated in the absence of rival theoretical conclusions.
Election outcomes, legislative representation, and satisfaction with democracy
Authors: Blais André , Morin-Chassé Alexandre , Singh Shane P
Published: April 2015

This paper disentangles the relationship between election outcomes and satisfaction with democracy. As the first comparative study to employ a measure of satisfaction immediately before and after elections, we can be unusually confident that any changes we observe are attributable to election outcomes. Following previous work, we affirm that voting for parties that win more votes, more legislative seats, and more cabinet seats boosts satisfaction with democracy. In addition, we demonstrate for the first time that voters are sensitive to deficits in representation; satisfaction with democracy decreases when one’s party’s seat share falls short of its vote share.
Career intentions of Australian physical education teachers
Authors: Mäkelä Kasper , Whipp Peter R
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate Australian physical education (PE) teachers’ career intentions and factors influencing their intentions. A sample ( N = 234) of Western Australian PE teachers responded to a questionnaire determining PE teachers’ work and the primary motivators for intention to leave the profession. Half (51.3%) of the respondents wanted a change from their current PE teacher job and 39.8% were intending to leave PE teaching. The most frequent reasons for wanting to leave PE related to: non-use of expertise, workload, school administration, and lack of opportunities for personal and professional development. Consideration should be given to mediation strategies that serve to elevate physical educators’ needs satisfaction for teaching autonomy, competence and relatedness. Personal and professional advancement in schools to help maintain all teachers, particularly experienced teachers, appears warranted. PE teachers’ workload is considerable and worthy of review with the intention to extend their use-by-date and retain their experience-enriched expertise.
National identification as a function of perceived social control: A subjective group dynamics analysis
Authors: Pinto Isabel R. , Marques José M. , Paez Dario
Published: April 2015

Based on subjective group dynamics theory (SGDT; e.g., Marques, Paez, & Abrams, 1998), we examine the effects of a group’s ability to effectively control its deviant members on participants’ ingroup identification. In Studies 1 and 2 ( N = 79 and N = 173) participants were informed that the ingroup (vs. outgroup) dealt with deviant occurrences in an effective (vs. ineffective) way. As predicted, induced ingroup effectiveness generated higher ingroup identification, trust in the ingroup’s social control system, and more positive emotional climate, whereas induced ingroup ineffectiveness generated more negative emotional climate or anomie and weaker ingroup identification as compared to outgroup conditions. In Study 3 ( N = 115), perceived ingroup effectiveness predicted ingroup identification, via emotional climate, ingroup anomie, confidence in the group’s social control system, and ingroup emotions. We discuss the results in light of SGDT and the role of perceived ingroup social control in promoting ingroup identification.
Prosperity and peace: Economic interests and war legacy in Croatia’s EU referendum vote
Authors: Glaurdić Josip , Vuković Vuk
Published: April 2015

Studies of popular attitudes toward European integration have paid limited attention to the historical roots of voters’ security preferences. Using an original municipality-level data set, we test whether the pattern of voting in Croatia’s 2012 referendum on European Union accession was affected by the legacy of the country’s 1991–1995 war for independence or rather by economic factors. While finding evidence for the impact of the communities’ level of prosperity and structure of economy, our analysis more notably demonstrates that the intensity of the communities’ experience of war had a positive effect on their level of support for European Union membership. This effect also had a strong interactive relationship with the communities’ political allegiances, highlighting the importance not only of historically rooted security issues but also of political actors who make those issues electorally salient.
Effects of a 15-Month Supervised Exercise Program on Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients Following Prostatectomy
Authors: Zopf Eva M. , Bloch Wilhelm , Machtens Stefan , Zumbé Jürgen , Rübben Herbert , Marschner Stefan , Kleinhorst Christian , Schulte-Frei Birgit , Herich Lena , Felsch Moritz , Predel Hans-Georg , Braun Moritz , Baumann Freerk T.
Published: April 2015

Purpose. Despite advanced medical treatment options, many prostate cancer patients are still confronted with unfavorable physical and psychological burdens. Physical exercise has proven to be beneficial for prostate cancer patients, yet specific exercise offers are rare. The ProRehab Study aimed to evaluate the exercise program offered in rehabilitative prostate cancer sports groups in Germany and determine whether it is beneficial for patients following prostatectomy. Methods. Eighty-five prostate cancer patients were recruited for a multicenter, 2-armed, nonrandomized controlled trial 6 to 12 weeks after prostatectomy. The intervention group (n = 56) took part in a 15-month supervised multimodal exercise program. Exercise sessions took place once a week for 60 minutes at a moderate intensity (3.84-4.84 MET-hour). The control group (n = 29) received no intervention. Outcomes included aerobic fitness, activity levels, quality of life, disease- and treatment-related adverse effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, and relapse-relevant blood values. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results. A significant between-group difference was observed in the urinary symptom score ( P = .027). Physical fitness, urinary incontinence, physical, role, emotional, and social functioning, as well as further disease- and treatment-related side effects (dyspnea, urinary, and bowel symptoms) significantly improved within the intervention group. Erectile dysfunction and physical activity levels improved similarly in both groups. Conclusions. The presented data hint at the potential of rehabilitative sports groups for prostate cancer patients. However, according to the current state of the art, exercise intensity and volume may need to be increased to enhance the effects. A number of shorter studies (8-24 weeks) have proven significant between-group differences in quality of life, incontinence, and fitness outcomes when patients exercised 2 to 3 times per week. This is the first exercise intervention study with prostate cancer patients that was conducted over 15 months. Further studies are necessary to investigate whether prostate cancer patients recover sooner when receiving a supervised exercise program.
Mapping Metroid
Authors: Arnott Luke
Published: April 2015

Metroid: Other M, the latest game in the Metroid series, was heavily criticized for the contradictory portrayal of its avatar protagonist, Samus Aran. This article analyzes these critiques within the 25-year history of the Metroid series, noting intersections with literary theory, cognitive science, geography, and cinema. “Mapping Metroid” argues that player dissatisfaction is a result of Other M’s inconsistency in balancing gameplay constraints with player agency, and the game’s failure at “imperative” storytelling. The maps in Other M and its predecessors are treated in depth, since the relationship between cartographic and gameworld spaces must be “read” dynamically by players to progress; these maps reflect the affordances of each game, and how those affordances contribute to player enjoyment or frustration. The article concludes with the suggestion that paying attention to signifying spaces may help design better games and help situate video games within a wider discussion of theories of postmodern subjectivity.
Active brazing filler metal on SiC particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Wang P. , Xu D. X. , Cheng D. F. , Li Q. , Niu J. T.
Published: April 2015

The joints of aluminium matrix composites with high SiC particle content were achieved by vacuum brazing with Al–12Si–1·5Mg–4Ti foil as active filler. The effect of Ni coating and Ti on the wetting behaviour of filler metal on the composite was investigated. Owing to the presence of Ni coating, the wettability of liquid filler metal on the composite was enhanced obviously, and Ti(AlSi)3 intermetallic is in situ strengthening phase in the seam. Sound joints with well appearance were obtained, and the optimised shear strength of the joint reached 109.3 MPa. Capable welding parameters were broadened by the presence of Ni coating and Al–12Si–1.5Mg–4Ti foil as filler for brazing of aluminium matrix composites with high SiC particle content.
Fixed point theorems in locally convex algebras and applications to nonlinear integral equations
Authors: Khanh Hung Le
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we give a fixed point theorem in locally convex algebras and present applications to the existence problem for a class of nonlinear integral equations with unbounded deviations.
Validation of Kidney Transplantation Using Administrative Data
Authors: Lam Ngan N , McArthur Eric , Kim S Joseph , Knoll Gregory A
Published: April 2015

Background:

Administrative data are increasingly being used to assess outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

Objective:

To assess the validity of transplant data in healthcare administrative databases compared to the reference standard of information collected directly from transplant centres.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

One of three major transplant centres in Ontario (Toronto General Hospital, University Hospital – London, and Ottawa Hospital).

Patients:

Recipients who received a kidney-only transplant between 2008 and 2011.

Measurements:

For each data source, we identified kidney transplants performed. We calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of the administrative data for the reference standard data.

Methods:

The data collected from transplant centres were compared with data from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register (CORR) database, a hospital procedural code from the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database (CIHI-DAD), and provincial physician billing claims from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) database.

Results:

During the study period, the three centres reported a total of 1112 kidney transplants performed. The probability of identifying kidney transplant recipients in CORR, CIHI, and OHIP, given they were identified by the transplant centres (sensitivity), was 96%, 98%, and 98% respectively. The probability that the database code correctly identified a transplant recipient (positive predictive value) in CORR, CIHI, and OHIP was 98%, 98%, and 96% respectively.

Limitations:

We validated the information from 2008 to 2011 and cannot attest to the reliability of the data beyond the study period. Specifically, we would not regard this as evidence that applies to the earlier years, shortly after the inception of the databases. Secondly, we were unable to distinguish between first and repeat transplantation.

Conclusions:

Codes in CORR, CIHI, and OHIP each operate well in the detection of kidney transplant recipients. These data sources can be used to efficiently identify and follow kidney transplant recipients for post-transplant outcomes.
The inhibitory effect of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) on formation of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Zabieglo Katarzyna , Majewski Pawel , Majchrzak-Gorecka Monika , Wlodarczyk Agnieszka , Grygier Beata , Zegar Aneta , Kapinska-Mrowiecka Monika , Naskalska Antonina , Pyrc Krzysztof , Dubin Adam , Wahl Sharon M , Cichy Joanna
Published: April 2015

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), web-like DNA structures, provide efficient means of eliminating invading microorganisms but can also present a potential threat to its host because it is a likely source of autoantigens or by promoting bystander tissue damage. Therefore, it is important to identify mechanisms that inhibit NET formation. Neutrophil elastase (NE)-dependent chromatin decondensation is a key event in the release of NETs release. We hypothesized that inhibitors of NE, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI), has a role in restricting NET generation. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous human SLPI, but not α1-PI markedly inhibited NET formation in human neutrophils. The ability of exogenous SLPI to attenuate NET formation correlated with an inhibition of a core histone, histone 4 (H4), cleavage, and partial dependence on SLPI-inhibitory activity against NE. Moreover, neutrophils from SLPI−/− mice were more efficient at generating NETs than were neutrophils from wild-type mice in vitro, and in experimental psoriasis in vivo. Finally, endogenous SLPI colocalized with NE in the nucleus of human neutrophils in vitro, as well as in vivo in inflamed skin of patients with psoriasis. Together, these findings support a controlling role for SLPI in NET generation, which is of potential relevance to infectious and autoinflammatory diseases.
Tuning of flat spots with overlying bright spots, dim spots, and polarity reversals
Authors: Guo Qiang , Islam Nayyer , Pennington Wayne D.
Published: April 2015

Reflection seismic data from block F3 in the Dutch North Sea exhibit many large-amplitude reflections at shallow horizons typically categorized as bright spots. In most cases, these bright reflections show a significant “flatness” that contrasts with local structural trends. Although flat spots in thick reservoirs are often easily identified, others within thin beds or near reservoir edges can be difficult to identify and are poorly understood. Many of the shallow large-amplitude reflections in this block are dominated by flat spots. We investigated the tuning effects that such flat spots cause as they interacted with reflections from the top of the reservoir. We first studied the zero-offset “wedge-model” tuning effects of the flat spot with overlying bright spots, dim spots, or polarity reversals. We then expanded that model to examine prestack tuning effects, as well as the results from inclusion of postcritical flat spot reflections in the final stack. We observed that under certain conditions, the reflections could appear to be somewhat flattened bright spots; those conditions might be met frequently in practice, and they should be considered in routine interpretation. In the North Sea case, we concluded that this tuning effect was the primary cause of the brightness and flatness of these reflections.
Effect of Low-Intensity Physical Activity and Moderate- to High-Intensity Physical Exercise During Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Physical Fitness, Fatigue, and Chemotherapy Completion Rates: Results of the PACES Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: van Waart Hanna , Stuiver Martijn M. , van Harten Wim H. , Geleijn Edwin , Kieffer Jacobien M. , Buffart Laurien M. , de Maaker-Berkhof Marianne , Boven Epie , Schrama Jolanda , Geenen Maud M. , Meerum Terwogt Jetske M. , van Bochove Aart , Lustig Vera , van den Heiligenberg Simone M. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , Hellendoorn-van Vreeswijk Jeannette A.J.H. , Sonke Gabe S. , Aaronson Neil K.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

We evaluated the effectiveness of a low-intensity, home-based physical activity program (Onco-Move) and a moderate- to high-intensity, combined supervised resistance and aerobic exercise program (OnTrack) versus usual care (UC) in maintaining or enhancing physical fitness, minimizing fatigue, enhancing health-related quality of life, and optimizing chemotherapy completion rates in patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

We randomly assigned patients who were scheduled to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 230) to Onco-Move, OnTrack, or UC. Performance-based and self-reported outcomes were assessed before random assignment, at the end of chemotherapy, and at the 6-month follow-up. We used generalized estimating equations to compare the groups over time.

Results

Onco-Move and OnTrack resulted in less decline in cardiorespiratory fitness (P < .001), better physical functioning (P ≤ .001), less nausea and vomiting (P = .029 and .031, respectively) and less pain (P = .003 and .011, respectively) compared with UC. OnTrack also resulted in better outcomes for muscle strength (P = .002) and physical fatigue (P < .001). At the 6-month follow-up, most outcomes returned to baseline levels for all three groups. A smaller percentage of participants in OnTrack required chemotherapy dose adjustments than those in the UC or Onco-Move groups (P = .002). Both intervention groups returned earlier (P = .012), as well as for more hours per week (P = .014), to work than the control group.

Conclusion

A supervised, moderate- to high-intensity, combined resistance and aerobic exercise program is most effective for patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. A home-based, low-intensity physical activity program represents a viable alternative for women who are unable or unwilling to follow the higher intensity program.