bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food price volatilities and civilian victimization in Africa
Authors: Rezaeedaryakenari Babak , Landis Steven T. , Thies Cameron G.
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the impact of food insecurity on civilian–rebel interactions. We argue that food price volatilities affect the incentives of insurgent groups and their subsequent treatment of civilians. The hypotheses developed in this study are empirically evaluated across a battery of statistical models using monthly data from a sample of 112 first administrative districts in sub-Saharan Africa. The results show that increases in food insecurity substantially raise the likelihood of insurgent groups committing violence against civilians and that districts with a higher proportion of agricultural land are at greatest risk of civilian victimization by rebel groups during these episodes of food insecurity. The implications of this analysis suggest that the human impact of food insecurity does not simply relate to nutrition and questions of governance. Food price volatilities also incentivize the use of violence against civilians by non-state actors, which is a pertinent concern of human rights organizations and policymakers.
Salesforce Control Systems: A Review of Its Consequences Across Continents
Authors: Fatima Zoha
Published: October 2017

Over the past 30 years, researchers from all over the world have studied the phenomenon of salesforce control systems. They have analyzed the impact of salesforce control system on different salesperson and organizational variables. As the selling environment is changing, it is important to know what importance salesforce control system holds in different parts of the world. Taking this into account, this study attempts to review the literature on salesforce control systems across continents such as America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. The findings from the review suggested that neither the consequences of salesforce control system nor the superiority of one control system over another differed with regard to the place where the study has been conducted.
Processing and characterization of UHMWPE composite fibres with alumina particles in poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) matrix
Authors: Zec Jelena , Tomić Nataša , Zrilić Milorad , Marković Smilja , Stojanović Dušica , Jančić-Heinemann Radmila
Published: October 2017

Processing of hybrid composites represents a challenge for engineers where the aim is to establish compatibility among several materials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different sizes and morphologies of alumina fillers on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite fibres based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibres (UHMWPE). These fibres have an outstanding elastic modulus and they are compatible with nonpolar sequences of the poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) matrix. Compared to the fibres, inferior mechanical properties of the matrix can be improved using alumina particles. Commercial aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles, commercial whiskers and synthesized particles of Al2O3 doped with iron oxide, incorporated in different weight percentages, were used as fillers. The UHMWPE fibres were impregnated using the solution of EVA in toluene with dispersed particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope were used for structural examination. Tensile testing revealed increasing of modulus of elasticity and strengths of obtained hybrid composite fibres. Thermal gravimetry showed improved thermal stability up to 350°C of the hybrid composite fibres with alumina particles doped with iron oxide. Results of tested samples showed that the best mechanical properties were for hybrid composite fibres with 1 wt% of iron doped alumina filler.
Generalised analysis of compensating balancing sleeves with experimental results from a scaled industrial turbine coupling shaft
Authors: Knowles Grahame , Kirk Antony , Bingham Chris , Bickerton Ron
Published: October 2017

The paper furthers the analysis of a recently proposed balancing methodology for high-speed, flexible shafts. This mechanism imparts corrective balancing moments, having the effect of simulating the fixing moments of equivalent double or single encastre mounted shafts. This is shown to theoretically eliminate/nullify the first lateral critical speed, and thereby facilitate safe operation with reduced lateral critical speed margins. The paper extends previously reported research to encompass a more generalised case of multiple, concentrated, residual imbalances, thereby facilitating analysis of any imbalance distribution along the shaft. Solutions provide greater insight of the behaviour of the balancing sleeve concept, and the beneficial implications for engineering design. Specifically, (1) a series of concentrated imbalances can be regarded as an equivalent level of uniform eccentricity, and balance sleeve compensation is equally applicable to a generalised unbalanced distribution, (2) compensation depends on the sum of the applied balancing sleeve moments and can therefore be achieved using a single balancing sleeve (thereby simulating a single encastre shaft), (3) compensation of the second critical speed, and to a lesser extent higher orders, is possible by use of two balancing sleeves, positioned at shaft ends, (4) the concept facilitates on-site commissioning of trim balance, which requires a means of adjustment at only one end of the shaft, (5) the Reaction Ratio, RR, (simply supported/encastre), is independent of residual eccentricity, so that the implied benefits resulting from the ratio (possible reductions in the equivalent level of eccentricity) are additional to any balancing procedures undertaken prior to encastre simulation. Analysis shows that equivalent reductions in the order of 1/25th, are possible. Experimental measurements from a scaled model of a typical drive coupling employed on an industrial gas turbine package, loaded asymmetrically with a concentrated point of imbalance, are used to support the analysis and conclusions.
Fractional differentiation-based observability analysis method for nonlinear X-ray pulsar navigation system
Authors: Liu Jin , Fang Jian-cheng , Liu Gang , Wu Jin
Published: October 2017

In the traditional observability analysis methods, only current and a few historical measurement values are considered. For the linear systems, the satisfactory analysis results can be obtained. However, for the nonlinear systems, the analysis results are not completely in accordance with the navigation errors since the high-order nonlinearity of the navigation system is not embodied on the observability matrix. In order to solve this problem, a fractional differentiation-based observability analysis method is developed. Considering the fact that the fractional differentiation with respect to time is characterized by long-term memory effects, the fractional derivative of the measurement model with respect to time is considered. By this means, more historical measurement data can be exploited. And then the fractional differentiation-based observability matrix, which reflects the high-order nonlinearity of the navigation system, is constructed. Finally, as the condition number is not directly proportional to the positioning error, to evaluate the navigation performance, the exponent weighted condition number is developed, where small condition numbers have large weight. The simulation results demonstrate that the fractional differentiation-based observability analysis method is sensitive to the orbital elements in the nonlinear X-ray pulsar navigation system, and has small calculation load. In addition, compared to the traditional observability analysis methods, it is observed that its analysis result matches well with the X-ray pulsar navigation performance.
Feeling stories: A Bakhtinian reading of metaphor in the practice of reflexive narrative analysis
Authors: Soennichsen Susan , Morgan Mandy
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to contribute to the critical psychological literature on a narrative psychological approach to emotion, particularly with regard to the ways in which critically reflective and metaphorically rich writing enhances our theoretical conceptualization of culturally constituted emotional experiences. We engage the concepts of sjuzet and fabula, initially introduced to the study of literature by the Russian formalists, and later extended by Mikhail Bakhtin, to consider how political dimensions of literary practices in cultural context strengthen reflexive narrative analysis. To illustrate our arguments, we provide analysis of passages from an article by Theodore Sarbin, working with an interpretation of sjuzet and fabula from a Bakhtinian theoretical perspective.
Book Review: Joop de Wit, Urban Poverty, Local Governance and Everyday Politics in Mumbai
Authors: Maitra Shipra
Published: October 2017

Joop de Wit, Urban Poverty, Local Governance and Everyday Politics in Mumbai. New Delhi: Routledge, ₹795, 320 pp.
Compilation of Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents
Authors: Ritschel W. A.
Published: October 2017

After defining the drug class of β-adrenergic blocking agents, general aspects for clinical use of β-blockers are discussed, namely absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, correlation between clinical response and drug disposition, drug interactions, and influence of disease on drug response and disposition. Pharmacokinetic data for the following β-blockers were retrieved from the literature: acebutolol, alprenolol, atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol oxprenolol, penbutolol, pindolol, practolol, propranolol sotalol, talinolol, timolol, and tolamalol. Those pharmacokinetic parameters which were not listed in the original literature were calculated. The use of pharmacokinetic parameters of β-blockers for clinical application is discussed.
Amoxapine Neurotoxicity: A Case Report with Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Browne8 Jerry L. , Tsuang Ming T. , Perry Paul J.
Published: October 2017

A case of amoxapine (Asendin) overdose, in a 24-year-old female, is presented. The manifestations of amoxapine ingestion in this case are dissimilar to those of previously described tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdoses, and to those previously described for amoxapine.

The signs and symptoms of TCA toxicity are discussed and contrasted with observations of this case. Impressions from this case indicate that amoxapine and other dibenzoxazepine derivatives possess a significantly different and greater toxic potential than other TCA agents.
Labetalol (Trandate, Glaxo Inc.; Normodyne, Schering Corp.)
Authors: Carter Barry L.
Published: October 2017

Labetalol is a competitive antagonist of α1-, β1-, and β2-adrenergic receptors. The hemodynamic effects of the drug include reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral resistance, with little change in resting cardiac output or stroke volume. In open trials and controlled studies, labetalol was an effective antihypertensive. Labetalol compared favorably with β-blockers alone or in combination with vasodilators, for the treatment of hypertension. Reductions in heart rate are less pronounced with labetalol as compared with propranolol. Labetalol produces rapid reductions in blood pressure when administered intravenously for severe hypertension. The most frequent adverse reactions to the drug include fatigue, postural symptoms, headache, and gastrointestinal complaints. Labetalol may prove advantageous when vasodilation in addition to β-blockade is desired, or for selected patients experiencing adverse effects attributable to β-blockade. Until the clinical profile of labetalol is better defined, the use of the drug should be limited.
Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity: A Summary of Preventative Interventions
Authors: Finley Rebecca S. , Fortner Clarence L. , Grove William R.
Published: October 2017

Nephrotoxicity is usually the dose-limiting toxicity associated with cisplatin therapy. Frequently the nephrotoxicity is mild and reversible. However, it is both dose-related and cumulative and may become life-threatening and irreversible at higher dosages. Many interventions such as vigorous hydration, osmotic or loop diuretics, and alterations of infusion times have been evaluated in the hope of ameliorating this serious toxicity, and are summarized. More recently, hypertonic NaCl 0.9% has been reported to decrease the incidence of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. In addition, newer platinum analogs are currently undergoing clinical trials to ascertain if they retain the antitumor properties of cisplatin but produce less toxicity.
The Management of Preterm Labor with the Calcium Channel-Blocking Agent Nifedipine Combined with the β-Mimetic Terbutaline
Authors: Kaul Alan F. , Osathanondh Rapin , Safon Leonard E. , Frigoletto Fredric D. , Friedman Paul A.
Published: October 2017

We describe a successful, prolonged, inhibition of preterm labor using nifedipine combined with terbutaline in a patient undergoing complicated obstetrical problems. Delivery was delayed for two months and no significant ill effects were observed in the mother or her infant. This case reports the longest duration and the safe use of nifedipine for tocolysis, to date. A review of reports of the use of calcium channel-blockers in preterm labor is also presented.
Methotrexate Blood Level Monitoring
Authors: Remington Helen St.C. , Bailey Clifford C.
Published: October 2017

Methotrexate toxicity can be avoided following high-dose therapy if certain management procedures are adhered to. These include careful fluid balance management and therapeutic drug level monitoring. A case is reported of an episode of methotrexate toxicity resulting from a fluid balance problem.
Emergence of Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria: A Risk of Broad-Spectrum Beta-Lactam Use
Authors: Dworzack David L.
Published: October 2017

A number of new β-lactam antibiotics have been developed to overcome bacterial resistance to older agents. Such resistance usually is caused by plasmid-mediated, constituently produced β-lactamases. Second- and third-generation cephalosporins, ureidopenicillins, acylamino penicillins, and monobactams generally are resistant to hydrolysis by these enzymes. However, inducible β-lactamases may confer resistance to these antibiotics. This induction may occur spontaneously or in response to cefoxitin or other β-lactam agents. The mechanisms by which inducible enzymes produce this resistance are reviewed and implications for the prophylactic and therapeutic use of newer β-lactams are considered.
Intramuscular Tobramycin Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Mayer Philip R. , Brown Charles H. , Carter Rodney A. , Welty Timothy E. , Millikan Mark D. , Eberhard Nancy K.
Published: October 2017

Twelve elderly institutionalized patients (mean age of 81 years) received intramuscular injections of tobramycin for infections at regular dosage intervals. The subjects had stable renal function but had limited mobility. Periodic blood specimens were collected for eight hours and analyzed for tobramycin by an immunofluorescence technique. The procedure was repeated in each patient one day later to detect day-to-day variability in the absorption kinetics. The absorption of tobramycin occurred primarily within two hours, although peak concentrations in some patients were indicative of a sustained plateau and exhibited intrapatient variability from one dose to the next. The time to peak and slowly declining concentrations suggest that the absorption process is extended in this population as compared to younger adults. Our data suggest that peak tobramycin concentrations following intramuscular injections to geriatric patients may be slightly delayed, though the extent of absorption appears to be consistent.
Vancomycin-Induced Neutropenia during Treatment of Osteomyelitis in an Outpatient
Authors: Henry Keith , Steinberg Irving , Crossley Kent B.
Published: October 2017

A case of vancomycin-associated neutropenia occurring during long-term outpatient therapy with vancomycin is described. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the patient's vancomycin serum levels were within an acceptable range during treatment. Eighteen other reported cases of vancomycin-associated leukopenia are discussed in brief. An immunologic mechanism has been proposed but a clear understanding is lacking. Patients receiving long-term vancomycin therapy should have their white blood cell counts periodically monitored.
Evaluation of a Computerized Reminder System in the Enhancement of Patient Medication Refill Compliance
Authors: Simkins Candace V. , Wenzloff Nancy J.
Published: October 2017

This study evaluated the use of a computerized patient profile combined with a reminder system to increase refill compliance of patients on cardiovascular medications. There were 311 patients randomly assigned into one of three groups. Patients in group 1 were monitored for refill compliance only. Group 2 patients received a postcard reminder; group 3 patients received a telephone call reminder. Refill compliance was monitored via the computerized patient profile system for a period of three months. Data collection included refill compliance, reasons for noncompliance, and the number of prescription medications for each patient.

There was a significant difference between the overall mean rate of compliance between the control and intervention groups. An increase in refill compliance for all groups occurred over three months. There was no significant difference in compliance between the treatment groups.

Overall, the medication reminder system appeared to be effective; however, modifications in the system should be pursued.
Responsibility in Academic Writing: A Dialogue of the Dead
Authors: Smissaert Chris , Jalonen Kari
Published: October 2017

Drawing on the notion of answerability introduced by Mikhail Bakhtin, this article inquires into our moral responsibility as academic writers to others for what and how we write. According to Bakhtin, it is a difficult task to be answerable from one’s unique place in being and it is tempting to seek some sort of alibi, be it a theoretical principle, an aesthetic ideal, or a larger whole, and to play the roles therein. To break away from these domains, in search of some sort of ethical authorship, we engage in a Menippean dialogue. Exploring responsibility in such a satirical dialogue creates an awareness of the roles we easily hide behind, draws attention to what these roles might do to our writing, and enables us to try out other roles as we allow ourselves to not be so deadly serious in our writing.
Alcohol-Related Victim Behavior and Rape Myth Acceptance as Predictors of Victim Blame in Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Romero-Sánchez Mónica , Krahé Barbara , Moya Miguel , Megías Jesús L.
Published: October 2017

Two studies analyzed the influence of victim behavior, drink type, and observer rape myth acceptance (RMA) on attributions of blame to victims of sexual assault. In Study 1, people higher in RMA blamed the victim more when she accepted rather than rejected the aggressor’s invitation to buy her a drink. In Study 2, we analyzed if the effects depended on who offered the invitation for a drink (a friend or aggressor). RMA was more closely related to victim blame when she accepted (vs. rejected) the offer of a drink from the aggressor. In both studies, drink type (alcoholic vs. nonalcoholic) did not interact with the other variables.
The Rise of the Crime Victim and Punitive Policies? Changes to the Legal Regulation of Intimate Partner Violence in Finland
Authors: Kotanen Riikka
Published: October 2017

This article examines intimate partnership violence as a question of criminal justice policy in Finland, and contributes to criminological discussions regarding oft-stated connections between the politicization of the victim, the treatment of offenders, and repressive criminal justice policies. In this discussion, legislation aiming to regulate and prevent violence against women has often been utilized as an example of such punitive policies. Although criminal policies in Nordic countries differ significantly from more punitive Anglophone policies, punitive tendencies, it has been argued, have increased in the former, too. This article analyzes the change in legal regulations and the criminal political status of intimate partner violence in Finland between 1990 and 2004, while examining the juxtaposition of victims and offenders alongside repressive demands.
Analysis of nonlinear thermal dynamic responses of sandwich functionally graded cylindrical shells containing fluid
Authors: Khuc Phu Van , Dao Bich Huy , Le Doan Xuan
Published: October 2017

Based on the classical shell theory, taking into account the nonlinear geometry of von Karman-Donnell, this article deals with the nonlinear dynamic analysis of Functionally Graded Material (Sandwich-FGM) cylindrical shells containing fluid under mechanical and thermal loads. By using the Galerkin method, the nonlinear dynamic equation is transformed into nonlinear differential equation in terms of time. The investigation of nonlinear dynamic response of sandwich-FGM cylindrical shells containing fluid is established. Numerical results show effect of temperature, fluid, geometric parameters of structure and material parameters (coefficient k) on the dynamic response of structure.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients Treated in a Complementary Medicine Clinic
Authors: Weil Nirit , Friger Michael , Press Yan , Tal Dror , Soffer Tammy , Peleg Roni
Published: October 2017

Background

Hypertension is a major health problem with serious medical and financial consequences. Experimental studies in animals and clinical studies in humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce blood pressure significantly in hypertensive patients. The objective was to assess the effect of acupuncture on blood pressure in hypertensive patients treated at a complementary medicine clinic.

Methods

Blood pressure values measured before and following acupuncture were recorded from the charts of hypertensive patients who came to the clinic for treatment of other problems. The therapy used was the Kiiko Matsumoto technique for blood pressure imbalance.

Results

Twenty-nine patients were studied (18 [62%] women). The mean age was 58.5 ± 16.3 years. Systolic blood pressure dropped significantly as a result of the treatment and there was a non-significant trend to reduced diastolic pressure. Weekly acupuncture therapy led to a continuous reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

Acupuncture has a beneficial effect on hypertension, particularly on systolic pressure. Further studies with larger study groups for longer periods of time can confirm this observation and contribute to our understanding of combination therapy with acupuncture and conventional medications for hypertension.
The Pedagogy of the UniPollWatch Pop-up Journalism Project
Authors: Davies Kayt , Dodd Andrew , Kremmer Christopher , Heekeren Margaret Van
Published: October 2017

The journalism schools at 28 Australian universities joined forces to provide coverage of the 2016 federal election. The UniPollWatch (UPW) 2016 project was the biggest collaborative university journalism project ever undertaken in Australia. UPW reflects several trends in journalism education. It exemplifies teamwork and embodies the most authentic aspects of experiential learning and industry engagement. In so doing, it boldly asserts that the academy and journalism schools can—and should—provide high quality reportage for the benefit of general audiences. While UPW first set out to provide a ‘teaching hospital’ style venue for real world publication of student work, its pop-up online nature imbued it with potential to meet the aims of more recent best practice models of journalism education. The participating universities were free to decide how they engaged their students with the project, what content they wanted to create for it and how they wanted to prepare and debrief their students. Some offered it as a voluntary extra-curricular activity, while others embedded it in courses and made the work compulsory and assessed, some used it as a minor assessment and others dedicated whole units to it. This article details the variety of teaching methods employed by the different participating universities, using a framework of the pedagogical models applied to contemporary journalism education.
Focus on language versus content in the pre-task: Effects of guided peer-video model observations on task performance
Authors: Van de Guchte Marrit , Rijlaarsdam Gert , Braaksma Martine , Bimmel Peter
Published: October 2017

The present experimental study examined whether a different focus during a pre-task planning observation task affects learners’ subsequent oral task performance. Forty-eight ninth-grade students learning German as a foreign language were randomly assigned to two different planning conditions: video observations with a focus on language (FonL) and video observations with a focus on content (FonC). With a communicative oral task we measured the effects on oral task performance, in terms of attempted (accurate) use of the target structure and complexity, in terms of number of words, subordination and coordination. In addition we investigated whether there was a trade-off between attempted (accurate) use of the target structure and complexity. Results showed that the focus of the observations at the pre-task stage did indeed lead to different outcomes: students in the language condition used the grammatical target structure more often and more accurately, whereas students of the content condition generated more coordinate and subordinate clauses. Trade-offs were found between attempted (accurate) use of the target structure and the use of subordinate clauses. These findings imply that, depending on the purposes of the lesson, the observation of peer-model videos with different planning foci can be effectively used to promote (accurate) use of targeted grammatical structures and improve complexity during subsequent task performance.
‘The constitution of political membership’: Punishment, political membership, and the Italian case
Authors: Gallo Zelia
Published: October 2017

The article argues that punishment will vary depending on how political membership is constituted in different polities. This has significant implications for arguments that link contemporary western punitiveness to ‘anti-politics’, understood here as a degradation of political membership. The article argues that the spread of ‘anti-politics’ and its penal implications will depend on how political membership is constituted in different polities and in their ‘State’. It reaches this conclusion by exploring the way in which ‘the State’ appears in the literature on politics and punishment, and by adopting a re-worked definition of ‘the State’. The Italian case study is then used to demonstrate both the link between punishment and political membership, and the need to contextualize our analyses of ‘anti-politics’ and punitiveness.
Black women, victimization, and the limitations of the liberal state
Authors: Threadcraft Shatema , Miller Lisa L
Published: October 2017

This article challenges contemporary understandings of the US carceral state by confronting the realities of exceptionally high rates of homicide victimization among Black women and considering the implications for equality and understandings of the carceral state. We propose that neither the US state nor the US penal order can be fully understood without taking account of the exceptionally high rates of violence to which Black women are exposed. Conceptions of the carceral state that do not situate criminal justice within the larger context of raced and gendered subject formation depict criminal “justice” as an arena composed almost entirely of adult males. This obscures the realities of how state form contributes not only to criminal justice practices but also to risk of violence. Black women are uniquely situated at the intersection of risk of violence, and risk of experiencing the collateral damage of the carceral state. Without significant attention to issues of connectivity and care, which are directly affected by the carceral state and by inter-personal violence, we cannot fully understand the concepts of “carceral” or “state”.
Brain Penetration of the ROS1/ALK Inhibitor Lorlatinib Confirmed by PET
Authors: Collier T. Lee , Maresca Kevin P. , Normandin Marc D. , Richardson Paul , McCarthy Timothy J. , Liang Steven H. , Waterhouse Rikki N. , Vasdev Neil
Published: October 2017

The Massachusetts General Hospital Radiochemistry Program, in collaboration with Pfizer, has developed unique 11C and 18F-labeling strategies to synthesize isotopologs of lorlatinib (PF-06463922) which is undergoing phase III clinical trial investigations for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancers with specific molecular alterations. A major goal in cancer therapeutics is to measure the concentrations of this drug in the brain metastases of patients with lung cancer, and penetration of the blood–brain barrier is important for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Our recent publication in Nature Communications employed radiolabeled lorlatinib and positron emission tomography (PET) studies in preclinical models including nonhuman primates (NHPs) that demonstrated high brain permeability of this compound. Our future work with radiolabeled lorlatinib will include advanced PET evaluations in rodent tumor models and normal NHPs with the goal of clinical translation.
Discourses of volunteer/service work and their discontents: Border crossing, construction of hierarchy, and paying dues
Authors: Doerr Neriko Musha
Published: October 2017

This article examines four discourses of volunteer/service work—charity, leisure, citizenship, and border crossing—in terms of how they construct relationships between those who serve and those who are served. Specifically, it analyzes the discourse of border crossing, which assumes White middle-class students crossing a border to work in underprivileged minority communities. Reanalyzing three case studies that show meaningful service work done without crossing borders, this article argues that the discourse reinforces the stereotype of those who serve and those served and privileges White middle-class people’s work while erasing others’. By arguing that all four discourses reproduce hierarchical relationships between those who serve and those served, this article also suggests a new discourse—of paying dues—that frames all of us as participating in systems that create unequal distribution of resources and thus as responsible for ameliorating these systems’ effects through volunteer/service work and ultimately stopping their reproduction.
Creativity, Precarity and Illusio: DIY Cultures and ‘Choosing Poverty’
Authors: Threadgold Steven
Published: October 2017

Young people investing themselves in DIY cultures have to negotiate the complex but now normalised nexus of employment, unemployment and underemployment to make ends meet, while maintaining space in their lives to pursue their creative and artistic passions. This article presents research with young people in an underground music scene across Australia who are balancing economic pressures with their desires to generate and uphold DIY and punk-influenced activities in a networked community of likeminded friends and collaborators. Many of the participants actively ‘choose poverty’, that is, they knowingly and strategically make decisions that ‘keep overheads low’ to free up temporal and mental space to continue to be creative. Their ideas of being successful are not expressed in material terms, but are contingent upon a future where they continue to have the opportunity to invest themselves in their interests even if that means living in relative poverty. Using the oft-ignored Bourdieusian concepts of illusio, struggle and strategy, this article provides a case study of some of the ways young people deal with the risks and opportunities of a precarious existence. In this case, living an ethical life trumps material concerns, projecting a hopeful attitude towards the future.
Results of heterodigital flexor digitorum profundus hemi-tendon transfer for 23 flexor tendon injuries in zones 1 or 2
Authors: Bommier Aude , McGuire Duncan , Boyer Patrick , Rafee Asan , Razali Sami , Oberlin Christophe
Published: October 2017

We report outcomes of reconstruction of zone 1 or 2 flexor tendon injuries using a heterodigital hemi-tendon transfer of the flexor digitorum profundus in 23 fingers of 23 patients. At mean follow-up of 57 months, the mean total active motion of the three finger joints including the metacarpophalangeal joint was 128 degrees preoperatively and 229 degrees at final follow up. According to Strickland criteria, the function was excellent for 14 fingers, good for seven fingers and poor for two fingers. The subgroup analysis showed that the results were better in cases of primary surgery, children, and for the index and little fingers. Complications included stiffness of three fingers, and rupture in one finger that was converted to a two-stage tendon reconstruction. We conclude that this technique restores good function in most patients with zone 1 and 2 flexor tendon injuries, in which primary tendon repair has not been performed or was unsuccessful, and where pulley reconstruction is not required.

Level of evidence: IV
Maternal and fetal outcomes of primary immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy: A retrospective study
Authors: Gilmore KS , McLintock C
Published: October 2017

Objective

We reviewed outcomes of 52 pregnancies in 45 women with immune thrombocytopenic purpura who delivered at Auckland Hospital with an antenatal platelet count of <100 × 109/L.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes were maternal platelet count at delivery and treatment response. Secondary outcomes included post-partum haemorrhage (PPH).

Results

Most women had thrombocytopenia at delivery. Treatment with prednisone was given in 14 (27%) pregnancies with responses considered safe for delivery in 11 pregnancies (79%). Women in eight pregnancies also received intravenous immunoglobulin; in five pregnancies (63%) a platelet response acceptable for delivery was achieved. Seventeen pregnancies (33%) were complicated by a PPH ≥500 mL. Ten pregnancies (19%) were complicated by a PPH ≥1000 mL. PPH was reported in all women with a platelet count <50 × 109/L at delivery.

Conclusions

There were no antenatal bleeding complications but PPH was common among women with platelet counts <50 × 109/L at the time of birth.
How Does Frailty Factor Into Mortality Risk Assessment of a Middle-Aged and Geriatric Trauma Population?
Authors: Konda Sanjit R. , Lott Ariana , Saleh Hesham , Schubl Sebastian , Chan Jeffrey , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Frailty in elderly trauma populations has been correlated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The Score for Trauma Triage in the Geriatric and Middle-Aged (STTGMA) is a validated mortality risk score that evaluates 4 major physiologic criteria: age, comorbidities, vital signs, and anatomic injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition of additional frailty variables to the STTGMA tool would improve risk stratification of a middle-aged and elderly trauma population.

Methods:

A total of 1486 patients aged 55 years and older who met the American College of Surgeons Tier 1 to 3 criteria and/or who had orthopedic or neurosurgical traumatic consultations in the emergency department between September 2014 and September 2016 were included. The STTGMAORIGINAL and STTGMAFRAILTY scores were calculated. Additional “frailty variables” included preinjury assistive device use (disability), independent ambulatory status (functional independence), and albumin level (nutrition). The ability of the STTGMAORIGINAL and the STTGMAFRAILTY models to predict inpatient mortality was compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs).

Results:

There were 23 high-energy inpatient mortalities (4.7%) and 20 low-energy inpatient mortalities (2.0%). When the STTGMAORIGINAL model was used, the AUROC in the high-energy and low-energy cohorts was 0.926 and 0.896, respectively. The AUROC for STTGMAFRAILTY for the high-energy and low-energy cohorts was 0.905 and 0.937, respectively. There was no significant difference in predictive capacity for inpatient mortality between STTGMAORIGINAL and STTGMAFRAILTY for both the high-energy and low-energy cohorts.

Conclusion:

The original STTGMA tool accounts for important frailty factors including cognition and general health status. These variables combined with other major physiologic variables such as age and anatomic injuries appear to be sufficient to adequately and accurately quantify inpatient mortality risk. The addition of other common frailty factors that account for does not enhance the STTGMA tool’s predictive capabilities.
Demineralized Bone Matrix to Augment Tendon-Bone Healing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hexter Adam T. , Pendegrass Catherine , Haddad Fares , Blunn Gordon
Published: October 2017

Background:

Following injury to the rotator cuff and anterior cruciate ligament, a direct enthesis is not regenerated, and healing occurs with biomechanically inferior fibrous tissue. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a collagen scaffold that contains growth factors and is a promising biological material for tendon and ligament repair because it can regenerate a direct fibrocartilaginous insertion via endochondral ossification.

Purpose:

To provide a comprehensive review of the literature investigating the use of DBM to augment tendon-bone healing in tendon repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

Electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched for preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated the use of DBM in tendon repair and ACLR. Search terms included the following: (“demineralized bone matrix” OR “demineralized cortical bone”) AND (“tissue scaffold” OR “tissue engineering” OR “ligament” OR “tendon” OR “anterior cruciate ligament” OR “rotator cuff”). Peer-reviewed articles written in English were included, and no date restriction was applied (searches performed February 10, 2017). Methodological quality was assessed with peer-reviewed scoring criteria.

Results:

The search strategy identified 339 articles. After removal of duplicates and screening according to inclusion criteria, 8 studies were included for full review (tendon repair, n = 4; ACLR, n = 4). No human clinical studies were identified. All 8 studies were preclinical animal studies with good methodological quality. Five studies compared DBM augmentation with non-DBM controls, of which 4 (80%) reported positive findings in terms of histological and biomechanical outcomes.

Conclusion:

Preclinical evidence indicates that DBM can improve tendon-bone healing, although clinical studies are lacking. A range of animal models of tendon repair and ACLR showed that DBM can re-create a direct fibrocartilaginous enthesis, although the animal models are not without limitations. Before clinical trials are justified, research is required that determines the best source of DBM (allogenic vs xenogenic) and the best form of DBM (demineralized cortical bone vs DBM paste) to be used in them.
The Hypothalamic Inflammatory/Gliosis Response to Neonatal Overnutrition Is Sex and Age Dependent
Authors: Argente-Arizón Pilar , Díaz Francisca , Ros Purificación , Barrios Vicente , Tena-Sempere Manuel , García-Segura Luis Miguel , Argente Jesús , Chowen Julie A
Published: October 2017

Astrocytes participate in both physiological and pathophysiological responses to metabolic and nutrient signals. Although most studies have focused on the astrocytic response to weight gain due to high-fat/high-carbohydrate intake, surplus intake of a balanced diet also induces excess weight gain. We have accessed the effects of neonatal overnutrition, which has both age- and sex-dependent effects on weight gain, on hypothalamic inflammation/gliosis. Although both male and female Wistar rats accumulate excessive fat mass as early as postnatal day (PND) 10 with neonatal overnutrition, no increase in hypothalamic cytokine levels, markers of astrocytes or microglia, or inflammatory signaling pathways were observed. At PND 50, no effect of neonatal overnutriton was found in either sex, whereas at PND 150, males again weighed significantly more than their controls, and this was coincident with an increase in markers of inflammation and astrogliosis in the hypothalamus. Circulating triglycerides and free fatty acids were also elevated in these males, but not in females or in either sex at PND 10. Thus, the effects of fatty acids and estrogens on astrocytes in vitro were analyzed. Our results indicate that changes in circulating fatty acid levels may be involved in the induction of hypothalamic inflammation/gliosis in excess weight gain, even on a normal diet, and that estrogens could participate in the protection of females from these processes. In conclusion, the interaction of developmental influences, dietary composition, age, and sex determines the central inflammatory response and the associated long-term outcomes of excess weight gain.
Perceptions of the (In)stability of Consumer Behavior: A Preliminary Case Study of Interactions among Theory, Testing, and Policy
Authors: Goodwin Craufurd
Published: October 2017

This article explores the evolution of perceptions of the behavior of consumers among economists and others. The article has three parts. The first part discusses the development of a hypothesis about the stability of this behavior: that the consumers know what they want, will pursue what they want, and do not need any help in doing so. The second part explores how this hypothesis was tested from around the turn of the century until the 1930s. The third part reflects on the consequences of the widespread rejection of this hypothesis for policy formation and for general discourse about the economy.
A Previously Unnoticed Swiss Connection in the Dissemination of Cameralist Ideas during the Second Half of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Cunha Alexandre Mendes
Published: October 2017

This paper provides an in-depth investigation of the origin and meaning of the little-known manuscript, Élémens de la police générale d'un Etat, published in Yverdon (Switzerland) in 1781. The starting point is the determination of the true authorship and origin of the manuscript, which is shown to be in fact an abridged and annotated version of a fundamental German cameralist text by J. H. G. von Justi, Die Grundfeste zu der Macht und Glückseligkeit der Staaten (1760/61). This finding introduces a reflection on the intricate context of juxtapositions and similarities between the ideas of cameralism and Policeywissenschaft (police science) in the Germanic world and in French economic thought during that historical moment. Giving attention to the author/translator of this Élémens, the paper also contributes to an original reflection on the importance of Switzerland in the dissemination of cameralism, between the Germanic and French traditions, and explores the importance of Justi's books and ideas within this context. The examination of this particular book and the reflection on the police ideas, with direct implications for the discourse and practice of enlightened reformism, serves equally to discuss connections and continuities in the enlightened economic discourse, in which the State-interventionist perspectives are combined rather than opposed to the emergent discourse on economic freedom.
Koselleck in America
Authors: Hoffmann Stefan-Ludwig
Published: October 2017

The recent upsurge of interest in Reinhart Koselleck's work across disciplines makes it even more conspicuous that his historical epistemology was rarely evoked—for example, in the excruciating debates about the linguistic turn in the 1980s and 1990s. Although there were repeated transatlantic encounters with Koselleck's work and briefly even with him as a teacher (in Chicago and New York around 1990), other German theoretical impulses were much more influential not only for Anglophone historians. Up until very recently, Koselleck was perceived either as a conservative historian and anti-utopian ideologue à la François Furet or, more narrowly, as a Begriffshistoriker, that is, historian of concepts à la John Pocock and Quentin Skinner, or as a metahistorian à la Hayden White. Of course, Koselleck repeatedly insisted that all these interests belong together. Yet only the essays published in three volumes in the years immediately before and after his death in 2006 make apparent how these different interests are laced together in his theory of possible histories, his Historik.
Supporting Faculty Development in Hospital Medicine: Design and Implementation of a Personalized Structured Mentoring Program
Authors: Nagarur Amulya , O'Neill Regina M. , Lawton Donna , Greenwald Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2017

The guidance of a mentor can have a tremendous influence on the careers of academic physicians. The lack of mentorship in the relatively young field of hospital medicine has been documented, but the efficacy of formalized mentorship programs has not been well studied. We implemented and evaluated a structured mentorship program for junior faculty at a large academic medical center. Of the 16 mentees who participated in the mentorship program, 14 (88%) completed preintervention surveys and 10 (63%) completed postintervention surveys. After completing the program, there was a statistically significant improvement in overall satisfaction within 5 specific domains: career planning, professional connectedness, self‐reflection, research skills, and mentoring skills. All mentees reported that they would recommend that all hospital medicine faculty participate in similar mentorship programs. In this small, single‐center pilot study, we found that the addition of a structured mentorship program based on training sessions that focus on best practices in mentoring was feasible and led to increased satisfaction in certain career domains among early‐career hospitalists. Larger prospective studies with a longer follow‐up are needed to assess the generalizability and durability of our findings.
Tissue adhesive for vascular access devices: who, what, where and when?
Authors: Corley Amanda , Marsh Nicole , Ullman Amanda J , Rickard Claire M
Published: October 2017

Despite vascular access devices (VADs) being vital for patient care, device failure rates are unacceptably high with around 25% of central venous devices, and 30–40% of peripheral venous devices, developing complications that result in VAD failure. The use of tissue adhesive is a novel method of securing VADs and is gaining popularity, however the evidence base guiding its clinical use is still emerging. This article aims to review the types and properties of tissue adhesives, provide an overview of the existing evidence base, and discuss how tissue adhesives may be used in clinical practice.