bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing Genocide: The Jesuit Ministry in Colonial Cartagena de Indias and its Legacy
Authors: Chamberlin William (Bo)
Published: June 2018

Cartagena de Indias was one of the most important ports in the European trade in enslaved Africans in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, the Jesuits carried out a ministry to the enslaved Africans arriving at this port, which has lived on through its historical legacy. The Jesuit Peter Claver is now a saint in the Roman Catholic Church and Alonso de Sandoval’s De instauranda Aethiopum salute (“On the Salvation of the Africans”) is an essential resource for scholars of the early European trade in enslaved Africans in the Americas. This article examines this ministry in the context of the destruction of African life that occurred through colonization and enslavement, arguing that the ministry played an essential role in the destruction of African life. This article also examines the role that the historical legacy of the ministry has played and continues to play in the silencing of this destruction to the present day, leading to a fundamental misunderstanding of the Catholic and Jesuit relationship to the destructive processes of enslavement and colonization.
Culture and Decision Making: Influence of Analytic Versus Holistic Thinking Style on Resource Allocation in a Fort Game
Authors: Li Liman Man Wai , Masuda Takahiko , Hamamura Takeshi , Ishii Keiko
Published: June 2018

People have to make different decisions every day, in which culture affects their strategies. This research examined the role of analytic versus holistic thinking style on resource allocation across cultures. We expected that, analytic thinking style, which refers to a linear view about the world where objects’ properties remain stable and separate, would make people concentrate their resource allocation corresponding to the current demand, whereas holistic thinking style, which refers to a nonlinear view that people perceive change to be a constant phenomenon and the universe to be full of interconnected elements, would encourage people to spread out their resource allocation. In Study 1, Hong Kong Chinese, a representative group of holistic cultures, and European Canadians, a representative group of analytic cultures, completed a resource allocation task (i.e., fort game). The results showed that the allocation pattern of European Canadians was more concentrated than that of Hong Kong Chinese and holistic thoughts predicted a less concentrated allocation pattern. To test causality, thinking styles were manipulated in Study 2, in which mainland Chinese were primed with either holistic thinking style or analytic thinking style. The results showed that the allocation pattern was more concentrated in the analytic condition than that in the holistic condition, which was explained by greater perceived predictability in the analytic condition. Implications of these findings on cross-cultural decision-making research and applied research were discussed.
The Montclair Map Task: Balance, Efficacy, and Efficiency in Conversational Interaction
Authors: Pardo Jennifer S , Urmanche Adelya , Gash Hannah , Wiener Jaclyn , Mason Nicholas , Wilman Sherilyn , Francis Keagan , Decker Alexa
Published: June 2018

This paper introduces a conversational speech corpus collected during the completion of a map-matching task that is available for research purposes via the Montclair State University Digital Commons Data Repository. The Montclair Map Task is a new, role-neutral conversational task that involves paired iconic maps with labeled landmarks and a path drawn from a start point, around various landmarks, to a finish mark. One advantage of this task-oriented corpus is the ability to derive independent objective measures of task performance for both members of a conversational pair that can be related to aspects of communicative style. A total of 96 native English speakers completed the task in 16 same-sex female, 16 same-sex male, and 16 mixed-sex pairings. Conversations averaged 32 minutes in duration, yielding approximately 217,000 words. The transcription protocol delineates events such as speaking turns, inter-turn intervals, landmark phrases, fillers, pauses, overlaps, and backchannels, making this corpus a useful tool for investigating dynamics of conversational interaction. Analyses of communication efficacy and efficiency reveal that male pairs of talkers were less efficient than female and mixed-sex pairs with respect to partner map-matching task performance.
Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in Justice-Involved Women
Authors: Wall Kristi , Gorgens Kim , Dettmer Judy , Davis Terri M. , Gafford Jennifer
Published: June 2018

The present study investigated gender differences in the prevalence and incidence of violence-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) among justice-involved individuals, as well as potential associations between violence-related TBI and select biopsychosocial variables among women in the sample. Data from 409 justice-involved individuals were analyzed, and men and women were compared for rate of violence-related TBI. Women were grouped by violence-related TBI history and compared on eight biopsychosocial variables. Gender was significantly associated with multiple TBIs and multiple violence-related TBIs. History of violence-related TBI in women was associated with physical health problems and incarceration history. This research revealed a high rate of violence-related multiple TBIs among justice-involved women. Violence-related TBIs were associated with more prevalent physical illness and increased incarceration times. Identification of justice-involved women with these injuries may help clinicians better tailor services to improve inmate outcomes and reduce cost burdens to justice systems.
Productive use of syntactic categories in typical young French children
Authors: Le Normand Marie-Thérèse
Published: June 2018

In this corpus study, it is asked whether young children speaking European French build their early syntax around grammatical or lexical words. Specifically, the study examines the relationship of grammatical and lexical words in three types of syntactic structures (determiner–noun, pronoun–verb and subject pronoun–verb). The corpus included 315 samples from children aged 24–48 months, a period of rapid growth in grammatical morphology and syntax. The results of a series of stepwise multiple regression analyses indicate that prepositions and auxiliaries explain the unique variance in determiner–noun and determiners and prepositions explain the unique variance in pronoun–verb and subject pronoun–verb combinations better than lexical categories. All these strong predictors support the view that grammatical words guide and facilitate syntactic knowledge. Early grammar is based not on a lexicon but on basic grammatical relationships that young children build gradually, making use of the formal distributional properties of their native language.
Rethinking Industrial Relations revisited
Authors: Kelly John
Published: June 2018

This article traces the origins and consequences of the book Rethinking Industrial Relations and then explores some of the conceptual and empirical issues raised since its publication.
Where Did This Thought Come From? A Self-Validation Analysis of the Perceived Origin of Thoughts
Authors: Gascó Margarita , Briñol Pablo , Santos David , Petty Richard E. , Horcajo Javier
Published: June 2018

Three experiments examined whether perceiving thoughts as coming from internal versus external origins are more impactful on attitudes. Participants generated either positive or negative thoughts about different attitude objects, including different diets, and plastic surgery. Then, participants were induced to think that their thoughts came from the self or from an external source. In Experiment 1, participants induced to believe their thoughts originated from the self versus an external source relied on them more to form their attitudes. Experiment 2 demonstrated that when the external origin was associated with properties of validity, people relied on their thoughts more than when thoughts were perceived to come from an internal origin associated with low validity. Experiment 3 showed that the impact of thought origin on evaluations was mediated by greater liking for one’s thoughts when they originated in the self.
SEC Supervisory Activity in the Financial Industry
Authors: Pettinicchio Angela
Published: June 2018

This study documents a higher incidence of SEC Comment Letters among financial institutions characterized by abnormal levels of loan loss provisions (LLPs). In particular, results show that this effect is stronger for banks overestimating LLPs, suggesting an asymmetric attitude of the SEC Research Division toward overestimations compared with LLPs underestimations, especially in the pre-financial crisis period. Finally, the study demonstrates that after receiving a Comment Letter by the SEC, financial institutions change the way they account for LLPs by basing their computation more on historical data, thereby reducing the level of discretion embedded in their calculation.
Ultrasonic Nakagami Imaging of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound-induced Thermal Lesions in Porcine Livers: Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Huang Sheng-Min , Liu Hao-Li , Li Dai-Wei , Li Meng-Lin
Published: June 2018

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has demonstrated the capacity to be used for local thermal ablation in clinical surgery; however, relying solely on conventional ultrasound B-mode imaging to monitor HIFU thermal ablation and determine ablation levels remains a challenge. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the ability to use Nakagami imaging to monitor HIFU-induced thermal lesions in porcine livers ex vivo. Ultrasonic Nakagami imaging has been proven to be able to characterize tissues with different scatterer concentrations and distributions. The pathological sections from HIFU thermally ablated porcine liver tissues reveal that normal and denatured tissues significantly differ in scatterer concentration and distribution. Therefore, we believe that Nakagami imaging can be used to monitor thermal ablation by tracing Nakagami parameter changes in liver tissues. The ex vivo porcine liver experiments were performed using a homemade HIFU device synchronized with a commercial diagnostic ultrasound scanner to obtain the ultrasound envelope data before and after thermal ablation. These data were used to evaluate the performance of thermal lesion characterization using Nakagami imaging and were compared with those derived from conventional B-mode imaging. Experimental results showed that Nakagami imaging can be used to identify thermal lesions, which are difficult to visualize using conventional B-mode imaging because there is no apparent bubble formation. In cases with apparent bubble formation, Nakagami imaging could provide a more accurate estimation of lesion size and position. In addition, the Nakagami imaging algorithm is characterized by low computational complexity, which means it can be easily integrated as postprocessing for existing array imaging systems.
Surgery for congenital bronchial atresia
Authors: Higuchi Rumi , Goto Taichiro , Nakagomi Takahiro , Oyama Toshio
Published: June 2018

A 22-year-old woman presented with a feeling of chest tightness. Chest computed tomography showed a dendritic shadow in the left segment 1 + 2c, surrounded by hyperlucent emphysematous changes. Bronchoscopy revealed loss of the orifice of bronchus 1 + 2c. Thus a diagnosis of bronchial atresia was made, and a left upper division segmentectomy was performed. Bronchial atresia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young patients with an abnormal chest shadow. It can be diagnosed based on the characteristic imaging and bronchoscopic findings. Surgery is indicated for symptomatic bronchial atresia and can provide complete amelioration of the condition.
Queer Love, Gender Bending Bacteria, and Life after the Anthropocene
Authors: Kirksey Eben
Published: June 2018

The timeline of the Anthropocene – a geological epoch that Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer say began in the late 18th century with the invention of the steam engine – seems like a brief and inconsequential blip, against the time scales embodied by the microbial communities. Wolbachia bacteria predate Anthropos by some 150 million years, and will likely outlast us. Wolbachia bacteria are worthy of their own geological epoch because they offer a fresh vantage point on one of the most pressing ethical questions of our time: ‘How should we love in a time of extinction?’ Narratives about the Wolbachiacene have the potential to disrupt the overwhelming stories of tragedy orbiting around Anthropos, with disquieting and generative accounts of interspecies romance. Wolbachia often perform queer tricks inside their invertebrate hosts. In some host species these bacteria induce parthenogenesis – completely eliminating males from the population. Wolbachia can also transform genetic males into reproductively viable females.
Bearing Witness, Moral Responsibility and Distant Suffering
Authors: Hill David W.
Published: June 2018

Media analyses of the aesthetic presentation of news frequently and persuasively demonstrate the skewed ethics of news production, where those in need who are distant and dissimilar are often presented in ways that do not fully humanize their condition. However, it is argued here, they also locate too fully the locus of moral responsibility in the production and presentation of the media text. This article explores the moral demands inherent in two kinds of media presentation: the explicit focus on shock and awe over intimacy; and minimal presentations that substitute bare information (such as statistics or maps) for affective stories. It is argued that in both cases a moral encounter with the other can be motivated despite the news presentation and it is concluded that an excessive emphasis on the role of the news in generating moral responsibility justifies a spectatorish inertia that should be resisted.
Are story retelling and story generation connected to reading skills? Evidence from Finnish
Authors: Mäkinen Leena , Soile Loukusa , Ilaria Gabbatore , Sari Kunnari
Published: June 2018

This three-year follow-up study investigated the associations of narrative and reading skills in typically developing Finnish children. Twenty children performed narrative retelling and story generation tasks twice, at five and eight years of age. Reading comprehension and word recognition tests were performed at the age of eight. Narratives were analysed for relevant information, total number of word tokens, clausal density and evaluation. The results showed increased narrative abilities with age, but the development was not seen in all narrative variables. This suggests that narrative tasks might capture development somewhat differently. Both narrative tasks were connected to reading skills. However, while retelling was connected to reading comprehension only, story generation related to both reading comprehension and word recognition. This study extends prior research by showing that not only retelling but also story generation is associated with reading.
A school-commissioned model of speech and language therapy
Authors: White Sarah , Spencer Sarah
Published: June 2018

Many speech and language therapy (SLT) services have limited capacity for providing school-based input. Some offer commissioned SLT input, to enhance the service provided by the UK National Health Service (NHS), giving schools the option to increase the amount and scope of SLT intervention. This two-tiered model of service provision is relatively new and has not been researched. This study investigated the experiences of schools who had commissioned input from the local SLT service, in terms of (1) describing how this was utilized and (2) exploring perceptions of its value. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCos) from 11 schools and were thematically analysed using Framework Analysis. SENCos reported many positive aspects of the commissioned model, including better communication with Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and improved outcomes for children. SENCos felt that the numbers of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) had reduced following commissioned input. Very few disadvantages of the model were identified. SLTs delivered a range of activities, including training staff and providing direct input for children. SENCos would recommend the service, and perceived the cost to be moderate. These data suggest that SENCos place a high value on SLT in schools, and welcome the opportunity to purchase additional input.
A critical role for the ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunit KIR6.1 in the control of cerebral blood flow
Authors: Hosford Patrick S , Christie Isabel N , Niranjan Arun , Aziz Qadeer , Anderson Naomi , Ang Richard , Lythgoe Mark F , Wells Jack A , Tinker Andrew , Gourine Alexander V
Published: June 2018

KIR6.1 (KCNJ8) is a subunit of ATP sensitive potassium channel (KATP) that plays an important role in the control of peripheral vascular tone and is highly expressed in brain contractile cells (vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes). This study determined the effect of global deletion of the KIR6.1 subunit on cerebral blood flow, neurovascular coupling and cerebral oxygenation in mice. In KIR6.1 deficient mice resting cerebral blood flow and brain parenchymal partial pressure of oxygen ( PO2) were found to be markedly lower compared to that in their wildtype littermates. However, cortical blood oxygen level dependent responses triggered by visual stimuli were not affected in conditions of KIR6.1 deficiency. These data suggest that KATP channels containing KIR6.1 subunit are critically important for the maintenance of normal cerebral perfusion and parenchymal PO2 but play no significant role in the mechanisms underlying functional changes in brain blood flow.
Motivational factors in adult, auditioned community choirs: The power of aesthetic experiences
Authors: Redman David J. , Bugos Jennifer A.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to a) identify motivational factors to join and maintain membership in adult, auditioned community choirs; b) examine relationships between music achievement, music aptitude, and selected motivational factors; and c) examine the role of stress and anxiety as factors in choral participation. Participants ( N = 135) from four adult, auditioned community choirs participated in this study. Data was collected using measures of musical aptitude, vocal achievement, and a questionnaire relating to the topics of motivation, retention, and stress/anxiety informed by Cusp Catastrophe Theory. Results suggest that aesthetic motivation is a primary factor contributing to enrollment and retention in adult, auditioned community choirs. Experienced choral members perceive little stress or anxiety when learning or performing choral music; however, members believe that some stress may be beneficial to singing. Implications include the need for conductors to consider the importance of perceived aesthetic qualities when selecting choral literature. In addition, the impact of community ensembles on community cohesion, health benefits, and educational benefits may be related to motivational factors influencing continued participation.
A new method of wind speed prediction based on weighted optimal fuzzy c-means and modular extreme learning machine
Authors: Pan Chao , Tan Qide , Qin Benshuang
Published: June 2018

According to the characteristics of randomness, volatility, and unpredictability of wind speed, this article provides a new wind speed prediction method which includes three modules that are attribute weighting module, intelligent optimization clustering module, and wind speed prediction module based on extreme learning machine. First, the Pearson coefficient values of the attribute matrix elements are calculated and weighted considering the fluctuation characteristics of time series and influences of different weather attributes on the wind speed. Then the fuzzy c-means clustering method optimized by genetic simulated annealing algorithm is carried out on the weighted attribute matrix to cluster. Furthermore, several kinds of wind speed prediction models are built using the extreme learning machine to forecast short-term wind speed. The research on wind speed prediction is carried out by the measured data of wind farm in America (N39.91°, W105.29°). And the results show that the new prediction method of wind speed proposed in this article has higher prediction accuracy.
Prosecutors’ Perspectives on Biological Evidence and Injury Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Alderden Megan , Cross Theodore P. , Vlajnic Maja , Siller Laura
Published: June 2018

Little prior research has explored how prosecutors perceive and utilize biological and injury evidences in sexual assault cases. In this qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with assistant district attorneys (ADAs) working in an urban district attorney’s office in the northeastern United States. ADAs were asked to describe how biological and injury evidences could be probative and their strategies for using this evidence. The interviews suggest that prosecutors perceive the probative value of biological and injury evidences on a continuum, varying based on case characteristics. Prosecutors felt that undergoing a forensic medical examination in itself supported victims’ credibility. Biological evidence bolstered victims’ credibility if it matched the victim’s account better than the defendant’s. They perceived DNA evidence as helpful when it identified unknown suspects, confirmed identification of suspects by other means, or rebutted defendants’ denial of sexual contact. DNA evidence was also helpful when victims were incapacitated, too traumatized to recall or talk about the assault, or too young to identify assailants, and when police used the information in interrogating suspects. The biggest limitation to biological evidence prosecutors cited was overcoming the consent defense. The ADAs reported they used DNA evidence even when it was not particularly probative, because it confirms the correct person is being prosecuted, it communicates the victim’s and prosecution’s seriousness, and it meets jury expectations in trials. Prosecutors found injury evidence useful because it corroborated victims’ accounts and helped refute defendant claims of consensual sex. The findings may assist in educating others about biological and injury evidences in these cases, and could inspire professionals and advocates to work to develop and support a broad range of investigative methods.
Supporting Active Living Through Community Plans: The Association of Planning Documents With Design Standards and Features
Authors: Peterson Erin L. , Carlson Susan A. , Schmid Thomas L. , Brown David R. , Galuska Deborah A.
Published: June 2018

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the presence of supportive community planning documents in US municipalities with design standards and requirements supportive of active living.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using data from the 2014 National Survey of Community-Based Policy and Environmental Supports for Healthy Eating and Active Living.

Setting:

Nationally representative sample of US municipalities.

Participants:

Respondents are 2005 local officials.

Measures:

Assessed: (1) The presence of design standards and feature requirements and (2) the association between planning documents and design standards and feature requirements supportive of active living in policies for development.

Analysis:

Using logistic regression, significant trends were identified in the presence of design standards and feature requirements by plan and number of supportive objectives present.

Results:

Prevalence of design standards ranged from 19% (developer dedicated right-of-way for bicycle infrastructure development) to 50% (traffic-calming features in areas with high pedestrian and bicycle volume). Features required in policies for development ranged from 14% (short/medium pedestrian-scale block sizes) to 44% (minimum sidewalk widths of 5 feet) of municipalities. As the number of objectives in municipal plans increased, there was a significant and positive trend ( P < .05) in the prevalence of each design standard and requirement.

Conclusions:

Municipal planning documents containing objectives supportive of physical activity are associated with design standards and feature requirements supportive of activity-friendly communities.
Comparisons of thermomechanical fatigue hysteresis loops of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites subjected to different phase angles
Authors: Longbiao Li
Published: June 2018

In this paper, comparisons of thermomechanical fatigue hysteresis loops of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) subjected to different phase angles of θ = 0, π/3, π/2, and π have been investigated. The shape, location, and area of fatigue hysteresis loops are affected by the phase angle under the thermomechanical cyclic loading. The effects of fiber volume fraction, fatigue peak stress, matrix crack spacing, interface frictional coefficient, and interface debonded energy on the thermomechanical fatigue hysteresis loops and fiber/matrix interface slip of different phase angles are discussed. The fatigue hysteresis loops of cross-ply CMCs under the phase angles of θ = 0 and π are predicted for different fatigue peak stresses and cycle numbers.
Absolute stability analysis of nonlinear active disturbance rejection control for electromagnetic valve actuator system via linear matrix inequality method
Authors: Shao Da , Xu Sichuan , Du Aimin
Published: June 2018

Nonlinear active disturbance rejection control is much more effective than linear active disturbance rejection control in tolerance to uncertainties and disturbances. However, it brings a great challenge for theoretical analysis, especially the stability analysis. This article proposes a linear matrix inequality method to analyze the absolute stability of generalized nonlinear active disturbance rejection control form which contains multiple nonlinearities with different parameters in both extended state observer and control law for single-input single-output systems. The generalized nonlinear active disturbance rejection control algorithm and the single-input single-output system are transformed into a direct multiple-input multiple-output Lurie system. A sufficient condition to determine its absolute stability based on linear matrix inequality method is given. The Lyapunov function of the Lurie system exists when the group of linear matrix inequalities is feasible. The free parameters and coefficients in Lyapunov function are given by the solution of these linear matrix inequalities. The electromagnetic valve actuator system in camless engine is presented as an application to illustrate how to perform the proposed method for absolute stability analysis and the stable region of parameter perturbations is obtained via the method. Simulation results show that the linear matrix inequality–based method is convenient and effective to determine whether the closed-loop system is absolutely stable.
Insulin-producing Cells from Adult Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Could Control Chemically Induced Diabetes in Dogs
Authors: Gabr Mahmoud M. , Zakaria Mahmoud M. , Refaie Ayman F. , Ismail Amani M. , Khater Sherry M. , Ashamallah Sylvia A. , Azzam Maha M. , Ghoneim Mohamed A.
Published: June 2018

Ten mongrel dogs were used in this study. Diabetes was chemically induced in 7 dogs, and 3 dogs served as normal controls. For each diabetic dog, 5 million human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells/kg were differentiated to form insulin-producing cells using a trichostatin-based protocol. Cells were then loaded in 2 TheraCyte capsules which were transplanted under the rectus sheath. One dog died 4 d postoperatively from pneumonia. Six dogs were followed up with for 6 to 18 mo. Euglycemia was achieved in 4 dogs. Their glucose tolerance curves exhibited a normal pattern demonstrating that the encapsulated cells were glucose sensitive and insulin responsive. In the remaining 2 dogs, the fasting blood sugar levels were reduced but did not reach normal values. The sera of all transplanted dogs contained human insulin and C-peptide with a negligible amount of canine insulin. Removal of the transplanted capsules was followed by prompt return of diabetes. Intracytoplasmic insulin granules were seen by immunofluorescence in cells from the harvested capsules. Furthermore, all pancreatic endocrine genes were expressed. This study demonstrated that the TheraCyte capsule or a similar device can provide adequate immunoisolation, an important issue when stem cells are considered for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Resolving an Inevitable Crisis: Whose Stake Is It?
Authors: Chawla Ginni , Singh Tripti , Agarwal Sonal , Singh Rupali
Published: June 2018

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, was doing very well in its early 2000s, having neared the pinnacle of success until 2011, when a major crisis supervened, resulting in a stark decline in the production and the profits of the company. The thematic review provides a general overview of the industrial relations scenario in India and describes the events that forced company into such a precarious situation. The time-series case analysis method with a holistic design approach has been adopted, and key events have been chronologically presented. Hypothetical players and competing parties have been fashioned within reasonable limits to draw a realistic picture of the situation. Competing sources of information such as print and electronic media have been used to gather and report facts and figures. The case is yet another testimony to the several issues that have been silently plaguing industrial relations over the years in Indian industries.
Evaluation of a duplex reverse-transcription real-time PCR assay for the detection of encephalomyocarditis virus
Authors: Qin Shaomin , Underwood Darren , Driver Luke , Kistler Carol , Diallo Ibrahim , Kirkland Peter D.
Published: June 2018

We evaluated a fluorogenic probe–based assay for the detection of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) by comparing a set of published primers and probe to a new set of primers and probe. The published reagents failed to amplify a range of Australian isolates and an Italian reference strain of EMCV. In contrast, an assay based on 2 new sets of primers and probes that were run in a duplex reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR) worked well, with high amplification efficiency. The analytical sensitivity was ~100-fold higher than virus isolation in cell culture. The intra-assay variation was 0.21–4.90%. No cross-reactivity was observed with a range of other porcine viruses. One hundred and twenty-two clinical specimens were tested simultaneously by RT-rtPCR and virus isolation in cell culture; 72 specimens gave positive results by RT-rtPCR, and 63 of these were also positive by virus isolation. Of 245 archived cell culture isolates of EMCV that were tested in the RT-rtPCR, 242 samples were positive. The new duplex RT-rtPCR assay is a reliable tool for the detection of EMCV in clinical specimens and for use in epidemiologic investigations.
Gastrinoma and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome in canids: a literature review and a case in a Mexican gray wolf
Authors: Struthers Jason D. , Robl Nick , Wong Valerie M. , Kiupel Matti
Published: June 2018

Gastrinoma, an infrequent diagnosis in middle-aged dogs, occurs with nonspecific gastrointestinal morbidity. Laboratory tests can yield a presumptive diagnosis, but definitive diagnosis depends on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. We describe a malignant pancreatic gastrinoma with lymph node metastases and corresponding Zollinger–Ellison syndrome in a Mexican gray wolf ( Canis lupus baileyi) and review this endocrine neoplasm in domestic dogs. A 12-y-old, captive, male Mexican gray wolf developed inappetence and weight loss. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a thickened duodenum and peritoneal effusion. Two duodenal perforations were noted on exploratory celiotomy and were repaired. Persisting clinical signs led to a second celiotomy that revealed a mesenteric mass, which was diagnosed histologically as a neuroendocrine carcinoma. During the following 16 mo, the wolf received a combination of H2-receptor antagonists, proton-pump inhibitors, gastroprotectants, and anti-emetics, but had recurrent episodes of anorexia, nausea, acid reflux, and remained underweight. Worsening clinical signs and weakness prompted euthanasia. The antemortem serum gastrin concentration of 414 ng/L (reference interval: 10–40 ng/L) corroborated hypergastrinemia. Autopsy revealed a mass expanding the right pancreatic limb; 3 parapancreatic mesenteric masses; duodenal ulcers; focal duodenal perforation with septic fibrinosuppurative peritonitis; chronic-active ulcerative esophagitis; and poor body condition. The pancreatic mass was diagnosed histologically as a neuroendocrine carcinoma and the parapancreatic masses as lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemistry of the pancreatic mass was positive for gastrin and negative for glucagon, insulin, pancreatic polypeptide, serotonin, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide.
H∞ control for a semi-active scissors linkage seat suspension with magnetorheological damper
Authors: Du Xiu-Mei , Yu Miao , Fu Jie , Peng You-Xiang , Shi Hui-Feng , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2018

In this article, a robust state-feedback H∞ control for semi-active scissors linkage seat suspension with magnetorheological damper is investigated to reduce low-frequency and high-amplitude vibration, leading to health disorders in drivers or passengers. First, the stiffness and damping characteristics of the semi-active scissors linkage seat suspension are analyzed and a simplified model of the semi-active scissors linkage seat suspension is introduced. Then, the forward and inverse models of magnetorheological damper are described by the neural network method. Furthermore, the robust state-feedback H∞ control is established by considering the system uncertainties. The proposed approach is finally validated by experiment on a test rig under different sinusoidal excitations and load masses. Experimental results show that the human vibration is reduced up to 47.66% compared with the uncontrolled system.
The Diagnosis of Hereditary Angioedema: Family Caregivers’ Experiences
Authors: Granero-Molina José , Sánchez-Hernández Francisco , Fernández-Sola Cayetano , Jiménez-Lasserrotte María del Mar , Antequera-Raynal Laura Helena , Hernández-Padilla José Manuel
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of family caregivers in the process of diagnosing hereditary angioedema. An interpretive and qualitative research methodology based on Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics was carried out. Data collection took place between May 2015 and August 2016 and included a focus group and in-depth interviews with 16 family caregivers. Two themes define the experiences of family caregivers: “Family life focuses on identifying the problem” and “Discovering and coping with a complex diagnosis.” The process of diagnosis generates fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and incomprehension. Family caregivers are the main support for patients diagnosed with hereditary angioedema. As they share in the patients’ suffering, they need a diagnosis to be established to be able to cope with the disease and offer support. Family health nurses can contribute to improving the coping process in this phase of the disease.
Evaluation of SAMe-TT2R2 Score on Predicting Success With Extended-Interval Warfarin Monitoring
Authors: Hwang Andrew Y. , Carris Nicholas W. , Dietrich Eric A. , Gums John G. , Smith Steven M.
Published: June 2018

Background: In patients with stable international normalized ratios, 12-week extended-interval warfarin monitoring can be considered; however, predictors of success with this strategy are unknown. The previously validated SAMe-TT2R2 score (considering sex, age, medical history, treatment, tobacco, and race) predicts anticoagulation control during standard follow-up (every 4 weeks), with lower scores associated with greater time in therapeutic range. Objective: To evaluate the ability of the SAMe-TT2R2 score in predicting success with extended-interval warfarin follow-up in patients with previously stable warfarin doses. Methods: In this post hoc analysis of a single-arm feasibility study, baseline SAMe-TT2R2 scores were calculated for patients with ≥1 extended-interval follow-up visit. The primary analysis assessed achieved weeks of extended-interval follow-up according to baseline SAMe-TT2R2 scores. Results: A total of 47 patients receiving chronic anticoagulation completed a median of 36 weeks of extended-interval follow-up. The median baseline SAMe-TT2R2 score was 1 (range 0-5). Lower SAMe-TT2R2 scores appeared to be associated with greater duration of extended-interval follow-up achieved, though the differences between scores were not statistically significant. No individual variable of the SAMe-TT2R2 score was associated with achieved weeks of extended-interval follow-up. Analysis of additional patient factors found that longer duration (≥24 weeks) of prior stable treatment was significantly associated with greater weeks of extended-interval follow-up completed ( P = 0.04). Conclusion and Relevance: This pilot study provides limited evidence that the SAMe-TT2R2 score predicts success with extended-interval warfarin follow-up but requires confirmation in a larger study. Further research is also necessary to establish additional predictors of successful extended-interval warfarin follow-up.
Smoking Cessation Following Text Message Intervention in Pregnant Women
Authors: Forinash Alicia B. , Yancey Abigail , Chamness Danielle , Koerner Jamie , Inteso Christina , Miller Collin , Gross Gilad , Mathews Katherine
Published: June 2018

Background: Smoking during pregnancy has detrimental effects on mother and fetus. Text messaging has been utilized to improve patient care. Objective: To evaluate the impact of text messaging on smoking cessation rates among pregnant women in addition to standard of care (SOC) smoking cessation services. Our SOC includes pharmacist-driven education with or without nicotine patch or bupropion. Methods: This randomized, open-label, prospective trial was conducted at a maternal fetal care center from May 2014 to January 2016. Pregnant patients in the preparation stage of change were randomized to text messaging or SOC. The primary outcome was smoking cessation verified with exhaled carbon monoxide levels (eCO) 2 weeks from quit date. All received clinical pharmacist weekly calls for 3 weeks and biweekly visits until pharmacotherapy completion. The text messaging group also received predetermined motivational messages. Results: Of 49 randomized patients, 13 withdrew, and 6 were lost to follow-up. The remaining included 14 texting and 16 SOC patients. eCO-verified cessation was achieved by 57.1% in the texting group versus 31.3% in the control ( P = 0.153). Overall, 64.3% of the texting group achieved an eCO below 8 ppm at ≥1 visit versus 37.5% in the control group ( P = 0.143). No difference was found in birth outcomes. The study was underpowered because of slow enrollment and high drop-out rates. Conclusions and Relevance: Text messaging had minimal impact on improving smoking cessation rates in the obstetric population. However, further research is warranted because of the underpowered nature of this trial. Given the detrimental effects of smoking in pregnancy, more comprehensive cessation strategies are warranted.
Soft Tissue Structures at Risk With Percutaneous Posterior to Anterior Screw Fixation of the Talar Neck
Authors: Roberts Lauren E. , Pinto Martim , Staggers Jackson R. , Godoy-Santos Alexandre , Shah Ashish , de Cesar Netto Cesar
Published: June 2018

Background:

Fractures of the talar neck and body can be fixed with percutaneously placed screws directed from anterior to posterior or posterior to anterior. The latter has been found to be biomechanically and anatomically superior. Percutaneous guidewire and screw placement poses anatomic risks for posterolateral and posteromedial neurovascular and tendinous structures. The objective of this study was to determine the injury rate to local neurovascular and tendinous structures using this technique in a cadaveric model. In addition, we aimed to determine the number of attempts at passing the guidewires required to achieve acceptable placement of 2 parallel screws.

Methods:

Eleven fresh frozen cadaver limbs were used. Two 2.0-mm guidewires were placed under fluoroscopic guidance, posterior to anterior centered within the talus. The number of attempts required was recorded. A layered dissection was then performed to identify injury to any local anatomic structure. The shortest distance between the closest guidewire and the soft tissue structures was measured.

Results:

The mean total number of guidewires passed to obtain optimal placement of 2 parallel screws was 2.9 ± 0.7. Direct contact between the guidewire and the sural nerve was seen in 100% of the specimens, with the nerve impaled by the guidewire in 3 of 11 (27.2%) cases. The peroneal tendons were impaled in 1 of 11 (9%) specimens and the Achilles tendon was in contact with the guidewire in 8 of the 11 (72.7%) specimens, and impaled at its most lateral border with the guidewire in 2 specimens (18.2%).

Conclusion:

The placement of posterior to anterior percutaneous screws for talar neck fixation is technically demanding, and multiple guidewires are needed. Our cadaveric study showed that important tendinous and neurovascular structures were in proximity with the guidewires and that the sural nerve was injured in 100% of the cases.

Clinical Relevance:

Given the risk of injury to these structures, we recommend a formal posterolateral incision for proper visualization and retraction of the anatomic structures at risk.
Role of Arthroscopic Debridement of Hemophilic Ankles
Authors: Kaya Bicer Elcil , Kayaokay Kemal , Alsina Andac , Gunay Huseyin , Kavakli Kaan , Aydoğdu Semih
Published: June 2018

Background:

Arthroscopic debridement has been used in the treatment of early stages of hemophilic ankle arthropathy. The aim of this procedure is to alleviate pain, improve function, and diminish bleeding episodes. Evaluation of patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for hemophilic ankle arthropathies was evaluated in this study.

Methods:

Fifteen patients with hemophilia who had undergone arthroscopic debridement between 2008 and 2017 were included in this study. Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) with its subscales were obtained. Patient-reported outcome was measured using FFI at the latest follow-up. Radiologic severity of hemophilic arthropathy was assessed with the Pettersson score. Preoperative and postoperative intraarticular bleeding frequencies of the hemophilic patients were compared.

Results:

Patients experienced statistically significant improvements of FFI and its subscales. Median preoperative FFI scores dropped from 42.2% to 22.2% postoperatively. Median value for the Pettersson score was 3. Annual median bleeding frequency of the study group was 18 preoperatively and 1.5 postoperatively ( P = .002).

Conclusion:

By assessing patient-reported outcomes, pain and functional restrictions associated with hemophilic ankle arthropathy were improved following arthroscopic debridement. By means of subjective measures, this procedure was effective.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Testing the Hand Dermatitis Screening Tool in the Home Health Care Sector
Authors: Nichol K. , McKay S. M. , Ruco A. , Holness D. L.
Published: June 2018

Workers exposed to wet work are at an increased risk for occupational contact dermatitis and may benefit from screening to detect early disease. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hand dermatitis in home care workers, identify factors that influence presence of disease, and explore feasibility and importance of workplace screening in the home care sector. Following institutional ethics approval, nurses, personal support workers, and rehab therapists at one large home care provider in Ontario, Canada, self-screened for hand dermatitis using the Hand Dermatitis Screening Tool and accompanying photo guide and completed a short feasibility evaluation. Of the 220 participants, 18% had a positive screen for hand dermatitis and 77% reported exposure to wet work. In all, 93% of participants reported using the tool took less than 2 minutes and 84% reported screening for hand dermatitis is important. In conclusion, prevalence of hand dermatitis in home care workers is higher than reported in the general population. Workplace screening for hand dermatitis was deemed important, and the tool was feasible to use in the home care sector.
Inhibition of Mast Cell Degranulation With Cromolyn Sodium Exhibits Organ-Specific Effects in Polycystic Kidney (PCK) Rats
Authors: Jiang Lu , Fang Pingping , Septer Seth , Apte Udayan , Pritchard Michele T.
Published: June 2018

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a monogenic disease characterized by development of hepatorenal cysts, pericystic fibrosis, and inflammation. Previous studies show that mast cell (MC) mediators such as histamine induce proliferation of cholangiocytes. We observed robust MC accumulation around liver cysts, but not kidney cysts, in polycystic kidney (PCK) rats (an animal model of ARPKD). Therefore, we hypothesized that MCs contribute to hepatic cyst growth in ARPKD. To test this hypothesis, we treated PCK rats with 1 of 2 different MC stabilizers, cromolyn sodium (CS) or ketotifen, or saline. The CS treatment decreased MC degranulation in the liver and reduced serum tryptase (an MC granule component). Interestingly, we observed an increase in liver to body weight ratio after CS treatment paralleled by a significant increase in individual cyst size. Hepatic fibrosis was not affected by CS treatment. The CS treatment increased hepatic cyst wall epithelial cell (CWEC) proliferation and decreased cell death. Ketotifen treatment also increased hepatic cyst size. In vitro, CS treatment did not affect proliferation of isolated hepatic CWECs from PCK rats. In contrast, CS decreased kidney to body weight ratio paralleled by a significant decrease in individual cyst size. The percentage of kidney to body weight ratio was strongly correlated with serum renin (an MC granule component). Ketotifen did not affect kidney cyst growth. Collectively, these data suggest that CS affects hepatic and renal cyst growth differently in PCK rats. Moreover, CS may be beneficial to renal cystic disease but may exacerbate hepatic cyst growth in ARPKD.