bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Elder Polyvictimization in the United States: Data From the National Elder Mistreatment Study
Authors: Williams Joah L. , Racette Elise H. , Hernandez-Tejada Melba A. , Acierno Ron
Published: June 2017

Elder abuse, including emotional, physical, sexual, financial, and neglectful mistreatment is widespread in the United States, with as much as 11% of community-residing older adults experiencing some form of abuse in the past year. Little data exist regarding the prevalence of polyvictimization, or experience of multiple forms of abuse, which may exacerbate negative outcomes over that of any one form of victimization in isolation. This study evaluates the prevalence of elder polyvictimization among a nationally representative sample of community-residing U.S. older adults. Data from the National Elder Mistreatment Study were examined using bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Approximately, 1.7% of older adults experienced past-year polyvictimization, for which risk factors included problems accomplishing activities of daily living (odds ratio [OR] = 2.47), low social support (OR = 1.64), and past experience of traumatic events (OR = 4.81). Elder polyvictimization is a serious problem affecting community-residing older adults with identifiable targets for intervention.
Attributions of Blame in a Hypothetical Child Sexual Abuse Case: Roles of Behavior Problems and Frequency of Abuse
Authors: Theimer Kate , Hansen David J.
Published: June 2017

Youth who are blamed for their sexual abuse may experience increased negative outcomes, such as amplified self-blame. Similarly, blaming nonoffending parents can impede their ability to support their child following disclosure. Understanding the factors that influence how people perceive victim, caregiver, and perpetrator responsibility is imperative for the protection and treatment of families who have experienced sexual abuse. Little research has explored victim and abuse characteristics that influence the perception of sexual abuse. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the roles of behavior problems and frequency of abuse in the attribution of blame in a hypothetical sexual abuse case. In addition, the relationship between several respondent characteristics and assignment of responsibility were explored as secondary aims. The study used a two (behavior problems: three suspensions in one school semester vs. no mention of behavior problems) by two (one abuse occurrence vs. five abuse occurrences) between-subjects design. Seven hundred forty-two participants read one of the four child sexual abuse (CSA) vignettes and completed measures related to responsibility. ANOVAs revealed those who read a vignette where the youth experienced multiple abuse incidents rated the victim as more responsible regardless of whether or not the youth was described as having behavior problems. Results indicate that respondents may have attributed more blame to the victim due to the belief that she could have done something to stop the abuse after the first incident. The abuse frequency manipulation when combined with the behavior manipulation appeared to relate to how respondents perceived the victim’s parents. Males and younger respondents attributed more blame to the victim; however, sexual abuse or assault history did not associate with victim responsibility ratings. Clinical and research implications were discussed.
Neural network-based distributed adaptive configuration containment control for satellite formations
Authors: Sun Yanchao , Ma Guangfu , Chen Liangming , Wang Pengyu
Published: June 2017

Considering unknown perturbations and model uncertainties, this paper investigates the configuration containment control for satellite formations based on directed communication topologies. We consider that there are multiple leader satellites with constant relative velocities, while only a subset of follower satellites have access to the leaders. First, a distributed velocity observer is proposed for each follower to obtain velocity information of the leaders. Then, a distributed adaptive configuration containment control algorithm is proposed in which the model nonlinear uncertainties are approximated and compensated through neural networks, while the perturbations and approximation errors are compensated by adaptive gain technique. Furthermore, subject to the chattering caused by sign functions, an improved continuous containment strategy is developed. We use graph theory, Lyapunov theory, and Barbalat lemma to demonstrate that both proposed methods can make all the follower satellites converge to the convex hull spanned by the leader satellites. Numerical examples and comparisons are provided to show the effectiveness and performances of the proposed control strategies.
Understanding the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement: A critical discourse historiographical approach
Authors: Flowerdew John
Published: June 2017

Within the context of a critical discourse historiographical (CDH) approach to critical discourse studies (CDS), this article applies a range of theories to the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement, or Hong Kong Occupy Movement, to understand it as a discursive event. The CDH approach argues that a diachronic, historiographical approach can contribute to historiography, the writing of history, in that it can create first readings and interpretations of important events. The approach focuses on critical moments in discourse, of which the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement is considered an important one in the context of Hong Kong’s ongoing socio-historical development. Four theories are applied, in addition to the historical analysis, to further interpret the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement phenomenon: social movement theory, performance theory, identity theory and social action as text theory. It is concluded that the CDH approach to CDS and findings of the study may be useful in the consideration of other social movements and Occupy movements globally.
Seeing like a satellite: Remote sensing and the ontological politics of environmental security
Authors: Rothe Delf
Published: June 2017

The article furthers the debate on environmental security by highlighting the role of visual technologies such as satellite remote sensing in the construction of threats and risks. It provides a rereading of the critical literature on environmental security through the lens of Actor-Network Theory and argues for understanding environmental security as a form of ontological politics. A theoretical framework around the notion of visual assemblage is developed that accounts for the hybrid, socio-technical character of visual technologies like satellite remote sensing, and shows how these render environmental risks and threats visible, intelligible, and thereby governable. Equipped with this framework, the article traces the development of a visual assemblage of satellite remote sensing from the early days of the Cold War until today and reveals its close co-evolution with environmental security discourses and practices. Three major contemporary remote sensing projects are analyzed to reveal how this global visual assemblage enacts multiple versions of environmental security: as resilience of local populations and ecosystems, as a series of local risk factors that become manageable through market-based risk management, and through a ‘meteorology of security’ based on the collection, harmonization, and automated analysis of big (environmental) data from multiple sources.
Influence of Anthropometric Characteristics in Patients With Her2-Positive Breast Cancer on Initial Plasma Concentrations of Trastuzumab
Authors: González García Jonathan , Gutiérrez Nicolás Fernando , Nazco Casariego Gloria Julia , Batista López José Norberto , Ceballos Lenza Isaac , Ramos Díaz Ruth , Llabrés Martínez Matías
Published: June 2017

Background: Plasma concentrations of trastuzumab <20 µg/mL in patients with gastric cancer are associated with reduced progression-free and overall survival. In breast cancer treatment, this relationship has not yet been studied, but a suboptimal pharmacodynamic exposure to trastuzumab could be a reason for therapeutic failure of treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the proportion of nonmetastatic HER2-positive breast cancers that do not reach a minimum plasma concentration ( Cmin) of 20 µg/mL after first drug administration, established as therapeutically effective in clinical trials. The secondary objective was to identify the physiological and anthropometric characteristics that determine interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. Methods: Serum concentrations of trastuzumab were assessed by ELISA on day 1 of the second cycle before administration of the second dose ( Cmin). Results: Of 19 patients included, 9 (47.4%) had a mean Cmin of 19.0 µg/mL (±12.1) after the first administration. Body mass index (BMI) and weight was the main variable that determined the achievement of therapeutic levels after the first administration. Thus, the proportion of patients reaching the target concentration was 89% when BMI was ≤30 kg/m2 but only 11% when BMI was >30 kg/m2 ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: The standard dose of 600 mg subcutaneous trastuzumab did not ensure adequate pharmacodynamic exposure from the first administration in 52% of patients, with weight and BMI being related to the plasma levels obtained.
Department of Justice Consent Decrees as the Foundation for Community-Initiated Collaborative Police Reform
Authors: Douglass David L.
Published: June 2017

Acting pursuant to authority granted by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. §1414, the Department of Justice has entered into dozens of agreements generally known as consent decrees. Consent decrees are costly, ad hoc, and necessarily limited responses to a historically rooted and widespread problem, one that has become more prominent, divisive, and volatile as a result of the ubiquitous video-recording of police–civilian interactions and the divergent views concerning appropriate police tactics between police and the communities in which they operate. Collectively, these consent decrees constitute a compendium of best practices for constitutional, effective, community-oriented policing. This article argues that they can empower communities to initiate police reform and to educate communities concerning the elements of effective, constitutional policing, establish agreement with the police concerning the elements of constitutional and effective policing, and serve as the foundation for an agreed-upon roadmap for reform, including measures of progress, accountability, and results.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results of the Czech Republic
Authors: Havrdova Eva , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Capsa Daniela , Gannedahl Mia , Doležal Tomáš ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

In order to estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) – where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed – outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated.

Objectives and methods:

This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting data on resource consumption and work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, in the societal perspective, in CZK 2015.

Results:

A total of 747 patients (mean age 47 years) participated; 86% were below retirement age and of these, 49% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS affected productivity at work for 82% of those working. Overall, 92% and 66% of patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem. Mean utility and annual costs were 0.832 and 257,000CZK at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.530 and 425,500CZK at EDSS 4–6.5 and 0.141 and 489,000CZK at EDSS 7–9. The average cost of a relapse was estimated at 12,600CZK.

Conclusion:

This study provides current data on MS in the Czech Republic that are important for the development of health policies.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Denmark
Authors: Rasmussen Peter Vestergaard , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Capsa Daniela , Gannedahl Mia ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Background:

To estimate the value of treatments in multiple sclerosis (MS) – where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed – outcome data have to be combined with cost data. This, in turn, requires that cost data be regularly updated.

Objectives and Methods:

This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting current data on resource consumption, work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, from the societal perspective, in 2015 Danish Kronor (DKK).

Results:

A total of 830 patients (mean age of 54 years) participated; 78% were below retirement age and of these, 43% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS was felt to affect productivity at work by 73% of patients, most often through fatigue. Overall, 95% and 65% of patients felt that fatigue and cognition, respectively, were a problem. Mean utility and costs were 0.770 and 196,900DKK at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.619 and 287,300DKK at EDSS 4–6.5, and 0.302 and 533,250DKK at EDSS 7–9. The average cost of a relapse was estimated at 19,000DKK.

Conclusion:

This study illustrates the burden of MS on Danish patients and provides current data that are important for the development of health policies.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Portugal
Authors: Sá Maria José , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Capsa Daniela , Dalén Johan ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Background:

In order to assess the value of management strategies in multiple sclerosis (MS), outcome data have to be combined with cost data. This, in turn, requires that cost data be regularly updated.

Objective and methods:

This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting current data on resource consumption, work capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity; costs are estimated in the societal perspective, in EUR 2015.

Results:

A total of 535 patients (mean age 48.5 years) participated; 92% were below retirement age and of these, 43% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS was felt to affect productivity at work by 72% of patients, most often through fatigue. Overall, 98% and 74% of patients felt that fatigue and cognition were a problem. Mean utility and costs were 0.756 and €16,500 at the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.572 and €28,700 at EDSS 4–6.5 and 0.206 and €34,400 at EDSS 7–9. The average cost of a relapse was estimated at €2930.

Conclusion:

This study illustrates the burden of MS on Portuguese patients and provides current data that are important for the development of health policies.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Russia
Authors: Boyko Alexey , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Boyko Olga , Popova Ekaterina , Capsa Daniela , Eriksson Jennifer ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Background:

In order to assess the value of management strategies in multiple sclerosis (MS), outcome data have to be combined with cost data. This, in turn, requires that cost data be regularly updated.

Objective and methods:

This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting current data on resource consumption, work capacity and health-related quality of life (HQoL). Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity; costs are estimated in the societal perspective, in RUB 2015.

Results:

A total of 208 patients (mean age: 38.5 years) participated in the Russian study; 97% were below retirement age, and of these, 49% were employed. MS was reported to affect productivity at work in 63% of patients. Overall, 87% and 41% of patients felt that fatigue and cognition were a problem. The mean utility and costs were 0.769 and 578,000 RUB at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.509 and 826,000 RUB at EDSS 4–6.5, and 0.071 and 1,013,000 RUB at EDSS 7–9. The average cost of a relapse was 33,000 RUB.

Conclusion:

This study illustrates the burden of MS on Russian patients and provides current data that are important for developing health policies.
Staggered transmissions
Authors: Andersen Tore Rye
Published: June 2017

The final part of the recent anthology Serialization in Popular Culture (2014) is called ‘Digital serialization’ and is devoted to ‘the influence of digital technologies on serial form’. The chapters throughout the anthology focus on modern serial phenomena such as TV series and computer games, but apart from a chapter on serial fiction in the 19th century, literature is conspicuously absent. However, the digital revolution has also left its mark on literature and given rise to new publishing strategies, including a resurgence of different forms of serialization. Some of the most notable examples of digital serial fiction are published via Twitter, and through analyses of recent Twitter stories by Jennifer Egan and David Mitchell, the article discusses how the micro-serialization of Twitter fiction both differs from and draws on the pre-digital tradition of serial fiction. In order to address these differences and similarities, the analyses focus on two interrelated aspects of serialization, temporality and interaction. Furthermore, they discuss the promotional dimension of Twitter fiction that arises as the financial dictates of legacy publishing intersect with fiction distributed via digital social media.
Writing while wandering
Authors: Fan Lai-Tze
Published: June 2017

In digital writing, there is a discrepancy between the dynamicism that is associated with born-digital narratives and the rigidly encoded structures of content management that shape digital media technologies. Locative media narratives – site-specific narratives that are designed for accessing digital mobile devices – are therefore interesting because they cannot be written without reference to real space and are subject to the dynamic relationships that device users have with material space. This article reveals the ontological complexities of digital reading and digital writing for the locative media narrative user. Writing and reading digitally through locative media narratives, I argue, require users’ dynamic and reflexive negotiation between the experience of reading and the material circumstances that offer insight into the element of contingency in digital writing. Specifically, I explore the element of contingency as a ‘counter’ to paradigms of standardization and rationalization during the age of modernity; its nullification through the introduction of predefined digital parameters; its resilience in the figure of the walker; and its contemporary resilience in the media user. Contingency is thus delineated as a condition through which a dynamic narrative can emerge between the parameters of digital writing and a user’s narrative play. The material spaces explored are contingent upon which paths users choose to take; also, the produced story is contingent upon the narrative trajectory that is formed through users’ wandering through material space. As users choose real spaces with historiocultural contexts, this article shows that locative media narratives allow us to write digital narratives while also engaging in the discourses of material space, media materiality, and emerging forms of narrative. In turn, by conceptualizing and identifying dynamic forms of narrative for how they complicate notions of reading and writing, this article proposes the initial shaping of a narratology for dynamic digital narratives.
Brief report: Contemplate your symptoms and re-evaluate your health. A study on working adults
Authors: Andreasson Anna , Schiller Helena , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Berntson Erik , Kecklund Göran , Lekander Mats
Published: June 2017

We investigated whether self-ratings of health are affected by a symptom rating. A diary including a one-item self-rating of health (“pre–self-rated health”; 1 = excellent, 7 = very poor), a subsequent 26-item rating of symptoms, and thereafter a second (identical) health rating (“post–self-rated health”) was completed by 820 persons 21 times. Self-rated health worsened significantly ( p < .0001) after the symptom rating, from 2.72 pre–self-rated health (95% confidence interval: 2.70–2.74) to 2.77 post–self-rated health (95% confidence interval: 2.75–2.79) and more so in persons who reported more symptoms ( b = .058, p < .05). The results support the notion that subjective health perception is influenced by attending to symptoms, especially so in persons with a high symptom burden.
Preserved imitation in contrast to limited free application of comfortable hand actions in intellectually able young adults with an autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Beelen Caroline , Cuypers Koen , van Schuerbeeck Lise , Braeken Marijke , Ross Veerle , Jongen Ellen , Meesen Raf , Vanvuchelen Marleen
Published: June 2017

Imitation problems are commonly reported in children with an autism spectrum disorder. However, it has not yet been determined whether imitation problems persist into young adulthood. In this study, we investigated imitation skills of 20 intellectually able young adults with autism spectrum disorder relative to 19 age-matched neurotypical adults. For this purpose, we used a bar-transport task, which evokes the application of the end-state comfort principle. Specifically, we examined whether young adults with autism spectrum disorder imitated the means-end structure of a demonstrator’s bar-transport action with and without application of the end-state comfort principle (imitation task). In addition, we examined whether participants spontaneously applied the end-state comfort principle during a similar bar-transport task (free execution task). Results revealed that young adults with autism spectrum disorder imitated the means-end structure of observed actions to the same degree as neurotypical adults ( p = 0.428). In contrast, they applied the end-state comfort principle less often during free executed actions ( p = 0.035). Moreover, during these actions, they were slower to place the bar into the penholder ( p = 0.023), which contributed to the reduced efficiency of their performance. Findings suggest that imitation abilities of young adults with autism spectrum disorder are preserved and that observing others’ actions might promote more efficient action planning in this population.
Analyzing the seismic response of nonlinear cable net structure by the linear response spectrum analysis method
Authors: Xiang Yang , Luo Yongfeng , Gao Xixin , Shen Zuyan
Published: June 2017

Pre-tensioned cable net systems are being increasingly used in building façades. Due to the geometrical nonlinearities exhibited by the cables, people have to resort to the nonlinear response history analysis approach for analyzing the seismic responses of cable net structures. This article studies the effectiveness of linear response spectrum analysis method for nonlinear cable net systems. An energy-based parameter is used to describe the structural stiffness, based on which the equivalent single-degree-of-freedom systems for cable net structures with various irregularities could be established. By means of a pseudo-energy-equivalent approach, the nonlinear equivalent single-degree-of-freedom systems are transformed into linear ones, whose seismic responses are reasonable approximations of the accurate nonlinear results. It is revealed that the vibrating period of the equivalent linearized system is close to that of the nonlinear equivalent single-degree-of-freedom system, indicating that the nonlinear effects on seismic responses of cable net structures are not serious. Inspired by the theoretical analysis, large-scale numerical computations are carried out to check the accuracy of linear response spectrum analysis for nonlinear cable net structures. In the numerical computation, four cable net models are excited by 80 seismic records. Considering 19 different degrees of earthquake intensity, a total number of 6080 nonlinear response history analyses are executed, and the results are compared with those obtained from the linear response spectrum analysis. From the numerical results, the linear response spectrum analysis yields proper overestimations of seismic responses with errors within 35%, which may lead to slightly conservative yet acceptable designs in engineering practice. Given all the aforementioned discussions, it is concluded that the linear response spectrum analysis method is effective for seismic response analysis and aseismic design of nonlinear cable net structures.
Between openness and closure: Helmuth Plessner and the boundaries of social life
Authors: Dobeson Alexander
Published: June 2017

This article introduces the basic notions of the widely neglected Philosophical Anthropology of Helmuth Plessner. Instead of defining man as a privileged holder of consciousness, Plessner claims that all living organisms can be defined by their specific relation to their physical boundaries. In contrast to other living organisms such as plants and animals, however, the ‘eccentric’ nature of man allows for a comparatively high degree of freedom from the physical environment, which enables him to transcend, objectify, and deconstruct the boundaries of the same. The article concludes by outlining Plessner’s original contribution to contemporary debates in social theory, in particular constructivism and post-humanist studies.
When relative and absolute information matter: Compositional predictor with a total in generalized linear models
Authors: Coenders Germà , Martín-Fernández Josep A , Ferrer-Rosell Berta
Published: June 2017

The analysis of compositional data (CoDa) consists in the study of the relative importance of parts of a whole rather than the size of the whole because absolute information is either unavailable or not of interest. On the other hand, when absolute and relative information are both relevant, research hypotheses concern both. This article introduces a model including both the logratios used in CoDa and a total variable carrying absolute information as predictors in an otherwise standard statistical model. It shows how logratios can be tailored to the researchers’ hypotheses and alternative ways of computing the total. The interpretational advantages with respect to traditional approaches are presented and the equivalence and invariance properties are proven. A sequence of nested models is presented to test the relevance of relative and absolute information. The approach can be applied to dependent metric, binary, ordinal or count variables. Two illustrations are provided, the first on tourist expenditure and satisfaction and the second on solid waste management and floating population.
Novel Simulation Device for Targeting Tumors in Laparoscopic Ablation: A Learning Curve Study
Authors: Jutric Zeljka , Grendar Jan , Brown William L. , Cassera Maria A. , Wolf Ronald F. , Hansen Paul D. , Hammill Chet W.
Published: June 2017

Introduction. A novel 3-dimensional (3D) guidance system was developed to aid accurate needle placement during ablation. Methods. Five novices and 5 experienced hepatobiliary surgeons were recruited. Using an agar block with analog tumor, participants targeted under 4 conditions: in-line with the ultrasound plane using ultrasound, in-line using 3D guidance, 45° off-axis using ultrasound, and off-axis using 3D guidance. Time to target the tumor, number of withdrawals, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index were collected. Initial and final parameters for each of the conditions were compared using a within-subjects paired t test. Results. A significant reduction was seen in the number of required withdrawals in all situations when using the 3D guidance (0.75 vs 3.65 in-line and 0.25 vs 3.6 for off-axis). Mental workload was significantly lower when using 3D guidance compared with ultrasound both for novices (29.85 vs 41.03) and experts (31.98 vs 44.57), P < .001 for both. The only difference in targeting time between first and last attempt was in the novice group during off-axis targeting using 3D guidance (115 vs 32.6 seconds, P = .03). Conclusion. Though 3D guidance appeared to decrease time to target, this was not statistically significant likely as a result of lack of power in our trial. Three-dimensional guidance did reduce the number of required withdrawals, potentially decreasing complications, as well as mental workload after proficiency was achieved. Furthermore, novices without experience in ultrasound were able to learn targeting with the 3D guidance system at a faster pace than targeting with ultrasound alone.
Mini C-Arm Fluoroscopy: Does Its Configuration Matter for Radiation Exposure to the Surgeon?
Authors: Chapman Talia , Martin Dennis P. , Williamson Christopher , Tinsley Brian , Wang Mark L. , Ilyas Asif M.
Published: June 2017

Background: The risk of occupational radiation exposure to the surgeon associated with the use of a mini C-arm has yet to reach a wide consensus. Using a distal radius fracture surgery model, we tested the hypothesis that radiation exposure to the surgeon’s critical body parts is independent of mini C-arm configuration. Methods: An anthropomorphic mannequin (representing the upper body of a 60” male surgeon) was seated at a hand table as if operating on a volar-plated wrist Sawbone model. Thermoluminescent dosimeters measured radiation exposure to the surgeon’s eyes, thyroid, chest, hand, and groin from a mini C-arm fluoroscopy unit in 3 commonly used configurations: vertical (source above table), inverted (source below table), and horizontal (with beam parallel to table surface). The fluoroscope scanned the wrist model for 15 continuous minutes in triplicate for each orientation. Results: Radiation to the hand was significantly greatest in all mini C-arm positions compared with all other anatomic sites irrespective of C-arm position. Hand radiation exposure was greatest in the horizontal position (2887.09 mrem), versus the vertical and inverted positions (59.79 mrem, 31.10 mrem, P < .001). Eye radiation exposure was significantly greater in the inverted position (2.33 mrem) compared with the vertical (0.67 mrem, P = .024), and horizontal positions (0.33 mrem, P = .012). No significant difference in radiation exposure was found at the thyroid, chest, and groin sites, at each of the 3 C-arm configurations. Conclusions: The model’s hand received almost 1000 times more radiation exposure than all other anatomic sites with statistically greatest radiation exposure sustained in the horizontal position. Eye radiation exposure with the C-arm in the inverted position (below the table) was also significantly greater.
Protective Effects of Chrysin Against Drugs and Toxic Agents
Authors: Samarghandian Saeed , Farkhondeh Tahereh , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen
Published: June 2017

Issues:

Polyphenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, are known as the most common chemical class of phytochemicals, which possess a multiple range of health-promoting effects. Flavonoids are ubiquitous in nature. They are also present in food, providing an essential link between diet and prevention of several diseases.

Approach:

Chrysin (CH), a natural flavonoid, was commonly found in propolis and honey and traditionally used in herbal medicine. A growing body of scientific evidence has shown that CH possesses protective effects against toxic agents in various animal tissues, including brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung.

Key Findings:

This study found that CH may be effective in disease management induced by toxic agents. However, due to the lack of information on human, further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of CH as an antidote agent in human.

Conclusion:

The present article aimed to critically review the available literature data regarding the protective effects of CH against toxic agent–induced toxicities as well as its possible mechanisms.
Portraits of the enemy: Visualizing the Taliban in a photography studio
Authors: Chao Jenifer
Published: June 2017

This article examines studio photographs of Taliban fighters that deviate from popular media images which often confine them within the visual coordinates of terrorism, insurgency and violence. Gathered in a photographic book known simply as Taliban, these 49 photographs represent the militants in Afghanistan through a studio photography aesthetic, transplanting them from the battlefields of the global war on terror to intimate scenes of pretence and posing. Besides troubling the Taliban’s expected militant identity, these images invite an opaque and oppositional form of viewing and initiate enigmatic visual and imaginative encounters. This article argues that these alternative visualizations consist of a compassionate way of seeing informed by Judith Butler’s notions of precarity and grievability, as well as a viewing inspired by Jacques Rancière’s aesthetic dissensus that obfuscates legibility and disrupts meaning. Consequently, these photographs counter a delimited post-9/11 process of enemy identification and introduce forms of seeing that reflect terrorism’s complexity.
Collaborating to remember collaborative design: An exploratory study
Authors: Bietti Lucas M , Baker Michael J
Published: June 2017

We examine the ways in which members of a small group coordinate their memories, bodies and language in a functional and goal-oriented manner when they are co-designing their dream house and then collaborative remembering that previous interactive encounter. Our analyses show the following: (1) participants structured collaborative design and collaborative remembering sessions in different ways (e.g. linear and sequential vs iterative and hierarchically structured, respectively); (2) higher degrees of knowledge building were temporally synchronized with higher degrees of interactivity during both tasks; (3) collaborative remembering did not only follow the spatial structure of successive elements of the dream-house design session, but it was also proceeded by associations between semantic elements of the discourse; and (4) participants collaboratively remember better what initially generated most joint activity during collaborative design. This research thus contributes to understanding of collaborative remembering processes with respect to a knowledge-rich collaborative task.
Family memory, ‘things’ and counterfactual thinking
Authors: Green Anna , Luscombe Kayleigh
Published: June 2017

Contemporary research into the relationship between material culture and the formation of personal and family identities has emphasized the idealized symbolic role of inherited objects and ‘things’. In the following research, oral history interviews were recorded with 12 multigenerational families in Devon and Cornwall about memories and stories from the family’s past. Within this oral history cohort, the eldest member in four families identified objects that did not fit the model of positive, affective resonance. These material things symbolized a calamitous or difficult key turning point in family history and generated counterfactual thinking about the family trajectory over time. In this form of family memory, personal identities could be grounded in the lives of earlier generations prior to the pivotal event.
The researcher as cognitive activist and the mutually useful conversation
Authors: Earl Cassie
Published: June 2017

This autoethnagraphic article argues that in the study of political education, especially learning through social movement activities, the knowledge produced by the research will be of greater social use if researchers position themselves as ‘cognitive activists’. This is because, the article argues, the researcher needs to work in solidarity with social movements for socially just change in order to reconnect academic knowledge work to the wider struggles for social change. The article thinks through the implications and ideas around this framing of research work and positionality. It then goes on to examine in detail one of the techniques for taking this position – that of the mutually useful conversation frame of the research interview – exploring why this thinking came about and how this framing of the interview is politically necessary for the cognitive activism proposed.
The special measures school and the ‘c’ word: A case study of the role of conformity, compliance chimera, and the power of community and context in a special measures secondary school in northern England
Authors: Hanson Diann
Published: June 2017

This article explores the relationship between capital and education through the experiences of a British secondary school following a grading by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills that placed the school into special measures, considering the underlying assumptions and inequalities highlighted and obfuscated by the special measures label. The formulaic and ritualistic manner in which operational and ideological methods of reconstruction were presented as the logical (and only) pathway towards improvement is examined in an effort to disentangle the purpose of the ‘means-to-an-end’ approach within prevailing hegemonic structures, requiring a revisit to contemporary positioning of Gramscian concepts of ideology through the work of Gandin. The decontextualisation of schools from their socio-economic environments is probed in order to expose the paradoxes and fluidity of resistant discourse. The ambiguities between a Catholic ethos, neo-liberal restructuring and the socio-economic context of the school and the greater demands to acquiesce to externally prescribed notions of normativity are considered as a process that conversely created apertures, newly formed sublayers and corrugations where transformation could take root. Unforeseen epiphanies and structures of dissent are identified and will enrich the narrative of existence and survival in a special measures school in an economically deprived northern town in the UK.
Ventricular pseudodiverticula from intraparenchymal cerebrospinal fluid dissection secondary to high-grade obstructive hydrocephalus in children: magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Calloni Sonia F , Soares Bruno P , Huisman Thierry AGM
Published: June 2017

We report on a series of three children who presented with a focal cerebrospinal fluid collection within the periventricular white matter of the temporal and occipital lobes in the setting of high-grade obstructive hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a focal defect within the ventricular wall associated with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid into the adjacent white matter. The white matter tracts appeared primarily displaced. This entity should be referred to as ventricular pseudodiverticulum, not lined by ependymal cells, in contrast to a true ventricular diverticulum in which the cerebrospinal fluid is contained by a focal outpouching of the intact ventricular wall lined by a dilated and prolapsed layer of ependymal cells. Correct interpretation and classification of the findings may be helpful in predicting prognosis and outcome.
Achalasia: current therapeutic options
Authors: Arora Zubin , Thota Prashanthi N. , Sanaka Madhusudhan R.
Published: June 2017

Achalasia is a chronic incurable esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis. Although rare, it is currently the most common primary esophageal motility disorder, with an annual incidence of around 1.6 per 100,000 persons and prevalence of around 10.8/100,000 persons. Symptoms of achalasia include dysphagia to both solids and liquids, regurgitation, aspiration, chest pain and weight loss. As the underlying etiology of achalasia remains unclear, there is currently no curative treatment for achalasia. Management of achalasia mainly involves improving the esophageal outflow in order to provide symptomatic relief to patients. The most effective treatment options for achalasia include pneumatic dilation, Heller myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), with the latter increasingly emerging as the treatment of choice for many patients. This review focusses on evidence for current and emerging treatment options for achalasia with a particular emphasis on POEM.
Does Language Influence the Vertical Representation of Auditory Pitch and Loudness?
Authors: Fernandez-Prieto Irune , Spence Charles , Pons Ferran , Navarra Jordi
Published: June 2017

Higher frequency and louder sounds are associated with higher positions whereas lower frequency and quieter sounds are associated with lower locations. In English, “high” and “low” are used to label pitch, loudness, and spatial verticality. By contrast, different words are preferentially used, in Catalan and Spanish, for pitch (high: “agut/agudo”; low: “greu/grave”) and for loudness/verticality (high: “alt/alto”; low: “baix/bajo”). Thus, English and Catalan/Spanish differ in the spatial connotations for pitch. To analyze the influence of language on these crossmodal associations, a task was conducted in which English and Spanish/Catalan speakers had to judge whether a tone was higher or lower (in pitch or loudness) than a reference tone. The response buttons were located at crossmodally congruent or incongruent positions with respect to the probe tone. Crossmodal correspondences were evidenced in both language groups. However, English speakers showed greater effects for pitch, suggesting an influence of linguistic background.
Through the Looking Glass: Analysis of Factors Influencing Iranian Student’s Study Abroad Motivations and Destination Choice
Authors: Nafari Javid , Arab Alireza , Ghaffari Sina
Published: June 2017

This study seeks to investigate and understand why and how Iranian higher education students choose to study overseas. After critically analyzing the international student mobility literature, the important factors are distilled. Then, by using Fuzzy-Delphi Method (FDM), 15 factors are selected from the 21 factors initially selected by reviewing the literature. This study utilizes a novel Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach, based on Best-Worst Method (BWM), to prioritize the factors influencing the choice of Iranian students regarding international higher education. Therefore, by using BWM, the most and the least important factors and subfactors were identified and prioritized based on the experts’ opinions. The findings of this quantitative research reveal that Iranian students identify “Aids and Scholarships,” “Cost Issues,” and “Environment of the Home Country” as the most important factors, respectively. Finally, a discussion is generated regarding the results and their implications.
Biobehavioral Mechanisms of Mindfulness as a Treatment for Chronic Stress: An RDoC Perspective
Authors: Garland Eric L. , Hanley Adam W. , Baker Anne K. , Howard Matthew O.
Published: June 2017

Mindfulness-based interventions have been heralded as promising means of alleviating chronic stress. While meta-analyses indicate that mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce global measures of stress, how mindfulness-based interventions modulate the specific mechanisms underpinning chronic stress as operationalized by the National Institute of Mental Health research domain criteria (RDoC) of sustained threat has not yet been detailed in the literature. To address this knowledge gap, this article aims to (1) review evidence that mindfulness-based interventions ameliorate each of the 10 elements of behavioral dysregulation characterizing sustained threat via an array of mindful counter-regulatory strategies; (2) review evidence that mindfulness-based interventions modify biological domains implicated in sustained threat, such as the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, as well as brain circuits involved in attentional function, limbic reactivity, habit behavior, and the default mode network; and (3) integrate these findings into a novel conceptual framework of mindful self-regulation in the face of stress—the Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory. Taken together, the extant body of scientific evidence suggests that the practice of mindfulness enhances a range biobehavioral factors implicated in adaptive stress coping and induces self-referential plasticity, leading to the ability to find meaning in adversity. These mechanistic findings can inform the treatment development process to optimize the next generation of mindfulness-based interventions for greater therapeutic efficacy.
Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care Integration for Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wang Winnie S. , Ma Joseph D. , Nelson Sandahl H. , Revta Carolyn , Buckholz Gary T. , Mulroney Carolyn M. , Roeland Eric J.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

Advance care planning (ACP) in hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is challenging, given the potential for cure despite increased morbidity and mortality risk.The aim of this study was to evaluate ACP and palliative care (PC) integration for patients who underwent HSCT.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted and data were extracted from electronic medical records of patients who underwent HSCT between January 2011 and December 2015. Patients who received more than one transplant and who were younger than 18 years of age were excluded. The primary objective was to determine the setting and specialty of the clinician who documented the initial and final code status. Secondary objectives included evaluation of advance directive and/or completion of the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment form, PC consultation, hospice enrollment, and location of death.

Results:

The study sample comprised 39% (n = 235) allogeneic and 61% (n = 367) autologous HSCTs. All patients except one (n = 601) had code status documentation, and 99.2% (n = 596) were initially documented as full code. Initial and final code status documentation in the outpatient setting was 3% (n = 17) and 24% (n = 143), respectively. PC consultation occurred for 19% (n = 114) of HSCT patients, with 83% (n = 95) occurring in the hospital. Allogeneic transplant type and age were significantly associated with greater rates of advance directive and/or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment completion. Most patients (85%, n = 99) died in the hospital, and few were enrolled in hospice (15%, n = 17).

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the largest single-center study of ACP and PC integration for patients who underwent HSCT. Code status documentation in the outpatient setting was low, as well as utilization of PC and hospice services.
Η σημασία και ο ρόλος των Οργανώσεων της Κοινωνικής Οικονομίας και των Κοινωνικών Συνεταιριστικών Επιχειρήσεων στην Ελλάδα. Μια μελέτη περίπτωσης στην Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Καβάλας
Authors: Κώστας Αντώνιος
Published: June 2017

No abstract
All friends together
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: June 2017

In the final part of her series exploring ‘All about me’, Jenni Clarke outlines ways for children to look outwards and think about friendships with others. In doing so they will learn more about themselves.
Off to big school
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: June 2017

If your child will be moving into a reception class in September, now is the time to start preparing. There are lots of steps parents can take to ensure the transition is smooth and happy for everyone.