bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of alterations in heart rate on left ventricular echocardiographic measurements in healthy cats
Authors: Sugimoto Keisuke , Fujii Yoko , Ogura Yuto , Sunahara Hiroshi , Aoki Takuma
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sudden alterations in heart rate (HR) on left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and dimensions determined by echocardiography in healthy cats.

Methods

Six experimental cats were used. All cats were anaesthetised and HR was controlled with right atrial pacing. The interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall thickness at end diastole (IVSd and LVFWd, respectively), left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameter (LVIDd and LVIDs, respectively) and shortening fraction (FS) of each cat were assessed using echocardiography at pacing rates of 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and 180 ppm.

Results

There were significant relationships between HR and IVSd, LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs and FS. As the HR increased, LV wall thickness increased and chamber dimensions got smaller in a linear fashion. The maximum and minimum differences in wall thickness between 120 ppm and 180 ppm were 2.0 mm and 0.7 mm in single measurements, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

LV wall thickness and dimensions were significantly influenced by alterations in HR.
A meta-analysis of the social communication questionnaire: Screening for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chesnut Steven R , Wei Tianlan , Barnard-Brak Lucy , Richman David M
Published: August 2016

The current meta-analysis examines the previous research on the utility of the Social Communication Questionnaire as a screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder. Previously published reports have highlighted the inconsistencies between Social Communication Questionnaire-screening results and formal autism spectrum disorder diagnoses. The variations in accuracy resulted in some researchers questioning the validity of the Social Communication Questionnaire. This study systematically examined the accuracy of the Social Communication Questionnaire as a function of the methodological decisions made by researchers screening for autism spectrum disorder over the last 15 years. Findings from this study suggest that the Social Communication Questionnaire is an acceptable screening instrument for autism spectrum disorder (area under the curve = 0.885). Variations in methodological decisions, however, greatly influenced the accuracy of the Social Communication Questionnaire in screening for autism spectrum disorder. Of these methodological variations, using the Current instead of the Lifetime version of the Social Communication Questionnaire resulted in the largest detrimental effect ( d = −3.898), followed by using the Social Communication Questionnaire with individuals younger than 4 years of age ( d = −2.924) and relying upon convenience samples ( d = −4.828 for clinical samples, −2.734 for convenience samples, and −1.422 for community samples). Directions for future research and implications for using the Social Communication Questionnaire to screen for autism spectrum disorder are discussed.
Damage identification using structural modes based on substructure virtual distortion method
Authors: Zhang Qingxia , Jankowski Łukasz
Published: August 2016

A damage identification approach is presented using substructure virtual distortion method which takes the advantage of the fast structural reanalysis technique of virtual distortion method. The formulas of substructure virtual distortion method are deduced in frequency domain, and then the frequency response function of the damaged structure is constructed quickly via the superposition of the frequency response function of the intact structure and the frequency responses caused by the damage-coupling virtual distortions of the substructures. The structural damage extents are identified using the measured modal parameters. Two steps are adopted to increase the efficiency of optimization: the modals of finite element model are estimated quickly from the fast constructed frequency response function during the optimization and the primary distortions of the substructures are extracted by contribution analysis to further reduce the computational work. A six-story frame numerical model and an experiment of a cantilever beam are carried out, respectively, to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
The politicization of the Internet’s Domain Name System: Implications for Internet security, universality, and freedom
Authors: Bradshaw Samantha , DeNardis Laura
Published: August 2016

One of the most contentious and longstanding debates in Internet governance involves the question of oversight of the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS administration is sometimes described as a “clerical” or “merely technical” task, but it also implicates a number of public policy concerns such as trademark disputes, infrastructure stability and security, resource allocation, and freedom of speech. A parallel phenomenon involves governmental and private forces increasingly altering or co-opting the DNS for political and economic purposes distinct from its core function of resolving Internet names into numbers. This article examines both the intrinsic politics of the DNS in its operation and specific examples and techniques of co-opting or altering DNS’ technical infrastructure as a new tool of global power. The article concludes with an analysis of the implications of this infrastructure-mediated governance on network security, architectural stability, and the efficacy of the Internet governance ecosystem.
The hidden subsidies of rural prisons: Race, space and the politics of cumulative disadvantage
Authors: Walker Hannah L , Thorpe Rebecca U , Christensen Emily K , Anderson JP
Published: August 2016

This paper links the rise of a punitive punishment regime that disproportionately targets poor, urban minorities and the increasing use of rural spaces to warehouse prisoners. Preliminary evidence from a unique dataset across three states suggests that housing large, institutionalized prison populations inflates population counts in otherwise shrinking rural areas and operates as a hidden subsidy for rural counties with prison infrastructure. Prisons contribute to the immediate economic viability of predominantly white, lower class rural areas, despite devastating costs borne elsewhere.
The language of design: Spatial cognition and spatial language in parametric design
Authors: Lee Ju Hyun , Ostwald Michael J , Gu Ning
Published: August 2016

This article develops a new research framework and method combining cognitive and linguistic approaches to investigate parametric design. At the core of this new approach is a dual-coding system for protocol analysis, which can formally capture both cognitive and linguistic characteristics of the design process. In this article, the method is applied to the analysis of the results of a design experimental undertaken by a set of Australian and Swedish architects working individually in a parametric environment. The results of the experiment demonstrate the effectiveness of the dual-coding system and, with the support of linkography, facilitate the in-depth exploration of design cognition and its relationship to spatial language. This method directly contributes to a new insight into the role of language in design.
Adaptive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Surucu Murat , Shah Karan K. , Roeske John C. , Choi Mehee , Small William , Emami Bahman
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To investigate the effects of adaptive radiotherapy on dosimetric, clinical, and toxicity outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Methods:

Fifty-one patients with advanced head and neck cancer underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy with the original plan optimized to deliver 70.2 Gy. All patients were resimulated at a median dose of 37.8 Gy (range, 27.0-48.6 Gy) due to changes in tumor volume and/or patient weight loss (>15% from baseline). Thirty-four patients underwent adaptive replanning for their boost planning (21.6 Gy). The dosimetric effects of the adaptive plan were compared to the original plan and the original plan copied on rescan computed tomography. Acute and late toxicities and tumor local control were assessed. Gross tumor volume reduction rate was calculated.

Results:

With adaptive replanning, the maximum dose to the spinal cord, brain stem, mean ipsilateral, and contralateral parotid had a median reduction of −4.5%, −3.0%, −6.2%, and −2.5%, respectively (median of 34 patients). Median gross tumor volume and boost planning target volume coverage improved by 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 17.6 months, median disease-free survival and overall survival was 14.8 and 21.1 months, respectively. Median tumor volume reduction rate was 35.2%. For patients with tumor volume reduction rate ≤35.2%, median disease-free survival was 8.7 months, whereas it was 16.9 months for tumor volume reduction rate >35.2%. Four patients had residual disease after chemoradiotherapy, whereas 64.7% (20 of 34) of patients achieved locoregional control.

Conclusion:

Implementation of adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer offers benefits including improvement in tumor coverage and decrease in dose to organs at risk. The tumor volume reduction rate during treatment was significantly correlated with disease-free survival and overall survival.
Using the Intervention Mapping Protocol to develop an online video intervention for parents to prevent childhood obesity: Movie Models
Authors: De Lepeleere Sara , Verloigne Maïté , Brown Helen Elizabeth , Cardon Greet , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse
Published: August 2016

Background:

The increasing prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity caused by an unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary behaviour (SB) is a prominent public health concern. Parenting practices may contribute to healthy behaviour change in children, but well-researched examples are limited. The aim of this study is to describe the systematic development of an intervention for parents to prevent childhood overweight/obesity through the improvement of parenting practices.

Methods:

The six steps of the Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP), a theory- and evidence-based tool to develop health-related interventions, were used as a framework to develop the ‘Movie Models’ programme.

Results:

In Step 1, a needs assessment was performed to better understand the health problem of overweight/obesity in children and its association with diet, PA and SB. In Step 2, the programme goal (increasing the adoption of effective parenting practices) was sub-divided into performance objectives. Change objectives, which specify explicit actions required to accomplish the performance objectives, were also identified. Step 3 included the selection of theoretical methods (e.g. ‘modelling’ and ‘images’), which were then translated into the practical strategy of online parenting videos. Step 4 comprised the development of a final intervention framework, and Step 5 included the planning of programme adoption and implementation. The final phase, Step 6, included the development of an effect- and process-evaluation plan.

Discussion:

The IMP was used to structure the development of ‘Movie Models’, an intervention targeting specific parenting practices related to children’s healthy diet, PA, SB, and parental self-efficacy. A clear framework for process analyses is offered, which aims to increase the potential effectiveness of an intervention and can be useful for those developing health promotion programmes.
Alternative Futures for Forest-Based Nanomaterials
Authors: Bengston David N. , Dator Jim , Dockry Michael J. , Yee Aubrey
Published: August 2016

Forestry and forest products research has entered into a robust research agenda focused on creating nano-sized particles and nanoproducts from wood. As wood-based materials can be sustainably produced, the potential of these renewable products could be limitless and include high-end compostable electronics, paint-on solar panels, and lightweight materials for airplanes and cars. Others warn about potential serious negative health and environmental consequences. Either way, wood-based nanomaterials could disrupt forestry as we know it. This article is a summary and analysis of a collaborative research project exploring the futures of wood-based nanomaterials within the context of the futures of forests and forest management within the United States. We start by describing the history of forestry through the lens of the U.S. Forest Service, then describe nanotechnology in general and wood-based nanocellulose specifically. Next, we outline the Manoa School alternative futures method, and how we used it to design and carry out a “complete futures of x” project. Following the Manoa School approach, we describe four alternative futures for forestry and forest management. We conclude with implications for the future of forestry, forests, and forest-based nanomaterials, as well as a discussion on the implementation of a complete “futures of x” project.
Isolation and characterization of hepatitis C virus resistant to a novel phenanthridinone derivative
Authors: Ito Wataru , Toyama Masaaki , Okamoto Mika , Ikeda Masanori , Watashi Koichi , Wakita Takaji , Hashimoto Yuichi , Baba Masanori
Published: August 2016

Background

The novel phenanthridinone derivative HA-719 has recently been identified as a highly potent and selective inhibitor of hepatitis C virus replication. To elucidate its mechanism of inhibition, we have isolated and analyzed a clone of hepatitis C virus replicon cells resistant to HA-719.

Methods

To isolate HA-719-resistant replicon cells, Huh-7 cells containing subgenomic hepatitis C virus replicons (genotype 1b) with a luciferase reporter (LucNeo#2) were cultured in the presence of G418 and escalating concentrations of HA-719. After several passages, total RNA was extracted from the growing cells, and Huh-7 cells were transfected with the extracted RNA. Limiting dilution of the transfected cells was performed to obtain an HA-719-resistant clone.

Results

The 50% effective concentration (EC50) of HA-719 for hepatitis C virus replication was 0.058 ± 0.012 µM in LucNeo#2 cells. The replicon cells capable of growing in the presence of G418 and 3 µM HA-719 were obtained after 18 passages (72 days). The HA-719-resistant clone LucNeo719R showed 98.3-fold resistant to the compound (EC50 = 5.66 ± 0.92 µM), but the clone had no cross-resistance to telaprevir (NS3 inhibitor), daclatasvir (NS5A inhibitor), and VX-222 (NS5B inhibitor). The sequence analysis for the wild-type and LucNeo719R identified 3, 2 and 7 mutations in NS3/4 A, NS4B, and NS5A, respectively, but no mutations in NS5B.

Conclusion

None of the amino acid mutations in the resistant clone corresponds to those reported to confer drug-resistance to current anti-hepatitis C virus agents, suggesting that the target of HA-719 for hepatitis C virus inhibition differs from those of the existing agents.
Evaluation of olanzapine pamoate depot in seriously violent males with schizophrenia in the community
Authors: Kasinathan John , Sharp Gillian , Barker Anthony
Published: August 2016

Objectives:

Olanzapine is a well established treatment for schizophrenia. The olanzapine pamoate depot (long-acting injectable) formulation improves compliance and clinical trials have shown it to be effective. However, there are no previously published reports evaluating olanzapine depot in violent patients with schizophrenia in the community. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of olanzapine depot, its effect on violence, hospitalization and incarceration in community patients with schizophrenia and prior history of serious violence.

Methods:

This was a retrospective service evaluation in a community forensic psychiatry service where patients had schizophrenia spectrum disorder and a significant history of violence. Treatment resistance, substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorder were common. Nine deidentified patient records were audited for 12 months pre and 12 months post olanzapine depot initiation to identify any clinical changes, breaches of (legislated) psychiatric treatment orders, hospital admission days, days incarcerated and emergency presentations.

Results:

Community forensic psychiatric patients treated with olanzapine depot showed an improvement in psychotic symptoms ( p = 0.008) with overall decreases in violence, supported by reductions in hospitalization days ( p = 0.018) and days incarcerated ( p = 0.043). Several patients had reduced psychiatric treatment order breaches and emergency presentations.

Conclusions:

Community forensic psychiatric patients with schizophrenia responded to olanzapine depot with decreased violence and reduced hostility. A depot antipsychotic medication that reduces violence and improves engagement has significant implications for greater effective community management of forensic patients with schizophrenia.
Do doctors agree on doses of antipsychotic medications?
Authors: Schill Johan , Olsson Hans
Published: August 2016

Background:

The objective of this study was to investigate the concordance in attitudes of psychiatrists towards the doses of antipsychotics given to stable outpatients with schizophrenia and to examine the psychiatrists’ estimates of equally potent doses of haloperidol and olanzapine.

Methods:

We asked all 22 doctors serving at the psychiatry department of Jönköping County Hospital if they considered the combined dose of antipsychotics for 20 individual patients to be ‘low’, ‘medium’ or ‘high’. We also asked each doctor to state the dose of haloperidol that they considered to be clinically equivalent to 20 mg/day of olanzapine.

Results:

The inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff’s alpha (α)) was 0.50, and the mean estimated dose haloperidol considered clinically equivalent to 20 mg/day of olanzapine was 4.45 mg/day.

Conclusions:

The inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff’s α) was low, suggesting lack of agreement. The dose of antipsychotics given to a patient might thus be more influenced by which doctor they meet than the severity of the disease. The respondents in this study considered a mean dose of 4.45 mg/day of haloperidol to be clinically equivalent to 20 mg/day of olanzapine. This is a considerably lower dose than was determined by an international consensus study of antipsychotic dosing, and more in line with the available PET studies measuring central dopamine receptor blockage of optimal clinical doses.
Cognitive impairment in Crohn’s disease is associated with systemic inflammation, symptom burden and sleep disturbance
Authors: van Langenberg Daniel R , Yelland Greg W , Robinson Stephen R , Gibson Peter R
Published: August 2016

Background

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) frequently complain of cognitive difficulties such as problems with concentration and clouding of thought, yet this has scarcely been objectively defined and underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Objective

The objective of this article is to objectively measure cognitive impairments in patients with CD compared with healthy controls, and if present, to identify potentially modifiable, contributing factors associated with cognitive impairment.

Methods

CD patients and healthy age‐/sex‐matched controls completed surveys encompassing clinical, demographic, psychiatric, fatigue and sleep parameters. Contemporaneously, disease activity assessment with serum CRP, faecal calprotectin, Harvey–Bradshaw Index and the Subtle Cognitive Impairment test (SCIT) were performed, with the primary measure of response time (SCIT‐RT) compared between groups. Multiple linear regression assessed for factors associated with slower SCIT‐RT, denoting subtle cognitive impairment.

Results

A total of 49 CD and 31 control individuals participated, with median age 44 years (range 22–65) and 43 years (21–63), respectively. Compared to controls, SCIT‐RT was slower across all timepoints in CD patients (ANOVA p  < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, serum CRP (standardised beta coefficient 0.27, 95% CI (0.02, 0.51)), abdominal pain (0.43 (0.16, 0.70)), plasma haemoglobin (1.55 (1.42, 1.68)), and concurrent fatigue (0.56 (0.25, 0.88)) were each independently associated with slower SCIT‐RT in CD (each p  < 0.05), with a trend for poorer sleep quality 0.54 (−0.03, 1.11) (p  = 0.06), yet conversely, higher faecal calprotectin titres were associated with faster SCIT‐RT (−1.77 (−1.79, −1.76), p  < 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with CD demonstrated subtle cognitive impairment utilising the objective SCIT, correlating with systemic inflammation and other disease burden measures, although higher faecal calprotectin titres were unexpectedly associated with less cognitive impairment.
The politics of the EU
Authors: Maull Hanns W
Published: August 2016

The article looks at the politics of the European Union’s policies towards China, using the liberal theory of international politics of Andrew Moravcsik as a framework for analysis. It concludes that these policies are structurally fragmented, incoherent and inconsistent because of the way they are formulated and implemented. The preponderance of commercial preferences and the insistence on national sovereignty are crucial to understanding why this is the case. As a consequence, the European position in the bilateral relationship is weakened and the relationship itself is unbalanced.
Racial Impact Statements, Knowledge-Based Criminology, and Resisting Color Blindness
Authors: Smith Justin M.
Published: August 2016

This project addresses the problem of ostensibly race-neutral policies that increase sentence lengths in the United States. In order to contribute to addressing this problem, this analysis theoretically frames racial impact statements around color-blind racism and racial structure. Since sentence lengths are most directly determined at the state level, this analysis focuses on one state, Michigan. Similar to many states, Michigan underwent marked reforms in sentencing in the 1990s, and this research examines the impact on sentence lengths for violent offenses. Findings coincide with past statements on the influence long sentences exert upon high prison populations and durable racial disproportionality within. Ultimately, theoretical and empirical evidence offer support for the application of racial impact statements as a mechanism to address racially uneven sentencing outcomes.
Effective University Instructors as Perceived by Turkish and Omani University Students
Authors: Al-Busaidi S. , Aldhafri S. , Büyükyavuz O.
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the characteristics of effective university instructors as perceived by 547 students. The students came from institutions in two different countries, Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman and Süleyman Demirel University in Turkey. They were asked to indicate the personality and the teaching characteristics they felt were essential qualities of an effective university instructor. The students’ responses were also assessed based on gender, year of study, and grade point average (GPA). According to the findings, an effective university instructor respects students as people, recognizes their identity, listens to their concerns and challenges, and is someone students can depend on for support when needed. With regard to teaching characteristics, an effective instructor is the one who treats students equally, builds their confidence, comes prepared for the lesson, and is clear and easy to be understood. Female students placed more value on personality characteristics. In addition, freshmen students were more concerned about optimizing the learning environment by having effective instructors who possess effective personality and teaching characteristics. There were no significant differences between students based on GPA. Finally, the Omani students rated both the personality and teaching characteristics more highly than the Turkish students.
Holocaust Education in Turkey: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Dost-Niyego Pınar , Aytürk İlker
Published: August 2016

The article emphasizes on the challenges stemming from writing the history of a multicultural, multiethnic, and multireligious, post-imperial society from the perspective of a nation-state that strives for sweeping all differences under the carpet. It focuses on the complete absence of Holocaust education in Turkish public curricula. There are various challenges that future Holocaust educators do and may face in Turkey and the article strives to address some of them. It concludes that Holocaust education can contribute to memory studies, citizenship, and human rights education in Turkey, empowering an already existing public debate on confronting Turkey’s troubled past.
Loading Protocols for ASCE 41 Backbone Curves
Authors: Maison Bruce F. , Speicher Matthew S.
Published: August 2016

ASCE 41 is the industry standard for seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings. It allows for alternative component modeling and acceptance criteria based on a backbone curve constructed from envelopes of component hysteresis loops derived via experimental cyclic tests. ASCE 41-13 requires use of loading protocols having fully reversed cyclic loadings with increasing displacement levels. However, recent research summarized herein indicates the need for inclusion of different protocols that pay specific attention to behavior incipient to collapse. This view is supported by example building computer earthquake response simulations described herein. A generalized loading pattern derived from the simulations found relatively few drift excursions having one-direction bias, suggesting one-sided cyclic and/or monotonic tests may be better for describing building inelastic seismic demands.
Treating the Motor Symptoms of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Morgan John C. , Fox Susan H.
Published: August 2016

Purpose of Review: After a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD), there are many therapeutic options available. This article provides examples of prototypical patients encountered in clinical practice and illustrates the various pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment options for the motor symptoms of PD.

Recent Findings: Levodopa became available in the late 1960s and remains the gold standard for the treatment of PD even today. Since that time, amantadine, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, dopamine agonists, and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors have emerged as monotherapy, add-on therapies, or both, in the armamentarium against PD. The most appropriate time to start such drugs remains a clinical decision according to patient symptoms. However, earlier use of levodopa is the more common practice due to its superior benefit and the side effects of dopamine agonists. Deep brain stimulation continues to be the most effective treatment for motor symptoms in appropriate patients, and advances in technology may improve efficacy. New ways to deliver levodopa have emerged (effective extended-release oral preparations and levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel), and these medications provide additional options for certain patients. Exercise and neurorehabilitation are increasingly recognized as important tools to combat the motor symptoms of PD. Nondopaminergic drugs may help non–levodopa-responsive motor symptoms.

Summary: Treatment of PD is multifaceted and requires a tailored pharmacotherapeutic and nonpharmacologic approach for a given patient. Patients should be at the center of care, and clinicians should try to provide optimum benefit through the many treatment options available.
Movement Disorders Presenting in Childhood
Authors: Kurian Manju A. , Dale Russell C.
Published: August 2016

Purpose of Review: This article provides an overview of movement disorders that present in childhood. Key clinical features are discussed, and a brief guide to management strategies is provided. Recent advances in the field of pediatric movement disorders are also a focus of the article.

Recent Findings: Advances in genetic technologies and cell biology have contributed greatly to the elucidation of underlying disease mechanisms in childhood movement disorders. This article discusses the expanding spectrum of both genetic and acquired movement disorders that present in childhood, including benign, acquired, genetic, and psychogenic movement disorders.

Summary: Movement disorders in childhood comprise a wide spectrum of both genetic and acquired diseases, ranging from benign self-limiting conditions to more progressive phenotypes associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Elucidation of the underlying cause is achieved through accurate history, detailed clinical examination, review of video footage (including home videos), and, where appropriate, neuroimaging and laboratory investigations. Early accurate diagnosis will facilitate the instigation of appropriate management strategies.
Pipeline Embolization Device for Small Intracranial Aneurysms: Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy in a Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Griessenauer Christoph J. , Ogilvy Christopher S. , Foreman Paul M. , Chua Michelle H. , Harrigan Mark R. , He Lucy , Fusco Matthew R. , Mocco J.D. , Stapleton Christopher J. , Patel Aman B. , Sonig Ashish , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Thomas Ajith J.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND: To date, the use of the flow-diverting Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) for small intracranial aneurysms (≤ 7 mm) has been reported only in single-center series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the PED in a multicenter cohort.

METHODS: Five major academic institutions in the United States provided data on patient demographics, aneurysm features, and treatment characteristics of consecutive patients with aneurysms ≤ 7 mm treated with a PED between 2009 and 2015. Radiographic outcome was assessed with digital subtraction angiography. Clinical outcome was measured with the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS: The cumulative number of aneurysms ≤ 7 mm treated with PED at the 5 institutions was 149 in 117 patients (age, 54 years [range, 29-87 years]; male to female, 1-5.9). Aneurysms were most commonly located in the paraophthalmic segment (67.1%) of the internal carotid artery. Radiographic outcome at last follow-up was available for 123 aneurysms (82.6%), with a complete occlusion rate of 87%. Thromboembolic and symptomatic procedural complications occurred in 8.7% and 6% of the aneurysms treated, respectively. There was 1 mortality (0.9%) unrelated to the PED procedure. Multivariable logistic regression identified size < 4 mm, balloon angioplasty to open the device, and simultaneous treatment of multiple aneurysms as predictors of procedural complications. Good clinical outcome was achieved in 96% of electively treated patients.

CONCLUSION: In the largest series on PED for small aneurysms to date, data suggest that treatment with the flow-diverting PED is safe and efficacious, with complication rates comparable to those for traditional endovascular techniques.
Perinatal neuroprotection update
Authors: Jelin Angie C. , Salmeen Kirsten , Gano Dawn , Burd Irina , Thiet Mari-Paule
Published: August 2016

Antepartum, intrapartum, and neonatal events can result in a spectrum of long-term neurological sequelae, including cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders [1]. Advances in obstetrical and neonatal care have led to survival at earlier gestational ages and consequently increasing numbers of periviable infants who are at significant risk for long-term neurological deficits. Therefore, efforts to decrease and prevent cerebral insults attempt not only to decrease preterm delivery but also to improve neurological outcomes in infants delivered preterm. We recently published a comprehensive review addressing the impacts of magnesium sulfate, therapeutic hypothermia, delayed cord clamping, infections, and prevention of preterm delivery on the modification of neurological risk [2]. In this review, we will briefly provide updates to the aforementioned topics as well as an expansion on avoidance of toxin and infections, specifically the Zika virus.
Open Content, Linus’ Law, and Neutral Point of View
Authors: Greenstein Shane , Zhu Feng
Published: August 2016

The diffusion of the Internet and digital technologies has enabled many organizations to use the open-content production model to produce and disseminate knowledge. While several prior studies have shown that the open-content production model can lead to high-quality output in the context of uncontroversial and verifiable information, it is unclear whether this production model will produce any desirable outcome when information is controversial, subjective, and unverifiable. We examine whether the open-content production model helps achieve a neutral point of view (NPOV) using data from Wikipedia’s articles on U.S. politics. Our null hypothesis builds on Linus’ Law, which argues that with enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow. Our findings are consistent with a narrow interpretation of Linus’ Law, namely, a greater number of contributors to an article makes an article more neutral. No evidence supports a broad interpretation of Linus’ Law. Moreover, several empirical facts suggest the law does not shape many articles. The majority of articles receive little attention, and most articles change only mildly from their initial slant. Our study provides the first empirical evidence on the limit of Linus’ Law. While many organizations believe that they could improve their knowledge production by leveraging communities, we show that in the case of Wikipedia, there are aspects, such as NPOV, that the community does not always achieve successfully.
Integrated Aircraft Routing, Crew Pairing, and Tail Assignment: Branch-and-Price with Many Pricing Problems
Authors: Ruther Sebastian , Boland Natashia , Engineer Faramroze G. , Evans Ian
Published: August 2016

A significant drawback of the usual sequential airline scheduling approach is the long lead time between solution of the aircraft routing and aircrew planning problems, and the day of operation. We consider a new approach to airline planning, in which aircraft routes and crew pairings are reoptimized close to the day of operations, via solution of an integrated aircraft routing, crew pairing, and tail assignment problem. Instead of scheduling routes for generic aircraft, we generate routes for each, individual, aircraft given its current location, maintenance, and flying history, while also respecting its individual maintenance requirements. New pairings for crews are planned so as to lie within the work periods given in their roster. This allows aircraft routes and pairings to be designed based on more up-to-date information. By solving an integrated problem, the option of increasing robustness of the resulting schedule by keeping crews and aircraft on the same connections when the connection time is not long can be included in the optimization objective. The problem is formulated as a branch-and-price model with a pricing problem (PP) for each aircraft and each group of crews having the same work period availability and base. We develop two strategies to address the challenge of solving the large number of PPs that result. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated using real airline data from an Australian domestic airline.
The gold standard in local anaesthesia
Authors: Raftery Peter
Published: August 2016

A new look at articaine, independent article by Peter Raftery
HTM 01-05 compliance: Eating the elephant a bite at a time
Authors: Male Emma
Published: August 2016

Being nominated as your decontamination lead can be at times daunting, time consuming and challenging. However, if managed efficiently it can be a rewarding and empowering opportunity to develop both you and your team, says Emma Male
Sectors Required for Sustainable Development in Hill Districts of Uttarakhand
Authors: Singh Rawat Vardan
Published: August 2016

There is an increased pressure on forests for fuel wood, fodder, litter and timber requirements that is having an effect on the desired level of forest density and productivity of forests. The destruction and degradation of forests are taking a heavy toll on soil and water resources. It is essential to regenerate degraded forest and wasteland. Our vision is to not only maintain and increase these forest cover to the desired levels but also to develop a harmonious and eco friendly relationship between the local people and forests. All the hill districts of Uttarakhand have more than 50% of the area under forest. Thus, many of the livelihood options in these regions depend on forest based products. It has been recognized that state forests and the people dependent on them, are experiencing new types of change, at ever increasing rates. Thus, the policy and institutional framework have to change to the same degree, with the result that systems designed to ensure that all needs for forest goods and services are met, which are currently inadequate. The policies and strategies of the Uttarakhand Forest Departments and other key institutions should be such that they meet the needs of key forest stakeholders and ensure sustainable management of forest resources, integrating forest sector planning with socio economic development. The objective of this article is to identify sectors where hill districts of Uttarakhand have a comparative advantage and prepare a strategy for inclusive growth based on district specific requirements.
Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Dynamics in Tropical Rainforests of Ebom, Southwestern Cameroon: Effects of LoggingDisturbed
Authors: Ibrahima Adamou , Claude Ntonga Jean , D. Mvondo ZE Antoine
Published: August 2016

The impact of logging on litter decomposition and nutrient release was poorly understood in tropical rainforests. Litter decomposition in situ and nutrient dynamics of selected four tree species, Bubinga (Guibourtia tessmannii (Harms) J. Leonard), Ngon (klainedoxa gobonensis Pierre ex Engl.), Asseng (Musanga cecropioides (Dunal) A. Rich) and Akui (Xylopia aethiopiaca R. Brown ex Tedlie) were compared in undisturbed and logging sites of Ebom tropical rainforest, Southwest Cameroon. After 14 weeks of field experiment, dry mass remaining varied from 43.82% in G. tessmannii to 79.82% in M. cecropioïdes of initial dry mass in undisturbed site, and from 13.36% in G. tessmannii to 81.84% in M. cecropioïdes in the logging site. Decomposition rate constants (k % per week) ranged from 0.02 in M. cecropioides to 0.14 % per. week in G. tessmannii in undisturbed forest and from 0.04 % per week in X. aethiopiaca to 1.7 % per week in G. tessmannii in logging forest. In undisturbed forest, litter of G. tessmannii was rich in initial Nitrogen (N), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K) and Phosphorous (P) contents, and poor in initial Calcium (Ca) content. Conversely, litter of M. cecropioides was rich in initial N and Ca contents, and poor in Mg, K and P while that of K. gabonensis was poor in initial N content. Apart from Sodium (Na), all the other nutrients were released from decomposing litter 14 weeks after incubation in undisturbed site with mean released rate between 84.82% for K and 5.41% for P. In both sites, litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics of G. tessmannii were fastest while that of M. cecropioides was lowest and those of the other species intermediate. Initial nutrient content of all species was generally higher in logging site than in undisturbed one, except Ca content in litter of M. cecropioides. Litter decomposition and nutrient releases were similar in logging and undisturbed sites, excepted for G. tessmanni where litter decomposition and nutrient release were higher in logging than undisturbed site. The high turnover of litter and nutrients in logging site suggest that logging activities have little impact on litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics.
Abdominal fat ratio – a novel parameter for predicting conversion in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Scott SI , Farid S , Mann C , Jones R , Kang P , Evans J
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard for colorectal cancer resection in the UK but it can be technically challenging in patients who are obese. Patients whose body fat is mainly inside the abdominal cavity are more challenging than those whose fat is mainly outside the abdominal cavity. Abdominal fat ratio (AFR) is a simple parameter proposed by the authors to aid identification of this subgroup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All 195 patients who underwent elective, laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections from March 2010 to November 2013 were included in the study. For patients who were obese (body mass index greater than 30), preoperative staging computed tomography was used to determine AFR. This was assessed by two different, blinded observers and compared with conversion rate.

RESULTS

Of the 195 patients, 58 (29.7%) fell into the obese group and 137 (70.3%) into the non-obese group. The median AFR of the obese group that were converted to open surgery was significantly higher at 5.9 compared with those completed laparoscopically (3.3, P = 0.0001, Mann-Whitney). There was no significant difference in conversion rate when looking at body mass index, tumour site or size.

DISCUSSION

Previous studies have found body mass index, age, gender, previous abdominal surgery, site and locally advanced tumours to be associated with an increased risk of conversion. This study adds AFR to the list of risk factors.

CONCLUSION

AFR is a simple, reproducible parameter which can help to predict conversion risk in obese patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection.
Management of joint dislocations of the lower limb in Larsen syndrome: practical approach
Authors: Matar HE , Garg NK
Published: August 2016

INTRODUCTION

Larsen syndrome is an autosomal-dominant osteochondrodysplasia characterised by large joint dislocations and craniofacial anomalies.

CASE HISTORY

We present a rare case of Larsen syndrome with bilateral dislocated hips and knees and severe clubfeet at 7-year follow-up. We undertook bilateral open reduction of both hips at age 8 months. This procedure was preceded by open reduction and left-knee V–Y quadricepsplasty at age 4 months following a failed trial of closed reduction of the left knee. Both feet had a severe deformity (Pirani score of 5.5 and 6.0) and were treated using the Ponseti method, but the left foot relapsed at 24 months and required posteromedial release.

CONCLUSIONS

We tried to address the difficult questions on the timing and sequence of surgical interventions by treating clubfeet and dislocated knees early using Ponseti casts which included the knees. Open reduction of hips was done later, and further interventions were guided by functional needs.
Post-network audiences and cable crime drama
Authors: Wayne Michael L.
Published: August 2016

The proliferation of original programming by cable networks and the increasing availability of digital video recorders, video-on-demand services and broadband Internet access has led many observers to assert that American television is in the midst of its ‘third golden age’. Such claims rely heavily on the recent prominence of cable crime drama. Yet, to date, there is little scholarship addressing TV’s rising cultural status from the perspective of audiences. Using qualitative data gathered from 31 respondents (ages 18–34), this article focuses on viewers’ relationships with select crime dramas appearing on basic cable (advertiser-supported) and premium cable (subscriber-supported) networks and cable omnivores who watch cable crime dramas produced in a variety of economic contexts. Considering not only what viewers watch, but also how they choose to engage with some programmes and not others, the findings indicate that post-network audience reception practices vary with the cultural status of a given show.
Marvel media convergence: Cult following and buddy banter
Authors: Raphael Jackie , Lam Celia
Published: August 2016

The social media driven paradigm shift and convergence of mass media has transformed celebrity culture, and affected the way fans are entertained and audiences interact with celebrities and fan communities. The series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D marked Marvel Studio’s first foray into the medium of television. In a convergent media environment in which content saturation is a potential barrier to audience attention and commercial success, the leveraging of celebrity friendship is an effective means of promotion. The series was launched at the 2013 Comic Con in San Diego, during which the cast participated in interviews that were distributed online. This article explores the success of celebrity friendships as a marketing device through an analysis of audience comments in response to one online interview. It examines how displays of friendship generate online discussion, audience hype and reward loyalty, and the significance of perceived authenticity on the reception of bonds portrayed. It proposes the term ‘buddy banter’ as a means to illustrate the presentation of close celebrity friendships in a multi-gender, group environment. Analysis revealed banter to be a useful means of attracting audience attention, while audience interpretation of celebrity dynamics favoured the reading of close crossgender friendships as heterosexual couples.
Points of contact, points of distance: DR/TV 2 meet HBO/Netflix
Authors: Nielsen Jakob Isak
Published: August 2016

Danish public service broadcasters have taken long strides into the international marketplace at the level of funding, production and distribution of TV drama series. The series are sold across the globe, remade in countries as different as the United States and Turkey, and the international co-production set-ups are becoming increasingly complex (e.g. Broen/The Bridge [SVT/DR, 2013–] and The Team [ZDF/vtm/DR, etc. 2015]). This article tests the limits of cross-national collaboration by discussing two recent co-production initiatives that involve DR/HBO and TV 2/Netflix. The co-production initiatives discussed are located at the intersection of at least three strands of development: first, the commercialization of European public service media that can be traced back to regulatory changes in the 1980s; second, the tendency towards cross-national partnerships regarding television funding, production and/or distribution; and third, the advent of streaming services available on various digital platforms. The article highlights tension and obstacles prohibiting or undermining these two co-production initiatives. In the case of DR/HBO, the obstacles have their source in alternative media systemic logics and differing narrative and aesthetic strategies, whereas competition and business development strategies are particularly pertinent to the case of TV 2 and Netflix.