bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between perceived density in minimum apartments and spatial openness index three-dimensional visual analysis
Authors: Fisher-Gewirtzman Dafna
Published: July 2016

Small apartments exist in dense cities worldwide. Developing adequate quality small apartments in city centres would strongly attract current demand. Analysis, predictive tools and design concepts regulated for better interior design and lower perceived density would provide residential environments with happier tenants. This research evaluates perceived density and visual privacy in alternative minimum apartments based on the spatial openness index three-dimensional visibility analysis, i.e. their accumulated three-dimensional visibility calculations. The compatibility of the spatial openness index concept as predicting perceived density in minimum apartments was examined and assessed. An empirical study was conducted using a virtual reality experiment in a controlled environment – An immersive three-dimensional visualisation laboratory1, with more than 100 subjects participated in the experiment. Significant relations were found between perceived density and visual privacy for all apartments (single and double story). The measured volume of visible space from the door viewpoint (the entrance to minimum apartments) and the perceived density evaluated there by participants, and a general evaluation for the apartment are strongly related for both (single and double story groups). Strong correlation was found between visibility measurements from the door and the ‘visual privacy’ at the sofa/bed. According to assessment results the spatial openness index three-dimensional visibility analysis can predict the perceived density of minimum apartments.
Analyzing walking route choice through built environments using random forests and discrete choice techniques
Authors: Tribby Calvin P , Miller Harvey J , Brown Barbara B , Werner Carol M , Smith Ken R
Published: July 2016

Walking is a form of active transportation with numerous benefits, including better health outcomes, lower environmental impacts and stronger communities. Understanding built environmental associations with walking behavior is a key step towards identifying design features that support walking. Human mobility data available through GPS receivers and cell phones, combined with high resolution walkability data, provide a rich source of georeferenced data for analyzing environmental associations with walking behavior. However, traditional techniques such as route choice models have difficulty with highly dimensioned data. This paper develops a novel combination of a data-driven technique with route choice modeling for leveraging walkability audits. Using data from a study in Salt Lake City, UT, USA, we apply the data-driven technique of random forests to select variables for use in walking route choice models. We estimate data-driven route choice models and theory-driven models based on predefined walkability dimensions. Results indicate that the random forest technique selects variables that dramatically improve goodness of fit of walking route choice models relative to models based on predefined walkability dimensions. We compare the theory-driven and data-driven walking route choice models based on interpretability and policy relevance.
Comparison of early and late quality of life between left anterior thoracotomy and median sternotomy off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Nesbitt Julian J. , Mori George , Mason-Apps Charlotte , Asimakopoulos George
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery performed through a left thoracotomy has potential benefits over conventional sternotomy, including reduced surgical trauma, faster recovery and potential improvement in quality of life. This study is a prospective assessment of quality of life in patients undergoing off-pump coronary bypass by median sternotomy and left anterior thoracotomy.

Methods:

Quality of life was assessed by the EuroQoL questionnaire, with additional questions on dyspnoea, angina, wound pain and scar aesthetics. Outcomes were compared across the data sets at pre-operation, three weeks and three months post-operation.

Results:

Sixty-six (17 minimally invasive and 49 off-pump) patients (mean age 65±12, 7 females and 59 males) were included. Significant differences in mean EuroQol outcomes were observed for activities, F(1,64) = 5.86, (p<0.05), pain scores, F(1,64) = 4.658 (p=0.035) and scar aesthetics, F(1,64) = 16.83 (p<0.05). There was an additional significant interaction, F(1.898, 121.49) = 3.282, (p<0.05), between time and group for activity levels; exploring this further indicated no significant difference at baseline, but significantly greater improvement observed in the minimally invasive group over time. At 3 weeks, 50% of minimally invasive patients compared to 82% of sternotomy patients (p<0.001) required oral analgesia. At 3 months, 8% of minimally invasive patients and 21% of sternotomy patients (p<0.001) required oral analgesia.

Conclusions:

Off-pump coronary artery bypass performed with a minimally invasive approach through a left thoracotomy appears to result in earlier improvement in quality of life outcomes compared to conventional sternotomy. These results are important when counselling patients regarding the benefits and difference between a left anterior thoractomy MIDCABG and conventional OPCAB and can be used as pilot data for a larger trial examining differences in the MIDCABG and conventional full sternotomy OPCAB procedures.
Treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta in association with aortopulmonary fistula following acute Type A dissection
Authors: Karangelis Dimos , Raju Sneha , Dimarakis Ioannis , Roubelakis Apostolos , Fragoulis Socrates
Published: July 2016

This report describes a rare case of aortic pseudoaneurysm with an aortopulmonary fistula in a 69-year-old woman two years following repair of a Type A aortic dissection. The patient presented with NYHA Class IV symptoms having deteriorated rapidly over a course of six weeks. We describe our successful surgical repair following a failed attempt of percutaneous closure with an atrial septal occlusion device.
New Students’ Peer Integration and Exposure to Deviant Peers: Spurious Effects of School Moves?
Authors: Siennick Sonja E. , Widdowson Alex O. , Ragan Daniel T.
Published: July 2016

School moves during adolescence predict lower peer integration and higher exposure to delinquent peers. Yet mobility and peer problems have several common correlates, so differences in movers’ and non-movers’ social adjustment may be due to selection rather than causal effects of school moves. Drawing on survey and social network data from a sample of seventh and eighth graders, this study compared the structure and behavioral content of new students’ friendship networks with those of not only non-movers but also students about to move schools; the latter should resemble new students in both observed and unobserved ways. The results suggest that the association between school moves and friends’ delinquency is due to selection, but the association between school moves and peer integration may not be entirely due to selection.
Extramural venous invasion detected by MDCT as an adverse imaging feature for predicting synchronous metastases in T4 gastric cancer
Authors: Cheng Jin , Wu Jing , Ye Yingjiang , Zhang Chunfang , Zhang Yinli , Wang Yi
Published: July 2016

Background

Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is defined histologically as the active invasion of tumor cells to the lumens of mesenteric vessels beyond the muscularis propria in advanced gastrointestinal cancer, resulting in distant metastases.

Purpose

To determine the association between synchronous metastatic disease in patients with T4 gastric cancer and EMVI detected on contrast-enhanced multiple-row detector computed tomography (MDCT).

Material and Methods

A total of 152 patients with T4 gastric carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed and divided into EMVI-positive and EMVI-negative groups where EMVI, as detected on MDCT, was defined as a tubular or nodular soft tissue thickening extending from the tumor along the vessels of the mesentery. Synchronous metastases were detected by MDCT and/or confirmed by postoperative diagnosis. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the predictive factors of synchronous metastases in gastric cancer.

Results

Synchronous metastases were found in 47 of 152 (30.9%) patients with T4 gastric cancer. Thirty-one of 77 (40.3%) patients in the EMVI-positive group had evidence of metastases compared to 16 (21.3%) of 75 patients in the EMVI-negative group ( P = 0.019). Synchronous metastases were significantly associated with EMVI with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.250 (95% CI, 1.072–4.724).

Conclusion

EMVI-positive tumors, as an adverse imaging feature, were significantly associated with synchronous metastases in patients with T4 gastric cancer.
Length of capsular contact on prostate MRI as a predictor of extracapsular extension: which is the most optimal sequence?
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Kim Sang Youn , Cho Jeong Yeon , Kim Seung Hyup
Published: July 2016

Background

Length of capsular contact (LCC) is a promising biomarker for predicting extracapsular extension (ECE), but the most optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence for measuring LCC is yet to be determined.

Purpose

To evaluate LCC using different MRI sequences for determining ECE in prostate cancer.

Material and Methods

A total of 185 patients underwent prostate MRI followed by radical prostatectomy. LCC was measured separately on T2-weighted (T2W) images, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. LCCs (LCCT2, LCCADC, LCCDCE, and LCCmax [greatest value of 3 LCCs]) were compared between sequences using Wilcoxon signed rank test and was tested for determining ECE using the Mann–Whitney U test, ROC curve analysis, and logistic regression analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences among LCCs ( P = 0.333–0.837). All LCCs were significantly greater in patients with ECE ( P < 0.001). The optimal threshold value for predicting ECE was >14, >13, >12, and >14 mm for LCCT2, LCCADC, LCCDCE, and LCCmax, respectively. LCCmax yielded the highest area under the curve (0.895) which was significantly greater than that by LCCADC (0.858, P = 0.030). Otherwise, there were no significant difference between LCCs ( P = 0.052–0.985). At univariate analysis, age, clinical stage, PSA, Gleason score, and all LCCs were significantly associated with ECE ( P < 0.001–0.040). At multivariate analysis, GS ( P ≤ 0.008) and all LCCs ( P < 0.001) were independently predictive factors.

Conclusion

LCC measured on any sequence was significantly different in patients with and without ECE and was independently associated with the presence of ECE. Although LCCmax showed the greatest ability to predict ECE, there was relatively equivalent performance among different MRI sequences.
Effects of musical training and culture on meter perception
Authors: Yates Charles M. , Justus Timothy , Atalay Nart Bedin , Mert Nazike , Trehub Sandra E.
Published: July 2016

Western music is characterized primarily by simple meters, but a number of other musical cultures, including Turkish, have both simple and complex meters. In Experiment 1, Turkish and American adults with and without musical training were asked to detect metrical changes in Turkish music with simple and complex meter. Musicians performed significantly better than nonmusicians, and performance was significantly better on simple meter than on complex meter, but Turkish listeners performed no differently than American listeners. In Experiment 2, members of Turkish classical and folk music clubs who were tested on the same materials exhibited comparable sensitivity to simple and complex meters, unlike the American and Turkish listeners in Experiment 1. Together, the findings reveal important effects of musical training and culture on meter perception: trained musicians are generally more sensitive than nonmusicians, regardless of metrical complexity, but sensitivity to complex meter requires sufficient exposure to musical genres featuring such meters.
Investigating the reliability of wind anemometers on floating tension-leg platforms
Authors: Ellul Claire , Sant Tonio , Farrugia Robert N
Published: July 2016

This article investigates the reliability of two different first-class cup anemometers and a two-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer when subjected to surge motion as normally experienced on tension-leg platforms. The experimental study was carried out using two small land-based test rigs. One of the test rigs consisted of a short mast installed on an oscillating base designed to reproduce the surge motion of a tension-leg platform. The second rig involved an identical mast installed on a fixed base and used as a reference mast. Results indicated that the two different cup anemometer models overestimated the one-minute mean wind speed when compared to the ultrasonic sensor. The overestimation increased when the sensors were subjected to surge motions, especially those having high surge frequencies. It was highest at low wind speeds and became significantly less at higher ones.
Design of a ducted wind turbine for offshore floating platforms
Authors: Torresi Marco , Postiglione Nicolangelo , Filianoti Pasquale F , Fortunato Bernardo , Camporeale Sergio M
Published: July 2016

Within the Marine Energy Laboratory project, funded by the Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research, one of the first offshore wind plants on floating hulls, hosting ducted wind turbines, has been considered. The confinement of horizontal-axis wind turbines inside divergent ducts is reconsidered, in light of material innovation and direct drive coupling. Ducted wind turbines can take advantage of the flow rate increase due to the effect of the divergent shrouds. The conventional blade element momentum theory has been reformulated in order to deal with ducted turbines. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics simulations have been carried out based on the solution of the steady two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations for axisymmetric swirling flows. In order to avoid any expensive mesh refinement near the actual rotor blades, the turbine effect on the flow field is taken into account by means of source terms for the momentum equations solved inside the domain swept by the rotor. This technique allowed us to optimize the geometry of the ducted wind turbine in an extremely effective way.
Numerical investigation of the chemical and physical effects of halogenated fire suppressants addition on methane–air mixtures
Authors: Ren Xingyu , Jiang Yong , Xu Wu
Published: July 2016

Previous experimental and numerical studies have demonstrated the unwanted promotion effect caused by potential halon replacements added to hydrocarbon–air mixtures. To explore this abnormal phenomenon, the chemical and physical contributions of the addition of C6F12O (Novec 1230) and C2HF5 (HFC-125) on the laminar flame speeds of the CH4–air mixtures are numerically investigated. Numerical simulations are conducted using the CHEMKIN-PRO software with newly developed fluorinated compounds’ mechanisms. Based on the interaction between the chemical effect and the physical effect, the equivalence ratio zone is divided into synergistic zone and antagonistic zone. Furthermore, the fuel-like characteristics of C6F12O and C2HF5 are also studied. In the lean CH4–air condition, the agents contribute to increasing the equivalence ratio, thus increasing the flame speeds chemically but cooling the mixture physically. When the actual equivalence ratio of the agent–CH4–air mixture is larger than 1.10 (for the C2HF5 addition) or 1.20 (for the C6F12O addition), the agents create an over-rich fuel mixture, thus decreasing the flame speed chemically. The contribution of the chemical effect is studied under different initial temperature and pressure conditions. The results indicate that increasing the temperature slightly lowers the chemical contribution, whereas increasing the pressure largely increases the chemical contribution. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to interpret the large chemical component increase under high pressure conditions.
Improving Adaptation Planning for Future Sea-Level Rise
Authors: Spirandelli Daniele J. , Anderson Tiffany R. , Porro Roberto , Fletcher Charles H.
Published: July 2016

Sea-level rise (SLR) presents risks to communities and ecosystems because of hazards like coastal erosion. In order to adapt, planners and the public seek estimates of shoreline change with high confidence and accuracy. The complexity of shorelines produces considerable uncertainty in the timing, location and magnitude of change. We present and discuss a probabilistic shoreline model for SLR planning. Using the coast of Maui as an illustrative case, we compare this model to a common deterministic model. We discuss the advantages of a probability-based model for SLR adaptation, including for prioritizing actions, phasing, visualizing risk and uncertainty, and improving adaptive management.
Thiamine Levels During Intensive Insulin Therapy in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: van Snippenburg Wouter , Reijnders Mariet G. J. , Hofhuis Jose G. M. , de Vos Rien , Kamphuis Stephan , Spronk Peter E.
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

Thiamine is an essential cofactor in carbohydrate metabolism, and deficiency can therefore cause various organ dysfunctions. Little is known about the prevalence and possible worsening of thiamine deficiency in critically ill patients. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of thiamine deficiency at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and hypothesized that intensive insulin therapy, aimed at regulating glucose levels, increases thiamine utilization and therefore might cause or worsen deficiency in patients with limited thiamine stores.

Materials and Methods:

An observational prospective cohort study was carried out in a medical–surgical ICU in a general teaching hospital in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. All adults who were treated during that time with intensive insulin therapy were included. Deficiency was defined as a thiamine level <100 nmol/L. No thiamine supplementation was administered except for normal amounts present in standard enteral feeding.

Results:

A total of 58 patients were available for analysis. Median thiamine level at admission was 111 nmol/L. Deficiency was present in 39.7% of patients and was significantly associated with the presence of gastrointestinal pathology and with recent surgery. Thiamine levels increased a median of 14 nmol/L in 48 hours. Only 3.4% of patients showed a predefined relevant decline in thiamine levels.

Conclusion:

Intensive insulin therapy does not appear to cause or worsen thiamine deficiency. However, based on the high prevalence of deficiency at admission, it might be warranted to supplement thiamine in all patients admitted to the ICU, especially when there is an underlying gastrointestinal disease or recent surgery.
“It’s a Dog’s Life”: Culture, Empathy, Gender, and Domestic Violence Predict Animal Abuse in Adolescents—Implications for Societal Health
Authors: Plant Malcolm , van Schaik Paul , Gullone Eleonora , Flynn Clifton
Published: July 2016

Whereas the majority of previous research conducted on animal abuse has been in environments where animal abuse is rarely evidenced, the current study investigated the ramifications of animal abuse in an environment wherein the national culture creates an ethos of the “social acceptability” of animal abuse in society. Two survey studies were conducted with adolescent participants, to investigate the role played by several factors in the prediction of animal abuse in this age group. In Study 1, with samples from two different national cultures (101 from Germany and 169 from Romania; 143 boys/135 girls; age 13 to 17), animal abuse was negatively associated with affective empathy and national culture; more frequent animal abuse was found in Romania. Affective empathy fully mediated the association between gender and animal abuse. Specifically, girls were found to be higher in affective empathy; in turn, participants who were higher in affective empathy committed less animal abuse. Witnessing animal abuse was also predictive of engaging in animal abuse, but not independent of national culture. In Study 2, 15-year-old males ( n = 21) and females ( n = 39) took part, 29 from rural and 31 from urban locations in Romania. Rural adolescents were more likely to abuse animals and had higher exposure to domestic violence, which (in turn) was associated with more animal abuse. The implications of these findings in a society where animal abuse is encouraged and enacted on a national scale are discussed.
The Long-Run Economic Impact of an Institution of Higher Education
Authors: Johansen Tom , Arano Kathleen
Published: July 2016

One of the main contributions of higher education institutions is human capital. In the context of regional universities, their primary impact can be measured through the future income stream of alumni who remain in the local area for work. This constitutes a long-run impact and a substantial part of the overall economic impact of an institution to the local, regional, and national economies. This study provides an important contribution to the existing literature by developing a methodology that takes into account the counterfactual, allowing for the more precise definition of economic impact. The methodology is applied to a public regional university.
Brownfield Redevelopment
Authors: Kotval-K Zeenat
Published: July 2016

Brownfield redevelopment is traditionally associated with private investments and often through public-private partnerships to result in economically beneficial ventures. Public sector investments have, therefore, traditionally not been considered as viable options due to some persistent arguments and general beliefs. This commentary discusses five common arguments against public investments in brownfield redevelopment and addresses each one by presenting approaches, views, and examples that would aim to persuade researchers, practitioners, and local governments to think otherwise. Addressing the argument that brownfield redevelopment has higher costs than benefits and that greenfield development is more economical than brownfield redevelopment, one has to see beyond perceived costs and benefits and understand the true nature of infrastructure costs and the intangible benefits of redeveloping inner-city, deteriorated, and blighted areas to be able to fully justify brownfield redevelopment. Addressing other arguments that state brownfield redevelopment is not an effective use of public funds as it does not generate tax revenue and is too complex an issue for public agencies, is that an effective use of public funds is anything, in general, that benefits residents, be it econommic, environmental, social, or health-related. Even though public investments in brownfield redevelopment might not result in an economic endeavor, it does have a positive ripple effet on nearby communities and leads to increased assessed property values that ultimately result in increased tax revenue. Finally, increasing political interest and local capacity is vital to ensuring successful brownfield redevelopment projects by public agencies.
An old model of social class? Job characteristics and the NS-SEC schema
Authors: Williams Mark
Published: July 2016

This article explores the relationship between the job characteristics underlying the Goldthorpe model of social class (work monitoring difficulty and human asset specificity) and those underlying theories of technological change (routine and analytical tasks) highlighted as key drivers for growing inequality. Analysis of the 2012 British Skills and Employment Survey demonstrates monitoring difficulty and asset specificity predict National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NS-SEC) membership and employment relations in ways expected by the Goldthorpe model, but the role of asset specificity is partially confounded by analytical tasks. It concludes that while the Goldthorpe model continues to provide a useful descriptive tool of inequality-producing processes and employment relations in the labour market, examining underlying job characteristics directly is a promising avenue for future research in understanding over time dynamics in the evolution of occupational inequalities.
Vicious Sorrow: The Roots of a ‘Spiritual’ Sin in the Summa Theologiae
Authors: Lysen Laura M.
Published: July 2016

The vice of acedia deserves—and rewards—a closer reading than is implied in the old rendering ‘sloth’, or even in contemporary readings of ‘spiritual sloth’. Such is at least true in Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae, the subject of the following close (re)reading of this enigmatic vice. Investigating the question on acedia (II-II.35) and its grounding in portions of I-II, I first establish acedia’s basis not in a sovereign spiritual ‘choice’ but in the sensitive appetite and the passion of sorrow. This turns the portrait of acedia’s ‘patients’ from those who avoid to those who embrace the labors of love, those who experience acedia’s sorrow in the very midst of pursuing divine joy. A third section steps back to show the entire problem of acedia, including its ‘slothful’ effects, in terms of this one fundamental sorrow that suppresses joy—real rest—in the Lord. I end with Thomas’s remedy, the hope-charged possibility of rising up in defense of the divine joy, turning back acedia’s sorrow at every point of its attack and reclaiming the pleasure of sharing in God’s life.
Optimization of geometrical design of clinching tools in clinching process with extensible dies
Authors: Han Xiaolan , Zhao Shengdun , Liu Chen , Chen Chao , Xu Fan
Published: July 2016

Due to the importance of geometrical design of clinching tools, the clinching process with extensible dies was investigated numerically and experimentally to seek for optimal parameters of clinching tools in this study. The joining parameters, including punch corner radius, sliding distance, die depth and bottom thickness, were optimized using the orthogonal experimental design simulation method based on the evaluation of tensile strength. The simulation results were validated through an experimental setup testing on material aluminum alloy Al5052. The orthogonal experimental design simulation results showed reasonably good agreement with the experimental results. To further investigate the validation of the simulation model, the different bottom thicknesses within a reasonable range of value were studied. The results also indicated that the simulation model could be employed to predict the joint forming by the clinching process with extensible dies.
Design and evaluation of rotor clearances for oil-injected screw compressors
Authors: Buckney David , Kovacevic Ahmed , Stosic Nikola
Published: July 2016

Designing twin-screw compressors to safely operate at higher than normal temperatures poses a challenge as the compressor must accommodate larger peak thermal distortions while maintaining efficiency at nominal operating conditions. This paper will present a case study of an oil-injected compressor tested at elevated discharge temperatures with original and revised clearances. A procedure is presented to use boundary conditions derived from a chamber model to approximate component temperature distributions that are then used to predict possible thermal distortions and the resulting effect on clearance gaps. The original and revised clearance designs are evaluated and performance penalties incurred due to the modifications are discussed.
Lost opportunity to save newborn lives: variable national antenatal screening policies for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Medline Alexandra , Joseph Davey Dvora , Klausner Jeffrey D
Published: July 2016

Unfavorable pregnancy outcomes caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection are well known. The first step in addressing antenatal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection is a national policy to screen all pregnant women for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, regardless of symptoms. The aim of this study was to inform policy makers on the presence of antenatal screening recommendations for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection. We conducted a three-part study from June 2015 to February 2016. We analyzed English and French language information online on Ministry of Health websites regarding C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae antenatal screening. We referenced both primary official country and regional policy documents. We contacted the Ministry of Health directly if the information on the national antenatal screening was outdated or unavailable. In parallel, we sent a survey to the regional representative from the World Health Organization to help collect country-level data. Fourteen countries have current policies for antenatal screening of C. trachomatis and/or N. gonorrhoeae infection: Australia, the Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Japan, Germany, Latvia, New Zealand, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Australia, New Zealand, and Latvia and the United States restricted antenatal screening to women ≤25 years old and those of higher risk. Several countries responded that they had policies to treat pregnant women with symptoms. This is the currently recommended WHO guideline but is not the same as universal screening. North Korea had policies in place which were not implemented due to lack of personnel and/or supplies. National level policies to support routine screening for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection to prevent adverse pregnancy and newborn outcomes are uncommon.
Life-threatening digoxin toxicity due to drug–drug interactions in an HIV-positive man
Authors: Yoganathan Kathir , Roberts Beth , Heatley Martyn K
Published: July 2016

Drug–drug interactions with corticosteroids, causing Cushing’s syndrome with secondary adrenal suppression, are well known in HIV patients. Corticosteroids are widely prescribed in the HIV-positive population. However, digoxin is rarely used in HIV patients; hence, digoxin toxicity due to drug–drug interaction is not widely recognised. Nevertheless, this practice might change in the future as HIV cohorts of patients are ageing, due to the successful treatment of HIV infection with combination antiretroviral therapy. We report a case of digoxin toxicity in an HIV-positive 51-year-old man, due to a combination of drug–drug interaction and renal impairment. The first case report of digoxin toxicity due to drug–drug interaction with ritonavir in an HIV-positive woman was published in 2003. To the best of our knowledge, no similar case report has since been published in the literature. This case alerts the profession to the importance of drug–drug interaction and highlights the clinical features of digoxin toxicity.
Implications arising from models of solar irradiance: A reply to Summerhayes’ comment on ‘The Medieval Quiet Period’
Authors: Bradley Raymond S , Wanner Heinz , Diaz Henry F
Published: July 2016

Models of solar irradiance have been revised recently, leading to the current view that previous estimates of maximum total solar irradiance (TSI) in the 18th and 19th centuries were too low and should be adjusted upwards to be comparable with values in the 20th century. This adjustment is small (~0.03%) but implies a greater amplitude of irradiance change over recent centuries. This has no bearing on our concept of a Medieval Quiet Period.
A 2000-year record of lake ontogeny and climate variability from the north-eastern European Russian Arctic
Authors: Luoto Tomi P , Kuhry Peter , Holzkämper Steffen , Solovieva Nadia , Self Angela E
Published: July 2016

A lake sediment record from the north-eastern European Russian Arctic was examined using palaeolimnological methods, including subfossil chironomid and diatom analysis. The objective of this study is to disentangle environmental history of the lake and climate variability during the past 2000 years. The sediment profile was divided into two main sections following changes in the lithology, separating the limno-telmatic phase between ~2000 and 1200 cal. yr BP and the lacustrine phase between ~1200 cal. yr BP and the present. Owing to the large proportion of semi-terrestrial chironomids and poor modern analogues, a reliable chironomid-based temperature reconstruction for the limno-telmatic phase was not possible. However, the lacustrine phase showed gradually cooling climate conditions from ~1200 cal. yr BP until ~700 cal. yr BP. The increase in stream chironomids within this sediment section indicates that this period may also have had increased precipitation that caused the adjacent river to overflow, subsequently transporting chironomids to the lacustrine basin. After a short-lived warm phase at ~700 cal. yr BP, the climate again cooled, and a progressive climate warming trend was evident from the most recent sediment samples, where the biological assemblages seem to have experienced an eutrophication-like response to climate warming. The temperature reconstruction showed more similarities with the climate development in the Siberian side of the Urals than with northern Europe. This study provides a characteristic archive of arctic lake ontogeny and a valuable temperature record from a remote climate-sensitive area of northern Russia.
Implementation of recommendations for the screening of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy: poor adherence of rheumatologists and ophthalmologists
Authors: Shulman S , Wollman J , Brikman S , Padova H , Elkayam O , Paran D
Published: July 2016

The American Academy of Ophthalmology published in 2011 revised recommendations regarding screening for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxicity. We aimed to assess implementation of these recommendations by rheumatologists and ophthalmologists. A questionnaire regarding screening practices for HCQ toxicity was distributed among all members of the Israeli societies of Rheumatology and Ophthalmology. A total of 128 physicians responded to the questionnaire (rheumatologists: 60, ophthalmologists: 68). Only 5% of the rheumatologists and 15% of the ophthalmologists are aware of ophthalmologic assessments recommended for baseline and follow-up evaluation. When an abnormal test is detected, even if inappropriate for HCQ toxicity screening, 60% of the responders recommend cessation of therapy. Only 13% of the responders recommend first follow-up after five years for patients without risk factors; the remainder recommend more frequent testing. Ninety-six percent of the responders are not aware of all of the known risk factors for HCQ toxicity. Use of inappropriate tests to detect HCQ retinal toxicity may lead to unnecessary cessation of beneficial treatment with risk of disease flare, while lack of consideration of risk factors may put patients at risk for toxicity. These results emphasize the importance of implementing the recommendations to ensure safe and effective use of this drug.
Derrida’s Law
Authors: Lloyd Chris
Published: July 2016

This article critically engages with a particular reading of Jacques Derrida’s deconstructive legal theory which argues that his methodology marginalizes engagements with the ‘socio-historical’ of law at best or is incapable of such engagements at worst. After explaining this meta-ethical reading, the piece offers a retort via a broader and more in-depth reading of Derrida’s legal theory. Here the article problematizes the distinction at the core of the meta-ethical reading; this being that Derrida’s work established a mutually exclusive separation between a ‘sociolegal’ critique of law and one considered of ‘critical legal theory’. This separation will be shown to be misleading by firstly referring to Derrida’s essay ‘Force of Law’ and arguing that therein the sociolegal and ‘critical legal’ theories are in fact mutually dependant and that Derrida’s concept of surenchère illustrates this. Secondly, a wider reading of Derrida’s work will then illustrate that such a conceptual binary is incompatible with his deconstructive metaphysical critique. This will be evidenced with reference to what is argued to be the central point of the meta-ethical reading, something which is itself born from Derrida’s work; this being the distinction between la and le politique, ‘politics’ and ‘the political’. With due regard for the history of this important and complicated deconstructive distinction, it will be argued that the reductive reading in the meta-ethical critique does not do justice to the inherent paradox in maintaining a separation between sociolegal theory, la politique, and critical legal theory, le politique.
Benchmarks for Outpatient Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Adults With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Washburn Micki , Rubin Allen , Zhou Shu
Published: July 2016

Purpose:

This article provides benchmark data on within-group effect sizes from published randomized clinical trials supporting the efficacy of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adults aged 18–65 years.

Method:

Within-group effect sizes were calculated via the Glass approach and adjusted for sample size using Hedges’s g then aggregated to produce benchmarks for symptoms commonly associated with BPD, such as self-harm, depression, and anger.

Results:

Aggregate within-group effect sizes are presented separately for treatment (DBT) and control (treatment as usual) groups and for interviewer assessed and self-reported outcome measures.

Discussion:

Community-based practitioners can use these benchmarks as a comparison tool to evaluate the ways in which they are adopting or adapting the DBT intervention and to determine if the intervention should be modified or replaced, given their unique practice setting and client population.
Pseudotuberculous Granulomatous Pyelitis
Authors: Zhao Zitong , Ong Rui Ming , Goh Chin Hong , Loh Hwai Liang
Published: July 2016

We report a case of pseudotuberculous granulomatous pyelitis in an elderly female patient with hydronephrotic right kidney secondary to obstructing urinary stone. Pseudotuberculous granulomatous pyelitis is a rarely reported entity, characterized by severe granulomatous inflammation limited predominantly to the renal pelvis. It is associated with urinary (pelvicalyceal) obstruction, urolithiasis well as non- Mycobacterial urinary tract infection.
A Conceptual Framework for Integrated Economic–Environmental Modeling
Authors: Banerjee Onil , Cicowiez Martin , Horridge Mark , Vargas Renato
Published: July 2016

Economy-wide models such as computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are powerful tools that provide insights on policy impacts on standard economic indicators. With the recent publication of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), the power of this approach is amplified. This article addresses an important gap in economy-wide policy modeling applications and literature by developing a conceptual framework for the integration of the SEEA in the CGE framework, enabling for the first time the analysis of policy impacts on the economy and the environment in a quantitative, comprehensive, and consistent framework. Previous integrated modeling efforts have generally focused on the interaction between the economy and one environmental resource in isolation, requiring significant data reconciliation. Integration of SEEA into a CGE circumvents this resource intense process, enhancing analytical power, obviating the need for strong assumptions in reconciling economic–environmental data, reducing start-up costs, and increasing the timeliness of evidence-based policy advice.
Inducing sustained oscillations in a class of nonlinear discrete time systems
Authors: Hakimi AR , Binazadeh T
Published: July 2016

Inducing sustained oscillations in a class of nonlinear discrete time systems is studied in this paper. The novelty of this paper is based on the proposed approach in generating stable oscillations according to limit cycle control. The limit cycle control is not formulated for nonlinear discrete time systems of any order and this paper concentrates on this issue. Considering the stable limit cycle as a positive limit set for the dynamical system, a nonlinear control law is designed to create the considered limit cycle in the phase trajectories of the closed-loop nonlinear discrete time system to achieve oscillations with the desirable amplitude and frequency. For this purpose, firstly, the limit cycle control is proposed for second-order nonlinear discrete time systems. The stability analysis of the generated limit cycle is done via a suitable Lyapunov function. Also, the domain of attraction of the created limit cycle is calculated. The proposed method is then extended for nonlinear discrete time systems of any order via the backstepping technique. Finally, computer simulations are performed for a practical example to demonstrate the ability of the designed controller in generating stable oscillations.
Quantifying Supply of Home Health Services for Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Milburn Ashlea Bennett , McNeill Charleen
Published: July 2016

The number of persons seeking medical treatment during a public health emergency could quickly overwhelm the capacity of hospitals and emergency rooms. The amount of surge capacity home health care could provide during a public health emergency is unknown. The purpose of this research is to quantify the surge capacity of the home health sector in four emergency scenarios. According to the model developed, routine demand will exceed scenario capacity for almost all home health agencies in all pessimistic cases for the four scenarios discussed. However, home health agencies have the surge capacity to contribute to the provision of care for patients during times of demand under routine operating conditions as well as in conditions where demand may be moderately increased.
Progression of Serosal Vascular Proliferative Lesions to Hemangiosarcomas in the Uterus of the 26-Week Tg.rasH2 Mice Carcinogenicity Studies
Authors: Paranjpe Madhav G. , Belich Jessica L. , Richardson Dayauna R. , Vidmar Tom , Mann Peter C. , McKeon Marie E. , Elbekai Reem H.
Published: July 2016

Tg.rasH2 mice are predisposed to hemangiosarcomas. Following the spleen, the uterus is the second most commonly affected organ in the female mice. Female mice are also predisposed to spontaneous vascular proliferative lesions on the serosal surface of the uterus, in which there is proliferation of normal vessels that are lined by well-differentiated endothelial cells. The hemangiosarcomas and vascular proliferative lesions can occur independently. In our facility, we have recorded a total of 47 uterine hemangiosarcomas in 3,985 female Tg.rasH2 mice assigned to various groups in 38 studies. Of these 47 cases, we have seen 22 (46.8%) cases where there was a clear progression of the serosal uterine vascular proliferative lesion into a hemangiosarcoma. In the remaining 25 (53.2%) cases, the uterine hemangiosarcomas involved myometrium and endometrium, but there was no serosal vascular proliferation. Based on the retrospective analysis of our data, we demonstrate that the vascular proliferative lesions noted on the serosal surfaces can progress to hemangiosarcomas and therefore these vascular proliferative lesions should be considered as preneoplastic lesions.
The economic dimension of climate change impacts on tourism
Authors: Pintassilgo Pedro , Rosselló Jaume , Santana-Gallego Maria , Valle Elisabeth
Published: July 2016

Climate variables such as temperature and precipitation play a crucial role on tourism flows worldwide. This places tourism at the forefront of the economic sectors to be affected by climate change. In this article, we address the impacts of climate change on the arrivals of inbound tourists to Portugal, a south European country where tourism is a core economic sector. The economic dimension of the impacts, in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and employment, is then assessed. This is achieved by combining a world gravity model of tourism flows with an input–output model. The results show that under standard climate change scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Portugal will experience a significant increase in temperature leading to a decrease of inbound tourism arrivals between 2.5% and 5.2%. This decrease in tourist arrivals is expected to reduce Portuguese GDP between 0.19% and 0.40%.
Economic linkages and leakages in the hotel industry
Authors: Terzioglu Mustafa , Gokovali Ummuhan
Published: July 2016

Tourism has been regarded as a leading sector for the 21st century due to its so-claimed contribution to economic growth and development of a country. Among others, the so-called effects arise due to the creation of direct and indirect income and employment opportunities, easing balance of payment constraints, improvement of transfer of technology and knowledge and encouragement of foreign direct investment. In this line of the literature, the leakages of tourism activities and their weak linkages with the local and national economy are ignored. To outlay the leakages, it is necessary to examine in-depth the precise nature of leakages as well as the way they occur. This study investigates leakages of hotel industry for Marmaris, Turkey, by using data obtained by a self-generated semi-structured questionnaire applied to the managers of four- and five-star hotels. The findings indicate that the main leakages occur due to ownership characteristics of tourism agents/operators and through import.
Innovation, hotel occupancy, and regional growth
Authors: Tugores María , Valle Elisabeth
Published: July 2016

In this article we contribute to the analysis of innovation in the tourism industry and more specifically to understanding the role of innovation on the hotel occupancy. Furthermore, we discuss how the growth in hotel occupancy due to innovation increases, directly and indirectly, production, added value and employment in other sectors of the economy. In this way, we calculated the total impact on the Balearic economy of an innovation process in the Balearic hotel industry as well as the specific effects on different economic sectors. Positive and significant impact on potential growth was found with added value of between 1.6% and 2.2%. The micro–macro model presented in this work justifies implementing policies promoting innovation in the hotel industry.
Partial-interaction tension-stiffening properties for numerical simulations
Authors: Zhang Tao , Visintin Phillip , Oehlers Deric J
Published: July 2016

The partial-interaction behaviour of tension-stiffening affects or controls virtually all aspects of reinforced concrete member behaviour as it controls the formation and widening of cracks as well as the load developed within the reinforcement crossing a crack. In this article, simple closed-form solutions for the tension-stiffening behaviour of reinforced concrete prisms are derived through mechanics and are presented in a form that can be easily used in both displacement-based and strain-based numerical modelling. This research quantifies not only the pseudo material properties of tension-stiffening such as equivalent stress–strain relationships or equivalent moduli that simulate the increase in reinforcement stiffness associated with tension-stiffening but also the crack spacings and crack widths. It is shown that the bond properties have little, if any, effect on tension-stiffening but a major effect on crack spacings and widths.