bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Two Screening Questionnaires for Inflammatory Arthritis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Queiro Rubén , Rodríguez-Caminero Sergio , Riestra Sabino , de Francisco Ruth , Pérez-Martínez Isabel , Ballina Javier
Published: May 2018

Musculoskeletal symptoms are the most common extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An essential step in the management of these patients is to establish referral algorithms through the use of appropriate screening tools. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of two simple questionnaires to detect inflammatory arthritis (IA) in patients with IBD. Two questionnaires, one for detecting axial IA and the other for peripheral IA, were tested among 112 IBD unselected consecutive patients of both sexes, aged 18–45 years. The study period was from January to December 2016. Each questionnaire was composed of three simple questions. If the patient answered affirmatively at least to two of the three questions, the questionnaire was considered positive. Clinical diagnosis of IA based on an expert’s opinion was the reference gold standard. To obtain a weighted value of sensitivity and specificity, likelihood ratio (LR) values were calculated. Twenty-seven percent of the patients were considered positive responders to the axial questionnaire while 32% were considered positive responders to the peripheral questionnaire. Twenty-four patients (21.4%) were diagnosed with axial IA, whereas 26% had peripheral IA. The axial questionnaire yielded a sensitivity of 87.5% (67.6–97.3), specificity of 89.8% (81.5–92.2) and LR+ of 8.6 (4.5–16.2). For the peripheral questionnaire, these values were 82.8% (64.2–94.2), 87.4% (79–93.3), and 6.6 (3.8–11.4), respectively. Both questionnaires showed an adequate screening capacity for IA in patients with IBD. Their specificity, together with their simplicity, can make them suitable detection tools in gastroenterology and general medicine consultations.
The Role of Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells in Regulating Corneal (Lymph)angiogenic Privilege and the Micromilieu of the Limbal Niche following UV Exposure
Authors: Notara M. , Lentzsch A. , Coroneo M. , Cursiefen C.
Published: May 2018

The cornea is a clear structure, void of blood, and lymphatic vessels, functioning as our window to the world. Limbal epithelial stem cells, occupying the area between avascular cornea and vascularized conjunctiva, have been implicated in tissue border maintenance, preventing conjunctivalisation and propagation of blood and lymphatic vessels into the cornea. Defects in limbal epithelial stem cells are linked to corneal neovascularisation, including lymphangiogenesis, chronic inflammation, conjunctivalisation, epithelial abnormalities including the presence of goblet cells, breaks in Bowman’s membrane, persistent epithelial defects and ulceration, ocular surface squamous neoplasia, lipid keratopathy, pain, discomfort, and compromised vision. It has been postulated that pterygium is an example of focal limbal deficiency. Previous reports showing changes occurring in limbal epithelium during pterygium pathogenesis suggest that there is a link to stem cell damage. In this light, pterygium can serve as a model disease of UV-induced stem cell damage also characterised by corneal blood and lymphangiogenesis. This review focuses on the role of corneal and limbal epithelial cells and the stem cell niche in maintaining corneal avascularity and corneal immune privilege and how this may be deregulated following UV exposure. We present an overview of the PUBMED literature in the field as well as recent work from our laboratories.
Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Microstructural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Electrosprayed ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Marinov Georgi , Strijkova Velichka , Vasileva Marina , Madjarova Violeta , Malinowski Nikola , Babeva Tsvetanka
Published: May 2018

Polycrystalline ZnO thin films were prepared on silicon substrates using electrospray method with vertical setup. Water and ethanol were used as solvents for zinc acetate dehydrate and no postdeposition annealing was required for formation of ZnO. The influence of substrate temperature in the range of 150–250°C on surface morphology and roughness was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and optical profilometry. An improvement of surface quality and smoothing of the films with temperature were obtained. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that, at all investigated substrate temperatures, the films were polycrystalline with crystallites’ sizes decreasing with temperature. Besides, the preferred crystal orientation varies with the substrate temperature. The analysis of surface chemical composition and oxidation state was performed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was shown that, at substrate temperature of 200°C, the deposited ZnO films were closest to the stoichiometric ones. In general, the films at 150°C were oxygen-deficient, while at other studied temperatures, the films had excess of oxygen more pronouncedly at 200°C. Spectral ellipsometric measurements confirmed that the structural disorder is the highest at 150°C and improves with temperature. Refractive indexes for films at 200°C and 250°C are almost the same, 1.97 and 1.93, respectively, at wavelength of 600 nm, while for the sample deposited at 150°C, the refractive index is substantially lower, 1.67. The optical band gap is slightly influenced by the substrate temperature: 3.27 eV at 150°C and 3.32 eV at 200°C.
Intestinal Giardiasis Disguised as Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zhen Yu , Liao Lin , Zhang Hu
Published: May 2018

Parasite-associated colitis is quite rare in clinical practice of Ulcerative Colitis (UC). Here we reported an intestinal giardiasis case that has been diagnosed with UC. Further examination of stool revealed cysts of Giardia. This case completely responded to Albendazole. Giardiasis should be included for the differential diagnosis of UC.
Performance Analysis of Ten Common QRS Detectors on Different ECG Application Cases
Authors: Liu Feifei , Liu Chengyu , Jiang Xinge , Zhang Zhimin , Zhang Yatao , Li Jianqing , Wei Shoushui
Published: May 2018

A systematical evaluation work was performed on ten widely used and high-efficient QRS detection algorithms in this study, aiming at verifying their performances and usefulness in different application situations. Four experiments were carried on six internationally recognized databases. Firstly, in the test of high-quality ECG database versus low-quality ECG database, for high signal quality database, all ten QRS detection algorithms had very high detection accuracy (F1 >99%), whereas the F1 results decrease significantly for the poor signal-quality ECG signals (all <80%). Secondly, in the test of normal ECG database versus arrhythmic ECG database, all ten QRS detection algorithms had good F1 results for these two databases (all >95% except RS slope algorithm with 94.24% on normal ECG database and 94.44% on arrhythmia database). Thirdly, for the paced rhythm ECG database, all ten algorithms were immune to the paced beats (>94%) except the RS slope method, which only output a low F1 result of 78.99%. At last, the detection accuracies had obvious decreases when dealing with the dynamic telehealth ECG signals (all <80%) except OKB algorithm with 80.43%. Furthermore, the time costs from analyzing a 10 s ECG segment were given as the quantitative index of the computational complexity. All ten algorithms had high numerical efficiency (all <4 ms) except RS slope (94.07 ms) and sixth power algorithms (8.25 ms). And OKB algorithm had the highest numerical efficiency (1.54 ms).
PD-L1 Expression Predicts a Distinct Prognosis in Krukenberg Tumor with Corresponding Origins
Authors: Tai Haiyan , Yang Qin , Wu Zhiyong , Sun Su’an , Cao Rui , Xi Yanfeng , Zhao Ran , Zhang Mengyu , Zhang Zhigang , Xu Congjian
Published: May 2018

Krukenberg tumor (KT) is an uncommon ovarian metastatic signet-ring cell adenocarcinoma that mostly metastasizes from gastrointestinal carcinoma. Optimal treatment options for KTs are limited. Programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have shown remarkable activity in clinical trials for metastatic tumors. Here, we evaluated PD-L1 expression and T cell infiltration in KTs and their corresponding primary tumors. Positive tumor PD-L1 expression was detected in 9 (25.7%) KTs from gastric carcinomas (GCs) and in 20 (66.7%) KTs from colorectal carcinomas (CRCs). Patient survival was assessed according to the PD-L1 status and CD8+ T cell density. Positive tumor PD-L1 expression in KTs from GCs was associated with poor prognosis. In contrast, positive tumor PD-L1 expression in KTs from CRCs was associated with an improved prognosis. We analyzed copy number variations of the PD-L1 gene in KTs. PD-L1 expression was higher in cases with copy number gains. The T cell densities within KTs and their corresponding primary tumors were compared. The densities of CD8+ T cells correlated significantly between the primary tumors and KTs from the same case. Taken together, the research further highlighted targets for immune-based therapy in KTs from GCs and CRCs.
Phase IB/II Study of Second-Line Therapy with Panitumumab, Irinotecan, and Everolimus (PIE) in KRAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Townsend Amanda , Tebbutt Niall , Karapetis Christos , Cooper Pamela , Singhal Nimit , Yeend Susan , Pirc Louise , Joshi Rohit , Hardingham Jennifer , Price Timothy
Published: May 2018

Purpose: Inhibition of mTOR in addition to EGFR may overcome resistance to EGFR inhibitors in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This phase Ib/II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the combination of irinotecan, panitumumab, and everolimus.

Patients and Methods: Patients with KRAS exon 2 wild-type (WT) mCRC following failure of fluoropyrimidine-based therapy received i.v. irinotecan and panitumumab every 2 weeks, and everolimus orally throughout a 14-day cycle. The primary endpoint of the phase II study was response rate (RR). Secondary survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and results were analyzed as intention to treat. A preplanned exploratory biomarker analysis was performed.

Results: Forty-nine patients were enrolled. Dose level 1 (irinotecan 200 mg/m2, panitumumab 6 mg/kg, and everolimus 5 mg alternate day) was declared the MTD with no dose-limiting toxicities in six patients. Forty patients were treated at dose level 1: median age, 60 years (37–76); 65% male; 45% and 52.5%, respectively, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group values of 0/1. Median dose intensity was 85%. Grade 3 toxicities were diarrhea (23%), mucositis (18%), rash (13%), fatigue (8%), dehydration (5%), neutropenia (20%), febrile neutropenia (8%), hypomagnesemia (20%), and hypokalemia (8%). Grade 4 toxicities were hypomagnesemia (5%) and neutropenia (3%). RR was 48%, and stable disease was 43%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.6 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 10.8 months. Twenty-five patients were RAS/RAF WT and had an RR of 60%, median PFS of 6.4 months, and OS of 11.8 months.

Conclusions: The toxicity of the panitumumab, irinotecan, and everolimus regimen is as expected and manageable. The RR of 60% in all RAS/RAF WT supports further study of this combination. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3838–44. ©2018 AACR.
Molecular Cytogenetic Diagnostics of Marker Chromosomes: Analysis in Four Prenatal Cases and Long-Term Clinical Evaluation of Carriers
Authors: Tesner Pavel , Vlckova Marketa , Drabova Jana , Vseticka Jan , Klimova Anna , Lastuvkova Jana , Zidovska Jana , Kremlikova Pourova Radka , Hancarova Miroslava , Sedlacek Zdenek , Kocarek Eduard
Published: May 2018

The prenatal finding of a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) is a challenge for genetic counseling. Our analytic algorithm is based on sSMC frequencies and multicolor FISH to accelerate the procedure. The chromosomal origin, size, and degree of mosaicism of the sSMC then determine the prognosis. We illustrate the effectiveness on 4 prenatally identified de novo mosaic sSMCs derived from chromosomes 13/21, X, 3, and 17. Three sSMC carriers had a good prognosis and apparently healthy children were born, showing no abnormality till the last examination at the age of 4 years. One case had a poor prognosis, and the parents decided to terminate the pregnancy. Our work contributes to the laboratory and clinical management of prenatally detected sSMCs. FISH is a reliable method for fast sSMC evaluation and prognosis assessment; it prevents unnecessary delays and uncertainty, allows informed decision making, and reduces unnecessary pregnancy terminations.
The violence against Yezidi women: The Islamic State’s sexual slavery system
Authors: Buarque Beatriz
Published: May 2018

Desde agosto de 2014, milhares de mulheres e meninas Yezidi são tiradas de suas comunidades, estupradas e vendidas como mercadoria pelo autoproclamado Estado Islâmico. Esse tipo de violência já dura pelo menos dois anos, mas apenas recentemente o mundo tomou conhecimento da forma pela qual essas mulheres são tratadas pelo grupo extremista. O presente artigo se propõe a lançar luz sobre o sistema de escravidão sexual estabelecido pelo Estado Islâmico, buscando compreender porque o sistema foca principalmente na comunidade Yezidi. O artigo também tenta compreender por que governos e organizações de segurança têm falhado na extinção desse tipo de violência de gênero que tem feito milhões de vítimas ao longo dos anos.
Segurança real e virtual: os novos desafios das teorias de segurança
Authors: Aprigio André E. R. S. , Carvalhais Isabel Estrada
Published: May 2018

O artigo objetiva, de forma sumária, discorrer sobre os desafios contemporâneos das teorias de segurança, sob a visão europeia, apresentando diversos teóricos com uma visão desde o surgimento da Política Europeia de Segurança e Defesa (PESD), passando pelo advento da Política Comum de Segurança e Defesa (PCSD). O artigo lança um olhar mais contemporâneo em um mundo, cada vez mais, ligado, interligado, interdependente e complexo, e que enfrenta “novas ameaças” constantes à segurança, também no mundo virtual, sobretudo em razão do surgimento do ISIS.
Left Ventricular Mechanical Unloading by Total Support of Impella in Myocardial Infarction Reduces Infarct Size, Preserves Left Ventricular Function, and Prevents Subsequent Heart Failure in Dogs
Authors: Saku Keita , Kakino Takamori , Arimura Takahiro , Sunagawa Genya , Nishikawa Takuya , Sakamoto Takafumi , Kishi Takuya , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: May 2018

Background:

Acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of chronic heart failure. Excessive myocardial oxygen demand relative to supply is the fundamental mechanism of myocardial infarction. We thus hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) mechanical unloading by the total support of transvascular LV assist device Impella could minimize oxygen demand, thereby reducing infarct size and preventing subsequent heart failure.

Methods and Results:

In 20 dogs, we ligated the left anterior descending coronary artery for 180 minutes and then reperfused. We introduced Impella from 60 minutes after the onset of ischemia to 60 minutes after reperfusion. In the partial support group, Impella supported 50% of total cardiac output. In the total support group, systemic flow totally depends on Impella flow. Four weeks after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), we compared LV function and infarct size among 4 groups: sham (no I/R), I/R (no Impella support), partial support, and total support. Compared with I/R, total support lowered LV end-diastolic pressure (15.0±3.5 versus 4.7±1.7 mm Hg;
P
<0.001), increased LV end-systolic elastance (4.3±0.8 versus 13.9±5.1 mm Hg/mL;
P
<0.001), and decreased NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) level (4081±1123 versus 1773±390 pg/mL;
P
<0.05). Furthermore, total support markedly reduced infarct size relative to I/R, whereas partial support decreased infarct size to a lesser extent (I/R, 16.3±2.6; partial support, 8.5±4.3; and total support, 2.1±1.6%;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

LV mechanical unloading by the total support of Impella during the acute phase of myocardial infarction reduced infarct size and prevented subsequent heart failure in dogs.
Association Between Adiposity and Lean Mass With Long‐Term Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: No Paradox
Authors: Medina‐Inojosa Jose R. , Somers Virend K. , Thomas Randal J. , Jean Nathalie , Jenkins Sarah M. , Gomez‐Ibarra Miguel Angel , Supervia Marta , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco
Published: May 2018

Background

Prognosis based on body fat percentage (
BF
%) in patients with coronary artery disease has not been extensively studied. We tested the hypothesis that patients with coronary artery disease and increased
BF
% have a higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (
MACEs
) and that fat‐free mass is associated with better prognosis.

Methods and Results

We included 717 patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery disease events or procedures who underwent air displacement plethysmography to assess
BF
%; 75% were men, with a mean age 61.4±11.4 years and a mean body mass index of 30±5.4 kg/m
2
. Follow‐up was performed using a record linkage system. Patients were classified in sex‐specific quartiles of
BF
% and fat‐free mass index. The composite outcome of
MACEs
included acute coronary syndromes, coronary revascularization, stroke, or death from any cause. After a median follow‐up of 3.9 years, 201 patients had a
MACE
. After adjusting for covariates, body mass index was not associated with
MACEs
(
P
=0.12). However, the risk of
MACEs
for those in the highest
BF
% quartile was nearly double when compared with those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.77;
P
=0.0008). In contrast, fat‐free mass was inversely associated with
MACEs
. The risk of
MACEs
for those in the fourth fat‐free mass quartile was lower (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.82;
P
=0.004), when compared with those in the first quartile.

Conclusions

In patients with coronary artery disease, there is no obesity paradox when measuring
BF
% instead of body mass index.
BF
% is associated with a higher risk of
MACEs
, whereas fat‐free mass is associated with a lower risk of
MACEs
. Body mass index was not associated with
MACEs
.
Computed Tomographic Perfusion Predicts Poor Outcomes in a Randomized Trial of Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Wannamaker Robert , Guinand Taurian , Menon Bijoy K. , Demchuk Andrew , Goyal Mayank , Frei Donald , Bharatha Aditya , Jovin Tudor G. , Shankar Jai , Krings Timo , Baxter Blaise , Holmstedt Christine , Swartz Richard , Dowlatshahi Dar , Chan Richard , Tampieri Donatella , Choe Hana , Burns Paul , Gentile Nina , Rempel Jeremy , Shuaib Ashfaq , Buck Brian , Bivard Andrew , Hill Michael , Butcher Kenneth
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose—

In the ESCAPE trial (Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Anterior Circulation Proximal Occlusion with Emphasis on Minimizing CT to Recanalization Times), patients with large vessel occlusions and small infarct cores identified with computed tomography (CT)/CT angiography were randomized to endovascular therapy or standard of care. CT perfusion (CTP) was obtained in some cases but was not used to select patients. We tested the hypothesis that patients with penumbral CTP patterns have higher rates of good clinical outcome.

Methods—

All CTP data acquired in ESCAPE patients were analyzed centrally using a semiautomated perfusion threshold-based approach. A penumbral pattern was defined as an infarct core <70 mL, penumbral volume >15 mL, and a total hypoperfused volume:core volume ratio of >1.8. The primary outcome was good functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2).

Results—

CTP was acquired in 138 of 316 ESCAPE patients. Penumbral patterns were present in 116 of 128 (90.6%) of patients with interpretable CTP data. The rate of good functional outcome in penumbral pattern patients (53 of 114; 46%) was higher than that in nonpenumbral patients (2 of 12; 17%;
P
=0.041). In penumbral patients, endovascular therapy increased the likelihood of a good clinical outcome (34 of 58; 57%) compared with those in the control group (19 of 58; 33%; odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–5.76;
P
=0.011). Only 3 of 12 nonpenumbral patients were randomized to the endovascular group, preventing an analysis of treatment effect.

Conclusions—

The majority of patients with CTP imaging in the ESCAPE trial had penumbral patterns, which were associated with better outcomes overall. Patients with penumbra treated with endovascular therapy had the greatest odds of good functional outcome. Nonpenumbral patients were much less likely to achieve good outcomes.
A revised classification of genera in the subfamily Eucalliacinae Manning & Felder, 1991 [sensu Sakai], with confirmation of the validity of Calliaxiopsis madagassa Sakai & Türkay, 2014 (Decapoda, Thalassinidea auct.)
Authors: Sakai Katsushi
Published: May 2018

Re-examination of Calliaxiopsis madagassa Sakai & Türkay, 2014, which was regarded by Poore & Dworschak (2017) as Calliaxina madagassa (Sakai & Türkay, 2014), a senior synonym of Calliaxina thomassini Ngoc-Ho, 2014, required the present author to review the subfamily Eucalliacinae Manning & Felder, 1991. This review has resulted in a revised classification of eleven genera including three new ones in this subfamily, and also in the confirmation of the validity of Calliaxiopsis madagassa Sakai & Türkay, 2014.
Occurrence of two sympatric species of Palaemonidae and Hippolytidae (Decapoda, Caridea) in a coastal ecosystem in western Mexico
Authors: Hendrickx Michel E.
Published: May 2018

One species of Hippolytidae,Hippolyte californiensisHolmes, 1895, and one species of Palaemonidae,Periclimenes infraspinis(Rathbun, 1902), were collected in a single sample among sea grass in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico.Hippolyte californiensisis partly illustrated and compared to the descriptions available in the literature, noting minor differences with material from California where it was originally described. Diagnostic characters ofP. infraspinisare also illustrated. Sex proportion and size distribution indicate a higher incidence of females (male : female ratio, 1 : 2.59), smaller size in males, a strong incidence of ovigerous females (31%), and a brood clutch of 82-200 embryos inP. infraspinis. InH. californiensis, males were more abundant (1.41 : 1), the incidence of ovigerous females was low (15%), and females carried 51-115 embryos. In both species, males, females, and ovigerous females were significantly different in size. These two species have not been reported as sympatric.
Can Human Rights Standards Counter Australia’s Punitive Youth Justice Practices?
Authors: O’Brien Wendy , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: May 2018

Recent practices in the administration of youth justice across Australian state and territory jurisdictions reveal a powerful tension between the punitive imperative of “tough on crime” political populism, and internationally agreed minimum standards relevant to the treatment of children. In questioning the extent to which human rights standards can and should be used as a useful tool to counter punitive youth justice practices, this article identifies major points of discrepancy between Australia’s international legal obligations and the doctrine and operation of domestic criminal law as it applies to children in conflict with the law. Examining youth justice “crises” in two Australian states, the Northern Territory and Victoria, the article concludes that while child rights are not directly justiciable in Australia, global standards on youth justice provide a unifying discourse that is resistant to the vagaries of populism, and which can guide reform for child rights compliant youth justice legislation and practice.
International Perspectives on Child-responsive Courts
Authors: Berrick Jill Duerr , Dickens Jonathan , Pösö Tarja , Skivenes Marit
Published: May 2018

Child friendly justice and access to justice for children are explicit concerns for the European Union, the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Council of Europe and the Child Rights International Network. This study examines court systems as child-responsive by eliciting the views of judicial decision makers on child protection cases (n = 1,479) in four legal systems (England, Finland, Norway and theUSA(represented by California)), based on an online survey. In this paper, we asked judicial officials who have the authority to make care order decisions how they view the child-friendliness of the courts. We presented them with six statements representing standard features of child responsive courts. Findings show that there is considerable room for improving both structure and practice of the court proceedings, for example the use of child friendly language and child-sensitive time frames. There were variations across states, and some variation across type of decision maker. Implications for the development of education and training about the opportunities for children’s engagement are considered.
The Emotional Economy of Early Modern Pilgrimage Shrines: The Case of Mariazell
Authors: Zika Charles
Published: May 2018

This article aligns with recent attempts to challenge the notion that pilgrimage shrines were unified centres of sacred power. It aims to demonstrate that pilgrimages offered varied and changing benefits through their various cultic objects, and that these benefits were transformed as meanings attributed to objects changed over time in response to changing historical pressures and needs. It explores the different emotional benefits cultic objects generated – whether consolation, gratitude, joy, fidelity, self-abasement or resilience – within a broader economy of emotional exchange, promotion and control. The history of three significant objects in the Mariazell basilica – the Statue of Mercy, the Marian Column and the Treasury Image – demonstrates how physical and cultural framing, associated religious rituals, and broader political patronage and association, promoted different emotional responses around these objects. Under pressure of the Hapsburgs’ close association with the shrine from the seventeenth century, changes in the promotion of objects like the Marian Column and the Treasury Image, as well as more structured and choreographed pilgrimage practices, reflected the transformation of Mariazell into a site for the expression of collective and proto-national emotions, in addition to the individual emotional benefits that continued to be critical for the shrine’s ongoing popularity and survival.
Militant Emotions in Reina Roffé’s Monte de Venus
Authors: Bondi Erika
Published: May 2018

This article analyses the role of emotions in the formation of militant groups as represented in the novel Monte de Venus (1976) by Reina Roffé. It draws comparisons between the novel’s backdrop of Argentina’s militant movements of the 1960s and ’70s and the actual militancy in the country from that time period. This approach to emotions in literature focuses on the fictionalisation of character emotions and its role in the production of the overall tone of the novel. An important aspect of the study is the genre of the militant literature in Argentina in the mid-twentieth century and its aesthetic and ideological norms.
A new circumscription of the Mediterranean genus Anacyclus (Anthemideae, Asteraceae) based on plastid and nuclear DNA markers
Authors: VITALES DANIEL , FELINER GONZALO NIETO , VALLÈS JOAN , GARNATJE TERESA , FIRAT MEHMET , ÁLVAREZ INÉS
Published: May 2018

Using DNA barcoding markers, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Anacyclus including for the first time the three Eastern Mediterranean species, A. anatolicus, A. latealatus and A. nigellifolius. Our results conclusively reveal the polyphyletic condition of this genus in its current circumscription. The molecular data show that A. anatolicus, A. latealatus and A. nigellifolius do not belong to Anacyclus. According to the current knowledge of the Anthemideae systematics, these three species should be placed within the genus Cota and thus the new combinations Cota anatolica, Cota latealata, and Cota nigellifolia are proposed. Such a taxonomic placement is congruent with the achene morphology and biogeography although the circumscription of Cota itself requires further studies.
Validation of GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) Rainfall Products over Italy
Authors: Petracca M. , D’Adderio L. P. , Porcù F. , Vulpiani G. , Sebastianelli S. , Puca S.
Published: May 2018

The Ka–Ku Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and the Microwave Imager on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission core satellite have been collecting data for more than 3 years, providing precipitation products over the globe, including oceans and remote areas where ground-based precipitation measurements are not available. The main objective of this work is to validate the GPM-DPR products over a key climatic region with complex orography such as the Italian territory. The performances of the DPR precipitation rate products are evaluated over an 18-month period (July 2015–December 2016) using both radar and rain gauge data. The ground reference network is composed of 22 weather radars and more than 3000 rain gauges. DPR dual-frequency products generally show better performance with respect to the single-frequency (i.e., Ka- or Ku-band only) products, especially when ground radar data are taken as reference. A sensitivity analysis with respect to season and rainfall intensity is also carried out. It was found that the normal scan (NS) product outperforms the high-sensitivity scan (HS) and matched scan (MS) during the summer season. A deeper analysis is carried out to investigate the larger discrepancies between the DPR-NS product and ground reference data. The most relevant improvement of the DPR products’ performance was found by limiting the comparison to the upscaled radar data with a higher quality index. The resulting scores in comparison with ground radars are mean error (ME) = −0.44 mm h−1, RMSE = 3.57 mm h−1, and fractional standard error (FSE) = 142%, with the POD = 65% and FAR = 1% for rainfall above 0.5 mm h−1.
Estimation of Random Coefficient Multilevel Models in the Context of Small Numbers of Level 2 Clusters
Authors: Bolin Jocelyn H. , Finch W. Holmes , Stenger Rachel
Published: May 2018

Multilevel data are a reality for many disciplines. Currently, although multiple options exist for the treatment of multilevel data, most disciplines strictly adhere to one method for multilevel data regardless of the specific research design circumstances. The purpose of this Monte Carlo simulation study is to compare several methods for the treatment of multilevel data specifically when there is random coefficient variation in small samples. The methods being compared are fixed effects modeling (the industry standard in business and managerial sciences), multilevel modeling using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation (the industry standard in the social and behavioral sciences), multilevel modeling using the Kenward–Rogers correction, and Bayesian estimation using Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Results indicate that multilevel modeling does have an advantage over fixed effects modeling when Level 2 slope parameter variance exists. Bayesian estimation of multilevel effects can be advantageous over traditional multilevel modeling using REML, but only when prior probabilities are correctly specified. Results are presented in terms of Type I error, power, parameter estimation bias, empirical parameter estimate standard error, and parameter 95% coverage rates, and recommendations are presented.
The Merit‐based Incentive Payment System (MIPS): A Primer for Otolaryngologists
Authors: Rathi Vinay K. , Naunheim Matthew R. , Varvares Mark A. , Holmes Kenneth , Gagliano Nancy , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

Following passage of the 2015 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, most clinicians caring for Medicare Part B patients were required to participate in a new value‐based reimbursement system known as the Merit‐based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) beginning in 2017. The MIPS adjusts payment rates to providers based on a composite score of performance across 4 categories: quality, advancing care information, clinical practice improvement activities, and resource use. However, factors such as practice size, setting, informational capabilities, and patient population may pose challenges as otolaryngologists endeavor to adapt to this broad‐reaching payment reform. Given potential barriers to adoption, otolaryngologists should be aware of several important initiatives to help optimize their performance, including advocacy efforts by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, the development of otolaryngology‐specific MIPS quality measures, and the launch of a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services–qualified otolaryngology clinical data registry to facilitate reporting.
Dorothy Wolff: A Pioneer in Otopathology
Authors: Trakimas Danielle R. , Remenschneider Aaron K.
Published: May 2018

Dorothy Wolff, PhD, was an inspirational anatomist, pathologist, auditory physiologist, and surgical innovator. Though little known, she worked throughout the mid‐20th century in the midst of a revolution in otologic surgery, influencing well‐known otologists such as Julius Lempert, MD, Phillip E. Meltzer, MD, and Richard Bellucci, MD. Wolff's seminal work included pathologic studies of the operated human ear, which provided the anatomic basis for effective modern techniques of surgical hearing rehabilitation. Wolff also developed and refined multiple animal models of otologic pathologies that are still in use today. As an independent, innovative, and ambitious scientist, Dorothy Wolff succeeded in pioneering surgical otopathology to the benefit of us all.
Scale similitude rules with acceleration consistency for trains collision
Authors: Yu Yao , Gao Guangjun , Guan Weiyuan , Liu Rong
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the scaled similitude rule for train collision, which follows the principle of acceleration consistency. If the similarity ratios of mass and initial impact speed of cars, crushing force, and initial length of the energy absorbing structures of trains with different proportions meet the requirements of the scaled similitude rule, the impact accelerations of each are considered to be consistent. The accuracy of the scaled similitude rule was analyzed by MATLAB simulation, which is based on the multibody dynamics theory. Before the analysis, the validation of the MATLAB model was verified based on the experimental model. Then the train-to-train collisions for two eight-car train sets with different similarity ratios were tested. Finally, the scaled similitude rule presented in this paper was found to be effective when the impact characteristics of the two models were compared.
Patient autonomy in home care: Nurses’ relational practices of responsibility
Authors: Jacobs Gaby
Published: May 2018

Background:

Over the last decade, new healthcare policies are transforming healthcare practices towards independent living and self-care of older people and people with a chronic disease or disability within the community. For professional caregivers in home care, such as nurses, this requires a shift from a caring attitude towards the promotion of patient autonomy.

Aim:

To explore how nurses in home care deal with the transformation towards fostering patient autonomy and self-care.

Research design and context:

A case study was conducted in a professional development course (‘learning circle’) for home care nurses, including participant observations and focus groups. The theoretical notion of ‘relational agency’ and the moral concept of ‘practices of responsibility’ were used to conduct a narrative analysis on the nurses’ stories about autonomy.

Participants:

Eight nurses, two coaches and two university lecturers who participated in the learning circle.

Ethical considerations:

Informed consent was sought at the start of the course and again, at specific moments during the course of the learning circle.

Findings:

Three main themes were found that expressed the moral demands experienced and negotiated by the nurses: adapting to the person, activating patients’ strengths and collaboration with patients and informal caregivers.

Discussion:

On a policy and organisational level, the moral discourse on patient autonomy gets intertwined with the instrumental discourse on healthcare budget savings. This is manifested in the ambiguities the nurses face in fostering patient autonomy in their daily home care practice. To support nurses, critical thinking, moral sensitivity and trans-professional working should be part of their professional development.

Conclusion:

The turn towards autonomy in healthcare raises moral questions about responsibilities for care. Promoting patient autonomy should be a collaborative endeavour and deliberation of patients, professional and informal caregivers together.
Social work, patient rights, and patient representatives
Authors: Foster Marion G. , Pearman William A.
Published: May 2018

In ensuring delivery of quality care, social workers need to be aware of the rights of patients and the role of the patient representative
Triumph over Trauma in the Treatment of Child Abuse
Authors: Oppenheimer Audrey
Published: May 2018

A family service agency develops a treatment model that is successful in providing multidisciplinary humanistic aid to child abusers and their families
Space: An Ecological Variable in Social Work Practice
Authors: Germain Carel B.
Published: May 2018

Space is both a physical and a psychological construct and its size and quality affect perception and interaction with the environment
Group Therapy with Abusive Parents
Authors: McNeil John S. , McBride Mary L.
Published: May 2018

A group approach with abusive parents has proved to be an effective way to prevent further hostility. By focusing the group on marital relationships and abusive behavior, therapists can help develop a mutual support system and increase the parents' ability to make the decisions that will lead to a healthier family life.
Divorce: Problems, Goals, and Growth Facilitation
Authors: Beatrice Dory Krongelb
Published: May 2018

The central problems of divorcing persons can be effectively worked on through a framework for personal growth that includes grief work, development of autonomy, reevaluation of the marriage, and reality demands. A group approach to the problems enables participants to support each other's striving toward these goals.
Agency Responses to the Abused Wife
Authors: Bass David , Rice Janet
Published: May 2018

Many factors influence the decision of an abused wife to leave or remain in an abusive situation; one common factor might be the response of the helping agencies from which these women seek assistance. Certain issues that potentially affect a social service agency's response to the abused wife are examined here.
Improving the Delivery of Specialized Foster Care Services
Authors: Russell Thomas H. , Silberman Jayne M.
Published: May 2018

Children in specialized foster care need broadly based, empathetic, and competent help. Yet, service delivery agents assigned to these children are often inexperienced, easily frustrated, and transient.

A comprehensive attempt to deal with the workers' problems could yield better care for those whose needs these workers try to meet.
An Administrative Retrospective on Police Crisis Teams
Authors: Carr John J.
Published: May 2018

As the police department is the public service agency most often reached by families in need of immediate assistance, social work agencies have become increasingly involved when police respond to family crisis calls. An update on one such program analyzes its interventive actions and summarizes its most effective components.
A Developmental Approach to Helping Families at Risk
Authors: Ruger June B. , Wooten Roberta H.
Published: May 2018

The resources of family service and public agencies are combined to help parents work toward the return of children in placement. This family life education group provides these at-risk parents with alternative parenting skills and may be the first step the family takes toward counseling.
Remedying Dysfunctional Marital Communication
Authors: Larsen Jo Ann
Published: May 2018

This article delineates interventions that a therapist may use in interviews with couples to help them identify, own responsibility for, and modify problematic interactional communication. Early removal of these negative communication patterns tends to accelerate the couple's progress in therapy.
A Detroit Model for Police-Social Work Cooperation
Authors: Holmes Sally A.
Published: May 2018

The Family Trouble Clinic is a cooperative program established between the police and a local family service agency to provide crisis service, outreach, and ongoing treatment to families who call the police because of domestic disorder. The clinic offers a working model that could be replicated in other communities.
The Impact of Infertility on the Marital Relationship
Authors: Shapiro Constance Hoenk
Published: May 2018

A couple's response to their infertility can be understood both as a crisis and as a mourning process. Many aspects of the marital relationship are affected profoundly by efforts to come to terms with infertility: sexual identity, self-esteem, communication patterns, and future life choices.
The Parent-Adolescent Power Contest
Authors: Stewart Cyrus S. , Zaenglein-Senger Mary M.
Published: May 2018

In times of rapid change, the traditional basis of family power over adolescents becomes unstable. Parents and adolescents disagree over decision making and conflict occurs when parents try to maintain the dominance of early childhood. But methods of reducing such conflict are available to parents and counselors.
Coping with Accountability: Guidelines for Supervisors
Authors: Eldridge William D.
Published: May 2018

The supervisory role is critical in ensuring that data on client outcomes and overall program impact are interpreted correctly for the agency by its direct service workers. Guidelines are offered to help supervisors assess and improve the evaluative competence and the methods of accountability used by their subordinates.
The Missing System in Social Work's Application of Systems Theory
Authors: Mishne Judith Marks
Published: May 2018

Amid ongoing struggles regarding definition of the knowledge base for the social work profession, a meaningful application of an ego psychological perspective offers a significant, although not exclusive link. The concept is capable of contributing to coherence in the educational and practice base of social work.
The Board of Directors and Agency Accountability
Authors: Gelman Sheldon R.
Published: May 2018

The demand for greater accountability in the social service arena has forced those responsible for funding and operating programs to look for more efficient ways to evaluate them. The board of directors of the nonprofit organization, as legally constituted, is the most appropriate body to exercise the accountability function.
Ethical Issues in Industrial Social Work Practice
Authors: Kurzman Paul A.
Published: May 2018

The valuational dimension of social work expertise is often overlooked. The profession needs to address the emerging value issues and dilemmas in the rapidly growing, nontraditional setting of industrial social work practice. The author suggests a framework for considering them.
Helping Selma: A Report on a Therapist–Volunteer Relationship
Authors: Frankle Helene , Gordon Virginia K.
Published: May 2018

A hopeful perspective on working with the elderly is provided in this account of a partnership formed to help a depressed older woman. Therapist and volunteer, telling Selma's story, provide insights into the reasons for her depression and show how she gradually came to a happier view of her life.
The Use of Folktales in Social Work Practice
Authors: Greenbaum Lenora , Holmes Ivory H.
Published: May 2018

Folktales and folklore can be used to bridge the gap between cultures and lead to an understanding of different outlooks and values. Examples are given of how folktales can help social workers achieve effectiveness in working with minorities and ethnic groups.
Social Services in a Conservative Era
Authors: Reamer Frederic G.
Published: May 2018

As the Reagan administration shifts responsibility for services to state, local, and private arenas, new problems appear for social workers. The goals of the changes are examined as well as difficulties that may emerge in terms of increased expenses and diminished services.
The Systems Approach in American Social Work
Authors: De Hoyos Genevieve , Jensen Claigh
Published: May 2018

The authors find that social workers today assess their clients traditionally, but are eclectic in their choice of interventions, extending the medical model to include the person-in-situation approach or applying whatever theory works. Three major systems theories are reviewed.
Is Pregnancy after Infertility a Dubious Joy?
Authors: Shapiro Constance Hoenk
Published: May 2018

The dynamics of pregnancy are unique when it occurs after a long period of infertility, with months or years of sophisticated medical treatment. Social workers need to keep pace with these impressive medical advances by becoming aware of the special psychosocial needs that pregnancy can cause in previously infertile couples.
Current Renewed Interest in Personal Document Research
Authors: Holbrook Terry
Published: May 2018

Personal document research has early historical ties to the social work profession but has long been neglected. The method stresses personal involvement and understanding in contrast to the quantitative model. Personal document research offers a value orientation ideally suited to practitioners in the field.
Main Street Revisited: Social Work Practice in Rural Areas
Authors: Waltman Gretchen H.
Published: May 2018

The unique aspects of rural social work practice are discussed, with emphasis on the relationship between rural values and primary social work methods and skills. Suggestions for meeting the professional development needs of rural social workers are presented.
Strategies for Volunteers Caring for Persons with AIDS
Authors: Lopez Diego , Getzel George S.
Published: May 2018

The Gay Men's Health Crisis is the largest volunteer agency in the United States serving gay and nongay persons with AIDS. The psychosocial and sociopolitical characteristics of the AIDS epidemic are outlined. Strategies that sustain and support workers and volunteers in their effort are described.
Continuous Counseling: Case Management with Teenage Parents
Authors: Brindis Claire , Barth Richard P. , Loomis Amy B.
Published: May 2018

The authors describe the role of the continuous counselor in a comprehensive interagency service-delivery system for adolescent parents. Case managers were queried about their roles and functions. Implications for increasing their importance and for training case managers are discussed.
Emotional Motivations for Family Treatment
Authors: Lantz James E.
Published: May 2018

Sandor Rado's framework for determining emotional motivation for treatment is explored from a family-systems perspective. This framework can be used to assess the family system and to determine the type of intervention most compatible with the family's emotional needs.
A Cognitive Approach to Treating Depression
Authors: Marshall Tanya Koshuta , Mazie Alison Stiles
Published: May 2018

The authors present the results of a study that used cognitive therapy to investigate the effectiveness of group treatment for depression. A follow-up study was conducted to determine whether gains were maintained after treatment. Implications for social work practice are explored.
Assuming the Adoptive Parent Role
Authors: DiGiulio Joan Ferry
Published: May 2018

Adoptive parents face role conflicts and problems that are different from those faced by biological parents. It is important that adoptive parents acknowledge these differences. Those who do acknowledge these differences are more receptive to opening the sealed record.