bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protozapotecia acaxetlensis and Protozapotecia oyametlensis, two new earthworm species (Crassiclitellata: Acanthodrilidae) from Mexican central mountains
Authors: CERVANTES GABRIELA , FRAGOSO CARLOS
Published: October 2018

Two earthworm species from central Mexico are described: Protozapotecia acaxetlensis sp. nov. and Protozapotecia oya-metlensis sp. nov. Delimitation of species was supported by morphological and molecular evidence. The two new species differ from the other species of Protozapotecia by the position of the prostates in segments 18 and 20. This morphological characteristic relates them to the genus Diplocardia, from which they differ by the presence of two gizzards separated by a muscular septum (Protozapotecia), instead of two gizzards fused as one, separated by a thin membranous septum in intersegment 5/6 (Diplocardia).
Two new earthworm species (Oligochaeta: Annelida) of the Orinoquia region of Colombia
Authors: CELIS LILIANA V. , FEIJOO ALEXANDER , RANGEL-CH. ORLANDO
Published: October 2018

Two new earthworm species from grassland and herbaceous plant formations in the departments of Arauca y Casanare (Orinoquian region of Colombia) are described, Righiodrilus cusiani sp. nov. (Glossoscolecidae) and Andiodrilus cravijae sp. nov. (Rhinodrilidae). Righiodrilus cusiani sp. nov. is close to R. arapaco (Righi, 1982) in the position of the clitellum, but differs in the extension of the tubercula pubertatis, the extension of the seminal vesicles and the position of the male pores. Andiodrilus cravijae sp. nov. is close to A. major Michaelsen, 1900 in the position of the clitellum and the spermathecal pores, but is different in the extension of the tubercula pubertatis and in the position of the male and female pores.
Earthworm species in various land use systems in the Campos Gerais region of Lapa, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: DEMETRIO WILIAN C. , SANTOS ALESSANDRA , FERREIRA TALITA , NADOLNY HERLON , CARDOSO GUILHERME B.X. , TORRES JULIA L.M. , DUDAS RAFAELA , DE OLIVEIRA VIVIANE , BARRETO JULIA O. , JAMES SAMUEL W. , DA SILVA ELODIE , BROWN GEORGE G. , BARTZ MARIE L.C.
Published: October 2018

The Campos Gerais region of Paraná are on an ancient plateau of sandstone origin and are covered with a diverse vegetation including mainly grasslands and various types of Atlantic Forest (particularly Araucaria forest). The region represents an important natural capital for biodiversity conservation as well as for agricultural and forestry production. However, little is known of the species richness and diversity of soil macroinvertebrates in this region. In the present study we evaluated earthworm species occurrence and richness in five land use systems (LUS) in the southern part of the Campos Gerais in Lapa county. Earthworms were handsorted from up to 18 soil monoliths on five occasions over three years (Feb. 2014, Feb., Mar., Nov. 2015, Jul. 2016) in the following LUS: old native forest, native grassland, young regenerating forest and grass lawn in the Uru Reserve and annual crop fields (soybean) in neighboring private farms (not all systems were sampled on all occasions). Nine earthworm species belonging to four families and five genera were found, of which six were native and three exotic species (Dichogaster gracilis, Amynthas gracilis, A. corticis). Of the native species, Urobenus brasiliensis and Andiorrhinus duseni (a large bodied-worm) are already well known from S and SE Brazil, while the remaining four were new species that require further description (Fimoscolex n.sp.1 and n.sp.2, Glossoscolex n.sp.1 and n.sp.2). In general, more species were found in February (summer) than March and November. The cropping system (soybean) had the lowest abundance and species richness in relation to other sites, although in the young and old forests no earthworms were found on some sample dates. Given the several new species found in this small reserve, and the relatively few sites studied thus far in the Campos Gerais, further efforts are needed to adequately characterize the earthworm fauna of the region, from which many other species are expected.
Annotated checklist of earthworm species described by András Zicsi (Clitellata: Megadrili)
Authors: CSUZDI CSABA , SZEDERJESI TÍMEA , SHERLOCK EMMA
Published: October 2018

Professor András Zicsi, the renowed taxonomist and ecologist of earthworms, passed away on 22 July, 2015. He had a decisive impact on earthworm taxonomy in the second half of the 20th century, describing 10 new genus group taxa and 243 species / subspecies new to science distributed in 10 families. A complete list of the new taxa described by Prof. Zicsi is presented here together with references to the original descriptions and the valid names.
Variability of Southern Ocean Transports
Authors: Ferster Brady S. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Fukumori Ichiro , Nyadjro Ebenezer S.
Published: October 2018

The Southern Ocean (SO) is capable of transporting vast amounts of salt, heat, and nutrients, which allows it to influence and regulate global climate. The variability of depth- and density-integrated volume transports in the SO is studied using the Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (ECCO), version 4, release 3 (1992–2015), ocean state estimate. The estimate has a net eastward transport of 150.6 ± 5.5, 162.6 ± 7.4, and 148.2 ± 5.4 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) between the Atlantic–Indian, Indian–Pacific, and Pacific–Atlantic basins, respectively. The time-mean meridional volume transport across 30°S in the Atlantic is estimated to be −1.4 ± 0.6 Sv, −14.4 ± 3.5 Sv in the Indian basin, and 15.5 ± 4.1 Sv in the Pacific, where negative values are southward. Trends in net volume transport between the basins are statistically insignificant. Within the water column, however, the middle and lower branches of the meridional overturning circulation have trends of −0.289 and 0.248 Sv decade−1 in the Atlantic basin. The Indian and Pacific basins have decreasing trends in their lower overturning cells. These results indicate increased overturning circulation within the lower branch in the South Atlantic and decreased lower branch circulation within the Indian and Pacific basins and have implications on the thermohaline-driven circulation. Using ECCO, we estimate a southward potential temperature transport of −176.2° ± 197.2°C Sv and salinity transport of −1.71 ± 22.4 psu Sv into the SO and indicate potential temperature transport is increasing by −15.0° ± 13.2°C Sv decade−1.
On the Use of Unmanned Aircraft for Sampling Mesoscale Phenomena in the Preconvective Boundary Layer
Authors: Koch Steven E. , Fengler Martin , Chilson Phillip B. , Elmore Kimberly L. , Argrow Brian , Andra David L. , Lindley Todd
Published: October 2018

The potential value of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for monitoring the preconvective environment and providing useful information in real time to weather forecasters for evaluation at a National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office are addressed. The general goal was to demonstrate whether a combination of fixed-wing and rotary-wing UAS can provide detailed, accurate, and useful measurements of the boundary layer important for determining the potential for convection initiation (CI). Two field operations were held: a validation study in which the UAS data were compared with collocated measurements made by mobile rawinsondes and ground-based remote sensing systems and a real-time experiment held to evaluate the potential value of the UAS observations in an operationally relevant environment. Vertical profile measurements were made by the rotary-wing UAS at two mesonet sites every 30 min up to 763 m (2500 ft) AGL in coordination with fixed-wing UAS transects between the sites. The results showed the ability of the fixed-wing UAS to detect significant spatial gradients in temperature, moisture, and winds. Although neither of two different types of rotary-wing UAS measurements were able to strictly meet the requirements for sensor accuracy, one of the systems came very close to doing so. UAS sensor accuracy, methods for retrieving the winds, and challenges in assessing the representativeness of the observations are highlighted. Interesting mesoscale phenomena relevant to CI forecasting needs are revealed by the UAS. Issues needing to be overcome for UAS to ever become a NOAA operational observing system are discussed.
Long-Term Performance Metrics for National Weather Service Tornado Warnings
Authors: Brooks Harold E. , Correia James
Published: October 2018

Tornado warnings are one of the flagship products of the National Weather Service. We update the time series of various metrics of performance in order to provide baselines over the 1986–2016 period for lead time, probability of detection, false alarm ratio, and warning duration. We have used metrics (mean lead time for tornadoes warned in advance, fraction of tornadoes warned in advance) that work in a consistent way across the official changes in policy for warning issuance, as well as across points in time when unofficial changes took place. The mean lead time for tornadoes warned in advance was relatively constant from 1986 to 2011, while the fraction of tornadoes warned in advance increased through about 2006, and the false alarm ratio slowly decreased. The largest changes in performance take place in 2012 when the default warning duration decreased, and there is an apparent increased emphasis on reducing false alarms. As a result, the lead time, probability of detection, and false alarm ratio all decrease in 2012.

Our analysis is based, in large part, on signal detection theory, which separates the quality of the warning system from the threshold for issuing warnings. Threshold changes lead to trade-offs between false alarms and missed detections. Such changes provide further evidence for changes in what the warning system as a whole considers important, as well as highlighting the limitations of measuring performance by looking at metrics independently.
Effects of Silence, Sound, and Singing on Melodic Dictation Accuracy
Authors: Buonviri Nathan O.
Published: October 2018

This study continues a line of inquiry testing strategies commonly used in melodic dictation. Undergraduate music majors ( N = 44) completed short tonal dictations in a within-subjects design to determine effects of silence, audible sounds, and singing on test scores. Participants scored significantly lower when required to sing the melody prior to notating it compared with either of the other conditions. In the singing condition, only 18% of participants sang all target melodies completely correctly, and a significant positive correlation was found between singing accuracy and dictation scores in that condition. In light of previous studies, these results suggest that singing may be a distraction during dictation and that if it is employed for memory reinforcement, it must be executed accurately. The lack of a significant difference in scores between the silent and audible sounds conditions, coupled with the finding that 82% of participants made audible sounds when allowed, suggests that silence should be maintained during dictation when necessary but that students should be allowed to make sounds when feasible. Technological tools could aid instructors in physically isolating students so they do not distract each other during dictation.
Bizarre extensive erythematous plaques on the abdomen
Authors: Tandon Sidharth , Sinha Surabhi , Singh Jasmeet
Published: October 2018

We present a rare case report of a 28-year-old man with a five-month history of bizarre extensive erythematous plaques on the abdomen extending in a dermatomal fashion to the left upper back.
Review: Michel Foucault, Histoire de la sexualité 4: Les aveux de la chair
Authors: Elden Stuart
Published: October 2018

In February 2018 the fourth volume of Michel Foucault’s History of Sexuality was finally published. Les aveux de la chair [Confessions of the Flesh] was edited by Frédéric Gros, and appeared in the same Gallimard series as Volumes 1, 2 and 3. The book deals with the early Christian Church Fathers of the second to fifth centuries. This essay reviews the book in relation to Foucault’s other work, showing how it sits in sequence with Volumes 2 and 3, but also partly bridges the chronological and conceptual gap to Volume 1. It discusses the state of the manuscript and whether it should have been published, given Foucault’s stipulation of ‘no posthumous publications’. It outlines the contents of the book, which is in three parts, on the formation of a new experience, on virginity and on marriage. There are also some important supplementary materials included. The review discusses how it begins to answer previously unanswered questions about Foucault’s work, and offers some suggestions about how the book might be received and discussed.
Management and prognosis of cancers in the accessory parotid gland
Authors: Han Xiaoxue , Zhang Xifeng , Gao Yuqin , Pang Pai , Liu Fayu , Sun Changfu
Published: October 2018

Objective

This study was performed to analyze the clinical management of accessory parotid gland (APG) cancer and possible risk factors for disease-related death.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with primary APG cancers in the largest medical center in Northeast China were enrolled from January 1990 to December 2016.

Results

All 43 patients underwent resection of the tumors and superficial parotid gland by a standard Blair incision. Seven (16.3%) patients also required selective neck dissection. The most common lesion was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Temporary facial paralysis occurred in 11 (25.6%) patients, and permanent facial paralysis occurred in 3 (7.0%) patients because of surgical resection of the facial nerve, which was involved with the tumor. The 5- and 10-year disease-specific survival rates were 86.0% and 66.0%, respectively. The tumor stage, neck status, neck dissection, and tumor grade were significantly associated with disease-related death, but only the tumor grade was an independent risk factor.

Conclusion

Superficial parotidectomy is a reliable surgical procedure associated with a high survival rate and low morbidity in treating APG cancers. The tumor grade is the key prognostic factor.
Cold Central Plant Recycled Asphalt Pavements in High Traffic Applications
Authors: Timm David H. , Diefenderfer Brian K. , Bowers Benjamin F.
Published: October 2018

Cold central plant recycling (CCPR) is gaining wider use in the U.S. for rehabilitating existing asphalt pavements or for new construction. Although it is used widely in lower traffic volume situations, CCPR use in high volume pavements remains an open question when considering its structural capacity and expected performance. A project completed in 2011 on I-81 in Virginia indicated CCPR may be suitable for high-volume traffic applications and was further evaluated with the construction of three CCPR test sections at the National Center for Asphalt Technology Test Track in 2012. These sections are now approaching 20 million equivalent single axle load applications and this paper documents their structural and surface performance thus far. The structural characterization indicates healthy pavements with no significant increases in measured pavement response or decreases in backcalculated moduli over time. Performance has been excellent with no cracking observed on any section, rut depths less than 0.3 inches and ride quality that has remained almost unchanged. Perpetual pavement analyses were also conducted and found that the section with a cement-stabilized base layer supporting the CCPR layer met the criteria and is likely perpetual. The other two sections, without the cement-stabilized base, did not meet the criteria and may develop bottom-up cracking. Data from the I-81 and Test Track sections enabled the Virginia Department of Transport (VDOT) to proceed with a design-build project on I-64 that will feature CCPR with a cement-stabilized base and full-depth reclamation (FDR). It is estimated that nearly 170,000 tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement will be used with over $10 million in savings.
Gamifying a Simulation: Do a Game Goal, Choice, Points, and Praise Enhance Learning?
Authors: Brom Cyril , Stárková Tereza , Bromová Edita , Děchtěrenko Filip
Published: October 2018

Despite the increased interest in gamification approaches, there is a lack of comparative studies that shed light on the applicability of these approaches in educational contexts. In this explorative study, with an experimental design, university learners ( N = 98) studied a complex process (i.e., how to brew beer) in a 2-hour-long computerized simulation. In the experimental condition, the simulation featured the following game design elements: game goals, increased freedom of choice, points, virtual currency, and praise (i.e., a gamified simulation). These elements were absent in the simulation versions used in the two control conditions. No differences in learning outcomes and intrinsic motivation variables between the gamified simulation and its nongamified versions were observed. The gamified simulation was perceived to be significantly easier than the nongamified versions ([Formula: see text] = 0.10; d = 0.74, 0.42). Of the game elements used in this study, the participants perceived most positively a clear, game-like goal. The findings are consistent with self-determination theory, cognitive-affective theory of learning from media, and cognitive load theory. The findings also support the emerging notion that caution should be applied when using gamification approaches in educational contexts.
Early Onset Allergic Proctitis in a Preterm Neonate—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ferretti Emanuela , Pilon Sarah , Boland Margaret , El Demellawy Dina
Published: October 2018

Cow’s milk protein allergy/intolerance (CMPA/CMPI) is a common entity in the pediatric population with a nonspecific presentation ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to systemic manifestations. Most infants with CMPI are term, and symptoms often appear in the week following the introduction of cow’s milk-based formula. There is typically a significant delay in the onset of milk allergy in premature infants compared to full term. We report a rare case of a premature neonate who presented with symptoms of CMPA within the first 2 days of life.
Effect of conical micro-grooved texture on tool–chip friction property and cutting performance of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide tools
Authors: Pang Minghua , Liu Xiaojun , Liu Kun
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify the influence mechanism of conical micro-grooved texture on the tool–chip friction property and cutting performance of WC-TiC/Co cemented carbide tools under flood lubrication conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Conical micro-grooved texture was fabricated on the tool rake face using laser texture technology. Metal cutting tests were conducted on AISI 1045 steel with conventional and developed tools for various cutting speeds (80 m/min to 160 m/min) and conical angles of micro-grooved texture (2 ° to 5 °) under flood lubrication condition. The effect of conical micro-grooved texture on the tool cutting force, tool–chip friction coefficient, surface roughness of the machined workpiece, and wear of the tool rake face was determined.

Findings

Unlike the conventional tools, the conical micro-grooved tools successfully resulted in reductions in metal cutting force, tool–chip frictional coefficient, surface roughness of the machined workpiece, and wear of the tool rake face. These reductions were more noticeable than those of conventional tools with increases in the cutting speed and conical angle of the micro-grooved texture. Detailed research indicated that conical micro-grooved channel exhibits a directional motion characteristic of liquid, which accelerated the infiltration of cutting fluid at the tool–chip interface. Substantial cutting fluid was supplied and stored at the tool–chip interface for the conical micro-grooved tools. Therefore, the conical micro-grooved texture on the tool rake face showed evident advantages in improving tool–chip friction and tool cutting performance.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is proposing a new conical micro-grooved texture on the tool rake face, which improved tool–chip friction and tool cutting performance.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of travel advisories with a specific focus on Hong Kong’s outbound travel alert system
Authors: Tsang Nelson Kee Fu , Wong Ophelia , Prideaux Bruce
Published: October 2018

The key objective of this study was to develop a theory-based understanding of the role that travel advisories play in how tourists make decisions to travel to specific destinations. Many countries issue travel alerts to inform their citizens about potential risks when travelling abroad. The literature has largely ignored this area of travel research despite the potential for tourists to become embroiled in a wide range of crisis events during foreign travel. This study first examined users’ perspectives of Hong Kong’s Outbound Travel Alert system using a mix of focus groups and in-depth interviews. The study found that outbound tourists had a low level of awareness and knowledge of travel advisories and many respondents preferred alternative information sources such as the Internet, social media and commercial news channels. In comparison, representatives of travel agencies and insurance companies reported that the alert system was useful in the pursuit of their business but felt there were shortcomings that needed to be addressed. Based on these findings, a model incorporating elements of the theory of planned behaviour and the protection motivation theory was developed to assist in the assessment of travel advisory compliance intention.
‘When the whole sky falls down’: Minor gestures towards play out of place/time in toddler groups
Authors: Sandvik Ninni
Published: October 2018

This article takes a discrepancy between experienced pedagogical and childish life orientations as a point of entry and speculates about loosening play from its organised position as form and instead looking at play as processes. Accordingly, the speculative focus of the article is on how different orientations might come into existence within an ordinary activity in a toddler group. To manage the discussion, the article puts fragments from Whitehead’s philosophy of process and Manning’s focus on the minor gesture to work within the actual event. Without claiming to propose fixed answers or solutions, the author discusses manoeuvres within the im/possible at the end of the article.
Phase II Trial of Acai Juice Product in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kessler Elizabeth R. , Su Lih-Jen , Gao Dexiang , Torkko Kathleen C. , Wacker Michael , Anduha Mary , Chronister Nicole , Maroni Paul , Crawford E. David , Flaig Thomas W. , Glode L. Michael , Lam Elaine T.
Published: October 2018

Background: Plant derivatives have been studied as therapies for prostate cancer based on their purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and low toxicities. The acai berry is an example of a plant rich in phytochemicals, which may slow the growth of prostate cancer. Methods: This was a phase II, Simon 2-stage clinical trial in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer with a primary endpoint of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response. Patients were asymptomatic, with a rising PSA of at least 0.2 ng/mL, and were treated with twice daily intake of Acai Juice Product until PSA progression, with a primary endpoint of PSA response. Results: Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the first stage of the trial. One of those patients had a PSA response within the study time period. The PSA doubling time was lengthened in 71% of patients (95% confidence interval = 48% to 89%) on the trial, and in a small number of responders, this was sustained over an extended time. Conclusions: This study did not meet its primary endpoint of 50% PSA response. Nevertheless, the overall tolerability and effects on PSA stabilization warrant further exploration in a biochemically recurrent population.
Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care
Authors: Cruceriu Daniel , Balacescu Ovidiu , Rakosy Elena
Published: October 2018

A continuous challenge in cancer management is to improve treatment efficacy and to diminish its side effects. Consequently, new conventional and unconventional drugs and bioactive compounds from plants are constantly developed, characterized, and used for in vitro and in vivo models. This review focuses on the antitumor properties of Calendula officinalis, its biological and molecular effects in tumor cells and animal models, as well as its role in cancer palliative care. A systematic review of studies describing the cytotoxic role of C officinalis and its therapeutic role on cancer cells were carried out using the PubMed database. Albeit C officinalis extracts have cytotoxic activity toward different cancer cell lines, a high grade of variation between studies was observed, depending on plant organ subjected to extraction, extraction method, and the cancer cell lines used for each study. Nevertheless, its cytotoxic activity is related to a few bioactive compounds, presenting multiple roles in both activation of proapoptotic proteins and decreasing the expression of the proteins that inhibit cell death. Moreover, due to its anti-genotoxic/protective as well as antitumor and antimetastatic effects proven in animal models, C officinalis could have important future implications in developing novel cancer treatment strategies, while until now it has been used especially for diminishing the side effects of radiotherapy.
Imag(in)ing the post-national television fan: Counter-flows and hybrid ambivalence in Dramaworld
Authors: Oh David C , Nishime LeiLani
Published: October 2018

In 2016, Viki.com and Netflix added the web drama Dramaworld to their libraries. The move represents a digital and transnational shift in programming and production. Co-produced by China's Jetavana Entertainment, South Korea's EnterMedia, and the US's Third Culture Content, Dramaworld signals the escalation of post-national television production. The show emerges where the splash of the ‘Korean Wave’ has flowed apart from and against flows of US-mediated domination, creating new possibilities for hybrid media. It simultaneously challenges cultural imperialism with the force of Korean soft power while also constructing the White female fan as the desired audience. This example of transnational co-production uses the global fan to mediate and reconfigure the shifting power relations between the US and Korea, thus providing a window into the ideological work performed by global media.
Remixing the School Counselor’s Tool Kit
Authors: Levy Ian P. , Cook Amy L. , Emdin Christopher
Published: October 2018

This article explores a model for school counselors to capitalize on the therapeutic, empowerment-oriented nature of hip-hop practices to engage in youth participatory action research (YPAR). Drawing from research that supports the use of hip-hop therapy and YPAR in schools, we propose a culturally sensitive group counseling process wherein students use hip-hop lyric writing, recording, and performing to critically analyze, research, and report on issues of personal importance to them.
Does VAT Necessarily Lead to Bigger Government Size? The Experience of States in India
Authors: Nepram Damodar
Published: October 2018

Many have held that value-added tax (VAT) generates higher revenue which then leads to bigger government spending. They cited the experience of European countries claiming that both the tax rate and the government size have risen over the years. The present study finds that there are exceptions to it based on the state level data of India. The tax was introduced as a replacement for sales tax about a decade ago but an increase in government size was not observed. Instead, higher revenues generated helped in the reduction of budget deficits when introduced along with a number of austerity measures among which was the enactment of the fiscal responsibility law (FRL) placing quantitative restrictions on budget deficits. Some states did witness bigger spending but most of them were observed to be financially weaker states receiving more central transfers. It enabled them to spend more without running into deficits and, hence, meet FRL obligations.

JEL Classification: H7, H26, H50
Christianity 2019: What’s Missing? A Call for Further Research
Authors: Zurlo Gina A. , Johnson Todd M. , Crossing Peter F.
Published: October 2018

This article marks the thirty-fifth year of presenting statistical information on world Christianity and mission. This year, we report on three gaps in the literature, concerning women in world Christianity and mission, the status of short-term mission (STM), and missions and money. There are few quantitative studies on women in world Christianity; there remains a dearth in the literature on the magnitude and impact of STM (which is particularly US-centric); and Christian finance, now $60 trillion in personal income, is vastly under-researched in global studies.
The Neurobiology of the Body Schema
Authors: Cumming W. J. K.
Published: October 2018

The history of a concept of a body schema is linked with the fact that the discovery that there is such a thing as a permanent, albeit vague perception that one has of one's own body, has been mainly in observations of its pathological manifestation in the clinic.
Improving energy efficiency of electrochemical blackwater disinfection through sequential reduction of suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand
Authors: Hawkins Brian T. , Rogers Tate W. , Davey Christopher J. , Stoner Mikayla H. , McAdam Ewan J. , Stoner Brian R.
Published: October 2018

Onsite reuse of blackwater requires removal of considerable amounts of suspended solids and organic material in addition to inactivation of pathogens. Previously, we showed that electrochemical treatment could be used for effective pathogen inactivation in blackwater, but was inadequate to remove solids and organics to emerging industry standards. Further, we found that as solids and organics accumulate with repeated recycling, electrochemical treatment becomes less energetically sustainable. Here, we describe a pilot study in which concentrated blackwater is pretreated with ultrafiltration and granular activated carbon prior to electrochemical disinfection, and show that this combination of treatments removes 75-99% of chemical oxygen demand, 92-100% of total suspended solids, and improves the energy efficiency of electrochemical blackwater treatment by an order of magnitude.
Emergent thyroidectomy with sternotomy due to acute respiratory failure with severe thyroid storm
Authors: Matsushita A , Hosokawa S , Mochizuki D , Okamura J , Funai K , Mineta H
Published: October 2018

Huge cervical and mediastinal masses may lead to acute respiratory failure caused by laryngotracheal compression and airway obstruction. Thyroid storm is also a life-threatening endocrine emergency originating almost exclusively from uncontrolled Graves’ disease. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with acute upper airway obstruction and tachycardia from progressive swelling of a giant thyroid, in conjunction with thyroid storm resulting from uncontrolled Graves’ disease. Fibreoptic-assisted nasal intubation was performed while the patient was awake, immediately followed by emergency total thyroidectomy via a cervical and sternal approach. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and recovered well. Respiratory failure due to swelling of a giant thyroid is a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately with endotracheal intubation while the patient is awake following emergent total thyroidectomy, even with a sternotomy.
Gastric tube volvulus following an Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Schizas D , Michalinos A , Vergadis C , Oikonomou D , Baili E , Sougioultzis S , Moris D , Liakakos T
Published: October 2018

Gastric tube conduit is the method of choice for restoring continuity of the digestive track after a partial or total esophagectomy. Redundant gastric conduit (i.e. an elongated, floppy conduit) is a rare cause of dysphagia in patients with long survival. Gastric tube volvulus is exceedingly rare with only three cases described in the literature. We present the diagnostic and therapeutic course of a 57-year-old man who presented to our department with gastric tube volvulus 32 months after an Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy. Diagnosis was made with computed tomography and volvulus was reduced endoscopically. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the fourth case of gastric tube volvulus described in the English literature. This rare situation might be a consequence of a redundant gastric tube. Endoscopic volvulus decompression was successful in our case.
Delayed presentation of iatrogenic ventriculoperitoneal shunt transection following laparoscopic weight loss surgery in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Khan UA , Giamouriadis A , Bhangoo RS
Published: October 2018

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is strongly associated with central obesity and consequential raised intra-abdominal pressure. If left untreated it poses significant risk to vision and can eventually cause blindness. Owing to its pathophysiology, this condition is managed by both medical and surgical specialities. When medical management fails neurosurgeons commonly treat idiopathic intracranial hypertension by permanent cerebrospinal fluid peritoneal shunting. Weight reduction surgery provides patients who are obese with a multitude of benefits and it is not uncommon for the general surgeon to be presented with a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and a cerebrospinal fluid peritoneal shunt in place. This provides a potential challenging situation in weight-loss surgical procedures. We describe an interesting case where laparoscopic bariatric surgery resulted in transection of the abdominal catheter with a delayed presentation of recurrent symptoms and an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid collection in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. We discuss how this could be avoided and its management.
Does the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination predict ‘on-the-job’ performance during UK higher specialty surgical training?
Authors: Scrimgeour DSG , Brennan PA , Griffiths G , Lee AJ , Smith FCT , Cleland J
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) is a mandatory examination to enter higher surgical specialty training in the UK. It is designed to help to ensure that successful candidates are competent to practice as higher surgical trainees. The annual review of competence progression (ARCP) assesses trainees’ competence to progress to the next level of training and can be interpreted as a measure of ‘on-the-job’ performance. We investigated the relationship between MRCS performance and ARCP outcomes.

Materials and methods

All UK medical graduates who passed MRCS (Parts A and B) from 2007 to 2016 were included. MRCS scores, attempts and sociodemographics for each candidate were crosslinked with ARCP outcomes (satisfactory, unsatisfactory and insufficient evidence). Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify potential independent predictors of ARCP outcomes.

Results

A total of 2570 trainees underwent 11,064 ARCPs; 1589 (61.8%) had only satisfactory outcomes recorded throughout training; 510 (19.9%) had at least one unsatisfactory outcome; and 471 (18.3%) supplied insufficient evidence. After adjusting for age, gender, first language and Part A performance, ethnicity (non-white vs white, OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.71), Part B passing score (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00) and number of attempts at Part B (two or more attempts vs one attempt, OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.94) were found to be independent predictors of an unsatisfactory ARCP outcome.

Conclusions

This is the first study to identify predictors of ARCP outcomes during higher surgical specialty training in the UK and provides further evidence of the predictive validity of the MRCS examination.
30-day complication rates and patient-reported outcomes following day case primary lumbar microdiscectomy in a regional NHS spinal centre
Authors: Hoggett L , Anderton MJ , Khatri M
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Advances in surgical and anaesthesia technique have reduced length of stay for lumbar discectomy. Current evidence suggests that daycase surgery is associated with improved patient satisfaction, faster recovery, reduced infection rates and financial savings. We present our microdiscectomy daycase protocol, together with 30-day postoperative complication rates and patient reported outcomes in an NHS setting.

Methods and methods

We retrospectively studied all patients that met a locally agreed daycase protocol for lumbar microdiscectomy and were operated upon and discharged on the same calendar day between 1 March 2013 and 31 December 2015.

Results

A total of 134 patients underwent primary daycase microdiscectomy (70 males, 64 females). The cohort had a mean age of 41 years (range 16–82 years). Some 96% (n = 129) were single-level procedures, 93% were unilateral (n = 125) and 81% (n = 109) took place at either L4/L5 or L5/S1. All patients were discharged on the same day as admission and operation. Four patients re-presented to hospital within 30 days and three were discharged from the emergency department within four hours following a clinical review. One patient required an inpatient stay for a washout of a superficial postoperative infection. Significant improvements (P < 0.05) were found postoperatively for back pain and leg pain on self-reported visual analogue scores and Oswestry Disability Index.

Conclusion

In this study, we present a safe and effective protocol for day case lumbar microdiscectomy. Our 30-day postoperative complication rate of under 1% is comparable to that of traditional inpatient primary lumbar microdiscectomy. Patient-reported outcome measures revealed significant improvement in both pain and functional scores.
A randomised controlled trial of excision versus invagination in the management of indirect inguinal hernial sac
Authors: Sharma M , Pathania OP , Kapur A , Thomas S , Kumar A
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernioplasty of primary inguinal hernia is currently considered as the preferred method for the plastic reconstruction of inguinal hernia by the majority of surgeons. Several studies have examined the best way to manage the hernial sac in this surgery, but no consensus has been reached. This study was designed to compare the effects of excision of sac and invagination of sac on post-operative outcomes.

Methods and methods

This prospective randomised study included a total of 70 patients with primary unilateral uncomplicated indirect inguinal hernia. Group A (35 patients) underwent high dissection and invagination of the hernial sac and group B (35 patients) underwent high ligation and excision of the hernial sac. The repair of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal was done according to Lichtenstein tension-free technique. The primary outcome of this study was postoperative pain and secondary outcomes were wound infection, chronic sepsis, sinus formation, persistent pain, testicular atrophy and recurrence during the one-year follow-up period.

Results

There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in pain experienced by the patients in the immediate post-operative period between the two groups; group A experienced less postoperative pain than group B. There was no significant difference in incidence of infection between the groups.

Conclusions

Invagination of the sac results in less postoperative pain compared with excision, with no significant difference in other postoperative outcomes.
Nasal obstruction secondary to an inverted midline supernumerary tooth
Authors: Jones L , Hilton JM , Heyman J , Viswanathan H , Wreesmann VB , Hayes SM
Published: October 2018

We present the case of a 36-year-old man who presented with left-sided nasal obstruction and facial pain. Clinical examination and computed tomography revealed an inverted midline supernumerary tooth buckling and deviating the nasal septum to the left. Full surgical resection of the tooth was achieved through a minimally invasive endoscopic septoplasty with full resolution of symptoms. There is little precedent within the literature to guide our management in this case and therefore we offer a successful surgical treatment strategy.
Gastro-oesophageal fistula in an achalasia patient following myotomy as an unusual cause of heartburn
Authors: Falk GL , Little SC
Published: October 2018

We report a case of delayed presentation of a gastro-oesophageal fistula following a Heller myotomy and anterior fundoplication for achalasia in a 28-year-old man. After a period of symptom resolution following initial operation, dysphagia and severe heartburn commenced temporarily, related to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Endoscopy demonstrated a secondary opening in the lower oesophagus and a barium swallow showed an oesophageal fistula to the stomach. Currently, reasonable symptom control has been obtained on double dose pantoprazole. Barium study best demonstrated the abnormality. NSAIDs should possibly be avoided in cases of severe dysmotility of the oesophagus.
Examination of secondary school teachers' opinions regarding interdisciplinary teaching
Authors: Gürkan Burcu
Published: October 2018

This research is a qualitative study that examines the practices of teachers of science, mathematics, Turkish and social studies regarding interdisciplinary teaching approach. Participants in the study consisted of 35 teachers working in three different secondary schools with different socioeconomic backgrounds in the province of Adana in the academic year of 2016-2017. The data were collected by interviewing the participants through the "Demographic Characteristics Form" and "Interdisciplinary Teaching Practice Evaluation Form" developed by the researcher and analyzed by content analysis method. The results showed that the secondary school teachers performed the interdisciplinary teaching practices and that they influenced by the course goals and contents, information about different courses, characteristics of different students and extra goals. Interdisciplinary teaching practices are important in terms of promoting effective learning, having mental and emotional goals, and providing quality education services. It was revealed that both science and social sciences can be related to each other and to art lessons in the teaching process and the students are positively affected by the interdisciplinary teaching process. It was also found that teachers need guidance, adequate knowledge and skills, cooperation, and instructional designs or plans to guide them for practice.
Some Reliability and Other Properties of Beta-Transformed Random Variables
Authors: Sreehari M. , Sandhya E. , Mohamed Akbar V. K.
Published: October 2018

The reliability properties of beta-transformed random variables are discussed. A necessary and sufficient condition for a beta-transformed geometric random variable to follow a power series distribution is derived. It is shown that a beta-transformed member of the Katz family does not belong to the Katz family unless it is a geometric distribution, thereby getting a characterization.
Revisiting Electrochemical Techniques to Characterize the Solid-State Diffusion Mechanism in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Santos-Mendoza I. O. , Vázquez-Arenas J. , González I. , Ramos-Sánchez G. , Castillo-Araiza C. O.
Published: October 2018

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) have gained a worldwide position as energy storage devices due to their high energy density, power density and cycle life. Nevertheless, these performance parameters are yet insufficient for current and future demands diversifying their range of applications, and competitiveness against other power sources. In line with the materials science, the optimization of LiBs, first, requires an in-depth characterization and understanding of their determining steps regarding transport phenomena and electrode kinetics occurring within these devices. Experimental and theoretical studies have identified the solid-state diffusion of Li+into the composite cathode material as one of the transport mechanisms limiting the performance of LiBs, in particular at high charge and discharge rates (C-rates). Nowadays, there is however ambivalence to characterize this mass transport mechanism using the diffusion coefficient calculated either by electrochemical techniques orab initioquantum chemistry methods.  This contribution revisits conventional electrochemical methodologies employed in literature to estimate mass transport diffusivity of LiBs, in particular using LiFePO4in the cathode, and their suitability and reliability are comprehensively discussed. These experimental and theoretical methods include Galvanostatic and Potentiostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT and PITT), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) andab initioquantum chemistry methods. On the one hand, experimental methods seem not to isolate the diffusion mechanism in the solid phase; thus, obtaining an unreliable apparent diffusion coefficient (ranging from 10–10to 10–16 cm2 s−1), which only serves as a criterion to discard among a set of LiBs. On the other hand, atomistic approaches based onab initio, density functional theory (DFT), cannot yet capture the complexity of the local environments involved at this scale; in consequence, these approaches have predicted inadequate diffusion coefficients for LiFePO4(ranging from 10–6to 10–7 cm2 s−1) which strongly differ from experimental values. This contribution, at long last, remarks the factors influencing diffusion mechanisms and addresses the uncertainties to characterize this transport mechanism in the cathode, stressing the needs to establish methods to determine the diffusion coefficient accurately, coupling electrochemical techniques,ab initiomethods, and engineering approaches based on modeling.
Reflections of a Torts Teacher on the Bench
Authors: Calabresi Guido
Published: October 2018

I have been a judge for twenty-four years and have taught Torts for sixty years. What has all that taught me about Torts, about federal-state relations in this field, and about judges and judging? The first thing I learned is how important Torts and Torts reasoning are in many areas that we don’t think of as being traditionally Torts. The second thing I have come to realize is how significant federal preemption has become to the field. The third thing I have come to understand is why judges and judicial lawmaking are particularly important in Torts: the people who are active in pushing and resisting Torts “reforms” before legislatures are bound to be repeat players; courts, instead, are invoked by non-repeat parties. My fourth realization upon becoming a judge is a completely different one: there are situations in traditional Torts-negligence law that seem sufficiently rare to require little attention but are, in fact, central to areas of law that a federal judge sees all the time. My fifth point has to do with how little federal judges in general, and federal appellate judges in particular, know or understand about Tort law. My last reflections go to something of a totally other sort. And that is the difference I have come to see in the roles of scholars and of judges. It is often said of judges that they should “do justice though the heavens fall.” That is, of course, nonsense. A judge who truly risked causing the heavens to fall would be thrown off the bench in no time. The role of scholars is quite different. As scholars, our role is to tell and write the truth as we have come to see it, fully and courageously, though the heavens fall. Our job is to look in dark places, shine light on what we believe is really going on, and reveal what is actually occurring in the face of the human subterfuges and legal fictions that obscure the truth.