bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-employed professionals in the European labour market. A comparison between Italy, Germany and the UK
Authors: Borghi Paolo , Mori Anna , Semenza Renata
Published: February 2018

The transition to an on-demand service economy, supported by unprecedented technological developments and the digital revolution, has modified traditional self-employed professions and generated new ones, fostering the growth of a body of highly qualified and hyper-specialised self-employed professionals in the European economies. An analysis of this phenomenon highlights three critical questions, connected to their position in the labour market: 1) the contested definition of their legal status and the (ad hoc) regulation adopted; 2) their position within each national social protection system; 3) the complexity of collective representation in a context of major labour market fragmentation. The article explores these issues from a socio-economic perspective, comparing three European countries − Italy, Germany and the UK − with different welfare state regimes and diverse models for regulating professions. First findings show partly divergent responses to such common challenges, yet display some positive signs of change for self-employed professionals.
Career decisions of international Chinese doctoral students: The influence of the self in the environment
Authors: Lee Myra CY , McMahon Mary , Watson Mark
Published: February 2018

In recent times, international research students from China have become a substantial demographic because aside from the revenue they bring to host countries, they are valued for their research contributions. To understand how to attract and support them, this article investigated the influences on the educational and post-graduation occupational decisions of Chinese doctoral research students based in Australia. These influences are interpreted within the Chinese relational context and the Systems Theory Framework. This article is based on research that interviewed 10 participants across three universities in Queensland, Australia, and thereafter, utilised thematic analysis as the analytical method. This article presents the derived themes relating to the influences of the self and the environment. The key findings highlight the interrelationships among the self, the family, cultural, and spiritual environment when making career decisions that balance personal aspirations against family expectations and societal constraints in order to maintain harmony.
Cognition is not exceptional
Authors: McGregor Simon
Published: February 2018

Humans have a long history of insisting that they are members of a special group with some uniquely privileged characteristic and eventually being proved wrong. This has played out in cognitive science as in disciplines such as history or ethology. In this opinion piece, I spell out a position, here termed ‘radical pancognitivism’, that constitutes the polar opposite of cognitive exceptionalism, in that it attributes cognition to literally every physical system in the universe. My aim is not to persuade the reader that this view is correct, but rather to air it seriously for the benefit of discussion.
Synthetic biology and (embodied) artificial intelligence: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Stano Pasquale , Kuruma Yutetsu , Damiano Luisa
Published: February 2018

On the 4th of September 2017, the 14th European Conference on Artificial Life (ECAL 2017, Lyon, France) hosted a satellite workshop dedicated to a frontier research question: ‘What can Synthetic Biology offer to (Embodied) Artificial Intelligence (and vice versa)?’ This workshop, as the previous three of the ‘Synthetic Biology (SB)–Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ workshop series, brought together specialists from different disciplines to address the contemporary debate on the evolution of embodied artificial intelligence from a new angle. In a few words: defining the possible roles that SB – an emerging research line combining biology and engineering – can play in the process of establishment of the so-called ‘Embodied paradigm’ in the scientific exploration of cognition and, in particular, in artificial intelligence.
Umbilical Lesions: Clinicopathologic Features of 99 Tumors
Authors: Yan Lei , Sethi Shenon , Bitterman Pincas , Reddy Vijaya , Gattuso Paolo
Published: February 2018

Background. Umbilical lesions are rare, and can be benign or malignant. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the epidemiological, clinical, and histologic characteristics of umbilical masses. Methods. Cases of umbilical masses from January 1994 to August 2016 were retrieved from our institution’s pathology databases, and their clinicopathological features were reviewed. Results. There were a total of 99 cases of umbilical masses, 78 women (78.8%) and 21 men (21.2%). Of these, 59 were malignant (59.6%) and 40 were benign (40.4%). Among the malignant cases, 48 were women with a mean age of 65 years and 11 were men with a mean age of 66 years. All malignant lesions were secondary tumors. Twenty-five patients (42.3%) had a metastatic tumor to the umbilicus with an average of 7 months from the original diagnosis (12 gynecological, 8 pancreatic/gastrointestinal, 2 lymphomas, and a case each of breast, prostate, and melanoma). Of the patients with a benign diagnosis, 30 were women (75%) with a mean age of 52 years and 10 were men (25%) with a mean age of 43 years. The benign lesions included epidermal inclusion cysts (15/40), endometriosis (11/40), lipomas (3/40), neurofibromas (3/40), fibromas (3/40), abscesses (2/40), and 1 case each of tubular apocrine adenoma, serous cystadenoma, and calcified nodule. Conclusion. The most common metastatic tumors to the umbilicus are from the adjacent organs with the gynecologic tract as the most frequent primary followed by the gastrointestinal system. Primary malignant tumors of the umbilical region are rarely identified in clinical practice.
Are Parent- and Teacher-Reported Executive Function Difficulties Associated With Parenting Stress for Children Diagnosed With ADHD?
Authors: McLuckie Alan , Landers Ashley L. , Rowbotham Melissa , Landine Jeff , Schwartz Michael , Ng David
Published: February 2018

Objective: To examine the relationship between parenting stress and parent- and teacher-reported executive function difficulties (EFDs) for childhood ADHD. Method: A secondary analysis using linear regression was conducted on parent- and teacher-completed Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Parenting Stress Indexes for 5- to 12-year-olds ( n = 243) with ADHD. Results: The linear combination of teacher- and parent-reported EFDs accounted for 49% of the variance in child-related parenting stress. Teacher-reported school-based EFDs were relatively inconsequential, having accounted for only 3% of this variance. This stress is best explained by EFDs with emotional control in the school environment and parent-reported EFDs with emotional control, inhibit, monitor, and shift. Conclusion: Parent-reported EFDs, and less so school-based EFDs, are related to parenting stress, but only in regard to EFDs likely underpinning behavioral outbursts and those likely underpinning the daily hassles of providing specialized care to children with ADHD.
Quasi-static and fatigue properties of a balsa cored sandwich structure with thermoplastic skins reinforced by flax fibres
Authors: Monti Arthur , EL Mahi Abderrahim , Jendli Zouhaier , Guillaumat Laurent
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the results of several experimental analyses performed on a bio-based sandwich structure. The material studied is made up of thermoplastic skins reinforced by flax fibres and applied to a balsa core. It is produced by a single-step liquid resin infusion process. First, the skin–core interfacial properties were measured and compared with those of the existing materials. Then, several quasi-static and dynamic analyses were performed to study the flexural behaviour of sandwich beams. The elastic and ultimate properties of the skins and core were deduced from these flexural tests. In addition, a failure mode map was developed based on the existing theories to explain the failure modes observed under different boundary conditions. The influence of the statistical spread of the core’s mechanical properties on the failure of sandwich beams was considered. Moreover, fatigue analyses were conducted to determine the fatigue resistance of this bio-based structure. Its behaviour was compared with that of the previously tested non-bio-based sandwich beams. Finally, the fatigue loss factor evolution of this structure under several loading ratios was measured and discussed. This study aims to determine some of the main mechanical properties of this material to see whether or not it might be suitable for industrial applications currently using glass fibre reinforced polymer/foam cored sandwich structures.
Neuronal Subtype Generation During Postnatal Olfactory Bulb Neurogenesis
Authors: Angelova Alexandra , Tiveron Marie-Catherine , Cremer Harold , Beclin Christophe
Published: February 2018

In the perinatal and adult forebrain, regionalized neural stem cells lining the ventricular walls produce different types of olfactory bulb interneurons. Although these postnatal stem cells are lineage related to their embryonic counterparts that produce, for example, cortical, septal, and striatal neurons, their output at the level of neuronal phenotype changes dramatically. Tiveron et al. investigated the molecular determinants underlying stem cell regionalization and the gene expression changes inducing the shift from embryonic to adult neuron production. High-resolution gene expression analyses of different lineages revealed that the zinc finger proteins, Zic1 and Zic2, are postnatally induced in the dorsal olfactory bulb neuron lineage. Functional studies demonstrated that these factors confer a GABAergic and calretinin-positive phenotype to neural stem cells while repressing dopaminergic fate. Based on these findings, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that allow acquisition of new traits during the transition from embryonic to adult neurogenesis. We focus on the involvement of epigenetic marks and emphasize why the identification of master transcription factors, that instruct the fate of postnatally generated neurons, can help in deciphering the mechanisms driving fate transition from embryonic to adult neuron production.
Economic globalization and the economic policy positions of parties
Authors: Sen Sedef , Barry Colin M
Published: February 2018

Does economic globalization influence the economic policy positions adopted by political parties in democratic countries? In this article, we identify multiple pathways through which market integration might induce ideological change among both left and right parties. Utilizing data from 51 countries between 1970 and 2014, we evaluate the degree to which leftist and rightist economic ideologies, respectively, are present in parties’ platforms. We find that traditionally leftist positions are increasingly adopted by parties on both the right and the left in response to globalization. The evidence also suggests that, though there is a general tendency among parties to shift their economic platforms leftward in response to liberalization, there is significant between-country variability in the effects. An important implication of this study is that partisan ideological evolution is not driven solely by domestic forces, but by external factors, too.
Roadblocks to interactive digital adoption? Elite perspectives of party practices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dommett Katharine
Published: February 2018

Digital technology has often been heralded for its capacity to facilitate more interactive forms of political engagement. In the party context, many early studies found little evidence of this practice, but more recent citizen-focused interventions suggest the emergence of a more interactive approach. This article responds to such findings by asking whether party elites are embracing interactive digital tools and what explains current practices. This article conducts case studies of two parties within the United Kingdom – the Labour Party and the Green Party. Interviews are used to examine attitudes and practices in two different areas of party activity: electoral campaigning and internal governance. While there is little evidence of elite interest in the interactive potential of digital tools in the former, there is more evidence of interest in the latter area, even though barriers exist that frustrate the enactment of these ideas. Exploring the significance of parties’ objectives and organizational traits, this article examines explanations for these outcomes and, in so doing, helps scholars and practitioners alike to understand, identify and tackle barriers to the adoption of interactive digital tools by party elites.
Free vibration behavior of tapered functionally graded material beam in thermal environment considering geometric non-linearity, shear deformability and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity
Authors: Paul Amlan , Das Debabrata
Published: February 2018

An improved mathematical model is presented to investigate the free vibration behavior of post-buckled tapered functionally graded material beam, subjected to uniform temperature rise and steady-state heat conduction. The material properties including the thermal conductivity are considered to be temperature-dependent and an iterative algorithm for solving temperature-dependent steady-state heat conduction equation is presented to get the correct temperature profile. The initial static post-buckling problem is formulated using minimum potential energy principle and the subsequent free vibration problem is formulated using Hamilton’s principle by employing the tangent stiffness of the post-buckled configuration. The solution of the governing equations is obtained using Ritz method. Following Timoshenko beam theory, a geometrically non-linear mathematical model is developed by employing the non-linear strain–displacement relationships for both normal and shear strains. The study is carried out for both hinged–hinged and clamped–clamped beams. Non-dimensional load–frequency behaviors are presented for different gradation indices, taperness parameters, and length–thickness ratios. Static post-buckling equilibrium path for clamped–clamped beams is also presented. The significant effects of shear non-linearity and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity on dynamics of tapered functionally graded material beam are shown in the paper.
Trend spotting: Using text analysis to model market dynamics
Authors: Watts Jameson
Published: February 2018

As marketers, we are confronted by an increasingly complex world—one characterized by markets that emerge and evolve at an unprecedented rate. This has led to an increased need for methods that can help researchers translate this complexity and dynamism into actionable intelligence. In the current work, I introduce one such method, and show how it can be applied to the emergence and evolution of the biotechnology industry during the 1990s and early 2000s. I conclude with a discussion of how this method can be applied more broadly to areas like content marketing, trend spotting, and the interface between qualitative and quantitative market research.
Enhanced Tobacco Control Initiative at Johns Hopkins Health System: Employee Fairness Perception
Authors: Durrani Shabnum , Lucik Meg , Safeer Richard
Published: February 2018

Organizations often fail to establish a clear awareness of what employees consider fair when implementing changes to employee benefits in the workplace. In 2016, the Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS) enhanced their tobacco control efforts. In addition to enhanced smoking cessation benefits, employees were offered an increased reduction in their insurance premiums if they were nonsmokers. To qualify for the reduction, employees participated in testing rather than relying on self-reporting as had been done in the past. The shift to testing prompted a concern by some senior management at JHHS who did not want employees to feel they were not trusted. As the program unfolded at JHHS, the four-component model of procedural justice was applied to provide a framework for reviewing the implementation of the new voluntary tobacco testing at JHHS from a fairness lens. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the application of the four-component procedural model of justice to the tobacco testing process at JHHS. As approximately 75% of employees participated in the program, the experience at JHHS can be instructive to other employers who are looking to implement changes in their workplaces and how to minimize unintended consequences with their employees.
An Institution-Wide Algorithm for Treatment of Type II Endoleak Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
Authors: Rahimi Saum , Nassiri Naiem , Huntress Lauren , Crystal Dustin , Thomas Jones , Shafritz Randy
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

Multiple endovascular techniques have been described for the treatment of persistent type II endoleaks (pT2ELs) causing aneurysm sac growth following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). In the event of a failed endovascular procedure and a pT2EL, a consensus regarding further treatment is lacking, and the literature suggests repeated endovascular attempts are rarely successful. Herein, we propose an algorithm for definitive management of pT2ELs with persistent sac growth following EVAR.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 29 patients who underwent treatment of persistent sac growth in the setting of pT2ELs was performed. Intervention methods were determined at the discretion of the operating surgeon. Aneurysmal sac enlargement was defined as a diameter increase > 5 mm, and persistent endoleak was defined as lasting greater than 6 months.

Results:

From 2000 to 2015, 917 EVAR procedures were performed at our institution. Isolated pT2ELs with sac enlargement were identified in 29 patients. Twenty-five patients underwent direct translumbar sac puncture and coiling and/or Onyx (Onyx, Plymouth, Minnesota) embolization of the culprit vessels. Thirteen (52%) of 25 patients had pT2EL after first endovascular intervention, and 10 (40%) of 25 patients failed 2 endovascular treatments. Of those 10, 7 displayed persistent aneurysmal sac growth and underwent a third embolization procedure. Type II endoleaks persisted in 6 patients; 3 patients were subsequently treated with laparotomy, ligation of lumbar vessels, sac exploration, and sac plication around the endograft. Technical success for this technique was 100%. During a mean follow-up of 38.4 months, no recurrent T2ELs, stent graft migration, and/or disjunction were observed.

Conclusions:

We propose a new algorithm for the management of pT2ELs. If 2 endovascular procedures fail to control of the endoleak, repeat endovascular attempts are not recommended. Endovascular failure should be followed by laparotomy with surgical ligation of culprit feeding vessels followed by sac exploration and plication of the sac, and endoaneurysmorrhaphy.
Efficient encrypted image retrieval in IoT-cloud with multi-user authentication
Authors: Al Sibahee Mustafa A , Lu Songfeng , Abduljabbar Zaid Ameen , Ibrahim Ayad , Hussien Zaid Alaa , Mutlaq Keyan Abdul-Aziz , Hussain Mohammed Abdulridha
Published: February 2018

Encryption is one of the best methods to safeguard the security and privacy of an image. However, looking through encrypted data is difficult. A number of techniques for searching encrypted data have been devised. However, certain security solutions may not be used in smart devices in IoT-cloud because such solutions are not lightweight. In this article, we present a lightweight scheme that can enable a content-based search through encrypted images. In particular, images are represented using local features. We develop and validate a secure scheme for measuring the Euclidean distance between two feature vectors. In addition, we use a hashing method, namely, locality-sensitive hashing, to devise the searchable index. The use of an locality-sensitive hashing index increases the proficiency and effectiveness of a system, thereby allowing the retrieval of only relevant images with a minimum number of distance evaluations. Refining vector techniques are used to refine relevant results efficiently and securely. Our index construction process ensures that stored data and trapdoors are kept private. Our system also efficiently supports multi-user authentication by avoiding the expensive traditional method, which enables data owners to define who can search for a specific image. Compared with other similarity-based encryption methods predicated upon searchability, the option presented in this study offers superior search speed and storage efficiency.
Onyx embolization with the Apollo detachable tip microcatheter: A single-center experience
Authors: Miller Timothy R , Giacon Luciano , Kole Matthew J , Chen Rong , Jindal Gaurav , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The Apollo Onyx Delivery Microcatheter (Ev3, Irvine, CA) is a detachable-tip microcatheter that was developed to reduce the risk of microcatheter entrapment during ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) embolizations. We report our experience with the microcatheter in a variety of neurointerventional procedures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all Onyx embolizations performed in the head, neck, and spine using the Apollo Onyx Delivery Microcatheter from its introduction at our institution in July 2014 to August 2016. Information regarding patient diagnoses, procedural details, as well as clinical outcomes were obtained from the electronic medical record, procedure reports, and relevant angiographic imaging.

Results

A total of 58 arterial pedicle Onyx embolizations were performed in 37 patients. There were no cases of microcatheter entrapment, early/inadvertent tip detachment, or vessel injury upon removal of the device. There were two instances (3.5%) of leakage of Onyx from the microcatheter detachment site during embolization, which did not result in adverse sequelae. Clinical outcomes were excellent, with nearly all embolizations achieving the intended goal. In multivariate analysis, length of Onyx reflux along the microcatheter tip and utilization of a higher viscosity agent, Onyx 34, were significantly associated with tip detachment.

Conclusion

The use of the Apollo Microcatheter is both safe and effective during neurointerventional embolizations using Onyx. Leakage of liquid embolic agent from the detachment site is an infrequent technical complication that may be encountered with the device.
Travel time prediction of expressway based on multi-dimensional data and the particle swarm optimization–autoregressive moving average with exogenous input model
Authors: Zhao Jiandong , Gao Yuan , Guo Yujie , Bai Zhiming
Published: February 2018

In order to meet the fine demand of different travelers, a multi-dimensional prediction method of travel time is proposed combining the toll collection data and meteorological data of highway. First, a logical model of multi-dimensional database is designed including vehicles’ dimension, meteorological dimension, and time dimension. Second, aiming at integration of the toll collection data and meteorological data, a matching method is presented within the space and time scale. Then, the multi-dimensional database is constructed. Next, an autoregressive moving average with exogenous input model is constructed using the travel time series and traffic flow series. The maximum likelihood estimation method is used to solve the parameters of the autoregressive moving average with exogenous input model. Considering the complexity and solving difficulty of the maximum likelihood equation, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the solution process. Finally, the toll collection data of two road links on Shenyang–Haikou expressway (G15) and the corresponding meteorological monitoring data are used to validate the algorithm. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the particle swarm optimization–autoregressive moving average with exogenous input model under normal and special conditions can be accepted and the absolute percentage error of road section between two neighboring toll stations is reduced by almost 5% after optimization.
Gentrification between urban and rural
Authors: Bernt Matthias
Published: February 2018

This commentary focuses on gentrification in urban and rural contexts, focusing on five points: the tradition and the use of comparative approaches in gentrification studies, epistemological issues around the concept of gentrification, the opportunities for productively engaging findings from ‘rural gentrification’ studies for a better understanding of urban phenomena and the blurring of differences between ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ in an age of planetary urbanization.
Music Training Can Improve Music and Speech Perception in Pediatric Mandarin-Speaking Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Cheng Xiaoting , Liu Yangwenyi , Shu Yilai , Tao Duo-Duo , Wang Bing , Yuan Yasheng , Galvin John J. , Fu Qian-Jie , Chen Bing
Published: February 2018

Due to limited spectral resolution, cochlear implants (CIs) do not convey pitch information very well. Pitch cues are important for perception of music and tonal language; it is possible that music training may improve performance in both listening tasks. In this study, we investigated music training outcomes in terms of perception of music, lexical tones, and sentences in 22 young (4.8 to 9.3 years old), prelingually deaf Mandarin-speaking CI users. Music perception was measured using a melodic contour identification (MCI) task. Speech perception was measured for lexical tones and sentences presented in quiet. Subjects received 8 weeks of MCI training using pitch ranges not used for testing. Music and speech perception were measured at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after training was begun; follow-up measures were made 4 weeks after training was stopped. Mean baseline performance was 33.2%, 76.9%, and 45.8% correct for MCI, lexical tone recognition, and sentence recognition, respectively. After 8 weeks of MCI training, mean performance significantly improved by 22.9, 14.4, and 14.5 percentage points for MCI, lexical tone recognition, and sentence recognition, respectively ( p < .05 in all cases). Four weeks after training was stopped, there was no significant change in posttraining music and speech performance. The results suggest that music training can significantly improve pediatric Mandarin-speaking CI users’ music and speech perception.
Betrixaban: A Novel Oral Anticoagulant With a New Niche
Authors: Murphy Grazia , Grace Yasmin , Chaudry Sadaf , Chamoun Rita
Published: February 2018

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical implication of betrixaban for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with acute medical illness. Data Sources: A search for clinical trials was performed from January 2006 to January 2017 in English language using Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed/MEDLINE. The following search terms were used: betrixaban, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and drug safety. Study Selection: The following limits were used to access the clinical trials: controlled clinical trial, randomized clinical trial, clinical trial, clinical trial phase II, and clinical trial phase III. The search was narrowed to include only humans. Data Extraction: The search criteria resulted in 6 clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of betrixaban. Additionally, references from publications assessing the safety and efficacy of betrixaban in atrial fibrillation, treatment and prevention of VTE, and extended duration VTE prophylaxis were assessed. Data Synthesis: Prior to 2017, no anticoagulant therapy had been approved for extended VTE prophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients. Betrixaban is the first direct oral anticoagulant approved for VTE prophylaxis in adult, acutely ill patients at risk for thromboembolisms. Based on the APEX trial, betrixaban 80 mg administered daily for 35 to 42 days was compared to enoxaparin administered daily for 6 to 14 days. In 7441 patients, fewer VTEs were seen in the betrixaban compared to enoxaparin with no significant difference in adverse reactions. Conclusion: Based on clinical trials, betrixaban appears to be safe and effective in preventing VTE in acutely ill patients who are at risk of developing VTE.
Minimal residual hairy cell leukemia eradication with moxetumomab pasudotox: phase 1 results and long-term follow-up
Authors: Kreitman Robert J. , Tallman Martin S. , Robak Tadeusz , Coutre Steven , Wilson Wyndham H. , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , FitzGerald David J. , Santiago Linda , Gao Guozhi , Lanasa Mark C. , Pastan Ira
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Moxetumomab pasudotox eradicated HCL MRD in >50% of CRs, even by the most sensitive measure, bone marrow aspirate flow cytometry. Elimination of MRD was significantly associated with prolonged CR duration.
Economic evaluations and their use in infection prevention and control: a narrative review
Authors: Rennert-May Elissa , Conly John , Leal Jenine , Smith Stephanie , Manns Braden
Published: February 2018

Background

The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of economic evaluations that can be utilized by Infection Prevention and Control practitioners with a particular focus on the use of the quality adjusted life year, and its associated challenges. We also highlight existing economic evaluations published within Infection Prevention and Control, research gaps and future directions.

Design

Narrative Review.

Conclusions

To date the majority of economic evaluations within Infection Prevention and Control are considered partial economic evaluations. Acknowledging the challenges, which include variable utilities within infection prevention and control, a lack of randomized controlled trials, and difficulty in modelling infectious diseases in general, future economic evaluation studies should strive to be consistent with published guidelines for economic evaluations. This includes the use of quality adjusted life years. Further research is required to estimate utility scores of relevance within Infection Prevention and Control.
Should psychiatrists write fiction?
Authors: Bladon Henry
Published: February 2018

This paper looks at the relationship between fiction and psychiatry. Specifically, the idea of psychiatrists as fiction writers is explored, and reference is made to various fictional texts to illustrate the problems of stigma and negative imagery. These two main areas of focus are highlighted as ones that the practice of writing fiction might address, and some potential pitfalls are discussed. The paper suggests how psychiatrists might ameliorate the present problems by incorporating their unique clinical skills and knowledge into fictional narratives.

Declaration of interest

None.
pH controls spermatozoa motility in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Boulais Myrina , Suquet Marc , Arsenault-Pernet Eve Julie , Malo Florent , Queau Isabelle , Pignet Patricia , Ratiskol Dominique , Le Grand Jacqueline , Huber Matthias , Cosson Jacky
Published: February 2018

Investigating the roles of chemical factors stimulating and inhibiting sperm motility is required to understand the mechanisms of spermatozoa movement. In this study, we described the composition of the seminal fluid (osmotic pressure, pH, and ions) and investigated the roles of these factors and salinity in initiating spermatozoa movement in the Pacific oyster. The acidic pH of the gonad (5.82 ± 0.22) maintained sperm in the quiescent stage and initiation of flagellar movement was triggered by a sudden increase of spermatozoa external pH (pHe) when released in seawater (SW). At pH 6.4, percentage of motile spermatozoa was three times higher when they were activated in SW containing 30 mM NH4Cl, which alkalinizes internal pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, compared to NH4Cl-free SW, revealing the role of pHi in triggering sperm movement. Percentage of motile spermatozoa activated in Na+-free artificial seawater (ASW) was highly reduced compared to ASW, suggesting that change of pHi triggering sperm motility was mediated by a Na+/H+ exchanger. Motility and swimming speed were highest in salinities between 33.8 and 42.7‰ (within a range of 0 to 50 ‰), and pH values above 7.5 (within a range of 4.5 to 9.5).
Artificial In Vitro Biosynthesis Systems for the Development of Pseudo-Natural Products
Authors: Goto Yuki , Suga Hiroaki
Published: February 2018

Recent advances in genome databases have allowed discovery of novel classes of natural products and their biosynthetic enzymes. Given the potentials and advantages of the biosynthetic enzymes, they are applicable to not only the production of natural products but also synthesis and discovery of artificial molecules with desired functions. This account describes our recent efforts to develop artificial in vitro biosynthesis systems that potentially allow for the elaboration of pseudo-natural peptides with novel bioactivities.
Valid but Invalid: Suboptimal ImPACT Baseline Performance in University Athletes
Authors: WALTON SAMUEL R. , BROSHEK DONNA K. , FREEMAN JASON R. , CULLUM C. MUNRO , RESCH JACOB E.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of valid yet suboptimal Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) performance in university athletes and to explore the benefit of subsequent ImPACT administrations.

Methods

This descriptive laboratory study involved baseline administration of ImPACT to 769 university athletes per the institution’s concussion management protocol. Testing was proctored in groups of ≤2 participants. Participants who scored below the 16th percentile according to ImPACT normative data were readministered the ImPACT test up to two additional times because these scores were thought to be potentially indicative of suboptimal effort or poor understanding of instructions. Descriptive analyses were used to examine validity indicators and individual Verbal and Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed, and Reaction Time ImPACT composite scores in initial and subsequent administrations.

Results

On the basis of ImPACT’s validity criteria, 1% (9/769) of administrations were invalid and 14.6% (112/769) had one or more composite score of <16th percentile but were considered valid. After one readministration, 71.4% (80/112) achieved scores of ≥16th percentile and an additional 18 of 32 scored ≥16th percentile after a third administration. Verbal Memory was most commonly <16th percentile on the first administration (43%), Verbal Memory and Visual Motor Speed on the second administration (44% each), and Visual Motor Speed alone on the third administration (50%).

Conclusions

Approximately 16% of ImPACT records were flagged as invalid or had one or more composite scores of <16th percentile, potentially indicative of suboptimal performance. Upon readministration, 88% of those participants scored >16th percentile. Clinicians must be aware of suboptimal ImPACT performance as it limits the clinical utility of the baseline assessment. Further research is needed to address factors leading to “valid” but invalid baseline performance.
Air sampling to assess potential generation of aerosolized viable bacteria during flow cytometric analysis of unfixed bacterial suspensions
Authors: Carson Christine F , Inglis Timothy JJ
Published: February 2018

This study investigated aerosolized viable bacteria in a university research laboratory during operation of an acoustic-assisted flow cytometer for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by sampling room air before, during and after flow cytometer use. The aim was to assess the risk associated with use of an acoustic-assisted flow cytometer analyzing unfixed bacterial suspensions. Air sampling in a nearby clinical laboratory was conducted during the same period to provide context for the existing background of microorganisms that would be detected in the air. The three species of bacteria undergoing analysis by flow cytometer in the research laboratory were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Burkholderia thailandensis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. None of these was detected from multiple 1000 L air samples acquired in the research laboratory environment. The main cultured bacteria in both locations were skin commensal and environmental bacteria, presumed to have been disturbed or dispersed in laboratory air by personnel movements during routine laboratory activities. The concentrations of bacteria detected in research laboratory air samples were reduced after interventional cleaning measures were introduced and were lower than those in the diagnostic clinical microbiology laboratory. We conclude that our flow cytometric analyses of unfixed suspensions of K. pneumoniae, B. thailandensis and S. pneumoniae do not pose a risk to cytometer operators or other personnel in the laboratory but caution against extrapolation of our results to other bacteria and/or different flow cytometric experimental procedures.
Legislação brasileira e acessibilidade física no ensino superior: uma abordagem (ex/in)clusiva?
Authors: Septimio Carolline , Rêgo da Rocha Genylton Odilon , Lunardi Mendes Geovana Mendonça
Published: February 2018

Fruto da pesquisa de mestrado defendida na Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), nosso artigo teve por objetivo esmiuçar como a legislação brasileira tem abordado a acessibilidade física nas instituições de ensino superior. De cunho qualitativo, a pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir do levantamento da legislação nacional em vigor que versa sobre acessibilidade física no ensino superior. Para tal debate, tomamos por referencial teórico, entre outros pesquisadores, Carvalho (2012), Duarte e Cohen (2004; 2007) e Miranda (2011). Na investigação concluímos que a despeito dos avanços significativos da legislação brasileira no tocante ao tema, a acessibilidade vem sendo abordada de modo excludente pois determina a construção, reforma e ampliação de espaços destinados aos Estudantes que possuem deficiências, o que denota uma abordagem exclusiva no uso dos espaços físicos pois não garante o acesso e permanência de todas as pessoas.
O ENSINO DE LIBRAS NA FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES: FORMAS DE PERCEBER O SURDO E A LÍNGUA DE SINAIS
Authors: Calixto Hector Renan da Silveira
Published: February 2018

Este estudo objetiva analisar formas de graduandos em pedagogia e geografia perceberem o surdo e a Libras. Especificamente pretende-se: apresentar percepções dos alunos de licenciatura sobre surdos e Libras antes de cursarem a disciplina Libras; apresentar as percepções depois da disciplina; e analisar mudança das percepções acerca dos surdos e da Libras. Como metodologia utiliza-se estudo de caso, com entrevistas semiestruturadas. Participaram da pesquisa 10 sujeitos, 4 antes da disciplina e 6 depois da disciplina. Conclui-se: antes da disciplina percepções clínico terapêuticas da surdez (surdo como deficiente, anormal e inferior) e Libras uma linguagem; após a disciplina percepções sócio antropológicas (surdo como diferente) e Libras língua legítima surdos brasileiros.
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: February 2018

Helen Cowan presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
A new way to image the heart in children born with heart disease
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is considered to be one of the best methods of imaging the hearts of children born with heart disease—however, it is currently time-consuming, costly and uncomfortable. In this month's Technology Pages, Sarah Jane Palmer examines new research investigating the potential of a 5-minute MRI scan for children with congenital heart disease.
Rough stuff
Authors: Goddard Charlotte
Published: February 2018

Violent play is often disturbing, but if managed properly it can be a useful outlet for some children. By Charlotte Goddard
Five things to do with… twilight
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: February 2018

Have fun outside in the dark early evenings remaining before the clocks go forward, writes Julie Mountain
A good start
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: February 2018

How Midlothian Sure Start is helping new fathers who require extra support. By Annette Rawstrone
Smoking and diabetes: An unhealthy relationship
Authors: Phillips Anne
Published: February 2018

Smoking increases the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes, and once diagnosed, increases the risk of complications occurring. Anne Phillips provides an overview of the evidence

Smoking is the biggest avoidable cause of death, disability, and social inequality in health in the UK. Smokers are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and the risk reduces when people stop smoking. In those with diabetes, smoking increases the risk of experiencing complications. Macrovascular complications, such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, are also more common in people who smoke. Smoking can also inhibit wound healing, affect tissue health and accelerate the occurrence of microvascular complications. Practice nurses have a duty to inform patients of these increased risks and have an opportunity to reduce harm by encouraging smoking cessation, whether by traditional stop smoking methods or e-cigarettes.
Why is pre-exposure rabies vaccination important?
Authors: Brewer Catherine
Published: February 2018

Health professionals providing travel advice must understand the purpose of, and recommendations for, pre- and post-rabies exposure and communicate them to travellers, writes Catherine Brewer

Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by members of the Lyssavirus genus. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, resulting in progressive inflammation of the spinal cord and brain ( National Travel Health Network and Centre, 2016 ). Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal; however, it is vaccine-preventable. Having a full understanding of the gravity of the disease, plus the purpose and regime of the pre- and post-exposure recommendations, and communicating these clearly, will allow travellers to make informed decisions. It is also vital that people know what to do if they have a potential exposure, and receive the correct post-exposure treatment, regardless of their vaccination status.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Winter George
Published: February 2018

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Early outcomes of patients transferred with ruptured suprarenal aneurysm or dissection
Authors: Rudarakanchana N , Hamady M , Harris S , Afify E , Gibbs RGJ , Bicknell CD , Jenkins MP
Published: February 2018

Objective

Despite centralisation of the provision of vascular care, not all areas in England and Wales are able to offer emergency treatment for patients with acute conditions affecting the aorta proximal to the renal arteries. While cardiothoracic centres have made network arrangements to coordinate care for the repair of type A dissections, a similar plan for vascular care is lacking. This study investigates early outcomes in patients with ruptured suprarenal aortic aneurysm or dissection (rSRAD) transferred to a specialist centre.

Methods

Retrospective observational study over a five-year period (2009–2014) assessing outcomes of patients with ruptured sRAD diagnosed at their local hospital and then transferred to a tertiary centre capable of offering such treatment.

Results

Fifty-two patients (median age 73 years, 32 male) with rSRAD were transferred and a further four died during transit. The mean distance of patient transfer was 35 miles (range 4–211 miles). One patient did not undergo intervention due to frailty and two died before reaching the operating theatre. A total of 23 patients underwent endovascular repair, 9 hybrid repair and 17 open surgery. Median follow-up was 12 months (range 1–43 months). Complications included paraplegia (n = 3), stroke (n = 2), type IA endoleak (n = 4); 30-day and in-hospital mortality were 16% and 27%. For patients discharged alive from hospital, one-year survival was 67%.

Conclusions

Although the number of patients with rSRAD is low and those who are transferred alive are a self-selecting group, this study suggests that transfer of such patients to a specialist vascular centre is associated with acceptable mortality rates following emergency complex aortic repair.
Book Reviews
Authors: Chowdhary Nimit , Dixit Saurabh Kumar , Koc Erdogan , Korstanje Maximiliano E.
Published: February 2018

Reinventing the Local in Tourism: Producing, Consuming and Negotiating Place, Antonio Paolo Russo and Greg Richards (2016) Bristol/ Buffalo, NY: Channel View Publications, xviii + 269 pp., ISBN: 9781845415686, p/bk, $59.99

The Routledge Handbook of Hospitality Studies, Conrad Lashley (ed.) (2017) Abingdon: Routledge, xv + 442 pp., ISBN: 9781138931121, h/bk, £150.00

Food and Drink Tourism: Principles and Practices, Sally Everett (2016) London: Sage, 464 pp., ISBN: 9781446267721, p/bk, £24.67

Mega Events as Economies of the Imagination: Creating atmospheres for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Rodanthi Tzanelli (2018) Abingdon: Routledge, 234 pp., ISBN: 9781138300286, h/bk, £105.00
A lexikális jelentésviszonyok élményközpontú tanítása multimediális szövegekkel
Authors: Szerdi Ilona
Published: February 2018

Tanulmányomban a lexikális jelentésviszonyok tanításának újabb lehetőségeit mutatom be az interneten – elsősorban a Facebookon – megjelent szövegeken és kép–szöveg együtteseken keresztül. A hangalak és a jelentés kapcsolatát – főként a poliszémiát és a homonímiát – négy csoporton belül tárgyalom: 1. lexikális jelentésviszonyok a kép–szöveg kapcsolatokban; 2. az ékezethiányos írásmód eredményezte homonímia; 3. kvázi-poliszémikus szimbólumjáték; 4. homonimitás az akronimákban. Ezt követően javaslatot teszek a hangalak és a jelentés kapcsolatát tárgyaló, a szlovákiai magyar anyanyelvoktatásban használt tankönyvek vonatkozó fejezeteinek elméleti és gyakorlati kiegészítésére is.
Potential Effect of Pharmacotherapy on Sympathetic Arousal in Autism
Authors: Bujnakova I , Ondrejka I , Mestanik M , Fleskova D , Sekaninova N , Farsky I , Tonhajzerova I
Published: February 2018

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) abnormalities. Moreover, at least 50% of children with ASD suffer from other comorbid diseases such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) associated with receiving psychotropic medication. From this context we aimed to evaluate changes in sympathetic arousal using analysis of electrodermal activity (EDA) as an index of sympathetic cholinergic activity in treated and non-treated autistic children under resting conditions.

Methods: We examined 23 children with ASD and 14 healthy age- and gender-matched children at the age of 7–15 years. The ASD patients were divided into ASD non-treated group (n=12) and ASD treated group (n=11). The EDA was continuously monitored during resting phase in a supine position. The EDA amplitude (μS) was computed as an average of 5 min baseline period.

Results: We found significantly lower EDA in ASD non-treated subgroup compared to controls indicating subtle abnormalities in the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Although no significant differences were found between the ASD treated and non-treated subgroups the ASD treated group showed comparable sympathetic activity relative to controls indicating a potential ameliorated treatment effect on sympathetic arousal in ASD.

Conclusions: These findings could help to determine differences in sympathetic arousal in treated and non-treated children with ASD, which is important for assessment of autism-linked cardiovascular risk depending on pharmacotherapy.