bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive Film Recombination
Authors: Guerrini Fabrizio , Adami Nicola , Benini Sergio , Piacenza Alberto , Porteous Julie , Cavazza Marc , Leonardi Riccardo
Published: August 2017

In this article, we discuss an innovative media entertainment application called Interactive Movietelling. As an offspring of Interactive Storytelling applied to movies, we propose to integrate narrative generation through artificial intelligence (AI) planning with video processing and modeling to construct filmic variants starting from the baseline content. The integration is possible thanks to content description using semantic attributes pertaining to intermediate-level concepts shared between video processing and planning levels. The output is a recombination of segments taken from the input movie performed so as to convey an alternative plot. User tests on the prototype proved how promising Interactive Movietelling might be, even if it was designed at a proof of concept level. Possible improvements that are suggested here lead to many challenging research issues.
When Smart Devices Interact With Pervasive Screens
Authors: Ng Pai Chet , She James , Jeon Kang Eun , Baldauf Matthias
Published: August 2017

The meeting of pervasive screens and smart devices has witnessed the birth of screen-smart device interaction (SSI), a key enabler to many novel interactive use cases. Most current surveys focus on direct human-screen interaction, and to the best of our knowledge, none have studied state-of-the-art SSI. This survey identifies three core elements of SSI and delivers a timely discussion on SSI oriented around the screen, the smart device, and the interaction modality. Two evaluation metrics (i.e., interaction latency and accuracy) have been adopted and refined to match the evaluation criterion of SSI. The bottlenecks that hinder the further advancement of the current SSI in connection with this metrics are studied. Last, future research challenges and opportunities are highlighted in the hope of inspiring continuous research efforts to realize the next generation of SSI.
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Rare Manifestation of Alport Syndrome
Authors: Anuwatworn Amornpol , Sethi Prince , Steffen Kelly , Jonsson Orvar , Petrasko Marian
Published: August 2017

Alport syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder due to inheritance of genetic mutations which lead to production of abnormal type IV collagen. AS has been associated with renal, auditory, and ocular diseases due to the presence of abnormal alpha chains of type IV collagen in the glomerulus, cochlea, cornea, lens, and retina. The resulting disorder includes hereditary nephritis, corneal opacities, anterior lenticonus, fleck retinopathy, temporal retinal thinning, and sensorineural deafness. Aortic and aortic valve pathologies have been described as extrarenal manifestations of AS in multiple case reports. One case report described intramural hematoma of the coronary artery. We report the first case of true spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) with an intimal flap as a very rare manifestation of AS. The patient is a 36-year-old female with history of AS with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and obesity who presented to the emergency room with acute onset of substernal chest pain radiating to her neck and arms. Troponin was elevated, and ECG showed transient 1 mm ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads. Subsequent coronary angiography revealed localized dissection of the left circumflex artery. Percutaneous coronary angioplasty was performed and her symptoms improved. This case illustrates that SCAD may be a manifestation of AS patients with chest pain.
Response of Slope Made Up of Soil and Other Waste Materials under Sinusoidal Motion
Authors: Chanda Nipa , Ghosh Sima , Pal Manish
Published: August 2017

Performance of small scale embankment slopes under dynamic loading is experimentally evaluated in the present work conducting shake table test. Model slopes are made up of soil and soil dust mixtures at various water level conditions. Material dust types as taken in the experiment are saw dust, stone dust, brick dust, and building demolish dust. Shear strength of soil such as cohesion and internal friction angle increases on an average 25% and 23%, respectively, when soil is mixed with 30% building demolish dust at different water content. Similarly other dust materials also enhance shear strength of soil. Responses of model slope on the basis of laboratory test have been observed and presented. At base frequency 5 Hz and 6% water content condition RMSA decreases up to 57% when slope material is changed from soil to “S + 30% DD” for slope with inclination 45° and at the same condition slope shows better stability which is reflected from reduction of base displacement as well as crest deformation up to 89% and 58%, respectively. Analytical solution of slope considering planer rupture surface is done using pseudodynamic method and results are compared with experimental observation. It is seen that when soil is mixed with 30% stone dust, sliding displacement of slope with inclination 45° is 7.5 mm at shake table test which is very closer to the analytical result. Stability of slope is maximum when “soil and building demolish dust” mixture is used and gradually reduces when slope material changes from “soil and brick dust,” “soil and stone dust,” “soil and saw dust” mixture, and ultimately soil. Thus, different material dust which we treat as waste can be used at various field conditions to enhance stability of embankment slope.
Obesity Might Be a Predictor of Weight Reduction after Smoking Cessation
Authors: Pisinger Charlotta , Nielsen Helle Øster , Kuhlmann Caroline , Rosthøj Susanne
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives. Approximately one in five ex-smokers reduces or maintains weight after smoking cessation but little is known about who succeeds to avoid weight gain. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of weight reduction after long-term smoking cessation in a general population. Methods. Data was obtained from two Danish population-based cohorts (the Inter99 and the Helbred2006 study). Anthropometric measurements were performed by trained research staff. Out of 3.577 daily smokers at baseline 317 participants had quit smoking at the five-year follow-up for at least one year. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of weight reduction. Results. Thirteen percent reduced weight by at least 1 kg and 4% maintained their weight. Quitters with obesity had more than seven times higher odds than normal weight quitters to lose weight (OR 7.13 (95% CI 2.76–19.71)), and they had the largest median weight loss of 4.45 kg. The only other significant predictor of weight reduction was low tobacco consumption at baseline. Conclusions. Predictors of weight reduction after smoking cessation were high body mass index and low tobacco consumption at baseline. This study might motivate smokers with obesity to quit smoking and health professionals to give them support.
Overcoming the Challenges in Implementing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Programs Can Decrease the Burden on Healthcare Costs in the United States
Authors: Subramanian Kritika , Midha Inuka , Chellapilla Vijaya
Published: August 2017

Theoretically, identifying prediabetics would reduce the diabetic burden on the American healthcare system. As we expect the prevalence rate of prediabetes to continue increasing, we wonder if there is a better way of managing prediabetics and reducing the economic cost on the healthcare system. To do so, understanding the demographics and behavioral factors of known prediabetics was important. For this purpose, responses of prediabetic/borderline diabetes patients from the most recent publicly available 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey were analyzed. The findings showed that there was a correlation between household income, geographic residence in the US, and risk for developing diabetes mellitus type 2, aside from the accepted risk factors such as high BMI. In conclusion, implementation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program is a rational way of reducing the burden of DM on the healthcare system both economically and by prevalence. However, difficulties arise in ensuring patient compliance to the program and providing access to all regions and communities of the United States. Technology incorporation in the NDPP program would maintain a low-cost implementation by the healthcare system, be affordable and accessible for all participants, and decrease economic burden attributed to diabetes mellitus.
Modeling Friction Performance of Drill String Torsional Oscillation Using Dynamic Friction Model
Authors: Wang Xingming , Chen Ping , Rui Zhenhua , Jin Fanyao
Published: August 2017

Drill string torsional and longitudinal oscillation can significantly reduce axial drag in horizontal drilling. An improved theoretical model for the analysis of the frictional force was proposed based on microscopic contact deformation theory and a bristle model. The established model, an improved dynamic friction model established for drill strings in a wellbore, was used to determine the relationship of friction force changes and the drill string torsional vibration. The model results were in good agreement with the experimental data, verifying the accuracy of the established model. The analysis of the influence of drilling mud properties indicated that there is an approximately linear relationship between the axial friction force and dynamic shear and viscosity. The influence of drill string torsional oscillation on the axial friction force is discussed. The results indicated that the drill string transverse velocity is a prerequisite for reducing axial friction. In addition, low amplitude of torsional vibration speed can significantly reduce axial friction. Then, increasing the amplitude of transverse vibration speed, the effect of axial reduction is not significant. In addition, by involving general field drilling parameters, this model can accurately describe the friction behavior and quantitatively predict the frictional resistance in horizontal drilling.
Identification, Characterization, and Structure of Tm16 fromTrichuris muris
Authors: Liu Zhuyun , Kelleher Alan , Tabb Shanii , Wei Junfei , Pollet Jeroen , Hotez Peter J. , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Zhan Bin , Asojo Oluwatoyin A.
Published: August 2017

Trichuriasis is a disease of poverty for which excretory and secretory (ES) products that induce the protective immunity are being investigated as candidate vaccines antigens. In this study, ES products ofT. murisand immune sera were produced. The immune sera recognized more than 20 proteins on a 2D-gel of ES products ofT. murisadult worms. Tm16 was one of the proteins identified by mass spectrometry. Tm16 shares 57% sequence identity with Ov16, an immunodominant diagnostic antigen fromOnchocerca volvulus. Recombinant Tm16 with a carboxyl terminal hexahistidine was produced usingPichia pastoris.Polyclonal antibodies against rTm16 were generated by one-prime and two-boost immunization of three female Balb/c mice with 25 μg of recombinant Tm16 emulsified with ISA720 adjuvant. These polyclonal antibodies confirmed that Tm16 is localized to the ES products and the soluble fraction of the adult worm. Additionally, the high-resolution crystal structure of Tm16 was solved by molecular replacement. Tm16 belongs to the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding-like protein (PEBP1) family and this is the first structure of a PEBP1 from a parasite.
The Effect of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone on the Expression of WISP1 in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ye Yongqi , Zhang Pengju , Qian Yuhang , Yin Baoxin , Yan Meijuan
Published: August 2017

WISP1, as a member of the CCN4 protein family, has cell protective effects of promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Although some studies have confirmed that WISP1 is concerned with colon cancer and lung cancer, there is little report about the influence of WISP1 in traumatic brain injury. Here, we found that the expression of WISP1 mRNA and protein decreased at 3 d and then increased at 5 d after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Meanwhile, immunofluorescence demonstrated that there was little colocation of WISP1 with GFAP, Iba1, and WISP1 colocalized with NeuN partly. WISP1 colocalized with LC3, but there was little of colocation about WISP1 with cleaved caspase-3. Subsequent study displayed that the expression ofβ-catenin protein was identical to that of WISP1 after TBI. WISP1 was mainly located in cytoplasm of PC12 or SHSY5Y cells. Compared with the negative control group, WISP1 expression reduced obviously in SHSY5Y cells transfected with WISP1 si-RNA. CCK-8 assay showed that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) had little influence on viability of PC12 and SHSY5Y cells. These results suggested that WISP1 played a protective role after traumatic brain injury in rats, and this effect might be relative to autophagy caused by traumatic brain injury.
Optimal Control Techniques on a Mathematical Model for the Dynamics of Tungiasis in a Community
Authors: Kahuru Jairos , Luboobi Livingstone S. , Nkansah-Gyekye Yaw
Published: August 2017

Tungiasis is a permanent penetration of female sand flea“Tunga penetrans”into the epidermis of its host. It affects human beings and domestic and sylvatic animals. In this paper, we apply optimal control techniques to a Tungiasis controlled mathematical model to determine the optimal control strategy in order to minimize the number of infested humans, infested animals, and sand flea populations. In an attempt to reduce Tungiasis infestation in human population, the control strategies based on personal protection, personal treatment, educational campaign, environmental sanitation, and insecticidal treatments on the affected parts as well as on animal fur are considered. We prove the existence of optimal control problem, determine the necessary conditions for optimality, and then perform numerical simulations. The numerical results showed that the control strategy comprises all five control measures and that which involves the three control measures of insecticide control, insecticidal dusting on animal furs, and environmental hygiene has the significant impact on Tungiasis transmission. Therefore, fighting against Tungiasis infestation in endemic settings, multidimensional control process should be employed in order to achieve the maximum benefits.
Revision of the Recent species of Exechonella Canu & Bassler in Duvergier, 1924 and Actisecos Canu & Bassler, 1927 (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata): systematics, biogeography and evolutionary trends in skeletal morphology
Authors: CÁCERES-CHAMIZO JULIA P. , SANNER JOANN , TILBROOK KEVIN J. , OSTROVSKY ANDREW N.
Published: August 2017

The present study describes species of Exechonella and Actisecos discovered through the examination of recent collections from the Red Sea, coast of Oman and Maldive Islands (Indian Ocean) and the Lizard Island, Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea) in comparison with historical collections. Eight species of Exechonella are redescribed: E. grandis (type species), E. ampullacea, E. antillea, E. brasiliensis, E. erinacea, E. pumicosa, E. spinosa and E. verrucosa. Eighteen new species of Exechonella are also described: E. azeezi n. sp., E. catalinae n. sp., E. californiensis n. sp., E. claereboudti n. sp., E. elegantissima n. sp., E. floridiana n. sp., E. harmelini n. sp., E. kleemanni n. sp., E. maldiviensis n. sp. E. nikitai n. sp., E. panamensis n. sp., E. reniporosa n. sp., E. rimopora n. sp., E. safagaensis n. sp., E. similis n. sp., E. variperforata n. sp. E. vavrai n. sp. and E. vieirai n. sp. The species studied were grouped in five species complexes. Additionally, two species from the genus Actisecos—A. regularis and A. discoidea were redescribed. The current revision highlights a number of important taxonomical, biogeographical and morphological questions that are of the general biological interest. Among thеm is a polyphyletic nature of Cheilostomata possessing umbonuloid frontal shield.
Mental health literacy, stigma and perception of causation of mental illness among Chinese people in Taiwan
Authors: Zhuang Xiao Yu , Wong Daniel Fu Keung , Cheng Chi-Wei , Pan Shu-Man
Published: August 2017

Background:

Few studies have been performed to explore mental health literacy and stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness and their relationships with causal beliefs about mental illness among Chinese people in Taiwan.

Aims:

Using a comparative approach, this study attempted to compare the mental health literacy and stigmatising attitudes of Taiwanese Chinese with those found among Australian and Japanese participants in other studies and to explore how mental health literacy and stigmatising attitudes relate to different perceptions of causes of mental illness.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 287 participants completed a battery of standardised questionnaires.

Results:

A much lower percentage of Taiwanese people than Australians could correctly identify depression and schizophrenia. The Taiwanese respondents rated psychiatrists and clinical psychologists as more helpful than social workers and general practitioners (GPs) and expressed more uncertainty about the usefulness of certain medications when compared to the Australian and Japanese samples. Interestingly, Taiwanese Chinese hold similarly high levels of stigma towards schizophrenia, but lower levels of stigma towards depression when compared to the Japanese respondents. Taiwanese respondents who have higher levels of mental health literacy about schizophrenia were less willing to interact with people with schizophrenia than those with lower levels of mental health literacy.

Conclusion:

This study underlines the need for public education programmes to improve knowledge of various mental illnesses and to reduce stigmatising attitudes among Taiwanese Chinese. The aforementioned socially and culturally driven beliefs must be taken into consideration so that culturally relevant education programmes can be developed.
A path to peace: A comparative study of practitioners’ views of juvenile restorative justice in Chile, England, Italy, and Sweden
Authors: Reyes-Quilodran Claudia Andrea , LaBrenz Catherine A , Donoso Gabriela
Published: August 2017

Recent attention to juvenile delinquency has led to calls for alternative approaches for youth offenders that can reduce recidivism. This research analyzes how practitioners in Sweden, England, Italy, and Chile perceive the implementation of victim offender mediation (VOM). An emphasis is given to challenges and strategies that practitioners in Sweden, England, and Italy report, in order to provide a framework for implementation of VOM in a country in the early stages of implementation and consideration, such as Chile. An instrumental comparative case study design was used to compare the four cases of VOM implementation, conducting in-depth interviews in each country with key informants about the implementation process. The results suggest that practitioners are overwhelmingly satisfied with VOM in each European country, and that their experiences can be incorporated as lessons learned for practitioners in other countries seeking to implement VOM. Implications for adapting VOM to a different cultural context are described in the discussion, as well as a critical analysis of the need for more empirical evidence and further research on VOM and its underlying philosophy of social justice and accountability.
Learning in the ‘platform society’: Disassembling an educational data assemblage
Authors: Williamson Ben
Published: August 2017

Schools are increasingly involved in diverse forms of student data collection. This article provides a sociotechnical survey of a data assemblage used in education. ClassDojo is a commercial platform for tracking students’ behaviour data in classrooms and a social media network for connecting teachers, students, and parents. The hybridization of for-profit platforms with a key public institution of society raises significant issues. ClassDojo is designed to influence how school leaders and teachers make decisions, how schools connect with parents, and how teachers act to change students’ behaviour. Conceptualized as a ‘public sphere platform’ ClassDojo is reshaping discourses, practices, and subjectivities in schools. In particular, ClassDojo provides evidence of how the business model and political economy governing social media – ‘platform capitalism’ – is being inserted into public education. It is prototypical of education in an emerging ‘platform society’, and of how student and teacher subjectivities are being reshaped by the presumptions and worldviews encoded in digital platforms.
Adsorption and catalytic oxidation of poly(vinyl alcohol) textile by MnxOy/γ-Al2O3 nanoparticle catalyst
Authors: Su Yangfan , Li Yanyan , Li Mengjuan , Ge Mingqiao
Published: August 2017

Mn xO y/γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by a wet impregnation–calcination method and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and gel permeation chromatography. The heterogeneous Fenton-like process with appropriate amounts of Mn xO y/γ-Al2O3 as catalyst was observed. The variation in polyvinyl alcohol removal rate as a function of calcination temperature, adsorption temperature, Mn xO y/γ-Al2O3 dosage, H2O2 dosage, and initial polyvinyl alcohol concentration was investigated. Results showed that polyvinyl alcohol can be removed by the adsorption of Mn xO y/γ-Al2O3; the removal ratio increased with higher adsorption temperature as well as increased Mn xO y/γ-Al2O3 dosage. Moreover, the degradation of polyvinyl alcohol was promoted by increasing calcination temperature and H2O2 dosage and decreasing initial polyvinyl alcohol concentration. In this paper, Mn xO y/γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles were able to remove more than 90% polyvinyl alcohol at an initial concentration below 50 g/L, temperature of 80℃, pH of 3.0, and H2O2 and catalyst doses of 120 mL/L and 1 g/L, respectively. Gel permeation chromatography also confirmed that polyvinyl alcohol could be effectively oxidized with a molecule decreasing rate of about 99%, from 100,773 to 1637. The nanocatalyst could be recycled by filtration and calcination, and maintained favorable catalytic ability during four uses.
Two hearts and a loan? Mortgages, employment insecurity and earnings among young couples in six European countries
Authors: Dotti Sani Giulia M , Acciai Claudia
Published: August 2017

Homeownership is increasingly understood by policy makers and social scientists as a fundamental asset against poverty risks, especially in times of economic uncertainty. However, in several Western countries, homeownership among younger generations appears to be increasingly difficult to achieve, likely a result of growing employment instability and stringent criteria to access credit. This article uses multinomial logistic models and nationally representative EU-SILC data from six European countries to examine (a) to what extent precarious employment among young couples is linked to being a mortgage holder; (b) whether earned income can compensate for employment instability in being a mortgagee; (c) cross-national differences in the relationship between being a mortgage holder, earnings, and employment insecurity. Our results indicate that the higher the levels of employment insecurity, the lower the chances of being a mortgage holder in all countries. Moreover, we find that at a given level of employment insecurity, households with higher levels of earned income have higher chances of being mortgage holders than households with lower earned income. However, while earned income has a stronger effect in achieving a mortgage among couples who have secure employment in Italy, earnings are more important among couples with lower levels of employment security in France, the UK, Spain and Poland. These results suggest that the relationship between social inequalities and housing is partially mediated by the national context.
Multilevel Exclusion of Dalit Students in Professional Elite Colleges of India
Authors: Singh Chandra B.P.
Published: August 2017

The study traces some exclusionary practices of dalit students in professional elite institutions at multiple levels: admission, pedagogy, classroom ecology and learning approach. Unfortunately, the professional elite institutions in India reinforce and maintain a divide between dalits and non-dalits. They devise mechanisms to restrict entry of dalit students at various levels. The pedagogy not only unconsciously reinforces exclusionary practices but offers many promises of reducing caste inequality in the campus. The pedagogy is further compounded by classroom proceedings. This inquiry gives another angle to understand exclusionary practices in the classroom of professional institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Dalit students as second generation of learners adopt either a strategic learning style or a surface learning style. Professional elite colleges in India have both an innovative as well as democratic classroom ecology. Similarly, teacher-centric and student-centric processes facilitate the process of learning.
Evaluation of the Decisional Fatigue Scale Among Surrogate Decision Makers of the Critically Ill
Authors: Hickman Ronald L. , Pignatiello Grant A. , Tahir Sadia
Published: August 2017

Intense emotional distress and impaired information processing have been implicated in reducing a surrogate decision maker’s ability to formulate informed health care decisions for a critically ill patient. The heightened intensity of negative emotions, mental effort, and impaired judgment is consistent with the manifestation of decision fatigue. The aim of this article is to describe the validity and reliability of the Decision Fatigue Scale (DFS) among surrogate decision makers of the critically ill. A convenience sample of 101 surrogate decision makers were administered the DFS and a battery of psychosocial instruments at two time points. The DFS was specified as a unidimensional measure with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s αs = .87, .90) and stability reliability. Discriminant validity was established with measures of emotion regulation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The DFS is the first subjective measure of decision fatigue for surrogate decision makers of the critically ill that demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties.
Active controlled motion in early rehabilitation improves outcome after ankle fractures: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jansen Hendrik , Jordan Martin , Frey Sönke , Hölscher-Doht Stefanie , Meffert Rainer , Heintel Timo
Published: August 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the use of active controlled motion (ACM) after unstable ankle fractures needing initial partial weight-bearing.

Design:

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Inpatient and outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

A total of 50 patients with unstable ankle fractures and the need for partial weight-bearing for six weeks.

Interventions:

Randomization in two groups: physiotherapy alone or physiotherapy with an additional ACM device.

Main measures:

Follow-up after 6 and 12 weeks. Range of motion, visual analogue scale for foot and ankle (VAS FA), Philip score, Mazur score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and dynamic pedobarography.

Results:

Range of motion was better in the ACM group at six weeks (mean 49° ± 11.1° vs. 41.3° ± 8.1°). Questionnaires revealed better outcome after six weeks in the VAS FA (56 ± 13.7 vs. 40.6 ± 10.5), Mazur score (64.4 ± 12.3 vs. 56.7 ± 11) and AOFAS score (71.2 ± 12 vs. 63.6 ± 8.7) ( P > 0.02 for all). Better outcome after 12 weeks in all questionnaires (VAS FA, 77.7 ± 13.8 vs. 61.4 ± 16.3; Philip score, 79.1 ± 10.9 vs. 60.1 ± 21.7; Mazur score, 83.9 ± 10.7 vs. 73.1 ± 14.1; AOFAS score, 87.5 ± 7.9 vs. 75.2 ± 11.7) ( P < 0.01 for all). Pressure balance was better under the midfoot region after 12 weeks in the ACM group (Δ P 4.4 N vs. 34.0 N; P = 0.01). The ACM group had an earlier return to work after 10.5 (range, 3–17) versus 14.7 (range, 9–26) weeks ( P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

The use of ACM for patients needing initial partial weight-bearing after operatively treated unstable ankle fractures in the first six postoperative weeks leads to better clinical and functional results and an earlier return to work.
A retrospective audit on usage of Diatrizoate Meglumine (Gastrografin®) for intestinal obstruction or constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms
Authors: Heng Sharon , Hardy Janet , Good Phillip
Published: August 2017

Background:

Intestinal obstruction and constipation are common conditions in patients with advanced neoplasms. Diatrizoate Meglumine has been used in the management of both these conditions without good quality evidence of its effectiveness and safety.

Aim:

This audit aimed to assess the usage, effectiveness and adverse effects of Diatrizoate Meglumine for intestinal obstruction and constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms.

Design:

A retrospective chart review was undertaken. Descriptive statistics were utilised.

Setting/participants:

All patients with known advanced neoplasms admitted to Mater Health Services and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane between January 2013 and October 2015; who were administered Diatrizoate Meglumine were included.

Results:

Seventy-one patients received Diatrizoate Meglumine. The most common diagnoses were ovarian or primary peritoneal neoplasms (33.8%). Diatrizoate Meglumine was most commonly used for intestinal obstruction (59.2%). The median dose used per patient episode was 50 mL (range: 15–500 mL). Thirty-two patients (45%) had imaging 4–24 h post-dose with Diatrizoate Meglumine being present in the large intestine in 75% of these images. Intestinal obstruction or constipation resolved in 90% of patients post-dose.

Conclusion:

Most clinicians used 50 mL of Diatrizoate Meglumine as a single dose and repeated imaging after 4–24 h. Diatrizoate Meglumine was well tolerated and may be effective in resolving intestinal obstruction and constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms. Quality controlled studies are needed to further guide the use of Diatrizoate Meglumine in intestinal obstruction and constipation in patients with advanced neoplasms.
Familiarity and Within-Person Facial Variability: The Importance of the Internal and External Features
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S. , Manesi Zoi , Towler Alice , Reynolds Michael G. , Burton A. Mike
Published: August 2017

As faces become familiar, we come to rely more on their internal features for recognition and matching tasks. Here, we assess whether this same pattern is also observed for a card sorting task. Participants sorted photos showing either the full face, only the internal features, or only the external features into multiple piles, one pile per identity. In Experiments 1 and 2, we showed the standard advantage for familiar faces—sorting was more accurate and showed very few errors in comparison with unfamiliar faces. However, for both familiar and unfamiliar faces, sorting was less accurate for external features and equivalent for internal and full faces. In Experiment 3, we asked whether external features can ever be used to make an accurate sort. Using familiar faces and instructions on the number of identities present, we nevertheless found worse performance for the external in comparison with the internal features, suggesting that less identity information was available in the former. Taken together, we show that full faces and internal features are similarly informative with regard to identity. In comparison, external features contain less identity information and produce worse card sorting performance. This research extends current thinking on the shift in focus, both in attention and importance, toward the internal features and away from the external features as familiarity with a face increases.
Ahab—Heedless Father, Sullen Son: Humour and Intertextuality in 1 Kings 21
Authors: Paynter Helen
Published: August 2017

This article presents the results of a literary-sensitive reading of 1 Kings 21, with attention to features of humour and intertextuality, addressing the apparent inconsistency between Ahab's passivity in vv. 1–16, and the force of the prophetic condemnation upon him in vv. 17–24. Many allusions are identified to Ahab and Naboth as ‘sons’ with duty to their ancestors. It is shown that through reference to Deuteronomy 21, the theological milieu of kingship-as-sonship, and the theme of non-burial, the narrator caricatures Ahab as a sullen, wayward teenager, subjugated by the oppressive figure of his wife. Additionally, a theme of ‘failed fatherhood’ is identified, which combines innuendo with the theme of severed lineage to portray Ahab as an unmanned king.
Disorienting Readers in Joshua 1.1–5.12
Authors: Firth David G.
Published: August 2017

Although the poetics of narrative in the Old Testament have been widely studied in recent years, Joshua has largely been marginalized, appearing only rarely in discussions of narrative. The reasons for this are uncertain, but it means that issues in interpretation remain unclear. Because of this, conflicting readings of parts of the book have emerged. This article notes three variant readings of Joshua 2 that in various ways contradict each other. But rather than arguing for one against the others, or rejecting them all, it argues each is plausible depending on the level at which the text is read. This emerges through the application of the concepts of anachrony and focalization as developed by Gérard Genette. From this, it emerges that these chapters deliberately create an unstable narrative world that readers cannot fully resolve until subsequent information is provided.
Major Saviors, Minor Judges: The Historical Background of the Northern Accounts in the Book of Judges
Authors: Finkelstein Israel
Published: August 2017

This article follows up on a recent series of papers by the author on North Israelite heroic stories in the book of Judges. This article examines the short accounts of the ‘minor judges' and then adds them to the more developed stories of the major saviors in order to reach an overall geographical setting for these traditions. This study suggests that both originated in the Northern Kingdom and that they were set down in writing in the early to mid-eighth century. They create a map that is a mosaic of continuous territory which includes the central hill country west of the Jordan River, the Jezreel Valley and regions immediately to its north, and the Gilead—the area that was conceived as the core terrain of the Northern Kingdom in its early days. The compilation of this material was part of a larger Northern endeavor aimed at preserving the foundation myths, early royal traditions and heroic tales of Israel.
Beyond the Force–Substance Dichotomy: Examining the Experience of Combined and Incapacitated Type Rapes and Their Relation to PTSD Symptoms
Authors: McConnell Amy A. , Messman-Moore Terri L. , Gratz Kim L. , DiLillo David
Published: August 2017

Prior research has examined how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are influenced by the experience of different types of rape, defined according to the method of coercion used. This work, which classifies rape experiences as either forcible or substance-involved, has yielded mixed findings regarding differences in PTSD symptoms as a function of rape type. Based on recent evidence indicating significant heterogeneity within substance-involved rapes, the present study utilized a novel four-group conceptualization of rape type to examine differences in PTSD symptom severity and associated factors across rape type. Using a sample of 161 community women with experiences of adult rape, we examined four rape types based on method of coercion: forcible-only rape (i.e., involving only force/threat of force; n = 48), impaired rape (i.e., substance-related impairment was present, but the participant remained conscious; n = 56), combined rape (i.e., both force/threat of force and substance-related impairment were present; n = 29), and incapacitated rape (i.e., the participant was intoxicated to the point of unconsciousness; n = 28). We compared these groups on PTSD symptom severity within each symptom cluster, as well as on assault characteristics and consequences, including peritraumatic fear and injury, acknowledgment, and self-blame. Combined type rapes were associated with significantly more severe PTSD symptoms than forcible-only and impaired type rapes. Differences among the groups were also found for peritraumatic fear and injury, and rape acknowledgment. Utilizing a dichotomous approach to rape type overlooks the complexity of women’s experiences. Differences in PTSD symptom severity as a function of the proposed four-group conceptualization of rape type highlight the importance of assessing method of coercion when treating rape-related PTSD. Likewise, differences across rape types in peritraumatic fear and rape acknowledgment highlight the potential utility of type-specific targets of intervention.
Intimate Partner Violence Screening and Referral Practices in an Outpatient Care Setting
Authors: Clark Cari Jo , Renner Lynette M. , Logeais Mary E.
Published: August 2017

Health care providers who screen for intimate partner violence (IPV) and counsel patients can reduce victimization and positively impact women’s health and well-being; yet only 2% to 50% of medical professionals report routinely screening female patients. The purpose of this study was to identify current practices, policies, barriers, and opportunities for a coordinated and routinized response to IPV in an outpatient academic primary care clinic. Data were collected through interviews and the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence questionnaire. Data on IPV screening practices over a 5-month period were also available through the electronic health record. Study participants expressed that there was no uniform method of documenting screening results and great variability in the patient populations and circumstances that prompted screening. Over two thirds of the survey respondents reported either a lack of IPV protocol or a lack of knowledge about one if it existed. Providers and staff who participated believed it was within their scope of work to screen for IPV and recognized IPV as a serious health threat; however, they cited an absence of patient education resources, a lack of staff training and awareness, and no established IPV referral network as barriers to screening for IPV. The results of the pilot are in line with existing research highlighting a general lack of screening, variability in process, and the absence of systems-level policies and protocols and linkages to community resources. Pilot findings have been used to initiate a project which encompasses routinized screening, documentation, and care coordination between providers and community organizations to improve patient well-being.
A Case Report of Benzocaine-Induced Methemoglobinemia
Authors: Sewell Chaundra R. , Rivey Michael P.
Published: August 2017

Methemoglobinemia is a serious medical condition characterized by the disrupted binding of oxygen to iron on hemoglobin, with a consequent impaired oxygen delivery to body tissues. Various drugs including the local anesthetics such as benzocaine can cause acquired methemoglobinemia. The reported case describes methemoglobinemia that occurred in association with the use of topical benzocaine spray and lozenges in a previously healthy 51-year-old female who had undergone colon surgery to remove a bleeding polyp. Pulse oximetry revealed the patient was hypoxic and a measured methemoglobin (MetHB) serum concentration was 32.4%, well above the normal of less than 2%. Treatment with intravenous methylene blue resulted in a rapid improvement in the patient’s respiratory status. The case emphasizes the need for practitioners to appreciate that topical benzocaine products can cause potentially fatal methemoglobinemia.
Computational and experimental studies of horizontal tail flutter suppression
Authors: Khan Abid Ali , Ashraf Muhammad Arif , Shehzad Asim , Qazi Abroon Jamal , Hayat Imran
Published: August 2017

Flutter is an extremely violent instability that may result in catastrophic failure. Thus, flutter clearance test is one of the critical phases in qualification of an aircraft’s airworthiness. During design and development process of an aircraft, flutter problems were experienced on an aerodynamic surface (horizontal tail). In order to tackle the observed problem, a number of approaches to optimize the design for flutter speed were computationally and experimentally studied and evaluated. This paper presents and discusses the outcomes of these studies. A hybrid approach based on evaluations and design change constraints has been proposed to suppress the flutter of the horizontal tail.
Exploring the potential duty of care in clinical genomics under UK law
Authors: Mitchell Colin , Ploem Corrette , Chico Victoria , Ormondroyd Elizabeth , Hall Alison , Wallace Susan , Fay Michael , Goodwin Deirdre , Bell Jessica , Phillips Simon , Taylor Jenny C. , Hennekam Raoul , Kaye Jane
Published: August 2017

Genome-wide sequencing technologies are beginning to be used in projects that have both clinical diagnostic and research components. The clinical application of this technology, which generates a huge amount of information of varying diagnostic certainty, involves addressing a number of challenges to establish appropriate standards. In this article, we explore the way that UK law may respond to three of these key challenges and could establish new legal duties in relation to feedback of findings that are unrelated to the presenting condition (secondary, additional or incidental findings); duties towards genetic relatives as well as the patient and duties on the part of researchers and professionals who do not have direct contact with patients. When considering these issues, the courts will take account of European and international comparisons, developing guidance and relevant ethical, social and policy factors. The UK courts will also be strongly influenced by precedent set in case law.
Cytologic features and staining characteristics of Gamna–Gandy bodies from seven canine fine-needle aspirate preparations
Authors: Moore A Russell , Leavell Sarah E. , Conrado Francisco O. , Beatty Sarah S. K. , MacNeill Amy L.
Published: August 2017

Gamna–Gandy (GG) bodies are non-infectious, hyphal-like structures associated with siderotic nodules in lymphoid tissue; GG bodies are very rarely reported in veterinary cytologic samples. Cytologically, GG bodies can be misidentified as hyphae or plant material. Seven canine lymphoid tissue aspiration cases that contained GG bodies were investigated for morphologic variability and staining characteristics. Available archived cytology slides containing GG bodies were stained with reagents known to show positive results (Prussian blue, Alizarin red S, Von Kossa) and negative results (Gomori methenamine silver) in histologic samples. Calcofluor white staining was also performed. GG bodies in Wright–Giemsa-stained cytology samples displayed considerable variability but were generally 2–5 µm diameter, 10–35 µm long, refractile, clear, pale-tan or pale-yellow, wavy or straight, tubular structures. Six cases allowed for cytochemical staining; staining properties were similar to histology samples. The bodies did not stain with calcofluor white; this stain may be helpful in distinguishing GG bodes from fungal hyphae.
Recognizing and Responding to the “Toxic” Work Environment: Worker Safety, Patient Safety, and Abuse/Neglect in Nursing Homes
Authors: Pickering Carolyn E. Z. , Nurenberg Katie , Schiamberg Lawrence
Published: August 2017

This grounded theory study examined how the certified nursing assistant (CNA) understands and responds to bullying in the workplace. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyze data from in-depth telephone interviews with CNAs ( N = 22) who experienced bullying while employed in a nursing home. The result of the analysis is a multistep model describing CNA perceptions of how, over time, they recognized and responded to the “toxic” work environment. The strategies used in responding to the “toxic” environment affected their care provision and were attributed to the development of several resident and worker safety outcomes. The data suggest that the etiology of abuse and neglect in nursing homes may be better explained by institutional cultures rather than individual traits of CNAs. Findings highlight the relationship between worker and patient safety, and suggest worker safety outcomes may be an indicator of quality in nursing homes.
A physically motivated model for fatigue damage of concrete
Authors: Zhaodong Ding , Jie Li
Published: August 2017

The fatigue problem of concrete is still a challenging topic in the researches and applications of concrete engineering. This paper aims to develop a fatigue damage evolution law based model for concrete motivated by the analysis of physical mechanism. In this model, the fatigue energy dissipation process at microscale is investigated with rate process theory. The concept of self-similarity is employed to bridge the scale gap between microscale cracking and mesoscale dissipative element. With the stochastic fracture model, the crack avalanches and macro-crack nucleation processes from mesoscale to macroscale are simulated to obtain the behaviors of macroscope damage evolution of concrete. In conjunction with continuum damage mechanics framework, the fatigue damage constitutive model for concrete is then proposed. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the model, revealing that the proposed model accommodates well with physical mechanism of fatigue damage evolution of concrete whereby the fatigue life of concrete structures under different stress ranges can be predicted.
Social Media Education: Industry Leader Recommendations for Curriculum and Faculty Competencies
Authors: Freberg Karen , Kim Carolyn Mae
Published: August 2017

Social media have affected daily activities, communication practices, and business practices throughout society. Social media are more frequently embraced in higher education as well. One indication of this growth is the fact that more than half of all teaching faculty use social media at least monthly for professional reasons, with professors in professions and applied sciences being at the forefront of the use. Interviews with more than 20 industry professionals representing nonprofits, corporations, and subject matter experts provide insights into key considerations for social media education. Future social media education should provide not only academic training but also industry expertise.