bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a New Estimate of “Time of Emergence” of Anthropogenic Warming: Insights from Dynamical Adjustment and a Large Initial-Condition Model Ensemble
Authors: Lehner Flavio , Deser Clara , Terray Laurent
Published: June 2017

Time of emergence of anthropogenic climate change is a crucial metric in risk assessments surrounding future climate predictions. However, internal climate variability impairs the ability to make accurate statements about when climate change emerges from a background reference state. None of the existing efforts to explore uncertainties in time of emergence has explicitly explored the role of internal atmospheric circulation variability. Here a dynamical adjustment method based on constructed circulation analogs is used to provide new estimates of time of emergence of anthropogenic warming over North America and Europe from both a local and spatially aggregated perspective. After removing the effects of internal atmospheric circulation variability, the emergence of anthropogenic warming occurs on average two decades earlier in winter and one decade earlier in summer over North America and Europe. Dynamical adjustment increases the percentage of land area over which warming has emerged by about 30% and 15% in winter (10% and 5% in summer) over North America and Europe, respectively. Using a large ensemble of simulations with a climate model, evidence is provided that thermodynamic factors related to variations in snow cover, sea ice, and soil moisture are important drivers of the remaining uncertainty in time of emergence. Model biases in variability lead to an underestimation (13%–22% over North America and <5% over Europe) of the land fraction emerged by 2010 in summer, indicating that the forced warming signal emerges earlier in observations than suggested by models. The results herein illustrate opportunities for future detection and attribution studies to improve physical understanding by explicitly accounting for internal atmospheric circulation variability.
Multidimensional Measurement Invariance in an International Context: Fit Measure Performance With Many Groups
Authors: Svetina Dubravka , Rutkowski Leslie
Published: June 2017

Growing interest in measurement invariance (MI)/equivalence for nonachievement measures across heterogeneous populations in an international context also demands an examination of current criteria for establishing scale score comparability. Namely, in international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) operationally, establishing MI using multiple-groups analyses typically relies on the criteria proposed by research that was limited in scope to few groups and relatively small sample sizes. Recent studies that examined situations resembling those of ILSAs found mixed results with respect to the evaluation criteria for testing MI. The current article extended this line of research by first illustrating the current practices in applied research using empirical examples, and second, by evaluating the performance of several fit measures in two simulation studies when the data were assumed to be ordered categorical and multidimensional in nature. Our simulation study results suggested that in some cases, typical or newly proposed recommendations were not suitable in large-group, varied sample size, multidimensional contexts. Thus, we call for a new measure that more appropriately accounts for complex data characteristics on assessments such as ILSAs.
Dyslexia and Eye Movements
Authors: Dossetor D.R. , Papaioannou J.
Published: June 2017

The mean saccadic reaction time (SRT) of a group of dyslexic children was compared to the SRT of a group of normal children and to another group of normal adults. The mean SRT of the dyslexic group was significantly longer than that of the other two groups. The saccades of the dyslexic group had a shorter SRT when they were directed towards the right than when they were directed towards the left. For the other two groups the converse was true. There were no qualitative or quantitative differences between the optokinetically-evoked nystagmus of dyslexic children and that of normal adults.
Phonological Patterns in a Case of Aphasia
Authors: Hatfield F.M. , Walton K.
Published: June 2017

The phonemic substitutions of a patient with severe Broca aphasia were analysed to see whether they were sufficiently systematic to guide the design of remedial programmes. This yielded certain rules which are described and compared with data from previously reported cases of phonetic disintegration.
Mental Imagery and School Readiness
Authors: Guarnera Maria , Faraci Palmira , Commodari Elena , Buccheri Stefania Lucia
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the skills that constitute school readiness, such as linguistic, phonological, logical-mathematical and psychomotor skills, and mental imagery processes in preschool children. The participants were 100 healthy children (50 boys and 50 girls) aged four to five. Two batteries of tests were used to assess school readiness and different aspects of the mental imagery processes. The mental imagery battery measured mental imagery generation, inspection, and rotation of images. The results showed a relationship between the generation and inspection processes and the level of skills that constitute school readiness. These findings emphasize the potential usefulness of screening all preschoolers and kindergarteners for imagery ability, with the aim of adopting effective measures to increase their mental imagery abilities.
Cult books revisited
Authors: Gorringe Tim
Published: June 2017

Although nearly 50 years old, Gustavo Gutierrez’s A Theology of Liberation remains a key text, especially in its challenge to the Church, its embrace of humane values and its call for a different world order.
Assessing Online Discussions: A Holistic Approach
Authors: Wang Yu-mei , Chen Der-Thanq
Published: June 2017

This article reports a holistic approach to assessing online discussions. This holistic approach integrates three assessment methods: assessment of learning, assessment for learning, and assessment as learning. Assessment of learning directly examines students’ learning products to decide whether they have achieved the expected learning through online discussions. Assessment for learning evaluates student learning process through online discussion. Assessment as learning engages students in the assessment process and develops the students’ capabilities to be critical assessors of their own learning. This article discusses designs, practices, and reflections in utilizing this holistic approach to assessing online discussions.
The Statistical Performance of Econometric and Implied Forecasting Models
Authors: Chong James
Published: June 2017

This study examines the statistical performance of various econometric and implied correlation models applied to over-the-counter currency options. In evaluating the predictive accuracy of the forecast models, statistical performance measures, mainly in the form of the root mean squared forecast errors (RMSFE), are employed. Interestingly, we find that a simple exponential weighting scheme for variances produce the best results. Such models are very simple to estimate and forecast, thus potentially rendering considerably more complex and cumbersome models, such as the multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH), hardly worth the additional effort.
An Examination of Hayek’s Theory of Social Order
Authors: Murphy John W.
Published: June 2017

Presently the work of Hayek is used by neo-conservatives to justify laissez-faire economics, yet it has become questionable whether his theory of social order actually supports this viewpoint. As a result of examining his social ontology, it is concluded that Hayek has not adequately shown how social order can result from persons pursuing their individual economic aims. Consequently Hayek’s rendition of “spontaneous order” is seriously jeopardized.
Cooperation in the Arab Countries: An Overview
Authors: Kheir Kamal Hamdy Aboul
Published: June 2017

Cooperation is wide in scope in the Arab Region encompassing both the Al-Mahgreb and Al-Mashreq. In discussing the extent and general nature of cooperative movements in this diverse region that also shares many commonalities, countries of Africa, the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula will be assessed based on primary research experience coupled with personal contacts with leaders of cooperative movements in the Arab Region. It is found that cooperatives whether consumer, producer or agricultural cooperatives are viewed as a viable economic alternative for development.
Representing Social Construction in Consumer Activities: Single-Period and Multi-Period Activity Production
Authors: Silver Steven D.
Published: June 2017

Consumers are seen as limited decision makers who set short-term activity levels from their budgets, stocks of experience, and values following a preference-maximizing heuristic. Disturbances to activity levels in their evolution by exogeneties of social and economic environments, and the feedback of activity levels which agents have no systematic ability to anticipate, reset stock and value levels through the interactive relationships among endogenous variables. Agents then solve the maximization problem for a subsequent period using stock and value levels as modified by the evolutionary process. The dependence of a single-period decision on the stock and value constructs is examined and forms for the dynamic evolution of stock and value constructs that represent the feedback of activity levels to stock and value levels are also introduced. Implications of these forms for the social construction of activities are discussed.
Elastic Buckling Analysis of Rigidly Jointed Single Layer Reticulated Domes with Random Initial Imperfection
Authors: Suzuki Toshiro , Ogawa Toshiyuki , Ikarashi Kikuo
Published: June 2017

In the present paper, the effect of imperfection on the elastic buckling load and mode shapes of externally-loaded single layer reticulated domes is investigated. The types of buckling concerned here are the general buckling, the local (dimple) buckling and the buckling of a member. As to the geometric parameter of a dome, the slenderness factor S is adopted which represents the openness and slenderness of the dome. The maximum value of the imperfection is assumed to be the normal random variable. The buckling loads are computed by the linear and the nonlinear buckling analysis using the finite element method. The statistical values are calculated by the three-points estimates method. The main points of interest are the influence of the shape and the extent of an imperfection on the buckling load.
General Stability Analysis of Lattice Shells by Continuum Modeling
Authors: Sumec Jozef
Published: June 2017

In this paper a linear elastic stability problem of lightweight lattice shells is studied. For this purpose a calculation on an equivalent rigidity continuum model is used. It is assumed that the rods of the analysed shells consist of a homogeneous, isotropic elastic material the mechanical properties of which are invariant in the time. The Author derived analytical expressions the point of departure of which is the theory of finite deflections of shallow shells. The use of the Bubnov-Galerkine method allows to define a relationships yielding the values of critical stress in closed analytical form. The effect of initial geometrical shell imperfections of the “medial” surface is taken into consideration, too. Sample numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the continuum modeling approach. The obtained theoretical results are documented some of the numerical examples.
Application of a Koiter-Type Theory to Buckling of Lattice Domes
Authors: Morris Nicholas F.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents nonlinear elastic-plastic analyses of several versions of a lattice dome whose dimensions are chosen to represent the range of dome geometry encountered in design practice. The domes are analyzed as both space trusses and space frames. An attempt is made to compute the decrease in failure load due to the effect of geometric imperfections in the form of the linear buckling modes of the dome. The approach follows the Koiter analysis of spherical shells but, since it employs a full nonlinear analysis rather than a perturbation process, it is not restricted to small imperfections. It is found that while imperfections do affect the failure load, the effect may not be large. In addition, the domes might fail as a collapse mechanism instead.
Efficient Optimum Design of Structures with Discrete Design Variables
Authors: Salajegheh E. , Vanderplaats G.N.
Published: June 2017

A method is presented for optimum design of structures, where some or all design variables can be chosen from a set of prescribed values. The main idea is to reduce the number of structural analyses in the process of optimization. First the structural responses such as forces and displacements are approximated as functions of cross-sectional properties, thus high quality explicit functions are generated for the responses. Employing these approximate expressions in the optimization process, the continuous optimum design can be achieved rapidly. Using the results obtained from the continuous variable optimization and with the help of the approximated responses, a branch and bound method is used to obtain the discrete design values. The results indicate that after the completion of the continuous variable optimization, only one or two extra detailed analyses of the structure is needed to complete the discrete variable optimization. In this work, a dome and a grillage are presented as test cases.
Memantine improves semantic memory in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: A single-photon emission computed tomography study
Authors: Ilhan Algin Demet , Dagli Atalay Suna , Ozkan Serhat , Ozbabalik Adapinar Demet , Ak Sivrioz Ilknur
Published: June 2017

Objective

This study was performed to assess the efficacy of memantine in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Methods

Thirty healthy controls and 45 patients diagnosed with aMCI based on the Petersen criteria were classified into 3 groups. Group 1 comprised patients who received a single memantine dose following examination (n = 25), Group 2 comprised patients who did not receive memantine treatment following examination (n = 20), and Group 3 comprised healthy age-matched volunteers (n = 30). Neuropsychological testing was performed, and the response to memantine was examined at baseline and at 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Single-photon emission computed tomography was performed at baseline and at 48 weeks in patients who received memantine treatment.

Results

Memantine treatment significantly improved the symptoms of aMCI according to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised vocabulary subtest, backward digit span, and Blessed Dementia Rating Scale, all of which were recorded for the duration of the study.

Conclusion

These data indicate that patients with aMCI receiving memantine develop an improved semantic memory compared with no treatment. Further studies including larger patient cohorts are necessary to validate these findings.
Minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries with modified pedicle screw–rod fixator
Authors: Wu Xiao-Tian , Liu Zuo-Qing , Fu Wen-Qin , Zhao Shan
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the clinical application of the minimally invasive modified pedicle screw–rod fixator for unstable pelvic ring injuries, including its feasibility, merits, and limitations.

Methods

Twenty-three patients (13 males, 10 females; average age, 36.3 years) with unstable pelvic ring injuries underwent anterior fixation using a modified pedicle screw–rod fixator with or without posterior fixation using a transiliac internal fixator. The clinical findings were assessed using Majeed scores. The quality of reduction was evaluated using the Matta criteria.

Results

Clinical results at 1 year postoperatively were excellent in 14 patients, good in 7, and fair in 2. The two patients with fair results had intermittent pain at the sacroiliac joint because of the posterior implant. One woman complained of persistent pain at the pubic tubercle during sexual intercourse. Iatrogenic neuropraxia of the unilateral lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred in three patients. Unilateral femoral nerve palsy occurred in one patient. The quality of fracture reduction was excellent in 12 patients, good in 8, and fair in 3. Heterotopic ossification occurred in eight patients; all were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive modified pedicle screw-rod fixation is an effective alternative treatment for pelvic ring injuries.
Effect of team training on efficiency of trauma care in a Chinese hospital
Authors: Hong Yucai , Cai Xiujun
Published: June 2017

Objective

Multidisciplinary trauma teams are the standard of care in the USA, but staffing differences and lack of advanced trauma life support training hinder replication of this system in Chinese hospitals. We investigated the effect of simulation team training on initial trauma care.

Methods

Over 15 months, we compared grade I trauma patients cared for by the trained team and those cared for using traditional practice on times from emergency room arrival to tests/procedures. Propensity-score analysis was performed to improve between-group comparisons.

Results

During the study, 144 grade I trauma patients were treated. Trained team patients showed shorter times from emergency room arrival to initiation of hemostasis (31.0 [13.5–58.5] vs. 113.5 [77–150.50] min), blood routine report (8 [5–10.25] vs. 13 [10–21] min), other blood tests (21 [14.75–25.75] vs. 31 [25–37] min), computed tomography scan (29.5 [20.25–65] vs. 58.5 [30.25–71.25] min) and tranexamic acid administration (31 [13–65] vs. 90 [65–200] min). Similar results were obtained for the propensity-score matched cohort.

Conclusion

Simulation team training could help reduce time to blood routine reports, scans and hemostasis. Assessment of available resources and development of targeted team training could improve care in resource-limited hospitals.
The Human Rights Report as Discursive Genre
Authors: Buzzi Camilla
Published: June 2017

This article is a case study of Myanmar, where activists adopted the international discourse of human rights in their struggle for democratic political and social change almost three decades ago, and examines the impact of this decision for the resistance against military rule. The article examines the use of human rights discourse in the struggle for democratic transformation between 1988 and 2011 rather than the ongoing political transition in Myanmar. During this period, international human rights discourse acquired dominant global status, and Myanmar became a global human rights issue. The discourse of human rights offers a framework of norms and related practices that is associated with a regime of conventions and institutions. This international regime evolved during the period under study, thereby offering different opportunities and constraints for action that affected how it would be used by Myanmar activists. The article analyzes how this discourse was used in about fifty reports published by different local organizations, in particular how different discursive techniques convey agency, how the reports provide alternative forms of truth telling and how human rights discourse produces claims for action, and hence how the human rights report has emerged as discursive genre. The study of the reports allows us to follow developments in political events in Myanmar but more importantly to assess the evolution in the reports in the context of the adoption of new tactics of struggle, new forms of organizing resistance and an evolving international context after 1988.
Mean Age at Marriage and Kinship Networks in a Town Under the Influence of the Metropolis: Nanterre 1800–1850
Authors: Segalen Martine
Published: June 2017

Marriage patterns in nineteenth-century Nanterre show the economic and social influences of its proximity to Paris. Agricultural production was adjusted to the needs of the rapidly expanding metropolis, and the town's economy became diversified. The intensive and profitable agriculture in Nanterre allowed farmers to transfer land to their children and retire at early ages. The marriages of farmers were relatively young, but they retained the West European pattern of independent nuclear households. The strong influence of kinship networks is apparent in the strict social endogamy of farm couples. Artisans and workers, who had migrated into Nanterre, lacked the economic and social support provided by these kinship networks, and their marriages tended to be late.
Exploiting a Marginal European Environment: Population Control and Resource Management Under the Ancien Régime
Authors: Jones Anne M.
Published: June 2017

The essay uses evidence from a French pre-alpine community in 1613-1792 to test the formalized models of Malthus as presented by Wrigley and Schofield. It finds a demographic regime characterized by early marriage, low marital fertility and fecundity, and low infant mortality. Such a system does not fit neatly into any of the models presented by Wrigley and Schofield for the balance of population and resources. The essay concludes with the proposition that greater attention needs to be given to the role of seasonal and temporary labour migration after marriage as a means of regulating people and resources in a marginal environment.
Family Contexts of Fertility and Infant Survival in Nineteenth-Century Montreal
Authors: Thornton Patricia A. , Olson Sherry
Published: June 2017

In the cohort of 4000 infants born in Montreal in 1859, the cultural context showed a powerful influence on infant mortality: more French Canadian infants died in their first year than Protestant or Irish Catholic. Socio-economic status shows no effect on infant mortality, although in each cultural community the wealthy had a higher birth rate than the poor. A higher birth rate to French Canadian mothers can be attributed entirely to the larger number of deaths followed by prompt “replacement.” Among mothers whose infants survived twelve months, all three communities show the same median birth intervals, indicative of a high fertility, apparently regulated by breastfeeding. The summer concentration of infant deaths nevertheless points to diarrheal diseases and differences of infant feeding.
Rethinking the Determination of the Value of Labor Power
Authors: Starosta Guido , Fitzsimons Alejandro
Published: June 2017

This article critically examines the received wisdom on the value of labor power that posits the workers’ material reproduction and the class struggle as two independent factors that determine the bundle of wage-goods consumed by the working class. It shows that this reading has no solid textual basis on Marx’s writings. Furthermore, it argues that it rests on a problematic separation of the actual immanent unity between materiality and social form in the capitalist mode of production.
Detailed Interpretation of Off-Axis and Iosipescu Test Data on Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Chandu Swamy , Ahmad Jalees , Newaz Golam M.
Published: June 2017

The motivation for the work presented in this paper is to understand and characterize the behavior of titanium based metal matrix composites (MMCs) subjected to shear and to multiaxial stress states. For studying MMC behavior under shear, Iosipescu tests were conducted and analyses of the tests were performed. To study behavior under multiaxial stress states, detailed analyses were performed of off-axis test data reported in the literature. The results suggest that the information procedure by detailed analyses of these tests can be effectively used in characterizing global composite response under fairly general multiaxial stress states.
Delaminations Onset and Propagation for CFRP Angle Ply Laminates under Uniaxial Fatigue Loads
Authors: Scarponi Claudio , Barboni Renato
Published: June 2017

Delamination is a failure mode particular to composite materials and it is introduced by the interlaminar components of the stress tensor. Under static uniaxial loading, a 3D stress state occurs at the free edges of a composite structural member whereas the values of the interlaminar stress components can become critical and determine the static failure of such member. The purpose of this paper is to assess and determine the influence of the interlaminar stresses on the failure of unnotched angle ply CFRP laminate specimens subjected to tension-tension uniaxial fatigue loading. This study is composed of two parts, namely: (1) a numerical analysis to determine the 3D stress state in the composite laminate under static loading with the purpose to identify the points where the interlaminar stresses are critical and delaminations are expected; (2) an experimental analysis, based on tension static and fatigue T-T tests, to evaluate if delaminations occur at the same points as those identified during the numerical analysis and if their propagation produces the final fatigue failure at an external maximum load equal to 50% of the ultimate static failure load.
Rheological Properties and Extrusion Characteristics of Polycarbonate/Carbon Black Composites
Authors: Joo Yong Lak
Published: June 2017

The rheological properties and extrusion characteristics of electrically conductive polycarbonate (PC)/carbon black (CB) composites are investigated. Our results reveal that both the zero shear viscosity and shear thinning are increased as the content of carbon black increases. It is observed that the viscosity of the PC/CB composite in the processing region is slightly lower than that of the polycarbonate matrix when the carbon content is below 10 wt%. It is also found that the melt tension and extensional viscosity of the PC/CB composites steadily increases with increasing the carbon black content. On the other hand, the cut-off speed at which the melt fiber was cut in the fiber spinning experiment decreases drastically as the CB concentration increases. The extrusion process of the composites is numerically simulated using the modified Lee-Han melting model and the results are compared with the experimental results. It should be noted that the decrease in the viscosity in the processing region reduces pressure buildup during extrusion. The effects of carbon black on electrical and mechanical properties of the composites are also discussed.
Augmentation Mammaplasty with Saline-Filled Textured Implants: Review of 9 Years' Experience and Results of Patient Survey
Authors: Haiavy Jacob , Tobin Howard A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

In June of 2000 the FDA approved saline-filled breast implants as safe prosthetic devices based on results of clinical testing presented by the manufacturers. The corresponding author has been using saline-filled implants since 1992. It was decided to review his experience and assess the incidence of postoperative complications as reported by the patients and to identify factors related to their satisfaction.

Materials and Methods:

A survey was mailed out to a cohort of 460 patients. The survey included questions pertaining to possible postoperative complications and the patient's overall satisfaction. Overall, 207 surveys were returned after 2 mailings. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results:

The patient's age at the time of surgery ranged from 18 to 62 years, with a mean of 33.8 years. Follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 102 months postoperatively, with a mean of 37.2 months. Forty-two out of 193 patients were smokers. Implant volumes ranged from 180 to 800 mL, with an average of 380 mL. Implant types used were McGhan (55.5%), Mentor (40.5%), and Microcell (4%). All implants had surface texturing. Most of the implants (90.7%) were placed in a submuscular position. Sixty-five percent of the patients preferred a transaxillary approach, whereas 35% preferred the periareolar approach.

Discussion:

Capsular contracture remains one of the main factors affecting patient satisfaction. Implant volume and position had no significant effect on the risk of developing capsular contracture. Furthermore, the volume of an implant did not have a significant impact on the risk of developing pain, loss of nipple sensation, or wrinkling. In this study, a significant number of patients reported wrinkling (44.4%) and alteration of nipple sensation (40.6%), which reflects the fact that this is a subjective patient-reported result. Overall satisfaction rate reported was 96.6%.
Line-of-sight rate modeling and error analysis of inertial stabilized platforms by coordinate transformation
Authors: Gao Qingjia , Sun Qiang , Qu Feng , Wang Jiang , Han Xizhen , Zhao Jian
Published: June 2017

Line-of-sight rate is the key parameter that enables inertial stabilized platforms to implement guidance laws successfully for target tracking or attacking. It is always obtained by experiments. In this article, a theoretical model of the line-of-sight rate is established for the first time, starting with the gimbal motion. The strategy to acquire line-of-sight rate is based on the servo control circuit. The measurement equations for line-of-sight rate are derived using a coordinate transformation. An error model is then obtained with the help of differentiation. The error of an inertial stabilized platform prototype is measured, showing that the line-of-sight rate error can be predicted accurately. Finally, a high-precision inertial stabilized platform is successfully designed and analyzed, with the accuracy of 0.06°/s and 0.37°/s when line-of-sight rates are set to 1.5°/s and 9°/s, respectively.
Anthropogenic influence on rates of aeolian dune activity within the northern European Sand Belt and socio-economic feedbacks over the last ~2500 years
Authors: Lungershausen Uta , Larsen Annegret , Bork Hans-Rudolf , Duttmann Rainer
Published: June 2017

In North-Western Europe, Pleistocene sand sheets have been reactivated during phases of Holocene deforestation and agricultural land use. Although there are temporal overlaps between anthropogenic activity and sand sheet reactivation, the root cause and subsequent feedbacks between aeolian activity and societal response remain largely unknown. Here, we seek to establish cause and effect by examining the detailed co-variation in both timing and magnitude of aeolian and anthropogenic activity through the quantification of Holocene dune sediments in combination with archaeological and pollen records. These records indicate a series of complex phases of aeolian activity followed by landscape stabilization, which we attribute primarily to changing patterns of human impact. We find that a steady increase in dune deposition rates in the Medieval Period corresponds to an increase in settlement activity and deforestation (~AD 1000–1500). At their peak, Medieval deposition rates were 3.4 times larger than during the late Pleistocene, the period experiencing the most favourable natural conditions for aeolian sediment transport. Prior to the Medieval Period, relative land-surface stability (represented by a depositional hiatus) persisted from the late Pleistocene until the Roman Iron Age Period (AD 0–400). Deforestation to fuel iron production had minor impact on aeolian activity, as indicated by the lowest recorded deposition rate (0.12 ± 0.02 t/ha/a). Following the Medieval Period peak in deposition rates, aeolian activity diminished rapidly and coincided with the abandonment of nearby human settlement. This sequence of events provides evidence of a direct positive feedback in which Medieval agricultural overexploitation favoured aeolian activity that rendered the landscape practically unworkable for cropping agriculture. Based on our findings and a comprehensive review of Northern European sand belt activity, we interpret a very high sensitivity of aeolian activity to past and present human impact and argue that unsustainable land-use practices have been the cause for widespread settlement abandonment.
Teaching Stylistics: Analysing Cohesion and Narrative Structure in a Short Story by Ernest Hemingway
Authors: Simpson Paul
Published: June 2017

The main aim of this article is to propose an exercise in stylistic analysis which can be employed in the teaching of English language. It details the design and results of a workshop activity on narrative carried out with undergraduates in a university department of English. The methods proposed are intended to enable students to obtain insights into aspects of cohesion and narrative structure; insights, it is suggested, which are not as readily obtainable through more traditional techniques of stylistic analysis. The text chosen for analysis is a short story by Ernest Hemingway comprising only 11 sentences. A jumbled version of this story is presented to students who are asked to assemble a cohesive and well-formed version of the story. Their (re)constructions are then compared with the original Hemingway version. Much interest, it is argued, lies in the ways in which the students justify their own versions in terms of their expectations about well-formedness in narrative. The activity is also intended to encourage students to see literary texts as a valuable means of providing insights into the subtleties of linguistic form and function.
Dignity realization of patients with stroke in hospital care: A grounded theory
Authors: Rannikko Sunna , Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: June 2017

Background:

Dignity is seen as an important but complex concept in the healthcare context. In this context, the discussion of dignity includes concepts of other ethical principles such as autonomy and privacy. Patients consider dignity to cover individuality, patient’s feelings, communication, and the behavior of healthcare personnel. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the realization of patients’ dignity in hospital care and the focus of the study is therefore on the realization of dignity of the vulnerable group of patients with stroke.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to create a theoretical construct to describe the dignity realization of patients with stroke in hospital care.

Research design and participants:

Patients with stroke (n = 16) were interviewed in 2015 using a semi-structured interview containing open questions concerning dignity. The data were analyzed using constant comparison of Grounded Theory.

Ethical considerations:

Ethical approval for the research was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University. The permission for the research was given by the hospital. Informed consent was obtained from participants.

Findings:

The “Theory of Dignity Realization of Patients with Stroke in Hospital Care” consists of a core category including generic elements of the new situation and dignity realization types. The core category was identified as “Dignity in a new situation” and the generic elements as health history, life history, individuality and stroke. Dignity of patients with stroke is realized through specific types of realization: person-related dignity type, control-related dignity type, independence-related dignity type, social-related dignity type, and care-related dignity type.

Discussion:

The theory has similar elements with the previous literature but the whole construct is new. The theory reveals possible special characteristics in dignity realization of patients with stroke.

Conclusion:

For healthcare personnel, the theory provides a frame for a better understanding and recognition of how dignity of patients with stroke is realized.
Interactions of CNS Drugs — Hypnotics and Sedatives
Authors: Brown Susan R. , Hartshorn Edward A.
Published: June 2017

The physicochemical properties of the barbiturates and a brief review of microsomal enzyme induction introduces this literature review of the interactions of sedative and hypnotic drugs. Food has been shown to delay absorption of barbiturates; barbiturates, in turn, may interfere with the absorption of griseofulvin, dicumarol, and folic acid. Barbiturate-produced enzyme induction may result in interactions with the oral anticoagulants, the anticonvulsants, vitamin D, bilirubin, digitoxin, doxycycline, and perhaps other drugs. The problem of additive central nervous system depression and the relative lack of documented evidence is considered. Finally, the interactions of nonbarbiturate hypnotics, such as glutethimide, chloral hydrate, and others are reviewed.
Misoprostol: A Prostaglandin E, Analog with Antisecretory and Cytoprotective Properties
Authors: Jones James B. , Bailey Robert T.
Published: June 2017

Misoprostol, a methylester analog of prostaglandin E1, with antisecretory and cytoprotective properties, has undergone extensive investigation and has received Food and Drug Administration approval for the prevention of nonsteroidal-induced ulceration. The drug represents the first synthetic, orally active prostaglandin evaluated for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Clinical studies reveal a trend toward slightly lower healing rates with misoprostol when compared with histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. In addition, misoprostol was less effective than H2-blockers in reducing ulcer pain, and caused a higher incidence of adverse reactions, particularly diarrhea occurring in up to 13 percent of the patients treated. Several studies have shown misoprostol to be superior to cimetidine and sucralfate in the prevention of alcohol- and drug-induced gastritis. This report summarizes the biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of misoprostol in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers and in the prevention of mucosal injury.
Granulocytopenia and Thrombocytopenia Associated with Combination Therapy of Amphotericin B and Low-Dose Flucytosine in a Patient with Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: Shindo Kunihiko , Mizuno Tadaoki , Matsumoto Yutaka , Hashimoto Yoshimi , Matsumura Masanori , Ito Akira , Shionoiri Hiroshi
Published: June 2017

A patient was admitted complaining of fever and headache. He was suspected of meningitis due to nuchal rigidity, and a lumbar puncture was performed. The patient was diagnosed as having cryptococcal meningitis, as Cryptococcus neoformans was found in an India ink preparation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Both amphotericin B and low-dose flucytosine (50 mg/kg/d) were concomitantly administered to the patient and his clinical symptoms improved. However, the combination therapy induced granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia, which resolved after discontinuance of the drugs. Amphotericin B alone failed to cause granulocytopenia or thrombocytopenia. These results suggest that the mechanisms of granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia may be toxic reactions to flucytosine in the azotemic state caused by amphotericin B. Our report emphasizes the need for clinicians to monitor for granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving treatment with both amphotericin B and flucytosine, even when flucytosine is administered in a low dose.
Prescription Drug Use Patterns of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Taking Zidovudine
Authors: Hartzema Abraham G. , Porta Miquel S. , Tilson Hugh H. , Bjornson Darrel C. , Meyer David E. , Hiner William O. , Tramont Edmund C. ,   Walter Reed Retrovirus Research Group
Published: June 2017

Prescription drug profiles of 116 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients taking zidovudine in 1988 were surveyed. Patients received the drug an average of 236 days. About one-third (32 percent) required reduced dosage presumably because of hematologic toxicity and this was associated with length of time on the drug. Zidovudine dosage reduction was not associated with concurrent therapy with either acetaminophen or acyclovir. Concomitant drug therapy was common, especially with systemic antifungals (47 percent), antivirals (33 percent), nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (23 percent), and antidepressants (20 percent), as well as topical fungicides (35 percent) and antiinflammatory agents (28 percent). Over three-fourths of patients on zidovudine were on chemoprophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, most often with pentamidine inhalation therapy. This study showed that the HIV-infected patient population is being treated concomitantly with many pharmacologic agents prescribed by various medical specialties.
Physical Compatibility and Chemical Stability of Amphotericin B in Combination with Magnesium Sulfate in 5% Dextrose Injection
Authors: Raymond Glynn G. , Davis Robin L.
Published: June 2017

The physical compatibility and chemical stability of amphotericin B for injection USP (AB) admixed with magnesium sulfate injection USP (MS) in 5% dextrose injection USP (D5W) was evaluated. AB (final concentration of either 40 or 80 μg/mL of solution) and MS (final concentration of 0, 2, or 4 mg/mL of solution) were mixed in glass volumetric flasks containing D5W. AB concentration, as quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography, and visible admixture clarity were monitored at zero, three, and six hours after combining with MS. At the three-hour observation, visible admixture clarity appeared to decrease in all multiple drug combinations and a clear supernatant began to develop as particulates settled to the bottom of the container. MS (final concentration of 4 or 8 mg/mL of solution) and AB (final concentration of 80 μg/mL of solution) were prepared in two separate intravenous polyvinyl chloride bags of D5W. The solutions were manually set to infuse via gravity for six hours and mix at the y-site of an intravenous administration set. Samples of the mixture were collected from the terminal end of a primary intravenous administration set at zero, two, four, and six hours after beginning the infusions. Each sample appeared visibly clear and maintained an AB concentration of at least 100 percent of the initial admixture concentration. MS and AB mixed in the same container appeared to be physically incompatible. The same admixture appeared to be physically compatible and chemically stable, in terms of AB, when infused as separate solutions mixed at a y-site of an intravenous administration set.
Mesalamine in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Fitzgerald Jill Mancini , Marsh T. Donald
Published: June 2017

Sulfasalazine has been used for many years in the management of ulcerative colitis. As many as 20 percent of patients treated with it experience intolerable adverse effects usually attributed to its sulfapyridine component. The other active component is 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA); the only 5-ASA enema preparation currently available in the U.S. is mesalamine (Rowasa, Reid-Rowell) containing 5-ASA 4 g in 60 mL. In clinical trials, mesalamine has proved efficacious in treating refractory cases of distal ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and proctosigmoiditis. Because of its high cost compared with more conventional treatment modalities, it should be reserved for cases that are either refractory or intolerant to conventional treatment.
Is There a Reliable Index of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Critically Ill Patients?
Authors: Robert Sylvie , Zarowitz Barbara J.
Published: June 2017

Assessment of renal function in critically ill patients is important for appropriate individualization of dosage regimens and nutrition, but is complicated by a high incidence of acute renal failure (ARF). The most common cause of ARF in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is hypoperfusion. Other causes of ARF include intrinsic injury, nephrotoxicity, and postrenal obstruction. ARF is associated with a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), reduced or maintained urine output (nonoliguric renal failure), and alterations in other commonly obtained urinary indices. Twenty-four-hour or shorter urinary creatinine clearance studies may overpredict GFR as creatinine is both filtered and secreted. The use of serum creatinine in empiric predictive equations is impaired in ICU patients because of decreases in creatinine production due to immobilization and malnutrition or increases in creatinine production due to catabolic illnesses. Adjustment of empiric methods by employing lean body weight, ideal body weight, or corrected serum creatinine values has not been evaluated against uncorrected values in this population, but is routinely performed in clinical practice. Inulin and radiolabeled substances are not practical for routine clinical use and may overpredict GFR in ARF due to backleak of large molecular-weight substances through the tubules. Comparative clinical trials have shown essentially equivalent performance of empiric methods relative to 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance in adults. No studies have compared these methods to a reference method for determination of GFR. Until conclusive data become available, clinicians should cautiously compare results from at least two independent methods of assessment to estimate renal functional impairment in ICU patients.
Prescribing Patterns for Older Heavy Drug Users Living in the Community
Authors: Grymonpre Ruby E. , Sitar Daniel S. , Montgomery Patrick R. , Mitenko Paul A. , Aoki Fred Y.
Published: June 2017

We report an analysis of prescription drugs claimed under a government-sponsored, universal Pharmacare program for community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years in Manitoba during 1975, 1978, 1981, and 1984. We limited our analysis to claimants who reported over six drugs in a year in order to control for effects of inflation and a changing deductible. The median number of prescribed drugs and the percent of claimants over age 50 years receiving prescriptions from multiple physicians decreased during the course of our study. In this sample of heavy drug users, age and sex did not consistently correlate with overall drug use, although there was correlation for specific drug groups. The relative ranking of prescribed drugs changed over the years, although benzodiazepines, thiazide diuretics, topical steroids, and codeine-containing analgesics remained near the top. Barbiturates and topical antibiotics showed the greatest drop in prescription rates; acetaminophen and beta-blockers increased the most. Using these community data, we project the prevalence of drug-related adverse events to be highest with beta-blockers, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, thiazide diuretics, and benzodiazepines.
How Competition Is Viewed Across Cultures
Authors: Hayward R. David , Kemmelmeier Markus
Published: June 2017

Competition is a pervasive aspect of human life. Yet the values and attitudes that people have concerning competition vary widely, from the belief that it underpins the social order to the belief that it corrodes positive social ties. This research examines the structural and cultural roots of these attitudes across societies. Contrasting predictions from five social theories (Marxism, system justification, Protestant ethic, postmaterialism, and individualism) were derived and tested using data from the World Values Survey. Study 1 tests the various hypotheses examining differences between societies. Using a mixed-level model, Study 2 examines the individuals' attitudes toward competition in the context of both individual-level and societal-level factors. Results indicate that competitive values are consistently related to Protestantism, both at the level of individual affiliation and cultural religious history, especially when structural factors are controlled. However, only limited support was found for the idea that attitudes toward competition vary as function of one's position in the socioeconomic structure, economic regulation, postmaterialist values, and individualism.