bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Women with Recurrent Endometriosis Pain after Laparoscopy and Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device Placement
Authors: Sacha Caitlin R. , Farland Leslie V. , Missmer Stacey A. , Anchan Raymond M.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

The levonorgestrel (LNG)-intrauterine device (IUD) is effective for many, but not all, women with endometriosis in managing pelvic pain. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics associated with recurrent endometriosis pain within 12 months after operative laparoscopy and LNG-IUD placement.

Methods

This retrospective case series was performed at a university-affiliated infertility and reproductive surgery practice and included women who underwent operative laparoscopy and LNG-IUD placement by a single surgeon from January 1, 2012 to October 7, 2015 (n = 32). Within 12 months post-operatively, the primary surgeon assessed pain reported by the patient and prescribed adjunctive oral hormonal therapy for recurrent pain symptoms. Data were collected using the patients’ electronic medical records. The main outcome was the presence of recurrent endometriosis pain within 12 months after operative laparoscopy with LNG-IUD placement.

Results

Of the 32 women who underwent laparoscopy and LNG-IUD placement, 26 presented for follow-up (81.2%) within 12 months, 15 of whom (57.7%) reported recurrent pain. The odds of poor pain control were higher among the women who were obese, among those who had undergone prior laparoscopy, and among those with a history of asthma, depression, or headaches.

Conclusions

The optimal management of endometriosis-related pain is highly patient-specific, and poor response to LNG-IUD may be associated with having had a prior laparoscopy, obesity, and certain medical comorbidities.
Validation of the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale in scleroderma: a Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network Cohort study
Authors: Gholizadeh Shadi , Kwakkenbos Linda , Carrier Marie-Eve , Mills Sarah D. , Fox Rina S. , Jewett Lisa R. , Gottesman Karen , Roesch Scott , Thombs Brett D. , Malcarne Vanessa L. ,   SPIN Investigators*
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Individuals with visible differences due to medical conditions, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma), have reported difficulty navigating social situations because of issues such as staring, invasive questions, and rude comments. Fears or anxiety linked to situations in which a person interacts with others is known as social interaction anxiety. However, there exists no validated measurement tool to examine social interaction anxiety in rheumatologic conditions.

Methods:

The present study examines the reliability (internal consistency) and validity (structural and convergent) of the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale-6 (SIAS-6) in a sample of 802 individuals with SSc, and compares these psychometric properties across limited and diffuse subtypes of the disease. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the SIAS-6 in patients with both limited and diffuse SSc.

Results:

A one-factor structure was found to fit well for individuals with SSc with both limited and diffuse disease. The measure demonstrated strong internal consistency reliability and convergent validity with relevant measures in expected magnitudes and directions.

Conclusions:

The SIAS-6 is a psychometrically robust measure that can confidently be used in SSc populations to examine social interaction anxiety. Moreover, scores can meaningfully be compared between patients with limited and diffuse disease.
Some Notes on Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd, and Lily Bart
Authors: Erben Michael
Published: October 2017

This article concerns the relationship between Lily's Bart's personation of Sir Joshua Reynolds's Mrs. Lloyd in the famous tableau vivant in The House of Mirth and Edith Wharton's kinship, particularly that with her sister-in-law Mary Cadwalader Jones. Joanna Lloyd (née Leigh) married Richard Bennett Lloyd, a major Maryland slaveholder, in London in 1775. Richard Bennett Lloyd's family had a direct kin relationship with Mary Cadwalader Jones. In her memoirs Jones ignores this fact. It is suggested that Edith Wharton knew of this relationship and that it gave her the idea of contrasting the socially and financially secure Mrs. Lloyd with the insecure and doomed Lily Bart. In this article I explore a new historical context for Reynolds's painting in relation to the antebellum elite.
Impunidad de ayer y hoy: el castigo brilla por su ausencia
Authors: Editor El
Published: October 2017

No abstracts availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 114, 2007: 507-511
Oscurantismo iluminado: lectura para una polémica rediviva
Authors: Miller Katherine
Published: October 2017

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 114, 2007: 659-665
La hegemonía y lo social: una aproximación desde la sociología crítica
Authors: Alfaro Salvador Orlando
Published: October 2017

Since sociology needs to incorporate new discussions, in the following work some of the most relevant aspects of intellectual and moral hegemony are studied. The discussion takes into account Antonio Gramsci's and other author's contributions to the study of hegemony and its relation with the reproduction and social change processes in the contemporary society.Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 114, 2007: 579-593
Individual and family issues surrounding a rare disease
Authors: Vitale Susan Ann
Published: October 2017

Objective: The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of individual and family experiences of living with a rare disease.Background: There are over 7,000 types of rare diseases affecting > 25 million individuals in the United States (US) and more worldwide. Individuals with a rare disease are geographically separated and may encounter care providers unfamiliar with their disease. They often face diagnostic delays, inadequate treatment options or a lack of hope for a cure. Economic and societal implications include high costs associated with morbidity and mortality. While there is some research on individual rare disease experiences, a review of experiences common to a wide variety of rare diseases for potential commonalities has not been established.Methods: A qualitative descriptive design of case study methodology involved data collection through individual and small group interviews and also by email. Analysis identified themes and commonalities found within the rare diseases represented in this study.Results: Thirty-five adults diagnosed with a rare disease and some family members participated. Data revealed phases of adjustment and themes associated with those experiences. Themes included isolation or feeling all alone, frustrations, searching for a specialist, developing disease expertise, finding outside support, striving for stability and normalacy and maintaining hope.Conclusions: The participants in this study faced their rare disease obstacless with courage. Appreciation of their varied disease experiences contributes to a fund of limited information on rare disease experiences.
A transformational study abroad process model for nursing educators consideration
Authors: Moorefield Grace E.
Published: October 2017

Objective: Preparing nursing students within the college or university setting to make a positive difference in today’s global society increasingly includes opportunities to study abroad. Maximizing the transformational benefits of these experiences while minimizing the potential ill effects must be a focus of those who develop and implement these programs. This research was conducted to better understand the entire study abroad experience from the student point of view in order to develop a holistic model for nurse educators to utilize in the development of curricular and support programming.Methods: A descriptive, qualitative survey with 72 baccalaureate nursing and other art and science degree alumni from a mid-sized, private, Christian university in the United States who studied for a semester in a third world country was conducted. These participants provided essay answers to four questions regarding the impact, challenges, and opportunities appreciated throughout their study abroad experience, as well as recommendations for future study abroad programming. The responses were analyzed and the results compared with the theoretical framework upon which the study was based.Results and conclusion: Five major components of a transformative study abroad experience were exemplified. The first related to the characteristics of the sojourner, and the remaining four to a comprehensive patterned experiential process by which students moved through their study abroad experience towards transformation and action. The findings provide both a conceptual model and practical insights for nurse educators to consider as they prepare future nurses to engage their world for good through study abroad experiences.
The Brazilian Electricity Supply for 2030: A Projection Based on Economic, Environmental and Technical Criteria
Authors: Moore Claudia Cristina Sanchez , Rego Erik Eduardo , Kulay Luiz
Published: October 2017

The expansion of the Brazilian energy supply from fossil sources prompted environmental concerns about the emission of Green House Gases (GHG). Furthermore, the Brazilian government was committed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to reduce GHG emissions by 43% by 2030, compared to 2005. The aim of this study was to design the Brazilian electricity mix for 2030, while taking into account economic, technical and environmental criteria. In order to get this, Linear Programming optimization has been applied to obtain an electricity matrix with minimum cost of the Brazilian electricity generation system, considering GHG emission constraints – defined via the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique –, as well as capacity generation and supply needs. In addition, LCA was also applied to obtain the environmental performance of the projected scenario and results were compared with those of 2005 and 2015. The analysis depicted that renewable sources represent 88% of the projected Brazilian electricity production in 2030, mainly hydropower, which accounts for 66%. In terms of Climate Change there is an impact reduction of 12% compared to 2005, while other categories such as Ionized Radiation and Terrestrial Ecotoxicity doubled and upped more than forty times. These findings led to conclude that environmental management should not be limited to GHG analysis, and must encompass other adverse effects. Moreover, this reinforces the importance of conducting analyses such as those provided by the LCA approach and include these results in the planning and decision-making processes of the energy sector.
Sub-Saharan African Countries’ Dependence on the External Inflation: Empirical Evidence Using Copulas
Authors: Frascaroli Bruno Ferreira , Oliveira Jailson Da Conceição Teixeira de
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to estimate the dependence between the inflation, given by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), in part of the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries with the CPI observed in the Euro Monetary Zone (EMZ) countries. To achieve this goal, we adopted the empirical methodology of Copulas, which was used in the analysis of the CPI, in bivariate models context. The results were controlled by the countries which adopted fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes. They suggest that the CPI in the sampled countries which adopted fixed exchange rate regimes, as Sao Tome and Principe, Benin, the countries of the West African Economic and the Monetary Union (WAEMU), Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Togo had more significant dependence relationship with the Euro. On the other hand, the countries which adopted flexible exchange rate regimes as Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Senegal and Togo presented dependence on upper tail of the distribution, i.e., for the periods of increasing in the CPI. Maybe, it means that those countries had inelastic demands for tradable goods coming from the EMZ countries. We conclude that the imported inflation is an important issue to be considered by the policy makers of developing countries such as the studied, mainly for those which adopted fixed regimes, eventually change to flexible exchange regimes.
Persuasiveness in Tourism Brochures
Authors: Sattar Farah M.
Published: October 2017

This paper aims at examining the linguistic persuasiveness techniques based on Grice Maxims (1975) which are employed in Iraqi and Malaysian brochures, beside comparing the violations of Grice Maxims (1975) in Iraqi and Malaysian brochures. Beside that to verify a key hypothesis in this study that the violation of Grice Maxims is a basic pragmatic strategy in advertising to achieve persuasion. Qualitative method has been adopted while analyzing the data. The frequency of every violation has been counted and given a percentage. The results have shown a new dimension added to the previous literature, quantity maxim is frequently violated in Iraqi brochures. Quality maxim is the most violated maxim in Malaysian brochures. Furthermore ellipsis is highly used in Iraqi brochures while hyperbole is frequently used in Malaysian brochures to persuade the tourist. Furthermore the recent results confirm the key hypothesis through the instances of frequent violations of the maxims in both Iraqi and Malaysian brochures which persuade and tempt the reader to head to these destinations. The present study supports Leech’s (1966) goals of advertising. Memorability, Force and Participation exist in all the data in both contexts. Violations of Grice Maxims contribute to these goals. Simply because these violations strengthen the message of the brochures and give additional non-literal interpretation. The study suggests to carry out a further research on persuasion linguistic techniques used in tourism brochures about different cities and towns around the world adopting different theories.
Identification of Triphthongs in Pakistani English
Authors: Farooq Mahwish , Mahmood Asim
Published: October 2017

The present research deals with the identification of triphthongs in Pakistani English (PakE). A triphthong is the combination of three different vowels. There are five triphthongs in English (Roach, 2009) but those are absent in PakE due to the language variation phenomenon. As, we know that every language has a different lingual approach than the other therefore, if we find any similarity that is just a matter of chance and coincidence nothing else. So, in the current research, it is proposed that the native language, Urdu would affect standard pronunciation or RP in Pakistan. For the confirmation of this hypothesis, two experimental approaches are selected for the identification of triphthongs and their acoustic behavior in PakE. Therefore, sixty Pakistani speakers have been selected as a population of the research. Afterwards their speech has been recorded and analyzed in anechoic chamber. In the first step, the auditory approach has selected which reported varied vocalic segments by using syllable count method. In the second step, for knowing the acoustic behavior, the identified segments have been further investigated in PRAAT software. Then, data analysis and results have confirmed that Urdu influences and transforms the acoustic features of PakE. It is also confirmed that PakE has two triphthongs; (i) /ʊae/ (at word final position) and (ii) /ʊaɪ/ (at word medial position) which are not the part of RP phonetic inventory.
Problems in Sentence Construction at HSSC Level in Pakistan
Authors: Din Muhammad , Ghani Mamuna
Published: October 2017

This study entitled “Problems in the Construction of Sentence at HSSC Level in Pakistan” strives to unearth the problems faced by the students in learning sentence structure through literature and the facts regarding the role of literature as a teaching tool in teaching English as a second/foreign language with reference to the construction of sentence at Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) level in Pakistan. This study also investigates how much the students learn English sentence structure through literature. To achieve the set objectives of this study, the researcher went for the quantitative research methodology. So, a questionnaire comprising of 30 items encompassing the different aspects of sentence structure was designed to collect data from 600 subjects (male/female) of HSSC (Higher Secondary School Certificate) level. The researcher has also conducted an achievement test so that a correlation might be drawn between their attitude towards “teaching English sentence structure through literature” and the score of their achievement test. The collected data were analyzed through software package (SPSS XX) which is commonly used in applied linguistics. The findings of this study explicitly reveal that the EFL learners remain unable to learn and develop both the contraction of sentence and syntactic skills when they are taught English through literature. This study recommends that the teaching of English should be application oriented and task-based strategies and activities should be resorted to by the FL educators.
Acoustic Analysis of Front Vowels /Ɛ/ and /æ/ in Pakistani Punjabi English
Authors: Farooq Mahwish , Mahmood Asim
Published: October 2017

The current research is done for the verification of two different claims. According to Kachru, (2005) that Punjabi English speakers are unable to create distinction between /Ɛ/ and /æ/ front vowels but Bilal et al. (2011) has refused this claim after verifying it in the speech of Punjabi speakers of Sargodha, Pakistan. If Bilal is right than there is a big need to study this claim in broader perspective. Therefore, in the current research, 9720 utterances (of 72 native Punjabi speakers from 12 districts of Punjab, Pakistan) are recorded and analyzed in PRAAT software. Data analysis is done in two steps i.e., (i) auditory analysis is done by listening wave files and (ii) acoustic analysis is based on the measurement of first three formant values (F1, F2, F3) and vowels’ duration. The results clarify that Pakistani Punjabi English speakers have maintained difference in short and long, stressed and unstressed articulation at word initial and medial positions. But the limited number of Lahori Punjabians could not maintain this difference at word medial position only. Consequently, this research highly supports Bilal’s claim in broader perspective but we cannot totally deny Kachru’s claim. Because we have also find traces of /Ɛ/ and /æ/ merger in our data as well and the reason might be the selection of research sample.
Why do Sensory Experiences in Autism Vary? An Explanation from Cognitive Linguistics
Authors: Batool Huma , Shehzad Wasima
Published: October 2017

Sensory perceptual experiences are now directly associated with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Given that autism is a heterogenous disorder, literature abounds in evidences that report varied sensory perceptual issues affecting daily lives of individuals with autism. One question that motivated the current study is “Why do they report to have varied sensory profiles?” The answer lies in the way their bodies interact with the world around them—theory of embodiment in cognitive linguistics. Thirteen children with autism were observed through SPCR (Sensory Profile Checklist Revised (Bogdashina, 2003)) against 20 categories, which Bogdashina (2003) refers to as their bodily resources. Out of seven modalities, only three—vision, hearing and proprioception—were studied for current study. The findings were consistent with the embodiment thesis offered by cognitive linguistics—human beings are embodied beings.
Metadiscursive Role of Author(s)’s Exclusive Pronouns in Pakistani Research Discourses
Authors: Abbas Akhtar , Shehzad Wasima
Published: October 2017

Exploiting author(s)’s exclusivity in academic and research discourses has been manifested with various viewpoints within the broader spectrum of formality versus informality, subjectivity versus objectivity, and self-display versus self-effacement. The interpersonal role of self-mentioning from metadiscursive perspective of text and reader orientedness has been neglected in this whole debate. The current study explores these metadiscursive functions of author(s)’s exclusive pronouns in 104 research articles published in Pakistani research journals from hard and soft fields in order to establish their metadiscursive role in research discourses especially. This role, furthermore, determines the extent of association/affinity of these pronouns with Hyland’s (2005) interactive and interactional categories of metadiscourse. There were 308 metadiscursive author(s)’s exclusive pronouns found performing 464 interpersonal functions of metadiscourse revealing multifunctional nature of these pronouns. Firstly, interactive affinity of author(s)’s exclusivity was found more than interactional association with frequency of 291 and 173 respectively. Secondly, among interactive roles, framing discourse (Frame Markers i.e., FM) through these pronouns is the most visible schematic pattern with the value of 48%. On the other hand, thirdly, Boosters i.e., BST, among interactional metadiscourse, in associative behavior with author(s)’s exclusive pronouns occur with highest rate i.e., 55%. Finally, author(s)’s exclusive pronouns were observed to be showing bi-covalent and tri-covalent metadiscursive bond suggesting multifunctional interpersonal role of author(s)’s exclusivity. In the light of these findings, we suggest an Associative Interpersonal Model of Author(s)’s Exclusivity (AIMAE) which is promising in exploring author(s)’s affinity with certain cognitive patterns of metadiscursive interaction.
Enkele opmerkingen over de invoering van de Curaçaose Landsverordening inzake Concurrentie en de instelling van een Curaçaose mededingingsautoriteit
Authors: Bakker Sjoerd
Published: October 2017

Enkele opmerkingen over de invoering van de Curaçaose Landsverordening inzake Concurrentie en de instelling van een Curaçaose mededingingsautoriteit

Deze bijdrage beoogt een introductie te geven van het Curaçaose mededingingsrecht. In deze bijdrage zal achtereenvolgens worden stilgestaan bij (1) de achtergronden voor invoering van genoemde Landsverordening op Curaçao en de vraag in hoeverre kleinere jurisdicties als die van Curaçao (überhaupt) regels nodig hebben die de economische mededinging reguleren en aan banden leggen, (2) de belangrijkste verschillen en overeenkomsten tussen de Landsverordening Concurrentie en de Nederlandse Mededingingswet (Mw) en (3) de vraag hoe de publiek- en privaatrechtelijke handhaving van de nieuwe Landsverordening eruit zal (kunnen gaan) zien.
Viasat: een duidelijke waterscheiding tussen Altmark en artikel 106 lid 2 VWEU?
Authors: Aalbers Maarten
Published: October 2017

Viasat: een duidelijke waterscheiding tussen Altmark en artikel 106 lid 2 VWEU?

In het Altmark-arrest koos het Hof van Justitie voor een zogeheten ‘voorwaardelijke compensatiebenadering’ voor diensten van algemeen economisch belang. Compensaties die voldoen aan de Altmark-voorwaarden vormen geen staatssteun. Omdat er in de praktijk weinig compensaties de strikte Altmark-test doorstaan, speelt artikel 106 lid 2 VWEU nog steeds een centrale rol voor het vrijstellen of aanmelden van steunmaatregelen. In de zaak Viasat Broadcasting UK/Commissie heeft het Hof van Justitie voor het eerst de mogelijkheid gekregen zich uit te spreken over de verhouding tussen de toepassing van het Altmark-arrest en de voorwaarden van artikel 106 lid 2 VWEU.
Infineon: een light-versie van de enkele voortdurende inbreuk voor de marginale karteldeelnemer
Authors: de Jong Nienke
Published: October 2017

Infineon: een light-versie van de enkele voortdurende inbreuk voor de marginale karteldeelnemer

Afzonderlijke inbreuken op het mededingingsrecht kunnen worden samengenomen tot één enkele inbreuk wanneer de ondernemingen een gezamenlijke doelstelling nastreven en op de hoogte zijn van de gedragingen van de overige deelnemers. De Europese jurisprudentie is echter onduidelijk over de kwalificatie van de inbreuk wanneer een deelnemende onderneming geen kennis had van de gehele omvang van de inbreuk. In afwijking van de Coppens-jurisprudentie oordeelt het Gerecht in dit arrest dat deze onderneming wél deelneemt aan de enkele inbreuk, maar slechts aansprakelijk is voor de bestanddelen waarvan zij kennis had. Deze benadering kan echter vergaande gevolgen hebben, vooral vanuit civielrechtelijk perspectief.
Digitale bewijsvergaring door de ACM: herleving van het ‘buiten de reikwijdte’-argument
Authors: ten Have Floris
Published: October 2017

Digitale bewijsvergaring door de ACM: herleving van het ‘buiten de reikwijdte’-argument

In deze bijdrage bespreekt de auteur de eerste rechterlijke toetsing van de toepassing van de in 2014 van kracht geworden werkwijze voor onderzoek in digitale gegevens door de Autoriteit Consument en Markt (ACM). De relevante uitspraak is het Nederlandse voorbeeld van een serie recente zaken in verschillende jurisdicties waar inspecties in het algemeen, en digitale bewijsvergaring in het bijzonder, onder de rechterlijke loep zijn komen te liggen.
Preparation of Conductive Polyethylene Terephthalate Yarns by Deposition of Silver & Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmad Sheraz , Ashraf Munir , Ali Azam , Shaker Khubab , Umair Muhammad , Afzal Ali , Nawab Yasir , Rasheed Abher
Published: October 2017

The assemblage of textiles and electronics in a single structure has led to the development of smart textiles for functional purposes and special products. Conductive yarn as a necessary component of smart textiles is being developed by a number of techniques. The objective of the current study was to impart conductivity to yarn by coating the silver and copper nanoparticles on the surface of multifilament polyester textile fibres. The surface morphology and electrical conductivity of the coated yarns were investigated. The wash ability of the conductive yarns developed was also studied. The yarns showed good retention of the nanoparticles, as proven by the very small loss of the conductivity of the material.
Effects of Optimal Mordanting on the Bleaching and Spinning of Black Yak Fibres
Authors: Liu Chan , Su Xuzhong , Su Xuzhong , Xie Chunping , Liu Xinjin
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the orthogonal analysis method was adopted to analyse the optimal mordanting condition for the bleaching of black yak fibres. Without changing the subsequent oxidative/reducing bleaching technology, the optimal mordanting condition was as follows: per weight of water, the ferrous ion concentration is 16%, the sodium bisulfate concentration 3 g/l, the mordanting temperature 60 °C and the liquor pH value is 2. Based on the optimal mordanting condition, yak fibres were bleached. The properties of bleached and untreated yak fibres and yarns were tested by a fibre tensile tester, scanning electron microscopy, yarn strength tester, USTER Tester 5 and so on. By comparing the properties of untreated and bleached yak fibres and yarns, the effects of optimal mordanting on the bleaching and spinning of black yak fibres were presented. The results show that bleached yak fibres have poorer mechanical and morphology properties, and it is harder to felt for bleached fibres. For the spinning of 16.7 tex yarn, a complete condensing spinning system was adopted, and the performances of bleached fibre yarn decreased in the permissible range compared with the untreated fibre yarn.
Immunization Effect of Sodium Aluminate on Wool
Authors: Sirvaityte Justa , Beleska Kestutis , Alaburdaite Rasa , Komiciute Ineta , Valeika Virgilijus
Published: October 2017

C.I. Reactive Black 5 (RB5) is the most commonly used dye in the textile industry. Ozone is a strong oxidan that can decompose many barely degradable pollutants, including dyes. Although there are many literature reports devoted to the treatment of textile wastewater and dye solutions by ozone, the ozonation mechanism and modeling of the kinetics is still not well covered. In this work a kinetic model of the process of RB5 decolourisation by ozone has been proposed and validated on the basis of experimental data. The experiments were carried out in a liquid-liquid system to avoid mass transfer limitation. A model was established for acid reaction medium. The main RB5 reaction was direct oxidation of the dye with molecular ozone. The self-decomposition of ozone in liquid phase was taken into account and described by an empirical equation. The reaction rate constants of RB5 with ozone were estimated from the experimental data in the range of (1.88 ± 0.08) × 104 – (2.53 ± 0.10) × 105 M-1s-1 (invariant with initial dye concentration). An empirical equation k2′ = 1.06 × 108(COH−)0.31 was built for the constant to make it dependent on the pH value. A solution of the non-linear inverse problem allowed for identification of the kinetic constants on the basis of the experimental data obtained. The model gave a good match between the prediction and experimental data for pH between 1.88 and 4.0.
A shark attack treated in a tertiary care centre: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Roy Mélissa , Plant Mathew A , Snell Laura
Published: October 2017

Although uncommon, shark attacks can lead to devastating outcomes for victims. Surgeons also face unique challenges during operative management such as exsanguination, shock, specific injury patterns and infections. This case report presents the management of a 39-year-old previously healthy female attacked by a shark while on vacation in Mexico. The patient sustained severe injuries to her left arm and her left thigh. She was transferred to a Canadian institution after ambiguous operative management in Mexico and presented with no clear antibiotic coverage and a Volkman’s contracture of the left upper extremity. In total, the patient underwent four washouts of wounds, two split-thickness skin grafts, one free anterolateral thigh flap, and one free transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction and salvage of the left lower extremity. This article highlights the specifics of this case and describes important points in managing these devastating injuries.
The "Ownership" of Churches: Ethnic, Racial, and Language Groups in U.S. Catholicism
Authors: Hoover Brett C.
Published: October 2017

Traditional understandings of ownership emphasize legal or economic property rights, but these conceptions come up short when examining faith communities in the United States context, where congregants often feel and act as “owners,” regardless of legal property rights. International migration to the United States further complicates this “felt ownership” within faith communities, as distinct racial, ethnic, or language groups compete or cooperate around their claims of ownership. In those Roman Catholic faith communities known as “shared parishes,” where multiple racial, ethnic, or language groups have separate worship and ministries but share facilities and leadership (Hoover 2014), the complex negotiations of sharing demonstrate the power dynamics between groups. A two-year case study of three such parishes in the Los Angeles area shows how the “felt ownership” of particular groups is privileged or limited by the various factors that shape the often asymmetrical power dynamics between the groups in U.S. society.
Split-Thickness Skin Grafts to the Foot and Ankle of Diabetic Patients
Authors: Sanniec Kyle , Nguyen Tea , van Asten Suzanne , Fontaine Javier La , Lavery Lawrence A.
Published: October 2017

Background:

There is an increased prevalence of foot ulceration in patients with diabetes, leading to hospitalization. Early wound closure is necessary to prevent further infections and, ultimately, lower-limb amputations. There is no current evidence stating that an elevated preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level is a contraindication to skin grafting. The purpose of this review was to determine whether elevated HbA1c levels are a contraindication to the application of skin grafts in diabetic patients.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of 53 consecutive patients who underwent split-thickness skin graft application to the lower extremity between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015. A uniform surgical technique was used across all of the patients. A comparison of HbA1c levels between failed and healed skin grafts was reviewed.

Results:

Of 43 surgical sites (41 patients) that met the inclusion criteria, 27 healed with greater than 90% graft take and 16 had a skin graft that failed. There was no statistically significant difference in HbA1c levels in the group that healed a skin graft compared with the group in which skin graft failed to adhere.

Conclusions:

Preliminary data suggest that an elevated HbA1c level is not a contraindication to application of a skin graft. The benefits of early wound closure outweigh the risks of skin graft application in patients with diabetes.
Hiking with Diabetes
Authors: Jenkins David W. , Jenks Alexander
Published: October 2017

Background:

Exercise is highly beneficial for persons with diabetes. Similar to many other patients, those with diabetes may be reluctant to exercise given a lack of motivation and proper instruction regarding an exercise prescription. In general, medical providers are poorly equipped to develop an exercise prescription and furnish motivation. Attempts to find activities that not only provide effective aerobic challenges but also are enjoyable to participate in are fraught with difficulty. Hiking as a potential option for a safe and enjoyable activity is discussed, including the possible downsides.

Methods:

Multiple publications were reviewed using key words.

Results:

A review of the literature uncovered limited publications or controlled trials that discussed the use of hiking per se as an activity for the management of diabetes. Newer studies reviewing weightbearing exercise and diabetic polyneuropathy and those discussing the advantages of trekking poles for balance and proprioception are cited in support of the recommendation for hiking as an activity for those with diabetes.

Conclusions:

Exercise has been shown to substantially benefit individuals with diabetes, but convincing patients with diabetes to exercise is daunting. Hiking, unlike other, more tedious exercise programs, may be an exercise option that persons with diabetes might find enjoyable. Hiking may encourage balance training and reduced ground reaction forces. These benefits may be augmented by trekking poles, which may likewise counter the concerns of the uneven surfaces that present challenges to the hiker with diabetes.
Rate of and Factors Associated with Ambulation After Unilateral Major Lower-Limb Amputation at an Urban US Tertiary-Care Hospital with a Multidisciplinary Limb Salvage Team
Authors: Sansosti Laura E. , Crowell Amanda , Choi Eric T. , Meyr Andrew J.
Published: October 2017

Background:

One relatively universal functional goal after major lower-limb amputation is ambulation in a prosthesis. This retrospective, observational investigation sought to 1) determine what percentage of patients successfully walked in a prosthesis within 1 year after major limb amputation and 2) assess which patient factors might be associated with ambulation at an urban US tertiary-care hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective medical record review was performed to identify consecutive patients undergoing major lower-limb amputation.

Results:

The overall rate of ambulation in a prosthesis was 29.94% (50.0% of those with unilateral below-the-knee amputation [BKA] and 20.0% of those with unilateral above-the-knee amputation [AKA]). In 24.81% of patients with unilateral BKA or AKA, a secondary surgical procedure of the amputation site was required. In those with unilateral BKA or AKA, statistically significant factors associated with ambulation included male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.50) and at least 6 months of outpatient follow-up (OR = 8.10), survival for at least 1 postoperative year (OR = 8.98), ambulatory preamputation (OR = 14.40), returned home after the amputation (OR = 6.12), and healing of the amputation primarily without a secondary surgical procedure (OR = 3.62). Those who had a history of dementia (OR = 0.00), a history of peripheral arterial disease (OR = 0.35), and a preamputation history of ipsilateral limb revascularization (OR = 0.14) were less likely to walk. We also observed that patients with a history of outpatient evaluation by a podiatric physician before major amputation were 2.63 times as likely to undergo BKA as opposed to AKA and were 2.90 times as likely to walk after these procedures.

Conclusions:

These results add to the body of knowledge regarding outcomes after major amputation and could be useful in the education and consent of patients faced with major amputation.
Ancient divergence time estimates inEutropis rugiferasupport the existence of Pleistocene barriers on the exposed Sunda Shelf
Authors: Karin Benjamin R. , Das Indraneil , Jackman Todd R. , Bauer Aaron M.
Published: October 2017

Episodic sea level changes that repeatedly exposed and inundated the Sunda Shelf characterize the Pleistocene. Available evidence points to a more xeric central Sunda Shelf during periods of low sea levels, and despite the broad land connections that persisted during this time, some organisms are assumed to have faced barriers to dispersal between land-masses on the Sunda Shelf.Eutropis rugiferais a secretive, forest adapted scincid lizard that ranges across the Sunda Shelf. In this study, we sequenced one mitochondrial (ND2) and four nuclear (BRCA1,BRCA2,RAG1, andMC1R) markers and generated a time-calibrated phylogeny in BEAST to test whether divergence times between Sundaic populations ofE. rugiferaoccurred during Pleistocene sea-level changes, or if they predate the Pleistocene. We find thatE. rugiferashows pre-Pleistocene divergences between populations on different Sundaic land-masses. The earliest divergence withinE. rugiferaseparates the Philippine samples from the Sundaic samples approximately 16 Ma; the Philippine populations thus cannot be considered conspecific with Sundaic congeners. Sundaic populations diverged approximately 6 Ma, and populations within Borneo from Sabah and Sarawak separated approximately 4.5 Ma in the early Pliocene, followed by further cladogenesis in Sarawak through the Pleistocene. Divergence of peninsular Malaysian populations from the Mentawai Archipelago occurred approximately 5 Ma. Separation among island populations from the Mentawai Archipelago likely dates to the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary approximately 3.5 Ma, and our samples from peninsular Malaysia appear to coalesce in the middle Pleistocene, about 1 Ma. Coupled with the monophyly of these populations, these divergence times suggest that despite consistent land-connections between these regions throughout the PleistoceneE. rugiferastill faced barriers to dispersal, which may be a result of environmental shifts that accompanied the sea-level changes.
Inferring microevolution from museum collections and resampling: lessons learned fromCepaea
Authors: Ożgo Małgorzata , Liew Thor-Seng , Webster Nicole B. , Schilthuizen Menno
Published: October 2017

Natural history collections are an important and largely untapped source of long-term data on evolutionary changes in wild populations. Here, we utilize three large geo-referenced sets of samples of the common European land-snailCepaea nemoralisstored in the collection of Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, the Netherlands. Resampling of these populations allowed us to gain insight into changes occurring over 95, 69, and 50 years.Cepaea nemoralisis polymorphic for the colour and banding of the shell; the mode of inheritance of these patterns is known, and the polymorphism is under both thermal and predatory selection. At two sites the general direction of changes was towards lighter shells (yellow and less heavily banded), which is consistent with predictions based on on-going climatic change. At one site no directional changes were detected. At all sites there were significant shifts in morph frequencies between years, and our study contributes to the recognition that short-term changes in the states of populations often exceed long-term trends. Our interpretation was limited by the few time points available in the studied collections. We therefore stress the need for natural history collections to routinely collect large samples of common species, to allow much more reliable hind-casting of evolutionary responses to environmental change.
Unravelling the ontogeny of a Devonian early gnathostome, the “acanthodian”Triazeugacanthus affinis(eastern Canada)
Authors: Chevrinais Marion , Sire Jean-Yves , Cloutier Richard
Published: October 2017

The study of vertebrate ontogenies has the potential to inform us of shared developmental patterns and processes among organisms. However, fossilised ontogenies of early vertebrates are extremely rare during the Palaeozoic Era. A growth series of the Late Devonian “acanthodian”Triazeugacanthus affinis, from the MiguashaFossil-Fish Lagerstätte, is identified as one of the best known early vertebrate fossilised ontogenies given the exceptional preservation, the large size range, and the abundance of specimens. Morphological, morphometric, histological and chemical data are gathered on a growth series ofTriazeugacanthusranging from 4 to 52 mm in total length. The developmental trajectory of this Devonian “acanthodian” is characteristic of fishes showing a direct development with alternating steps and thresholds. Larvae show no squamation but a progressive appearance of cartilaginous neurocranial and vertebral elements, and appendicular elements, whereas juveniles progress in terms of ossification and squamation. The presence of cartilaginous and bony tissues, discriminated on histological and chemical signatures, shows a progressive mineralisation of neurocranial and vertebral elements. Comparison among different body proportions for larvae, juveniles and adults suggest allometric growth in juveniles. Because of the phylogenetic position of “acanthodians”,Triazeugacanthusontogeny informs us about deep time developmental conditions in gnathostomes.
Respiratory syncytial virus genotypes NA1, ON1, and BA9 are prevalent in Thailand, 2012–2015
Authors: Thongpan Ilada , Mauleekoonphairoj John , Vichiwattana Preeyaporn , Korkong Sumeth , Wasitthankasem Rujipat , Vongpunsawad Sompong , Poovorawan Yong
Published: October 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children worldwide. To investigate the RSV burden in Thailand over four consecutive years (January 2012 to December 2015), we screened 3,306 samples obtained from children ≤5 years old with acute respiratory tract infection using semi-nested reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In all, 8.4% (277/3,306) of the specimens tested positive for RSV, most of which appeared in the rainy months of July to November. We then genotyped RSV by sequencing the G glycoprotein gene and performed phylogenetic analysis to determine the RSV antigenic subgroup. The majority (57.4%, 159/277) of the RSV belonged to subgroup A (RSV-A), of which NA1 genotype was the most common in 2012 while ON1 genotype became prevalent the following year. Among samples tested positive for RSV-B subgroup B (RSV-B) (42.6%, 118/277), most were genotype BA9 (92.6%, 87/94) with some BA10 and BA-C. Predicted amino acid sequence from the partial G region showed highly conserved N-linked glycosylation site at residue N237 among all RSV-A ON1 strains (68/68), and at residues N296 (86/87) and N310 (87/87) among RSV-B BA9 strains. Positive selection of key residues combined with notable sequence variations on the G gene contributed to the continued circulation of this rapidly evolving virus.
Uncertainty of 1‐D Fracture Intensity Measurements
Authors: Lu Y. C. , Tien Y. M. , Juang C. H.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents an analytical solution for quantifying the uncertainty of a one‐dimensional (1‐D) fracture intensity (P10) measurement, which counts fracture number per sampling length. The analytical solution is derived based upon P10 measurements in a wide range of scenarios from a single fracture to multiple fractures and from finite length of the scan line to infinite length of the scan line. The results show that the uncertainty of a P10 measurement can be expressed through the variance of a Poisson distribution. Furthermore, the analytical solution is verified via numerical simulation. This is carried out by generating a three‐dimensional (3‐D) fracture model that was sampled by scan lines considering the associated uncertainties. The results of the numerical simulation agree well with the analytical solution. Examples of possible applications are then provided.
Mechanisms of Saturn's Near‐Noon Transient Aurora: In Situ Evidence From Cassini Measurements
Authors: Yao Z. H. , Radioti A. , Rae I. J. , Liu J. , Grodent D. , Ray L. C. , Badman S. V. , Coates A. J. , Gérard J.‐C. , Waite J. H. , Yates J. N. , Shi Q. Q. , Wei Y. , Bonfond B. , Dougherty M. K. , Roussos E. , Sergis N. , Palmaerts B.
Published: October 2017

Although auroral emissions at giant planets have been observed for decades, the physical mechanisms of aurorae at giant planets remain unclear. One key reason is the lack of simultaneous measurements in the magnetosphere while remote sensing of the aurora. We report a dynamic auroral event identified with the Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) at Saturn on 13 July 2008 with coordinated measurements of the magnetic field and plasma in the magnetosphere. The auroral intensification was transient, only lasting for ∼30 min. The magnetic field and plasma are perturbed during the auroral intensification period. We suggest that this intensification was caused by wave mode conversion generated field‐aligned currents, and we propose two potential mechanisms for the generation of this plasma wave and the transient auroral intensification. A survey of the Cassini UVIS database reveals that this type of transient auroral intensification is very common (10/11 time sequences, and ∼10% of the total images).
MAVEN Observations of the Effects of Crustal Magnetic Fields on Electron Density and Temperature in the Martian Dayside Ionosphere
Authors: Flynn Casey L. , Vogt Marissa F. , Withers Paul , Andersson Laila , England Scott , Liu Guiping
Published: October 2017

Mars lacks a global magnetic field but possesses concentrated regions of crustal magnetic field that influence the planet's interaction with the solar wind and the structure of the Martian ionosphere. In this study we survey 17 months of MAVEN Langmuir Probe and Waves dayside electron density and temperature measurements to study how these quantities are affected in regions with strong crustal magnetic fields. Above 200 km altitude, we find that regions of strong crustal magnetic fields feature cooler electron temperatures and enhanced electron densities compared to regions with little or no crustal magnetic field. Neutral densities and temperatures are not significantly affected. Closed field lines on which electrons can be trapped are more prevalent in strong crustal field regions than elsewhere. Trapped on closed field lines, electrons are protected against loss processes involving the solar wind. This would lead to longer plasma lifetimes, higher densities, and lower temperatures.