bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ALK Testing Trends and Patterns Among Community Practices in the United States
Authors: Illei Peter B. , Wong William , Wu Ning , Chu Laura , Gupta Ravindra , Schulze Katja , Gubens Matthew A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Targeted therapy of ALK in patients with metastatic nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ALK rearrangements improves outcomes compared with chemotherapy. This study assessed real-world ALK testing patterns among community practices in the United States in patients with advanced (stage IIIB or IV) NSCLC.

Methods

Patients age ≥ 18 years with two or more visits within the Flatiron Health electronic health record–derived database after January 2011 and diagnosed with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC through May 2017 were included in this analysis. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between demographic and clinical characteristics and testing for ALK rearrangements.

Results

Of 31,483 patients analyzed from the database, 16,726 patients (53.1%) were tested for ALK rearrangements. ALK testing rates were 66.9% and 18.5% in patients with nonsquamous and squamous histology, respectively. Average ALK testing rates increased over time from 32.4% in 2011 to 62.1% in 2016. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was the most common ALK testing method. Agreement between fluorescent in situ hybridization and other assays ranged from 94.1% to 97.9%. Median (interquartile range) time from laboratory receipt of sample to first ALK test result was 7 (7) days; median time from advanced diagnosis to first ALK test result was 25 (29) days. Patients who were older, male, had a history of smoking, lived in non-Western US regions, and who had recurrent disease or squamous histology were less likely to be tested for ALK. Patients with Medicaid and Medicare insurance were less likely to be tested than patients with commercial insurance. Overall, 21.5% of patients initiated therapy (20.4% chemotherapy) before receiving test results.

Conclusion

ALK testing rates have increased over time. However, certain subgroups of patients are less likely to be tested, suggesting that additional education on molecular testing is warranted.
Real-Time Measurement of Xenon Concentration in a Binary Gas Mixture Using a Modified Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight Anesthesia Gas Flowmeter: A Technical Feasibility Study
Authors: Williams David J. , Hallewell Gregory D. , Chakkarapani Ela , Dingley John
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND:

Xenon (Xe) is an anesthetic gas licensed for use in some countries. Fractional concentrations (%) of gases in a Xe:oxygen (O2) mixture are typically measured using a thermal conductivity meter and fuel cell, respectively. Speed of sound in such a binary gas mixture is related to fractional concentration, temperature, pressure, and molar masses of the component gases. We therefore performed a study to assess the feasibility of developing a novel single sterilizable device that uses ultrasound time-of-flight to measure both real-time flowmetry and fractional gas concentration of Xe in O2.

METHODS:

For the purposes of the feasibility study, we adapted an ultrasonic time-of-flight flowmeter from a conventional anesthetic machine to additionally measure real-time fractional concentration of Xe in O2. A total of 5095 readings of Xe % were taken in the range 5%–95%, and compared with simultaneous measurements from the gold standard of a commercially available thermal conductivity Xe analyzer.

RESULTS:

Ultrasonic measurements of Xe (%) showed agreement with thermal conductivity meter measurements, but there was marked discontinuity in the middle of the measurement range. Bland-Altman analysis (95% confidence interval in parentheses) yielded: mean difference (bias) 3.1% (2.9%–3.2%); lower 95% limit of agreement −4.6% (−4.8% to −4.4%); and upper 95% limit of agreement 10.8% (10.5%–11.0%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The adapted ultrasonic flowmeter estimated Xe (%), but the level of accuracy is insufficient for clinical use. With further work, it may be possible to develop a device to perform both flowmetry and binary gas concentration measurement to a clinically acceptable degree of accuracy.
Token Survival Guide
Authors: Pinkard Michelle J.
Published: October 2018

“Token Survival Guide” celebrates the spirit of resistance and individuality. The poem explores and broadens limited perceptions of identity.
Sassy Mouths, Unfettered Spirits, and the Neo-Lynching of Korryn Gaines and Sandra Bland
Authors: Spencer Zoe , Perlow Olivia N.
Published: October 2018

This work develops and conceptualizes a new theory, Post Traumatic Slave Master Syndrome, that is utilized to critically correlate historic patterns of lynching Black women to contemporary violent state (actor) responses to Black women’s resistance, specifically relating to the neo-lynching of Korryn Gaines and Sandra Bland. This work deviates from the tradition of analyzing the history and contemporary effects of racism and white supremacy, patriarchy, lynching, policing, and state-sponsored violence from the perspective of the effects upon the victim and instead critiques how white supremacy affects the perpetrator. This chapter contributes to ensuring that Black women resisters continue to #SayHerName.
Can continuity bring birth back to women and normality back to midwives?
Authors: Moncrieff Gill
Published: October 2018

Continuity of midwifery care, and caseload care in particular, is associated with a vast and varied array of improved outcomes for mothers and their families, including reduced intervention, reduced need for analgesia in labour, reduced preterm birth, and improved satisfaction with the birth experience. Caseload models of care may also increase midwives' satisfaction with their role and, contrary to what is often thought, may result in an improved work-life balance, and reduced burnout when compared to models of standard care. This article discusses how caseload midwifery might result in both women and midwives becoming more empowered and autonomous, and may facilitate a redirection of midwifery philosophy back to promoting and protecting normal birth.
Acupuncture versus antidepressants in the management of postpartum depression: A systematic review
Authors: Komori Akari , Arthur David , Radford Samara , Tan Hsiewe Ying , Zheng Li , An Mira , Umeda Rika , Zheng Zhen
Published: October 2018

Background

Antidepressants for postnatal depression may not be acceptable to women and so many may seek alternative therapies.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for postnatal depression compared with antidepressant treatment.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean databases. Details of the trials were extracted and analysed.

Findings

Of the 1592 studies reviewed, three met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis. Two studies reported no significant differences between acupuncture and fluoxetine for depression, while the third reported significant improvements.

Conclusions

Acupuncture in postpartum depression was at least as effective as fluoxetine hydrochloride, supporting the notion that acupuncture may be a safe and effective option.
Feeding tube securement in critical illness: implications for safety
Authors: Taylor Stephen J , Allan Kaylee , Clemente Rowan , Marsh Aidan , Toher Deirdre
Published: October 2018

Over 50 % of tape-secured feeding tubes are inadvertently lost. The impact of nasal bridle securement on nasogastric (NG) and nasointestinal (NI) tube loss, outcome and duration of use was determined from 1 October 2014 (NG) and 1 January 2010 respectively to 31 December 2017. From this and published data, the potential impact of nasal bridles on major complications was determined. Use of nasal bridles was independently associated with: an 80% reduction in inadvertent NI tube loss (odds ratio (OR): 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2: 0.12-0.33, p<0.0001); increased duration of tube use (2.2 days, 95% CI: 0.7-3.7, p= 0.004); and an almost threefold likelihood of tubes being used until no longer needed (OR: 2.8, 95%CI: 1.9-4.3, p<0.0001). In a single-room intensive care unit, inadvertent tube loss dropped from 53% to 9% and tube redundancy (tube no longer required) rose from 20% to 64%. UK-wide bridle securement, by reducing premature tube loss and the need for replacement by 40%, could be associated with 1422 fewer pneumonias or pneumothoraces and 768 fewer deaths.
Adult pressure area care: preventing pressure ulcers
Authors: Mitchell Aby
Published: October 2018

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are caused by tissue damage when the blood supply to an area of skin is diminished as a result of pressure. Although most pressure ulcers are preventable, all patients are at risk. Nurses have a central role in prevention and management of pressure areas. They should be able to assess patients' risk of developing PUs using evidence-based practice, recognised risk assessment tools and by completing a holistic assessment. Nurses must be able to identify the risk factors associated with developing PUs and implement appropriate measures to deliver harm-free care. Repositioning techniques, monitoring and ongoing care strategies are essential for pressure ulcer prevention in practice.
Bladder cancer: overview and management. Part 2: muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer
Authors: Anderson Beverley
Published: October 2018

This is Part 2 of an article on bladder cancer: an overview of disease and its management. Part 1 provided an overview of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, how the disease presents, is diagnosed and subsequently treated ( Anderson, 2018 ). Part 2 provides an overview of muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer and outlines treatment options currently available to manage the relevant stages of the disease. The management of muscle-invasive cancers comprise surgical intervention with transurethral resections, cystectomy (removal of the bladder), and systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy (multi-modality treatment). For locally advanced and metastatic disease, systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy are offered, but only as a palliative measure. The intent of treatments for muscle-invasive disease is curative. For metastatic disease, the intent is disease control, extending life, managing symptoms and improving quality-of-life outcomes. This article will include the treatments for the relevant stage of muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer and highlight the respective risks and benefits. The risk factors for bladder cancer, such as smoking, and risks associated with relevant treatments are discussed. The role of the multidisciplinary team is underlined in the management of bladder cancer, specifically the role of the uro-oncology cancer nurse specialist in the provision of reassurance and support to patients
The use of cardiac biomarkers in dogs and cats
Authors: Blake Rachel
Published: October 2018

Cardiac biomarkers can be helpful in differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac disease in dyspnoeic patients; in detecting occult heart disease; and in determining prognosis in patients with both cardiac and some non-cardiac diseases. Cardiac troponin I and N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide are the cardiac biomarkers most widely used in clinical practice and can easily be measured from a blood sample. However, there are limitations in their use, and appropriate interpretation of results is important. This article discusses the physiology of these biomarkers and the evidence available for their use in dogs and cats.
A surprise is something we can definitely learn from
Authors: Solly Kathryn
Published: October 2018

Surprise is a vital part of life. Why is it important? It turns out that it works on the dopamine system in our brains, helping us to focus our attention and inspiring us to look at our situation in new ways.
Facilitating collaborative creativity among young children
Authors: Sakr Mona
Published: October 2018

This article intends to open up the possibilities for thinking about collaborative creativity in early childhood settings, that is, how creativity unfolds in the spaces in between children and the material and social environment that surrounds them.
Love jumping in puddles
Authors: Chalmers Debbie
Published: October 2018

Splashing in puddles is one of the joys of childhood. Practitioners need to be ready to share this simple activity with children and extend its opportunities for learning whenever possible.
Hello, how are you today?
Authors: Davies Sarah
Published: October 2018

What better way to greet someone than with a simple, hey or hi? It is the most welcoming way to meet someone and to start a friendship, which is why two brothers decided to make it a celebration.
A Survey on the Image Denoising to Enhance Medical Images
Authors: Goyal Bhawna , Dogra Ayush , Agrawal Sunil , Sohi B.S.
Published: October 2018

While acquisition and transmission of images, all recording devices have physical limitations and traits which make them prone to noise. Noise manifests itself in the form of signal perturbation leading to deterred image observation, image analysis and image assessment. Image denoising is fundamental to the world of image processing. Thus any progress made in image denoising forms a stepping stone in our understanding of image processing and statistics. The basic fundamental for denoising of an image includes suppression of the noisy pixels while preserving as many information pixel as possible.. The manuscript provides the reader’s a typical foundation for image denoising.
Anabolic and antiresorptive actions of locally delivered bisphosphonates for bone repair
Authors: Qayoom I. , Raina D. B. , Širka A. , Tarasevičius Š. , Tägil M. , Kumar A. , Lidgren L.
Published: October 2018

During the last decades, several research groups have used bisphosphonates for local application to counteract secondary bone resorption after bone grafting, to improve implant fixation or to control bone resorption caused by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). We focused on zoledronate (a bisphosphonate) due to its greater antiresorptive potential over other bisphosphonates. Recently, it has become obvious that the carrier is of importance to modulate the concentration and elution profile of the zoledronic acid locally. Incorporating one fifth of the recommended systemic dose of zoledronate with different apatite matrices and types of bone defects has been shown to enhance bone regeneration significantly in vivo. We expect the local delivery of zoledronate to overcome the limitations and side effects associated with systemic usage; however, we need to know more about the bioavailability and the biological effects. The local use of BMP-2 and zoledronate as a combination has a proven additional effect on bone regeneration. This review focuses primarily on the local use of zoledronate alone, or in combination with bone anabolic factors, in various preclinical models mimicking different orthopaedic conditions.

Cite this article: I. Qayoom, D. B. Raina, A. Širka, Š. Tarasevičius, M. Tägil, A. Kumar, L. Lidgren. Anabolic and antiresorptive actions of locally delivered bisphosphonates for bone repair: A review. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:548–560. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.710.BJR-2018-0015.R2.
Different Physiognomies and the Structure of Euglossini bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Communities
Authors: Machado Clycie Aparecida da Silva , Costa Claudineia Pereira , Francoy Tiago Maurício
Published: October 2018

Our aim was to evaluate the occurrence of orchid bees in remnants of the Atlantic Forest. We sampled specimens from five regions of Southeast Brazil, covering three different physiognomies of the Atlantic Forest (mixed Araucaria forests with high altitude fields, Atlantic Semi-deciduous Forest and Atlantic Rain Forest). The distances between the sampling sites ranged from 24 to 746 km. Male orchid bees attracted by fragrances were actively sampled monthly during one year using entomological nets and aromatic traps. A total of 1,482 bees were captured, including four genera and at least 31 species. We observed differences in the abundance and richness of species sampled among sites. Climatic variables, mostly relative humidity, explained twice more of the observed differences in the Euglossini communities than simple spatial variation. Our study found differences in the composition of euglossine bee communities as well as in their patterns of abundance and dominance among different vegetation formations. However, the level of pairwise similarity among the Euglossini communities sampled, although highly variable, was not related to climatic factors or geographical distances between the sampling sites. The greatest dissimilarities in the composition of the orchid bee communities were observed between sites around 400 km from each other rather than among sites that were further apart. A possible explanation is that the sampled areas that were 400 km from each other were also highly dissimilar regarding climate, especially altitude.
New Records and Potential Distribution of the ant Gracilidris pombero Wild & Cuezzo (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Koch Elmo Borges Azevedo , Correia João Paulo Sales Oliveira , Menezes Rodolpho ST , Silvestrini Rafaella A , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , Vasconcelos Heraldo L
Published: October 2018

Gracilidris pombero Wild & Cuezzo, 2006 is an ant that remains poorly studied. Endemic from South America, its geographical distribution is known from few and scattered collection points. In this study, we present new occurrence records of G. pombero obtained through extensive collections along the Cerrado biome and the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Based on the new and existing occurrence records we produced a model of the geographic distribution of G. pombero. Modelling method was chosen based on maximization of model performance after evaluating a series of modelling approaches, including different parametrizations of the Maxent algorithm and distinct runs of the GARP algorithm. We found a total of 43 new records of G. pombero in Brazil, including the first records of this species in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Piauí, Sergipe and Tocantins. Based on our model, the areas of highest suitability of occurrence of G. pombero are located in two main zones in South America: one ranging from midwestern Brazil to southeastern Bolivia and Paraguay; and the other spanning the South of Brazil and Uruguay.
Breeding Patterns and Population Genetics of Eastern Subterranean Termites Reticulitermes flavipes in Urban Environment of Nebraska, United States
Authors: Ab Majid Abdul Hafiz , Kamble Shripat , Chen Hong
Published: October 2018

Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) has become the most destructive subterranean termite pest, on urban structures in Nebraska. In this study, we used seven microsatellite loci to infer the colony breeding system and population genetic structure among 20 infested urban structures in Nebraska. Our data revealed that 17 structures were infested by simple family colonies of R. flavipes, while, the remaining three were infested with mixed family colonies. The measure of population differentiation, FCT value (0.459) indicated that all the 20 urban colonies (10 - 410 km apart) represented pronounced levels of genetic differentiation. The Mantel test disclosed a weak and significantly-positive correlation between genetic and geographic distance (slope = 0.0009, P = 0.001). The urban populations of R. flavipes in Nebraska possessed a breeding system characterized by monogamous pairs of outbred reproductives with excessive heterozygosity.
Defensive Strategies of a Noctuid Caterpillar in a Myrmecophytic Plant: are Dyops Larvae Immune to Azteca Ants?
Authors: Ramos Renato Rogner , Freitas André Victor Lucci , Francini Ronaldo Bastos
Published: October 2018

Immature stages of insects are generally susceptive to their natural enemies, but many species developed defensive and evasive mechanisms to circumvent predation. Gregarious larvae of the noctuid moth Dyops cf. cuprescens feed on leaves of young Cecropia pachystachya shrubs colonized by Azteca ants. Ants avoid contact with larval clusters, retreating to the nest when larvae are moving near the stems. Provoked encounters revealed that Dyops caterpillars present several specialized behaviors to avoid and overcome ant attacks, such as fleeing to under leaf, jumping off the leaf, curling and wriggling vigorously the anterior portion of the body, spitting droplets of oral fluids, or killing ants by pouncing them. These mechanisms allow the caterpillars to overcome ant attacks and consume leaves of ant-colonized plants. By feeding on a heavily protected plant, larvae can enjoy not only a competitor-free plant, but possibly also the enemy-free space created by the aggressive ants.
Differentiating Iberoformica and Formica (Serviformica) with Description of the Sexual Castes of Formica (Serviformica) gerardi Bondroit, 1917 stat. rev.
Authors: Gómez Kiko , Lorite Pedro , García Federico , Espadaler Xavier , Palomeque Teresa , Sanllorente Olivia , Trager James
Published: October 2018

A list of morphological characters to separate Iberoformica and Formica (Serviformica) (F. fusca species group) is provided. Sexual forms of Formica gerardi Bondroit are described based on Iberian material and reinstated into the subgenus Serviformica based on genetic data and morphological characters. The status of †F.horrida Wheeler, 1915 is assessed.
The outcomes of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Alfina Din , Widjajanto Pudjo Hagung , Patria Suryono Yudha
Published: October 2018

Background Hyperleukocytosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an  emergency in oncology. This condition showed high mortality and relapse rates, as well as low survival rate. The outcomes of this group of patients are not yet well studied.

Objective To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with hyperleukocytosis.

Methods This was a retrospective cohort study.  The patients were children less than 18 year of age who were diagnosed as ALL in Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, from January 1st 2010 to November, 30th 2016. Event-free survival rate and overall survival rate were estimated for group of patients with the white blood cell (WBC) groups 50-200x109/L and >200x109/L using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results There were 705 children diagnosed as ALL during the study period, 129 (18%) with hyperleukocytosis and 111 of them met the inclusion criteria, consisted of 76 children in a group of WBC 50-200 x 109/L and 35 children in a group of WBC >200 x 109/L. Presentation at diagnosis: median age were 7 years (range 1 month-18 years), male was 1.5 higher than female, 92% of cases with lymphoid infiltration, 5% with CNS involvement, 40% had bleeding tendency, and 10% had clinical tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Median WBC was 122 (range 53.4-876) x 109/L; mean Hb was 8 (SD 3) g/dL; median platelet count was 30 (range 1-221) x 109/L. Immunophenotyping was done in 23 patients, 5/23 (8%) was T cell. The patients in lower WBC group showed lower death (26% vs. 34%,  P=0,389), higher two-year event-free survival (EFS) 68% vs. 45%, P=0.003, and overall survival (77% vs. 68%, P= 0.16), compared to patients in higher WBC group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that none of the variables was a significant prognostic factor for 2 years EFS or overall survival.

Conclusion The group of children with ALL and hyperleukocytosis with lower WBC at diagnoses showed better outcomes than the higher WBC.
Long term follow-up of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in a pubertal child
Authors: Wahyudhi Andri Kurnia , Setyoningrum Retno Asih , Suryawan Ahmad
Published: October 2018

Increasing awareness of the rising global rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has led to a concerted international effort to confront this disease. Nonetheless, despite cure rates >80% in some programs, MDR-TB patients tend to have chronic disease and require prolonged therapy.1-3 Little is known about the long-term results and follow-up of patients with MDR-TB, include the recurrence rate and chronic disability in patients who have recovered from TB.4

There are many side effects and adverse reactions to drugs can occur during MDR-TB treatment. These could be physical and or psychological, as well as reversible or irreversible. Treatment of MDR-TB requires a combination regimen, consists of second and third-line anti-tuberculosis drugs which more toxic than first-line drugs. Additionally, MDR-TB treatment requires a long duration of treatment (18-24 months) and causes discomfort in the patient.5 In a cohort of 60 patients treated for MDR-TB, the most common side effects included gastritis (100%), dermatological disorders (43%), and peripheral neuropathy (16.7).6 While in a cohort of 75 patients, the incidence of depression, anxiety, and psychosis for MDR-TB treatments was 13.3%, 12.0%, and 12.0%, respectively.7

Aggressive and effective management are needed so the patient can tolerate the treatment and remain adhere the treatment.8 Long-term follow-up is required for the rehabilitation of disorders due to psychosocial sequelae.  As such, psychosocial support can be benefit pediatric MDR-TB patients.  

Here, we present a case report on a two-year follow-up of a pubertal child with MDR-TB,  focusing on medical aspects and her development.
Virtual Classrooms: Analyzing student and instructor collaborative experiences
Authors: Chadha Anita
Published: October 2018

Virtual courses create a self-directed learning environment for students. Given that online environments provide anonymity so that the emphasis is on the content, rather than on the form of the message or the identity of the sender (Herring, 1993) this study assesses students’ personal usages in an online collaboration across several states and semesters. In examining the student and instructor perspective, the findings are significant in that, students engage in reflective work employing academic quality discussions across varying institution types from community colleges to public and private universities and that their discussions occur without gender or question type biases. Semester-end surveys confirm that an asynchronous e-learning collaboration enhanced their educational experience and they belonged to a global community of learners. This study adds its significant findings about the growth of online discussions promoting and enhancing the experience of e-learners and collaborative endeavors.
Student Motivation and Perseverance: Do They Explain College Graduation?
Authors: Ashraf Rasha , Godbey Jonathan M. , Shrikhande Milind M. , Widman Tracy A.
Published: October 2018

We examine whether college students’ persistence in finding a suitable major field of study influences the likelihood of graduation. We find that students who make an effort to select a suitable major early in their college careers graduate in a more timely fashion. Although changing majors is associated with delayed graduation, struggling students can improve graduation likelihood by switching to a more suitable major. However, performance improvement after switching is necessary for successful completion of a degree. These results indicate that colleges and universities should allocate resources to supporting students in their search for an appropriate major and empower students by providing course guidance and counseling.
Graduate and Undergraduate Faculty Collaboration Utilizing Peer Observation to Enhance Educational Opportunities for Students and Faculty: A Case Example
Authors: Barton Christopher E. , Williams Christi L. , Halle John S. , McGrew Lori
Published: October 2018

While evidence supports the use of cadavers to facilitate the teaching and learning of human anatomy, cadaver-based teaching may not be present at the undergraduate level at many institutions due to limited laboratory access, financial constraints, and the lack of qualified faculty trained to teach in this type of setting.  The following case example outlines a unique program designed to provide cadaver-based instruction to undergraduate students, while simultaneously training undergraduate faculty to teach in this setting through peer observational methods. More specifically, the following teaching collaboration was designed with the intent to achieve the following: 1) expose undergraduate anatomy students to cadaver-based learning; 2) provide education and training to undergraduate faculty so they are better qualified to teach human anatomy in the context of a cadaver laboratory; 3) provide graduate physical therapy students additional opportunities to dissect and reinforce their anatomy knowledge; and 4) demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.  Eighty-one undergraduate students were exposed to the cadaver laboratory for four educational sessions throughout the semester. Course evaluations revealed that 93% of the undergraduate students reported that their experiences in the cadaver laboratory served to enhance their learning, and 97% reported that the use of human cadavers should be continued in future courses. This interdisciplinary model allowed anatomy instruction to be expanded to previously unserved student groups as well as provided a mechanism for professional development of undergraduate anatomy faculty. This model may serve as a template to promote new program development to enhance faculty and student learning, while simultaneously encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.Keywords: interdisciplinary, peer observation, pedagogy, anatomy, cadaver
Feasibility and use of psychophysiological responses based on cognitive load theory
Authors: Kim Jeonghyun , Jo Il-Hyun
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify the feasibility of using the pupil dilation and heart rate variability (HRV), to diagnose learners’ changing cognitive load in a video learning setting. The pupil dilation and HRV of 23 participants were recorded during their learning progress, and the learning materials, including differences in task complexity, were presented to the groups of distinct prior knowledge. The results showed that the high prior knowledge group had lower pupil size than the low prior knowledge group, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the ratio of low frequency to high frequency power (LF/HF ratio) was higher in the high prior knowledge group than in the low prior knowledge group throughout the entire learning process, and the two groups showed different arousal patterns. Overall, learners’ changing cognitive load could be measured and visualised based on psychophysiological responses, the types of cognitive load could be assumed by using the two indices in parallel, and this study raised practical issues to the use of pupil size as an indicator of cognitive load in video learning.
Algol as Horus in the Cairo Calendar: The Possible Means and the Motives of the Observations
Authors: Porceddu Sebastian , Jetsu Lauri , Markkanen Tapio , Lyytinen Joonas , Kajatkari Perttu , Lehtinen Jyri , Toivari-Viitala Jaana
Published: October 2018

An ancient Egyptian Calendar of Lucky and Unlucky Days, the Cairo Calendar (CC), assigns luck with the period of 2.850 days. Previous astronomical, astrophysical and statistical analyses of CC support the idea that this was the period of the eclipsing binary Algol three millennia ago. However, next to nothing is known about who recorded Algol’s period into CC and especially how. Here, we show that the ancient Egyptian scribes had the possible means and the motives for such astronomical observations. Their principles of describing celestial phenomena as activity of gods reveal why Algol received the title of Horus.
The frequency of testing for glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c, is linked to the probability of achieving target levels in patients with suboptimally controlled diabetes mellitus
Authors: Duff Christopher J. , Solis-Trapala Ivonne , Driskell Owen J. , Holland David , Wright Helen , Waldron Jenna L. , Ford Clare , Scargill Jonathan J. , Tran Martin , Hanna Fahmy W.F. , Pemberton R. John , Heald Adrian , Fryer Anthony A.
Published: October 2018

Background

We previously showed, in patients with diabetes, that >50% of monitoring tests for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) are outside recommended intervals and that this is linked to diabetes control. Here, we examined the effect of tests/year on achievement of commonly utilised HbA1ctargets and on HbA1cchanges over time.

Methods

Data on 20,690 adults with diabetes with a baseline HbA1cof >53 mmol/mol (7%) were extracted from Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory records at three UK hospitals. We examined the effect of HbA1ctests/year on (i) the probability of achieving targets of ≤53 mmol/mol (7%) and ≤48 mmol/mol (6.5%) in a year using multi-state modelling and (ii) the changes in mean HbA1cusing a linear mixed-effects model.

Results

The probabilities of achieving ≤53 mmol/mol (7%) and ≤48 mmol/mol (6.5%) targets within 1 year were 0.20 (95% confidence interval: 0.19–0.21) and 0.10 (0.09–0.10), respectively. Compared with four tests/year, having one test or more than four tests/year were associated with lower likelihoods of achieving either target; two to three tests/year gave similar likelihoods to four tests/year. Mean HbA1clevels were higher in patients who had one test/year compared to those with four tests/year (mean difference: 2.64 mmol/mol [0.24%], p<0.001).

Conclusions

We showed that ≥80% of patients with suboptimal control are not achieving commonly recommended HbA1ctargets within 1 year, highlighting the major challenge facing healthcare services. We also demonstrated that, although appropriate monitoring frequency is important, testing every 6 months is as effective as quarterly testing, supporting international recommendations. We suggest that the importance HbA1cmonitoring frequency is being insufficiently recognised in diabetes management.
A Flux Ratio and a Universal Property of Permanent Charges Effects on Fluxes
Authors: Liu Weishi
Published: October 2018

In this work, we consider ionic flow through ion channels for an ionic mixture of a cation species (positively charged ions) and an anion species (negatively charged ions), and examine effects of a positive permanent charge on fluxes of the cation species and the anion species. For an ion species, and for any given boundary conditions and channel geometry,we introduce a ratio _(Q) = J(Q)/J(0) between the flux J(Q) of the ion species associated with a permanent charge Q and the flux J(0) associated with zero permanent charge. The flux ratio _(Q) is a suitable quantity for measuring an effect of the permanent charge Q: if _(Q) > 1, then the flux is enhanced by Q; if _ < 1, then the flux is reduced by Q. Based on analysis of Poisson-Nernst-Planck models for ionic flows, a universal property of permanent charge effects is obtained: for a positive permanent charge Q, if _1(Q) is the flux ratio for the cation species and _2(Q) is the flux ratio for the anion species, then _1(Q) < _2(Q), independent of boundary conditions and channel geometry. The statement is sharp in the sense that, at least for a given small positive Q, depending on boundary conditions and channel geometry, each of the followings indeed occurs: (i) _1(Q) < 1 < _2(Q); (ii) 1 < _1(Q) < _2(Q); (iii) _1(Q) < _2(Q) < 1. Analogous statements hold true for negative permanent charges with the inequalities reversed. It is also shown that the quantity _(Q) = |J(Q) − J(0)| may not be suitable for comparing the effects of permanent charges on cation flux and on anion flux. More precisely, for some positive permanent charge Q, if _1(Q) is associated with the cation species and _2(Q) is associated with the anion species, then, depending on boundary conditions and channel geometry, each of the followings is possible: (a) _1(Q) > _2(Q); (b) _1(Q) < _2(Q).
Contextualising screen violence: An integrative approach toward explaining of the functions of violent narrative events in audiovisual media
Authors: Tseng Chiao-I
Published: October 2018

This article aims to examine the narrative impacts and social influences of screen violence in audiovisual media. It suggests an integrative approach to synthesising the recent research findings in different disciplines such as cognitive science, media studies, neuroscience, and social semiotic theories. Based on the theoretical synthesis of narrative effects and persuasive functions, this paper establishes a method for analysing the contextualisation of violent events. In particular, the analytical method focuses on the two main narrative mechanisms for contextualising violent events, justifications of characters’ motivations for using violence and depictions of consequences. This article will apply the method to elucidate how different kinds of contextualisation yield different types of narrative impacts, persuasive potentials, and the ways in which social, political, and ideological issues can be learnt. Furthermore, a typology of characters’ motivations is also provided, which are often used for justifying the characters’ violent actions in audiovisual narratives. This paper also unravels how genre expectations are closely related to narrative functions of screen violence, particularly how genre shapes the viewers’ prediction and interpretation of violent events. Finally, the methods for motivation analysis of violent narrative events are extended to examine a particular genre of interactive audiovisual texts — empathy games.
“Decide Now, Buy Marlboro”: Examining the influence and appeal of Marlboro’s new brand architecture among Filipino adolescents
Authors: Lagasse Lisa P. , Minosa Marela Kay R. , Moran Meghan B. , Cohen Joanna E.
Published: October 2018

In recent years, Philip Morris International (PMI) launched a global rebranding strategy to expand the reach of Marlboro. Using a mixed-methods design, this study evaluated the appeal and influence of Marlboro advertising among Filipino youth. Six hundred and twenty-three adolescents aged 13–17 years old in Metro Manila participated in a survey, including three advertising conditions: two for Marlboro and one for Mighty, a local cigarette brand. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-tests evaluated differences between the three conditions on participants’ attitudes toward advertisements [measured as identification, likeability, and perceived effectiveness (PE)]. Compared to Mighty, never-smokers rated Marlboro advertisements as more identifiable and likeable. Comparing by smoking status (never vs. ever), multivariable logistic regression assessed the influence of these attitudes on intention to smoke. Increased likeability was associated with greater intention to smoke among never-smokers, and greater PE increased odds of intention to smoke for both never- and ever-smokers. Additionally, six focus group discussions (FGD) explored responses to campaign messaging. Themes were compared within and across groups. Marlboro was also appealing to FGD participants, who described the ads as attractive to youth and promoting “adventure” and “freedom”, whereas the Mighty brand was seen as being for adults and current smokers. Our findings illustrate that Marlboro advertisements are distinctly appealing to youth. Marlboro rhetoric – where consumers are urged to “decide” to “Be Marlboro” – was particularly powerful. These findings support the need for addressing gaps in policies regulating the marketing and promotion of tobacco in the Philippines.
Effect of Non-Ideal Mixing on Heat Transfer of non-Newtonian Liquids in a Mechanically Agitated Vessel
Authors: Billa Triveni , Vishwanadham B.
Published: October 2018

Effect of non-ideal mixing on heat transfer phenomena is studied in an anchor agitated vessel processed with viscous Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Influence of critical variables such as rotational speed and properties of the fluid on heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer area has been investigated. Based on the flow pattern generated by an anchor agitator, a multi parameter model for quantifying the extent of non-ideality is developed and the parameters of the model, fraction of well mixed zone and the exchange flow rate are evaluated on the basis of tracer response data. Heat transfer experiments are also conducted under unsteady state conditions using same agitated vessel under similar operating conditions using Castor oil, Castor oil methyl esters (CME) and carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC 0.5 %, 1 %), soap solution as process fluids. Based on the results obtained from this analysis, a commercial scale reactor of a capacity of 20 Kl for saponification of hydrogenated castor oil has been designed using different scaleup rules. Power per unit volume found to give desirable results as it gives acceptable values for heat transfer coefficient and power consumption. Equal power per unit volume gives good mixing and high heat transfer coefficient with slightly higher power consumption and the error involved in heat transfer area calculation is small giving optimum cost of the experimental unit.
Mars van Krevelen Mechanism for the Selective Partial Oxidation of Ethane
Authors: Mora-Briseño Paola , Jiménez-García Gladys , Castillo-Araiza Carlos-Omar , González-Rodríguez Horacio , Huirache-Acuña Rafael , Maya-Yescas Rafael
Published: October 2018

Ethylene is the most important olefin in the petrochemical context, since it is the main raw material for the production of many polymers. Traditional production of ethylene via thermal cracking and catalytic dehydrogenation consumes large amounts of energy; hence selective partial oxidation of ethane has been considered as an attractive alternative production path. Recently, development of a promising catalyst for selective partial oxidation of ethane, which consists of multi-metallic mixed oxides of Mo, Te, V, and Nb, has been published. It is also noteworthy that this catalytic system starts to be active at temperatures below 400 °C, substantially lower than the one required by commercial thermal processes, >800 °C. In this work, a kinetic mechanism based on Mars van Krevelen formalism is proposed for the selective partial oxidation of ethane, considering the surface itself as active protagonist of the reaction. RedOx steps on active sites are considered as the controlling ones, and the rest of transformations are considered as pseudo-steady steps. It is noticed that there are side reactions, which produces CO and CO2 as combustion by-products. Additionally, there is competition for reduced sites on the catalytic surface, mainly between oxygen and water molecules, which adsorb strongly on these sites. Adjusted results by the mechanism proposed are in agreement with experimental observations of reaction rates diminishing proportionally to partial pressure of water, caused by competition of reduced sites on catalyst surface.
Effects of Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) Drying on the Texture and Tissue Morphology of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Asghar Ali Mian Noor Hussain , Peng Jian , Bi Jinfeng , Yi Jianyong , Zhao YuanYuan
Published: October 2018

The effects of instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) drying, and blanching-assisted DIC (B + DIC) on texture, volume ratio (VR), colour, microstructures of different tissues, and cell-morphology of fruit and vegetable chips was examined. Results revealed that B + DIC had a significant effect on fruits and vegetable chips as compared with DIC treated. The DIC dried mango chips were observed to have low hardness (26.12 N) and maximum crispness (10.43) that were also observed in mango chips under B + DIC treated (14.66), exhibiting a puffy structure and crispy texture. Well expanded structure which reflected by VR was found in the mango (0.46 mL) and king oyster mushroom (KOM) (0.36 mL) chips under both treatments. The maximum total colour changes (∆E) were also obtained in the mango (30.40) and carrot (42.87) chips under B + DIC. The microstructures of the apple, carrot, KOM and potato chips products, which corresponded to its well expanded appearances, showed a honeycomb-like pores structure, observed for DIC treated apple, fresh potato, B + DIC dried KOM as well as in sweet potato. In addition, the B + DIC-treated carrot chips, pores size, increased the cell wall and expanded. Moreover, the mushroom chips mostly were shrunken after hot water blanching.
Review of thiamine deficiency disorders: Wernicke encephalopathy and Korsakoff psychosis
Authors: Chandrakumar Abin , Bhardwaj Aseem , ‘t Jong Geert W.
Published: October 2018

Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) and Korsakoff psychosis (KP), together termed Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), are distinct yet overlapping neuropsychiatric disorders associated with thiamine deficiency. Thiamine pyrophosphate, the biologically active form of thiamine, is essential for multiple biochemical pathways involved in carbohydrate utilization. Both genetic susceptibilities and acquired deficiencies as a result of alcoholic and non-alcoholic factors are associated with thiamine deficiency or its impaired utilization. WKS is underdiagnosed because of the inconsistent clinical presentation and overlapping of symptoms with other neurological conditions. The identification and individualized treatment of WE based on the etiology is vital to prevent the development of the amnestic state associated with KP in genetically predisposed individuals. Through this review, we bring together the existing data from animal and human models to expound the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for WE and KP.
Analyzing dependence matrices to investigate relationships between national football league combine event performances
Authors: Russell Brook T. , Hogan Paul
Published: October 2018

The National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine takes place annually for the purpose of allowing NFL teams to evaluate prospects. The battery of six physical tests receives a great deal of attention, and are a focus of team personnel as well as fans of NFL teams. Recently, some have suggested that the current battery of tests should be modified. This work aims to characterize the multivariate dependence structure between tests for Combine prospects, for both typical and elite-level performers, for the purpose of better understanding the current battery of tests before making modifications. Through analysis of two pairwise dependence matrices, one quantifying dependence in the center of the distribution and the other quantifying dependence in the tails of the distribution, this analysis finds that several events show differing levels of association, and that fewer Combine events may be sufficient going forward.
Turkish as a Mediterranean language
Authors: Rocchi Luciano
Published: October 2018

This paper focuses on linguistic contacts between Turkish as the receiving language and other languages of the Mediterranean area (Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, French, Greek, Ibero-Romance varieties, Italian, Serbo-Croatian). In the first part, a general overview is given of the contact situation and historical background; in the second, the treatment of loanwords from the above-mentioned languages in Turkish lexicography is sketched and briefly discussed.
Greek as the receiving language in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period
Authors: Trapp Erich
Published: October 2018

During its long history, the Byzantine Empire - a polity that stretched across a whole millennium - came into contact with many neighbouring cultures and languages in Europe, Asia and Africa. In addition to Latin, the most important languages that enriched the medieval Greek vocabulary were: French, Italian, Slavic, Arabic and Turkish. Loanwords occurred - to a greater or lesser extent - in the following areas: nature and landscape, household, government and administration, society, military, church and religion, law and jurisdiction, trade and traffic. Beyond that, there were certain spheres that were influenced by specific languages in particular: Italian left its mark on sailors’ language; Arabic on the natural sciences (medicine, alchemy, astrology and astronomy); and both Italian and Arabic on coins, measures, and weights.