bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New thickener based on s-triazine di-sulfanilic xanthan for reactive printing of silk fabric with double-sided patterns
Authors: Li Rumeng , Wang Lili , Hao Bairan , Wu Minghua , Wang Wei
Published: August 2018

In order to achieve good double-sided printing patterns on silk fabric, a new thickener s-triazine di-sulfanilic xanthan (TDG) was prepared by chemical modification of xanthan gum (XG) using alkali and monochlorotriazine di-sulfanilic acid (TS) as modifiers. The structure of TDG was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Rheological behaviors were investigated by steady-shear, dynamic strain sweep and step-shear tests. The results indicated that TDG showed better flowability and smaller structural viscosity than XG. TDG always exhibited the viscous effects under external forces while XG experienced the transition from elasticity to viscosity. Used as a thickener in reactive printing of silk fabric in screen printing, TDG obtained much higher screenability, color yield, penetration and outline sharpness than XG. The double-sided printing qualities of TDG even surpassed those of sodium alginate, implying great potentiality of TDG as a good thickener for double-sided patterns.
Altering Alterity: Nicholas of Cusa, Otherness, and Xenophobic Violence
Authors: Hatch Derek C.
Published: August 2018

Recent years have seen a rise in nationalistic and even xenophobic rhetoric as well as actions animated by fears of the other and the foreigner. In light of these recent displays of xenophobia, this article theologically examines the category of otherness in conversation with the work of Nicholas of Cusa, specifically his De Li Non Aliud ( On the Not-Other). This fifteenth-century German theologian offers insights not only for reading God’s difference in relation to the world, but also for conceiving of how God’s alterity transforms creaturely otherness from the impetus for violence and repression to the basis for genuine reconciliation and relationship.
Consumers’ Perceptions About Pharmaceutical Care Provided by Community Pharmacists in China in Relation to Over-the-Counter Drugs: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chen Hong , Ung Carolina Oi Lam , Chi Peilian , Wu Jihong , Tang Daisheng , Hu Hao
Published: August 2018

While patient-centered care is highly anticipated nowadays, investigation of consumers’ perceptions and expectations about pharmacist’s pharmaceutical care when providing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is sparse. This article aimed to explore consumers’ perceptions regarding the pharmaceutical care that community pharmacists provide in relation to OTC drugs. Semistructured interviews were conducted with consumers recruited (N = 97) in Yinchuan City, China. The 4 main themes that emerged were expectations on pharmaceutical care, attitude toward pharmacist’s competence, experience of self-medication, and suggestions for improving pharmaceutical care. Most participants had high expectations on community pharmacists to recommend the right medicines, to advise them about the effective use of drug, to advise them about the safe use of drug, and to recommend economic drugs. However, their previous experiences at community pharmacy were far from satisfaction reportedly, leading to a general distrust in pharmacist’s certification and qualification, knowledge, communication skills, and attitude. As a result, the participants turned to self-medication based on their personal experiences, their relatives’ experiences, the information on drug label, and the information distributed in the mass media. Realizing the need to improve pharmaceutical care, the participants also made improvement suggestions specific to community pharmacist, community pharmacy, and the government.
Personal characteristics associated with the effect of childhood trauma on health
Authors: Muench John , Levy Sheldon , Rdesinski Rebecca , Schiefer Rebekah , Gilbert Kristin , Fleishman Joan
Published: August 2018

Objective

This article will describe a pilot study to explore associations between adult attachment style, resilience, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and adult health.

Method

A self-report survey was mailed to 180 randomly selected primary care patients and linked to a retrospective chart review. The patients met the following criteria: (1) enrolled for at least the previous year at their primary care clinic, (2) 21 years of age or greater, (3) English as their primary language, and (4) were seen by their provider on selected dates of the study. The survey was made up of three instruments: (1) the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire which consists of 10 questions about the respondent’s adverse experiences during their first 18 years of life; (2) the Relationship Scales Questionnaire which measures adult attachment style; and (3) the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, a self-report scale that measures individual’s perceptions of their resilience. For each returned questionnaire, we calculated a measure of medical complexity using the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

Results

Of the 180 randomly selected patients from four clinic sites, 84 (46.6%) returned completed questionnaires. We found that Adverse Childhood Experience scores were significantly correlated with health and attachment style and trended toward association with resilience.

Conclusion

This pilot study revealed expected relationships of the complex associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences, attachment style, and resiliency. Further research with more subjects is warranted in order to continue to explore these relationships.
Expected Lifetime in Different Employment Statuses: Evidence From the Economic Boom-and-Bust Cycle in Spain
Authors: Stanek Mikolaj , Requena Miguel
Published: August 2018

This article analyses the impact of the recent economic crisis on the expected time spent in different employment statuses in Spain. Using data from the Economically Active Population Survey and life tables, we estimate the expected time in work, unemployment, retirement, and other types of economic inactivity during the economic boom-and-bust cycle. Differences in expected years of life spent in different employment statuses are decomposed into effects of mortality and employment behavior. Our results show that men’s working life expectancy is much more exposed to economic fluctuations. The impact of the ebbs and flows of the business cycle among women is mitigated by the long-term female trend of growing participation in the labor market associated with the increasing educational attainment of women. In addition, the improvement in mortality only partially contributes to gains in time spent in each status, while the main effects correspond to changes in labor market participation.
Invoking Alphonse: The founder figure as a historical resource for organizational identity work
Authors: Basque Joëlle , Langley Ann
Published: August 2018

There has been growing interest in the rhetorical use of history to express organizational identity claims. Yet the evolving role of the founder figure in managerial accounts has not so far received specific attention. In this study, we examine how the founder figure is used to articulate, enact, stretch, preserve or refresh expressions of organizational identity, drawing on an 80-year magazine archive of a financial cooperative. We identify five modes of founder invocation, and show how distance from founding events leads to increasing abstraction in linkages between the founder and organizational identity claims. The paper offers a dynamic perspective on the mobilization of the founder in organizational identity construction as well as an understanding of how and why founders may remain established identity markers long after their demise.
“I Walked in on Them”: Young Adults’ Childhood Perceptions of Sex and Nudity in Family and Public Contexts
Authors: Allen Katherine R. , Gary Emily A. , Lavender-Stott Erin S. , Kaestle Christine E.
Published: August 2018

Children’s observation of sex and nudity among parents, peers, or strangers has received limited scholarly attention, mostly because research on sexuality in childhood is difficult or prohibitive to conduct. To address this topic, we conducted a secondary data analysis of 57 human sexuality students’ narratives regarding the emotional and situational contexts of the first sexual image they recalled. We examined those narratives where participants reported that they saw was a “real person” either nude or engaged in sexual behavior. These participants reported viewing three kinds of sexual behavior or nudity: parental, other family members, and nonfamily. In examining participants’ immediate reactions and long-term reflections, we found that many participants, especially females, were confused or upset by what they saw, but few reported a lingering discomfort. Our results indicate that children would benefit from immediate, nurturant, and clarifying parental responses, particularly when children walk in on parents having sex.
Experiencing penal supervision: A literature review
Authors: Hayes David
Published: August 2018

Penal supervision – by probation officers or by other state agents – has only comparatively recently begun to be considered by academics as an experience in its own right, despite the relatively lengthy history of its use. This article provides an overview of that scholarship. It considers the motivations that have led to the study of the experience of penal supervision, and some of the groups whose experiences are noteworthy. It then reviews a range of ‘pains’ and ‘gains’ of penal supervision, and argues that, whilst these experiences are contingent on a range of external factors, they raise substantial implications for policy and practice.
Supporting rural Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to take up broadband-enabled technology: What works?
Authors: Price Liz , Shutt Jim , Sellick Jessica
Published: August 2018

The last 15 years have seen major changes in the availability and usage of broadband in the UK. Despite these improvements, rural areas continue to lag behind urban areas for broadband connection speeds – a divide that is exacerbated by lower rates of broadband adoption among rural Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This paper examines the experiences of SMEs that have participated in a publicly funded programme designed to stimulate demand for broadband in the rural region of Lincolnshire, UK. Drawing on interviews conducted over two periods of policy intervention (2003–2006 and 2010–2015) it examines the variety of business support approaches used and identifies the effects of these on use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation, and sales within participating SMEs. The results show that while training events provide entry-level support for broadband use, more intensive support such as 1:1 advice and ICT grants leads to the significant changes within the business. Direct access to new technology in spaces such as Technology Hubs is identified as particularly important for rural SMEs. The paper concludes by identifying some common features of the business support that bring about the greatest benefits to SMEs in rural areas.
The risk management of medical device-related pressure ulcers based on the Australian/New Zealand Standard
Authors: Chen Lijuan
Published: August 2018

Objective

To analyse medical device-related pressure ulcer (MDRPU) management modes and their possible risks and provide references to treat MDRPUs.

Methods

The Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 4360:2004 risk management standard is the first national risk management standard in the world. Zhongshan Hospital adopted the standard to establish risk management modes to improve the MDRPU risk management process and to register, assess and analyse the key risks for MDRPUs. Eight risk types were identified and registered: organization management risk, environment risk, patient safety risk, human resource risk, infection risk, occupational safety risk, legal risk and reputational risk.

Results

Following the implementation of the AS/NZS 4360:2004 risk management standard in our institution, the organization management risk value decreased from 25 to 5; the environment risk value decreased from 25 to 5; the patient safety risk value decreased from 20 to 3; the human resource risk value decreased from 16 to 4; the infection risk value decreased from 9 to 1; the occupational risk value decreased from 9 to 6; the legal risk value decreased from 9 to 4; and the reputational risk value decreased from 12 to 2.

Conclusion

The AS/NZS 4360:2004 risk management standard was effective in managing the risk of MDRPUs.
Investigations of size effect on formability and microstructure evolution in SS304 thin foils
Authors: Sahu Jambeswar , Chakrabarty Shanta , Raghavan Rajesh , Mishra Sushil
Published: August 2018

In the micro-forming process when the thickness of the sheet material is comparable to the intrinsic length scales of that material, deformation behaviour differs from that which is expected in the macroscopic sheet material. In this study, size effects of SS304 foils have been investigated using tensile and limiting dome height tests along with careful microstructural investigations. SS304 foils of differing thicknesses but similar grain size have been deformed under varying strain path conditions to capture the impact of foil thickness on the mechanical response and microstructure evolution. Formability curves for SS304 foils constructed from limiting dome height tests show that limit strains increase with increasing foil thickness. Microstructure investigations highlight the importance of grain misorientation, twin fraction and texture on the formability of SS304 foils.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Non-Strand Defects in Stay Cable Specimens
Authors: Karthik Madhu M. , Terzioglu Tevfik , Jones Casey , Hurlebaus Stefan , D. Hueste Mary Beth
Published: August 2018

Stay cable systems are used extensively for the construction of long-span bridges owing to their inherent advantages. In most cable-stayed bridges the steel strands within the main tension elements (MTEs) are grouted to provide a corrosion protection system. However, there could be segregated grout, voids, and water accumulation/infiltration within these voids in the ducts due to poor quality of the grouting material and grouting techniques. These locations may act as initiators for the corrosion of steel strands within the ducts, which can have serious implications on the load carrying capacity and safety of cable-stayed bridges. In this investigation, several nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are evaluated to determine their ability to detect grout defects within the anchorage regions, end caps, and MTEs of the stay cable system. Four stay cable specimen mock-ups with known grout defects and voids were fabricated. NDE methods that were part of this investigation included ground penetrating radar, infrared thermography, electrical capacitance tomography, impact echo, sounding, ultrasonic tomography, ultrasonic pulse velocity, low frequency ultrasound, visual testing, and borescope. While a few NDE methods could identify voids and water infiltration defects within the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MTEs, it is evident that there is still a need for a method that is effective in detecting grout defects within the metal ducts embedded in the anchorage region and metal MTEs. Although visual testing and borescope methods are effective in identifying the defects, prior information about the location of the defects is generally required.
Organizational Work–Life Policies and the Gender Wage Gap in European Workplaces
Authors: Van der Lippe Tanja , Van Breeschoten Leonie , Van Hek Margriet
Published: August 2018

Many organizations in Europe offer work–life policies to enable men and women to combine work with family life. The authors argue that the availability of organizational work–life policies can also reduce gender inequality in wages. The authors test their expectations using the European Sustainable Workforce Survey, with data from 259 organizations and their employees in 9 European countries. Multilevel analyses show that organizations that offer work–life policies have a smaller gender wage gap. Their findings also suggest that both the type and number of policies matter. Contrary to their expectations, dependent care policies, such as parental leave and childcare support, are less important for the gender wage gap than flexibility policies. Controlling for organizational culture regarding family supportiveness does not alter the results.
Confronting human trafficking: The role of state capacity
Authors: Blanton Robert G , Blanton Shannon Lindsey , Peksen Dursun
Published: August 2018

While human trafficking occupies a prominent place on the global policy agenda, many aspects of this phenomenon remain empirically underdeveloped. We examine the role of state capacity in these illicit supply chains, positing that trafficking flows may persist because even well-intentioned states might lack the requisite capacity to take effective action. Along those lines, we assess the impact of two facets of state capacity, bureaucratic efficacy and fiscal capacity, upon the probability of a country being a source or destination for the two types of human trafficking, forced labor and prostitution. We find that state capacity, particularly fiscal capacity, is significantly related to reduced labor and sex trafficking at both the source and destination levels.
The Association of Depressive Symptoms and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Northwestern Botswana
Authors: Barchi Francis , Winter Samantha C. , Dougherty Danielle , Ramaphane Peggie , Solomon Phyllis L.
Published: August 2018

Although links between mental health and intimate partner violence (IPV) have been discussed extensively in the scholarly literature, little empirical data exist about these phenomena in Botswana. This study addressed this gap by examining the nature, extent, and risk factors associated with symptoms of major depressive disorders (MDD) using cross-sectional data collected in 2009-2010 in northwestern Botswana. A random sample of 469 women participated in semistructured interviews about their lives, health, and experiences with violence. Thirty-one percent of respondents were found to meet the symptom criteria for MDD. Factors associated with MDD included emotional or physical violence by an intimate partner and being in a relationship in which both partners consumed alcohol. One in five women reported a recent experience of emotional violence, while 37% of respondents reported recent physical IPV. Women who have experienced emotional or physical IPV in the last 12 months have 89% and 82% greater odds, respectively, of having symptoms of MDD ( p < .05) than women who have not recently experienced either form of violence. Women in relationships in which both partners consumed alcohol had more than twice the odds of MDD compared with women in relationships where neither partner or only one partner drank. Given the significant association of violence, alcohol, and MDD, screening for all three conditions should be part of routine care in health care settings in Botswana. Interventions to reduce IPV and alcohol consumption may help alleviate the burden of MDD in women in this setting.
High-performance polymer composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties from cyanate ester/benzoxazine resin and short Kevlar/glass hybrid fibers
Authors: Zegaoui Abdeldjalil , Derradji Mehdi , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Medjahed Aboubakr , Zhang Hui-yan , Cai Wan-an , Liu Wen-bin , Ma Rui-kun , Wang Jun
Published: August 2018

The investigation and design of new polymeric materials with an astonishing combination of properties are nowadays of great importance to facilitate the manufacturing process of high-quality products intended to be utilized in different applications and technical fields. For this intent, novel high-performance blend composites composed of the cyanate ester/benzoxazine resin blend reinforced by different proportions of silane-surface modified Kevlar and glass fibers were successfully fabricated by a compression molding technique and characterized by different experimental tests. The mechanical test results revealed that the bending and impact strength properties were considerably improved when increasing the amount of the hybrid fibers. The studied materials also presented excellent thermal stabilities as compared to the unfilled blend’s properties. With respect to the properties of the reinforcing systems, these improvements seen in either the mechanical or thermal properties could be due to the good dispersion as well as excellent adhesion of the reinforcing fibers inside the resin matrix, which were further evidenced by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy results. Consequently, the improved mechanical and thermal properties promote the use of the fabricated hybrid composites in domestic and industrial applications requiring functional materials with advanced properties for aerospace and military applications.
Alignment and rotordynamic optimization of turbine shaft trains using adjustable bearings in real-time operation
Authors: Chasalevris Athanasios , Guignier Gilles
Published: August 2018

A study on the use of innovative journal bearings of adjustable geometry/properties in industrial turbines is presented in this paper. The adjustable bearing geometry is investigated in this work as a bearing function which can resolve issues in rotordynamic performance of industrial steam/gas turbines. The rotordynamic issues that the proposed bearing is supposed to resolve are given shortly as (a) rotor–stator contact and eccentric rotor whirling, (b) non-optimum bearing loading, (c) instability (steam or oil whirl) and (d) structural distortions (in casing, pedestal or other component). The functionality of the proposed journal bearing is presented in results of unbalance response obtained through nonlinear transient analysis. The principle of the adjustable bearing is the quasi-static displacement of the bearing pads to locate the journal centre in the desired position and to configure the optimum bearing bore profile achieving the optimum performance regarding key parameters of operation such as concentricity of rotor and stator, optimum bearing loading, power loss, temperature rise, stability characteristics and others. The inner mechanism for applying the bearing pad displacement is not a topic of discussion in this paper, as in the current work, the adjustable bearing operation is studied on its fundamental operations. The journal bearing model concerns nonlinear bearing impedance forces which are assigned in the rotor nodes after solving numerically the Reynolds equation for the two-partial arc journal bearing lubrication of finite length and the configuration of the bearing is similar the bearing type installed in industrial turbine applications (partial arc bearings). The bearing model enables the development of the oil-whirl/whip phenomenon if there is a trend towards instability (e.g. light loaded bearing, high speeds). The study presented in this paper concerns two steam turbine-generator shaft lines of small (∼50 MW) and medium size (∼200 MW) in which the adjustable bearings are demonstrated on resolving different issues.
An unusual case of inflammatory meningitis in a young man with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Smith R , Hadjivassiliou M , Hoggard N , Kuet K-P , Kilding R , Akil M
Published: August 2018

We describe a man presenting with unusual neurological manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) including pachymeningitis, aseptic meningitis and encephalitis with grossly elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, responding to immunosuppression. Initially he had intermittent dysarthria, dysphasia and unilateral upper limb weakness. One month later he experienced dysphasia, right-sided hemiparesis and confusion. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed a white cell count of 70 x 106/litre and an unusually elevated protein level of 5.39 g/litre. An MRI brain showed dural and leptomeningeal enhancement compatible with a meningitic process. He improved with cefotaxime and aciclovir. On day seven of antimicrobials he developed left-sided weakness, sensory inattention and a left homonymous hemianopia. He responded well to intravenous methylprednisolone. On switching to oral prednisolone he developed expressive dysphasia, a right inferior quadrantanopia and seizures. His bloods were suggestive of macrophage activation syndrome. The patient improved with methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulins, and the improvement was sustained on switching back to oral prednisolone. The prevalence of neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE varies between 14 and 80% and according to the American College of Rheumatology includes 19 conditions. This case is unique because although some features were in keeping with aseptic meningitis the MRI appearances were also suggestive of pachymeningitis.
Education for Direct Practice
Authors: Hartman Ann
Published: August 2018

The current state of education far practice is explored. The tension that has existed between the educational system and the profession is reviewed historically and in its current expression. The academizing of social work education is described and the implications of this process detailed. Various solutions to the problem of alienation between practice and education are considered.
From Clinician to Supervisor: Essential Ingredients for Training
Authors: Walsh Joseph A.
Published: August 2018

The author presents a rationale for and overview of a complete course on supervision for clinical practitioners who are assuming a supervisory role. Supervision is discussed from the vantage point of management skills. Theories about components of supervision, topics of motivation, stress, role and authority, discipline, evaluation, values, and ethics are discussed. Courses of this type may be presented most effectively as in-service programs led by external trainers.
Expressing Culture: Teaching and Learning Music of Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Howard Karen
Published: August 2018

In recent years, there has been much criticism of multiculturalism for its failure to address the power and privilege that keep the status quo in music education. Continued support and education is needed to grow preservice, practicing, and even veteran teachers’ skills in teaching and learning music genres from a broader range of music cultures. To that end, the purpose of this column is to examine the potential for bringing music from Ghana, West Africa, into the general music setting. A brief introduction to the music culture of Ghana is presented first, then a traditional song with teaching suggestions, followed by a list of suggested print and recorded resources.
Building a Grounded Theory of Engagement in Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy for Distressing Voices
Authors: McHale Ciaran , Hayward Mark , Jones Fergal W
Published: August 2018

Mindfulness-based group therapy shows promise as a treatment for distressing voice hearing. However, fostering engagement in groups can be challenging, and no theory of engagement in group therapy for distressing voices exists to guide practice or research. This study employed Grounded Theory Method to build a theory of engagement in mindfulness-based groups for distressing voices. Ten service-users and three therapists were interviewed about their experiences of such groups. The model that emerged involves a recursive process of investing in change and continually evaluating its usefulness and safety. Barriers to engagement were often overcome, but sometimes compromised perceived safety, leading to dropout. For others, group participation led to rewards, some of which were integrated beyond group termination. Group engagement can be encouraged by establishing universality around voice hearing early, reducing uncertainty, sharing difficulties with mindfulness practices, and mapping group progress to create a cohering sense of collaboration on therapy tasks.
An Ounce of Prevention: Identifying Cues to (In)Action for Maternal Vaccine Refusal
Authors: Carrion Melissa L.
Published: August 2018

Recent increases in childhood vaccine exemption rates are a source of concern within the public health community. Drawing from the health belief model and in-depth interviews with 50 mothers ( n = 50) who refused one or more vaccine, the aim of this study was to identify the specific reasons and the broader decision context(s) that underscored participants’ vaccine refusal. Results indicate that the vast majority of participants supported vaccination until a particular cue motivated them to consider otherwise, and qualitative analysis identified three main categories into which these cues fell: perceived adverse reactions, endorsements from health care professionals, and perceived contradiction among expert-endorsed messages. These categories point to the central role of health communication in motivating vaccine refusal. Better understanding these cues can inform vaccine communication scholarship and practice, and also lend theoretical insight into the intertextual nature of controversial health messages and decisions.
Economy of Hand Motion During Cleft Palate Surgery Using a High-Fidelity Cleft Palate Simulator
Authors: Ghanem Ali , Podolsky Dale J. , Fisher David M. , Wong Riff Karen W. , Myers Simon , Drake James M. , Forrest Christopher R.
Published: August 2018

Objective:

The objectives of this study were to assess economy of hand motion of residents, fellows, and staff surgeons using a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator to (1) stratify performance for the purpose of simulator validation and (2) to estimate the learning curve.

Design:

Two residents, 2 fellows, and 2 staff surgeons performed cleft palate surgery on a high-fidelity cleft palate simulator while their hand motion was tracked using an electromagnetic hand sensor. The time, number of hand movements, and path length of their hands were determined for 10 steps of the procedure. The magnitude of these metrics was compared among the 3 groups of participants and utilized to estimate the learning curve using curve-fitting analysis.

Results:

The residents required the most time, number of hand movements, and path length to complete the procedure. Although the number of hand movements was closely matched between the fellows and staff, the overall total path length was shorter for the staff. Inverse curves were fit to the data to represent the learning curve and 25 and 113 simulation sessions are required to reach within 5% and 1% of the expert level, respectively.

Conclusion:

The simulator successfully stratified performance using economy of hand motion. Path length is better matched to previous level of experience compared to time or number of hand movements.
Utility of the JT Peak Interval and the JT Area in Determining the Proarrhythmic Potential of QT-Shortening Agents
Authors: Qiu Bo , Wang Yuhong , Li Congxin , Guo Huicai , Xu Yanfang
Published: August 2018

Drug-induced long QT increases the risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia known as torsades de pointes (TdP). Many biomarkers have been used to predict TdP. At present, however, there are few biomarkers for arrhythmias induced by QT-shortening drugs. The objective of the present study was to identify the best biomarkers for predicting arrhythmias caused by the 4 potassium channel openers ICA-105574, NS-1643, R-L3, and pinacidil. Our results showed that, at higher concentrations, all 4 potassium channel openers induced ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts, but not in rabbit hearts. The electrocardiography parameters were measured including QT/QTc, JT peak, Tp-e interval, JT area, short-term beat-to-beat QT interval variability (STV), and index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB). We found that the potassium channel openers at test concentrations shortened the QT/QTc and the JT peak interval and increased the JT area. Nevertheless, even at proarrhythmic concentrations, they did not always change STV, Tp-e, or iCEB. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the JT peak interval representing the early repolarization phase and the JT area reflecting the dispersion of ventricular repolarization were the best predictors of VT/VF. Action potential recordings in guinea pig papillary muscle revealed that except for pinacidil, the potassium channel openers shortened APD30 in a concentration-dependent manner. They also evoked early or delayed afterdepolarizations at fast pacing rates. Patch-clamp recordings in guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocytes showed that the potassium channel openers enhanced the total outward currents during the early phase of action potential repolarization, especially at proarrhythmic concentrations. We concluded that the JT peak interval and the JT area are surrogate biomarkers identifying the risk of proarrhythmia associated with the administration of QT-shortening agents. The acceleration of early-phase repolarization and the increased dispersion of ventricular repolarization may contribute to the occurrence of arrhythmias.
Potential role of rituximab in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Bindal Poorva , Jalil Sharif AA , Holle Lisa M , Clement Jessica M
Published: August 2018

Nearly all men with prostate cancer who are treated with androgen deprivation therapy develop disease progression. There is considerable evidence to suggest that CXCL 13 released by tumor cells leads to B-cell infiltration into the prostate cells. This B-cell infiltration has been postulated to play a role in development of disease progression following androgen-deprivation therapies. We present a case of a patient who achieved remission of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer after receiving rituximab and bendamustine for the treatment of follicular lymphoma. The findings in this report suggest that further investigation is warranted for utilizing B-cell targeted therapy in delaying progression of castrate-resistant prostate cancer.
Using art to illuminate social workers’ stress
Authors: Huss Ephrat , Hafford-Letchfield Trish
Published: August 2018

This article aims to capture the self-defined holistic interaction between stressors, stress reactions and coping for social workers’ stress. We utilised an arts-based intervention in the form of a single drawing with 80 social workers, who were actively guided to explore their own stressors, stress reactions and coping.

Findings:

Our findings suggest that whilst social workers define their stressors as being related to a lack of social work professional and managerial support (a macro problem), they experience this stress as lack of personal efficacy and self-worth and expect to cope by drawing on their inner strengths rather than by challenging the ‘system’ (micro solutions). Thus, they tend not to utilise available systemic ideas and theories in social work to address their own problems.

Application:

These findings offer a way of exploring stress and coping as an interactive whole that helps to understand both systemic stressors and the gaps in social workers’ coping methods. It also explores the relationship between stressors, stress reactions and coping through the personal drawings and narratives of participating social workers. The findings are relevant for supervisors, and managers helping social workers to manage stress, and offer an example of how visual methods might be used as a pedagogic tool in social work education and practice.
Counting on Carrington Road: Street Numbers as Metonyms of the Urban
Authors: Crosby Alexandra , Seale Kirsten
Published: August 2018

As urban renewal agendas are fortified in cities globally, ‘creativity’ – as contained within discourses of the creative industries, the Creative City and the creative economy – is circulated as the currency of secure post-industrial urban futures. Using the nexus between creativity and the urban as a starting point, the authors investigate how local enterprises visually communicate the urban in a neighbourhood that is characterized by the interface between manufacturing and creative industries. This research takes a fine-grained approach to the notion of creativity through an audit and qualitative analysis of the visual presentation, material attributes and semiotic meaning of street numbers. The authors do this by collecting data on and analysing how street numbers have been made, selected, used, replaced and layered in a contested industrial precinct in Australia’s largest city, Sydney. They contend that street numbers, as a ubiquitous technology within the city that is both operational and creative, are metonyms for what they understand to be urban. In arguing for vernacular readings of the city, they make use of a top-down, governmental mode of reading the city – the operational legibility of street numbering – as an intervention in current discourses of the urban and of creativity in the city.
Conceptual Replications of the Critical Content Monitoring General Outcome Measure in Science Content
Authors: Mooney Paul , Lastrapes Renée E.
Published: August 2018

We conducted conceptual replications for an online-administered general outcome measure known as critical content monitoring in science. Totally, 547 Grades 4 to 6 students from a rural Louisiana school district participated. Research questions addressed criterion validity, diagnostic accuracy, growth, and social validity concerns. Criterion measures included science and reading/literacy subtests from a state accountability test and a nationally standardized test. Findings indicated moderate to strong concurrent and predictive criterion validity correlations for the overall scores, fair diagnostic accuracy statistics for fall and winter and moderate for spring benchmark scores, variable growth scores across grades, and favorable social validity comments from teachers. Study limitations were listed. Research and practice implications were discussed.
Fungal Osteomyelitis in Diabetic Foot Infections: A Case Series and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Torrence Garneisha M. , Schmidt Brian M.
Published: August 2018

Fungal osteomyelitis (OM) is relatively rare. There is scarce literature discussing fungal OM in diabetic foot infections (DFIs). This case series explores the clinical characteristics of patients treated at a large tertiary academic center for DFI and found to have a causative agent of fungal origin in their bone on surgical intervention. Between July 2017 and March 2018, a prospective longitudinal analysis was performed of patients with diabetes admitted to our institution who underwent operative management of OM. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data were collected for all patients. Data between bacterial and fungal OM cohorts was analyzed for differences and similarities in patient characteristics and outcomes. All patients were followed 20 weeks postoperatively. Five patients with fungal OM were identified from the 35 cases where OM was confirmed through podiatric surgical intervention. In each fungal case, a Candida species was isolated from operative bone culture which included subspecies Candida albicans, C parapsilosis, and C glabrata. A P value ⩾.05 was found in clinical characteristics between our cohorts. Wound healing was achieved in 40% of patients with fungal OM, and oral fluconazole successfully treated Candida OM in the cases that achieved healing. Diabetes can increase the risk of Candida OM. In DFIs, fungus can impede wound healing if not recognized and treated. Because Candida OM is typically indolent in nature, bone biopsy and mycological culture is recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Role of N-Acetylcysteine and Coenzyme Q10 in the Amelioration of Myocardial Energy Expenditure and Oxidative Stress, Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxication in Rats
Authors: Elbaky Nayira A. Abd , El-Orabi Naglaa F. , Fadda Laila M. , Abd-Elkader Omar H. , Ali Hanaa M.
Published: August 2018

This study is designed to evaluate the potential impact of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) each alone or in combination against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cardiac damage in rats. Animals were treated with CCl4 in single intraperitoneal dose of 1 mL/Kg body weight; CCl4-intoxicated animals were pretreated with 20 mg/kg/d NAC or pretreated with 200 mg/kg/d CoQ10 or NAC and CoQ10 with the same previously mentioned doses. Carbon tetrachloride–intoxicated rats showed a significant elevation in nitric oxide and lipid peroxides and downregulation in reduced glutathione level and calcium adenosine triphosphatase. Cardiac glycolytic enzymes levels such as lactate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, and hexokinase were declined coupled with a reduction in glucose content after CCl4 treatment. Moreover, myocardial hydroxyproline level was significantly increased after CCl4-treatment indicating accumulation of interstitial collagen. N-acetyl cysteine and/or CoQ10 effectively alleviated the disturbances in myocardial oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. These antioxidants effectively upregulated the reduction in cardiac energetic biomarkers due to CCl4 treatment. N-acetyl cysteine and/or CoQ10 significantly decreased hydroxyproline level compared to that of CCl4-treated rats. The current data showed that the aforementioned antioxidants have a remarkable cardioprotective effect, suggesting that they may be useful as prophylactic agents against the detrimental effects of cardiotoxins.
Kinome analyses of inflammatory responses to swine barn dust extract in human bronchial epithelial and monocyte cell lines
Authors: Nath Neerukonda Sabari , Mahadev-Bhat Sanjana , Aylward Bridget , Johnson Casey , Charavaryamath Chandrashekhar , Arsenault Ryan J
Published: August 2018

Exacerbated inflammation upon persistent barn organic dust exposure is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of lung inflammation and lung function decline. Barn dust constituents and the mechanisms contributing to the exacerbated inflammation are not clearly known. We set out to understand the inflammatory effects of Swine Barn Dust Extracts (SBDE) on human lung epithelial (BEAS2B) and macrophage (THP-1 monocyte derived) cell lines on a kinome array to determine phosphorylation events in the inflammatory signaling pathways. Upon identifying events unique to SBDE or those induced by innate immune ligands in each cell line, we validated the signaling pathway activation by transcriptional analyses of downstream inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that SBDE-mediated pro-inflammatory effects are predominantly due to the induction of neutrophilic chemokine IL-8. Differentially phosphorylated peptides implicated in IL-8 induction in BEAS2B cell line include, TLR2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, PKC, MAP kinases (p38, JNK), inflammasomes (NLRP1, NLRP3), NF-κB and AP-1. In the THP-1 cell line, in addition to the aforementioned peptides, peptides corresponding to RIG-I-like receptors (RIG-I, MDA5) were found. This is the first report to demonstrate the application of a kinome array to delineate key inflammatory signaling pathways activated upon SBDE exposure in vitro.
Synthetic Turf: History, Design, Maintenance, and Athlete Safety
Authors: Jastifer James R. , McNitt Andrew S. , Mack Christina D. , Kent Richard W. , McCullough Kirk A. , Coughlin Michael J. , Anderson Robert B.
Published: August 2018

Context:

Synthetic turf has become an increasingly common playing surface for athletics and has changed dramatically since its introduction more than 50 years ago. Along with changes to surface design, maintenance needs and recommendations have become more standardized and attentive both to upkeep and player-level factors. In particular, synthetic turf maintenance as it relates to athlete health and safety is an important consideration at all levels of play.

Evidence Acquisition:

A literature search of MEDLINE and PubMed for publications between the years 1990 and 2018 was conducted. Keywords included s ynthetic turf, artificial turf, field turf, and playing surface. Additionally, expert opinion through systematic interviews and practical implementation were obtained on synthetic turf design and maintenance practices in the National Football League.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Synthetic turf has changed considerably since its inception. Playing surface is a critical component of the athletic environment, playing a role both in performance and in athlete safety. There are several important structural considerations of third-generation synthetic turf systems currently used in the United States that rely heavily on strong and consistent maintenance. A common misconception is that synthetic turf is maintenance free; in fact, however, these surfaces require routine maintenance. Whether athletes experience more injuries on synthetic over natural surfaces is also of interest among various levels and types of sport.

Conclusion:

Modern synthetic turf is far different than when originally introduced. It requires routine maintenance, even at the level of local athletics. It is important for sports medicine personnel to be familiar with playing surface issues as they are often treating athletes at the time of injury and should maintain a level of awareness of contemporary research and practices regarding the relationships between synthetic turf and injury.
Impact of socioeconomic status on coronary artery calcification
Authors: Djekic Demir , Angerås Oskar , Lappas Georg , Fagman Erika , Fagerberg Björn , Bergström Göran , Rosengren Annika
Published: August 2018

Background

Low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, but few studies have investigated the potential link between living in an area with a low versus a high socioeconomic status and coronary artery calcification, a marker of subclinical coronary artery disease.

Design

The design of this study was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

We evaluated 1067 participants with no history of coronary artery disease from the pilot phase of the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS). Men and women aged 50–64 years were recruited from three high-socioeconomic status ( n = 541) and three low-socioeconomic status ( n = 526) areas in the city of Gothenburg (550,000 inhabitants). The coronary artery calcification score was assessed with the Agatston method using computed tomography, with individuals classified into either no coronary calcification ( n = 625; mean age, 57 years) or any coronary artery calcification ( n = 442; mean age, 59 years (men, 68.5%)).

Results

Coronary artery calcification was present in 244 (46.3%) and 198 (36.6%) individuals from the low- and high-socioeconomic status areas, respectively. Participants from the low-socioeconomic status areas had a significantly higher risk factor burden. In a multivariable logistic regression model with adjustment for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors, the odds for coronary artery calcification were not significantly higher among persons living in low-socioeconomic status areas (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 0.87–1.60).

Conclusion

In this relatively small cross-sectional study, we observed an association between living in a low-socioeconomic status area and coronary artery calcification. However, this was mostly explained by higher levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, indicating that the effect of socioeconomic status on the atherosclerotic process works through an increased burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors.