bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Einseitiger Keratokonus durch chronisches Augenreiben? Eine detektivische Investigation
Authors: Linke Stephan Johannes
Published: August 2018

Introduction: To report the development of unilateral keratoconus in a healthy male after persistent unilateral eye rubbing by the nondominant hand which was not needed for professional activities. Methods: Observational case report. Results: A 60-year-old male was first seen in our clinic due to decreased vision in his left eye. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the left eye revealed Vogt's striae, stromal thinning, and a stromal scar. Corneal topography showed a stage 4 keratoconus. Clinical examination and corneal topography of the right eye were normal. Medical history revealed a habit of chronic eye rubbing only in the left eye because of the right hand being occupied for professional needs. During follow-up of 5 years, Scheimpflug images of the right eye stayed normal while the left eye showed a stable cone. Discussion: This case report supports the hypothesis of mechanical fatigue of the cornea due to repetitive shear stress on the surface caused by eye-rubbing.
Do Reports on Personal Preferences of Persons with Dementia Predict Their Responses to Group Activities?
Authors: Cohen-Mansfield Jiska
Published: August 2018

Background: We examine the utility of individualizing activities for persons with dementia (PwD) on the basis of congruence with preferences. Previous studies demonstrated only limited evidence of individualization of activity content to improve response, tended not to consider group activities, or were inconclusive. Methods: Participants were 90 PwD residing in a nursing home or attending a day center. After family and staff caregivers rated preferences for music, exercise, reading, brain games, and baking, group activities were conducted, and the impact on mood and engagement was monitored. We tested whether participants showed more engagement and better mood when group activities were related to topics they liked, in comparison to topics they did not like (within-person analysis), and whether persons who liked certain topics showed better outcomes in comparison to persons who did not like those topics (between-person analyses). Results: Within-person analysis found a relationship between the report of liking the topic and engagement and mood during the group activity, confirming the benefit of individualizing activities to persons’ preferences. Between-person analyses were statistically significant only when based on staff preference ratings. Conclusion: Despite the fact that each topic represents a wide range of possible activities, individualizing group activities based on participants’ preferences can optimize the impact.
Effects of Physical Activity in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Henskens Marinda , Nauta Ilse M. , van Eekeren Marieke C.A. , Scherder Erik J.A.
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: There is no consensus regarding the optimal nonpharmacological intervention to slow down dementia-related decline. We examined whether physical stimulation interventions were effective in reducing cognitive, physical, mood, and behavioral decline in nursing home residents with dementia. Methods: Eighty-seven nursing home residents with dementia were randomly assigned to 3 physical activity interventions: activities of daily living (ADL) training, multicomponent exercise training, or combined multicomponent exercise and ADL training. Outcomes were measured at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months. Results: A 6-month ADL training benefitted executive functions, physical endurance, and depression among men. Exercise training benefitted only grip strength of participants with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. A combined training benefitted functional mobility compared to ADL training, depressive symptoms and agitation compared to exercise training, and physical endurance compared to no physical stimulation. Conclusions: ADL training appears to be effective for nursing home residents with moderately severe dementia. It remains unclear whether exercise training is an effective type of stimulation.
No Therapeutic Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Retreatment Despite T790M Disappearance: Case Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Kodama Tatsuya , Watanabe Keisuke , Shinkai Masaharu , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: August 2018

Background: T790M is a major cause of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance, but the clinical significance of T790M disappearance is unknown. Case Report: We report 3 cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma which did not respond to EGFR-TKI retreatment even with T790M disappearance. T790M mutations were detected in the pleural effusions after the tumors had acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. T790M mutations disappeared from cancer cells in the pleural effusion after a break from the treatment drug and cytotoxic agent administration. However, no therapeutic effect was obtained despite EGFR-TKI reinitiation. Conclusions: Responsiveness to EGFR-TKI might not be restored in some cases, although the disappearance of T790M mutations is confirmed.
Dementia Patients Are More Sedentary and Less Physically Active than Age- and Sex-Matched Cognitively Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Hartman Yvonne A.W. , Karssemeijer Esther G.A. , van Diepen Lisanne A.M. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G.M. , Thijssen Dick H.J.
Published: August 2018

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine physical activity and sedentary behaviour characteristics of ambulatory and community-dwelling patients with dementia compared to cognitively healthy age-, sex- and weight-matched controls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included community-dwelling dementia patients (n = 45, age 79.6 ± 5.9 years, Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] 22.8 ± 3.2) and matched controls (n = 49, age 80.0 ± 7.7 years, MMSE 29.0 ± 1.2). Participants wore a wrist accelerometer for 7 days to assess sedentary time, sedentary bout duration and time spent in very light, light-to-moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Results: Relative sedentary time and sedentary bout duration was significantly higher in dementia patients than in controls (median [interquartile range] 57% [49–68] vs. 55% [47–59] and 18.3 [16.4–21.1] min vs. 16.6 [15.3–18.4] min, p = 0.042 and p = 0.008, respectively). In addition, dementia patients spent a lower percentage of their waking time in light-to-moderate and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activities (20% [15–23] vs. 22% [18–25] and 5% [2–10] vs. 10% [5–13], p = 0.017 and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: We revealed that dementia patients are more sedentary and perform less physical activity than cognitively healthy controls. This may have clinically important consequences, given the observation that sedentary behaviour and little physical activity independently predict all-cause mortality and morbidity.
Prevalence of Adult-Onset Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction in Males with Prediabetes
Authors: Rajput Rajesh , Banerjee Saurav
Published: August 2018

Background: The prevalence of prediabetes is high globally; however, few studies have investigated the prevalence of adult-onset hypogonadism (AOH) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with prediabetes, and there is no study from India. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AOH and ED in men with prediabetes and to correlate the risk of testosterone deficiency with prediabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 diagnosed cases of prediabetes and 100 normoglycemic controls. Prediabetes was defined as impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or both. AOH was defined as a positive response in the Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Males (ADAM) questionnaire in the setting of low testosterone. ED was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF-5) score. Results: AOH and ED were diagnosed in 34 (34%) and 79 (79%) males with prediabetes as compared to 16 (16%) and 58 (58%) males in the control population, respectively (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001). Both AOH and ED were observed in significantly more younger males with prediabetes (< 50 years) than in controls. On multivariate analysis, total testosterone remained significantly low in males with prediabetes as compared to controls after adjustment for possible confounders (odds ratio 2.5; p = 0.028). Conclusion: Males with prediabetes even in the younger age group are at an increased risk of AOH, ED, and testosterone deficiency.
Small Heat Shock Protein16.3 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: After Two Decades of Functional Characterization
Authors: Jee Babban , Singh Yogesh , Yadav Renu , Lang Florian
Published: August 2018

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are one of the five families of proteins acting as molecular chaperone. sHSPs possess a universally conserved alpha-crystallin domain, hence, also known as alpha-crystallin family. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is an etiological agent of tuberculosis, a disease claiming million of lives every year across the world. MTB has two sHSPs: sHSP16.3 (a 16.3 kDa protein) and Acr2 (a 17.8 kDa protein). Of these, sHSP16.3 has been reported to be crucial for survival of MTB during prolonged period of dormancy, in addition to indispensable role in its growth, virulence and cell wall thickening. Additionally, this mycobacterial protein is also beneficial for host as well. Due to strong immunogenic properties and consistent presence in patients sera, sHSP16.3 has largely been implicated in vaccine development and diagnosis of latent and active infections of MTB in the clinical cases of TB. Recently, our study provided the substantial evidence to exploit this mycobacterial protein as a good drug target for developing novel therapeutic intervention. In the present review, a comprehensive analysis of various attributes of sHSP16.3 has been done and major gaps in area have been highlighted for future course of action.
Editorial: Bridging Scales and Levels
Authors: Towlson Emma K. , De Vico Fallani Fabrizio
Published: August 2018

Network neuroscience strives to understand the networks of the brain on all spatiotemporal scales and levels of observation. Current experimental and theoretical capabilities are beginning to facilitate a more holistic perspective, uniting these networks. This focus feature, “Bridging Scales and Levels,” aims to document current research and looks to future progress towards this vision.
Additions to knowledge of the paper wasp Polistes delhiensis Das and Gupta, 1989 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) from Vietnam with description of the male and nest
Authors: NGUYEN LIEN THI PHUONG , NGUYEN CUONG QUANG , BOZDOĞAN HAKAN
Published: August 2018

Notes on the paper wasp of the genus Polistes, Polistes delhiensis Das and Gupta, 1989 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) from Vietnam are presented. The species has two color forms of the clypeus: brightly colored specimens were collected in the southern part of the range and darker colored specimens were collected in the northern part. Based on morphological and DNA data analysis, it is confirmed that both color forms belong to Polistes delhiensis. The male of this species is described for the first time and its fully-developed nest is also described.
Two new species of the subgenus Papillacarus (Oribatida, Lohmanniidae, Papillacarus) from China
Authors: REN GUORU , YANG MAOFA , LIANG WENQIN , XIE LIXIA
Published: August 2018

Two new species of Lohmanniidae, Papillacarus (Papillacarus) retinervius sp. nov. from soil in Hainan Province, South China and Papillacarus (Papillacarus) mammilatus sp. nov. from moss and soil in Guizhou Province, Southwest China are described and illustrated. Papillacarus (P.) retinervius sp. nov. is most similar to Papillacarus (P.) polygonatus (Ermilov & Anichkin, 2011), however, it can be distinguished from the latter by the following characterstics: 20–21 pairs of additional neotrichal setae, setae d2, e2, h1, p1 shorter, as long as d1, epimeral setal formula 10-8-4-3. Papillacarus (P.) mammilatus sp. nov. is most similar to Papillacarus (P.) angulatus (Wallwork, 1962), however, it can be distinguished from the latter by the following characterstics: transverse bands S3 complete, eight pairs of subcapitular setae, epimeral setal formula 10-6-3-4.
The Effects of Native Language and Gender on Procedure Performance
Authors: Peres S. Camille , Johnson William D. , Thomas Sarah E. , Ritchey Paul
Published: August 2018

Objective:

Evaluation of effects of native language—native (L1) versus nonnative (L2)—on procedure performance.

Background:

Written procedures are used by global industries to facilitate accurate and safe performance of hazardous tasks. Often companies require that all employees be sufficiently literate in English and to use only English versions.

Method:

Industrial tasks were tested using a virtual reality industrial environment (Second Life®) to explore effects on procedural performance and safety statement adherence. Fifty-four engineering students (27 L2) participated in the study to explore the native language variable. The participants completed the procedures under time pressure and were scored according to procedure performance and hazard comprehension.

Results:

Analysis of eight procedures showed significant differences between L1 and L2 for procedure performance (specifically for L2 females). There were no language fluency or hazard comprehension differences found between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that (a) the lower procedure performance of L2 readers was not due to English proficiency but more likely to time pressure; (b) implications regarding single language procedures are not fully understood, particularly with regard to gender differences.

Application:

This research is applicable to high-risk industries providing single language, time critical procedures to multilingual workforces.
Modern Houses, Conspicuous Consumption, and Elite–Villager Interfaces in the Mandara Highlands
Authors: Chétima Melchisedek
Published: August 2018

This paper argues that changes in architectural practices related to the emergence of modern elites in the Mandara Mountains blur the relationship between them and the village’s permanent residents. Probably because they spend much of their time in urban cities, modern elites prefer building their main houses in those locations. Villagers interpret their behavior as a message of rejection. In turn, this interpretation significantly affects the reciprocal relationships between modern elites and the villagers. Although the former would built houses in the village also, this practice does not remove the suspicion they attract from the latter. On the contrary, the massive character of the houses combined with their emptiness contribute to reinforce the villagers’ belief that they are the fruit of occult practices. Relying on these observations, I argue that elites’ houses are not only the sites of production of social relations, as Claude Lévi-Strauss theorized, but they are also the site of tensions.
Characterization of aluminum/alumina/TiC hybrid composites in 3D produced by anodizing and accumulating roll bonding process using synchrotron radiation tomography
Authors: Rahman KM Mostafijur , Szpunar Jerzy , Toroghinejad Mohammad Reza , Belev George
Published: August 2018

Hybrid composites of Al/Al2O3/TiC were produced by anodizing and accumulative roll bonding processes. We implemented 3D imaging of the composites using synchrotron radiation tomography at Biomedical Imaging and Therapy’s 05B1-1 beamline at Canadian Light Source to collect information on internal structure of these hybrid composites i.e. distribution of particles and voids, particle/matrix interface and surface area distribution after different accumulative roll bonding passes. The volume and interface surface area distribution are responsible for strength and toughness of the composites along with other factors such as strain hardening and formation of ultrafine grains. We found that the mechanical properties improved as the number of accumulative roll bonding passes increases and the internal homogeneity of structure also improved. The composites after different accumulative roll bonding passes are studied where the number of reinforced particles and voids and their shape and size distribution were accurately being quantified in 3D to relate with mechanical properties of the composite. Such information should be of importance in analysis and improvement of the manufacturing process of these types of composites.
A Meta-Analysis Examining the Evidence-Base of Mathematical Interventions for Students With Emotional Disturbances
Authors: Losinski Mickey L. , Ennis Robin P. , Sanders Sara A. , Nelson Jessica A.
Published: August 2018

Math outcomes for students with disabilities, in particular students with emotional disturbance (ED), are bleak, warranting intervention strategies that have research to support their utility. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the literature of math interventions used with students with ED to improve math outcome variables. Our statistical analysis included 17 studies, categorized as addressing fractions, number sense, geometry and measurement, algebra, word problems, and “other.” Although only four of the included studies met all of the CEC-EBP (Council for Exceptional Children’s Standards for Evidence-Based of Practices in Special Education) quality indicators, results of effect size calculations suggest large effects for all interventions. Results of publication bias analyses were mixed. Limitations, directions for future research in this field, and implications for practice are discussed.
Finally “Changing Lenses”? State-Level Determinants of Restorative Justice Laws
Authors: Sliva Shannon M.
Published: August 2018

This article presents a mixed methods study exploring a legislative trend toward the use of restorative justice practices in correctional settings. Results indicate that the percentage of Black residents in a state, the percentage of female legislators in a state legislature, and a state’s incarceration rates are predictive of more supportive restorative justice policy adoptions at the state level, while controlling for other explanations. The study weighs political and economic considerations in the adoption of policies with the potential to reduce overincarceration and suggests that at least some contemporary criminal justice police making is motivated by changing constructions of justice.
Paediatric road traffic injuries in Lilongwe, Malawi: an analysis of 4776 consecutive cases
Authors: Sundet Mads , Grudziak Joanna , Charles Anthony , Banza Leonard , Varela Carlos , Young Sven
Published: August 2018

This was a retrospective review of all children aged ≤16 who were treated in the casualty department at the central hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2015. A total of 4776 children were treated for road traffic injuries (RTIs) in the study period. There was an increase in incidence from 428 RTIs in 2009 to a maximum of 834 in 2014. Child pedestrians represented 53.8% of the injuries, but 78% of deaths and 71% of those with moderate to severe head injuries. Pedestrians were mostly injured by cars (36%) and by large trucks, buses and lorries (36%). Eighty-four (1.8%) children were brought in dead, while 40 (0.8%) children died in the casualty department or during their hospital stay. There has been a drastic increase of RTIs in children in Lilongwe, Malawi. Child pedestrians were most affected, both in terms of incidence and severity.
Low Risk Offenders Under Probation Supervision: Risk Management and the Risk-Needs-Responsivity Framework
Authors: Viglione Jill , Taxman Faye S.
Published: August 2018

Community supervision agencies commonly use resource allocation models to identify the amount of monitoring and treatment to provide individuals under supervision. The risk-needs-responsivity model guides these decisions, suggesting the level of supervision should align with one’s risk level, with fewer services provided to those at a lower risk of recidivism. However, probation officers often operate under a risk management model with perceptions of risk guiding decisions. Using qualitative data, the current study examined the implementation of a telephone monitoring system for low risk offenders. This research explored (a) probation staff perceptions of telephone monitoring, (b) probation staff adaptations of telephone monitoring, and (c) individual and external influences related to telephone supervision use. Findings suggest officer perceptions of risk and liability affect use of telephone supervision for low risk probationers. Results highlight challenges associated with implementing the risk principle given tendencies to oversupervise as a means to protect public safety.
In the Mayor We Trust? Trust as the Micro-Foundation of Complementary Politico-Administrative Relations in Local Governments
Authors: Grøn Caroline Howard , Salomonsen Heidi Houlberg
Published: August 2018

This article investigates trust between politicians and public officials in local government. Beginning with Svara’s claim that such relations are characterized by complementarity, we point to the importance of trust as the micro foundation for these relationships. Applying a mixed-methods strategy, we investigate a number of factors we expect to be related to the level of trust between politicians and public officials, as perceived by the latter. We find that the communication climate and a clear distribution of tasks correlate positively with trust, whereas an unstable environment correlates negatively with trust.
Democracy in trade unions, democracy through trade unions?
Authors: Gumbrell-McCormick Rebecca , Hyman Richard
Published: August 2018

Since the Webbs published Industrial Democracy at the end of the nineteenth century, the principle that workers have a legitimate voice in decision-making in the world of work – in some versions through trade unions, in others at least formally through separate representative structures – has become widely accepted in most West European countries. There is now a vast literature on the strengths and weaknesses of such mechanisms, and we review briefly some of the key interpretations of the rise (and fall) of policies and structures for workplace and board-level representation. We also discuss the mainly failed attempts to establish broader processes of economic democracy, which the eclipse of nationally specific mechanisms of class compromise makes again a salient demand. Economic globalization also highlights the need for transnational mechanisms to achieve worker voice (or more radically, control) in the dynamics of capital–labour relations. We therefore examine the role of trade unions in coordinating pressure for a countervailing force at European and global levels, and in the construction of (emergent?) supranational industrial relations. However, many would argue that unions cannot win legitimacy as a democratizing force unless manifestly democratic internally. Therefore we revisit debates on and dilemmas of democracy within trade unions, and examine recent initiatives to enhance democratization.
Fiscal Decentralization and Financial Condition
Authors: Singla Akheil , Stone Samuel B.
Published: August 2018

Although there are strong theoretical arguments about both the benefits and costs of decentralization in the federalism literature, there is little on how second-order fiscal decentralization effects the financial health of state governments. This study examines this question and adds to the understanding of state-and-local fiscal relations. Using financial indicators that measure several dimensions of financial condition, the research estimates the effect of revenue and expenditure decentralization on state fiscal health. It finds that while state financial condition is unaffected by revenue decentralization, there is a curvilinear relationship between expenditure decentralization and long-term state financial condition.
Meta-analytic evidence that we-talk predicts relationship and personal functioning in romantic couples
Authors: Karan Alexander , Rosenthal Robert , Robbins Megan L.
Published: August 2018

Interdependence is a hallmark of romantic relationships, and first-person plural pronoun use (“we-talk”) can indicate interdependence between self and other. We-talk often positively, but sometimes negatively, relates to relationship and personal functioning. A meta-analysis of 30 studies supported a positive association overall between one’s own and partners’ we-talk and relationship and personal functioning, as well as each of five indicators (relationship outcomes, relationship behaviors, mental and physical health, and health behaviors) for individuals in romantic relationships. Partner use of we-talk was generally more strongly related to relationship functioning than own use. Females’ and spouses’ use of we-talk was related more to males’ and patients’ functioning, respectively. In general, our results revealed that we-talk was most strongly associated with relationship functioning and that partner effects tended to be stronger than actor effects. Both patterns of meta-analytic findings support the notion that we-talk reflects interdependence between romantic partners.
Socializing Rejection and Failure in Artistic Occupational Communities
Authors: Skaggs Rachel
Published: August 2018

Failure is a normal aspect of work in creative industries; even highly successful artists are subject to rejection by critics, fans, and peers. It is known that organizations such as schools and workplaces are the primary space for job-related socialization, but artistic careers are characterized by nonstandard employment relations and do not generally require formal schooling. Without the bureaucratic structures typically used to socialize novice group members, how do artistic occupational communities socialize aspirants to manage rejection and labor market failure? This article draws from 6 months of participant observation from “Song Club,” a periodic professional workshop for aspiring songwriters where aspirants present a song to publishers in the hopes of having it recorded and released to commercial audiences. During the period of study, 403 songs were presented to publishers, and 327 were rejected. During the workshops, Song Club members are socialized toward normalizing rejection, appropriately interacting with gatekeepers, and developing collaborative relationships with peers. Adopting these norms reduces the likelihood of failure and contextualizes the meaning of rejection in this occupational community.
Understanding encountering of story leads: A case of newspaper reporting behavior at Midwestern metropolitan-area newspapers
Authors: Bird-Meyer Matt , Erdelez Sanda
Published: August 2018

An interdisciplinary approach explores how journalists embrace the unexpected as part of their reporting routines using Erdelez’s framework of information encountering from the study of human information behavior and the concepts of news routines and story ideation from journalism studies. This paper provides a fresh perspective on the sociology of news in finding that the participating journalists embraced the unexpected by routinizing encountering of story leads and opening themselves to the opportunities they provide.
When Doctors Unlearn English
Authors: Fenton Rebekah
Published: August 2018

Doctor-patient communication is a quintessential part of medical care. Yet, several factors challenge its effectiveness. The author, a third year Pediatrics resident, explores the ways medical education creates distance between doctors’ and patients’ ability to achieve mutual understanding in the clinical setting and how she tries to overcome this barrier.
Trends in Depressed Mood and Suicidal Behaviors Among Female High School Students Who Engaged in Physical Fighting
Authors: Ford Janet H. , Zollinger Terrell W. , Zhang Jianjun , O’Neil Joseph , Nelson David R. , Steele Gregory K.
Published: August 2018

The objective of this article is to identify prevalence changes in depressed mood/suicidal behaviors among female high school students reporting physical fighting. This research analyzed the national combined data set of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBS) cross-sectional surveys from 2001 to 2015. Logistic regression analyzed the time trends. Two multiple logistic regression models were built. A quadratic trend was present with an initial decrease followed by an increase 2009 to 2015 ( p < .001). The odds and severity of depressed mood/suicidal behaviors were greater among female youths with four or more fights and for other violent events, which were even greater when accounting for electronic bullying. The odds of depressed mood/suicidal behaviors among female adolescents engaged in physical fighting has been increasing with electronic bullying contributing to polyvictimization.
Independent Prescribing Pharmacists Supporting the Early Discharge of Patients Through Completion of Medical Discharge Summaries
Authors: Biggs Martin J. , Biggs Timothy C.
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Independent prescribing pharmacists are able to independently prescribe medications following additional postgraduate training. This study examined their use in completing medical discharge summaries, normally completed by junior doctors, in order to assess their impact on expedited hospital discharge times.

Methods:

In total, 163 patients were studied through a 2-stage audit. The first cycle evaluated junior doctors completing medical discharge summaries (as is normal practice). Three independent prescribing pharmacists were then trained to complete discharge summaries, and a second cycle was completed.

Results:

Following implementation of independent prescribing pharmacists to complete medical discharge summaries, the time from medical decision to discharge to summary completion dropped significantly (mean of 2:42 hours to 1:35 hours, P < .001). The time from medical decision to discharge to actual hospital discharge also dropped significantly (mean of 5:21 hours to 3:58 hours, P < .01). The number of discharge summary medication errors dropped significantly ( P < .05) between audit cycles.

Conclusion:

The introduction of independent prescribing pharmacists to complete medical discharge summaries has significantly reduced the time to summary completion, discharge time, and the number of medication errors. In a time of limited medical resources and bed shortages, the use of allied health professionals to improve service delivery is of paramount importance. This project is the first of its kind within the literature.
Design and test methods of rubber-track conversion system
Authors: Lv Kai , Mu Xihui , Li Lishun , Xue Wenbin , Wang Zhiyuan , Xu Lin
Published: August 2018

Rubber-track conversion system enables the vehicle to have stronger rough terrain trafficability than tire. Its roller wheels swing with terrain contours to comfort ride and steady traction. However, this will increase the detracking risk and aggravate the rubber track repeated stretch. To minimize variations of the track perimeter, a systematic design method for rubber-track conversion system was proposed to harmonize the component parameters related to relative movements. Furthermore, its tensioning system was optimized. Using a multi-camera video measurement system, the track perimeter is calibrated on a flat steel plate and track perimeter variations are measured on various terrains. Results show that the track perimeter remains unchanged when roller wheels swing on rugged terrains, and the proposed design method is free from terrain parameters and obstacle types. After reliability running test over 1000 km on various terrains, the measurements above were carried out again. The results are consistent with those before the reliability test, which further proves the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Cooperative guidance law considering the randomness of the unreliable communication network
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Song Jianmei , Huang Lan , Cai Gaohua
Published: August 2018

The cooperative attack problem of multiple missiles considering the randomness of the unreliable communication network is investigated. Firstly, the stochastic communication network is described by a Bernoulli random model. And the cooperative guidance law with unreliable communication network is proposed, which is composed of the upper consensus algorithm of desired impact time and the local proportional navigation with time-varying navigation gain. Each node of the upper cooperative system uses different update gain to adjust the desired impact time to improve the cooperative performance. Secondly, the mean square stability of the upper cooperative system is analyzed and proved. The explicit necessary and sufficient conditions of the mean square stability are presented for the two-missile cooperative attack system. And the analytic expression of the mean of the cooperative impact time is derived since it influences the attack precision directly and significantly. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the proposed cooperative guidance law with unreliable communication network is verified by simulation. And the influence of the update gain, the communication step, and the mean of link probability on the cooperative attack precision is analyzed.
A fast multiobjective optimization approach to S-duct scoop inlets design with both inflow and outflow
Authors: Zeng Lifang , Pan Dingyi , Ye Shangjun , Shao Xueming
Published: August 2018

A fast multiobjective optimization method for S-duct scoop inlets considering both inflow and outflow is developed and validated. To reduce computation consumption of optimization, a simplified efficient model is proposed, in which only inflow region is simulated. Inlet pressure boundary condition of the efficient model is specified by solving an integral model with both inflow and outflow. An automated optimization system integrating the computational fluid dynamics analysis, nonuniform rational B-spline geometric representation technique, and nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II is developed to minimize the total pressure loss and distortion at the exit of diffuser. Flow field is numerically simulated by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation coupled with k–ω shear stress transport turbulence model, and results are validated to agree well with previous experiment. S-duct centreline shape and cross-sectional area distribution are parameterized as the design variables. By analyzing the results of a suggested optimal inlet chosen from the obtained Pareto front, total pressure recovery has increased from 97% to 97.4%, and total pressure distortion DC60 has decreased by 0.0477 (21.7% of the origin) at designed Mach number 0.7. The simplified efficient model has been validated to be reliable, and by which the time cost for the optimization project has been reduced by 70%.
Experimental investigation of the icing scaling test method for a rotating cone
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhang Lifen , Li Yundan , Liu Zhenxia , Zhu Pengfei
Published: August 2018

One of the reliable methods of studying engine icing is to carry out testing in an icing wind tunnel. Due to the operational limitations of test facility, model-size scaling is adopted. An icing scaling test method for the rotating cone is established based on the dimensional analysis coupled with similarity theory and evaluated by considering the rotating effect. Similarity parameters are determined in the following five aspects: flow field similarity, droplet trajectory similarity, water catch similarity, heat balance similarity, and rotating characteristics similarity. Experimental icing tests have been performed at rime and glaze ice conditions to evaluate the scaling method in a closed-loop icing wind tunnel. Results show that the maximum error between the reference and scale ice shapes occurs at the stagnant point. On the areas apart from this, there is a significantly smaller error. Hence, the scaling test method is proven to be effective and reliable and can provide a theoretical basis for parameter selection of the ice wind tunnel tests.
Methyl methacrylate in external fixation of supracondylar humerus fractures: An experimental study
Authors: Güleç Ali , Acar Mehmet Ali , Aydin Bahattin Kerem , Demir Teyfik , Özkaya Mustafa
Published: August 2018

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common fractures around the elbow. Open fractures, comminuted metaphyseal fractures and also fractures with bone loss may need to be treated with external fixators. The aim of this study is to compare two different external fixators, tubular external fixators and polymethyl methacrylate with K wires external fixators, with regard to stiffness and stability for metaphyseal-diaphyseal osteotomies of distal humerus close to the joint. Six matched pairs (24 specimens) of second-generation sawbone humerus were prepared in a standard fashion to create a metaphyseal fracture, 5 cm proximal to the distal joint line of humerus and were randomly divided into two groups of 12 specimens each. Each sawbone humerus was osteotomized transversely at the mid-olecranon fossa with a 2-mm oscillating saw to simulate a Gartland type III fracture. The osteotomy was then reduced and stabilized using two different external fixation methods: carbon tubular external fixator with Schanz screws and methyl methacrylate with multiple K wires. Three-point bending and torsion tests were performed on the specimens. Bending and torsional stiffness of specimens were obtained for the fixation methods. According to the results of the study, the methyl methacrylate group has provided higher stiffness than classical tubular fixator with Schanz screws in three-point bending test (7.79 ± 2.33 N/mm vs 3.78 ± 1.18 N/mm, p = 0.006). The methyl methacrylate group also showed better stiffness in torsion test (0.12 ± 0.042 N m/° vs 0.067 ± 0.013 N m/°, p = 0.02). We determined for the first time in literature that external fixation with methyl methacrylate was significantly superior to the classical tubular external fixator with Schanz screws with regard to stiffness and stability under three-point bending and torsional loads. Moreover, methyl methacrylate is inexpensive and easily applied.
Construction of patients’ position in Norway’s Patients’ Rights Act
Authors: Aasen Elin Margrethe , Dahl Berit Misund
Published: August 2018

Background:

Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, human rights as set out in government documents have gradually changed, with more and more power being transferred to individual.

Objectives:

The aim of this article is to analyze how the position of the patient in need of care is constructed in Norway’s renamed and revised Patients’ and Service Users’ Rights Act (originally Patients’ Rights Act, 1999) and published comments which accompanying this legislation from the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Service.

Research design:

A constructivist design was used, and Fairclough’s critical discourse approach was adopted to analyze the text of the Patients’ and Service Users’ Rights Act and comments.

Findings:

The analysis identified three discourses: (a) political discourse, containing ethical discourses about priority and economy, in which patients are constructed as powerless individuals; (b) expert discourse, containing a theme about patients’ trust in the healthcare team and its knowledge, in which patients are constructed as helpless individuals lacking knowledge; and (c) patient participation and patient autonomy discourse, containing ethical discourses about decision-making, in which patients are constructed not only as individuals with needs and rights but also as “troublesome.”

Conclusion:

Dominant paternalistic discourses in the legal text validate the power of medicine, the healthcare system, and heath personnel over the needs, rights, participation, and autonomy of the patient.
Motherhood Experiences and Expectations
Authors: Prikhidko Alena , Swank Jacqueline M.
Published: August 2018

This phenomenological study explored the perceptions of motherhood among mothers of toddlers ( N = 13). Four themes emerged from the data: (a) uncertainty of motherhood, (b) mother as a juggler, (c) social context of motherhood, and (d) maternal struggles. The authors discuss implications for family counselors and recommendations for future research.
Response control of a floating airport in heading waves with output saturation
Authors: Xia Shuyan , Xu Daolin , Zhang Haicheng , Wu Yousheng
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a nonlinear control strategy to stabilize the response of a floating platform in waves. The floating platform consists of multiple floating modules connected in sequence with flexible connectors. A nonlinear dynamic model with a number of controllers is developed for the stability control of the chain-shape floating structure. The backstepping method in conjunction with the Lyapunov stability criteria is proposed to derive the control law for each of the control actuators where the actuator forces are limited with output saturation. The numerical experiments illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the control strategy in various conditions of heading waves. The performance of the control method is discussed, especially associated with the saturated output.
Does a Reduction in Readmissions Result in Net Savings for Most Hospitals? An Examination of Medicare’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program
Authors: Yakusheva Olga , Hoffman Geoffrey J.
Published: August 2018

This study aimed (1) to estimate the impact of an incremental reduction in excess readmissions on a hospital’s Medicare reimbursement revenue, for hospitals subject to penalties under the Medicare’s Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and (2) to evaluate the economic case for an investment in a readmission reduction program. For 2,465 hospitals with excess readmissions in the Fiscal Year 2016 Hospital Compare data set, we (1) used the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program statute to estimate hospital-specific Medicare reimbursement gains per an avoided readmission and (2) carried out a pro forma analysis of investment in a broad-scale readmission reduction program under conservative assumptions regarding program effectiveness and using program costs from earlier studies. For an average hospital, avoiding one excess readmission would result in reimbursement gains of $10,000 to $58,000 for Medicare discharges. The economic case for investments in a readmission reduction effort was strong overall, with the possible exception of hospitals with low excess readmissions.
U.S. College Student Media and Twitter: Are Student Media Following Best Practices?
Authors: Saks Jeremy , Cruikshank Sally Ann , Yanity Molly
Published: August 2018

The current study examines how student media in the United States utilize Twitter and if those media outlets are following best practices. A constructed-sample content analysis of 10 Twitter feeds over the course of four semesters was conducted. The findings show that student media are generally not following best practices with a wide range of differences among those outlets in the sample. Discussion includes what this means for institutions teaching social media for journalists and other concerns.
The Winner Takes It All: International Inequality in Communication and Media Studies Today
Authors: Demeter Marton
Published: August 2018

In this research, we analyzed all 79 Web of Science (WoS) indexed journals in communication and media studies to disclose main publication patterns. We found that English-language countries dominate the field in a greater extent than in other disciplines, and developing countries are in a weaker position than English-language developed countries not just in natural sciences but also in soft sciences. We found significant correlations between the nominal GDP, the per capita publication, and per capita GDP of a given country and its publication scores.
Hail
Authors: Lahman Maria K. E.
Published: August 2018

In this poem, the author explores life and death and our relationship with nature.
Recurrent seizures in cats: Treatment – which antiepileptic drugs are recommended?
Authors: Hazenfratz Michal , Taylor Susan M
Published: August 2018

Practical relevance:

Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems recognized in cats, affecting approximately 1–3% of the general population. Treatment options and prognosis are closely related to the underlying cause, so it is important that veterinarians are familiar with the diagnostic approach to cats with seizures and options for medical management.

Series outline:

This is the second of a two-part article series that reviews the diagnosis and treatment of seizures in cats. Part 2 describes chronic medical treatment options and prognosis for cats with recurrent seizures, and acute treatment of status epilepticus.

Audience:

This review of recurrent seizures in cats is intended for all veterinarians who are facing the challenges of seizure diagnosis and management in the feline patient.

Evidence base:

Recommendations for diagnosis and management of feline seizure disorders have historically been extrapolated from the canine and human literature. The information and guidance provided in this two-part series is based on a review of the recent published literature addressing seizure disorders and antiepileptic treatment in cats, as well as the authors’ clinical experience.
Effects of N-acetylcysteine on arterial neo-intimal hyperplasia in rat model of arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Jalaeefar Amirmohsen , Mohammadi Tofigh Arash , Gharib Atoosa , Khandaghy Mohsen , Rahimi Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Arteriovenous fistula is the best choice for vascular access in hemodialysis patients. However, arteriovenous fistula dysfunction is a major clinical issue. The most common cause of arteriovenous fistula failure is intimal hyperplasia. In this study, we have investigated the effect of N-acetylcysteine on neo-intimal hyperplasia after arteriovenous fistula creation in rats.

Methods:

This study was conducted in 24 rats which were randomly divided into two groups: control and N-acetylcysteine groups. An end-to-side anastomosis was made between the femoral artery and vein. The control group received distilled water intraperitoneally while the animals in N-acetylcysteine group received 300 mg/kg/day of N-acetylcysteine via the same route. After 28 days, the thickness of intima and media was measured using hematoxylin and eosin.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age ( p = 0.6) and weight ( p = 0.1). The mean intima thickness in N-acetylcysteine group was significantly less than control group (17 ± 20 and 119 ± 46 µm, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean intima/media thickness in the N-acetylcysteine group was significantly less than control group (0.5 ± 0.63 vs 2.05 ± 1.17 µm; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

N-acetylcysteine is effective in inhibiting neo-intimal hyperplasia in a rat model of arteriovenous fistula.