bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rising from the ashes: resurrection of the Malagasy chameleons Furcifer monoceras and F. voeltzkowi (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae), based on micro-CT scans and external morphology
Authors: SENTÍS MARINA , CHANG YIYIN , SCHERZ MARK D. , PRÖTZEL DAVID , GLAW FRANK
Published: September 2018

The taxonomy of the Malagasy chameleon Furcifer rhinoceratus (Gray, 1845) is poorly resolved. The aim of this study is to clarify the taxonomic status of Chamaeleon voeltzkowi Boettger, 1893 and Chamaeleon monoceras Boettger, 1913 both only known from single or very few specimens mostly collected more than 100 years ago and currently considered as synonyms of Furcifer rhinoceratus. Using osteological data from micro-X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with traditional morphological characters and morphometrics we resurrect both taxa from the synonymy of F. rhinoceratus as F. voeltzkowi and F. monoceras, respectively. Compared to F. rhinoceratus, F. monoceras is smaller, has a relatively shorter tail, a longer and thinner rostral appendage, a poorly developed gular crest and no ventral crest, whereas F. voeltzkowi has a smaller rostral appendage, higher casque and the dorsal crest is continuous with the tail crest. Compared to the broad rostral appendage formed by the anterior protuberance of the premaxillary process of the maxilla, which has serrated edges in F. rhinoceratus, F. monoceras presents a long rostral appendage with a smooth dorsal edge that progressively narrows, and the nasal aperture is extended along the elongated appendage; F. voeltzkowi presents a smaller but curved rostral appendage with a crenate edge. The prefrontal and postorbitofrontal approach one another forming a large, laterally closed supraorbital fontanelle in F. rhinoceratus while in F. monoceras they do not approach, leaving a laterally open fontanelle, and in F. voeltzkowi the fontanelle is diminutive. Furcifer voeltzkowi also differs from the similar F. labordi by a smaller size of the rostral appendage, less bulging casque and body pholidosis. The former exhibits a conspicuous white lateral band comprising heterogeneous scalation. Furcifer labordi, on the other hand, has a homogeneous scalation with a remarkable reticulate pattern. Osteologically, the shape of the prefrontal and the connection of the postorbitofrontal with the parietal also differ greatly between the two. Using micro-CT scans we detected key differences that would be otherwise impossible to determine. We also provide a brief morphological and osteological description of the species and strongly recommend efforts to rediscover these two poorly known taxa in order to enable additional studies and to assess their conservation status.
Preventing sexual assault in schools
Authors: Shakeshaft Charol
Published: September 2018

In every state in the U.S., students have been victims of sexual abuse at the hands of teachers and other adults at schools. Charol Shakeshaft asks why educators, policy makers, and others connected with schools haven’t done more to address this problem but have instead looked the other way, sometimes even allowing colleagues to quietly transfer to other schools. Suggesting that everyone is responsible for helping solve the problem, she suggests reforms at the federal, state, and school levels to prevent and respond to sexual abuse.
Under the Law
Authors: Underwood Julie
Published: September 2018

Three cases decided in July 2018 address states’ responsibility to educate all children. Martinez v. State of New Mexico is the first case in that state to establish a state constitutional right to education. In Cruz-Guzman v. State of Minnesota, the state supreme court found that a court could rule on whether the segregation of schools by race and socioeconomic status violated the previously established right to education. In Gary B. v. Snyder, a federal district court dismissed the claim of a group of Michigan parents that schools’ failure to ensure students were literate represented a violation of their federal rights.
How School Socioeconomic Status Affects Achievement Growth across School Transitions in Early Educational Careers
Authors: Langenkamp Amy G. , Carbonaro William
Published: September 2018

Our study investigates how changing socioeconomic status (SES) composition, measured as percentage free and reduced priced lunch (FRL), affects students’ math achievement growth after the transition to middle school. Using the life course framework of cumulative advantage, we investigate how timing, individual FRL status, and legacy effects of a student’s elementary school SES composition each affect a student’s math achievement growth. We advance research on school transitions by considering how changing contexts affect achievement growth across school transitions. Furthermore, we improve on school context research by measuring the ways that SES compositions across school transitions may be interconnected. Using state administrative panel data for third through eighth graders from 2009 to 2015, we use fixed effects to estimate math achievement growth by the end of eighth grade. Findings suggest that a student’s elementary SES composition has a legacy effect on middle school achievement growth net of his or her own achievement growth and middle school SES composition. In addition, SES composition effects differ depending on the timing of exposure and a student’s individual FRL status. Our study has important implications for both educational transition research and school effects research, which are discussed.
Subsidiary displacement and empty plots: Dilemmas of original residents and newcomers in the reconstruction of Talca, Chile 2010–2016
Authors: Inzulza-Contardo Jorge , Gatica-Araya Paulina
Published: September 2018

Throughout history people have been affected by disaster events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and landslides, with devastating effects for cities and towns around the world. Since the 1990s, post-disaster reconstruction has often been seen as an opportunity to invest in new projects following market forces and property speculation rather than for implementing rehabilitation strategies to address physical, social and psychological effects. Housing subsidies provided by the government seem to be a new issue creating more social disparity in the case of Talca, Chile after the 2010 magnitude 8.8 earthquake. This paper explores the contemporary urban landscape of this intermediate city, shaped between 2010 and 2016, which shows a great number of empty plots being filled by gated community typologies. By using ethnography and semi-structured interviews of residents from four historic neighbourhoods, the results show key patterns of physical and social change such as displacement of original residents by newcomers and lack of social cohesion along with tensions among them. The case of the Talca, Chile reconstruction is educational for understanding the ways in which many inner cities are affected by reconstruction policies with property speculation and gentrification effects. This paper concludes with the criteria that are being applied to redesign historic neighbourhoods and provides reflections for improving urban planning mechanisms to include both original residents and newcomers who are sharing these historic neighbourhoods.
Emotional Dynamics of Right- and Left-wing Political Populism
Authors: Salmela Mikko , von Scheve Christian
Published: September 2018

Emotions are prevalent in the rhetoric of populist politicians and among their electorate. We argue that partially dissimilar emotional processes may be driving right- and left-wing populism. Existing research has associated populism with fear and insecurities experienced in contemporary societies, on the one hand, and with anger, resentment, and hatred, on the other. Yet there are significant differences in the targets of right- and left-wing resentment: A political and economic establishment deemed responsible for austerity politics (left) and political and cultural elites accused of favoring ethnic, religious, and sexual out-groups at the expense of the neglected in-group (right). Referring to partially different emotional opportunity structures and distinct political strategies at exploiting these structures, we suggest that right-wing populism is characterized by repressed shame that transforms fear and insecurity into anger, resentment, and hatred against perceived “enemies” of the precarious self. Left-wing populism, in turn, associates more with acknowledged shame that allows individuals to self-identify as aggrieved and humiliated by neoliberal policies and their advocates. The latter type of shame holds emancipatory potential as it allows individuals to establish bonds with others who feel the same, whereas repressors remain in their shame or seek bonds from repression-mediated defensive anger and hatred.
Intergrating conventional MRI, texture analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and susceptibility weighted imaging for glioma grading
Authors: Su Chun-Qiu , Lu Shan-Shan , Han Qiu-Yue , Zhou Mao-Dong , Hong Xun-Ning
Published: September 2018

Background

The application of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in glioma grading is limited and non-specific.

Purpose

To investigate the application values of MRI, texture analysis (TA) of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and intratumoral susceptibility signal (ITSS) on susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI), alone and in combination, for glioma grading.

Material and Methods

Fifty-two patients with pathologically confirmed gliomas who underwent DCE-MRI and SWI were enrolled in this retrospective study. Conventional MRIs were evaluated by the VASARI scoring system. TA of DCE-MRI-derived parameters and the degree of ITSS were compared between low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and high-grade gliomas (HGGs). The diagnostic ability of each parameter and their combination for glioma grading were analyzed.

Results

Significant statistical differences in VASARI features were observed between LGGs and HGGs ( P < 0.05), of which the enhancement quality had the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.873) with 93.3% sensitivity and 80% specificity. The TA of DCE-MRI derived parameters were significantly different between LGGs and HGGs ( P < 0.05), of which the uniformity of Ktrans had the highest AUC (0.917) with 93.3% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The degree of ITSS was significantly different between LGGs and HGGs ( P < 0.001). The AUC of the ITSS was 0.925 with 93.3% sensitivity and 90% specificity. The best discriminative power was obtained from a combination of enhancement quality, Ktrans- uniformity, and ITSS, resulting in 96.7% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, and AUC of 0.993.

Conclusion

Combining conventional MRI, TA of DCE-MRI, and ITSS on SWI may help to improve the differentiation between LGGs and HGGs.
Fetal Pathology in an Aborted Holstein Fetus Infected With Bovine Parainfluenza Virus-3 Genotype A
Authors: Macías-Rioseco Melissa , Mirazo Santiago , Uzal Francisco A. , Fraga Martín , Silveira Caroline , Maya Leticia , Riet-Correa Franklin , Arbiza Juan , Colina Rodney , Anderson Mark L. , Giannitti Federico
Published: September 2018

Bovine parainfluenza virus-3 (BPIV-3) is a recognized respiratory pathogen of cattle, and it has also been identified in aborted fetuses. However, little is known of this agent as a reproductive pathogen and detailed descriptions of fetal pathology on natural cases are lacking in the scientific literature. This article describes and illustrates lesions in a fetus spontaneously aborted by a first-calving Holstein heifer, naturally infected with BPIV-3 genotype A, broadening the current knowledge on fetal pathology by this virus. Fetal autopsy revealed diffusely reddened, rubbery and unexpanded lungs. Histologically, there was necrotizing bronchiolitis/alveolitis with intraluminal fibrin exudate and syncytial cells in the bronchiolar/alveolar spaces, and non-suppurative peribronchiolitis and perivascular interstitial pneumonia. In the small intestine there was multifocal necrotizing cryptitis and occasional necrotic syncytial enterocytes. Intralesional and extralesional BPIV-3 antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry in the lung and small intestine, and BPIV-3a was identified in fetal tissues by RT-PCR and sequencing.
Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis for Pediatric Moyamoya Disease: A Single-Center Experience With 67 Cases in China
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Zhao Meng , Wang Jia , Wang Shuo , Zhang Dong , Wang Kai , Zhao Jizong
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the surgical results and long-term outcomes of encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis for moyamoya disease in pediatric patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of 67 pediatric patients with moyamoya disease who underwent encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The case series included 36 boys and 31 girls. All the patients underwent surgical revascularization, and a total of 93 encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis procedures were performed (41 unilateral, 26 bilateral). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 30 months. During follow-up, ischemic stroke events were detected in 5 patients and the stroke rate for pediatric patients who underwent encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis procedure was 7.1% per patient-years. At the last follow-up, favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) were observed in 65 cases (97.0%). Our study suggests that long-term surgical outcome of encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis in pediatric moyamoya disease patients is satisfactory, and this technique has a positive impact on the prevention of stroke recurrence.
A study on the thermal and mechanical properties of composites made of nanolignocellulose and Pebax® polymer
Authors: Farsi Mohammad , Tavasoli Afshin , Yousefi Hossein , Tabari Hassan Ziaei
Published: September 2018

This study aimed at producing the biodegradable composite from lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) and Pebax® thermoplastic elastomer. For this purpose, LCNFs at different levels of 0, 1, 3, and 5% were considered. The LCNFs were prepared by benzyl alcohol and then mixed with Pebax®. The liquid phase of the LCNFs and soluble polymer was prepared and then the masterbatches were mixed in an internal mixer (Model 815802, Brabender, Germany). The mixtures from the internal mixer were put into a hot press and test samples were compress-molded. The physical properties results indicated that water absorption and thickness swelling decreased by the addition of more amount of LCNF. By the addition of LCNFs to polymer, the tensile strength and modulus and impact strength were increased compared to samples without LCNF. No regular trend of enthalpy changes was observed as the content of LCNF changed. When the LCNF concentration was increased to 5%, the crystallization temperature was increased. As the LCNF concentration increased to 3%, the glass transition temperature ( Tg) was decreased, whereas by incorporating more LCNFs, the Tg was increased. The result of the Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the peaks at 1740 cm−1 which indicated the presence of polyamide bonds. Also, new peaks were observed in the range of 1400–1500 cm−1 that was probably related to the presence of C−C bonds of glucose at LCNFs chains.
LatinX botanical epistemologies
Authors: DeGuzmán María
Published: September 2018

How is the field of Latina/o Studies concerning itself with “botanical epistemologies” in light of what scholar Claudia Milian has described as “environmental forecasts and new forms of LatinX displacements and transitions”? How have botanical epistemologies been associated with LatinX populations in the United States and its territories? How is the present-day “order of things” bringing social, economic, cultural, and ideological pressures to bear upon these epistemologies? As Chipper Wichman, Director of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, explains, “plants hold the answer to mitigating climate change, feeding the hungry, providing cures for diseases, and much more” and “80 percent or more of the planet’s biodiversity exists in the tropics and approximately one third of all tropical plants are threatened with extinction.” Plants provide living creatures with food and medicines and are responsible for producing the oxygen that makes life possible. However, “the loss of biodiversity-based cultural knowledge [of plants] is widely reported, globally as well as at the level of communities and individuals.” Specifically, LatinXs have not received credit for their botanical knowledge or its practices. This essay unearths how Latina/o Studies can help us to think through the relations among “LatinX,” botany, and the crossroads of survival and extinction—what the author proposes as “LatinX botanical epistemologies.”
Design of an actuator fault-tolerant controller for an air vehicle with nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Roshanravan Sajad , Sobhani Gendeshmin Behnam , Shamaghdari Saeed
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a novel method is presented to design an autopilot for an air vehicle with a polynomial nonlinear model. This method employs the nonlinear model directly in the control design process without the need for local linearization about an operating point. It is shown that the control design problem can be formulated as a sum-of-squares optimization problem. This method guarantees exponential stability of the closed-loop nonlinear system by introducing a polynomial Lyapunov function. The nonlinear dynamic model of air vehicles can usually be represented in the polynomial form. Therefore, the proposed method can widely be applied to design an air vehicle autopilot. Besides using the proposed method along with the projection based and online redesign methods, a fault-tolerant controller is designed for the air vehicle. Furthermore, a new approach is developed by combination of these methods to fault-tolerant control system design. The proposed method is applied to design a fault-tolerant controller for a nonlinear pitch-axis model of an air vehicle subject to loss of effectiveness actuator fault. The simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Showers: from a violent treatment to an agent of cleansing
Authors: Cox Stephanie C , Hocking Clare , Payne Deborah
Published: September 2018

In the early nineteenth century, physicians designed the first manufactured showers for the purpose of curing the insane. Sustained falls of cold water were prescribed to cool hot, inflamed brains, and to instil fear to tame impetuous wills. By the middle of the century showers had appeared in both asylums and prisons, but shower-related deaths led to their decline. Rather than being abandoned, however, the shower was transformed by the use of warm water to economically wash the skins of prison and asylum populations. In stark contrast to an involuntary, deliberately unpleasant treatment, by the end of the century the shower was a desirable product for the improvement of personal hygiene and population health.
A cluster analysis of protean and boundaryless career orientations: Relationships with career competencies
Authors: Övgü Çakmak-Otluoğlu K
Published: September 2018

Previous research on protean and boundaryless careers has been variable centred, testing the outcomes of the dimensions of protean and boundaryless careers separately. Following the career typology of Briscoe and Hall (2006), this study aimed to explore the combined effect of protean (self-directedness and values orientation) and boundaryless (psychological and physical mobility) career dimensions on various career competencies, including identity awareness, adaptability, career planning, proactive job search behaviour, and external networking behaviour. Using cluster analysis with a sample of 285 professionals and mid-level managers, five of the eight career profiles in Briscoe and Hall’s (2006) typology emerged: protean career architect, hired gun, solid citizen, the wanderer, and trapped/lost. Results showed that the most positive career competencies were associated with protean career architect. Additionally, it was found that higher levels of self-directed career management and psychological and physical mobility were not sufficient to enhance identity awareness when the values-driven orientation was lower.
Organizational career management practices, career satisfaction, and intention to quit among Indian employee: Examining the moderating effect of ‘four types of work experience’
Authors: Singh Sweta
Published: September 2018

This study examined the interactive effect of organizational career management practices and different types of work experience on career satisfaction and intention to quit the organization in 386 Indian employees. The results showed that after controlling for the effect of the demographic variables and organizational career management practices, different types of work experience played unique roles in predicting career satisfaction and intention to quit the organization. It was found that that organizational career management practices correlated positively with career satisfaction and negatively with intention to quit the organization. The results further showed that organizational experience moderated the relationship between organizational career management practices and career satisfaction, and organizational tenure moderated the relationship between organizational career management practices and intention to quit. These findings carry implication for research and practice on career satisfaction and intention to quit the organization.
Systemic Work With a Couple Facing Narcissism
Authors: Castronova Marj , Wilson Colwick
Published: September 2018

Marriage and family therapy is built on the premise that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, yet the systemic literature rarely considers the “part” that narcissism may play in impacting the relational “whole.” When this type of marital system is influenced by a sociocontextual influence of spirituality, therapeutic work becomes more complex. A literature review of narcissism in a couple dyad is reviewed as is spirituality within systemic thinking. Once the clinical work is grounded in the literature, a case is provided where strategic therapy and narrative therapy were applied to a case where narcissistic behaviors had led to an affair, and the relationship was heading toward divorce.
Intraosseous Sliding Plate Fixation Used in Double Osteotomy Bunionectomy
Authors: Bennett Gordon L. , Klaus Derek , Shemory Scott , Sabetta James A.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus. We continue to use the intraosseous sliding osteotomy plate system for fixation of the distal metatarsal osteotomy. With the addition of the Akin osteotomy, we are able to obtain reliable, reproducible correction with better cosmesis and increased patient satisfaction for more advanced deformities.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 138 (145 feet) consecutive patients who underwent double osteotomy bunionectomy using the intramedullary plate system and 3.2-mm cannulated screw system. The senior author performed all operative procedures. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scoring system.

Results:

All osteotomy sites of operatively corrected feet healed. There were no hardware failures. A small number of patients complained of stiffness and pain related to the hardware. All patients dramatically improved their AOFAS scores compared with preoperative values. The hallux valgus angle was corrected by a mean of 17.3 degrees (range, 10 to 20 degrees), and the intermetatarsal angle was corrected by a mean of 6.8 degrees (range, 5 to 9 degrees).

Conclusion:

Chevron osteotomy paired with an Akin osteotomy (double osteotomy bunionectomy) resulted in excellent function and pain relief. We continue to recommend the use of the intramedullary plate system and 3.2-mm cannulated screw system because of its low profile, reliability of fixation, and relative ease of use.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
How Do We Encourage Gifted Girls to Pursue and Succeed in Science and Engineering?
Authors: Boston Jilana S. , Cimpian Andrei
Published: September 2018

Despite having the raw ability to pursue careers in science and engineering, gifted girls often shy away from such careers. Here, the authors explore two explanations for this puzzling phenomenon. Specifically, they argue that exposure to (a) negative stereotypes about women’s intellectual abilities and (b) stereotypes about scientists as “nerdy,” eccentric loners may undermine gifted girls’ confidence in their ability to succeed in science and engineering, their sense of belonging in these fields, and—ultimately—their interest. The authors also suggest evidence-based strategies for inoculating girls against these stereotypes and boosting their interest in science and engineering.
Examining Men’s Perceptions of GBV Prevention Programming Content
Authors: Allen Christopher T. , Carlson Juliana , Casey Erin A. , Tolman Richard M. , Leek Cliff
Published: September 2018

As global efforts to engage men in preventing gender-based violence (GBV) continue to grow, understanding male participants’ perceptions of prevention events is needed. Data from a global sample of 319 men who had attended GBV prevention events were used to (a) assess men’s perceptions of what topics were covered, (b) determine whether profiles of these perceptions could be identified, and (c) describe the degree to which content prerception profiles are associated with levels of men’s motivation and confidence related to antiviolence action. Latent class analysis identified four perception profiles of prevention topics. Implications for GBV prevention programming are discussed.
Framing Blame in Sexual Assault: An Analysis of Attribution in News Stories About Sexual Assault on College Campuses
Authors: Siefkes-Andrew Ashlie J. , Alexopoulos Cassandra
Published: September 2018

This article examines media coverage of sexual assault cases on college campuses using content analysis methodology. Utilizing Attribution Theory and Media Framing, this article analyzes the methods and frequency in which the language in sexual assault news stories assigns or minimizes attribution. Key variables include references to alcohol consumption, clothing, Greek systems, and case management by school administrators. Key discoveries were made, including the journalists’ use of language showing support or doubt of victims. This study has implications for scholars, journalists, educational administrators, and society in general as we consider the ongoing framing of sexual assault.
Identifying Reliable Diagnostic/Predictive Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shervington Leroy , Darekar Ashish , Shaikh Murassa , Mathews Roshini , Shervington Amal
Published: September 2018

Introduction and objective:

Elevated C-reactive protein is usually a good indicator of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, there are limitations that compromise its specificity and therefore there is an urgent need to identify more reliable diagnostic biomarkers to detect early stages of RA. In addition, identifying the correct therapeutic biomarker for the treatment of RA using methotrexate (MTX) would greatly increase the benefits experienced by the patients.

Materials and methods:

Primary normal synoviocytes human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) and its phenotype rheumatic HFLS-RA cells were chosen for this study. The HFLS-RA–untreated and MTX-treated cells were subjected to microarray analysis.

Results:

Microarray data identified 74 differentially expressed genes. These genes were mapped against an RA inflammatory pathway, shortlisting 10 candidate genes. Gene expression profiling of the 10 genes were studied. Fold change (FC) was calculated to determine the differential expression of the samples.

Discussion:

The transcription profiles of the 10 candidate genes were highly induced in HFLS-RA cells compared with HFLS cells. However, on treating the HFLS-RA cells with MTX, the transcription profiles of these genes were highly downregulated. The most significant expression FC difference between HFLS and HFLS-RA (treated and untreated) was observed with HSPA6, MMP1, MMP13, and TNFSF10 genes.

Conclusions:

The data from this study suggest the use of HSPA6, MMP1, MMP13, and TNFSF10 gene expression profiles as potential diagnostic biomarkers. In addition, these gene profiles can help in predicting the therapeutic efficacy of MTX.
Gabapentin for Off-Label Use: Evidence-Based or Cause for Concern?
Authors: Peckham Alyssa M , Evoy Kirk E , Ochs Leslie , Covvey Jordan R
Published: September 2018

Gabapentin is widely used in the United States for a number of off-label indications, often as an alternative to opioid therapy. Increasing evidence has emerged suggesting that gabapentin may not be as benign as once thought and may be associated with substance abuse in concert with opioids. With concerns for safety mounting, it is prudent to examine the efficacy of gabapentin across its many uses to understand the risk-benefit balance. Reviews on off-label indications such as migraine, fibromyalgia, mental illness, and substance dependence have found modest to no effect on relevant clinical outcomes. This high-quality evidence has often been overshadowed by uncontrolled studies and limited case reports. Furthermore, the involvement of gabapentin in questionable marketing schemes further calls its use into question. Overall, clinicians should exercise rigorous appraisal of the available evidence for a given indication, and researchers should conduct larger, higher-quality studies to better assess the efficacy of gabapentin for many of its off-label uses.
The gaming healthcare practitioner: How practices of datafication and gamification reconfigure care
Authors: Wallenburg Iris , Bal Roland
Published: September 2018

This article explores how datafication, as an increasing use of quantified performance data (e.g. performance indicators, rating sites), and social media are enacted in everyday healthcare practice. Drawing on the literature about the quantified self, this article shows that datafication evokes practices of gamification: the application of frames of play and rewards to the healthcare setting. We discern three (intermingling) practices of gamification: adapting, ignoring and changing. ‘Adapting’ refers to the incorporation of quantifying features in healthcare, while ‘ignoring’ sheds light on how practitioners seek to circumvent quantifying mechanisms. Change refers to how practitioners actually embrace quantifying mechanisms in order to extend (and improve) their work and to highlight their quantified professional self. We elucidate how datafication of healthcare ‘opens up’ and reconfigures established practices of organizing care and caring – not only for the patient but also to (re)craft the professional clinical identity.
Learning from or leaning on? The impact of children on Internet use by adults
Authors: Galperin Hernan , Arcidiacono Malena
Published: September 2018

Scholars have observed that children can promote Internet adoption among adults by positively influencing skills acquisition. However, it is also possible that children discourage online engagement by adults, who may lean on them to act as proxy users. Both processes have been theorized, but the net result of these opposite effects has not been empirically tested. This study provides such a test, sourcing data from large-scale surveys in six Latin American countries. The results indicate that the presence of children is negatively correlated with Internet use by adults. This suggests that the intergenerational transfer of Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills from children to adults is outweighed by leaning effects, whereby parents rely on children to perform online tasks for them, ultimately discouraging engagement.
Visualizing the game frame: constructing political competition through television images in referendum coverage
Authors: Dekavalla Marina
Published: September 2018

The strategic game frame, which is a media construction of political events as strategic competition between opponents, has so far been operationalized and measured primarily through verbal indicators. This study extends the operationalization of the frame to television visuals. The article argues that visuals are just as powerful as words in conveying the game frame; however, this can go unnoticed and thus unchallenged, if we focus on analyzing verbal content alone. Visuals should thus be problematized and systematically embedded in empirical studies of the game frame. This qualitative analysis shows how this can be done and, specifically, identifies elements of mise-en-scène, such as setting, actors, camera movement and props, which can constitute empirical indicators for the strategic game frame in television texts. The article uses data from the coverage of a recent referendum in Scotland to illustrate these indicators in use with examples.
The Benefit of Supplemental Nutrition Education for Severely Malnourished Patients Awaiting Liver Transplant
Authors: Chaney Amanda J. , Heckman Michael G.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Nutritional interventions improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality in patients with cirrhosis by reducing infection risk, ascites, length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit, and mortality. Follow-up phone calls have been found to be useful in improving patient adherence to therapy.

Problem:

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine whether supplemental nutrition education would improve nutrition and outcomes among patients with cirrhosis who are undergoing a liver transplant evaluation. In addition, we sought to measure patient adherence with nutritional recommendations and whether patients perceived this additional education improved their nutrition status.

Methods:

The Plan-Do-Study-Ask methodology was used.

Processes:

Addressed 8 patients were enrolled to participate in the supplemental nutrition education, after which they received 3 follow-up phone calls. A retrospective review of data from 10 patients meeting project inclusion criteria were identified by the nutrition specialist and were used as a comparison group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; comparing data from before and after implementation of the supplemental nutrition education was done.

Outcomes:

At the end of the 8-week project period, 4 (66.7%) patients reported weight loss since the time of enrollment (nutrition education class), and the median patient-generated subjective global assessment score increased by 4 points, rather than decreasing as expected. However, all patients reported they believed the phone calls improved their nutrition status.

Implications:

With a multidisciplinary approach, this additional patient education may improve patient care and outcomes.
Operation-oriented reliability and availability evaluation for onboard high-speed train control system with dynamic Bayesian network
Authors: Jiang Lei , Liu Yiliu , Wang Xiaomin , Lundteigen Mary Ann
Published: September 2018

The reliability and availability of the onboard high-speed train control system are important to guarantee operational efficiency and railway safety. Failures occurring in the onboard system may result in serious accidents. In the analysis of the effects of failure, it is significant to consider the operation of an onboard system. This article presents a systemic approach to evaluate the reliability and availability for the onboard system based on dynamic Bayesian network, with taking into account dynamic failure behaviors, imperfect coverage factors, and temporal effects in the operational phase. The case studies are presented and compared for onboard systems with different redundant strategies, that is, the triple modular redundancy, hot spare double dual, and cold spare double dual. Dynamic fault trees of the three kinds of onboard system are constructed and mapped into dynamic Bayesian networks. The forward and backward inferences are conducted not only to evaluate the reliability and availability but also to recognize the vulnerabilities of the onboard systems. A sensitivity analysis is carried out for evaluating the effects of failure rates subject to uncertainties. To improve the reliability and availability, the recovery mechanism should be paid more attention. Finally, the proposed approach is validated with the field data from one railway bureau in China and some industrial impacts are provided.
Admission Glucose Number (AGN): A Point of Admission Score Associated With Inpatient Glucose Variability, Hypoglycemia, and Mortality
Authors: McKechnie Jennifer , Maitland Rahat , Sainsbury Christopher A. R. , Jones Gregory C.
Published: September 2018

Aims:

We investigated a point of admission metric of glycemia, the Admission Glucose Number (AGN), and its relationship with both high risk inpatient glucose patterns and mortality in hospital inpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods:

Inpatient capillary blood glucose (CBG) data for patients with T2DM in our health board were identified for a 5-year period and associated with most recent preadmission HbA1c. AGN was calculated as first CBG measured during admission (mmol/L), subtracted from most recent preadmission HbA1c (converted to estimated median glucose mmol/l) within 15 months preadmission. The association between AGN and CBG variability (interquartile range), hypoglycemia free survival (HR) and both inpatient and 100-day mortality (HR) were investigated.

Results:

A total of 21 045 first admissions with available HbA1c data were identified. A positive correlation between AGN and glycemic variability was described (partial correlation coefficient 0.25, P < .001), which was stronger than the correlation of either of AGNs’ individual components: adjusted CBG1 = 0.07 ( P < .001), eAG = 0.08 ( P < .001). The hazard ratio for time to first recorded CBG < 3 mmol/L for high AGN versus low AGN was 1.74 (95% CI 1.55-1.96), P < .001. A high AGN was associated with increased 100-day mortality (HR 1.26, P = .005), however not with in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.31, P = .08).

Conclusion:

AGN is a simple metric that combines 2 readily available measures associated with adverse outcome in T2DM. AGN may be a useful tool to stratify patients for risk of hypoglycemia and postdischarge death.
Cerebellar Ataxia With Extreme Photophobia Associated With Anti-SOX1 Antibodies
Authors: Alessandro Lucas , Schachter Daniel , Farez Mauricio F. , Varela Francisco
Published: September 2018

Anti-SOX1 antibodies are associated with diverse neurological syndromes, targeting both the central (paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration) and peripheral nervous systems (Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome, paraneoplastic neuropathy). Although the pathogenic role of these antibodies remains unclear, their strong association with underlying neoplastic disease (mainly small-cell lung cancer) has designated them as onconeural antibodies. Here, we present a case of cerebellar ataxia with marked photophobia, with severe atrophy of the cerebellum and brain stem, associated with anti-SOX1 antibodies without evidence of an underlying malignancy. Although anti-SOX1-associated cerebellar syndrome is infrequent, investigation of these antibodies should be considered as a part of the diagnostic algorithm if more common causes have been ruled out. Extensive brain stem lesions causing disruption of the trigeminal pathway and its connections with the pretectal area might explain the underlying mechanism of the associated photophobia. Early recognition of anti-SOX1 antibodies, exclusion of underlying neoplasm, and prompt initiation of immunotherapy are essential to achieve a better outcome.
The development of multimorbidity during 16 years after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pouplier Sandra , Olsen Maria Åhlander , Willadsen Tora Grauers , Sandholdt Håkon , Siersma Volkert , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard , Olivarius Niels de Fine
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The aims of this study were to (1) quantify the development and composition of multimorbidity (MM) during 16 years following the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and (2) evaluate whether the effectiveness of structured personal diabetes care differed between patients with and without MM.

Research design and methods:

One thousand three hundred eighty-one patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either structured personal diabetes care or routine diabetes care. Patients were followed up for 19 years in Danish nationwide registries for the occurrence of outcomes. We analyzed the prevalence and degree of MM based on 10 well-defined disease groups. The effect of structured personal care in diabetes patients with and without MM was analyzed with Cox regression models.

Results:

The proportion of patients with MM increased from 31.6% at diabetes diagnosis to 80.4% after 16 years. The proportion of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases in surviving patients decreased, while, for example, musculoskeletal, eye, and neurological diseases increased. The effect of the intervention was not different between type 2 diabetes patients with or without coexisting chronic disease.

Conclusions:

In general, the proportion of patients with MM increased after diabetes diagnosis, but the composition of chronic disease changed during the 16 years. We found cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disease to be the most prevalent disease groups during all 16 years of follow-up. The post hoc analysis of the intervention showed that its effectiveness was not different among patients who developed MM compared to those who continued to have diabetes alone.
Incidence and Treatment Trends of Symptomatic Discoid Lateral Menisci: An 18-Year Population-Based Study
Authors: Sabbag Orlando D. , Hevesi Mario , Sanders Thomas L. , Camp Christopher L. , Dahm Diane L. , Levy Bruce A. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J.
Published: September 2018

Background:

A symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus is an uncommon orthopaedic abnormality, and the majority of information in the literature is limited to small case series.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic discoid menisci in a geographically determined population and to describe treatment trends over time. The hypothesis was that the incidence of symptomatic discoid menisci would be highest among adolescent patients, and thus, the rate of surgical treatment would be high compared with nonoperative treatment.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The study population included 79 patients in Olmsted County, Minnesota, identified through a geographic database, who were diagnosed with a symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus between 1998 and 2015. The complete medical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the details of injury and treatment. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 United States population.

Results:

The overall annual incidence of symptomatic discoid lateral menisci was 3.2 (95% CI, 2.5-3.9) per 100,000 person-years; 12.6% of the patients in the cohort had bilateral symptomatic discoid lateral menisci. The overall annual incidence was similar between male (3.5 per 100,000 person-years) and female patients (2.8 per 100,000 person-years). The highest incidence of symptomatic discoid lateral menisci was noted in adolescent male patients aged 15-18 years (18.8 per 100,000 person-years). A majority (72.2%) of patients presented with a symptomatic tear of the discoid meniscus. The remaining patients presented with mechanical symptoms, including catching/locking or effusion, with no demonstrable meniscus tear on imaging or diagnostic arthroscopic surgery. Additionally, 20.0% of patients were observed to have peripheral instability of the meniscus at the time of diagnostic arthroscopic surgery. The mean age of those with peripheral instability was significantly younger than of those who did not have peripheral instability. Sixty patients (75.9%) received surgical treatment during the study period, including 49 (81.7%) patients who underwent partial lateral meniscectomy and 11 (18.3%) patients who underwent lateral meniscus repair in addition to saucerization.

Conclusion:

With an overall annual incidence of 3.2 per 100,000 person-years, a symptomatic discoid meniscus is an uncommonly encountered orthopaedic abnormality. However, the incidence of symptomatic discoid lateral menisci is highest in adolescent male patients. Because of the high rate of meniscus tears in patients presenting with symptoms, the majority are treated surgically.
Athletic Pubalgia Secondary to Rectus Abdominis–Adductor Longus Aponeurotic Plate Injury: Diagnosis, Management, and Operative Treatment of 100 Competitive Athletes
Authors: Emblom Benton A. , Mathis Taylor , Aune Kyle
Published: September 2018

Background:

A rectus abdominis–adductor longus (RA-AL) aponeurotic plate injury, commonly associated with athletic pubalgia, sports hernia, or a core muscle injury, causes significant dysfunction in athletes. Increased recognition of this specific injury distinct from inguinal hernia abnormalities has led to better management of this debilitating condition.

Hypothesis:

Surgical repair of RA-AL aponeurotic plate injuries will result in decreased symptoms and high rates of return to play.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Using our billing and clinical database, patients who underwent RA-AL aponeurotic plate repair by a single surgeon at a single institution were contacted for Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and return-to-play data. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis by history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging who failed 6 to 12 weeks of appropriate conservative treatment were indicated for surgery. Surgical repair involved adductor longus fractional lengthening, limited adductor longus tenotomy, and a turn-up flap of the released adductor tendon and aponeurosis onto the rectus abdominis for imbrication reinforcement.

Results:

Of 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 85 (85%) were contacted. A total of 82 (96%) patients were able to return to play at a mean of 4.1 months after repair. Hip function was rated as 98% of normal and sports function as 92% of normal. Factors associated with negative outcomes were multiple procedures, prior inguinal hernia repair, and female sex. Negative outcomes were demonstrated by decreased HOS scores and decreased sports function. The overall complication rate was 7%.

Conclusion:

RA-AL aponeurotic plate repair by the method of an adductor-to–rectus abdominis turn-up flap is a safe procedure with high return-to-play success. Patients who had previously undergone inguinal hernia repair or other hip/pelvic-related surgery and female patients had worse outcomes.
Unveiling the invisible: mathematical methods for restoring and interpreting illuminated manuscripts
Authors: Calatroni Luca , d’Autume Marie , Hocking Rob , Panayotova Stella , Parisotto Simone , Ricciardi Paola , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane
Published: September 2018

The last 50 years have seen an impressive development of mathematical methods for the analysis and processing of digital images, mostly in the context of photography, biomedical imaging and various forms of engineering. The arts have been mostly overlooked in this process, apart from a few exceptional works in the last 10 years. With the rapid emergence of digitisation in the arts, however, the arts domain is becoming increasingly receptive to digital image processing methods and the importance of paying attention to this therefore increases. In this paper we discuss a range of mathematical methods for digital image restoration and digital visualisation for illuminated manuscripts. The latter provide an interesting opportunity for digital manipulation because they traditionally remain physically untouched. At the same time they also serve as an example for the possibilities mathematics and digital restoration offer as a generic and objective toolkit for the arts.