bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technoculture: Another Term That Means Nothing and Gets Us Nowhere?
Authors: Green Lelia 
Published: March 2018

This article argues that the term ‘technoculture’ is frequently used in a woolly manner to refer in a general way to technologies implicated in Western cultures, and to constructions of culture that incorporate technological aspects. The opportunity for the term to convey a specific meaning is lost in the generality of this everyday usage. Arguing from first principles about the nature of technology and culture, the paper suggests that technoculture as a term should be applied to communications technologies that are used in the mediated construction of culture. To be technocultural, the technology concerned must facilitate cultural communication across space and/or time and should, in some way, raise issues of place. Since culture is a construction involving communication and more than one person, technoculture involves the communication of cultural material in technological contexts — which is to say, other than the face-to-face. If this definition were to be adopted, future discussions of technoculture would indicate reference to a technology that allows the construction of culture across space and time.
The Changing Face and Function of Museums
Authors: Trotter Robin 
Published: March 2018

Museums are currently undergoing a number of changes as a repercussion of their histories and professional developments, and of new social and cultural contexts, not to mention as a result of pressure from competition and economic forces. This article explores the current ‘reinvention’ of museums — in particular, national museums — by examining some of the factors of change — some of the major internal pressures that have been the result of museological initiatives and also various exogenous influences. New museology and postcolonialism represent not only separate forces, but also a synthesis of pressures that are not only changing the face, but also the role, of museums, whilst also transforming relationships between museums and their users. A concern of this study is to look at those museums which have a ‘nationalising’ function, and to determine whether changing policies and practices are inhibiting or advance a renegotiation of the relationships between museums and their constituencies. In the last two decades, we have seen some trends confirmed. There has been a move from material culture studies to concern with the ideas contained in objects, whilst the older notion of the museum as a treasure house has given way to a stronger educative role and, more recently, an information centre and also a site of leisure, entertainment and identity-formation. These ‘reinventive’ processes, it is suggested, are closely allied to a postcolonial imperative.
Dazzled by the Sun: Corporatising Queensland Film Culture
Authors: Dawson Jonathan 
Published: March 2018

In the wake of economic rationalism and the failed cyber-fantasies of Creative Nation, there has been an increasing tendency towards the corporatisation of film funding bodies at a time when a loosening of self-defensive bureaucratic systems might have been expected. For example, the Film Finance Corporation has created increasingly complex ‘professional’ systems of management and has foreshadowed a ‘last stage’ script assessment process that has created dismay in industry guilds. After exhaustive prior script development (and many funding and script editing stops), a project will face yet another barrier immediately prior to shooting. In addition, the increasing invocation of ‘craft skills' themselves as somehow learnable and precisely quantifiable processes, has dug an even deeper moat around funding bodies. The winding down of Film Queensland and the enhanced corporatisation of the Pacific Film and Television Commission (even to office dress codes!) and incorporation of events such as the Brisbane International Film Festival into an Events Corporation are signs that many largely discredited constructs of The Market are still being applied — to strengthen the power base of the apparatchicks at the expense of their local clients. The events sketched in this paper are paradigmatic of over-regulated and inner-focused arts funding systems that have lost sight of who their real clients should be.
It's Never a Five-Day Shoot: Queensland Screen Funding Policy and the Local Animation Industry
Authors: Farley Rebecca 
Published: March 2018

A number of structural and policy changes have swept through Queensland's film funding organisations since 1996. Nonetheless, a monocular, rose-tinted view of what constitutes ‘industry’ has remained. Animation is one of many areas which are under-served, if not actively restricted, by this romantic view of industry. This paper looks at the capacity of Queensland's film funding bodies to fulfil the Arts Office's slogan: ‘to ensure success for Queensland's cultural industries’, both in their previous (1997) incarnation and since the implementation of the Weekes Report recommendations in 1998. It then engages with the aspects of industrial practice which are hampered by these gaps in policy.
Representing the People: British Democracy in an Age of Political Ignorance
Authors: Parvin Phil 
Published: March 2018

The article evaluates the arguments presented in Jason Brennan’s Against Democracy, Ilya Somin’s Democracy and Political Ignorance and Achen and Bartels’ Democracy for Realists and their implications for democratic theory and practice. The article uses their work to shine a light on ongoing and contradictory trajectories of democratic reform in Britain at the local and national levels, and to argue against the widespread view that British democracy should be reformed in ways that give citizens more control over political decisions. These books point to ways in which democracy might be salvaged, rather than replaced, and in which British democracy in particular might be reformed in order to better meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, by focusing less on participation and more on representation. This requires a two-pronged strategy. First, that we reform liberal democratic institutions in ways which better harness the power of non-majoritarian institutions, strengthen formal epistocratic checks and balances, and embrace the move towards greater political elitism in order to appropriately constrain the popular will and to ensure rigorous scrutiny within a traditionally configured representative democratic system. Second, that we explore ways of incorporating citizens’ voices at different points in the democratic system in order to circumvent some of the problems these authors describe and to ensure that the strengthening of representative institutions does not unfairly marginalise citizens. Achen CH and Bartels LM (2016) Democracy for Realists: Why Elections Do Not Produce Responsive Government. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Brennan J (2016) Against Democracy. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Somin I (2016) Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter, 2nd edn. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press.
Variability of Doppler Velocity Ratios as a Function of Location in the Common Carotid Artery: Potential Problems When Quantifying Significant Internal Carotid Artery Stenoses
Authors: Scissons Robert P. , Gillis Joseph C. , Patterson Robert B. , Weyman Albert K. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction The use of the internal carotid artery (ICA) to common carotid artery (CCA) peak systolic velocity ratio (ICApsv/CCApsv) to quantitate ICA stenosis has been challenged based on the variability of Doppler-derived velocities at various locations within the CCA. We investigated these alleged differences to determine whether they affect actual classification of significant ICA stenoses. Methods Data from consecutive patients for an 18-month period were prospectively entered into a database. Only initial studies were included in this investigation. Follow-up examinations, postendarterectomy vessels, ICA occlusions, and CCA vessels with a PSV of >150 cm/sec were excluded from analysis. CCApsvand ICApsv/CCApsvwere obtained and based on Doppler analysis at both the proximal most visualized CCA segment (proximal), and 1.5 cm proximal to the ICA flow divider (distal). ICApsv/CCApsv values of ≥ 2, ≥ 3, and ≥ 4 were used as threshold values for ≥ 50%, ≥ 60%, and ≥ 70% diameter stenoses. Results A total of 383 patients and 588 vessels were analyzed. CCApsv -proximal values, 75 ± 20 cm/sec, were significantly higher than CCApsv -distal, 68 ± 16 cm/sec (p < 0.001). ICApsv/ CCApsv -distal ratios, 2.36 ± 2.77, were significantly higher than ICApsv/ CCApsv -proximal, 2.11 ± 2.46, (p < 0.001). The average absolute difference between CCApsv -proximal and CCApsv -distal was 15% ± 13% (range, 0%–93%). For an ICApsv/CCApsv ≥ 50%, proximal and distal ratios would both be < 2 in 66%, ≥ 2 in 29%, and 5% were contradictory. For an ICApsv/CCApsv ≥ 60%, proximal and distal ratios would both be < 3 in 78%, ≥ 3 in 18%, and 4% contradictory. For an ICApsv/CCApsv ≥ 70%, proximal and distal ratios would both be < 4 in 85%, ≥ 4 in 12%, and in 3% contradictory. Conclusions Significant differences in ICApsv/CCApsv calculation as a function of location of the CCApsv measurement were confirmed. Proximal and distal sampling sites, however, did not affect ICApsv/CCApsv classifications for 95% of the vessels analyzed. For contradictory classifications, ICApsv/CCApsv -distal had more potential for a positive result. To improve accuracy and address sensitivity or specificity interpretation parameters, the influence of the CCA sampling site should be considered and standardized when using carotid ratio criteria.
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation: Presentation by Three-Dimensional Substraction Color Power Angiography
Authors: Sorrell Kathryn 
Published: March 2018

Background Recent advances in ultrasound technology now allow the sonographer to obtain three-dimensional color power angiography (3D-CPA) vascular images and to enhance these images by rotation and subtraction. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the sonographic presentation of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) using these advanced techniques. Patient During an emergency operation to evacuate a large subdural hematoma, the surgeon noted several aneurysmal veins, suggesting the presence of an underlying AVM. Angiography showed a compact AVM arising from a posterior temporal branch of the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Findings Transcranial color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) revealed an AVM in the right temporal lobe with a feeder arising from the P1 segment of the right PCA. 3D-CPA images of the AVM were then developed, rotated, and subtracted. These enhanced images provided superior definition of the arterial and venous architecture and were comparable to the angiogram. Conclusion 3D-CPA provided high-resolution, accurate, noninvasive images of a cerebral AVM. The added anatomic detail allowed by this technique was complementary to the hemodynamic information provided by CDU.
A Technique to Improve the Confidence of Color Duplex Ultrasound assessment of Aortic Endografts: The use of Contrast Agents
Authors: Nelms Courtney , Carter Kathleen , Meier George , Gayle Robert , Parent F. Noel , DeMasi Richard , Marcinczyk Michael 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Color duplex ultrasound (CDU) is routinely used in the evaluation of aortic endografts in many centers. CDU compliments computed tomography (CT) and selective angiography in the identification of persistent endoleaks in these grafts. Because of the complexity of these procedures and the subtle nature of endoleaks, CDU can be time-consuming and challenging. Contrast agents can improve the ease of imaging by rapidly detecting low flow endoleaks. The application of ultrasound contrast agents has been studied in other specialties, such as cardiac echocardiography. This article describes our technique and early experience using contrast-enhanced CDU in aortic endograft assessment. Methods Nineteen patients being seen for a routine CDU examination after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair were evaluated according to published protocol. An initial CDU examination was completed, thoroughly assessing for the presence of graft patency, limb dysfunction, and endoleak. After patient consent, a focused ultrasound was performed using a Food and Drug Administration–approved contrast agent (Optison). The residual aneurysm sac was closely inspected after a 0.3-ml intravenous injection. A maximum of three injections were given in 10-min intervals, with careful evaluation in transverse and sagittal views of the residual aortic sac. Contrast was used to confirm endoleaks noted on the baseline study and help clarify subtle perigraft flow, especially on suboptimal examinations. Results Of the 19 patients given the contrast agent, none had side effects, and all tolerated contrast well. In 9 of 19 examinations, contrast-enhanced CDU confirmed the baseline results positive for perigraft endoleak. Six of nine studies had improved ease of identification of endoleak with contrast. Six of 19 studies were negative for endoleak before and after contrast. Three of 19 studies were indeterminate for endoleak by CDU only secondary to bowel gas and body habitus. The contrast agent was given and was negative for endoleak in these three cases. One study was initially negative for endoleak by CDU, and contrast revealed a small lumber artery leaking into the aneurysm sac. The contrast was easily identified within the endograft and leak sites in all patients. Conclusions CDU is a valuable modality in the postoperative evaluation of endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs. These examinations can be challenging and subject to limitations including bowel gas and body habitus, even when performed by experienced technologists. Color artifacts within the residual aneurysm sac can be difficult to differentiate from true endoleak. Contrast-enhanced CDU can improve the technologist's confidence in the detection of endoleaks.
Microembolization Distal to a Basilar Artery Aneurysm Treated with Detachable Coils: A Case Study
Authors: Nicoletto Heather , Douville Colleen , Blaha Martin , Newell David 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Since 1991, treatment of cerebral saccular aneurysms with coils by means of an endovascular approach has become increasingly used as an alternative to surgery. After this procedure, thromboembolic complications of stroke and transient ischemic attack, as well as silent embolic events seen on MRI, have been reported. The detection of microemboli (MES) in the cerebral circulation in a variety of conditions has been well established and has been observed in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. We present a case of a 41-year-old man with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm treated with Guglielmi detachable coils. Multiple MES were detected in the basilar artery during serial transcranial Power M-mode Doppler (PMD) studies. A battery of tests was done to establish the source of embolization from the coiled aneurysm. Methods By use of conventional techniques, diagnostic TCD studies to determine the presence of vasospasm were performed using a Neuroguard Neuroflow (Medasonics, Freemont, CA). PMD, a new technique for the detection of emboli, was then performed using Spencer Technologies TCD100M (Seattle, WA). The TCD100M is a digital Doppler and displays Doppler power as intensity in an M-mode format. PMD signals are further colored red or blue according, to direction. MES are seen as high-power tracks in the PMD image as described by Moehring et al (Ultrasound Med Biol. 2002;28:49–57). Results Because of the possibility of multiple sources of embolization, our efforts were aimed at proving that the source of the embolization was the coiled aneurysm. Echocardiography, bubble studies, carotid duplex ultrasonography, and emboli monitoring of both middle cerebral and vertebral arteries did not show any MES. Power M-mode examination pointed to a depth of 85 mm in the basilar artery as the point where embolization began. This battery of tests strongly supports the presumptive origin and source of MES to be the coiled aneurysm of the vertebrobasilar junction. Conclusions Our case presentation demonstrates continuous silent microembolization from a previously coiled aneurysm. TCD has an important role in assessing patients with cerebral aneurysms for the detection of MES.
Update: Quantitative Duplex Ultrasound Assessment of Aortic Aneurysms after Endovascular Repair
Authors: Johnson Bonnie L. , Arko Frank R. , Wolf Yehuda , Harris E. John , Zarins Christopher K. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose.— To describe the current Stanford duplex protocol for ultrasound scanning of abdominal aortic aneurysms after endovascular repair. This technique has been used for more than 7 years in the Stanford Vascular Laboratory and has been validated against computed angiography. It. provides quantitative information on aneurysm sac size and flow characteristics, as well as endograft patency and integrity. Technique. —Abdominal aortic duplex scans are obtained after the patient has been fasting to minimize bowel gas. An internally standardized duplex scanning protocol is used for assessing the abdominal aorta. The aorta is imaged in gray scale from the diaphragm to the aortic bifurcation to determine the presence of wall defects and to measure the greatest diameter and circumference. Measurements are obtained from the largest segment of the supraceliac aorta, infrarenal aorta, and common iliac arteries. Additional measurements are obtained to document disease of the hypogastric or external iliac artery when not obscured by overlying bowel gas. Circumference measurements using calculation software tools available in most ultrasound equipment are also obtained to more easily monitor the morphologic changes in the aneurysm over time. Color and spectral Doppler are used to evaluate for potential extrastent flow. In addition, velocity waveforms are obtained from each limb to evaluate for changes suggesting potential stenosis from graft compression or outflow obstruction. Conclusions. —Duplex ultrasound scanning after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms can be used successfully to determine aneurysm size and presence or absence of extrastent flow in 94% of patients. Thus, this technique is applicable to most patients after endovascular repair.
The Carotid Artery Ultrasound Report: Considerations in Evaluation and Management
Authors: Lavenson George S. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Color duplex ultrasound (CDU) is the best means of discovering the significant, silent carotid artery lesions that are the leading cause of strokes. CDU reports routinely include flow velocity and derived percent degree of stenosis. However, failure to include inadequacies and inconsistencies of the examination coupled with knowledge of interpretation variances correlated with the clinical situation can lead to significant carotid lesions going undiscovered and leave proper management uncertain. Methods The author is a vascular surgeon and registered vascular technologist who specializes in the evaluation and management of carotid artery disease with opportunity to perform CDU, orchestrate additional tests required, make management recommendations, and correlate these with operative findings and clinical outcome. Results This experience led to the identification of important considerations relating to the CDU examination that recognize the not uncommon need for additional tests and for management recommendations. These considerations were categorized as indeterminate examinations, inconsistent examinations, interpretation variances, and individual clinical situations. Conclusions These considerations highlight the value of including recommendations for needed additional tests and management in the CDU report. Vascular laboratories able to make this more comprehensive report can reduce the chance of serious carotid artery lesions going undetected and better ensure appropriate management of the patient.
A Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes of Vascular Studies Performed Using Protocols from the American College of Radiology and the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories
Authors: Wyatt Paula D. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Confidence is placed in studies done in any vascular laboratory based on guidelines set forth by the accrediting body governing that service. Within the facilities of a newly formed health network, it was noted that vascular procedures were performed under the guidelines of two separate accrediting bodies. The larger of the two facilities is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) and the satellite facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Methods A comparative review of guidelines was done in an effort to establish “best practice” across the system. Between the two sets of imaging standards, the guidelines for obtaining images vary on lower extremity peripheral venous evaluations. In the exams, calf vein images are not performed under the ACR standards and are obtained under the ICAVL standards. Though not required under the ICAVL standards, it is considered best practice to image these patients during routine unilateral and bilateral exams. Due to the differences in practice between the two facilities, a retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes between the two groups of patients. Unilateral and bilateral lower extremity venous duplex examinations had been performed by vascular sonographers on all patients included in the chart review during a period of 12 months. Results Of the 1222 charts reviewed, 63 patients had positive findings of calf vein thrombosis under the ICAVL guidelines and would not have been diagnosed with ultrasound imaging alone under the ACR guidelines. Four patients who had been inpatients at the satellite facility were referred to the larger facility for follow-up care. A second venous duplex exam was performed due to persistence of symptoms. In these four patients that had follow-up exams, a negative interpretation was reported under the ACR guidelines, and a positive report for unilateral deep vein thrombosis in one or more of the calf veins (DVT) was given under the ICAVL guidelines. In another group of nine patients having follow-up procedures under both standards, contralateral comparison of the common femoral vein was not performed under the ACR guidelines. Using ICAVL guidelines, three of these patients were found to have nonphasic flow in the contralateral common femoral vein. Conclusions Such discrepancies have potential for negative clinical outcomes. The findings support the need for standardization of protocols between the two facilities by expansion of the ACR guidelines to include calf veins in the lower extremity venous evaluation. Further revision of the ACR standards is recommended, as well, to include imaging the contralateral common femoral vein in unilateral venous duplex exams in the lower extremity.