bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and calibration of a three-dimensional localization system for automatic measurement of long and thin tube based on camera and laser displacement sensor
Authors: Li Ruifeng , Zhuang Jinlei , Gao Yunfeng , Cao Chuqing , Wang Ke
Published: December 2019

An integrated system consisting of robot and laser scanner is considered as a promising alternative measurement device for three-dimensional tube which is long and thin. A key to achieving automatic measurement is to locate tube accurately and robustly, which is precondition for scanning path planning. Thus, a novel three-dimensional localization system consisting of camera and laser displacement senor is proposed. When fixed on robot, the camera can search tube quickly in large view and the laser displacement sensor obtains depth information of key points. Measurement principles are presented firstly, including four main steps: camera shooting, key points extraction, laser displacement sensor shooting, and coordinate calculation. Then, the location error influenced by parameters of camera model and laser displacement sensor is analyzed and illustrated by a specific camera and laser displacement sensor. Furthermore, a scan strategy is proposed for quite thin tube localization. Location error caused by perspective is also analyzed and a compensation method is proposed for decreasing the error. Additionally, a sensor transformation calibration method is presented for identifying the relationship between camera and laser displacement sensor, which is verified with high accuracy by calibration experiments. A contrast experiment of a cylinder bar localization shows that the maximum location error of the camera and laser displacement sensor is no more than 3.5 mm, which is only one-eighth of that of Kinect sensor. The mean and maximum location errors are within 2 mm and 3 mm when locating a car brake and fuel tube with about 1300 mm long, indicating high accuracy and good robustness of designed localization system.
Icariin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxicity in Wistar rats via modulating cGMP level and NF-κB signaling cascade
Authors: Sharma S , Khan V , Dhyani N , Najmi AK , Haque SE
Published: December 2019

Icariin, a major component of Epimedium species, was evaluated using isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. Rats were treated with icariin at the doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg kg−1 orally for 15 days. Afterward, rats were administered with ISO (85 mg kg−1, subcutaneous) on 14th and 15th day to produce cardiac injury. Sildenafil (0.7 mg kg−1, intraperitoneal) was used as a positive reference to compare the effects of icariin. ISO-treated rats showed significant changes in hemodynamic parameters. Elevated levels of cardiac troponin T, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in serum, positive expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF- κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase in cardiac tissue, and a decrease in serum level of interleukin-10, manifested inflammation and associated cardiac injury. However, pretreatment with icariin and sildenafil significantly prevented the hemodynamic fall and showed improved contractile and lusitropic states. Furthermore, pretreatment groups also showed a reversal of other toxicity markers to normal. Additionally, pretreatment with icariin and sildenafil significantly increased the myocardial cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Our results thus indicated the potential role of icariin in the restoration of the ISO-induced cardiac toxicity and restored membrane integrity through modulation of cGMP and NF- κB signaling.
Toxicity of traditional and soluble film automatic dishwashing tablets
Authors: Day R , Bradberry SM , Sandilands EA , Thomas SHL , Thompson JP , Vale JA
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Detergents used in automatic dishwashing machines are of two main types: traditional tablets that require removal from an external wrapper and newer soluble film tablets.

Objective:

To determine the toxicity of automatic dishwashing tablets.

Methods:

Telephone enquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service were analysed for the period January 2008 to June 2019.

Results:

Ingestion: Ingestion was involved in 798 traditional tablet exposures and 725 soluble film exposures. Clinical features (Poisoning Severity Score ≥ 1) developed in 22.2% of patients ingesting traditional tablets and in 28.8% ingesting soluble film tablets; moderate or severe toxicity was rare (<0.5% for both traditional and soluble film tablets). Children (≤5 years) significantly ( p < 0.0001) more often developed features following ingestion of soluble film ( n = 193, 28.2%) than traditional tablets ( n = 134, 19.1%). In contrast, adults more often developed features following ingestion of traditional than soluble film tablets, although this difference was not statistically significant. Eye exposure: The eye was involved in only 26 of 1539 exposures; 17 of 26 exposures resulted in ocular features. The most commonly reported features were conjunctivitis, eye pain and blurred vision, although one patient sustained a corneal abrasion and developed loss of vision. Skin exposure: Thirty-four of 1539 exposures involved the skin but only 3 developed dermal features which were minor.

Conclusions:

Children (≤5 years) significantly more often developed features following ingestion of soluble film than traditional tablets, although the likelihood of a child developing features was relatively low (<30%) and features that did develop were almost always mild. In contrast, adults more often developed features following the ingestion of traditional than soluble film tablets. Overall, the eye was involved in only 1.7% of exposures and only one patient sustained a corneal abrasion.
Has the time come to federalize private competition law? The autonomous concept of undertaking in the CJEU's ruling in Case C-724/17 Vantaa v. Skanska: Case C-724/17 Vantaan kaupunki v. Skanska Industrial Solutions Oy and Others, EU:C:2019:204
Authors: Nagy Csongor István
Published: December 2019

The private enforcement of EU competition law has been in the center of scholarly discourse for almost two decades. Recently, the CJEU, with its ruling adopted in Vantaa v. Skanska and others, opened a new chapter in the history of EU competition law’s private enforcement. The Court held that the conditions of the existence of this right are questions of EU law and should be given an autonomous meaning. The judgment is revolutionary in terms of conceptualization and, as such, it is expected to have a considerable impact on substantive issues in the future. This signals the advent of a uniform regime of European ‘private competition law,’ which limits the role of national rules to the exercise of the right to compensation.
The “New” Private Security Industry, the Private Policing of Cyberspace and the Regulatory Questions
Authors: Button Mark
Published: December 2019

This article explores the growth of the “new” private security industry and private policing arrangements, policing cyberspace. It argues there has been a significant change in policing which is equivalent to the “quiet revolution” associated with private policing that Shearing and Stenning observed in the 1970s and 1980s, marking the “second quiet revolution.” The article then explores some of the regulatory questions that arise from these changes, which have been largely ignored to date by scholars of policing and policy-makers, making some clear recommendations for the future focus of them.
Esketamine: A Novel Option for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Bozymski Kevin M. , Crouse Ericka L. , Titus-Lay Erika N. , Ott Carol A. , Nofziger Jill L. , Kirkwood Cynthia K.
Published: December 2019

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, use requirements, and place in therapy of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Data Sources: A comprehensive PubMed search (1966 to October 2019) was conducted using the search terms depression, treatment-resistant, suicide, intranasal, esketamine, and JNJ-54135419. Additional data were obtained from references of identified articles, governmental sources, manufacturer product labeling, and Clinicaltrials.gov . Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language trials evaluating intranasal esketamine for TRD were included and discussed. Data Synthesis: Intranasal esketamine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for treating TRD in adults. Two short-term trials (TRANSFORM-1 and -2) found statistically significant reduction in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score at day 28 for the fixed 56-mg dose (−4.1; 95% CI = −7.69 to −0.49; P = 0.027 [exploratory]) and flexible-dosed arms (−4.0; 95% CI = −7.31 to −0.64; P = 0.02), though the fixed-dose 84-mg arm (−3.2; 95% CI = −6.88 to 0.45; P = 0.088) of TRANSFORM-1 and TRANSFORM-3 did not (−3.6; 95% CI = −7.2 to 0.07; P = 0.059). Two long-term trials (SUSTAIN-1 and -2) suggested maintenance of response with continued use. Esketamine’s adverse effects include dizziness, dysgeusia, somnolence, dissociation, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Although providing a novel antidepressant mechanism and formulation for TRD, esketamine’s role in treatment will likely be limited by cost, administration, and diversion concerns. Conclusion: Intranasal esketamine significantly reduced depression symptoms in TRD, though with tolerability issues.
Prospective Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) Study Assessing Outcomes of Surgically Managed Ankle Fractures
Authors: Gilley Jasen , Bell Raheem , Lima Mateus , Butler Bennet , Barrett Joshua E. , Patel Milap , Kadakia Anish R.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Ankle fractures are a common cause of morbidity that have increased in incidence over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and prognosis of various fracture subtypes by using 2 validated patient-reported outcome measures: the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs).

Methods:

Twelve-month postoperative PF and PI CATs were collected for 126 ankle fracture patients presenting between 2014 and 2017. Patients were stratified by ankle fracture subtype and refined by the presence/absence of concomitant deltoid injury or posterior malleolar fracture. Patients defined as members of vulnerable populations and patients presenting more than 2 weeks from time of injury or with prior acute ipsilateral fracture were excluded. The distribution of PF and PI T scores were assessed via a Shapiro-Wilk test and a 1-way analysis of variance. If significant differences were found between groups, pairwise comparisons were tested via Dwass, Steel, and Critchlow-Fligner multiple comparison analysis.

Results:

Mean values for the PROMIS PF and PI for each fracture subtype were calculated and compared to reference population mean (SD) T scores of 50 (10): isolated lateral malleolar (PF: 50/PI: 51), isolated medial malleolar (PF: 52/PI: 49), bimalleolar (PF: 48/PI: 50), trimalleoar (PF: 47/PI: 51), isolated posterior malleolar (PF: 53/PI: 44), and isolated syndesmotic injury (PF: 60/PI: 46). Shapiro-Wilk test indicated a nonnormal distribution for the postoperative PROMIS PF T scores across all fracture patients ( P = .0421).

Conclusion:

Operative fixation of an ankle fracture was able to return most patients to the population mean with regard to PROMIS function and pain regardless of fracture type.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Outcomes of autologous stem cell transplant for cardiac AL-amyloidosis and cardiac light chain deposition disease
Authors: Abdallah Al-Ola A , Alapat Daisy , Kaur Varinder , Atrash Shebli
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Cardiac amyloidosis and light chain deposition disease (LCDD) are the most common cause of death in AL amyloidosis or LCDD.

Methods

Our multiple myeloma database identified 50 patients with cardiac amyloidosis or LCDD between January 2004 and January 2013. Descriptive analyses were performed on available data for patient characteristics, disease course, and outcomes.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 61 years for those who received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (ASCT) and 71 years for those who received only bortezomib-based chemotherapy; 62.5% (n = 30) of patients had elevated levels of NT-proBNP ≥323 ng/L, and 29.2% (n = 14) of patients had an elevated cTnT ≥0.1 µg/L. Echocardiogram findings showed a speckled appearance in 18% (n = 9) of patients, and 60% (n = 30) of patients had an increased diastolic intra-ventricular septum (IVSD) thickness measuring ≥1.3 cm; 64.3% (n = 18) of patients who underwent cardiac MRI showed subendocardial enhancement. Out of 48 patients who received treatment, 37 patients were diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis and 11 patients were diagnosed with cardiac LCDD. Twenty-eight patients (75.7%) with cardiac amyloidosis received ASCT, compared to 34.3% (n = 9) patients who were ineligible for ASCT and received chemotherapy only. Patients who underwent ASCT had a median OS of 4.48 years compared to 1.82 years (p = 0.69) for those receiving chemotherapy alone.

Conclusion

Our single institution experience shows that ASCT is feasible for cardiac amyloidosis and/or cardiac LCDD. However, careful selection of proper patients and diligent supportive care are vital to decreasing transplant-related mortality.
Incidence and risk factors for hardware removal following periacetabular osteotomy and its association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Wyles Cody C , Statz Joseph M , Hevesi Mario , Chalmers Brian P , Sierra Rafael J , Trousdale Robert T
Published: December 2019

Background:

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) can be used for joint preservation in symptomatic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). 1 of the most common procedures following PAO is hardware removal. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of hardware removal and patient characteristics associated with this outcome following PAO.

Methods:

Data from a prospectively-collected registry was retrospectively reviewed at one institution managing DDH or FAI patients with PAO from July 2008–December 2015. Patients who completed preoperative and postoperative patient reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires with minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated, resulting in 221 patients followed for a mean of 2.8 years (range 1.0–7.7 years). There were 80% women, mean age was 25 years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 25 kg/m2. Fully-threaded 4.5-mm screws were used for internal fixation.

Results:

Hardware removal occurred in 30 patients (13.6%) at a mean of 1.0 years after PAO. Patients undergoing hardware removal were younger (mean age 20.4 vs. 26.3 years), thinner (mean BMI 22.2 vs. 25.1), had less severe dysplasia (DDH patients only: mean lateral centre-edge angle 21.0 vs. 16.2, mean Tönnis angle 12.9 vs. 16.8), and were more likely to have PAO for FAI (33% vs. 11%) compared to patients with retained hardware. At final follow-up, multivariable analysis demonstrated a trend toward inferior patient reported outcomes in the hardware removal group.

Conclusions:

This study defines the incidence and characteristics of patients undergoing hardware removal after PAO and demonstrates similar outcomes to patients who do not require hardware removal.
Outdoor thermal environments and related planning factors for subtropical urban parks
Authors: Zhang Jian , Gou Zhonghua , Lu Yi
Published: December 2019

Tropical or subtropical climates result in considerable heat stress in outdoor environments, which handicaps social activities in public spaces such as urban parks. This study aims to find out the effects of park planning factors on thermal environments. The research measured 18 urban parks around the city of Gold Coast in Australia from January to March 2018 which is the summer time of the Southern Hemisphere. Climate data were collected for each park, based on which park cooling intensity, mean radiant temperature and physiological equivalent temperature were calculated as thermal environment indicators. Meanwhile, park planning factors such as park tree coverage, park size and distance to major water bodies (the sea) were selected for multiple linear regressions with the thermal indicators. Our findings have confirmed that the park planning factors had significant effects on the thermal indicators. The effect of park tree coverage was most significant. This study provides important evidence and guidance for urban planning to create better outdoor thermal environments in parks to facilitate social activities.
Culture, corruption, and women in government
Authors: DiRienzo Cassandra E
Published: December 2019

Previous studies have posited that women are less tolerant of unethical behaviors than men and have found that countries with a greater percentage of women in government are associated with lower levels of corruption. Nonetheless, recent studies have hypothesized that the effect of women on corruption is dependent on institutional and cultural environments in which they work. The aim of this study is to empirically test if the effect of women in government on country-level corruption is dependent on culture using cross-country data. Through a series of regressions, moderating terms between women in government and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are added to empirically test the moderating effect of culture. This study offers empirical evidence that the effect of women in government on corruption is dependent on Hofstede’s individual cultural dimension, supporting recent claims that the effect of women on corruption is indeed dependent on cultural contexts.
Psychogeographic visualizations: or, what is it like to be a bat?
Authors: Hiebert Ted , Jung Jin-Kyu
Published: December 2019

What is it like to be a bat? is an artistic experiment that uses brainwave visualization as a way to speak about affective, cognitive, and imaginative geography – partly through the generation of real data sets and partly as metaphors for what data metrics can never really account for – that is, the incommensurability of experience. The project involves recruiting participants (mostly, but not exclusively, students) to imagine ‘what it is like to be a bat’ as a practice-based critique of Thomas Nagel’s 1974 rejection of the imagination as a useful tool for consciousness studies (Nagel’s essay used the bat as a metaphor, hence our choice of focus). Using electroencephalography brainwave sensors, we mapped and visualized participants’ brainwaves as they imagined, creating what we think of as ‘imagination portraits’. The project is then theorized for the ways it illuminates the limits of visualization and the imagination’s importance as a praxis for qualitative research. As a conceptual guide, we use a creative re-interpretation of psychogeography; however, in our work psychogeography is less about the psychological dimensions of real space and more about the mind’s spatiality, by which we mean the consideration of different forms of imagining as ‘places’ a mind can be taken to, reconfiguring psychogeography from the inside-out. In this way, we are interested in how a geographic understanding of the imagination might allow for conversations about different psychological landscapes of cognition.
Experimental investigation of flexural properties of glass fiber–epoxy self-healable composite structures containing capsulated epoxy healing agent and NiCl2(imidazole)4 catalyst
Authors: Ebrahimnezhad-Khaljiri Hossein , Eslami-Farsani Reza
Published: December 2019

In this work, the glass fiber–epoxy self-healable composites containing the capsulated healing agent as smart composite structures were fabricated. Then, the effects of various percentage of capsulated epoxy (7, 14, and 21 wt.%) and different damage forces (400, 500, and 600 N) on the healing ability of composites under the flexural loading were investigated. The obtained results showed that by increasing the percentage of microcapsules, the flexural strength of composites was slightly reduced, whereas the healing ability of those was improved. The full recovery of initial flexural strength was obtained in the composite containing 21 wt.% microcapsules under the damage force of 400 N. By increasing the damage force, the healing ability of composites was reduced, because the damage mechanisms were changed from matrix cracking to fiber breakage. The microscopical investigations on the microcapsules/micro-cracks behaviors illustrated the deflecting, debonding, crushing, and buckling phenomena under the flexural loading. Considering with the healing efficiency and initial flexural strength, the self-healable composite containing 14 wt.% microcapsules and 2 wt.% NiCl2(imidazole)4 catalyst had the optimum results.
Effects of tocotrienol supplementation in Friedreich’s ataxia: A model of oxidative stress pathology
Authors: Bolotta Alessandra , Pini Antonella , Abruzzo Provvidenza M , Ghezzo Alessandro , Modesti Alessandra , Gamberi Tania , Ferreri Carla , Bugamelli Francesca , Fortuna Filippo , Vertuani Silvia , Manfredini Stefano , Zucchini Cinzia , Marini Marina
Published: December 2019

Friedreich’s ataxia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired mitochondrial function, resulting in oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed at evaluating whether tocotrienol, a phytonutrient that diffuses easily in tissues with saturated fatty layers, could complement the current treatment with idebenone, a quinone analogue with antioxidant properties. Five young Friedreich’s ataxia patients received a low-dose tocotrienol supplementation (5 mg/kg/day), while not discontinuing idebenone treatment. Several oxidative stress markers and biological parameters related to oxidative stress were evaluated at the time of initiation of treatment and 2 and 12 months post-treatment. Some oxidative stress-related parameters and some inflammation indices were altered in Friedreich’s ataxia patients taking idebenone alone and tended to be normal values following tocotrienol supplementation; likewise, a cardiac magnetic resonance study showed some improvement following one-year tocotrienol treatment. The pathway by which tocotrienol affects the Nrf2 modulation of hepcidin gene expression, a peptide involved in iron handling and in inflammatory responses, is viewed in the light of the disruption of the iron intracellular distribution and of the Nrf2 anergy characterizing Friedreich’s ataxia. This research provides a suitable model to analyze the efficacy of therapeutic strategies able to counteract the excess free radicals in Friedreich’s ataxia, and paves the way to long-term clinical studies.

Impact statement

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a genetic disorder causing neurodegeneration due to the dramatic reduction in the expression of frataxin. To date, no cure is available for FRDA patients. In some countries, FRDA patients assume idebenone in order to counteract the effects of frataxin deficiency. We demonstrate that idebenone treatment alone is not able to abrogate oxidative stress in FRDA patients, whereas the combined treatment with tocotrienols might be more efficient and perhaps produce clinical improvement. In fact, a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation markers can be seen after two months and is more pronounced after one year of treatment. This is, in our opinion, valuable information for clinicians, since idebenone is the treatment of choice for FRDA patients in some countries.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers for Erectile Dysfunction in Hypertensive Men: A Brief Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Ismail Shaiful Bahari , Noor Norhayati Mohd , Hussain Nik Hazlina Nik , Sulaiman Zaharah , Shamsudin Muhammad Asyraf , Irfan Muhammad
Published: December 2019

Erectile dysfunction is common in adult men, particularly those with hypertension and diabetes. The present study determines the effectiveness of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs on erectile function in hypertensive male adults. For this purpose, CENTRAL and MEDLINE and reference lists of the articles were searched. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected that compared ARBs with conventional therapy or no treatment in men of any ethnicity who were presented with hypertension and/or diabetes. A total four trials that had 2,809 men were included. Three trials reported adequate random sequence allocation, two reported adequate blinding. Attrition bias is low in one of the included studies. All three studies are of low risk of selective reporting bias. There was an improvement in sexual activity with ARBs (valsartan) (mean difference (MD): 0.71, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.66 to 0.76, I2 statistic = 0%). However, the erectile functions did not increase significantly in ARBs (losartan or telmisartan) treated men as compared to control or placebo ( n = 203 vs n = 232; MD: 1.36; 95% CI: −0.97 to −3.69; I2 statistic = 80%). These results suggested that ARBs significantly improved sexual activity among hypertensive men. However, the erectile function was not significantly improved in ARBs treated men as compared to the control or placebo-treated. There were limited studies available. Hence, additional studies are needed to support findings from this review. ARBs should be considered when prescribing antihypertensive drugs to men.
Incremental learning-based visual tracking with weighted discriminative dictionaries
Authors: Zheng Penggen , Zhao Huimin , Zhan Jin , Yan Yijun , Ren Jinchang , Lv Jujian , Huang Zhihui
Published: December 2019

Existing sparse representation-based visual tracking methods detect the target positions by minimizing the reconstruction error. However, due to complex background, illumination change, and occlusion problems, these methods are difficult to locate the target properly. In this article, we propose a novel visual tracking method based on weighted discriminative dictionaries and a pyramidal feature selection strategy. First, we utilize color features and texture features of the training samples to obtain multiple discriminative dictionaries. Then, we use the position information of those samples to assign weights to the base vectors in dictionaries. For robust visual tracking, we propose a pyramidal sparse feature selection strategy where the weights of base vectors and reconstruction errors in different feature are integrated together to get the best target regions. At the same time, we measure feature reliability to dynamically adjust the weights of different features. In addition, we introduce a scenario-aware mechanism and an incremental dictionary update method based on noise energy analysis. Comparison experiments show that the proposed algorithm outperforms several state-of-the-art methods, and useful quantitative and qualitative analyses are also carried out.
Impact of a sex education programme in terms of knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour among adolescents in Asturias (Spain)
Authors: García-Vázquez Jose , Quintó Llorenç , Agulló-Tomás Esteban
Published: December 2019

Sex education in schools is an adolescents’ right, and can have health benefits, such as improved knowledge or increased condom use. In Asturias, a secondary school programme called Neither Ogres Nor Princesses educates pupils for four years with trained teaching staff and external workshops. This study examined whether this programme (a) improved adolescents’ sexuality knowledge, attitudes and skills, and (b) increased condoms use. A quasi-experimental survey was conducted, with comparison arm, with a pre-test in the first year of secondary school (12- to 13-year-olds), and two post-tests: after the intervention (15- to 16-year-olds) and two years later (17- to 18-year-olds). A questionnaire with socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, skill and sexual behaviour variables was used. The impact was evaluated with ‘difference-indifferences’ analyses. There was a greater increase of knowledge in the intervention arm in both post-tests, and an increase in skills in the first post-test. Girls in the intervention arm reported less practices with penetration and greater condom use the first time, this also among boys. However, the impact was limited in time. Interventions that aim to increase sex education in curricula with quality and fidelity are a priority to guarantee children’s rights and their health.
Getting more from standard rotator cuff strengthening exercises
Authors: Ganderton C , Kinsella R , Watson L , Pizzari T
Published: December 2019

Background

A simple modification to standard rotator cuff exercises using an additional resistance band around the scapula has been recommended in the clinical setting, postulated to encourage activation of the posterior scapular stabilisers and increase rotator cuff activation. The aim of this clinical laboratory study was to compare scapular and rotator cuff muscle activation between standard and modified exercises.

Methods

Electromyographic data were collected from 10 healthy adults via surface and intramuscular electrodes from the scapular and rotator cuff muscles. Internal and external rotation exercises of the shoulder with the arm abducted to 0°, 45° and 90° were performed using one handheld resistance band (standard) or two bands with the additional band applied to the scapula (modified).

Results

Activation of the trapezii and rhomboid muscles during the modified exercises at 0° and 45° of abduction was significantly greater when compared to the standard exercises ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in rotator cuff muscle activation.

Discussion

Applying resistance to the posterior scapula increases activation of some scapular stabilising muscles particularly in lower ranges of abduction. This study provides preliminary evidence that this simple modification can elicit greater scapular muscle activity, potentially producing enhanced exercise outcomes with minimal additional effort.
The Effect of Subjective and Objective Tasting Sheet Descriptors on Tasting Room Sales in New York State
Authors: Li Jie , Predic Marina , Gómez Miguel I.
Published: December 2019

A larger share of U.S. wineries is increasingly relying on direct-to-consumer sales mediated by tasting room experiences to make wine a more accessible and less intimidating product for consumers. Previous literature has shown that more favorably descriptive and evocative notes on menus and labels are associated with higher sales and product appeal in restaurant or retail settings. This study estimates the impacts of different types of tasting sheet descriptors on wine sales in winery tasting rooms, where the consumer decision-making process differs from the restaurant and retail settings. We find that using tasting sheets with only objective descriptors is associated with higher wine sales, in comparison with sheets that (a) use subjective descriptors only or (b) combine subjective and objective descriptors. This study supplements the current literature on the effects of product descriptions on sales performance. The findings suggest that wine tasting rooms should employ only objective tasting descriptors in their tasting sheets.
Utility of the Nasoseptal “Rescue” Flap Approach: Analysis of 125 Consecutive Patients and Implications for Routine Transsphenoidal Surgery
Authors: Cappello Zachary J. , Tang Dennis M. , Roxbury Christopher R. , Lobo Brian C. , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Woodard Troy D. , Kshettry Varun R. , Recinos Pablo F. , Sindwani Raj
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is the reconstructive workhorse for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). However, there is morbidity associated with its use and it is not always required for reconstruction. The bilateral nasoseptal “rescue” flap (NSRF) technique offers a quicker alternative to upfront NSF harvest, yet permits the use of a tailored NSF if needed after the defect has been created. The utility and implications of this strategy have not been well studied.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 125 consecutive transsphenoidal cases where an NSRF approach was used from January 2015 to October 2017 at the Cleveland Clinic. Records were analyzed for conversion to NSF, outcomes, and reconstruction-related complications.

Results

The mean age of patients included in the study was 51 years, with 51% females. NSRF was converted to full NSF in only 16% of cases. Rationale for conversion included an unanticipated high-flow (7) or low-flow (12) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and an exposed internal carotid artery (1). NSRF was utilized and converted to formal NSF in 3 patients who had previous remote transsphenoidal surgery. One patient who had an NSRF without a full NSF raised had a postoperative CSF leak; however, no CSF leaks or flap ischemia was noted for those who had full NSFs raised, even in revision surgery.

Conclusion

NSRF approach provides the reliability and flexibility of vascularized reconstruction, without the perioperative disadvantages of an upfront NSF harvest. The low and successful conversion rate to NSF demonstrates the utility of this strategy which should be incorporated into the standard approach for routine transsphenoidal surgery.
The future of breast cancer screening: what do participants in a breast cancer screening program think about automation using artificial intelligence?
Authors: Jonmarker Olof , Strand Fredrik , Brandberg Yvonne , Lindholm Peter
Published: December 2019

Background

If screening participants do not trust computerized decision-making, screening participation may be affected by the introduction of such methods.

Purpose

To survey breast cancer screening participants’ attitudes towards potential future uses of computerization.

Material and Methods

A survey was constructed. Women in a breast cancer screening program were invited via the final report letter to participate. Data were collected from February 2018 to March 2019 and 2196 surveys were completed. Questions asked participants to rate propositions using Likert scales. Data analysis was done using χ2 and logistic regression tests.

Results

The mean age of participants was 61 years. Response rate was 1.3%. Of the submitted surveys, 97.5% were complete; 38% of respondents reported a preference for a computer-only examination. The highest level of confidence was given a computer-only reading followed by a physician reading. Participants with > 12 years of education were more likely to prefer a computer-only reading (odds ratio [OR] 1.655, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.168–2.344), had a greater trust in letting a computer determine screening intervals and the need for a supplemental MRI (OR 1.606, 95% CI 1.171–2.202 and OR 1.577, 95% CI 1.107–2.247, respectively). Age was not found to be a significant predictor.

Conclusion

A high level of trust in computerized decision-making was expressed. Higher age was associated with a lower understanding of technology but did not affect attitudes to computerized decision-making. A lower level of education was associated with a lower trust in computerization. This may be valuable knowledge for future studies.
Malignant Chondroid Syringoma With Nose and Paranasal Sinus Extension: A Case Report
Authors: Sekar Raghul , Kalaiarasi Raja , Ganesan Sivaraman , Alexander Arun , Saxena Sunil K.
Published: December 2019

Chondroid syringoma is a rare, skin appendageal tumor. It is also known as mixed tumor of skin, as it histologically resembles mixed tumor of salivary gland (pleomorphic adenoma). It is most commonly a benign tumor, but a few malignant counterparts have been described in history. It usually presents as a solid, slow-growing, solitary, and painless nodule in the head and neck region. Malignant counterpart is rare and commonly affects trunk and extremities. Early diagnosis and surgery by wide local excision are the most reliable treatments to date. Recurrences are common and hence close follow-up is advised. In this study, we present a case of malignant chondroid syringoma of face with extensive extension into nose and paranasal sinuses, which was recurrent and managed by surgical excision and radiotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case with extension and bone destruction into nose and sinuses.
Mahatma Gandhi and Tribal Development
Authors: Mitra R. P.
Published: December 2019

As we face intractable challenges of ever-increasing violence, growing inequalities, poverty, diseases and climate change all of which raise serious questions on our future existence, we once again turn to Mahatma Gandhi, his ideas and practices to face these adversities. The article engages with one such issue of tribes and the development initiatives of the state with ideas drawn from Gandhian economics and his model of social construction.
Gandhi and the Nagas
Authors: Chophy G. Kanato
Published: December 2019

Commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, this article explores his influence among the ethnic Nagas. The Nagas scarcely crossed paths with Gandhi owing to their peculiar location in Indian history and society. But when some Naga leaders did meet Gandhi, they were on a mission themselves for self-determination—a political movement that metamorphosed into an armed struggle in the post-independence period. Did Gandhi make any impact in the modern Naga society? Chronicling the lives of some of the key leaders in the Naga political movement, this article attempts to understand their political activism and ideological stance in light of Gandhi’s philosophy and teachings.
Current status of the magnetically controlled growing rod in treatment of early-onset scoliosis: What we know after a decade of experience
Authors: Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Cheung Kenneth MC
Published: December 2019

The magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) has had approximately 10 years of clinical experience worldwide. Clinical effectiveness to control early-onset scoliosis is consistent even at final surgery. MCGRs have significantly lower relative percentage of infection or wound complications as compared to traditional growing rods. Most common complications include foundation failure and failure of distraction. Contouring of the rod especially at the proximal segment while accommodating for the straight actuator remains a difficult task and its failure may lead to proximal junctional kyphosis. Unique complications of MCGR include clunking, temporary diminishing distraction gains, and metallosis. Temporary reductions in distraction gains are observed as the MCGR lengthens but return to normal baseline distraction gains after rod exchange. Lack of standardization for rod configuration, distraction strategies and decisions of whether to keep the rods in situ, remove without fusion surgery or to perform spinal fusion at skeletal maturity will require further study.
Psychosocial Well-Being and HIV-Related Immune Health Outcomes among HIV-Positive Older Adults: Support for a Biopsychosocial Model of HIV Stigma and Health
Authors: Rendina H. Jonathon , Weaver Laurel , Millar Brett M. , López-Matos Jonathan , Parsons Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2019

Evidence suggests that psychosocial stress negatively impacts immunological health in HIV-positive individuals. However, few studies have explored this association in substance-using older adults living with HIV (OALWH). We evaluated the effect of depression, loneliness, substance use problems, and HIV stigma on primary markers of immune function in a sample of 120 OALWH with substance-related issues. HIV stigma correlated with the greatest number of factors, including depression, loneliness, and substance use problems. Older age and antiretroviral adherence were associated with viral suppression, which was in turn associated with higher percentage of CD4 count. Multivariate path analyses demonstrated that lower HIV stigma and viral suppression were the only factors independently associated with higher percentage of CD4 count, with a significant indirect effect of adherence on CD4 through viral suppression. HIV stigma emerged as the most salient factor associated with both psychosocial well-being and immune health in the current study, suggesting that it is a critical factor to consider in future interventions for the rapidly growing population of OALWH.
The Association of Ageist Attitudes With All-Cause Hospitalizations and Mortality
Authors: Mohammed Yaqub Nadeem , Ferri-Guerra Juliana , Salguero Douglas , Baskaran Dhanya , Aparicio-Ugarriza Raquel , Mintzer Michael J. , Ruiz Jorge G.
Published: December 2019

Background: Ageism is the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against older adults. Explicit ageism involves conscious control and implicit ageism involves unconscious processes. Studies have shown that ageist attitudes may be associated with poor clinical outcomes like hospitalizations and mortality. Objective: Determine the association of explicit and implicit ageism with all-cause hospitalizations and mortality in a sample of Veterans. Method: Retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling Veterans 50 years and older who underwent evaluations of explicit ageism using Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale and implicit ageism assessed with Implicit Association Test (IAT) during July 2014 to April 2015 and were followed until 2018. Data on all-cause hospitalizations and mortality following the initial assessment of ageism was aggregated. Results: The study included 381 participants, 89.8% male, 48.0% White, and mean age was 60.5 ( SD = 7.2) years. A total of 339 completed the IAT. Over a mean follow-up of 3.2 years ( SD = 0.3), 581 hospitalizations, and 35 deaths occurred. Neither explicit nor implicit ageism was associated with an increased risk for all-cause hospitalization or mortality on follow-up. Discussion: Future research may benefit from investigating whether ageist attitudes may predict all-cause hospitalizations and mortality in longitudinal studies including more diverse samples.
Patient Perception of Providers: Do Patients Understand Who Their Doctor Is?
Authors: Wray Alisa , Feldman Maja , Toohey Shannon , Wong Andrew , Breed Wynne , Frisch Emily , Saadat Soheil , Wiechmann Warren
Published: December 2019

Background:

When being treated at a university-based hospital, a patient may encounter multiple levels of physicians, including trainees during a single emergency visit. Patients want to know the roles of their providers, but their understanding of the medical education hierarchy is poor.

Objectives:

Our study explored patient understanding of commonly used physician and trainee titles as well as the factors that contribute to patient understanding in our emergency department patient population. Additionally, we evaluated a new badge buddy system that identifies medical personnel impacts patient’s perceptions of providers. We examined how the increasing prevalence of medicine in media may change patient perceptions of the medical hierarchy.

Methods:

Patients pending discharge from the emergency room was assessed through a knowledge-based and opinion-based questionnaire. Questions quantified the percentage of patients who understood titles of their team.

Results:

Of 423 patients who completed the study, 88% (N = 365) felt it was very important to know the level of training of their doctor when being treated in the emergency department. Seventy-four percent (N = 303) believed they knew the role of their care providers but the mean knowledge score was 4.7 of 8, suggesting a poor understanding of the medical training hierarchy. Younger patients and those who felt that knowing the level of training of their doctor was very important noticed the badge buddies more frequently (80.9%, P = .020 and 81%, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Our study found that patients had a poor understanding of the medical training hierarchy, but felt that it is important to know the level of training of their staff. The implementation of a badge buddy served this purpose for most patients, but was less effective for older patients. Further research may be needed to evaluate if a different intervention, such as a detailed video or teach-back techniques explaining the levels of medical training, would be more effective for a larger population of patients.
On the Loads for Strength Design of Cutterhead of Full Face Rock Tunnel Boring Machine
Authors: Han Meidong , Cai Zongxi , Qu Chuanyong
Published: December 2019

Cutterhead loads are the key mechanical parameters for the strength design of the full face hard rock tunnel boring machine (TBM). Due to the brittle rock-breaking mechanism, the excavation loads acting on cutters fluctuate strongly and show some randomness. The conventional method that using combinations of some special static loads to perform the strength design of TBM cutterhead may lead to strength failure during working practice. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model for coupled Cutterhead–Rock is developed to determine the cutterhead loads. Then the distribution characteristics and the influence factors of cutterhead loads are analyzed based on the numerical results. It is found that, as time changes, the normal and tangential forces acting on cutters and the total torque acting on the cutterhead approximately distribute log normally, while the total thrusts acting on the cutterhead approximately show a normal distribution. Furthermore, the statistical average values of cutterhead loads are proportional to the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of cutting rocks. The values also change with the penetration and the diameter of cutterhead following a power function. Based on these findings, we propose a three-parameter model for the mean of cutterhead loads and a method of generating the random cutter forces. Then the strength properties of a typical cutterhead are analyzed in detail using loads generated by the new method. The optimized cutterhead has been successfully applied in engineering. The method in this paper may provide a useful reference for the strength design of TBM cutterhead.
Power Matching and Energy Efficiency Improvement of Hydraulic Excavator Driven with Speed and Displacement Variable Power Source
Authors: Ge Lei , Quan Long , Zhang Xiaogang , Dong Zhixin , Yang Jing
Published: December 2019

Mobile machinery energy efficiency and emission pollution are the national and worldwide issues. This paper contributes in solving these problems by applying a speed variable power source. Unfortunately, almost all of the speed variable systems have the dynamic response problem when the motor starts with full load or heavy load. To address this problem, a hydraulic accumulator is used to balance the load of the power source for assisting starting of the motor and a matching method combined with speed and displacement control of the pump is proposed to improve the energy efficiency and dynamic performance simultaneously under different working conditions. Also, the power source/valve combined control strategy of an independent metering system is designed to realize flow matching of the whole system. Firstly, a test system is established to study the dynamic performance and energy efficiency of the speed variable power source with an auxiliary accumulator. Working performance and energy consumption of the power source under different rotating speeds and different loads are studied. And then, the hydraulic excavator test rig with the proposed system is constructed. Furthermore, the working performance of the excavator with the speed-fixed and speed-variable strategy are studied comparatively. Results show that, compared with fixed-speed strategy, the electric power consumption during the idle period and partial load condition can be reduced about 2.05 kW and 1.37 kW. The energy efficiency of speed variable power source is about 40%‒71%, which is higher than that of the fixed-speed power source by 3%–10%.