bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with the Use of Intensity‐Modulated Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Chen Michelle M. , Roman Sanziana A. , Sosa Julie A. , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

(1) Describe temporal trends in the use of postoperative intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer treatment. (2) Determine factors associated with the utilization of IMRT.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (2003‐2011) was used to identify 45,154 adult head and neck cancer patients who had postoperative radiotherapy (RT) and to examine demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics. Our main outcome of interest was the receipt of IMRT. Statistical analysis included χ2 tests, Student t tests, and multivariate regression.

Results:

From 2003 to 2011, the proportion of patients who had postoperative IMRT increased from 14.2% to 69.2%. Compared with those who had non‐IMRT, patients who had IMRT were more likely to be <55 years old (58.4% vs 66.7%, P <. 001), white (87.4% vs 89.6%, P <. 001), privately insured (45.5% vs 53.3%, P <. 001), in the West (15.6% vs 16.7%, P <. 001) or Midwest (25.8% vs 32.8%, P <. 001), and in receipt of concurrent chemotherapy (38.9% vs 60.5%, P <. 001). On multivariate analysis, private insurance, white race, Midwest and West locations, human papillomavirus positivity, concurrent chemotherapy, and academic centers were independently associated with the receipt of IMRT.

Conclusions:

IMRT has become the primary modality of delivery for postoperative RT in head and neck cancer patients. Results demonstrate racial, regional, and hospital‐level variation in the receipt of IMRT, suggesting heterogeneity in practice patterns across the United States.
Familial Hypocalciuric Hypocalcemia: Pitfalls and Implications for the Parathyroid Surgeon
Authors: Luk Lauren J. , Shindo Maisie L. , Madison Dana
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

Modifications to the Guidelines for the Management of Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism (2008) eliminated the recommendation for routine 24‐hour urine calcium collection. Surgeons are now seeing an increasing number of referrals for surgical evaluation of hyperparathyroidism without this test that can help differentiate between primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a surgical disease and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), a medical disease. We will review the characteristics of our cohort of FHH patients and describe findings that should raise suspicion for this diagnosis.

Methods:

Subjects were evaluated at Oregon Health and Science University from 2011 to 2013. Retrospective chart review was performed of a cohort of 11 patients with FHH confirmed by calcium‐creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR) and/or CASR gene mutation.

Results:

All patients had CCCR of <0.015, In 8 patients imaging studies could not localize an adenoma, and 6 patients reported a family history of hypercalcemia.

Conclusions:

FHH is a benign, autosomal dominantly inherited disorder from heterozygous mutations in the calcium sensing receptor gene, resulting in lifelong hypercalcemia and relative hypocalciuria. Suspicion for FHH is raised with the presence of long‐term hypercalcemia, a positive family history of hypercalcemia, and inability to localize an adenoma on imaging studies. Further evaluation is indicated including a 24‐hour urine calculation of the calcium creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR). Significant clinical overlap with PHPT presents certain diagnostic challenges. Additionally, we report novel CASR mutations clinically associated with FHH, highlighting the broad spectrum of this disorder. Heightened awareness of the diagnostic criteria for FHH should decrease the incidence of unnecessary surgeries performed.
Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology Can Be Used to Diagnose Carotid Body Tumors with Good Accuracy
Authors: Nicoli Taija K. V. , Green James A. , Deery Alastair , Lee Michael S. W.
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

(1) Name the 4 most common locations of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGs). (2) Describe 2 pathological and 2 radiological tools used in the diagnosis of HNPGs (with their respective diagnostic accuracy rates).

Methods:

The purpose of this study was to record the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of different types of HNPG. We retrospectively collected data on all HNPGs diagnosed in our institution between January 1986 and April 2013. We recorded patient demographic factors along with diagnostic and clinical details.

Results:

Altogether 35 HNPGs were seen and treated in our institution in the studied period. In 15 (43%) cases FNAC was used as the first line diagnostic tool with or without ultrasound (USS) guidance. Radiological imaging (USS/computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) always accompanied FNAC. In the remaining 57%, clinical assessment alone or in combination with core biopsy accompanied radiological imaging. Eight (53%) out of 15 HNPGs were diagnosed correctly with FNAC; all those were carotid body tumors (CBTs). Of the rest, 1 false diagnosis of microfollicular oncolytic thyroid lesion was histologically a combined thyroid paraganglioma (PG) and Hurtle cell adenoma. One patient was treated conservatively and 4 inconclusive samples were histologically a laryngocele, a CBT, a jugular PG, and a combined CBT + contralateral PG with intracranial extension. For 1 patient full FNAC details were not available.

Conclusions:

FNAC can diagnose CBTs with good diagnostic accuracy. HNPGs arising in other regions of the head and neck can be challenging to diagnose without histopathologic and immunohistochemical tools.
Four‐Year Experience of Day Case Hemithyroidectomy: Patient‐Reported Outcomes
Authors: McCaffer Craig J. , Douglas Catriona M. , Kasbaker Anand , Crosbie Robin , Blaeco David , Kang Swee W.
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

Assess the safety, patient satisfaction, and outcome of day case hemithyroidectomy in our department.

Methods:

A prospective audit of all patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy in a single institution over a 3‐year period. All patients who undergo a hemithryoidectomy in our department have a bilateral superficial cervical block using 20 mL of 0.25% chirocaine, 10 mL of xylocaine with 1% adrenaline, and minimal opioid use. Bipolar dissection is used with meticulous hemostasis to avoid the use of a drain. All patients are reviewed 1 week postoperatively, and patient satisfaction questionnaires are completed.

Results:

One hundred fifty patients had a hemithyroidectomy over the 4‐year period. Average age was 49 years (21‐77). Male to female ratio was 3.9:1. Average length of stay was 0.47 days (0‐6). Eighty‐one percent of patients had their operation performed as a day case. The main reasons for patients not having surgery performed as a day case were patient choice, social reasons, and medical complications postoperatively. There were no hematomas requiring a return to theater and no drains inserted. No patient required readmission after discharge. Average patient satisfaction score for those discharged as a day case was 9.09 (0: not satisfied to be discharged as a day case ‐ 10: very satisfied to be discharged as a day case). Average pain score day 1 postop was 3 (0: no pain at all ‐ 10: worst pain imaginable).

Conclusions:

Day case hemithyroidectomy is very agreeable to patients and if appropriate analgesia is used then the postoperative pain is minimal.
Galectin‐3 as Adjunct to HBME‐1 Staining of Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy Samples of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Scheffler Patrick , Forest Veronique‐Isabelle , Florea Anca , Tamilia Michael , Hier Michael P. , Mlynarek Alex M. , J Payne Richard
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

(1) Examine the added value of galectin‐3 to HBME‐1 staining on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules. (2) Correlate galectin‐3 on FNA with pathology results both on FNA and final surgical pathology.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the charts of 53 patients undergoing FNA at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada, in 2013 for the investigation of thyroid nodules whose FNA samples underwent HBME‐1 and galectin‐3 staining in addition to pathological examination.

Results:

Of 53 FNABs, 20 (37%) were galectin‐3 positive, 24 (45%) were galectin‐3 negative, and 9 (17%) were equivocal. With regard to HBME‐1, 15 (28%) samples were positive, 32 (60%) were negative, and 6 (11%) were equivocal. Both stains correlated strongly with each other (P <. 001) as well as with pathologist examinations of the FNA samples (P <. 001 for both galectin‐3 and HBME‐1). Eleven patients underwent total or partial thyroidectomy. In correlation with surgical pathology, galectin‐3 was correctly positive in 5 patients, correctly negative once, falsely positive once, falsely negative once, and indeterminate in 3 patients. HBME‐1 was correctly positive in 7 patients, correctly negative in 2 patients, falsely negative once, indeterminate once, and without false positives. When combining HBME‐1 and galectin‐3, 8 true positives, 1 true negative, and 1 false positive were observed. No false negatives were found when combining both stains.

Conclusions:

Galectin‐3 may be a useful adjunct to HBME‐1 staining in FNA of thyroid nodules in order to detect papillary thyroid carcinoma. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Masternak Michal , Zhi Xu , Lamperska Katarzyna , Golusinski Pawel , Luczewski Lukasz , Schork Nicholas , Golusinski Wojciech
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known as one of the 6 most common human cancers mainly caused by consumption of tobacco and alcohol. There is also a genetic factor; however, the genetic markers are not yet established. Our objectives were to (1) validate the genetic signature of molecular targets expressed by tumors in HNSCC and (2) determine potential biomarkers for earlier detection, potential therapies, and prediction of patients’ survival.

Methods:

The HNSCC patients were recruited to the study in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2010. Oral cancer and normal epithelium tissue taken at a minimum of 2 cm distal from the tumors’ margins from 41 patients were used for analysis by Cancer Pathway Finder array and followed with real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Analysis indicated up‐regulation of 11 genes including KRT14, ACLY, MCM2, SKP2, STMN1, CDC20, SNAI2, MKI67, SLC2A1, BCL2L11, and IGFBP3 (P <. 05), suggesting altered regulation of cell cycle, cell senescence, metabolism, apoptosis, and hypoxia. Interestingly, 3‐year patient follow‐up survival analysis indicated that skp2, cdh2, vegfc, and bcl2l11 genes expression was significantly associated with survival of the patients.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that there is significant activation of several cellular pathways in tumor tissue that should be further investigated. Importantly, observed significant association between the expression of skp2, cdh2, vegfc, and bcl2l11 and survival indicate that the larger the difference between the expression in tumor and normal tissue of these genes, the shorter the survival time of the patient.
Head and Neck Cancer Quality of Life Study
Authors: Alexander Richard L. , Fan Claire , Waltonen Joshua D. , Browne James D. , Sullivan Christopher A. , Lintzenich Catherine R.
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

(1) Evaluate quality of life (QOL) outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors at our institution. (2) Recognize areas of improvement in our head and neck cancer survivors in order to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

A total of 53 patients completed a 24‐question QOL survey, previously validated by Terrell et al. The study was conducted between 2013 and the present day.

Results:

Sixty‐two percent were male, and the average age was 64. Patients were on average 1.8 years past their definitive surgery. Thirty‐eight percent were current tobacco users and 30% were former tobacco users. Most cases were squamous cell carcinoma (92%) of the oral cavity/oropharynx and hypopharynx/larynx (57% and 30%, respectively). All stages were represented (I: 19%, II: 28%, III: 13%, IV: 34%). Fifty‐four percent underwent radiation therapy, and 26% underwent chemotherapy. Overall, patients were satisfied with speech, eating, pain, emotional toll, and overall disturbance (71% ± 27 [SD], 76% ± 19, 80% ± 23, 76% ± 22, and 70% ± 23 respectively). Overall, patients were very satisfied with their head and neck care at our institution (93% ± 12%). Most patients quit using tobacco products after their cancer treatments/diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Overall, most patients were satisfied with pain, speech, eating, emotional impact, and overall disturbance. However, the standard deviation was large. This finding could be related to pooling of all the results. Future studies are planned to evaluate quality of life outcomes based on stage, location, and/or time since surgery.
Head and Neck Cancer: Time from Diagnosis to Treatment and Its Impact on Outcomes
Authors: Hesham Hosai , Petty Bradley , Nayak Neil , Burmeister Andrea D. , Bidassie Balmatee , Musunuri Sai S. , Krasnow Steven
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

Effective head and neck cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach. Proper coordination, or lack thereof, can greatly influence delays in treatment. Proper coordination can be improved with the help of patient navigation via cancer care coordination. Finally, there is scarce research on what is an acceptable delay in treatment of head and neck cancer and its impact on patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine how a cancer care coordinator (CCC) for patient navigation may improve timeliness of care and patient compliance.

Methods:

A retrospective and prospective cohort of 161 veterans at the Washington, DC, VA who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer after January 1, 2007, were studied. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: patients diagnosed before versus after the advent of the CCC at our institution. These groups were compared for their average diagnosis‐to‐treatment time and for average time from diagnosis to completion of treatment.

Results:

The overall mean time from diagnosis to treatment initiation was 47 days. The CCC group had an average time of 41 days and the group without CCC had an average of 63 days. The overall mean time from diagnosis to completion of treatment was 127 days—92 days for the CCC group and 148 days for the group without CCC.

Conclusions:

These results clearly show that CCC can both decrease time to initiation and completion of treatment. With further studies and survival data in our cohort, we can define a guideline for timeliness of treatment and describe the role of cancer care coordination in head and neck malignancy.
High‐Grade Salivary Duct Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Clinicopathologic Features and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Mifsud Matthew J. , Leon Marino E. , Otto Kristen J. , Sharma Saurabh , Padhya Tapan A. , Caudell Jimmy J.
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

(1) Analyze the treatment approach for these rare salivary gland neoplasms at our institution. (2) Demonstrate observed patterns of failure and survival for high‐grade salivary duct carcinoma (HGSDC) involving the parotid glands.

Methods:

Clinical data on 17 patients with nonmetastatic HGSDC involving parotid salivary glands from 1998 to 2012 were abstracted from our institutional database. Inclusion required surgical resection with postoperative radiotherapy (n = 8) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (n = 9). Demographics, histopathologic features, treatment course, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Specimens were re‐reviewed by a dedicated head and neck pathologist. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were estimated via Kaplan‐Meier method, and comparisons were made with the log‐rank test.

Results:

Median patient age was 65 years (range, 52‐83 years) with a male:female ratio of 7.5:1 and median follow‐up of 37 months. Most commonly, these cases presented as pT4a (n = 14) with adverse clinical features, including perineural invasion (76.5%), positive lymph nodes (76.5%), and vascular invasion (58.8%). Three‐year DFS and OS were 35.7% and 61.4%, respectively. The pattern of treatment failure was predominately distant (n = 11) versus locoregional (n = 3). Univariate analysis of demographic, histopathologic, and treatment characteristics did not reveal a significant association with OS or DFS. Median survival after metastasis was 13 months, with only a single patient having a sustained treatment response >2 years after disease dissemination.

Conclusions:

In this series, we highlight the aggressive nature of high‐grade salivary duct carcinoma, which has a significant risk of distant recurrence and poor overall survival.
How Can We Screen Voice Problems Effectively in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery?
Authors: Park Jun‐Ook , Sun Dong‐Il
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

We designed this study to develop an efficient and cost‐effective screening tool for detecting voice disorders following thyroidectomy.

Methods:

We developed the Perioperative Voice‐Screening Protocol for Thyroid Surgery (PVST) using the Thyroidectomy‐Related Voice Questionnaire (TVQ) to provide a cost‐effective diagnostic flow sheet for patients following thyroidectomy. The TVQ is a simple questionnaire that was developed at our institution and has already demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting pre‐ and post‐thyroidectomy voice‐related disorders in our previous studies. To investigate the PVST, we enrolled 242 subjects who underwent thyroidectomy and let them follow the PVST. All subjects underwent a voice work‐up by a voice specialist to verify the predictive value of the protocol.

Results:

Using PVST, we could effectively screen for abnormal preoperative laryngeal findings with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.1% and 50.5%, respectively, especially laryngeal benign mucosal disease with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 45.6%, respectively. We could also screen for postoperative voice‐related problems with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 50.4% for detecting vocal cord palsy, and 66.7% and 51.2% for detecting a low‐pitched voice, respectively. When all 242 patients followed the protocol, US $42,768 would be saved, and the PVST was estimated to decrease costs by 43.5%.

Conclusions:

The PVST is a reliable and cost‐effective perioperative screening tool that enables thyroid surgeons to detect patients with voice problems in their routine outpatient clinic for early and appropriate referral to voice specialists.
Endovascular repair for retrograde type A aortic dissection with malperfusion
Authors: Takahashi Shinya , Katayama Keijiro , Takasaki Taiichi , Sueda Taijiro
Published: September 2014

An 81-year-old man became semiconscious and suffered back pain followed by chest pain. Computed tomography showed retrograde acute type A aortic dissection with entries in the proximal and middle descending aorta, and an occluded true lumen of the right carotid artery. Emergency endovascular repair was performed. Immediately after deploying a stent-graft, aortography showed recanalization of the right carotid artery and no blood flow in the false lumen of the ascending aorta and aortic arch. The postoperative course was uneventful. Computed tomography at 6 months after the procedure showed obliteration of the false lumen and a patent right carotid artery.
Two-stage approach for mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Kasama Keiichiro , Gewillig Marc , Rega Fillip , Meyns Bart
Published: September 2014

A 4-day-old boy underwent an urgent operation for mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection with the left upper pulmonary vein draining into the innominate vein and the other pulmonary veins draining into the coronary sinus. The left upper pulmonary vein was left uncorrected at that time. After periodical follow-up for 5 years, repair of the uncorrected anomalous pulmonary vein was performed. This two-stage operation is a viable option in cases of mixed type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, leaving the isolated left upper vein uncorrected in the neonatal period, instead of an aggressive full repair.
Quality indicators for palliative care services: Mixed-method study testing for face validity, feasibility, discriminative power and usefulness
Authors: Leemans Kathleen , Deliens Luc , Francke Anneke L , Vander Stichele Robert , Van den Block Lieve , Cohen Joachim
Published: September 2014

Background:

In the absence of a standardized, comprehensive and valid set of quality indicators for palliative care, we developed one for palliative care services in Belgium.

Aim:

This study evaluates its face validity, feasibility, discriminative power and usefulness.

Design:

We combined a quantitative analysis evaluating the answers with qualitative interviews with the contact persons of all participating services.

Setting:

The quality indicator set was implemented in nine palliative care services in Belgium involving a measurement procedure with questionnaires to the patients of the services, their professional caregivers, family carers and physicians.

Results:

The response rate was 56% for patients, 97% for caregivers, 56% for family carers and 65% for physicians, indicating good feasibility of the measurement procedure. During the interviews, caregivers found the indicator scores valid and none was extremely skewed, confirming their discriminative power. Still, 20 of the 80 indicators showed problems of feasibility and 5 of usefulness. One was discarded and the others were improved by changing either the formulation of the indicator or the questions used. Most participants expressed a desire for a smaller but still comprehensive set.

Conclusion:

Based on the results, minor adjustments were made to individual indicators, to the measurement tools and to the procedure used; the quality indicators are now ready for further evaluation and use across palliative care services in Belgium. As soon as these indicators are being used systematically, it will be possible to demonstrate and compare quality at the national and international levels and to evaluate improvement initiatives.
DTI abnormalities in adults with past history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a tract-based spatial statistics study
Authors: Bode Michaela K , Lindholm Päivi , Kiviniemi Vesa , Moilanen Irma , Ebeling Hanna , Veijola Juha , Miettunen Jouko , Hurtig Tuula , Nordström Tanja , Starck Tuomo , Remes Jukka , Tervonen Osmo , Nikkinen Juha
Published: September 2014

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique enabling visualization and measurement of white matter tracts. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been studied with DTI earlier with variable results, yet there is little research on remitted ADHD.

Purpose

To compare the brain white matter between ADHD drug naïve subjects whose ADHD symptoms have mostly subsided and healthy controls.

Material and Methods

Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to compare 30 subjects with adolescent ADHD with control subjects at the age of 22–23 years. The study population was derived from a population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and measures of diffusion direction (λ1–3) were calculated. Permutation testing was used to test for differences in mean values of FA, MD, and λ1–3 between the groups. The results were corrected for multiple comparisons across the whole white matter skeleton.

Results

The ADHD group showed increased FA related to decreased radial diffusivity in the left forceps minor ( P < 0.05). In the vicinity along the same tract, axial diffusion was significantly decreased without any significant effect on FA. No between-group difference in MD was observed. Regressor analysis revealed no gender-, IQ- or GAF-related changes. After removal of left handed subjects the statistical significance was only barely lost.

Conclusion

In a setting with remitted ADHD, the results may represent a compensatory mechanism in the left forceps minor.
Effect of heated humidified ventilation on bronchial mucus transport velocity in general anaesthesia: A randomized trial
Authors: Seo Hyungseok , Kim Sung-Hoon , Choi Jae-Hyung , Hong Jeong-Yeon , Hwang Jai-Hyun
Published: September 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effects of heated humidified ventilation on mucociliary function during general anaesthesia.

Methods

Male patients (ASA physical status 1 or 2), scheduled for elective radical retropubic prostatectomy, were allocated to receive sevoflurane general anaesthesia with conventional or heated humidified ventilation. Bronchial mucus transport velocity was assessed via fibreoptic bronchoscope and methylene blue dye at 3h after induction of anaesthesia.

Results

Median (SE) bronchial mucus transport velocity was significantly higher in the heated humidified group ( n = 26) than the conventional ventilation group ( n = 24) (1.7 [0.3] mm/min vs 0.9 [0.1] mm/min).

Conclusion

Heated humidified ventilation effectively maintains mucociliary clearance of patients during sevoflurane general anaesthesia.
Cerebral Palsy Litigation
Authors: Sartwelle Thomas P. , Johnston James C.
Published: September 2014

The cardinal driver of cerebral palsy litigation is electronic fetal monitoring, which has continued unabated for 40 years. Electronic fetal monitoring, however, is based on 19th-century childbirth myths, a virtually nonexistent scientific foundation, and has a false positive rate exceeding 99%. It has not affected the incidence of cerebral palsy. Electronic fetal monitoring has, however, increased the cesarian section rate, with the expected increase in mortality and morbidity risks to mothers and babies alike. This article explains why electronic fetal monitoring remains endorsed as efficacious in the worlds’ labor rooms and courtrooms despite being such a feeble medical modality. It also reviews the reasons professional organizations have failed to condemn the use of electronic fetal monitoring in courtrooms. The failures of tort reform, special cerebral palsy courts, and damage limits to stem the escalating litigation are discussed. Finally, the authors propose using a currently available evidence rule—the Daubert doctrine that excludes “junk science” from the courtroom—as the beginning of the end to cerebral palsy litigation and electronic fetal monitoring’s 40-year masquerade as science.
Hate and Punishment
Authors: Kauppinen Antti
Published: September 2014

According to legal expressivism, neither crime nor punishment consists merely in intentionally imposing some kind of harm on another. Crime and punishment also have an expressive aspect. They are what they are in part because they enact attitudes toward others—in the case of crime, some kind of disrespect, at least, and in the case of punishment, society’s condemnation or reprobation. Punishment is justified, at least in part, because (and when) it uniquely expresses fitting condemnation or other retributive attitude. What makes retributive attitudes fitting is that they protect the victim’s status as inviolable. Hate or bias crimes dramatize the expressive aspect of crime, as they are often designed to send a message to the victim’s group and society at large. Treating the enactment of contempt and denigration toward a historically underprivileged group as an aggravating factor in sentencing may be an appropriate way to counter this message, as it reaffirms and indeed realizes the fundamental equality and inviolability of all members of a democratic community.
What the Research Says About the Effects of Open Pay Policies on Employees’ Pay Satisfaction and Job Performance
Authors: Giancola Frank L.
Published: September 2014

Does pay satisfaction improve when employees are informed about company pay policies, programs, salary ranges, and average pay increase amounts? Conventional wisdom in human resource management would say that they do and that providing this information is a “no-brainer.” Surprisingly, research on the topic of pay secrecy indicates a mixed picture on the benefits of “open pay” initiatives and shows that the majority of organizations have not taken the first steps to inform employees on pay matters. HR practitioners considering whether to provide more pay information to employees will benefit from learning about what is settled knowledge concerning the value of releasing pay information to employees.
Development of a 2-degree-of-freedom decoupled flexural mechanism for micro/nanomachining
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqin , Wang Rongqi , Liu Qiang , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: September 2014

In this article, a novel decoupled two-degree-of-freedom parallel flexural mechanism is proposed for precision engineering, such as micro/nanomeasuring and machining. The two-degree-of-freedom flexural mechanism is developed with the parallel-kinematic constraint map method to achieve totally geometric decoupling and the actuator isolation. By means of the matrix which is based on compliance modeling method, the compliance matrix of the flexural mechanism has been analytically derived and then the obtained theoretical results are verified by the finite element analysis. Experiment tests are conducted to investigate the practical performances of the developed two-degree-of-freedom flexural mechanism. The experimental results show that the maximum stroke along z-axis and y-stroke are 10.82 and 11.84 µm, respectively, and the corresponding maximum couplings in y-axis and z-axis directions are less than 3%. The first obtained resonant frequencies in the two moving directions are 420 and 450 Hz through the method of swept excitations, respectively.
Investigation of heat exchange in the working chamber of rotary compressors
Authors: Sharapov I I , Saifetdinov AG , Ibraev AM , Khamidullin MS , Khisameev IG
Published: September 2014

This work is devoted to the heat exchange study on rotary compressors, with external (Roots type) and internal compression, that are in demand in industries. The paper describes the implemented methods for measuring time-varying temperatures of gas and walls of the working chamber of the rotary compressors, which are investigated in conditions of the rotors motion. Results of the experiments conducted are presented. Influence of heat exchange on characteristics of rotary compressors by means of a method of mathematical simulation is established.
Behavior of bolted joints with metal-to-metal contact type gaskets under bolting-up and loading conditions
Authors: Ma Kai , Zhang Yi , Zhang Lanzhu , Guan Kaishu
Published: September 2014

A floating-type joint applies the entire bolt load to the gasket to generate sealing contact stress, and is prone to leak due to the bolt load loss. Different with the floating type one, a metal-to-metal contact type joint applies only part of the bolt load to the gasket to achieve seating stress, and applies the additional bolt load to the metal-to-metal contact to compensate for the unloading effects due to internal and external loadings. Due to this advantage, metal-to-metal contact type joints are gradually used in chemical industries, nuclear power industries, etc. A flange joint together with a metal-to-metal contact type gasket forms the metal-to-metal contact type joint studied in this article. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model is developed to highlight the complex behavior of the flange joint under bolting-up, pressure loading and thermal loading conditions. Despite the common perception that gasket stress in a metal-to-metal contact type joint stays constant, reduced gasket stress is concluded due to flange rotation and joint thermal expansion.
Theoretical and experimental study on conveying behavior of a twin-screw multiphase pump
Authors: Hu Bin , Cao Feng , Yang Xiaoqiang , Wang Xiaolin , Xing Ziwen
Published: September 2014

In this paper, the conveying behavior of a twin-screw multiphase pump is investigated when it pumps either pure water or gas–liquid mixtures with gas void fractions varying from 20% to 90%. A prototype of the twin-screw multiphase pump is developed and set up in a laboratory for this purpose. A theoretical model is established to evaluate backflow rates in the twin-screw pump clearances, total pump volume flow rates, and power consumptions at various pressure differences and gas void fractions. Results show that the predictions from the model agree well with experimental data. For pumping pure water, the power consumption increases by 45.3% when the pressure difference between inlet and outlet of the twin-screw multiphase pump increases from 0.6 to 1.0 MPa. However, the effect of the pressure difference on the total pump flow rate is negligible. For pumping air–water mixtures, the pressure difference has a significant effect on both power consumption and total volume flow rate of the multiphase pump. The pump power consumption increases by more than 40% when the pressure difference increases from 0.4 to 1.0 MPa. On the contrary, the pump volume flow rate decreases between 10% and 30% varying with the gas void fraction value. However, at the fixed pressure differences of 0.4 MPa and 1.0 MPa, the pump power consumption does not show much difference with the change of gas void fractions from 20% to 90% although the total pump volume flow rate reduces by 18.7% and 25.7%, respectively.
Prevalence of vascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus compared with type-1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study of two cohorts
Authors: Koenig K F , Ribi C , Radosavac M , Zulewski H , Trendelenburg M ,   Swiss SLE cohort study (SSCS)
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with considerable cardiovascular morbidity that has not yet been directly compared with other diseases with known cardiovascular risk.

Methods

Two hundred and forty-one patients of the multicentre Swiss SLE cohort study (SSCS) were cross-sectionally assessed for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). SLE patients were compared with a cohort of 193 patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus being followed at the University Hospital Basel. A subgroup analysis of 50 age- and sex-matched patients from the University Hospital Basel was performed.

Results

Of patients within the SSCS 13.3% had one or more vascular events: 8.3% CHD, 5% CVD and 1.2% PAD. In type-1 diabetes mellitus patients, 15% had vascular events: 9.3% CHD, 3.1% CVD and 5.6% PAD. In the matched subgroup, 26% of SLE patients had vascular events (14% CHD) compared with 12% in type-1 DM patients (2% CHD). Cardiovascular risk factors were similar in both groups. Vascular events in SLE patients were associated with age, longer disease duration, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular morbidity in SLE is at least as frequent as in age- and sex-matched type-1 diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, aggressive screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors should be performed.
Multiple patch–based broadband piezoelectric energy harvesting on plate-based structures
Authors: Aridogan Ugur , Basdogan Ipek , Erturk Alper
Published: September 2014

Several engineering systems, such as aircraft structures, are composed of load-bearing thin plates that undergo vibrations and employ wireless health, usage, and condition monitoring components, which can be made self-powered using vibrational energy harvesting technologies. Integrated piezoelectric patches can be implemented for enabling self-powered sensors in the neighborhood of plate-based structures. In this work, coupled electroelastic modeling and experimental validations of broadband energy harvesting from structurally integrated piezoelectric patches on a rectangular thin plate are presented. A distributed-parameter electroelastic model for multiple patch–based energy harvesters attached on a thin plate is developed. Closed-form structural and electrical response expressions are derived for multiple vibration modes of a fully clamped thin plate for the series and parallel connection configurations of multiple patch–based energy harvesters. Experimental and analytical case studies are then compared for validating the analytical models of structurally integrated multiple patch–based energy harvesters. It is shown that analytical electroelastic frequency response functions exhibit very good agreement with the experimental frequency response function measurements for the series and parallel connection cases. In addition to offering an effective interface for energy harvesting from two-dimensional thin structures, series and parallel multiple patch–based energy harvester configurations yield effective broadband energy harvesting by combining the electrical outputs of harvester patches for multiple vibration modes.
Low-Income Women’s Navigation of Childbearing Norms Throughout the Reproductive Life Course
Authors: James-Hawkins Laurie , Sennott Christie
Published: September 2014

Shifts in family structure have affected age norms about both teenage childbearing and reproductive sterilization, but we lack research examining how childbearing norms are connected across the reproductive life course. Drawing on interviews from 40 low-income women in Colorado, we explored linkages between early childbearing and the desire for early sterilization. Specifically, we examined two narratives women use to negotiate competing norms throughout the reproductive life course. The low-income women in our study characterized their teenage childbearing experiences negatively and justified them using a “young and dumb” narrative. Women also asserted that reversible contraceptives do not work for them, using a “hyper-fertility” narrative to explain both their early childbearing and their desire for early sterilization. Our results illustrate the influence of mainstream social norms about childbearing timing on low-income women’s lives and provide evidence of how women use narratives to explain and justify their violation of childbearing norms.
Mandatory Weight Loss During the Wait For Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Glenn Nicole M. , Raine Kim D. , Spence John C.
Published: September 2014

Mandatory presurgical, behavior-induced weight loss, although not standard, is a relatively common practice among bariatric surgical clinics. We explore the patient’s experience of this practice using phenomenology. We gathered experiential accounts from 7 individuals waiting to have the procedure at a large publically funded clinic in western Canada. In writing this article, we focused on four phenomenological themes: “just nod your head and carry on”—silencing through the ideal; waiting and weighing—promoting weight consciousness to the weight conscious; paying for surgical approval through weight loss; and presurgical weight loss and questioning the need for weight loss surgery altogether. We contrast the experiential findings with the clinical literature to question the impact and possible (unintended or unexpected) effects the practice might have, particularly on patients’ lives. We situate this article within a larger discussion about the possible contribution of experiential knowledge to clinical guidelines, practices, and pedagogies.
Comparative Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Prostaglandin Analogues for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Lin Liang , Zhao Ying Jiao , Chew Paul T.K. , Sng Chelvin C. A. , Wong Hon-Tym , Yip Leonard W. , Wu Tuck Seng , Bautista Dianne , Teng Monica , Khoo Ai Leng , Lim Boon Peng
Published: September 2014

Objective: To systematically review the efficacy and tolerability of 4 prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) as first-line monotherapies for intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Data Sources: A literature search was performed in PubMed (1965-June 2013) and the Cochrane Library (1980-June 2013) using the search terms ocular hypertension, open-angle glaucoma, prostaglandin analogues, bimatoprost, latanoprost, tafluprost, and travoprost. Additional studies were searched from the reference lists of identified publications. Study Selection and Data Extraction: In all, 32 randomized controlled trials comparing between PGAs (bimatoprost 0.03%, latanoprost 0.005%, tafluprost 0.0015%, and travoprost 0.004%) or PGA with timolol were selected. Data Synthesis: A network meta-analysis was conducted. Using timolol as reference, the relative risks (RRs) of achieving treatment success, defined as the proportion of patients achieving at least 30% IOP reduction, with 95% CIs, were as follows: bimatoprost, 1.59 (1.28-1.98); latanoprost, 1.32 (1.00-1.74); travoprost, 1.33 (1.03-1.72); and tafluprost, 1.10 (0.85-1.42). The mean IOP reductions after 1 month were 1.98 (1.50-2.47), 1.01 (0.55-1.46), 1.08 (0.59-1.57), and 0.46 (−0.41 to 1.33) mm Hg, respectively, and the results were sustained at 3 months. Bimatoprost was associated with the highest risk of developing hyperemia, whereas latanoprost had the lowest risk, with RRs (95% CI) of 4.66 (3.49-6.23) and 2.30 (1.76-3.00), respectively. Conclusions: Bimatoprost achieved the highest efficacy in terms of IOP reduction, whereas latanoprost had the most favorable tolerability profile. This review serves to guide selection of the optimal PGA agent for individual patient care in clinical practice.
Assessment of final product dosing accuracy when using volumetric technique in the preparation of chemotherapy
Authors: Poppe Lindsey B , Savage Scott W , Eckel Stephen F
Published: September 2014

Background

Studies have compared gravimetric and volumetric dosing accuracies in chemotherapy agents, finding high accuracy in gravimetric measurements with a mean deviation of ± 0.06%, while volumetric measurements had a mean deviation of ± 3.02%.

Methods

Chemotherapy doses prepared under a biological safety cabinet containing two weights from the precision scale between 15 December 2010 and 30 March 2011 were eligible for inclusion. Empty syringes attached to a closed-system transfer device were weighed prior to product manipulation. The product was then prepared using the syringe pull-back method (volumetric technique) and the same syringe containing drug was weighed (gravimetric method).

Results

A total of 1156 compounded sterile products were eligible for the study. The mean percent volume difference of preparations included was –0.53% with a range of –64.9% to 94.22% for individual doses. Of the prepared doses, 71.7% were within ± 5% and 87.4% were within ± 10% of the ordered dose. Secondary outcomes found to be associated with an increased percent volume difference were the pediatric population, smaller volumes prepared, drugs requiring reconstitution compared to already in solution, and final product dispensed to the patient in syringes.

Conclusion

While the mean value of volumetric measurements is within the generally understood acceptable range for dispensing chemotherapy, the range of measurements is highly variable. Future studies are warranted to better understand the reasons behind the variation and to evaluate the impact of workflow changes on improving final product accuracy.
Variability in the Effectiveness of a Video Modeling Intervention Package for Children With Autism
Authors: Plavnick Joshua B. , MacFarland Mari C. , Ferreri Summer J.
Published: September 2014

Video modeling is an evidence-based instructional strategy for teaching a variety of skills to individuals with autism. Despite the effectiveness of this strategy, there is some uncertainty regarding the conditions under which video modeling is likely to be effective. The present investigation examined the differential effectiveness of video modeling for teaching peer-directed initiations to three young children with autism using a single subject reversal design. In one condition, sharing toys, participants were taught to initiate with peers in the form of inviting a peer to join an activity that was preferred for the participant. In the second condition, joining a play in progress, participants were taught to ask if they could join in a preferred activity with peers. Participants demonstrated initiations during the joining but not during the sharing conditions. The results suggest video modeling can be differentially effective as a function of the target behavior and corresponding environmental events that are both observed and experienced by the child. These outcomes may have implications for how practitioners select social targets and develop video modeling materials when teaching individuals with autism.
Inside the Data Spectacle
Authors: Gregg Melissa
Published: September 2014

This paper focuses first on the scopophilic aspects of large scale data visualization—the fantasy of command and control through seeing—and places these in relation to key sites and conventions inside the tech industry. John Caldwell’s notion of “industrial reflexivity” provides a framework to explain the charismatic power and performative effects that attend representations of data as a visual spectacle. Drawing on twelve months of personal experience working for a large technology company, and observations from a number of relevant showcases, conferences, and events, I take a “production studies” approach to understand the forms of common sense produced in industry settings. I then offer two examples of data work understood as a new kind of “below the line” labor.
Zenith Cook limb type IIIB endoleak causing aneurysm rupture five years after EVAR
Authors: Mezes Peter , Sallam Morad , Diamantopoulos Athanasios , Taylor Peter , Ahmed Irfan
Published: September 2014

Type III endoleaks are rare late complications of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The aneurysm sac is pressurised either through disconnection of modular components (type IIIA) or a defect in the graft fabric (type IIIB). We report the endovascular treatment of a ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysm five years after elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair caused by a type IIIB endoleak secondary to probable graft material erosion of the contralateral limb. This is the first report of a late aneurysm rupture caused by fabric defect in a Cook Zenith limb. The case highlights the potential serious consequences of minimal migration of the device and the importance of landing the proximal fixation in healthy aorta.
Natural history and outcome of patients with intramural hematomas and penetrating aortic ulcers
Authors: Mousa Albeir Y , Bozzay Joseph , AbuRahma Ali F
Published: September 2014

All pathologies of acute aortic syndromes should be precisely diagnosed for prompt therapy. Intramural hematomas, as well as penetrating ulcers can be encountered in these patients. Presentations, clinical scenarios, and proper management are outlined in this review, which sums up available current literature to provide the vascular specialist with an adequate understanding of these unique syndromes.