bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Elbow Torque Among Youth and Adolescent Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Okoroha Kelechi R. , Lizzio Vincent A. , Meta Fabien , Ahmad Christopher S. , Moutzouros Vasilios , Makhni Eric C.
Published: May 2018

Background:

There has been an increasing incidence of overuse elbow injuries among youth and adolescent pitchers. Pitch type has been implicated as a risk factor for excess torque at the medial elbow; however, this has not been definitively demonstrated.

Purpose:

To assess predictors of torque across the medial elbow in youth and adolescent pitchers with a mobile sensor. In addition, the authors aimed to determine the differences in elbow torque produced according to pitch type (fastball, curveball, changeup) and pitcher demographics.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty youth and adolescent pitchers were instructed to throw 8 fastballs, 8 curveballs, and 8 changeups in a standardized but randomized sequence over a 25-minute period. Five pitchers were evaluated each day. A sensor placed at the medial elbow reported elbow torque, arm speed, arm slot, and shoulder rotation for each pitch, while a radar gun measured peak ball velocity. The primary outcome was a determination of thrower and pitch characteristics associated with elevated torque across the medial elbow. Secondary outcomes included the evaluation of differences in throwing biomechanics among different pitch types. Outcomes were assessed via a multivariable model, which controlled for possible covariates.

Results:

In total, 20 youth baseball pitchers with a mean age of 14.1 years (range, 12-17 years) were included in the study. On average, fastballs caused the greatest torque across the medial elbow (least squares mean ± SE, 47.3 ± 0.5 N·m) as compared with changeups (44.2 ± 0.5 N·m; P < .001) and curveballs (45.0 ± 0.5 N·m; P = .002). However, curveballs produced the greatest arm speed (917.8 rpm). Pitchers who started throwing curveballs at an older age experienced less elbow torque ( P < .001). A multivariable model demonstrated that increased ball velocity and body mass index and decreased arm slot were independent predictors of increased elbow torque. Conversely, increasing age, longer arm length, and greater elbow circumference were independent protectors against elbow torque.

Conclusion:

This study found that among youth and adolescent pitchers, fastballs generate the highest elbow torque while curveballs generated the greatest arm speed. Increased ball velocity and body mass index and decreased arm slot were predictors of elbow torque; however, increasing age and size of a pitcher’s arm were protectors against elbow torque. These findings are important to better understand risk factors for overuse injury in this at-risk athletic population.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings may inform future pitching recommendations with intentions of curtailing medial elbow injuries experienced by young pitchers, such as ulnar collateral ligament injuries.
A First BMS History
Authors: van Meter Karl M.
Published: May 2018

This article traces the history of the Bulletin of Sociological Methodology ( BMS) from 1983 – the date of the publication of the first issue – to today. It emphasises the long-term collaboration between the four members of the original editorial team: Karl M. van Meter, Philippe Cibois, Marie-Ange Schiltz and Lise Mounier. It evokes the institutional difficulties encountered and the solutions found, in France and abroad; the partnership established with the methodology section of the International Sociology Association; and the incorporation of the journal into the SAGE journals catalogue.
Prendre les données au sérieux et rêver d’une sociologie autre
Authors: Cibois Philippe
Published: May 2018

J’ai voulu dans ce texte montrer comment une formation en sociologie et des débuts de carrière en informatique pour les sciences humaines m’ont conduit à mettre l’accent sur l’analyse des données et sur la pratique du dépouillement d’enquête ( Cibois, 2015a ) mais aussi à me poser des questions sur le lien entre la sociologie et d’autres disciplines. J’ai essayé de montrer que la perspective de la linguistique pouvait avoir du sens en sociologie en distinguant des jeux d’oppositions qui définissent des groupes sociaux. J’envisage de poursuivre cette interrogation en travaillant sur la notion d’endogamie et ses liens avec la systématique en biologie.
Cover Letter Reduces Response Rate
Authors: Antholz Birger
Published: May 2018

The effect of whether to add or omit a cover letter at written surveys is examined by split-ballot experiments in surveys about victims of a crime in Thuringia (N = 10,184 distributed questionnaires, Austria (N = 804), Switzerland (N = 804) and Germany (N = 1180 + 9787). The survey form is the direct distribution of the questionnaires into the household boxes. The result is that a cover letter reduces the return rate by one tenth. In Austria and Switzerland is the reducing effect of the answering rate even greater. A cover letter discourages younger people from answering. This selection effect causes content distortions and for example, less deviant behavior is indicated. Adding a cover letter reduces the rate of victims by more than 3 percentage points. The omission of a cover letter is more effective in the presented survey form. It saves costs, increases the response rate and does not cause bias effects.
L’effet de « révélation asymétrique » : Influence de l’augmentation du nombre de photos sur l’imagerie mentale et les réponses comportementales selon le niveau de gamme
Authors: Larceneux Fabrice , Bezançon Marjolaine , Lefebvre Thomas
Published: May 2018

Les recherches qui étudient l’effet du nombre de photos sont rares et ne concernent que des expérimentations manipulant un nombre réduit de photos non informationnelles. Cet article propose une première étude menée en terrain réel sur 3658 petites annonces immobilières et montre que l’augmentation du nombre de photos diminue les réponses comportementales favorables si le bien est de gamme inferieure, mais reste sans effets si le bien est de gamme supérieure. Ce résultat est répliqué et expliqué dans une étude expérimentale : pour un bien de gamme inférieure, l’ajout de photos dégrade la valence des images mentales, l’imagerie mentale de soi et augmente l’inquiétude perçue. Ces variables expliquent l’effet négatif du nombre de photos sur les réponses comportementales. En revanche, pour un bien de gamme supérieure, l’ajout de photos – informationnelles ou non – n’améliore pas les réponses comportementales. Cet effet de « révélation asymétrique » selon le niveau de gamme des biens est discuté.
Le temps des consommateurs : état des recherches et perspectives
Authors: Lallement Jeanne , Gourmelen Andrea
Published: May 2018

Résumé

Cet article propose une synthèse des recherches sur le temps des consommateurs. Mobilisant une étude systématique des travaux depuis 25 ans, il offre une grille de lecture originale en regroupant le temps des consommateurs en deux catégories. Dans la première, les travaux sur le « temps ressource » soulignent que celui-ci est apprécié différemment selon des antécédents situationnels et individuels. Dans la seconde, les recherches sur le « temps-trait de personnalité » présentent celui-ci dans une perspective globale (où le temps est apprécié comme un tout), comparative (comparant plusieurs zones temporelles) ou encore sélective (positionnée dans une zone temporelle précise), approche elle-même caractérisée selon l’ancrage plus ou moins profond de la variable temporelle dans la personnalité de l’individu. Si le temps des consommateurs s’éclaire à lumière de ces catégorisations, on ne peut que constater l’impossibilité d’avoir un ancrage théorique unifié. Cette recherche plaide pour un décloisonnement des différentes approches et méthodologies.
Validity and Clinical Utility of Different Clock Drawing Test Scoring Systems in Multiple Forms of Dementia
Authors: Duro Diana , Tábuas-Pereira Miguel , Freitas Sandra , Santiago Beatriz , Botelho Maria Amália , Santana Isabel
Published: May 2018

The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) has a known potential for the detection of cognitive impairment in populations with dementia, especially Alzheimer disease (AD). Our aim was to compare the clinical utility of 3 CDT scoring systems (Rouleau, Cahn, and Babins) in several pathologies with cognitive compromise from a tertiary center memory clinic. We selected patients with a clinical diagnosis of mild stage AD, behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Parkinson disease with dementia (PDD). The results showed significant differences between the several diagnoses with the following pattern of results: AD, DLB < FTD, VaD, PDD. Qualitative analysis of clock drawing errors confirmed the stimulus-bound response as a hallmark of AD, while conceptual deficit was significantly more prevalent in patients with AD and DLB. Our results supported the CDT potential as a cognitive screening measure for mild dementia, particularly sensitive to AD and DLB, especially when we used the Cahn scoring system and its analysis of qualitative errors.
Effect of Antidepressant Medication Use and Social Engagement on the Level of Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling, Older African Americans and Whites With Dementia
Authors: Rodrigues Jovita , Capuano Ana W. , Barnes Lisa L. , Bennett David A. , Shah Raj C.
Published: May 2018

Objective: This study examines the effect of antidepressant medication use and social engagement on the level of depressive symptoms at the time of initially meeting criteria for dementia. Method: Measures of social engagement, medication use, and depressive symptoms from 402 participants with incident dementia were utilized for the study. Proportional odds models adjusted for demographics were constructed with depressive symptoms as the outcome and social network size, perceived social isolation, and antidepressant medication use as independent variables. Results: Each additional person in the social network was associated with a lower depressive symptom score, odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.90, 0.97], p ≤ .01, and each unit increase in perceived social isolation was associated with a higher depressive symptom score (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = [2.94, 5.85], p ≤ .01). No association was found between antidepressant medication use and depressive symptom score. Discussion: Depression management at the time of dementia diagnosis should probably be directed toward increasing social engagement in older adults.
A novel approach to tire parameter identification
Authors: Lee Hojong , Taheri Saied
Published: May 2018

Since they are believed to provide more reliable and accurate tire contact parameters, intelligent tires have been widely studied for the purpose of the performance enhancement of the vehicle control systems such as anti-lock breaking system and the electronic stability program. Moreover, it is also expected that intelligent tires can be utilized to analyze tire dynamic response, taking into consideration that the measurements from the sensors inside the tire would contain considerable information on tire behavior in real driving scenarios. In this work, the tire physical characteristics related to in-plane dynamics of the tire, such as stiffness of the belt and sidewall and contact pressure distribution, were identified based on the combination of strain measurements and a flexible ring tire model. The radial deformation of the tread band was directly obtained from strain measurements based on the strain-deformation relationship. Tire parameters were identified by fitting the radial deformations from the flexible ring model to those derived from strain measurements. This approach removed the complex and repeated procedure to satisfy the contact constraints between the tread and the road surface in the traditional ring model. For validation purposes, circumferential strains were measured for three different tires on a Flat-Trac indoor test rig. And then, circumferential contact pressures and tire parameters were estimated based on these measurements. Identification using only model-based methods was conducted and comparison was made to the measured contact patch shapes. The comparison among identification methods and measurements shows good agreement. The proposed method of utilizing intelligent tire fused with physical tire model is expected to provide another tool to investigate tire characteristics. Moreover, tire properties identified using intelligent tires could be more closely linked to vehicle performance.
Efficient reduced-order modeling of unsteady aerodynamics under light dynamic stall conditions
Authors: Xiaohua Li , Guo Zheng , Dana Grecov , Hou Zhongxi
Published: May 2018

In this research, a reduced-order modeling is developed to predict the unsteady aerodynamic forces under light dynamic stall conditions at low-speed regimes. The filtered white Gaussian noise is selected as input signals for computational fluid dynamics solver in order to generate training data, containing the information of reduced frequency and amplitude. Because of the time history influences, the reduced-order modeling combines the Kriging function and recurrence framework together in this approach. An airfoil NACA0012 undergoing pitching motions with different reduced frequency, amplitude, and mean angle of attack is designed to illustrate the methodology. The developed model can predict the lift, drag, and moment coefficients in seconds on a single-core computer processor. To reduce the prediction errors between reduced-order modeling predictions and computational fluid dynamics simulations, the aerodynamic loads in static conditions are applied as initial inputs. The predictions via the proposed approach are in agreement with the results using a high precision computational fluid dynamics solver over the designed ranges of amplitude and reduced frequency, which is suitable for engineering applications, such as fluid-structure interaction, and aircraft design optimizations.
Occasion determination method of low Earth orbit satellites meeting the narrow-beam signal
Authors: Ma Yiwei , Xi Rui
Published: May 2018

The determination of the occasion when the low Earth orbit satellite meets the narrow-beam signal is quite important. Based on the orbit prediction model of simplified general perturbations 4 (SGP4), the calculation model of the relative position between the low Earth orbit satellite and the ground target is established in the paper, and so is the calculation model of the relative position between the low Earth orbit satellite and the high Earth orbit communication satellite. The determination method of the occasion when the low Earth orbit satellite meets the narrow-beam signal is further proposed. It is shown by the simulation results that the proposed calculation method possesses high accuracy and feasibility and is able to satisfy the practical application requirements.
Mycoplasma genitalium infections in Cuba: surveillance of urogenital syndromes, 2014–2015
Authors: Mondeja Brian A , Rodríguez Nadia M , Blanco Orestes , Fernández Carmen , Jensen Jørgen S
Published: May 2018

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen implicated in urethritis in men and several inflammatory reproductive tract syndromes in women. The prevalence of M. genitalium infections in Cuban patients with urogenital syndromes is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of M. genitalium infection in sexually-active Cuban men and women with urogenital syndromes as a part of aetiological surveillance of urogenital syndromes in Cuba. Samples from men and women with urogenital syndromes submitted to the Mycoplasma Reference Laboratory for mycoplasma diagnosis from 1 January 2014 to 1 June 2015 were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of M. genitalium. A total of 971 samples were received and processed. Of the patients tested, 5.7% (47/824) of women and 27.9% (41/147) of men were positive for M. genitalium. This paper presents the largest study of M. genitalium infections among Cuban patients with urogenital syndromes and is Cuba’s first M. genitalium survey. We suggest that M. genitalium should be considered in the Cuban sexually transmitted infection management protocols as an important pathogen, particularly in men.
Emergence of quinolone-resistant Shigella flexneri in Italy (March 2017)
Authors: Zatta Marta , Di Bella Stefano , Busetti Marina , Michelacci Valeria , Owczarek Slawomir , Luzzi Ida , Luzzati Roberto
Published: May 2018

In March 2017, a 45-year-old Italian man who has sex with men was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department of Trieste Hospital (northeast Italy), because of fever, abdominal pain and dysentery. The patient had neither foreign travel history nor sexual contact with non-Italian partners. Stool cultures grew multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri (resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin) and whole genome sequencing detailed the resistance features. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain was unrelated to any previously reported strain. The patient was treated successfully with ceftriaxone. We hereby report the first case of locally-acquired, multidrug-resistant S. flexneri infection in Italy and also the emergence of a new clone.
A Cognitive-Ecological Explanation of Intergroup Biases
Authors: Alves Hans , Koch Alex , Unkelbach Christian
Published: May 2018

People often hold negative attitudes toward out-groups and minority groups. We argue that such intergroup biases may result from an interaction of basic cognitive processes and the structure of the information ecology. This cognitive-ecological model assumes that groups such as minorities and out-groups are often novel to a perceiver. At the level of cognition, novel groups are primarily associated with their unique attributes, that is, attributes that differentiate them from other groups. In the information ecology, however, unique attributes are likely to be negative. Thus, novel groups, and by proxy minorities and out-groups, tend to be associated with negative attributes, leading to an evaluative disadvantage. We demonstrated this disadvantage in three experiments in which participants successively formed impressions about two fictional groups associated with the same number of positive and negative attributes. Participants preferred the first group over the novel group as long as the groups’ unique attributes were negative.
The Napoleon Complex: When Shorter Men Take More
Authors: Knapen Jill E. P. , Blaker Nancy M. , Van Vugt Mark
Published: May 2018

Inspired by an evolutionary psychological perspective on the Napoleon complex, we hypothesized that shorter males are more likely to show indirect aggression in resource competitions with taller males. Three studies provide support for our interpretation of the Napoleon complex. Our pilot study shows that men (but not women) keep more resources for themselves when they feel small. When paired with a taller male opponent (Study 1), shorter men keep more resources to themselves in a game in which they have all the power (dictator game) versus a game in which the opponent also has some power (ultimatum game). Furthermore, shorter men are not more likely to show direct, physical aggression toward a taller opponent (Study 2). As predicted by the Napoleon complex, we conclude that (relatively) shorter men show greater behavioral flexibility in securing resources when presented with cues that they are physically less competitive. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Prediction intervals for random-effects meta-analysis: A confidence distribution approach
Authors: Nagashima Kengo , Noma Hisashi , Furukawa Toshi A
Published: May 2018

Prediction intervals are commonly used in meta-analysis with random-effects models. One widely used method, the Higgins–Thompson–Spiegelhalter prediction interval, replaces the heterogeneity parameter with its point estimate, but its validity strongly depends on a large sample approximation. This is a weakness in meta-analyses with few studies. We propose an alternative based on bootstrap and show by simulations that its coverage is close to the nominal level, unlike the Higgins–Thompson–Spiegelhalter method and its extensions. The proposed method was applied in three meta-analyses.
Categorical state sequence analysis and regression tree to identify determinants of care trajectory in chronic disease: Example of end-stage renal disease
Authors: Le Meur Nolwenn , Vigneau Cécile , Lefort Mathilde , Lebbah Saïd , Jais Jean-Philippe , Daugas Eric , Bayat Sahar
Published: May 2018

Background

Patients with chronic diseases, like patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), have long history of care driven by multiple determinants (medical, social, economic, etc.). Although in most epidemiological studies, analyses of health care determinants are computed on single health care events using classical multivariate statistical regression methods. Only few studies have integrated the concept of treatment trajectories as a whole and studied their determinants.

Methods

All 18- to 80-year-old incident ESRD patients who started dialysis in Ile-de-France or Bretagne between 2006 and 2009 and could be followed for a period of 48 months after initiation of a renal replacement therapy were included ( n = 5568). Their care trajectories were defined as categorical state sequences. Associations between patients’ characteristics and care trajectories were assessed using a regression tree model together with a discrepancy analysis.

Results

On average, each patient experienced 1.56 different renal replacement therapies (min = 1; max = 5) during the 48 months of follow-up. About 55% of patients never changed treatment and only 1% tried three or more renal replacement therapy modalities. Twelve homogeneous care trajectory groups were identified. Covariates explained 12% of the discrepancy between groups, particularly age, regions and initiation of hemodialysis with a catheter.

Conclusions

Regression tree analysis of categorical state sequence highlighted geographical disparities in the care trajectory of French patients with ESRD that cannot be observed when focusing on a single outcome, such as survival. This method is an original tool to visualize and characterize care trajectories, notably in the context of chronic condition like ESRD.
Book review: Meb Fraser, The Best Investment Writing: Selected Writing from Leading Investors and Authors
Authors: Nair Jyoti
Published: May 2018

Meb Fraser, The Best Investment Writing: Selected Writing from Leading Investors and Authors, Volume 1, 2017, Great Britain: Harriman House Ltd, 282 pp., USD35/£25. ISBN 978-0-85719-619-4.
Financialization at a watershed in the USA
Authors: Lapavitsas Costas , Mendieta-Muñoz Ivan
Published: May 2018

In the period following the Great Recession of 2007–2009 the financialization of the US economy reached a watershed characterized by stagnant financial profits, falling proportions of financial sector and mortgage debt, and rising proportion of public debt. The main macroeconomic indicators of financialization in the USA show structural breaks that can be dated around the period of the Great Recession. The reliance of households on the formal financial system appears to have weakened for the first time since the early 1980s. The financial sector has lacked the dynamism of the previous three decades, becoming more reliant on government. The state has increased its own indebtedness and supported large financial institutions via unconventional monetary policy measures. At the same time, state intervention has tightened the regulatory framework for big banks. The future path of financialization in the USA will depend heavily on government policy with regard to state debt and financial regulation, although the scope for boosting financialization is narrow.
Investigation of risk factors of geriatric patients with significant brain injury from ground‐level fall: A retrospective cohort study in a local Accident and Emergency Department setting
Authors: So Wing Hong , Chan Ho Fai , Li Mei Kwan
Published: May 2018

Background:

Trauma was the fifth leading cause of death in Hong Kong in 2013.4 Injuries caused by falls ranked first in traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases among older adults (51%).5 Elderly trauma patients face an increased risk of adverse consequences6 from trauma compared with their younger counterparts, as advanced age itself is already a well‐recognized risk factor for less favorable outcomes following trauma. Therefore, identifying factors associated with significant brain injury in geriatric patients in A&E triage is crucial in providing timely care to these patients.

Objectives:

To identify the risk factors for geriatric patients with significant brain injury from ground‐level falls and to formulate their association of risk factors with significant brain injury as a consequence from ground‐level falls.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study with data collected from the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System of Queen Mary Hospital from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015. A total of 1101 cases were identified.

Results:

There were 76% of the recruited patients with a normal computed tomography scan. However, the remaining 24% had computed tomography scans indicative of brain injury. Severe head injuries were scored 3 ‐8 on the Glasgow Coma Scale and moderate head injuries were scored 9 ‐12. Respectively, these were 20 times (p = 0.005) and 5 times (p = 0.002) more likely to have positive computed tomography findings than patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score from 13 to 15. Patients with loss of consciousness were two times more likely to have a positive computed tomography result than those without loss of consciousness (p = 0.001). Although warfarin use is a well‐established risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage after head injury, in our dataset, the result was not statistically significant. However, the use of new oral anti‐coagulants was associated with positive computed tomography findings with patients taking new oral anti‐coagulants 2.3 times more likely to have positive computed tomography findings compared with those with no anticoagulant use (p = 0.033).

Conclusions:

Early detection of patients with significant brain injury and aggressive management may prevent secondary injury from the complications of brain injury, hence improving patient mortality and morbidity, and reducing hospital stay and health care costs.
The significance of National Early Warning Score for predicting prognosis and evaluating conditions of patients in resuscitation room
Authors: Yuan Wang Chang , Tao Cao , Dan Zhu Dan , Yi Sun Chang , Jing Wang , Jian Qin
Published: May 2018

Background:

For critical patients in resuscitation room, the early prediction of potential risk and rapid evaluation of disease progression would help physicians with timely treatment, leading to improved outcome. In this study, it focused on the application of National Early Warning Score on predicting prognosis and conditions of patients in resuscitation room. The National Early Warning Score was compared with the Modified Early Warning Score) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II.

Objectives:

To assess the significance of NEWS for predicting prognosis and evaluating conditions of patients in resuscitation rooms.

Methods:

A total of 621 consecutive cases from resuscitation room of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University were included during June 2015 to January 2016. All cases were prospectively evaluated with Modified Early Warning Score, National Early Warning Score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and then followed up for 28 days. For the prognosis prediction, the cases were divided into death group and survival group. The Modified Early Warning Score, National Early Warning Score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II results of the two groups were compared. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for assessing and predicting intensive care unit admission and 28‐day mortality.

Results:

For the prognosis prediction, in death group, the National Early Warning Score (9.50 ± 3.08), Modified Early Warning Score (4.87 ± 2.49), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (23.29 ± 5.31) were significantly higher than National Early Warning Score (5.29 ± 3.13), Modified Early Warning Score (3.02 ± 1.93), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (13.22 ± 6.39) in survival group (p < 0.01). For the disease progression evaluation, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of National Early Warning Score, Modified Early Warning Score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II were 0.760, 0.729, and 0.817 (p < 0.05), respectively, for predicting intensive care unit admission; they were 0.827, 0.723, and 0.883, respectively, for predicting 28‐day mortality. The comparison of the three systems was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The performance of National Early Warning Score for predicting intensive care unit admission and 28‐day mortality was inferior than Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II but superior than Modified Early Warning Score. It was able to rapidly predict prognosis and evaluate disease progression of critical patients in resuscitation room.
Marital Happiness and Psychosocial Mechanisms in Low-Income Chinese Families
Authors: Zhang Huiping , Tao Tao
Published: May 2018

The impact of economic circumstances on marital quality has been widely studied in Western countries; however, there is still no empirical evidence to examine this association in a Chinese context. This study aimed to investigate the impact of family income on marital happiness and associated psychosocial mechanisms among urban Chinese residents. Based on a national representative sample of 2,132 men and 2,394 women, the results demonstrated that low-income urban couples reported lower marital happiness compared with their higher income counterparts. For married women, low-income status increased the spousal hostility toward them, which in turn made them unhappy with their marriage, but this psychological mechanism did not happen to married men similarly. In addition, low-income status decreased both men’s and women’s perception of social support from family members and thus exerted a negative influence on their marital happiness. It is suggested that social work intervention programs aiming at low-income families should target their economic difficulties, help manage their assets, and deal with psychosocial relationships.
Presurgical Nasal Molding With a Nasal Spring in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Nasal Deformity With Incomplete Unilateral Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate
Authors: Peanchitlertkajorn Supakit
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Traditional nasoalveolar molding (NAM) requires steep learning curve for clinicians and significant compliance from parents. Nasal springs have been developed by the author to simplify presurgical nasal molding. This article presents the design, construction, and application of the spring. The treatment goal is to improve nasal deformity prior to primary repair in infants born with incomplete unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate.

Method:

The design, fabrication, and utility of the nasal spring are described. The spring has a simpler design and construction compared to a traditional NAM appliance.

Participants:

Two patients with incomplete unilateral cleft lip with and without cleft palate are presented.

Interventions:

The spring is constructed and delivered. The active arm of the spring can be 3-dimensionally (3-D) adjusted to mold the alar cartilage of the affected nostril. The spring does not require an oral plate for adherence as a traditional NAM appliance does, hence an oral impression is not needed. The spring is easy for clinicians to adjust. It also requires less compliance by parents.

Main Outcome Measures/Results:

The presurgical molding achieved by the use of a nasal spring improved surgical nasolabial aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusion:

The nasal springs are effective in reducing the initial cleft nasal deformity. This facilitates primary surgical cleft lip and nose correction and improves surgical outcomes in patients with incomplete unilateral cleft lip with or without cleft palate.
Subcentimetric Incidental Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in an Explant Liver: Diagnostic Difficulty of a Rare Entity
Authors: Mitra Suvradeep , Geethanjali Gude , Rathi Sahaj , Behera Arunanshu , Das Ashim
Published: May 2018

Incidental intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a rare neoplastic lesion in the explant liver specimens with an approximate incidence of 0.7%. The detection of iCCA is associated with poor prognosis in the posttransplant setting. The occurrence of a subcentimetric iCCA is very rare and poses a major diagnostic challenge to the pathologist. This article presents a rare case of subcentimetric iCCA in a young male in the background of advanced stage chronic liver disease resulting from autoimmune hepatitis possibly with chronic cholangiopathy along with the histomorphological differentials.
P16 Expression in Extramammary Paget’s Disease of the Vulva and Scrotum Is Not Human Papillomavirus Related
Authors: Al-Obaidy Khaleel I. , Kao Chia-Sui , Idrees Muhammad T.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) of the vulva has been shown to express p16 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), however, p16 expression in the vulva and scrotum has not been extensively studied in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) within EMPD of both the vulva and scrotum. Design. Twenty-two cases of EMPD (vulva, 16; scrotum, 6) were found in our laboratory information system. P16 and HPV IHC were performed. Any p16 reactivity less than 10% was considered negative. HPV in situ hybridization for both low- and high-risk HPV was also performed on all cases. Results. Of the 6 scrotal EMPD, 3 (50%) showed weak to moderate positive reactivity for p16 by IHC. Of the 16 vulvar EMPD, 13 (81%) were positive for p16, with at least moderate (2+) intensity with a mean expression of 33.3% (range = 10% to 80%) and 62% (range = 20% to 95%) in scrotal and vulvar EMPD, respectively. None of the scrotal or vulvar cases showed positive reactivity for HPV either by IHC or in situ hybridization. Conclusion. Both vulvar and scrotal EMPD can express p16 by IHC, more commonly vulvar than scrotal; however, no HPV was detected either by IHC or in situ hybridization. EMPD of vulva and scrotum does not appear to be related to HPV, and p16 expression may be regulated through a different mechanism.
Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma of the Breast: Report of 2 Cases Including One With Long-Term Local Recurrence
Authors: Nayak Anupma , Bleiweiss Ira J. , Dumoff Kimberly , Bhuiya Tawfiqul A.
Published: May 2018

Primary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCA) of breast is an exceedingly rare tumor with histologic resemblance to MCA arising in ovary, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. In this article, we present 2 additional cases of MCA of breast, one highlighting the diagnostic challenges of a rare entity that may potentially lead to unnecessary chemotherapy and the second case presenting with recurrence after 8 years of primary surgical excision defying the indolent behavior reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of such behavior.
Semi-active seismic control of buildings using MR damper and adaptive neural-fuzzy intelligent controller optimized with genetic algorithm
Authors: Bozorgvar Masoud , Zahrai Seyed Mehdi
Published: May 2018

This research presents designing a control system to reduce seismic responses of structures. Semi-active control of a magnetorheological (MR) damper is used to improve seismic behavior of a 3-story building implementing neural-fuzzy controller made of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to determine damper input voltage. Both premise and consequent parameters of fuzzy membership and output functions of ANFIS have the ability for training and improvement but most researchers have focused on just consequent parameters. In order to optimize the controller performance, an approach is proposed in this paper where both premise and consequent parameters of fuzzy functions in an ANFIS network are adjusted simultaneously by genetic algorithm (GA). In order to assess the effectiveness of the designed control system, its function is numerically studied on a benchmark 3-story building and is compared to those of a neural network predictive control (NNPC) algorithm, linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) and clipped optimal control (COC) systems in terms of seismic performance. The results showed desirable performance of the (ANFIS +GA + membership functions + result function) ANFIS–GA–MFR controller in considerably reducing the structure responses under different earthquakes. The proposed controller showed 30 and 39% reductions in peak story drift (J1) and normed story drift (J4) respectively compared to the NNPC controller, 32 and 44% reductions in J1 and J4 respectively compared to the LQG controller, and 27 and 38% reductions in J1 and J4 respectively compared to the COC controller. The proposed controller effectively reduced acceleration and base shear level compared to the uncontrolled state and had a performance relatively similar to those of three other controllers – for instance, it reduced the maximum level acceleration (J2) 10% higher than COC. Also, the results showed that the ANFIS–GA–MFR controller has more efficiency than the basic ANFIS controller, on average about 20%.
The Effect of ACA State Medicaid Expansions on Medical Out-of-Pocket Expenditures
Authors: Abramowitz Joelle
Published: May 2018

This article considers the extent to which Affordable Care Act state Medicaid expansions alleviated the burden of out-of-pocket costs associated with obtaining health insurance and medical care using data from the 2011 to 2016 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement. Using a difference-in-differences framework, the analysis examines effects of the Medicaid expansions on out-of-pocket expenditures for health insurance premiums and medical care, comparing expenditures across expansion and nonexpansion states before and after the expansions were implemented, performing separate analyses for individuals with family income at various eligibility cutoff levels in the first and second years of expansion implementation. The findings suggest that the expansions were associated with a relatively larger likelihood of having zero premium expenditures and of having zero nonpremium medical out-of-pocket expenditures for low-income individuals. These findings suggest that the expansions were effective in reducing medical out-of-pocket expenditures.
Paradoxes of Practice Guidelines, Professional Expertise, and Patient Centeredness: The Medical Care Triangle
Authors: Issel L. Michele
Published: May 2018

The coexistence of institutionalized evidence-based practice guidelines, professional expertise of medical practitioners, and the patient centeredness approach form a triangle. Each component of this Medical Care Triangle has characteristics that create paradoxes for health care professionals and their patients. The value of a paradox lies in uncovering and utilizing the contradiction to better understand the underlying organizational phenomenon. Method: Following Poole and van de Ven’s (1989) suggested approaches to resolving paradoxes, each paradox of the Medical Care Triangle is defined and analyzed. Results: A total of 10 paradoxes related to practice guidelines, professional expertise, and patient centeredness are revealed. The resolution of each paradox yields insights specific to structuring health care organizations in ways that support the delivery of medical care. Implications: The results renew an emphasis on the centrality of practitioners’ work processes to health care organizations; this has potential benefits for organizations, clinicians/employees, and patients.
Stability of carboplatin infusion solutions used in desensitization protocol
Authors: Vázquez-Sánchez R , Sánchez-Rubio-Ferrández J , Córdoba-Díaz D , Córdoba-Díaz M , Molina-Garcia T
Published: May 2018

Carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions are one of the major clinical challenges in treating patients with relapse/recurrent ovarian malignancies. Desensitization protocols allow the continuation of treatment in patients who have presented hypersensitivity reactions by gradually re-introducing small amounts of the drug up to full therapeutic doses. Carboplatin desensitization protocol is based on three solutions that are usually prepared in the chemotherapy centralized units of hospital pharmacies. First and second solutions are diluted under the established concentration limit to guarantee the stability of the preparation. We developed a specific high-performance liquid chromatography assay to determine the stability of carboplatin infusion solutions that have been diluted to 0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL in 250 mL of 5% dextrose in polypropylene infusion bags which were stored 24 h protected from light at room temperature. Samples were withdrawn at t = 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 24 h. The analytical column was a Zorbax eclipse XDB-C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 µm particle size). The mobile phase had a flow rate of 1 mL/min under isocratic conditions of water–methanol (98:2, v/v). For 0.2 mg/mL solution, the high-performance liquid chromatography assay revealed no significant losses in carboplatin concentration. However, in 0.02 mg/mL solution remaining carboplatin was > 105% the initial dose after 3 h of storage at room temperature. The ultraviolet–visible spectra analysis showed that carboplatin remained intact during the study in 0.2 mg/mL solution, but some changes were detected in 0.02 mg/mL solution. Thus, 0.2 mg/mL carboplatin solution is stable for 24 h at room temperature in 5% dextrose polypropylene infusion bags but stability could not be proved for 0.02 mg/mL solution.
Comparison of anti-plane surface waves in strain-gradient materials and materials with surface stresses
Authors: Eremeyev Victor A , Rosi Giuseppe , Naili Salah
Published: May 2018

Here we discuss the similarities and differences in anti-plane surface wave propagation in an elastic half-space within the framework of the theories of Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity and Toupin–Mindlin strain-gradient elasticity. The qualitative behaviour of the dispersion curves and the decay of the obtained solutions are quite similar. On the other hand, we show that the solutions relating to the surface elasticity model are more localised near the free surface. For the strain-gradient elasticity model there is a range of wavenumbers where the amplitude of displacements decays very slowly.
Perioperative and Anesthetic Considerations in Interrupted Aortic Arch
Authors: Burbano-Vera Nelson , Zaleski Katherine L. , Latham Gregory J. , Nasr Viviane G.
Published: May 2018

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is defined as the loss of luminal continuity between the ascending and descending aorta and is classified based on the anatomic level of interruption. IAA is associated with a number of intracardiac anomalies with the most common being patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, and left ventricular outflow obstruction. There is also a strong association between type B interruption and 22q11 deletion syndrome. The perioperative management of the neonate with IAA begins in the intensive care unit with optimization of end-organ perfusion and function. Survival depends on the prompt initiation of prostaglandin E1 in order to maintain ductal patency, careful management of the patient’s ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp:Qs), and a thorough understanding of the physiologic implications of the surgical plan, type of interruption, and associated syndromes and anomalies. This review will focus on the anatomy, physiology, and perioperative anesthetic management considerations specific to the management of IAA.
Buckling of honeycomb structures under out-of-plane loads
Authors: Qiu Cheng , Guan Zhidong , Guo Xuan , Li Zengshan
Published: May 2018

The governing equations for the buckling of honeycomb cores with various cell geometries under combined compression and shear are established and three types of core including rectangular, hexagonal and triangular cores are under consideration. After invoking the Bloch wave representation form, the equations are simplified by the periodicity and the hypothesis that the out-of-plane displacement remains zero at the intersections. Different cell geometries and load cases are taken into account and numerical results offer validation for the analytical solutions. Moreover, the results of Finite Element (FE) models show that the fine results can only be acquired by models with appropriate cell numbers. Experimental study is conducted on the regular hexagonal honeycomb structures. Both the results of the numerical benchmarks and the experiments prove the effectiveness of the proposed analytical method and the hypothesis for predicting the buckling load of honeycomb structures.
Abnormalities of vascular histology and collagen fiber configuration in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Allon Michael , Litovsky Silvio H , Tey Jason Chieh Sheng , Sundberg Chad A , Zhang Yingying , Chen Zhen , Fang Yun , Cheung Alfred K , Shiu Yan-Ting
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Several histologic features have been identified in the upper-extremity arteries and veins of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, which may affect arteriovenous fistula maturation. However, it is unclear whether these chronic kidney disease vascular features are abnormal.

Methods:

We obtained upper-extremity arterial and venous specimens from 125 advanced chronic kidney disease patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation and from 15 control subjects. We quantified medial fibrosis, micro-calcification, and intimal hyperplasia with appropriate histology stains. We characterized medial collagen fiber configuration in second-harmonic-generation microscopy images for the fiber anisotropy index and the dominant fiber direction.

Results:

The advanced chronic kidney disease patients were significantly younger than control subjects (53 ± 14 years vs 76 ± 11 years, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, the chronic kidney disease patients had greater arterial medial fibrosis (69% ± 14% vs 51% ± 10%, p < 0.001) and greater arterial micro-calcification (3.03% ± 5.17% vs 0.01% ± 0.03%, p = 0.02), but less arterial intimal thickness (30 ± 25 µm vs 63 ± 25 µm, p < 0.001), as compared to control subjects. The anisotropy index of medial collagen fibers was lower in both arteries (0.24 ± 0.10 vs 0.44 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and veins (0.28 ± 0.09 vs 0.53 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) in chronic kidney disease patients, indicating that orientation of the fibers was more disordered. The dominant direction of medial collagen fibers in chronic kidney disease patients was greater in the arteries (49.3° ± 23.6° vs 4.0° ± 2.0°, p < 0.001) and the veins (30.0° ± 19.6° vs 3.9° ± 2.1°, p < 0.001), indicating that the fibers in general were aligned more perpendicular to the lumen.

Conclusion:

Advanced chronic kidney disease is associated with several abnormalities in vascular histology and collagen fiber configuration. Future research is needed to investigate whether these abnormalities affect the maturation outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas.