bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics on Early Intervention Enrollment After NICU Discharge
Authors: Litt Jonathan S. , Perrin James M.
Published: October 2014

This study aims to characterize participation of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates in early intervention (EI). We used data from the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study. We fit models of days from referral to Individualized Family Service Plan creation (plan time), days from referral to initiation of services (service time), and parent-reported effort to enroll their child with clinical and sociodemographic predictors. The sample of 1,188 NICU graduates had median birth weight 1,942 g, gestational age 33.4 weeks, and maternal age 27.4 years. Plan time was shorter for those with health insurance (2.5 weeks, p = .04) and living in high-providing states (3.3 weeks, p = .005). Service time was shorter for those with global delay (8 days, p = .02) and health insurance (11 days, p = .03) and longer for those with single parents (24 days, p = .009). Single parents and parents of children with higher birth weight, congenital problems, and non-White race reported greater effort finding services. Single parents and parents of female and higher birth weight infants reported greater effort initiating services. These findings document disparities in enrollment timing and service provision by disability types, single parenthood, and being of non-White race. Further elucidation of such disparities could lead to improved enrollment and access to prescribed services.
Comparison of Perioperative Complications and Hospitalization Outcomes After Ankle Arthrodesis Versus Total Ankle Arthroplasty From 2002 to 2011
Authors: Jiang Jimmy J. , Schipper Oliver N. , Whyte Noelle , Koh Jason L. , Toolan Brian C.
Published: October 2014

Background:

The aim of this study was to analyze a validated, nationally representative admissions database in order to compare perioperative complications and hospitalization outcomes associated with ankle arthrodesis (AAD) versus ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

Methods:

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2002 to 2011, 12 250 patients who underwent AAD and 3002 patients who underwent TAA were identified based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. The demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative outcomes during the index hospital stay were compared between patients who underwent AAD and TAA. Multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for differences in demographics and comorbidities between the 2 groups.

Results:

Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TAA was independently associated with a decreased risk of blood transfusion (relative risk [RR] = 0.53, P < .001), non–home discharge (RR = 0.70, P < .001), and overall complication (RR = 0.79, P = .03). There were similar rates of pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and mortality. TAA was independently associated with a significantly higher hospital charge (difference = $24 431, P < .001). There was no significant difference in the adjusted length of stay between the 2 groups ( P = .13).

Conclusion:

TAA was independently associated with a lower risk of blood transfusion, non–home discharge, and overall complication when compared to AAD during the index hospitalization period. TAA was also independently associated with a higher hospitalization charge, but length of stay was similar between the 2 groups. Until long-term comparative studies are performed, the optimal treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis remains controversial, this study provides greater clarity with regard to hospitalization outcomes after the 2 procedures and shows no significant difference in risk for the majority of medical perioperative complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Putting Environmental Infographics Center Stage
Authors: Lazard Allison , Atkinson Lucy
Published: October 2014

Infographics, which integrate visuals and text, can increase audience engagement with message content. Relying on two experiments, this study demonstrates the role of visuals for decisions to critically evaluate pro-environmental messages. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model as a theoretical foundation, we demonstrate that individuals engage in greater levels of issue-relevant thinking when shown infographics compared to messages that rely just on text or just on illustration, with learning preferences and visual literacy as moderators. The findings demonstrate that visual content is an important factor for persuasive message processing, and infographic messages hold opportunities for the communication of environmental issues.
Deliberation of the Scientific Evidence for Breastfeeding
Authors: Len-Ríos María E. , Bhandari Manu , Medvedeva Yulia S.
Published: October 2014

This mixed-methods study examines online comments ( The Atlantic online, N = 326; NYTimes.com , N = 596) generated by two widely read articles challenging the scientific basis for U.S. government breastfeeding recommendations. The analysis focuses on commenter evaluations of the scientific evidence for breastfeeding. Results demonstrate that commenters socially represented breastfeeding science as a means for manufacturing convenience and also as a process that is prone to flaws in its production and application. Online commenters discussed their personal experiences (42%) with breastfeeding more than its evidence base (16%). Personal and social experiences were used as filters to judge the merits of scientific arguments.
A Preliminary Examination of Aerobic Exercise Effects on Resting EEG in Children With ADHD
Authors: Huang Chung-Ju , Huang Chin-Wen , Tsai Yu-Jung , Tsai Chia-Liang , Chang Yu-Kai , Hung Tsung-Min
Published: October 2014

Objective: This study attempted to determine whether the effects of physical exercise were reflected in the resting electroencephalographic (EEG) pattern of ADHD children. Method: Thirty-two ADHD children were assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. The exercise group participated in a water aerobics program for 8 weeks, whereas no intervention was administered to the control group. Resting EEGs were recorded under open-eyes condition before and after the intervention. Data from eligible participants, 15 from the exercise group (11 boys and 4 girls, 7.93 ± 1.02 years) and 14 from the control group (14 boys, 8.27 ± 1.04 years), were further analyzed. Results: While controlling for the baseline resting EEG, separate ANCOVAs indicated that the exercise group showed smaller theta/alpha ratios over the frontal and central brain sites after the intervention compared with the control group. Conclusion: This finding suggests that aerobic exercise may enhance the cognitive functions of children with ADHD, as reflected in resting EEG.
High IQ May “Mask” the Diagnosis of ADHD by Compensating for Deficits in Executive Functions in Treatment-Naïve Adults With ADHD
Authors: Milioni Ana Luiza Vidal , Chaim Tiffany Moukbel , Cavallet Mikael , de Oliveira Nathalya Moleda , Annes Marco , dos Santos Bernardo , Louzã Mario , da Silva Maria Aparecida , Miguel Carmen Silvia , Serpa Mauricio Henriques , Zanetti Marcus V. , Busatto Geraldo , Cunha Paulo Jannuzzi
Published: October 2014

Objective: To evaluate and compare the performance of adults with ADHD with high and standard IQ in executive functions (EF) tasks. Method: We investigated the neuropsychological performance of 51 adults with ADHD, compared with 33 healthy controls (HC) while performing a wide battery of neuropsychological tests that measure executive functioning. Adults with clinical diagnosis of ADHD were divided into two groups according to their IQ level (IQ ≥ 110—ADHD group with more elevated IQ, and IQ < 110—ADHD group with standard IQ). Results: The ADHD group with standard IQ presented a worse executive functioning compared with the HC group in the following measures: Stroop 2 ( p = .000) and 3 ( p = .000), Trail Making Test (TMT) B ( p = .005), Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (WCST)—perseverative errors ( p = .022) and failures to maintain set ( p = .020), Continuous Performance Test (CPT)—omission errors ( p = .005) and commission errors ( p = .000), and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB)—conceptualization ( p = .016). The ADHD group with more elevated IQ presented only impairments in the CPT—commission errors ( p = .019) when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Adults with ADHD and more elevated IQ show less evidence of executive functioning deficits compared with those with ADHD and standard IQ, suggesting that a higher degree of intellectual efficiency may compensate deficits in executive functions, leading to problems in establishing a precise clinical diagnosis.
Peer Relationships in Undergraduates With ADHD Symptomatology: Selection and Quality of Friendships
Authors: McKee Tara E.
Published: October 2014

Objective: This study investigated the relationships between ADHD symptomatology and friendship formation, social skills, and the quality of specific friendships in college students. Method: A total of 156 students, 75 of whom had high self-reported ADHD symptomatology, participated. Friends of 68 participants completed measures of friendship quality. Results: Students had more positive first impressions of and reported being friends with others whose ADHD symptom severity matched their own. Participants with high ADHD symptoms reported greater difficulty providing emotional support and managing interpersonal conflict than their low-symptom peers. Greater ADHD symptoms in participants and friends were related to reduced quality of specific relationships, but similarity of severity of symptomatology in the dyad benefited the relationship. Conclusion: These findings have implications for the kind of support offered to students with high ADHD symptomatology when they transition to college. Future longitudinal research examining relationships of varying levels of closeness should be conducted.
A modified normal contact stiffness model considering effect of surface topography
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhang Song , Man Jia , Zhang Qing , Chen Yan
Published: October 2014

The contact stiffness of joint surfaces is an important factor influencing the static and dynamic characteristics of the mechanical equipment. In the present research, a modified normal contact stiffness model of two rough surfaces is proposed. First, the stiffness model of a single asperity contact pair is obtained based on shoulder-shoulder contact in conjunction with the elastic-plastic contact model proposed by Jackson and Green. Second, the topographies of contact surfaces are analyzed, and the locations of asperities and the statistical distributions of asperity heights and radii are acquired experimentally. The asperities are then generated using Monte Carlo method with the information to simulate the real contact. Finally, the asperities contact state is determined and if the contact occurs, the stiffness of the single asperity pair is calculated and summed as the total normal stiffness of two contact surfaces. The proposed stiffness model is validated by experiments with the errors less than 10%.
The electoral effects of the descriptive representation of ethnic minority groups in Australia and the UK
Authors: Zingher Joshua N , Farrer Benjamin
Published: October 2014

In this article we assess the electoral effects of the nomination of ethnic minority candidates. We argue that descriptive representation is an important factor in how parties in SMD systems establish their coalitions over multiple elections. We demonstrate this by showing that descriptive representation has a consistent effect on voting behavior, and thus that parties can rely on descriptive representation to win over specific segments of the voting population. Previous studies have been limited to single election years and single countries, but we collect original data from multiple election cycles in Australia and the UK to test our argument. We find that descriptive representation is consistently associated with a 10-percentage point bump in support from ethnic minority independents and Labour supporters. We conclude by highlighting the importance of this finding for party competition.
Impact of case-mix on comparisons of patient-reported experience in NHS acute hospital trusts in England
Authors: Raleigh Veena , Sizmur Steve , Tian Yang , Thompson James
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To examine the impact of patient-mix on National Health Service (NHS) acute hospital trust scores in two national NHS patient surveys.

Methods

Secondary analysis of 2012 patient survey data for 57,915 adult inpatients at 142 NHS acute hospital trusts and 45,263 adult emergency department attendees at 146 NHS acute hospital trusts in England. Changes in trust scores for selected questions, ranks, inter-trust variance and score-based performance bands were examined using three methods: no adjustment for case-mix; the current standardization method with weighting for age, sex and, for inpatients only, admission method; and a regression model adjusting in addition for ethnicity, presence of a long-term condition, proxy response (inpatients only) and previous emergency attendances (emergency department survey only).

Results

For both surveys, all the variables examined were associated with patients’ responses and affected inter-trust variance in scores, although the direction and strength of impact differed between variables. Inter-trust variance was generally greatest for the unadjusted scores and lowest for scores derived from the full regression model. Although trust scores derived from the three methods were highly correlated (Kendall’s tau coefficients 0.70–0.94), up to 14% of trusts had discordant ranks of when the standardization and regression methods were compared. Depending on the survey and question, up to 14 trusts changed performance bands when the regression model with its fuller case-mix adjustment was used rather than the current standardization method.

Conclusions

More comprehensive case-mix adjustment of patient survey data than the current limited adjustment reduces performance variation between NHS acute hospital trusts and alters the comparative performance bands of some trusts. Given the use of these data for high-impact purposes such as performance assessment, regulation, commissioning, quality improvement and patient choice, a review of the long-standing method for analysing patient survey data would be timely, and could improve rigour and comparability across the NHS. Performance comparisons need to be perceived as fair and scientifically robust to maintain confidence in publicly reported data, and to support their use by both the public and the NHS.
Associations of diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular disease risk factors with decline in the ankle–brachial index
Authors: Forbang Nketi I , McDermott Mary M , Liao Yihua , Ix Joachim H , Allison Matthew A , Liu Kiang , Tian Lu , Evans Natalie , Criqui Michael H
Published: October 2014

We compared the associations of diabetes mellitus (DM) and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors with decline in the ankle–brachial index (ABI) over 4 years in participants with and without peripheral artery disease (PAD). A total of 566 participants, 300 with PAD, were followed prospectively for 4 years. Mean (SD) baseline ABI values were 0.70 (0.13) for participants with both PAD and DM, 0.67 (0.14) for participants with only PAD, 1.10 (0.13) for participants with only DM, and 1.10 (0.10) for participants with neither PAD nor DM. After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline ABI, the corresponding ABI change from baseline to 4-year follow-up were −0.02, –0.04, +0.05, and +0.05, respectively. Compared to participants with neither PAD nor DM, participants with only PAD showed significantly more ABI decline ( p <0.01), while the decline in participants with both PAD and DM was borderline non-significant ( p = 0.06). After adjustments for baseline ABI, age, sex, African American ethnicity, and other CVD risk factors, independent factors associated with ABI decline in participants with PAD in the lower ABI leg were older age and elevated D-dimer. DM was not related to ABI decline. Despite being an important risk factor for PAD, DM was not independently associated with ABI decline. This could reflect the effect of DM promoting both PAD and lower-extremity arterial stiffness, resulting in a small decline in the ABI over time. In conclusion, ABI change over time in persons with diabetes may not accurately reflect underlying atherosclerosis.
“Gay? Prove it”: The politics of queer anti-deportation activism
Authors: Lewis Rachel A
Published: October 2014

This article examines how gender, sexuality, race and class intersect in queer asylum claims to influence the perceived credibility of gay and lesbian asylum applicants. Building on recent scholarship in queer migration studies that considers the role of gender and sexuality in the social construction of migrant illegality, this article explores how practices of credibility assessment in the political asylum process produce women and sexual minorities as deportable subjects. As I argue, the tactics utilized by gay male asylum applicants to resist deportation show how practices of credibility assessment in the political asylum process are linked to the state’s reproduction of sexual citizenship narratives, narratives that have a disproportionately negative impact upon queer female migrants of color. Accounting for the intersections among gender, sexuality, race and class in influencing the perceived credibility of gay and lesbian asylum applicants is thus crucial for conceptualizing alternative forms of queer anti-deportation activism.
Gender and cultural silences in the political asylum process
Authors: Shuman Amy , Bohmer Carol
Published: October 2014

Individuals claiming persecution on the basis of gender or as sexual minorities have faced many obstacles in the political asylum process including additional burdens of proof of identity and of persecution. Based on our own work with political asylum applicants, on legal reports, and on reports by groups providing assistance to asylum seekers, we review the law and the obstacles and consider the conditions underlying and supporting suspicion of the applicants. We observe how particular narratives are rendered untellable in the interrogation process and how the identities of sexual minorities become either invisible or hypervisible.
Getting Out: Political asylum, sexual minorities, and privileged visibility
Authors: Shuman Amy , Hesford Wendy S
Published: October 2014

As part of an emerging field of films documenting the obstacles faced by sexual minorities fleeing persecution and seeking political asylum, the film Getting Out documents both the persecution of sexual minorities in Uganda and the obstacles individuals face in their attempts to get political asylum in South Africa. Using the film as a springboard, we assess the larger issues of recognition, visibility, hypervisibility, and performativity in encounters between sexual minorities, their advocates, and political asylum officials. The rhetorical power of Getting Out lies in its performative staging of LGBTQI asylum seekers’ navigation of often competing cultural and legal logics on sexuality. The film calls attention to profound contradictions in the political asylum system for sexual minorities and for any others who challenge the normativity of a social group.
The place-based impact of built environments: Diabetes, living conditions, homes and neighbourhoods
Authors: Sidawi Bhzad , Deakin Mark , Al-Hariri Mohamed Taha Ali
Published: October 2014

Many studies have demonstrated the adverse effect of the built environments on health and differentiated between their direct and indirect impacts. In the case of diabetes and other chronic diseases, such studies concentrate on the direct impact of built environments on the living conditions of citizens either at home or in the neighbourhood. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), little research has tackled the indirect and so-called place-based impact of the built environment. This study reports on the findings of surveys carried out on 76 diabetics who usually visit the King Fahd Teaching Hospital of the University of Dammam, Al-Khober in the Eastern province of KSA. It investigates the relationship between the place-based impact of the built environment, diabetes and living conditions. The working hypothesis is that: living conditions found in the homes and surrounding neighbourhoods of those suffering from diabetes do aggravate the symptoms of the disease, which in turn have an adverse impact on the medical condition. The study provides evidence to support this hypothesis as the findings reveal there is a positive correlation between the place-based impact of built environments, diabetes, living conditions, homes and neighbourhoods and these jointly aggravate the symptoms associated with the medical condition.
Dry sliding wear studies on SiC reinforced functionally graded aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Babu K Vinoth , Jappes JT Winowlin , Rajan TPD , Uthayakumar M
Published: October 2014

The main aim of this study is to fabricate SiC particulate reinforced aluminum functionally graded (Al FGM) brake disc and to find the optimal friction and wear parameters using grey relational analysis. The A356-20%SiCp melt was processed using liquid metal stir casting technique followed by centrifugal casting resulting in the formation of a functionally graded Al FGM brake disc. Due to the centrifugal force, the hard SiC particles were moved towards the outer peripheral area of the brake disc, which enhances the wear resistance. The microstructural analysis is done on brake disc to show the segregation of SiC particle from outer periphery to inner region. The pins for conducting wear study are machined from particle-rich zone, particle intermediate zone and particle depletion zone at a distance of 15 mm, 45 mm, 75 mm respectively from the outer periphery of the brake disc. The analysis of variance is also done to investigate the major factors that significantly influence the wear behavior in Al FGM brake disc. The observed results show that the particle-rich zone is the major effect on the dry sliding wear followed by applied load.
The affects of not reading: Hating characters, being bored, feeling stupid
Authors: Poletti Anna , Seaboyer Judith , Kennedy Rosanne , Barnett Tully , Douglas Kate
Published: October 2014

This article brings recent debates in literary studies regarding the practice of close reading into conversation with Derek Attridge’s idea of ‘readerly hospitality’ (2004) to diagnose the problem of students in undergraduate literary studies programme not completing set reading. We argue that the method of close reading depends on encouraging students to foster positive affective responses towards difficulty – semiotic, emotional and intellectual. Drawing on trials of teaching methods in literary studies’ classrooms in four universities in Australia, we suggest that introducing students to the concept of ‘readerly hospitality’ – rather than assuming an appreciation of difficulty – can better prepare students for the encounters they will have in set literary texts and strengthen the effectiveness of classroom teaching.
Translating Answers to Open-ended Survey Questions in Cross-cultural Research
Authors: Behr Dorothée
Published: October 2014

Open-ended probing questions in cross-cultural surveys help uncover equivalence problems in cross-cultural survey research. For languages that a project team does not understand, probe answers need to be translated into a common project language. This article presents a case study on translating open-ended, that is, narrative answers. It describes how the translation can be approached to obtain high-quality translations and how translation, coding of answers, and analysis of codes are all deeply interwoven. While the translation of narrative answers is a small field of application, the article’s content is also relevant for those who are increasingly setting up cross-cultural cognitive interviewing or for qualitative researchers in general who pay increased attention to the translation of qualitative research data.
Calendar Instruments in Retrospective Web Surveys
Authors: Glasner Tina , van der Vaart Wander , Dijkstra Wil
Published: October 2014

Calendar instruments incorporate aided recall techniques such as temporal landmarks and visual time lines that aim to reduce response error in retrospective surveys. Those calendar instruments have been used extensively in off-line research (e.g., computer-aided telephone interviews, computer assisted personal interviewing, and paper and pen interview) and have been shown to increase the quality of retrospectively collected life course data. The goal of our study was to investigate if calendar recall aids can also improve data quality in web surveys. In a methodological field experiment, we evaluated the effects of adding visual feedback and personal landmarks to our questionnaire with regard to response/break off rates, completeness of retrospective reports, interview duration, and respondent evaluations. The study included 1,451 respondents from a probability-based Internet panel who were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions of the experiment. The results indicate that in the web-based calendar tool, visual feedback properties exerted the most influence on data quality.
The effect of argon and air plasma treatment of flax fiber on mechanical properties of reinforced polyester composite
Authors: Sarikanat Mehmet , Seki Yoldas , Sever Kutlay , Bozaci Ebru , Demir Asli , Ozdogan Esen
Published: October 2014

Flax fibers were modified by argon and air atmospheric pressure plasma treatments to improve the mechanical properties of flax fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Plasma treatments were carried out at plasma powers of 100, 200, and 300 W. Both plasma surface treatments were conducted to improve the tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC), and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC). Moreover, the maximum improvement in the mechanical properties was obtained after air plasma treatment of flax fiber at a plasma power of 300 W. Tensile strength, flexural strength, ILSS, GIC, and GIIC values of flax fiber-reinforced polyester composites increased by nearly 34%, 31%, 39%, 35%, and 42%, respectively. However, for argon plasma-treated flax fiber-reinforced polyester composites, the mechanical properties of composite increased up to argon plasma power of 200 W.
Mexican American Men’s Experience of Living With Tuberculosis on the U.S.–Mexico Border
Authors: Zuñiga Julie Ann , Muñoz Silvia , Johnson Mary Zuñiga , García Alexandra A.
Published: October 2014

The Texas–Mexico border incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) is 10 times the rate of TB in the United States. Additionally, this area is plagued by antibiotic-resistant TB at a rate that is 70% higher among those living along the border than among nonborder residents. Both the high rate of TB and the emergence of drug-resistant TB increases the importance of controlling TB along the U.S.–Mexico border. Men have higher rates of TB than women, which can be attributed to biological differences and increased environmental exposure. The purpose of this article is to describe the experience of TB for Mexican American men living on the Texas–Mexico border. This a qualitative descriptive study, using participants from a larger study. A purposeful sample was recruited through two south Texas TB clinics. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data analysis consisted of line-by-line coding, labeling, organizing, and discovering common codes to describe participants’ experience of TB and TB treatment. The participants include 13 Mexican American men. Ages ranged from 22 to 76 years. Only one participant was employed during treatment. Years of education ranged from no school to an associate’s degree. Five themes were discovered: misinformation, delayed diagnosis, stigma, depression, and loss of community. Participants without social support were further isolated and felt a greater burden of treatment. Two participants contemplated suicide and two others told their families to leave them because they were a burden and infectious. The burden of treatment on the patient is great, especially for Hispanic men.
Myanmar pharma generic market – A brief abstract on how it was and presently how it is
Authors: Ghosh Jayant , Pandey Ankur , Soe Zin Mar
Published: October 2014

Myanmar pharma generic market is going through rapid changes. It has been through a lot of turmoil– from a conservative approach of government in this field to a free medication for all approach. This study is a journey right from army-ruled country to a democratic country where the market dynamics has rapidly changed in the last 3–4 years Due to this, the market is going through the price correction phase. Cost of products is comparatively high due to the high distribution costs involved. The market will definitely bounce back in the next 3–5 years. Taking this into consideration, “N” number of companies are pouring in, right from big multinational corporations to smaller unheard players from Asian countries.
Ultrasound for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: the learning curve for an orthopaedic surgeon using a novel training method
Authors: Iossifidis Anestis , Ibrahim Edward F , Petrou Charalambos
Published: October 2014

Background

The present study aims to add to the body of evidence delineating the learning curve for a shoulder surgeon to become proficient in focussed ultrasound for the detection of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, as well as to describe a learning method for this skill.

Methods

Consecutive patients who were scheduled to undergo an arthroscopy for rotator cuff disease were scanned immediately before surgery by a senior shoulder surgeon with limited previous experience of shoulder ultrasound. The presence or absence of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear on scan was compared with intra-operative findings as the gold standard.

Results

Two hundred and ten shoulders were scanned over three equal learning periods. Comparing predictive values from the first to the third training period, sensitivity improved from 0.86 to 0.95, specificity from 0.92 to 0.98, negative predictive value from 0.94 to 0.98, and positive predictive value from 0.82 to 0.95.

Conclusions

The high predictive values obtained in the present study for surgeon-led detection of cuff tears using ultrasound are comparable with those quoted for musculoskeletal radiologists in the literature. The present study adds evidence that a shoulder surgeon can achieve accelerated learning of this skill and offers some potentially time-saving and patient-friendly alternatives to existing guidelines.
Outcomes for intra-substance free coracoid graft in patients with antero-inferior instability and glenoid bone loss in a population of high-risk athletes at a minimum follow-up of 2 years
Authors: Arianjam Afshin , Bell Simon N , Coghlan Jennifer , Old Jason , Sloan Roger
Published: October 2014

Background

The aim of this retrospective case series study was to assess the outcomes of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability with antero-inferior glenoid bone loss treated with a specific open stabilization technique using intra-substance coracoid bone-grafting and Bankart repair.

Methods

Over a 4-year period, 34 shoulders in all male patients of mean age 21 years were stabilized with this technique. Pre- and postoperative function, motion and stability were assessed as part of Rowe stability scoring, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Oxford Instability were recorded, with at least 2 years of follow-up in all patients. Union of the graft was determined by post-operative computed tomography (CT) of the affected shoulder.

Results

For all cases, two redislocations (5.9%) and two subluxations occurred when continuing high-risk sport after 2 years. Post-operative scores [median, mean (SD): Rowe 77.5, 77.2 (19.5); ASES 94.2, 92 (7.7); Oxford 43, 41.2 (6)]. CT scans on 28 shoulders at a mean of 4.5 months after surgery showed non-union in three cases (10%).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate a high rate of success in cases of glenoid bone loss in the young contact athlete with recurrent instability treated with open stabilization and bone grafting.
How Arithmetic Aptitude Impacts Attention, Memory, and Evaluation of Static Versus Dynamic Infographics in Online News
Authors: Merle Patrick F. , Callison Coy , Cummins R. Glenn
Published: October 2014

Graphics accompanying online news articles were manipulated between static and dynamic formats. Eye gaze, perception, and memory data were collected as was participants’ arithmetic aptitude (AA). Results suggest that although dynamic graphics are negatively evaluated, high arithmetic aptitude participants attend and recall dynamic graphics more so than those with lower AA who are drawn to and recall better static visuals. Memory and attention to graphics detracted from memory and attention to story text and vice versa.
Clinical potential of elacytarabine in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rein Lindsay A. M. , Rizzieri David A.
Published: October 2014

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been treated for over four decades with standard induction chemotherapy including seven days of cytosine arabinoside (cytarabine, ara-C) infusion. Cytarabine, while effective in killing leukemic cells, is subject to development of several resistance mechanisms rendering the drug ineffective in many patients. Elacytarabine, a lipophilic 5’-elaidic acid ester or nucleoside analogue of cytosine arabinoside, was created with the intent of overcoming resistance mechanisms including reduced expression of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) required for cytarabine entry into cells, as well as increased activity of cytidine deaminase (CDA) which breaks down the active metabolite of cytarabine, ara-CTP. Elacytarabine enters cells independently of transporters, has a longer half life compared with cytarabine and is not subject to deactivation by CDA. Preclinical data were encouraging although subsequent clinical studies have failed to show superiority of elacytarabine compared with standard of care as monotherapy in patients with AML. Clinical trials utilizing elacytarabine in combination with anthracyclines are ongoing. Use of hENT1 expression as a predictive marker for cytarabine or elacytarabine response has been studied with no conclusive validation to date. Despite promising early results, the jury is still out in regards to this novel agent as an effective alternative to standard cytarabine therapy in acute leukemias, especially in combination with additional agents such as anthracyclines.
The Quick Inventory of Pain Symptoms (QIPS)
Authors: Koenig Julian , Jarczok Marc N. , Warth Marco , Hillecke Thomas K. , Thayer Julian F.
Published: October 2014

The article presents the Quick Inventory of Pain Symptoms (QIPS) to assess the frequency and intensity of pain experienced within the last week in non-clinical samples. The first evaluation of the inventory administered to 100 undergraduate and graduate students revealed a concurrent validity of the QIPS with the four pain-related items of the symptom checklist (SCL-90r). Furthermore, this preliminary analysis showed that the QIPS is capable of revealing sex differences. Further studies are needed to validate the inventory and its psychometric properties to evaluate its use in different populations.
Acceleration of regeneration treatment for nanostructured bainitic steel welding by static recrystallisation
Authors: Song K. J. , Fang K. , Yang J. G. , Ma R. , Liu X. S. , Wang J. J. , Fang H. Y.
Published: October 2014

In order to accelerate bainite transformation during regeneration treatment following nanostructured bainite steel welding, static recrystallisation mechanism is adopted to refine the coarse grain size during two-pass welding. Large mechanical deformation was introduced into the coarse grain zone of the first weld pass, where static recrystallisation would occur with thermal effect of the second weld pass. Static recrystallisation kinetics of nanostructure bainite was studied by two-pass hot deformation experiments. The explicit temperature function of two-pass welding was presented, and effect of welding parameters on static recrystallisation of the deformed coarse grain zone was analysed. Experimental results showed that grains in original coarse grain zone were greatly refined and that nanostructured bainite regeneration was remarkably accelerated.
Effective parameters on microstructure and properties of EB-PVD NiCrAlY coating
Authors: Rahmani H. , Rastegari S. , Mirdamadi S.
Published: October 2014

This study has been conducted to evaluate the influence of temperature and substrate roughness on microstructure and properties of electron beam physical vapour deposition NiCrAlY coating. The chemical composition was adjusted by continuous feeding in the molten pool. The results show that the coating roughness generally increased with an increase in the substrate roughness and decrease in its temperature. However, in rough substrates, coating roughness were lower than that of the substrates, and in samples with a lower substrate roughness, coatings had a greater roughness level in comparison with their corresponding substrates. The polished samples with the lowest level of substrate roughness had narrower columns, and by an increase in the roughness of the substrate, the columns became thicker. The optimised conditions in terms of microstructure and adhesion strength were observed in the sample with the roughness level of Ra = 0·02 μm and the homologous temperature of θ = 0·44.
Superhydrophobic surface prepared by micromilling and grinding on aluminium alloy
Authors: Yu H-D. , Zhang X-R. , Wan Y-L. , Xu J-k. , Yu Z-J. , Li Y-Q.
Published: October 2014

An efficient method for processing superhydrophobic surface is presented in this paper, which can realise the microstructure machining on a large area. First, the microgroove arrays were processed by high speed precision micromilling machine on the surface of the aluminium alloy. Then, the surface of the microgroove was ground by 1000 # electrostatic sand alumina water resistant abrasive belt. The machined surface topography was observed by SEM, which showed that the microgroove arrays were uniform. The contact angles of the water on the microgroove arrays were measured in different directions. In the parallel direction, the contact angle of microgroove arrays is 142±0·5°, whereas in the vertical direction, it arrives 160±0·6°. The above values of contact angle mean that a stable superhydrophobic metallic surface was prepared by the micromilling and grinding.
Improved outcome of adult Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia with rituximab and chemotherapy: report of a large prospective multicenter trial
Authors: Hoelzer Dieter , Walewski Jan , Döhner Hartmut , Viardot Andreas , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Spiekermann Karsten , Serve Hubert , Dührsen Ulrich , Hüttmann Andreas , Thiel Eckhard , Dengler Jolanta , Kneba Michael , Schaich Markus , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G. H. , Beck Joachim , Hertenstein Bernd , Reichle Albrecht , Domanska-Czyz Katarzyna , Fietkau Rainer , Horst Heinz-August , Rieder Harald , Schwartz Stefan , Burmeister Thomas , Gökbuget Nicola
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Largest prospective trial for adult Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia patients. Substantial cure rates and high treatment-realization rates in all age groups.
Identification of a juxtamembrane mechanosensitive domain in the platelet mechanosensor glycoprotein Ib-IX complex
Authors: Zhang Wei , Deng Wei , Zhou Liang , Xu Yan , Yang Wenjun , Liang Xin , Wang Yizhen , Kulman John D. , Zhang X. Frank , Li Renhao
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Pulling of VWF A1 domain that is engaged to GPIb-IX induces unfolding of a hitherto unidentified mechanosensitive domain in GPIbα. The spatial proximity of the mechanosensitive domain to GPIbβ and GPIX suggests a novel mechanism of platelet mechanosensing.
Early-onset lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity caused by germline STAT3 gain-of-function mutations
Authors: Milner Joshua D. , Vogel Tiphanie P. , Forbes Lisa , Ma Chi A. , Stray-Pedersen Asbjørg , Niemela Julie E. , Lyons Jonathan J. , Engelhardt Karin R. , Zhang Yu , Topcagic Nermina , Roberson Elisha D. O. , Matthews Helen , Verbsky James W. , Dasu Trivikram , Vargas-Hernandez Alexander , Varghese Nidhy , McClain Kenneth L. , Karam Lina B. , Nahmod Karen , Makedonas George , Mace Emily M. , Sorte Hanne S. , Perminow Gøri , Rao V. Koneti , O’Connell Michael P. , Price Susan , Su Helen C. , Butrick Morgan , McElwee Joshua , Hughes Jason D. , Willet Joseph , Swan David , Xu Yaobo , Santibanez-Koref Mauro , Slowik Voytek , Dinwiddie Darrell L. , Ciaccio Christina E. , Saunders Carol J. , Septer Seth , Kingsmore Stephen F. , White Andrew J. , Cant Andrew J. , Hambleton Sophie , Cooper Megan A.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Germline gain-of-function mutations in STAT3 lead to lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity with prominent cytopenias. Mutations in STAT3 cause altered regulatory T cells and cytokine signaling.
Sleep disordered breathing and enlargement of the right heart after myocardial infarction
Authors: Buchner Stefan , Eglseer Michael , Debl Kurt , Hetzenecker Andrea , Luchner Andreas , Husser Oliver , Stroszczynski Christian , Hamer Okka W. , Fellner Claudia , Zeman Florian , Pfeifer Michael , Arzt Michael
Published: October 2014

Structural and functional integrity of the right heart is important in the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) on structure and function of the right heart early after AMI.

54 patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance 3–5 days and 12 weeks after AMI, and were stratified according to the presence of SDB, defined as an apnoea–hypopnoea index of ≥15 events·h−1.

12 weeks after AMI, end-diastolic volume of the right ventricle had increased significantly in patients with SDB (n=27)versusthose without (n=25) (mean±sd14±23%versus0±17%, p=0.020). Multivariable linear regression analysis accounting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, left ventricular mass and left ventricular end-systolic volume showed that the apnoea–hypopnoea index was significantly associated with right ventricular end-diastolic volume (B-coefficient 0.315 (95% CI 0.013–0.617); p=0.041). From baseline to 12 weeks, right atrial diastolic area increased more in patients with SDB (2.9±3.7 cm2versus1.0±2.4 cm2, p=0.038; when adjusted for left ventricular end systolic volume, p=0.166).

SDB diagnosed shortly after AMI predicts an increase of right ventricular end-diastolic volume and possibly right atrial area within the following 12 weeks. Thus, SDB may contribute to enlargement of the right heart after AMI.
Ventilator-associated respiratory infection following lung transplantation
Authors: Riera Jordi , Caralt Berta , López Iker , Augustin Salvador , Roman Antonio , Gavalda Joan , Rello Jordi ,   the Vall d’Hebron Lung Transplant Study Group
Published: October 2014

The medical records of 170 adult patients who underwent lung transplantation between January 2010 and December 2012 were reviewed to assess the incidence, causative organisms, risk factors and outcomes of post-operative pneumonia and tracheobronchitis.

20 (12%) patients suffered 24 episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The condition was associated with mean increases of 43 days in mechanical ventilation and of 35 days in hospital stay, and significantly higher hospital mortality (OR 9.0, 95% CI 3.2–25.1).Pseudomonas aeruginosa(eight out of 12 patients were multidrug-resistant) was the most common pathogen, followed byEnterobacteriaceae(one out of five patients produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases). Gastroparesis occurred in 55 (32%) patients and was significantly associated with pneumonia (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.2–17.2). Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis was associated with a mean increase of 28 days in mechanical ventilation and 30.5 days in hospital stay, but was not associated with higher mortality (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.4–3.2).Pseudomonasaeruginosa(six out of 16 patients were multidrug resistant) was the most common pathogen, followed byEnterobacteriaceae(three out of 14 patients produced extended-spectrum β-lactamase). Patients with gastroparesis also had more episodes of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (40%versus12%, p<0.001).

In conclusion, ventilator-associated pneumonia following lung transplantation increased mortality. Preventing gastroparesis probably decreases the risk of pneumonia and tracheobronchitis. Multidrug-resistant bacteria frequently cause post-lung-transplantation pneumonia and tracheobronchitis.
Effect of isoniazid on antigen-specific interferon-γ secretion in latent tuberculosis
Authors: Torres Martha , García-García Lourdes , Cruz-Hervert Pablo , Guio Heinner , Carranza Claudia , Ferreyra-Reyes Leticia , Canizales Sergio , Molina Susana , Ferreira-Guerrero Elizabeth , Téllez Norma , Montero-Campos Rogelio , Delgado-Sánchez Guadalupe , Mongua-Rodriguez Norma , Sifuentes-Osornio Jose , Ponce-de Leon Alfredo , Sada Eduardo , Young Douglas B. , Wilkinson Robert J.
Published: October 2014

Treatment of persons with latent tuberculosis (TB) infection at greatest risk of reactivation is an important component of TB control and elimination strategies. Biomarkers evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of latent TB infection have not yet been identified. This information would enhance control efforts and assist the evaluation of new treatment regimes.

We designed a two-group, two-arm, randomised clinical study of tuberculin skin test-positive participants: 26 with documented contact with TB patients and 34 with non-documented contact. Participants in each group were randomly assigned to the immediate- or deferred-isoniazid treatment arms. Assays ofin vitrointerferon (IFN)-γ secretion in response to recombinant Rv1737 and overlapping synthetic peptide pools from various groups of immunodominant proteins were performed.

During isoniazid therapy, a significant increase from baseline in the proportion of IFN-γ responders to the 10-kDa culture filtrate protein, Rv2031, Rv0849, Rv1986, Rv2659c, Rv2693c and the recombinant Rv1737 protein was observed (p⩽0.05). The peptide pool of Rv0849 and Rv1737 recombinant proteins induced the highest percentage of IFN-γ responders after isoniazid therapy.

Thein vitroIFN-γ responses to these proteins might represent useful markers to evaluate changes associated with treatment of latent TB infection.
Fixed point theorems on b-metric spaces for weak contractions with auxiliary functions
Authors: Ansari Arslan Hojat , Chandok Sumit , Ionescu Cristiana
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we obtain some fixed point results for generalized weakly contractive mappings with some auxiliary functions in the framework of b-metric spaces. The proved results generalize and extend the corresponding well-known results of the literature. Some examples are also provided in order to show that these results are more general than the well-known results existing in literature.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Boundedness of localization operators on Lorentz mixed-normed modulation spaces
Authors: Sandıkçı Ayşe
Published: October 2014

In this work we study certain boundedness properties for localization operators on Lorentz mixed-normed modulation spaces, when the operator symbols belong to appropriate modulation spaces, Wiener amalgam spaces, and Lorentz spaces with mixed norms.