bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Tranexamic Acid in Dynamic Hip Screw Plate Fixation for Trochanteric Fractures
Authors: Baruah Ranjit Kumar , Borah Pranab Jyoti , Haque Russel
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To evaluate perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion requirement in patients who underwent dynamic hip screw plate fixation for a stable trochanteric fracture with or without preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA).

Methods

49 men and 11 women (mean age, 56.5 years) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a dynamic hip screw plate for a stable trochanteric fracture by a single surgeon were equally randomised to receive either a single dose of intravenous TXA (15 mg/kg) 15 minutes prior to surgery or an equal volume of normal saline by slow infusion. Intra- and post-operative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion were assessed, as was any thromboembolic adverse event.

Results

The TXA and control groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, time from injury to surgery, operating time, and preoperative haematological data. Blood loss was lower in the TXA than control group intraoperatively (320.3 vs. 403.33 ml, p<0.001), during 0 to 24 hours (61.67 vs. 186.67 ml, p<0.001), and during 24 to 48 hours (27 vs. 86.67 ml, p<0.001), as well as the total volume (408.97 vs. 676.67 ml, p<0.001). Respectively for the TXA and control groups, 27 and 30 required 28 and 41 units of blood intra-operatively (p<0.001), and 6 and 15 required 6 and 15 units of blood postoperatively (p=0.014). No patient had any thromboembolic adverse event.

Conclusion

TXA is safe and effective in reducing blood loss in dynamic hip screw plate fixation for stable trochanteric fractures.
Z-Plasty for Severe Gluteal Muscle Contracture in Children
Authors: Zha Kun , Liu Guohui , Yang Shuhua , Cao Faqi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To review the records of 363 patients with severe gluteal muscle contracture to determine its mechanism, underlying pathology, and treatment outcome.

Methods

Records of 136 males and 227 females aged 5 to 18 (mean, 12.2) years who underwent Z-plasty for bilateral (n=347) or unilateral (n=16) severe gluteal muscle contracture were reviewed. Severe gluteal muscle contracture was classified as typical (n=52) or special (n=311). The typical type is associated with symptoms of positive out-toe gait, Ober sign, back-extending test, cross-leg test, squatting with knee side-by-side test, and hip dysfunction. It is further subdivided into mild (n=0), moderate (n=40), or severe (n=12). The special type is associated with additional symptoms of pelvic tilt and leg length discrepancy (<2 cm in 181 hips, 2–4 cm in 82 hips, and >4 cm in 48 hips). 311 hips had pelvic tilt and 47 hips had lumbar compensatory scoliosis. Treatment outcome was assessed at 6 months. Hip functional score was assessed at the final follow-up.

Results

The mean hospitalisation period was 11 days. After a mean follow-up of 1.5 years, the mean hip functional score improved from 8.03 to 11.69; improvement was higher in children (age 5–13 years) than in adolescents (age 14–18 years) [3.7 vs. 2.9, p<0.001]. At 6 months, outcome was excellent in 280 hips, good in 80, fair in 3 hips, and poor in 0. The 3 hips with fair outcome had persistent slight pelvic tilt and swaying gait. Two of them had preoperative leg length discrepancy >4 cm, and intra-operatively the contracture band severely affected the joint capsule. The third patient did not comply with postoperative exercises.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment for severe gluteal muscle contracture achieved good outcome.
Long-Term Outcome of Rockwood Capsular Shift for Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Murena Luigi , Guindani Nicola , Turino Stefano , Grassi Federico A , Cherubino Paolo
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To review the long-term outcome of Rockwood capsular shift for recurrent shoulder dislocation secondary to trauma.

Methods

Records of 30 males and 4 females who underwent Rockwood capsular shift for recurrent (≥2 episodes) anterior shoulder dislocation were reviewed. An additional Bankart repair with different techniques was performed in 24 of the patients by 2 different surgeons. The outcome was assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index questionnaires, the modified Rowe score, and the Constant-Murley score. Shoulder range of motion (ROM) was measured. Degenerative joint changes were evaluated on radiographs.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 13 (range, 10–16) years, 6 (18%) patients had a mean of 1.2 recurrent dislocations. Four of the patients reported a traumatic event during recurrent dislocation. Of the 6 patients, 3 had undergone a Bankart lesion repair. Better Rowe and adjusted Constant scores were associated with lower age at first dislocation, at the index surgical procedure, and at follow-up. Four patients developed glenohumeral osteoarthritis: 2 were mild or moderate and 2 were severe and symptomatic. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis was associated with follow-up duration (p=0.03) and poorer Rowe score (p=0.012), adjusted Constant score (p=0.001), and WOOS score (p=0.006).

Conclusion

Rockwood capsular shift can preserve shoulder ROM, with rates of recurrent dislocation and degenerative joint changes comparable with other techniques.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Osteoid Osteoma under Guidance of Three-Dimensional Fluoroscopy
Authors: Arikan Yavuz , Yavuz Umut , Lapcin Osman , Sokucu Sami , Ozkan Bilge , Kabukcuoglu Yavuz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation under guidance of 3-dimensional fluoroscopy in 17 patients with osteoid osteoma.

Methods

Records of 11 male and 6 female consecutive patients aged 4 to 28 (mean, 13.8) years who underwent radiofrequency ablation under guidance of 3-dimensional fluoroscopy for osteoid osteoma and were followed up for a mean of 15.8 (range, 12–28) months were reviewed. All patients had been treated with analgesics but failed to achieve lasting pain relief. Visual analogue score (VAS) for pain was assessed pre- and post-operatively. Absence of pain was considered recovery.

Results

The mean operating time was 55 (range, 20–95) minutes, and the mean length of hospital stay was 2.8 (range, 2–7) days. The mean amount of radiation was 390.2 (range, 330.5–423.6) mGy/cm. Relief of pain occurred within the first 24 hours in 11 patients and by the end of the first week in 3 patients. Pain persisted in 3 patients at one month; they underwent revision surgery and achieved complete recovery. The mean VAS for pain was 7.2 (range, 6–9) in 17 patients preoperatively and decreased to 0.64 (range, 0–2) in the 14 patients with pain relief and 0.66 (range, 0–1) in the 3 patients after revision surgery. Two patients had severe discharge from the wound secondary to fat necrosis, which resolved within a week with antibiotics and local dressings. No patient had cellulitis, vasomotor instability, neurovascular injury, fracture, or deep infection.

Conclusion

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation under guidance of 3-dimensional fluoroscopy is a viable treatment option for osteoid osteoma.
Remarkable Bone Formation following Gefitinib for Extensive Lytic Bone Metastasis: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Bashir Elrofai Suliman , Kwan Angel Khor Nee , Chan Chris Yin Wei , Kwan Mun Keong
Published: January 2017

Gefitinib inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase and improves survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. We report 2 patients with extensive lytic bony metastasis in the spine and pelvis secondary to advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma who were treated with gefitinib and had remarkable bone formation in the lytic bone lesions in the spine and pelvis. Surgery for stabilisation was avoided.
Acute Calcification of Intervertebral Disc and Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in a 7-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report
Authors: Li Churk Hang , Lui Tun Hing , Ngai Wai Kit
Published: January 2017

A 7-year-old girl presented with a 2-day history of acute neck pain without any preceding injury. The pain was around the left posterior paraspinal muscle and was aggravated by neck movement. There was no neurological abnormality; white cell count and inflammatory markers were slightly elevated. Radiology of the cervical spine showed calcification of C3/4 and C4/5 discs as well as the posterior longitudinal ligament over C3/4. She was treated conservatively with a neck collar and Panadol syrup. No non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was prescribed. Two months later, calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament had resolved and calcification at C3/4 and C4/5 discs and the C4 lower endplate had decreased. After one year, she was pain-free with no tenderness over her neck and had full range of neck motion and complete resolution of the calcification.
Formulation and solutions of fractional continuously variable order mass–spring–damper systems controlled by viscoelastic and viscous–viscoelastic dampers
Authors: Ray S Saha , Sahoo S , Das S
Published: January 2017

This article presents the formulation and a new approach to find analytic solutions for fractional continuously variable order dynamic models, namely, fractional continuously variable order mass–spring–damper systems. Here, we use the viscoelastic and viscous–viscoelastic dampers for describing the damping nature of the oscillating systems, where the order of fractional derivative varies continuously. Here, we handle the continuous changing nature of fractional order derivative for dynamic systems, which has not been studied yet. By successive recursive method, here we find the solution of fractional continuously variable order mass–spring–damper systems and then obtain closed-form solutions. We then present and discuss the solutions obtained in the cases with continuously variable order of damping for oscillator through graphical plots.
Perturbation approach to metal surface oxidation considering volume variation
Authors: Suo Yaohong , Zhang Zhonghua , Yang Xiaoxiang
Published: January 2017

In this article, kinetics equation of the metal surface oxidation is presented using the perturbation approach. A moving boundary is converted into a fixed one by Landau transformation. The perturbation results show that (1) the solution of the zeroth-order stands for the quasi-steady state and that of the first-order is instantaneous and (2) the reaction rate, diffusion coefficient, and the thickness of the initial oxide layer have important effects on the oxidation kinetics. If the chemical reaction is supposed to be instantaneous, our results are reduced to the classical parabolic law, no matter whether there exists the initial oxide layer or not. Moreover, the kinetic coefficient of the parabolic law is analytically presented. The proposed perturbation scheme can be easily extended to the higher order, and the higher order solution will provide a method to correct the error offered by the classical model.
Comprehensive design and optimization of an electric vehicle powertrain equipped with a two-speed dual-clutch transmission
Authors: Wang Yu , Lü Enli , Lu Huazhong , Zhang Nong , Zhou Xingxing
Published: January 2017

This article develops a systematic model to study electric vehicle powertrain system efficiency by combining a detailed model of two-speed dual-clutch transmission system efficiency losses with an electric vehicle powertrain system model. In this model, the design factors including selection of the electric machine, gear ratios’ change, multi-plate wet clutch design, and gear shift schedule design are considered. Meanwhile, the application of detailed model for drag torque losses in the gearbox is discussed. Furthermore, the proposed model, developed with the MATLAB/Simulink platform, is applied to optimize/maximize the efficiency of the electric vehicle powertrain system using genetic algorithms. The optimization results demonstrate that the optimal results are different between simulations via New Europe Drive Cycle and Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule, and comprehensive design and optimization of the powertrain system are necessary.
Research on assembly reliability control technology for computer numerical control machine tools
Authors: Ran Yan , Zhang Genbao , Pang Jihong
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, although more and more companies focus on improving the quality of computer numerical control machine tools, its reliability control still remains as an unsolved problem. Since assembly reliability control is very important in product reliability assurance in China, a new key assembly processes extraction method based on the integration of quality function deployment; failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis; and fuzzy theory for computer numerical control machine tools is proposed. Firstly, assembly faults and assembly reliability control flow of computer numerical control machine tools are studied. Secondly, quality function deployment; failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis; and fuzzy theory are integrated to build a scientific extraction model, by which the key assembly processes meeting both customer functional demands and failure data distribution can be extracted, also an example is given to illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the method. Finally, the assembly reliability monitoring system is established based on key assembly processes to realize and simplify this method.
Modelling and robust control of an unmanned coaxial rotor helicopter with unstructured uncertainties
Authors: Dong Zhi-Yan , Liu Shun-An , Liu Chao , Liu Jin-Lin , Feng Lei
Published: January 2017

A complete methodology for an unmanned coaxial rotor helicopter with unstructured uncertainties was proposed to achieve high-accuracy tracking performance from modelling to robust control. An integrative approach was introduced to systematically construct a whole dynamic model. The key parameters were selected carefully after iteratively being checked by empirical coefficients to decrease the budget and risk of programme. Moreover, a new control scheme is proposed to simultaneously incorporate six inputs to control six states based on the investment of singularity value responses and the general rule of relative gain array. Coprime factor uncertainty model is considered to represent a class of unstructured uncertainties, such as unmolded actuator dynamics and unpredicted interferences between two rotors. Furthermore, the [Formula: see text] loop-shaping control was proposed to apply the control design of the coaxial rotor helicopter to manage complicated uncertainties and multivariable coupling. Finally, simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed controller design in the step response of the closed loop. The stable closed-loop plant is achieved and the tolerant size of unstructured uncertainty is up to 36.09%. Good step responses and satisfied decoupling were also investigated in detail.
Time delay estimation based on variational mode decomposition
Authors: Lu Jing-Yi , Ye Dong , Ma Wen-Ping
Published: January 2017

In order to improve the time delay estimation of colored noise signals, this article proposes generalized cross-correlation time delay estimation based on variational mode decomposition. First of all, we put forward the signal energy detection criterion to extract the effective signal from the signal, which can reduce the amount of calculation and improve the real-time performance. Second, the effective signal is decomposed into a number of intrinsic mode functions using variational mode decomposition. The correlation coefficients of each intrinsic mode function and the original signal are calculated. The article reconstructed signal with intrinsic mode functions which extract useful intrinsic mode functions by defaulting the correlation coefficient threshold. Finally, this article uses generalized cross-correlation to estimate time delay of the reconstructed signal. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the accurate time delay estimation can be obtained under the condition of color noise by the proposed method. The measurement accuracy of the proposed method is 15 times that of the generalized cross-correlation, and the running time of the proposed method is 4.0601 times faster than that of the generalized cross-correlation algorithm. The proposed method can reduce the computation and the running time of the system and also improve the measurement accuracy.
Creating organizational structures to facilitate collegial interaction among teachers
Authors: Ford Timothy G , Youngs Peter A
Published: January 2017

Emerging from concerns about “contrived collegiality” in schools is also the recognition that breaking existing patterns of collegial interaction (or lack thereof) might necessitate some level of leader-initiated (or otherwise organizational) intervention. This paper presents the case of Middleville, a high-performing Midwestern US district, and changes in patterns of collegial interaction which occurred during their first seven years of implementation of the Success for All program—a program which employs a cohesive set of formal organizational controls. Utilizing qualitative data from interviews and focus groups with over 60 elementary school and district staff, we endeavored to better understand the ways in which the Success for All program and its various components have spurred collegial interaction and collegiality in Middleville. Findings reveal the utility of formal controls in pushing teachers to interact in ways which represent a break from past practice. Program facilitators, a unique teacher leader role within each school, played a key role in this process by mitigating the conflict and tension that invariably arises as a result of increased interaction. Findings also emphasize the importance of critically examining the purposes behind the cultivation of collaborative practice and the norms of collegiality to go along with it.
‘Finding the person you really are … on the inside’: Compassion focused therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Clapton Neil E , Williams Jonathan , Griffith Gemma M , Jones Robert SP
Published: January 2017

This study utilized a mixed methods approach to examine the feasibility and acceptability of group compassion focused therapy for adults with intellectual disabilities (CFT-ID). Six participants with mild ID participated in six sessions of group CFT, specifically adapted for adults with ID. Session-by-session feasibility and acceptability measures suggested that participants understood the group content and process and experienced group sessions and experiential practices as helpful and enjoyable. Thematic analysis of focus groups identified three themes relating to (1) direct experiences of the group, (2) initial difficulties in being self-compassionate and (3) positive emotional changes. Pre- and post-group outcome measures indicated significant reductions in both self-criticism and unfavourable social comparisons. Results suggest that CFT can be adapted for individuals with ID and provide preliminary evidence that people with ID and psychological difficulties may experience a number of benefits from this group intervention.
Potential protein biomarkers for burning mouth syndrome discovered by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Ji Eoon Hye , Diep Cynthia , Liu Tong , Li Hong , Merrill Robert , Messadi Diana , Hu Shen
Published: January 2017

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by severe burning sensation in normal looking oral mucosa. Diagnosis of BMS remains to be a challenge to oral healthcare professionals because the method for definite diagnosis is still uncertain. In this study, a quantitative saliva proteomic analysis was performed in order to identify target proteins in BMS patients’ saliva that may be used as biomarkers for simple, non-invasive detection of the disease. By using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify 1130 saliva proteins between BMS patients and healthy control subjects, we found that 50 proteins were significantly changed in the BMS patients when compared to the healthy control subjects ( p ≤ 0.05, 39 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated). Four candidates, alpha-enolase, interleukin-18 (IL-18), kallikrein-13 (KLK13), and cathepsin G, were selected for further validation. Based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements, three potential biomarkers, alpha-enolase, IL-18, and KLK13, were successfully validated. The fold changes for alpha-enolase, IL-18, and KLK13 were determined as 3.6, 2.9, and 2.2 (burning mouth syndrome vs. control), and corresponding receiver operating characteristic values were determined as 0.78, 0.83, and 0.68, respectively. Our findings indicate that testing of the identified protein biomarkers in saliva might be a valuable clinical tool for BMS detection. Further validation studies of the identified biomarkers or additional candidate biomarkers are needed to achieve a multi-marker prediction model for improved detection of BMS with high sensitivity and specificity.
Dendritic spine dysgenesis in superficial dorsal horn sensory neurons after spinal cord injury
Authors: Cao Xiaoyu C , Pappalardo Laura W , Waxman Stephen G , Tan Andrew M
Published: January 2017

Neuropathic pain is a major complication of spinal cord injury, and despite aggressive efforts, this type of pain is refractory to available clinical treatment. Our previous work has demonstrated a structure–function link between dendritic spine dysgenesis on nociceptive sensory neurons in the intermediate zone, laminae IV/V, and chronic pain in central nervous system and peripheral nervous system injury models of neuropathic pain. To extend these findings, we performed a follow-up structural analysis to assess whether dendritic spine remodeling occurs on superficial dorsal horn neurons located in lamina II after spinal cord injury. Lamina II neurons are responsible for relaying deep, delocalized, often thermally associated pain commonly experienced in spinal cord injury pathologies. We analyzed dendritic spine morphometry and localization in tissue obtained from adult rats exhibiting neuropathic pain one-month following spinal cord injury. Although the total density of dendritic spines on lamina II neurons did not change after spinal cord injury, we observed an inverse relationship between the densities of thin- and mushroom-shaped spines: thin-spine density decreased while mushroom-spine density increased. These structural changes were specifically noted along dendritic branches within 150 µm from the soma, suggesting a possible adverse contribution to nociceptive circuit function. Intrathecal treatment with NSC23766, a Rac1-GTPase inhibitor, significantly reduced spinal cord injury-induced changes in both thin- and mushroom-shaped dendritic spines. Overall, these observations demonstrate that dendritic spine remodeling occurs in lamina II, regulated in part by the Rac1-signaling pathway, and suggests that structural abnormalities in this spinal cord region may also contribute to abnormal nociception after spinal cord injury.
CXCR4 signaling in macrophages contributes to periodontal mechanical hypersensitivity in Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis in mice
Authors: Nagashima Hidekazu , Shinoda Masamichi , Honda Kuniya , Kamio Noriaki , Watanabe Masahiro , Suzuki Tatsuro , Sugano Naoyuki , Sato Shuichi , Iwata Koichi
Published: January 2017

Background

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease accompanied by alveolar bone loss and progressive inflammation without pain. However, the potential contributors eliminating pain associated with gingival inflammation are unknown.

Results

we examined the involvement of CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) on the mechanical sensitivity of inflamed periodontal tissue, using a mouse model of periodontitis established by the ligation of the tooth cervix of a maxillary second molar and inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Infiltration of inflammatory cells into gingival tissue was not observed following the inoculation. Under light anesthesia, the mechanical head withdrawal threshold (MHWT) on the buccal gingiva was measured using an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer. No significant changes in MHWT were observed in the mice with P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis during the experimental period. Continuous administration of CXCR4 neutralizing antibody to the gingival tissue significantly decreased MHWT and increased the number of gingival CXCR4 immunoreactive macrophages in the periodontitis group. Nitric oxide metabolites in the gingival tissue were significantly increased after the inoculation of P. gingivalis and were reduced by gingival CXCR4 neutralization. Gingival L-arginine administration induced gingival mechanical allodynia in naive animals. Moreover, the decrease in MHWT after treatment with P. gingivalis and CXCR4 neutralization was partially reversed by nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the gingival tissue. Nuclear factor-kappa B was expressed in infiltrating macrophages after inoculation of P. gingivalis and administration of the nuclear factor-kappa B activator betulinic acid induced gingival mechanical allodynia in naive mice.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CXCR4 signaling inhibits nitric oxide release from infiltrating macrophages and is involved in modulation of the mechanical sensitivity in the periodontal tissue in P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis.
Beyond ‘crude pragmatism’ in sports coaching: Insights from C.S. Peirce, William James and John Dewey
Authors: Jenkins Simon PR
Published: January 2017

There is a lack of clarity in the sports coaching literature about philosophical pragmatism, but the work of Classical Pragmatists such as C.S. Peirce, William James and John Dewey is worthy of attention by both practitioners and researchers. This stimulus article is divided into four sections: Pragmatic Temperament, which includes a discussion of how English Premier League soccer manager Arsène Wenger might be regarded as pragmatic; Communities of Inquiry, which makes reference to a philosophy group at English Premiership rugby union club Saracens; Mixed Methods Research, which examines the use of abduction, deduction and induction in research; and Reflection, which shows how Schön’s reflective practice is a reworking of Dewey’s theory of inquiry.
Caring in U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Sport: The perspectives of 18 female and male head coaches
Authors: Fisher Leslee A , Bejar Matthew P , Larsen Leslie K , Fynes Jamie M , Gearity Brian T
Published: January 2017

The current study was undertaken to explore how U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female and male head coaches defined and implemented care in their coaching practice. Eighteen coaches ( M = 39.2 years; nine females, nine males) from eight different sports (baseball, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field/cross-country, volleyball, and golf) consented to be interviewed via a semi-structured interview guide based on the care literature. Data analysis was conducted using Consensual Qualitative Research with a team of five researchers including an external auditor. Results revealed that care revolved around six domains: (a) definition of care; (b) manifestations of care; (c) limits to capacity to be caring; (d) development of care; (e) factors facilitating care, and (f) factors hindering care. Each domain contained several categories ( N = 22 total categories) composed of core ideas. Results are presented using participants’ own words to illustrate domains and categories. Implications for research and practice are also put forth, which link the findings to the broader U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association coaching context.
Feedback for coaches: Who coaches the coach?
Authors: Nash Christine , Sproule John , Horton Peter
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the feedback mechanisms that sport coaches utilized to enhance their coaching practice at various stages of their careers. Sport coaches ( n = 21) were interviewed in-depth with the resulting information being analysed using HyperRESEARCH qualitative data analysis software package. Results suggested four distinct dimensions that characterized the sources of feedback used by coaches: networks, players/participants, critical thinking skills and support systems. Those more experienced coaches with established networks of like-minded coaches seemed to be more open to constructive feedback. Similarly, novice coaches appeared to accept feedback from non-reliable sources in lieu of more informed sources. A distinctive emerging feature was the lack of formal feedback mechanisms within groups of coaches at all levels of qualification.
Work-related constraints in sports coaching: Perceptions of South African female coaches
Authors: Kubayi Alliance , Coopoo Yoga , Morris-Eyton Heather
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the work-related constraints encountered by female coaches in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Participants were 100 female coaches who completed a 34-item questionnaire on the perceived constraints/hindrances to coaching. A Cronbach’s α of 0.953 was recorded for the questionnaire. Results indicated that coaches identified lack of support for women coaches, inadequate salary, job insecurity, difficulties in working with parents/spectators and coaching at weekends and evenings as the major constraints to their coaching. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that female coaches should be provided with support programmes which could ensure fair treatment of female coaches, promote equitable salaries, alleviate all forms of discrimination and ensure that their needs are well catered for.
Psychological characteristics of champion orienteers: Should they be considered in talent identification and development?
Authors: Newton Jacqueline A , Holmes Paul S
Published: January 2017

A range of cognitive skills that support the development of sport potential have been suggested to be important for athletes and coaches. This study explored performers’ psychological characteristics within orienteers. The psychological skills of World Elite orienteers and athletes in the National Junior Squads of both Great Britain and Switzerland were assessed using the six-factor Psychological Characteristics of Excellence Questionnaire. Data suggested that, as juniors, elite orienteers reported less support for long-term success than the Swiss juniors, perhaps because of the earlier adoption of self-coaching, but were not significantly different from either junior group on all other factors. British juniors were not significantly different from the other two groups on any factor. Follow-up qualitative approaches explored possible reasons for the World Elites’ early reliance on “self” rather than “other”, the role of the coach and the self-coaching phenomenon. The role of orienteering in developing these skills is also discussed along with unique psychological challenges faced by high performing orienteers.
Physical and physiological traits of a double world karate champion and responses to a simulated kumite bout: A case study
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Nakamura Fabio Y , Lopes-Silva João P , Silva-Santos Jonatas F , Pereira Lucas A , Franchini Emerson
Published: January 2017

This study aimed at describing the changes in physical and physiological performance of a two-time World Karate Federation Champion athlete immediately prior to and after a bout simulation. The karateka was submitted to: (a) squat and countermovement jumps, jump squat and bench throw and maximal isometric force tests (half-squat and bench press, pre and post-match); (b) one simulated karate match. Improvements of 1.1% and 2.9% were observed in the squat jump and countermovement jumps, respectively, after the combat simulation. For jump squat, an increase in power production was observed after the simulation (0.6–7.4%). Conversely, for the bench throw a decrease in power was detected after the match (0.5–8.3%). The maximal isometric force increased for the half-squat (10.5%) and bench press exercises (1.6%). The investigated athlete presented quite different characteristics when compared to similarly highly trained peers, and these traits can probably explain his “outlier performance”.
On the meaning of accuracy and precision in a risk analysis context
Authors: Selvik Jon T , Abrahamsen Eirik B
Published: January 2017

The terms ‘accuracy’ and ‘precision’ are commonly used in the scientific literature to describe the quality of, for example, measurements or methods, where traditional definitions of the terms often associate ‘accuracy’ with systematic errors and ‘precision’ with random errors. However, several different definitions exist, and the meaning of the terms may vary. In a risk analysis context, which we study in more detail in this article, it is common to discuss new methods and risk results using the terms ‘accuracy’ or ‘precision’, but, in many situations, a proper clarification of what these terms actually mean is missing. Many authors seem to mix or not differentiate between the terms, some assuming that they are synonymous and a contrasting of the terms is unnecessary. As the concept of risk may also be subject to several interpretations, this may cause confusion and lead to unintended conclusions. A simple example from the oil and gas industry is used to illustrate the situation. The article offers some clarification of the current use of the terms and gives specific suggestions for how to interpret them in risk analysis. An outcome of the article is recommendations on how to define the terms in a risk analysis context.
Information wars: Eastern Ukraine military conflict coverage in the Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. newscasts
Authors: Roman Nataliya , Wanta Wayne , Buniak Iuliia
Published: January 2017

The war in Eastern Ukraine is happening on the battlefield as well as in the informational realm. The two sides of this military conflict, Russia and Ukraine, are trying to shape public opinion in their own countries as well as abroad. Depending on the leaning of a media outlet, its audiences see very different pictures of this crisis. This study examined a year’s worth of coverage dealing with the Eastern Ukraine military conflict in major Russian, Ukrainian, and American newscasts. The analysis revealed significant differences in the choice of on-camera sources, reporting of civilian and military fatalities, and framing of the different sides of this conflict in these media.
Tailoring the Arab Spring to American values and interests: A framing analysis of U.S. elite newspapers’ opinion pieces
Authors: Ha Jae Sik
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the portrayal of the Arab Spring by conducting a qualitative framing analysis of editorials and columns in two elite U.S. newspapers: The New York Times and The Washington Post. Most opinion writers on the Arab Spring in the The New York Times and The Washington Post were either journalists from the news organizations themselves or ex-officials and scholars at various U.S. institutions. Thus, these papers reflected the viewpoints of political elites in portraying the Arab Spring. They largely advocated principles that accentuated the liberalism paradigm of international relations, such as democracy, international cooperation, and economic independence. These papers placed great emphasis on the possible impact of the Arab Spring on the U.S.’s continued deterrence of radical Islam and terrorism, but essentially none on the possible impact these events might have on the U.S.’s continued dependence on Middle East oil. The opinion journalism of U.S. elite papers is largely determined by journalists, ex-government officials, and scholars within the ʻmedia organizationalʼ and ʻsocial institutionalʼ levels, as well as American ideologies and interests on the ʻsocial systemʼ level.
Optimizing the train timetable with consideration of different kinds of headway time
Authors: Liu Pei , Han Baoming
Published: January 2017

The train timetable is a crucial document for organization of railway traffic. A high-quality train timetable is not only implementable in operational environment, but also efficient in terms of capacity utilization of railway infrastructure. In this paper, we try to solve the train timetabling problem of a double track high-speed railway line with heavy traffic and trains with different operational speeds are operated. In order to obtain a feasible timetable with high efficiency, different kinds of headway time are distinguished in the process of train timetabling. With a time expanded graph describing train movements, an integer linear programming is formulated. A branch and price algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The case study shows that more trains will be scheduled when different kinds of headway time considered.
The Law of Peoples as inclusive international justice
Authors: Tong Zhichao
Published: January 2017

In this essay, I argue for the “inclusive” advantage of John Rawls’s The Law of Peoples through a critical engagement with the political development of modern China. I start by introducing some recent developments in contemporary Chinese political theory, showing why it is now theoretically difficult to imagine that China can be incorporated into a liberal international order as a liberal society. In the main body of the essay, I conduct a comparative study of Joseph Chan’s Confucian perfectionism, a Confucian-inspired political theory embedded in Chinese cultural tradition and constructed for modern China, and the Law of Peoples. The purpose is to reveal (a) that there has already existed a school of Chinese political thought that will incorporate China into the Law of Peoples as a decent Confucian-inspired society and (b) that such a society will accept its global responsibility designated by the duty of assistance yet reject a global difference principle in the global original position. I conclude by suggesting how this potential “inclusiveness” of the Law of Peoples may help to remove some of new disturbance to the ideal of a just and stably peaceful world.
Specific immunotherapy in renal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Hirbod-Mobarakeh Armin , Gordan Hesam Addin , Zahiri Zahra , Mirshahvalad Mohammad , Hosseinverdi Sima , Rini Brian I. , Rezaei Nima
Published: January 2017

Background:

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the tenth most common malignancy in adults. In recent years, several approaches of active and passive immunotherapy have been studied extensively in clinical trials of patients with RCC. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical efficacy of various approaches of specific immunotherapy in patients with RCC.

Methods:

We searched Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, TRIP, DART, OpenGrey and ProQuest without any language filter through to 9 October 2015. One author reviewed search results for irrelevant and duplicate studies and two other authors independently extracted data from the studies. We collated study findings and calculated a weighted treatment effect across studies using Review Manager (version 5.3. Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, the Cochrane Collaboration).

Results:

We identified 14 controlled studies with 4013 RCC patients after excluding irrelevant and duplicate studies from 11,319 references retrieved from a literature search. Overall, five autologous tumor cell vaccines, one peptide-based vaccine, one virus-based vaccine and one dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine were studied in nine controlled studies of active specific immunotherapies. A total of three passive immunotherapies including autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, auto lymphocyte therapy (ALT) and autologous lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were studied in four controlled studies. The clinical efficacy of tumor lysate-pulsed DCs, with CIK cells was studied in one controlled trial concurrently. The overall quality of studies was fair. Meta-analysis of seven studies showed that patients undergoing specific immunotherapy had significantly higher overall survival (OS) than those in the control group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.58–0.89, p = 0.003]. In addition, a meta-analysis of four studies showed that there was a significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between patients undergoing specific immunotherapy and patients in control groups (HR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.73–1, p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

Results of this systematic review suggest that some specific immunotherapies such as Reniale, ACHN-IL-2, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) virus-infected autologous tumor cells, ALT and CIK treatment could be beneficiary for the treatment of patients with RCC.
Early outcomes of ‘The Birmingham Wrist Instability Programme’: A pragmatic intervention for stage one scapholunate instability
Authors: Holmes Martin K , Taylor Sarah , Miller Caroline , Brewster MBS
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Scapholunate instability is commonly caused by a fall on an outstretched hand resulting in structural pathology and pain. In recent years, dynamic stability mechanisms have been described that may aid in the non-operative management of this patient group. Limited evidence exists regarding the clinical application of stability mechanisms for scapholunate instability, and there is a void of reproducible structured exercise regimes.

Method

A service evaluation was conducted over 16 months to assess patient outcomes following an evidence-based treatment protocol in the conservative management of stage one scapholunate instability. Pain-free grip, maximal grip, grip strength ratio, Euro-Qol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick-DASH) scores were compared between baseline and final follow-up.

Results

Six consecutive patients (seven wrists) were included with five patients (six wrists) completing treatment. Mean grip strength ratio improved by 45%, mean VAS improved by 5.5 points, mean Quick-DASH improved by 33.96% and EQ-5D improved by 0.187 quality-adjusted life years. Where established, all outcomes exceeded minimal clinically important difference values.

Discussion

The Birmingham Wrist Instability Programme can yield clinically important results for patients with stage one scapholunate instability in the short term based on a small service evaluation. The findings support the need for further research to evaluate the rehabilitation programme in a larger group of patients over the longer term.
Electronic health record innovations: Helping physicians – One less click at a time
Authors: Guo Uta , Chen Lu , Mehta Parag H
Published: January 2017

Background:

Physician burnout is becoming an epidemic, due to the pressures of being productive, an imperfect electronic health record (EHR) system, and limited face-to-face time with patients. Poor usability in EHR-user interface can force users to go through more steps (i.e. more clicks on the computer) in accomplishing a task.

Objective:

This increased ‘click burden’ is a source of frustration for physicians. In the light of increased click burden and time due to meaningful use requirements, there is a need to improve the physician’s experience by creating innovations in EHR.

Method:

This case study describes an attempt by physicians at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital to enhance the EHR experience with more efficient methods of documentation, chart review, ordering and patient safety.

Results:

The EHR innovations trialled in this study were: a mobile documentation application; abnormal test results auto-populated into an EHR patient summary; physician alerts to reduce inappropriate test ordering; and a system of safety alerts on a dashboard. These innovations led to decreased click burden and allowed physicians to spend less time on the computer and more time with patients.

Conclusion:

Physician-driven changes to EHR systems have the potential to streamline virtual workflows and the management of health information and to improve patient safety, reduce physician burnout and increase physician job satisfaction.
Amphibian Diversity in the Matrix of a Fragmented Landscape Around Ranomafana in Madagascar Depends on Matrix Quality
Authors: Ndriantsoa Serge Herilala , Riemann Jana Carina , Raminosoa Noromalala , Rödel Mark-Oliver , Glos Julian Stefan
Published: January 2017

Human-induced conversion of natural habitats into agricultural areas is one of the major drivers for biodiversity loss. In many tropical regions, the matrix habitat area (habitat between fragments of remaining natural habitat) considerably exceeds the area of the original habitat. Therefore, understanding the factors determining matrix quality for animals is a key step to guide conservation action in fragmented landscapes. Matrix habitat, although being often highly disturbed, might provide valuable habitat for some species, serves as buffer zone for remaining natural habitat or corridor between fragments, and hence could be an important component for biodiversity maintenance on a landscape scale. We evaluated the effects of matrix quality on frog diversity in a rainforest ecosystem in Eastern Madagascar. Although frog diversity was affected in all matrix habitats, we found that variation in matrix quality was an important factor. Matrix habitat could serve as valuable habitat and corridor (i.e., high frog diversity along streams in the matrix), as buffer zone (moderate diversity in banana plantations), or was unsuitable habitat for most frog species (very impoverished diversity in secondary vegetation and rice fields). The remaining natural vegetation in and outside protected areas in Madagascar and worldwide is decreasing and will not be sufficient to preserve its biodiversity on a long term. Therefore, we must understand responses of organisms to disturbance in order to create buffer zones and corridors combining both disturbed and natural habitats. Implementing corridors along matrix streams connecting forest habitats might be an important contribution to amphibian conservation in fragmented landscapes.
The Relationship Between Pitching Mechanics and Injury: A Review of Current Concepts
Authors: Chalmers Peter N. , Wimmer Markus A. , Verma Nikhil N. , Cole Brian J. , Romeo Anthony A. , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Pearl Michael L.
Published: January 2017

Context:

The overhand pitch is one of the fastest known human motions and places enormous forces and torques on the upper extremity. Shoulder and elbow pain and injury are common in high-level pitchers. A large body of research has been conducted to understand the pitching motion.

Evidence Acquisition:

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to gain a full understanding of all currently available biomechanical and clinical evidence surrounding pitching motion analysis. These motion analysis studies use video motion analysis, electromyography, electromagnetic sensors, and markered motion analysis. This review includes studies performed between 1983 and 2016.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

The pitching motion is a kinetic chain, in which the force generated by the large muscles of the lower extremity and trunk during the wind-up and stride phases are transferred to the ball through the shoulder and elbow during the cocking and acceleration phases. Numerous kinematic factors have been identified that increase shoulder and elbow torques, which are linked to increased risk for injury.

Conclusion:

Altered knee flexion at ball release, early trunk rotation, loss of shoulder rotational range of motion, increased elbow flexion at ball release, high pitch velocity, and increased pitcher fatigue may increase shoulder and elbow torques and risk for injury.