bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Risk of Death in Older Primary Care Patients
Authors: Teixeira Laetitia , Azevedo Maria João , Alves Sara , Duarte Mafalda , O’Caoimh Rónán , Molloy William , Paúl Constança
Published: September 2016

There is a large gap between life expectancy and healthy life years at age 65. To reduce this gap, it is necessary that people with medical concerns perceived at higher risk of adverse outcomes are readily identified and treated. The same goes for the need to implement prevention plans. The main objectives of this study are to, in a first step, (a) estimate the percentage of medical concerns, (b) identify factors associated with this concern; in a second step, (c) estimate the perceived risk of death, and (d) evaluate the ability of medical concerns to predict this risk. Results show that the existence and severity of medical concerns are crucial in the prediction of perceived risk of death. Early identification of severity of medical concerns and the availability and adequacy of informal caregiving should allow healthcare professionals to promptly initiate an appropriate assessment and treatment of older patients.
Age Differences in Information Use While Making Decisions
Authors: Jacobs-Lawson Joy M. , Schumacher Mitzi M. , Wackerbarth Sarah B.
Published: September 2016

Recent research on the decision-making abilities of older adults has shown that they use less information than young adults. One explanation ascribes this age difference to reductions in cognitive abilities with age. The article includes three experimental studies that focused on determining the conditions in which older and young adults would display dissimilar information processing characteristics. Findings from Studies 1 and 2 demonstrated that older adults are not necessarily at greater disadvantage than young adults in decision contexts that demand more information processing resources. Findings from Study 3 indicated that older adults when faced with decisions that require greater processing are likely to use a strategy that reduces the amount of information needed, whereas younger adults rely on strategies that utilize more resources. Combined the findings indicate that older adults change their decision-making strategies based on the context and information provided. Furthermore, support is provided for processing difference.
Childhood Misfortune and Adult Health in a National Study
Authors: Lyu Jiyoung , Agrigoroaei Stefan
Published: September 2016

This study investigated the relationship between childhood misfortune and 10-year change in health and whether this relationship was mediated by the quality of social relations. We used data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) national longitudinal study, 1995–1996 (Time 1) and 2005–2006 (Time 2). Childhood misfortune was measured at Time 1 using indicators of financial strain, family structure, and abuse. Self-rated physical and mental health indicators were obtained at both occasions. The measure of quality of social relations was based on items relative to social support and social strain from spouse, friends, and family at Time 1. Mediational models showed that a higher level of childhood misfortune was associated with low-quality family relations which in turn tend to account for change in mental health. These findings suggest that childhood misfortune is associated with the quality of social relations, which in turn explain individual changes in mental health in adulthood.
Approaches to Municipal Takeover
Authors: Nickels Ashley E.
Published: September 2016

Municipal takeovers proceed by a state declaring that a municipality is in fiscal crisis and placing it in receivership, handing over most local processes to a state-appointed manager. This policy of aggressive state intervention calls into question two principles of local autonomy enshrined in home rule: that allowing local matters to be handled by local authority removes the need for state special legislation and that giving local governments functional autonomy allows them to solve problems without state intervention. This article presents case studies of New Jersey and Michigan to examine differences in home rule protection as well as approaches to municipal takeover.
Adsorption of cationic dyes on activated carbon obtained from waste Elaeagnus stone
Authors: Geçgel Ünal , Üner Osman , Gökara Güney , Bayrak Yüksel
Published: September 2016

Activated carbon was obtained from waste Elaeagnus stone by a chemical activation method utilizing ZnCl2. The resultant Elaeagnus activated carbon (EAC) with a high activated specific surface area of 1588 m2/g was characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, Fourier transform infrared spectra, point of zero charge, and scanning electron microscopy. The removals of cationic dyes, i.e., malachite green (MG), rhodamine B (RB), and methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions via EAC adsorption were characterized by investigating the effects of adsorbent concentration, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature. Langmuir model provided the most appropriate fit for all EAC dye adsorption processes, and the adsorption capacities for MB, RB, and MG at 25℃ were calculated to be 288.18, 281.69, and 432.90 mg/g, respectively. The EAC adsorption curves of MB, RB, and MG follow a pseudo second-order kinetic model, and the calculated thermodynamic parameters, i.e., Δ G°, Δ H°, and Δ S° revealed that the synthetic dye adsorptions from aqueous solution were endothermic and spontaneous.
Automated delimitation of urban areas comprising small-sized towns – Comparison of two methodologies applied to mainland Portugal
Authors: Nicolau Rita , Cavaco Cristina
Published: September 2016

At European level, the different methodologies used for the classification of urban areas rely on the spatial allocation of population to 1 km2 grid cells, failing therefore to identify small-sized settlements that play an important role in urban systems mostly composed by small towns, such as the Portuguese. This paper reports the development of alternative methodologies which overcome the problem stated, successfully enabling the automated recognition and delimitation of small-sized urban settlements – the prime goal of this work.

Two alternative methodologies (A and B) were developed and later compared. The settlements identified by A are clusters of census tracts, previously classified using an urban–rural typology proposed by the authors. In B an adaptation of the Urban Morphological Zones methodology published by the European Environment Agency was used, whereby settlements are clusters of specific Land Use/Land Cover classes combined with the urbanised areas defined by Municipal Master Plans.
Aligning a Multi-Government Network With Situational Context
Authors: Boschken Herman L.
Published: September 2016

The governance of major metropolitan areas is often associated with a “fragmented” and “uncoordinated” multi-government apparatus, frequently sculpted from years of particularistic ad hoc administrative reforms. This image of dysfunctional structure gains high salience when the metropolitan context is accentuated by complexity and fluidity, especially where intense paradoxical forces of economic development and ecological sustainability are present. The most visible “solutions” for such a state often come from bureaucrats seeking to “streamline” government according to norms of standardization and hierarchy. But, calls for reform may also come from scholars of polycentric government, who see the problem as a misalignment of administrative structure with the metropolitan context. This article adopts the latter, less-appreciated perspective that argues such dysfunctions in a metropolitan multi-government network are essentially problems of adaptive organizational design. Different than the bureaucratic model, treatises on new public management or group-behavior theory, it emphasizes the contextual nature of public administration by employing the holistic framework of “organizational systems.” It illustrates the logic by introducing a toolbox for multi-government design that speaks to the adaptive qualities of government networks in whole metropolitan areas. Its purpose is to reinvigorate this holistic approach in thinking about the way we look at multi-government networks in major metropolitan areas.
DisORIENT
Authors: Vernengo Matías , Fields David
Published: September 2016

An extensive and important literature has shown that the Rise of the West occurred considerably later than often thought, only in the 19th century, and that the main advantages of the West prior to that period were essentially military. However, this revisionist literature fails to incorporate the insights of radical political economics, both regarding money and the role of demand in technological progress, in ways that distort their conclusions. This paper suggests that both revisionists and radical political economists would benefit from each other’s insights.
An experimental review on the mechanical properties and hygrothermal behaviour of fibre metal laminates
Authors: Chandrasekar M , Ishak MR , Jawaid M , Leman Z , Sapuan SM
Published: September 2016

Fibre metal laminates are high strength materials made up of alternating layers of metal alloy and composite materials. Commercially available fibre metal laminates include CARALL, ARALL and GLARE. Other than the commercially available fibre metal laminates, number of researches have been performed with the alternate metal alloys such as stainless steel, Ti, Mg alloys and polymer matrices based on polypropylene, polyimide, polyester, etc. In this study, various factors affecting the mechanical properties of fibre metal laminates have been addressed along with the different types of failure modes observed by various researchers in their experiments. Hygrothermal conditioning which involves the subjection of fibre metal laminates to moisture and temperature (80℃ and 90% humidity as per ASTM standard 5229), their behaviour and influence on mechanical properties has also been reported in this study based on the results from the various researchers.
Validation of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale With American College Students
Authors: Gong Xiaopeng , Paulson Sharon E.
Published: September 2016

The current study examined the factor structure of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence (SSREI) scale with an American college sample ( n = 404, 322 females, 88.9% Whites). Data were collected through an online survey, and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test several proposed factor models from previous studies. The results showed that the Ng et al. two-level factor model fit the current data best. Implications of the study and the usefulness of SSREI scale among American students were discussed.
Predictors of Neurological Outcome of Tuberculous Meningitis in Childhood
Authors: Dhawan Sumeet R. , Gupta Anju , Singhi Pratibha , Sankhyan Naveen , Malhi Prahbhjot , Khandelwal N.
Published: September 2016

Aims:

To assess the long-term outcome of childhood tuberculous meningitis treated with modern 4-drug antitubercular regimens and to determine predictors of survival and morbidity.

Methods:

In this single-center prospective cohort, outcome of children with tuberculous meningitis treated with standard regimens was assessed at 6 months and 12 months after discharge using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale.

Results:

Of 130 children, 38 died in hospital and 34 were either severely disabled or comatose/vegetative at discharge. At 6 and 12 months, 87% of the survivors were either normal (n = 62) or mildly disabled (n = 17, on the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale). On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with poor outcome at 12 months were stage III at admission (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval, 1.7-11.2, P = .002) and presence of infarcts on neuroimaging (adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.6, P = .037).

Conclusions:

Despite the high in-hospital mortality, in resource-constraint settings, the survivors showed remarkable improvement, with two-thirds returning to a normal functional status at 6 months’ follow-up.
Women Veterans’ Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Non-Partner Sexual Assault in the Context of Military Service: Implications for Supporting Women’s Health and Well-Being
Authors: Dichter Melissa E. , Wagner Clara , True Gala
Published: September 2016

Women who have served in the military in the United States experience high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual assault (SA). The military setting presents challenges and opportunities not experienced in other employment contexts that may compound the negative impacts of IPV/SA on women’s lives. The purpose of this study was to explore the intersection of women’s experiences of IPV/SA and military service through analysis of women veterans’ narrative accounts. We conducted in-depth face-to-face qualitative interviews with 25 women veterans receiving primary care at a U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We draw upon Adler and Castro’s (2013) Military Occupational Mental Health Model to frame our understanding of the impact of IPV/SA as a stressor in the military cultural context and to inform efforts to prevent, and support women service members who have experienced, these forms of violence. Our findings highlight the impact of IPV/SA on women’s military careers, including options for entering and leaving military service, job performance, and opportunities for advancement. Women’s narratives also reveal ways in which the military context constrains their options for responding to and coping with experiences of IPV/SA. These findings have implications for prevention of, and response to, intimate partner or sexual violence experienced by women serving in the military and underscore the need for both military and civilian communities to recognize and address the negative impact of such violence on women service members before, during, and after military service.
Getting Serious about Performance Management
Authors: Risher Howard
Published: September 2016

Significant performance improvement is possible when companies discard the traditional appraisal and invest in top-down performance planning and management.
Career Identity and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Garrison Yunkyoung Loh , Lee Ki-Hak , Ali Saba Rasheed
Published: September 2016

Identity formation is considered as a key factor in the conceptualization of life satisfaction (LS). Recent volatility in labor markets has negatively influenced college students’ LS and attending to the relationship between their career identity (CI) and LS has become important for career researchers and counselors. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effects of tolerance for uncertainty (TU) and emotions (positive affect [PA] and negative affect [NA]) in the relationship between CI development and LS. The hypotheses were tested among 199 college students in a prestigious South Korean university. The results indicate that TU and emotions mediate the effects of CI on LS. Based on these findings, career counselors are encouraged to help college students understand the synergy of TU and development of CI, which may increase their sense of LS.
Surface modification of high-performance polyimide fibers by oxygen plasma treatment
Authors: Wen You , Meng Xiangsheng , Liu Jingfeng , Yan Jingling , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2016

In order to improve the interfacial compatibility between the fibers and epoxy resins, polyimide (PI) fibers were modified using oxygen plasma with various treatment powers. The properties of PI fibers before and after surface modification were comparatively characterized according to their chemical composition, surface morphology, surface free energy, single filament tensile strength, and interfacial shear strength (IFSS). Most of the fiber properties, including the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen, oxygen concentration, surface free energy, and IFSS firstly increased with the plasma power, and then decreased when the plasma power was higher than 120 W. With a plasma power of 120 W, the oxygen concentration and the ratio of oxygen to carbon atoms (O/C) was 26% (22% for untreated fiber) and 0.38 (0.28 for untreated fiber), respectively. Meanwhile, the values of surface free energy and IFSS were 89% and 30% higher than those for untreated fiber, respectively. Furthermore, the values of single filament tensile strength for modified fibers were only 2.3% lower than those for pristine one. These results indicated that the compatibility between PI fibers and epoxy resins was greatly improved without compromising mechanical properties.
Water drop runoff in aircraft fuel tank vent systems
Authors: Chan Kwan Yee , Lam Joseph K-W
Published: September 2016

Water condensation in aircraft fuel tank vent systems can run off to the fuel systems, where it can freeze to ice or support microbial growth in the fuel tanks. A laboratory scale test has been designed to investigate the ingress and runoff of water in the aircraft fuel tank vent pipes. The experiments are to determine the dual effects of air flow shear and hydrophobicity on water condensation in the vent pipes during descent from cruising altitudes. Results show only downslope runoff occurs and for large drop volumes where the height of the water drop is comparable with the height of the air flow boundary layer. Runoff is much more sensitive to drop volume and vent pipe inclination angle than air flow since the drops are within the air flow boundary layer. Downslope air flow has little effect on the runoff speeds. Downslope runoff speeds, where there is upslope air flow, exhibit large variations, when compared to those where there is downslope air flow. Upslope air flow can slow downslope runoff speeds of large volume drops by up to 400%. Runoff speeds may be up to 100 times greater with a hydrophobic coating than on the current inner vent pipe surface of anodised aluminium.
Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review
Authors: Jalloh Mohamed A , Gregory Philip J , Hein Darren , Risoldi Cochrane Zara , Rodriguez Aleah
Published: September 2016

Many patients who take antiretroviral drugs also take alternative therapies including dietary supplements. Some drug–supplement combinations may result in clinically meaningful interactions. We aimed to investigate the evidence for dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals. A systematic review was conducted using multiple resources including PubMed, Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database, The Review of Natural Products, and Google Scholar. All human studies or case reports evaluating an interaction between a dietary supplement and an antiretroviral were selected for inclusion. Twenty-eight pharmacokinetic studies and case-series/case reports were selected for inclusion. Calcium carbonate, ferrous fumarate, some forms of ginkgo, some forms of garlic, some forms of milk thistle, St. John's wort, vitamin C, zinc sulfate, and multivitamins were all found to significantly decrease the levels of selected antiretrovirals and should be avoided in patients taking these antiretrovirals. Cat's claw and evening primrose oil were found to significantly increase the levels of antiretrovirals and patients should be monitored for adverse effects while taking these dietary supplements with antiretrovirals. This systematic review shows the importance of screening all human immunodeficiency virus patients for dietary supplement use to prevent treatment failure or adverse effects related to an interaction.
A record of local storms and trans-Pacific tsunamis, eastern Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
Authors: Donnelly Jai , Goff James , Chagué-Goff Catherine
Published: September 2016

This study of five sand units at Lavericks Bay, New Zealand, reports on the sedimentary evidence for three trans-Pacific tsunamis and two local storms. The 1868 Arica, 1877 Iquique and 1960 Valdivia tsunamis from Chile were the largest distantly generated events in New Zealand’s history but have never before been identified at the same location. It is also the first time that the 1877 Iquique tsunami deposit has been found in New Zealand. Two further sand units were identified as local storm deposits laid down in 1869/1870 and 1929. The identification and chronology of these events were established through the use of geochemistry, palynology, diatoms, charcoal abundance and historical documents. Their relative magnitudes were estimated through the use of grain size parameters and lateral extent of the recognisable sand layers. The recognisable sandy tsunami deposits extend about 60% of the inundation distance, while the storm sediments are finer and less extensive. There were two notable geochemical differences between the storm and tsunami deposits. Both storm deposits had lower concentrations of marine proxy elements associated with lower Ca–Ti and Sr–Ba ratios. Other differences were noted between some of the tsunami and storm deposits such as rip-up clasts and sediment characteristics, but these were by no means unequivocal. It is possible that geochemistry may prove to be the only proxy capable of not only differentiating effectively between storm and tsunami sediments but also identifying the maximum inland extent of a deposit and of inundation. It is the ability to better understand the nature and extent of such catastrophic events through these subtle differences in event characteristics that will help improve risk management for coastlines around the world.
The effect of social feedback and social context on subjective affective responses to music
Authors: Koehler Katelyn , Broughton Mary C.
Published: September 2016

Previous research suggests that music listening influences individual affective responses. However, there is scant research examining how social factors might interact to influence subjective affective responses to music. This study investigates the effects of social feedback and social context on subjective affective responses to music. In a between-subjects experiment, participants (N = 120) listened to unfamiliar music from various genres either alone or with another participant. For each musical example, participants received positive and negative social feedback, derived from a pilot study, or factual album information. After listening to each musical example and reading the provided social feedback or album information, participants reported their subjective valence, arousal, subjective affective intensity, concentration, music liking and familiarity. There was no effect of social feedback on subjective valence responses. Positive and negative social feedback influenced subjective arousal responses positively and negatively, respectively. Subjective affective intensity was not influenced by social feedback. Social context did not influence subjective affective responses to the musical examples. Lower concentration was reported in social listening conditions compared to solitary conditions. Greater familiarity with the musical examples was reported when social feedback was provided. The findings of the present study suggest that social feedback can influence particular affective responses to, and familiarity with, music. However, social listening might reduce concentration, especially in the absence of social feedback. These findings highlight issues warranting consideration for how music is affectively experienced in everyday life, as well as purposely used in varied contexts.
The Child Obesity Epidemic in Saudi Arabia: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hammad Sama S. , Berry Diane C.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: To examine prevalence, nutrition and activity, and overweight and obesity prevention and management in Saudi Arabia. Design: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis criteria, PubMed, Web of Science, PyschINFO, Global Health, Family Studies Worldwide, Middle Eastern Studies, and Sociological Abstracts was searched from January 1, 2003 to January 31, 2016. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published in Arabic and English that focused on prevalence, overweight or obesity in children 2 to 20 years of age, body mass index percentile, and interventions. Findings: Three themes were identified: epidemiological features, where the eastern region had the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity, risk factors, which included higher parental education, and lifestyle factors, which included increased consumption of calorie-dense food and a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: Childhood obesity is increasing in Saudi Arabia at an alarming rate. Implications for Practice: Practitioners need to consider the cultural influences of the increasing obesity epidemic in Saudi Arabia.
Role of Emotional Intelligence as a Mediating Factor Between Uncertainty and Anxiety Hospital in Chronic Renal Patients
Authors: Barberis Nadia , Costa Sebastiano , Gitto Lara , Larcan Rosalba , Buemi Michele , Santoro Domenico
Published: September 2016

Renal diseases are distressing and it is, especially, the aspect of uncertainty that exerts an influence on patients’ emotional adjustment to illness. The present study investigates the relationship between uncertainty and trait emotional intelligence (EI), and the role of EI as mediator in the relationship between uncertainty, anxiety, and depression in nephropathy patients. Fifty patients were asked to complete a worksheet including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire—Short Form, and Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Structural equation modeling has been used to examine whether trait EI mediates the relationship between uncertainty, anxiety, and depression. Through structural equation modeling, it has been demonstrated that trait EI mediated the relationship between uncertainty, anxiety, and depression. These findings suggest to develop coaching programs aimed at strengthening nephropathy patients’ emotional responses to uncertainty; in this way, it could be possible to observe an improvement in patients’ quality of life.
Quality Improvement Curriculum for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents: A Needs Assessment
Authors: Jaffe Ashlee , Klein Melissa , McMahon Mary , Pruitt David
Published: September 2016

This needs assessment survey of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) program directors (PDs) from Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited programs aimed to (1) describe current quality improvement (QI) training, (2) characterize PDs’ perceptions of their own and their faculty’s QI knowledge and skill, and (3) determine PDs’ opinions of optimal QI training to inform the development of a future QI curriculum. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Forty-five percent of PDs (35/78) responded. All programs had QI education and required QI project participation; however, the quantity and types of learning experiences varied greatly. PDs assessed their ability as less than proficient to teach QI (67%) and lead a project (57%), and rated 60% of their faculty as having novice or advanced beginner QI skills. PDs reported 31% of graduating residents had less than competent QI skills. Almost all PDs were interested in a standardized QI curriculum.
Endoscopy-Assisted Achilles Tendon Reconstruction With a Central Turndown Flap and Semitendinosus Augmentation
Authors: Gedam Prashant N. , Rushnaiwala Faizaan M.
Published: September 2016

Background:

The objective of this study was to report the results of a new minimally invasive Achilles reconstruction technique and to assess the perioperative morbidity, medium- to long-term outcomes, and functional results.

Methods:

Our series was comprised 14 patients (11 men and 3 women), with a mean age of 45.6 years at surgery. Each patient had a chronic Achilles tendon rupture. The mean interval from rupture to surgery was 5.5 months (range, 2-10). The mean total follow-up was 30.1 months (range, 12-78). All patients were operated with a central turndown flap augmented with free semitendinosus tendon graft and percutaneous sutures in a minimally invasive approach assisted by endoscopy. The patients underwent retrospective assessment by clinical examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, and the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Paired t tests were used to assess the preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores, ATRS scores, and ankle range of motion.

Results:

The length of the defect ranged from 3 to 8 cm (mean, 5.1), while the length of the turndown flap ranged from 8 to 13 cm (mean, 10.1). The mean AOFAS score improved from 64.5 points preoperatively to 96.9 points at last follow-up. The mean ATRS score improved from 49.4 preoperatively to 91.4 points at last follow-up. None of the patients developed a wound complication. No patient had a rerupture or sural nerve damage.

Conclusion:

All patients in our study had a favorable outcome with no complications. We believe that with this triple-repair technique, one can achieve a strong and robust repair such as in open surgery while at the same time reducing the incidence of complications.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Hypertension in von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Apostolova Mariya H. , Seaman Craig D. , Comer Diane M. , Yabes Jonathan G. , Ragni Margaret V.
Published: September 2016

Background:

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a biomarker for endothelial damage. Increased VWF levels are observed in hypertension (HTN) and disorders of endothelial dysfunction, for example, atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) and diabetes. Whether low VWF protects against HTN is unknown.

Methods:

To determine prevalence and risk factors for HTN in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample, 2009 to 2011. Group comparisons were performed by Rao-Scott χ2 test. Odds of HTN and HTN outcomes in VWD were estimated by weighted multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

The prevalence of hypertension in patients with VWD (N = 7556), 37.35%, was significantly lower than that in non-VWD patients (N = 19 918 970), 49.40%, P < .0001. Hypertension risk factors (hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, hepatitis C, and HIV) and HTN outcomes (ASHD, myocardial infarction [MI], ischemic stroke, and renal failure) were less common in patients with VWD than in non-VWD patients, all P ≤ .0001. Patients with VWD were younger, 49.67 versus 57.30 years, Caucasian, 82.23% versus 68.35%, and female, 75.44% versus 59.61%, P < .0001. Patients with HTN were older, 67.55 versus 47.29 years, male, 45.99% versus 34.90%, and had more HTN risk factors and HTN outcomes than those without HTN, all P < .0001, including male and female subgroups, each P < .0001. The unadjusted odds of HTN in patients with VWD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.611, P < .0001) and of HTN outcomes in patients with VWD (ASHD, OR = 0.509; MI, OR = 0.422; ischemic stroke, OR = 0.521; renal failure, OR = 0.420, all P < .0001) became insignificant after adjustment for HTN risk factors plus demographics (age/race/gender), OR = 1.035, P = .260.

Conclusion:

The risk of HTN is reduced in patients with VWD, but not after adjustment for HTN risk factors plus demographics, as patients with VWD not having HTN are also typically young, Caucasian, and female.
What Works
Authors: Almarode John , Subotnik Rena , Lee G. Maie
Published: September 2016

The overall goal of the study was to delineate educational and career aftereffects of the long-held aims behind the formation of specialized science high schools and to provide insight into the educational practices that appear to be most strongly associated with these ideal outcomes.
Montgomery Blair Science, Mathematics and Computer Science Magnet Program
Authors: Stein David , Ostrander Peter , Lee G. Maie
Published: September 2016

The Magnet Program at Montgomery Blair High School is an application-based magnet program utilizing a curriculum focused on science, mathematics, and computer science catering to interested, talented, and eager to learn students in Montgomery County, Maryland. This article identifies and discusses some of the unique aspects of the Magnet Program that promote effective teaching and learning in a school-within-a-school magnet model. These signature qualities that make the Magnet Program a success align with the goal of providing a unique educational experience to highly able learners. The authors hope to provide insight into how effective magnet programs can support both the needs of their students and the larger school community.
A Perspective From the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools
Authors: Bonds Crystal
Published: September 2016

This article addresses the role of National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools in the process of data-informed decision-making for both improving and addressing achievement gaps in participatory specialized STEM high schools.
Economic Freedom and Religion
Authors: Hillman Arye L. , Potrafke Niklas
Published: September 2016

There has been much study of the consequences of economic freedom but, outside of the role of political institutions, there has been little study of the determinants of economic freedom. We investigate whether religion affects economic freedom. Our cross-sectional data set includes 137 countries averaged over the period 2001–2010. Simple correlations show that Protestantism is associated with economic freedom, Islam is not, with Catholicism in between. The Protestant ethic requires economic freedom. Our empirical estimates, which include religiosity, political institutions, and other explanatory variables, confirm that Protestantism is most conducive to economic freedom.
Reformulation of elemental modal strain energy method based on strain modes for structural damage detection
Authors: Wu Shaoqing , Zhou Jixiang , Rui Sheng , Fei Qingguo
Published: September 2016

Structural damage detection method based on modal strain energy usually requires information at every degree of freedom. Due to the limited number of sensors and the difficulty in measuring rotational vibration, modal expansion is often adopted to match the degrees of freedom between the analytical and experimental models, which introduces errors. A novel modal strain energy–based structural damage detection approach is proposed in which the elemental modal strain energy is reformulated with strain modes. The method is introduced on an Euler–Bernoulli beam with uniform cross section. Only strain data are adopted in the newly proposed method and no rotational information of the structure is required. The numerical simulations and experimental validations are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method has a better performance than the modal strain energy–based structural damage detection approach with displacement mode and modal expansion technique.
Health-related quality of life of Finnish patients with diabetes
Authors: Schanner Carolin , Falck Aura , Keskitalo Antti , Hautala Nina
Published: September 2016

Aims: This study evaluated the influence of diabetes on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores of adult patients with diabetes in northern Finland. Methods: A total of 3771 patients of the population of 10,264 patients aged ⩾15 years with the right for reimbursement of the cost of diabetes medication attended fundus photography screening for retinopathy in 2012. The 15D HRQoL scores and data on age, sex, type and duration of diabetes were gathered concurrently. The results were compared with the 15D scores reported in Finnish population studies. Results: The 15D score was obtained from 2461 patients aged 60±14 years; 20% had type 1 diabetes (T1D). The mean±SD 15D index was 0.930±0.079 in patients with T1D and their mean±SD age was 46±15 years. The mean±SD 15D index of the patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was 0.890±0.100 and their mean±SD age was 63±11 years. The 15D index was no lower than in the Finnish general population in either patient group or in any age group. However, the 15D score was negatively influenced by an increasing duration of diabetes in both patients with T1D and patients with T2D. No sex difference was found. Conclusions: The mean HRQoL score of patients with diabetes in this study is comparable with that of the general population of equal age. Neither the type of diabetes nor sex independently affected the HRQoL score, but a longer duration of diabetes seemed to impair the HRQoL score. Current diabetes care appears to maintain a normal HRQoL score in this diabetic population in Finland.
Educational differences in cardiovascular mortality: The role of shared family factors and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Kjøllesdal M. K. R. , Ariansen I. , Mortensen L. H. , Davey Smith G. , Næss Ø.
Published: September 2016

Aims: To explore the confounding effects of early family factors shared by siblings and cardiovascular risk factors in midlife on the educational differences in mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Data from national and regional health surveys in Norway (1974–2003) were linked with data from the Norwegian Family Based Life Course Study, the National Educational Registry and the Cause of Death Registry. The study population consisted of participants with at least one full sibling among the health survey participants ( n=271,310). Data were available on CVD risk factors, including weight, height, blood pressure, total cholesterol and smoking. Results: The hazards ratio (HR) of CVD mortality was 3.44 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98–3.96) in the lowest educational group relative to the highest. The HRs were little altered in the within-sibship analyses. Adjusted for risk factors, the HR for CVD mortality in the cohort analyses was 2.05 (CI 1.77–2.37) in the lowest educational group relative to the highest. The respective HR in the within-sibship analyses was 2.46 (CI 1.48–2.24). Conclusions: Using a sibling design, we did not find that the association between education and CVD mortality was confounded by early life factors shared by siblings, but it was explained to a large extent by CVD risk factors. These results suggest that reducing levels of CVD risk factors could have the greatest effect on mortality in less well-educated people.
The potential for indoor ultrafine particle reduction using vegetation under laboratory conditions
Authors: Stapleton Emma , Ruiz-Rudolph Pablo
Published: September 2016

Ultrafine particle pollution is a health concern in indoor and outdoor settings. Reducing ultrafine particle exposure and concentrations in populated areas is therefore an important research topic. Our study assesses the effectiveness of plants to decrease ultrafine particle concentrations in indoor environments. Ambient ultrafine particle concentrations were measured for three hours in and outside a polycarbonate chamber with and without plants using a condensation particle counter. Reduction in ambient ultrafine particle levels between blanks and treatments of 11 plant species were compared using infiltration factors ( Finfs). All but one species, Dracaena deremensis compacta, resulted in in-chamber ultrafine particle reductions, with typically small but statistically significant results. Juniperus chinensis ‘ San Jose' showed the highest per-plant ultrafine particle reduction (5.5%). A linear relationship between number of within-chamber plants and percent ultrafine particle reduction was proven (r2 = 0.95) for juniper plants, four plants achieved the maximum Finfp reduction (19.9%). Plant surface area was associated with ultrafine particle reduction (r2 = 0.85) when comparing statistically significant results. Humidity and temperature were irrelevant to reduction. Household ultrafine particle reduction was estimated using juniper plants (11%). Results indicate that plants may provide a small, yet statistically significant ultrafine particle reduction in homes with the co-benefit of greening the indoor environment.
Participant Recruitment through Social Media: Lessons Learned from a Qualitative Radicalization Study Using Facebook
Authors: Sikkens Elga , van San Marion , Sieckelinck Stijn , Boeije Hennie , de Winter Micha
Published: September 2016

Social media are useful facilitators when recruiting hidden populations for research. In our research on youth and radicalization, we were able to find and contact young people with extreme ideals through Facebook. In this article, we discuss our experiences using Facebook as a tool for finding respondents who do not trust researchers. Facebook helped us recruit youths with extreme Islamic and extreme left-wing ideals. We conclude by discussing the benefits and limitations of using Facebook when searching for and approaching populations who are difficult to reach.
Navigating the Corporate University: Reflections on the Politics of Research in Neoliberal Times
Authors: Bunds Kyle S. , Giardina Michael D.
Published: September 2016

In this article, the authors highlight numerous encounters with and critiques of academic life in the corporate university. From disagreements with colleagues and anxiousness over the job market to internal compromises over epistemological and ontological moorings and the overall messiness of the research act, they highlight the increasing market demands and orientations governing academic performance if not survival. They also self-reflexively engage in critique of their own location to and position within their current field(s) of inquiry, and how to chart a way forward toward a more egalitarian end.
Sutureless open vascular anastomosis connector: An experimental study
Authors: Kapischke Matthias , Gerhard Dietmar , Pries Alexandra
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the safety of a new developed sutureless vascular adapter system in a porcine model. In five pigs, 4-cm-long polyester prosthesis (6 mm diameter) were implanted and anastomosed with the newly developed adapter proximally and suture anastomosis distally. The integration of the adapter was investigated in comparison to the suture anastomosis. These investigations were performed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Median operative time for performing the adapter anastomosis was significantly shorter compared to suture anastomosis (66 s vs. 246 s, p < 0.05). Median estimated blood loss during adapter anastomosis implementation was 22.5 mL (range 19.0–25.0 mL) compared to 48.2 mL (range 45.4–63.5 mL, p < 0.05). In five hand-sewn anastomoses, overall eight additional stitches were necessary whereas all adapter anastomoses showed primary leak tightness. This in vivo study shows the technical feasibility of the newly developed adapter.
Experience with indwelling pleural catheters in the treatment of recurrent pleural effusions
Authors: Chalhoub Michel , Ali Zulfiqar , Sasso Louis , Castellano Michael
Published: September 2016

Recurrent pleural effusions are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Whether malignant or nonmalignant, they often pose a challenge to the practicing clinician. When they recur, despite optimum medical therapy of the underlying condition and repeated thoracenteses, more invasive definitive approaches are usually required. Since its introduction in 1997, the PleurX catheter became the preferred method to treat recurrent malignant pleural effusions. Since then, a number of publications have documented its utility in managing recurrent nonmalignant pleural effusions. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of the PleurX catheter in recurrent pleural effusions.
Traumatic Avulsion of the Serratus Anterior Muscle in a Collegiate Rower
Authors: Carr James B. , John Quincy E. , Rajadhyaksha Evan , Carson Eric W. , Turney Kelly L.
Published: September 2016

A 19-year-old female collegiate rower presented with a new, painful mass along her right anterolateral chest wall after competition. The patient was diagnosed with a rupture of the serratus anterior muscle from its costal attachments, as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient fully recovered after a period of rest followed by a graduated 2-month physical therapy regimen consisting of stretching and scapulothoracic and core strengthening. A traumatic rupture of the serratus anterior muscle should be suspected in athletes who present with a painful chest wall mass after exertion of large forces through the scapulothoracic region. Athletes can return to play after nonoperative management.
The Anne Boleyn Illusion is a Six-Fingered Salute to Sensory Remapping
Authors: Newport Roger , Wong Dominic Y. , Howard Ellen M. , Silver Eden
Published: September 2016

The Anne Boleyn Illusion exploits the somatotopic representation of touch to create the illusion of an extra digit and demonstrates the instantaneous remapping of relative touch location into body-based coordinates through visuo-tactile integration. Performed successfully on thousands, it is also a simple demonstration of the flexibility of body representations for use at public events, in schools or in the home and can be implemented anywhere by anyone with a mirror and some degree of bimanual coordination.
Prospective study of percutaneous tracheostomy: Role of bronchoscopy and surgical technique
Authors: Laisaar Tanel , Jakobson Eero , Sarana Bruno , Sarapuu Silver , Vahtramäe Jüri , Raag Mait
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a common procedure but varies considerably in approach. The aim of our study was to evaluate the need for intraoperative bronchoscopy and to compare various surgical techniques.

Methods:

During 1 year all percutaneous tracheostomies in three intensive care units were prospectively documented according to a unified protocol. In one unit, bronchoscopy was used routinely and in others only during the study.

Results:

A total of 111 subjects (77 males) with median age 64 (range, 18–86) years and body mass index 25.4 (range, 15.9–50.7) were included. In unit A, tracheal wall was directly exposed; in unit B, limited dissection to enable tracheal palpation was made. In both units, bronchoscopy was used to check the location of an already inserted guiding needle; needle position required correction in 8% and 12% of cases, respectively. In unit C, in tracheostomies without pretracheal tissue dissection, bronchoscopy was used to guide needle insertion; needle position required correction in 66% of cases. Median duration of operations performed by thoracic surgeons and residents was 10 (range, 3–37) min and by intensive care doctors and residents was 16.5 (range, 3–63) min (p < 0.001). Time from the beginning of preparations for tracheostomy until the end of the whole procedure was median 32 min for bedside tracheostomies and 64 min for operations in the operating theatre (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Limited pretracheal tissue dissection enabled proper guiding needle insertion and bronchoscopy was rarely needed. Percutaneous tracheostomies performed by thoracic surgeons took less time, and duration of the whole procedure was remarkably shorter when performed at bedside.
Psychosis: call a surgeon? A rare etiology of psychosis requiring resection
Authors: Medepalli Kantha , Lee Cody M , Benninger Lauryn A , Elwing Jean M
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Anti–N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a rare but emerging cause of autoimmune encephalitis. Our objective is to present a case of this rare disease while highlighting the importance of an aggressive search for underlying malignancy as well as the common mischaracterization of primary psychiatric illness that occurs in these patients.

Methods:

A young Caucasian female with no known psychiatric history presented with acute onset of seizures and psychosis.

Results:

Magnetic resonance imaging abdomen and pelvis showed a 6-mm ovarian teratoma which was not visualized on initial computed tomographic scans. Pathology was consistent with a mature teratoma. Both serum and cerebrospinal fluid N-methyl- d-aspartate receptor antibodies were positive.

Conclusion:

An exhaustive search for underlying malignancy and specifically ovarian teratoma in young women should be completed in these patients. Diagnosis often is delayed given the prominent psychiatric manifestations and providers should be aware and strongly consider this in younger women with acute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms.