bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imperforate Hymen and Vaginal Atresia and their Associated Anomalies
Authors: Shaw L M A , Jones W A , Brereton R J
Published: February 2018

The presenting features and associated abnormalities of imperforate hymen and vaginal atresia were studied in 24 girls under the age of 16 years. Hydrocolpos or hydrometrocolpos occurred in 8 infants, 13 older girls developed haematocolpos, but 3 of the girls had no distension of the genital tract. Seven of the older girls were diagnosed as having appendicitis. Anorectal anomalies were present in 9 of the children. Intravenous pyelography was performed on 16 girls and was normal in only one. Urinary tract investigations are indicated in all girls with vaginal outlet obstruction, and the vaginal orifice should be inspected in all girls with anorectal abnormalities.
Clinical and in Vivo Response Following Surgery or Surgery Plus Adjuvant Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy for Colorectal Carcinoma in a Rat Model
Authors: House A K , Maley M A L
Published: February 2018

Two cohorts of rats, 240 with colon cancer and 150 controls, were assessed clinically and immunologically for their response to tumour and its management which was either by surgical excision alone or by surgical excision combined with either adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The histology and invasion characteristics were observed for similarity with those of human lesions. Metastases were found in liver, lymph nodes, the peritoneum or lungs in 27% of animals during follow up. Significantly fewer adjuvant-treated rats had metastases than those receiving surgery alone ( P < 0.05), and less total tumour weight was found in the adjuvant-treated rats at four ( P < 0.03) and six ( P < 0.001) weeks postoperatively. Animals in the adjuvant immunotherapy group survived longer than in either other group ( P < 0.001). The crude parameters of host response to tumour, body, spleen and mesenteric lymph node weight were recorded and the latter two indexed to body weight. The body weight of tumour and control rats increased significantly with time ( P < 0.04). The spleen and mesenteric node indices were significantly ( P < 0.04) greater in tumour than control rats and were varied by recurrent tumour growth and by the adjuvant treatment administered postoperatively.
Effects of Vibration, Noise and Restraint on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Renal Blood Flow in the Pig
Authors: Stephens D B , Rader R D
Published: February 2018

Pigs and other farm animals are usually transported at least once during their lives; for example, all meat animals are finally taken to the abattoir for slaughter. The vibration, noise and handling associated with such transportation is usually novel to the animals, and therefore constitutes a potential ‘stressor’. Such adverse stimuli may trigger physiological and psychological changes which rapidly produce profound changes in blood flow to peripheral organs, particularly the kidney, whose blood vessels are richly supplied with sympathetic nerve fibres. In the present study, ultrasonic techniques have been used with chronically implanted flow sensors for measuring heart rate (HR) and changes in renal blood flow (RBF) in conscious, freestanding and unanaesthetized pigs to monitor their cardiovascular responses to vibration, noise and various handling procedures. In addition, arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured via a catheter placed in the carotid artery. To ensure that vibration and noise could be accurately reproduced, a transport simulator (TS) was constructed in the laboratory.

A small decrease of approximately 5% was observed in RBF during the first few minutes of exposure to vibration and noise, but this returned to the control levels monitored in undisturbed animals within a few minutes. Thereafter, RBF became significantly elevated for the remaining period of exposure to vibration and noise. In contrast, HR remained significantly increased throughout. BP was not significantly changed as a result of the experimental manipulation. Restraint and handling of the animals appeared to cause maximal disturbance. HR and BP were more than doubled compared with the resting value, but there was a concomitant marked decrease in RBF. For example, in one pig, the normal renal blood flow of 5 ml/s was reduced to nearly half during the handling procedure. This, however, returned to normal levels within 4 min of release.
Combined Effects of Radiation and Methotrexate on the Cells of the Rat Subependymal Plate
Authors: Morris A D , Hopewell J W
Published: February 2018

The brains of 20-week-old rats were locally irradiated with single doses of X-rays (400–1400 cGy). A similar group of animals received an intraventricular injection of methotrexate (MTX) prior to irradiation with single doses of X-rays (600–1400 cGy). Animals were killed six weeks after irradiation. A group of unirradiated age-matched animals acted as controls. In irradiated animals, the most severe effect on the subependymal plate (SEP) of the brain was denoted by the fall in the mitotic count (MC) and the number of small dark (SD) nucleated cells. SD nucleated cells are believed to represent the proliferative compartment of the subependymal layer. Other cell types in the SEP, believed to arise from the SD nucleated population, were affected to a lesser degree. After combination treatment with MTX, the decline in the MC and the SD nuclear density was more severe. The data for the dose-related decline in SD nuclear density and the MC fitted equally well on log-linear and linear plots. From the log-linear plots of the data it was concluded that MTX was radiation dose modifying (DMF 1.25–1.44). However, on the basis of the linear plots the effect of radiation and MTX was apparently additive. While no firm conclusions could be drawn regarding the mechanism of action of MTX on the radiation response of SEP cells, the possible mechanisms are discussed.
Ca 125 and Survival in Ovarian Cancer: Preliminary Communication
Authors: Parker D , Patel K , Alred E J , Harnden-Mayor P , Naylor B
Published: February 2018

CA 125 is an epithelial membrane marker which can be detected in the serum of patients with ovarian cancer and which may reflect tumour burden. In a group of 42 patients, the level of this marker has also been shown to be significantly related to survival.
General Practitioner Referral of Patients with Lower Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Springall R G , Todd I P
Published: February 2018

Of 500 consecutive patients with symptoms of colorectal disease referred to a specialist hospital for outpatient assessment, 305 were studied. There was a low incidence of examination by the general practitioner; less than half the patients had a rectal examination and 31% had no examination at all. In cases where GPs made a diagnosis, this was correct in half, which both demonstrates the potential for dangerous misdiagnosis and confirms the fact that many anorectal conditions can be identified by the history alone.

It is suggested that direct-access clinics in a colorectal unit would minimize delay in accurate diagnosis. The resource implications for such a system would be limited in terms of special investigations and additional clinic facilities.
Detection of Alcohol-Induced Fatty Liver by Computerized Tomography
Authors: Allaway S L , Ritchie C D , Robinson D , Seear T , Reznek R , Kelsey Fry I , Thompson G R
Published: February 2018

Computerized tomographic (CT) scanning of the liver was undertaken in 17 occasional and 19 heavy drinkers undergoing health screening. The median attenuation value of the liver (CT number) in occasional drinkers with normal liver function tests was 54.4 compared with 25.9 in the heavy drinkers (P < 0.001). Fourteen of the heavy drinkers had a CT number below the lowest value observed in occasional drinkers with normal liver function, indicating reduced liver density due to fatty change. Serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase was normal in 36% of these individuals. A rise in CT number was observed in 4 out of 5 heavy drinkers who underwent a second scan after decreasing their alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that CT scanning provides a noninvasive and convenient method of screening for a fatty liver, which occurred to a variable degree in over 70% of the men who admitted to regularly taking 8 or more alcoholic drinks per day.
Early Experience of Intraoperative Autotransfusion
Authors: Wilson A J , Cuddigan B J , Wyatt A P
Published: February 2018

Intraoperative autotransfusion of whole blood was performed using the Solcotrans device in 45 patients undergoing major vascular surgery or other procedures in which there was a clean operative field. Overall, 60% of the blood shed during these operations was reinfused. Approximately 50% of patients avoided the potential complications of homologous transfusion. There were no complications attributable to the use of this device although in a sample of 13 patients, 30% of the erythrocytes were haemolysed and there were other minor haematological abnormalities. In conclusion this device provides a simple method of autotransfusing 2 or 3 litres of blood aspirated from an uncontaminated operative field.
The Measurement of Preoperative Anxiety
Authors: Hicks J A , Jenkins J G
Published: February 2018

Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale, multiple affect adjective check list (MAACL) and linear analogue anxiety scale (LAAS) in 100 consecutive day case patients undergoing termination of pregnancy. The HAD scale, a recently introduced self assessment scale comprising 7 multiple choice questions, was readily accepted and easily understood by patients. There was a high degree of correlation between the HAD scale and both the MAACL (correlation coefficient 0.74) and the LAAS (correlation coefficient 0.67). There was only a moderate degree of correlation between the HAD scale and the anaesthetist's assessment of anxiety (correlation coefficient 0.46). The HAD scale is a useful method of subjective measurement of preoperative anxiety.
Cancer Patients: Their Desire for Information and Participation in Treatment Decisions
Authors: Sutherland H J , Llewellyn-Thomas H A , Lockwood G A , Tritchler D L , Till J E
Published: February 2018

The relationship between cancer patients’ desire for information and their preference for participation in decision making has been examined. Approximately 77% of the 52 patients reported that they had participated in decision making to the extent that they wished, while most of the remaining 23% would have preferred an opportunity to have greater input. Although many of the patients actively sought information, a majority preferred the physician to assume the role of the primary decision maker. Ethically, the disclosure of information has been assumed to be necessary for autonomous decision making. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that patients may actively seek information to satisfy an as yet unidentified aspect of psychological autonomy that does not necessarily include participation in decision making.
Prescribing of Benzodiazepines by Casualty Officers
Authors: Nazareth I D , King M B
Published: February 2018

The prescribing of benzodiazepines by casualty officers in a busy district hospital over a three month period was examined by a retrospective review of case notes. Benzodiazepines, mainly diazepam, were given to 1.1% of attenders, the majority of whom had disorders involving minor muscle spasm. The efficacy of diazepam in these conditions, as well as its potential for dependence, is discussed.
Clinical, Biochemical and Histological Responses to Treatment in Polymyositis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lane R J M , Emslie-Smith A , Mosquera I E , Hudgson P
Published: February 2018

Routine methods of monitoring treatment responses in polymyositis patients, such as clinical strength assessments and measurements of ESR and serum creatine kinase, have been compared with functional strength measurements and assay of serum myoglobin levels, in a prospective study of nine cases followed for up to five years. Seven patients also underwent serial muscle biopsies during the first year of treatment in order to document the nature and chronology of histological changes during therapy. Inflammatory and necrobiotic changes indicating active myositis resolved within six months in all cases and no patient developed histological evidence of steroid myopathy. Scores on functional muscle strength assessments improved more slowly than static manual muscle strength test results, reflecting morphometric and architectural abnormalities in the biopsies which persisted throughout the period of observation. Serum creatine kinase levels returned to normal more rapidly than serum myoglobin. No statistical relationship was found between muscle strength measurements and biochemical or histological changes within the patients as a group, but variations in these indices in individual subjects reflected changes in clinical state.
The 1945 St Helena Poliomyelitis Epidemic after 40 Years
Authors: Cross A B
Published: February 2018

Twenty-six of the 28 patients known to have been paralysed by poliomyelitis on St Helena over 40 years ago were traced. All had led fulfilled lives. Nine had since died but no deaths were attributable to the disease. The satisfactory outcome of these people's lives was due to a combination of factors. Initially early diagnosis and immediate appropriate treatment minimized contracture formation. Early intensive rehabilitation and return of the patient in an upright and ambulant position to a caring community established the pattern of their future lives. The later lack of surveillance resulted in six of the patients reverting to crawling and only two still using their calipers. In remote and poor areas appliances where possible should be made and maintained locally.
The Natural History of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Lactation
Authors: Wand J S
Published: February 2018

In a retrospective postal study of 27 women who have developed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the puerperium, the condition was found to affect predominantly elderly primiparous women (mean age 31.5 years). The condition was associated with breastfeeding in 24 women. The three who did not breastfeed had less severe symptoms which resolved within one month of onset. The symptoms developed a mean of 3.5 weeks following delivery, lasted 6.5 months and started to resolve within 14 days of weaning. Symptomatic treatments with either splint-age, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections provided some benefit. Two patients required surgical decompression. All patients were symptom-free by one year.
Evaluation of a ‘DIY’ Test for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tate J J T , Northway J , Royle G T , Taylor I
Published: February 2018

A new type of faecal occult blood test, EZ-Detect™, has been evaluated in 404 patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of colorectal disease. The test avoids handling of stools and gives a result which patients can read themselves - factors which may increase patient compliance. In comparison with the Haemoccult™ test, EZ-Detect has the same sensiti-vity for blood in laboratory conditions. In clinical use 98% of patients expressed a preference for EZ-Detect but it detected significantly fewer patients with cancer than did Haemoccult (P = < 0.05). In its present form, this type of test would be unsuitable for population screening for colorectal cancer even if improved compliance is achieved.
An Investigation into Factors that May Influence Tonsil Morphology
Authors: Crombie I K , Barr G
Published: February 2018

To investigate whether tonsillar size was related to human morphology, age or duration of disease, 100 consecutive patients undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis were investigated. The lengths, widths and volumes of each resected tonsil were measured and compared with patient characteristics ascertained on the day before surgery.

The volume of tonsillar tissue was directly related to height (ρ=0.46, P<0.001) and weight (ρ=0.45, P<0.001) and age, but at any age (or body size) there was a wide range of tonsil size. A weak inverse relationship was found with the duration of recurrent tonsillitis. Tonsil size is of no relevance in the assessment of recurrent tonsillitis or adenoid hypertrophy.
Rectal Cancer after Pelvic Irradiation
Authors: Levitt M D , Millar D M , Stewart J O
Published: February 2018

During a 6 month period in 1988 five women were treated at Colchester General Hospital for carcinoma of the rectum, each more than 10 years after undergoing pelvic irradiation. Although irradiation has not been proven to induce human colorectal cancer, considerable circumstantial and experimental evidence supports this belief. Features suggestive of radiation-induced colorectal cancer are the presence of radiation-damaged bowel adjacent to the carcinoma and a mucus-secreting (‘colloid’) histological pattern.

The increasing number of women being exposed to rectal irradiation in the course of treatment of gynaecological malignancy may result in an increase in the incidence of radiation-induced rectal cancer. Awareness of this potential long-term complication is important when planning follow-up of patients subjected to pelvic radiotherapy.
Antibacterial Properties of Propolis (Bee Glue)
Authors: Grange J M , Davey R W
Published: February 2018

Propolis (bee glue) was found to have antibacterial activity against a range of commonly encountered cocci and Gram-positive rods, including the human tubercle bacillus, but only limited activity against Gram-negative bacilli. These findings confirm previous reports of antimicrobial properties of this material, possibly attributable to its high flavonoid content.
Lymphoproliferative Responses in Recrudescent Orofacial Herpetic Infections
Authors: Vestey J P , Norval M , Howie S E M
Published: February 2018

The relationship between antibody (Ab) and lymphoproliferative responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) and recrudescent orofacial HSV lesions were investigated in 65 patients. All had HSV-specific Ab and cell mediated immune responses (CMIR) demonstrated by ELISA and in vitro lymphoproliferation respectively. Thirteen control subjects were negative in both tests. Thirty-three patients were repeatedly investigated for 6-38 months during which time they suffered 1-8 recrudescences. HSV-induced lymphoproliferation was depressed during recrudescences, rose to a peak several weeks later, and declined slowly to a background level. However, ELISA titres and lymphoproliferative responses to Concanavalin A (Con A) were high throughout and circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets did not change. Depressed lymphoproliferative responses to HSV antigen (Ag) during recrudescences were enhanced by removal of CD8+ cells from PBMC using either a panning technique or cell sorting; re-constitution of CD8+ cells suppressed the HSV-specific lymphoproliferative response. CD8+ cell depletion affected neither HSV-induced lymphoproliferation recrudescence, nor lymphoproliferative responses to another Ag (PPD) during recrudescence. Depressed HSV-induced lymphoproliferation during recrudescences might thus be due to CD8+ suppressor T cell (Ts) function rather than low numbers of circulating lymphocytes. Suppression or delay of normal CMIR to asymptomatic recurrent epidermal HSV infection by Ts might allow development of recrudescent HSV lesions.
Surgical Procedures in Patients at Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Wakeman R , Johnson C D , Wastell C
Published: February 2018

We have studied the outcome of 140 general surgical procedures in 112 patients known or suspected to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus. Forty patients had antibodies to HIV. A wide range of surgical procedures was performed, with an overall complication rate of 5.7%. Wound infection, wound haematoma and one unexplained pyrexia were the only complications seen. Some anorectal wounds in patients with HIV antibodies were noted to heal extremely slowly, but the aggressive anorectal sepsis reported by others was not seen. The postoperative course after general surgical procedures was unremarkable in patients with HIV antibodies, and in those suspected of HIV infection, but because anorectal wounds were found to heal slowly, we recommend that anorectal surgery be conservative in patients with HIV antibodies.
Assessment of Chronic Snorers
Authors: Golding-Wood D G , Brockbank M J , Swanston A R , Croft C B
Published: February 2018

Snorers represent a heterogenous group that require adequate assessment before recommending surgical treatment. There are unfortunately no specific features either in the history or physical examination that might predict those chronic snorers with obstructive sleep apnoea. We have used trained observation together with pulse oximetry (‘sleep screening’) and fibreoptic nasendoscopy with Muller manoeuvre in our unit to assess snorers. This combination is a reliable means of distinguishing apnoeic patients from simple snorers and determining the level of the obstructing segment. We report our experience in using these methods in the management of 71 chronic snorers. We stress the value of conservative management, and emphasize that obesity, habitual alcohol ingestion and nasal obstruction should be corrected before embarking on pharyngeal surgery.
Role of Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Suspected Sacroiliac Joint Disease
Authors: Fewins H E , Whitehouse G H , Bucknall R C
Published: February 2018

Computed tomography (CT) was compared with plain radiography in 41 examinations of selected patients with a clinical history suggestive of sacroiliac joint disease.

The obliquity of the sacroiliac joints renders radiographic interpretation difficult. In the 41 cases who were examined with standard anteroposterior and posteroanterior radiographs of the sacroiliac joints, four were normal, eight abnormal and 29 were equivocal. Equivocal findings included indistinct and possibly irregular articular margins to the joints and subarticular sclerosis. Of the 29 equivocal studies, nine were normal on CT and 20 were abnormal.

CT demonstrated definite changes of sacroiliac joint disease in 29 of the 41 examinations, 16 of which were sacroiliitis and 13 osteoarthritis. With plain radiography four of the eight abnormal studies were consistent with sacroiliitis, and four with osteoarthritis. It is concluded that CT is more sensitive than plain radiography in the evaluation of sacroiliac joint disease, and is especially valuable when there are equivocal plain radiographs.
Goethe's Ottilie: An early 19th century description of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Bhanji S , Jolles F E F , Jolles R A S
Published: February 2018

The view that the prevalence of anorexia nervosa is influenced by social attitudes and customs is a popular one. Unfortunately the scarcity of medical accounts prior to the later decades of the last century make it difficult if not impossible to estimate the prevalence of anorexia nervosa at various periods in history. The authors present the history of one of Goethe's literary heroines and suggest that similar studies could throw some light on the epidemiology of anorexia nervosa in the past.
Use of Bacteriology in Anorectal Sepsis as an Indicator of Anal Fistula: Experience in a District General Hospital
Authors: Nicholls G , Heaton N D , Lewis A M
Published: February 2018

The bacteriology of anorectal sepsis in a district general hospital has been reviewed to see whether the information gained helped patient management. Forty-six patients with anorectal sepsis were reviewed, underlying fistulas were identified in nine patients (19.5%). Bacteroides species were not routinely subtyped in the department. It was found that isolation of unspecified Bacteroides species was not helpful in identifying those patients with underlying fistulas. Unless subtyping of Bacteroides species is specifically requested, pus from anorectal sepsis should not routinely be sent for bacteriology.
Sexual Relationships between Doctors and Patients
Authors: Fisher Nigel , Fahy Thomas
Published: February 2018

‘In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional illdoing and seduction, and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men be they free or with slaves.’

Hippocratic Oath
Bone Scan Appearances after Uncemented Hip Replacement
Authors: Ashbrooke A B , Calvert P T
Published: February 2018

Persistent increased uptake on a technetium bone scan after a cemented hip replacement usually indicates pathology, either loosening or infection. The natural history of scan appearances in uncemented replacements is different and can be predicted from a plain X-ray. The diagnostic value of a bone scan is therefore questionable when investigating pain after uncemented hip replacement.
Accident Proneness and Illness Proneness: A Review
Authors: Engel H O
Published: February 2018

Accident proneness may be an episodic or a lifelong disability. It is suggested that many of the chronically accident prone individuals are the same as those prone to recurrent organic illnesses, that is they suffer from a congenital ‘diathesis’.
Endoscopic Insertion of Celestin Tubes in Carcinoma of the Oesophagus
Authors: Beynon J , Winston T , Thompson M H
Published: February 2018

‘Carcinoma of the oesophagus is by no means uncommon, and few conditions are more distressing. If left to himself the patient has nothing to look forward to but death by slow starvation … The problem of his relief is the purely mechanical one of relieving his obstruction.’

Sir Henry S Souttar 1924
Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Uncemented Total Hip Replacement Surgery–a One-Year Follow-up of 490 Patients
Authors: Wittmann P H , Wittmann F W , Ring P A
Published: February 2018

A retrospective study of the morbidity and mortality from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) in 490 consecutive patients undergoing uncemented total hip replacement was carried out in a district general hospital. Special diagnostic tests for DVT and PE were not available. Patients were followed up for one year. There were three deaths in hospital and eight further deaths during the first year, all unrelated to DVT and PE. The clinical incidence of venous thromboembolism was 2.04%. While clinical diagnosis of venous thromboembolic disease probably underestimates its incidence, the figures for mortality are accurate. With every patient accounted for one year after operation, there were no deaths attributable to PE in this series.
Children's Psychological Health Status–the Impact of Liver Transplantation: A Review
Authors: Bradford R
Published: February 2018

Medical audit needs to encompass physical, psychological and social aspects to patient functioning. The aim of this paper is to review the psychosocial impact of liver transplantation on children and their families. Evidence suggests that end stage liver diseases are associated with developmental delays. Emotional and behavioural problems are common and have been found to relate to the child's developmental status, physical appearance as well as family functioning. Post transplant, children and families often experience an exacerbation of preexisting emotional problems. One year post transplant, children typically show continuing developmental delays. Longer term assessments of quality of life suggest that children may experience fewer hospital contacts and that over time psychological difficulties reduce. Many families continue to experience problems in normalizing their interactions within and outside the family. The findings demonstrate the importance of including psychosocial outcomes in auditing the efficacy of medical interventions.
Teenage Pregnancy: Doubts, Uncertainties and Psychiatric Disturbance
Authors: Maskey Sean
Published: February 2018

Fifty-two pregnant teenagers were assessed at ‘booking’ using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 28), a locus of control scale, and five visual analogue ‘attitude scales’. Thirty-eight were in the antenatal and 14 in the termination clinic. One quarter had probable psychiatric disorder on the GHQ. The GHQ scores correlated significantly with indecision about the planned outcome of pregnancy (whether termination or full term). Locus of control correlated with the Depression scale of the GHQ but not with attitude to pregnancy or choice of termination or delivery. Clinic staff should be alert to the psychiatric risks when seeing teenagers who have marked doubts about their plans when pregnant.
Cadaver Studies of the Anatomy of Arterial Supply to the Inferior Turbinates
Authors: Padgham Nigel , Vaughan-Jones Richard
Published: February 2018

The anatomy of the arterial supply of the inferior turbinate was studied by dissection and serial histological sections. The arrangement was found to be constant, with a single main descending branch of the sphenopalatine artery entering its substance from above, 1–1.5 cm from its posterior border. This artery branches as it passes forwards within the turbinate, remaining close to the bone. As these pass anteriorly they give rise to arterial arcades which remain close to or within the bone, with the main artery increasing in diameter. The implications of these findings are discussed in a surgical context.
Modeling the Evaluation Process in a Public Controversy
Authors: Dionne Karl-Emanuel , Mailhot Chantale , Langley Ann
Published: February 2018

Public controversies have attracted increasing attention in the organization studies literature. They emerge when critical issues are not defined and understood in the same way by different stakeholders, influencing the way they evaluate the worth of other actors, objects, and situations. In this paper, we show how the “orders of worth” perspective of Boltanski and Thévenot may throw light on the evolution of an evaluation process occurring during a public controversy. In particular, we study the Quebec student conflict of 2011 and 2012 that followed a proposed major increase in higher education tuition fees. We conducted an in-depth case study based on media coverage of the actions and discourses of the major actors to examine how objects and actions associated with a controversy are successively defined, redefined, and evaluated over time through a series of tests of worth. Our article contributes to the organizational literature on public controversies by drawing attention to the role of six types of evaluative moves in situations of controversy, and by offering an abductively developed model for understanding the evaluation process as it evolves over time. We suggest that actors, through these evaluative moves, may displace the object of a test, and therefore the foci for evaluation, through actions intended to bolster their positions.
Mothers’ Time and Relationship With Their Adolescent Children: The Intersecting Influence of Family Structure and Maternal Labor Force Participation
Authors: Lemmon Megan , Patterson Sarah E. , Martin Molly A.
Published: February 2018

We investigate whether the anticipated risks of increasing maternal work hours for mother–adolescent relationships differ across family structures: Do intensive mothering norms exacerbate these risks particularly for mothers in two-parent biological families or does their partners’ greater involvement significantly mitigate these risks? We predict mothers’ accessible time, engaged time, and the quality of their relationship with their adolescent children using the National Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Although the association between mothers’ labor force participation and mothers’ accessible time is significantly weaker in stepfather families relative to two-parent biological families, family structure does not moderate the associations between mothers’ labor force participation and mother’s engaged time or the quality of her relationship with her adolescent. We conclude that mothers face strong normative pressure to privilege their relationship with their child even in the face of long work hours and weaker family support.
Handle with Care
Authors: Micheli Giuseppe A.
Published: February 2018

While exploring the map of European family models, this essay aims to appraise the robustness of the category of “transitional zone,” that is, the intermediary area between Eastern and Western Europe, reinterpreting it as a typology of regions with a common transition period from monolithic complex forms to multifaceted societies, where the “simple”/“stem” family gradually prevails. While an intermediate value in a scale does not elucidate anything new, an “intermediate” type in a typology approach is endowed with its own semantic space. The author pinpoints some critical issues in a “gradient-dependent” approach. Gradients are not typologies, and reasoning by gradients generates unanticipated effects. Typologies of family patterns can be inserted into three-dimensional space, and a meta-analysis of narration can add precious value. Last but not least, a map of European family systems must have historical depth. As a consequence, the author draws two time-lagged fault lines and two corresponding “transitional zones” in between. From this standpoint, the idea of transition should be viewed within the historical period of change from “joint” to “simple” family systems, in the broad sense of the terms.
The Benefits of Teleworking in the Public Sector: Reality or Rhetoric?
Authors: de Vries Hanna , Tummers Lars , Bekkers Victor
Published: February 2018

Many public organizations implement teleworking: an organizational innovation expected to improve the working conditions of public servants. However, it is unclear to what extent teleworking is beneficial for public servants. This study adds to the literature by studying the effects of teleworking on a day-to-day basis. We used a daily diary methodology and followed public servants across five consecutive working days. Studies that apply a daily survey method are more accurate than cross-sectional measures because they reduce recall bias. The results highlight that public servants experience quite negative effects from teleworking, including greater professional isolation and less organizational commitment on the days that they worked entirely from home. Contrary to predictions, working from home did not affect work engagement. We also found that higher leader–member exchange (LMX) reduced the impact of teleworking on professional isolation. These findings not only contribute to the literature by showing the unfavorable effects of teleworking but also highlight that LMX can, to some extent, reduce these negative effects.
A Typology of Web Survey Paradata for Assessing Total Survey Error
Authors: McClain Colleen A. , Couper Mick P. , Hupp Andrew L. , Keusch Florian , Peterson Gregg , Piskorowski Andrew D. , West Brady T.
Published: February 2018

This article reviews the existing literature on the collection of paradata in web surveys and extends the research in this area beyond the commonly studied measurement error problem to paradata that can be collected for managing and mitigating other important sources of error. To do so, and in keeping with the nature of paradata as process-oriented, we develop a typology of web survey paradata that incorporates information from all steps in the web survey process. We first define web survey paradata and describe general phases of paradata that run parallel to the steps in fielding a typical web survey. Within each phase, we enumerate several errors within the total survey error paradigm that can be examined with paradata, discussing case studies and motivating examples that illustrate innovative uses of paradata across the web survey process. We conclude with a discussion of open questions and opportunities for further work in this area. Overall, we develop this typology keeping technological advancements at the center of our discussion, but with flexibility to continuously incorporate new developments and trends in both technology and study design. Our typology encourages researchers to think about paradata as tools that can be used to investigate a broader range of outcomes than previously studied.
Health, Social, and Functional Characteristics of Older Adults With Continuing Care Needs: Implications for Integrated Care
Authors: Brown Cara L. , Menec Verena
Published: February 2018

Objective: To identify older adults who could benefit from integrated care, we examined (a) health, social, and functional characteristics of older, hospitalized adults who required continuing care on discharge and (b) associations between these characteristics and potentially unnecessary health care use. Method: Personal characteristics were extracted from patient charts ( N = 214) and examined in relation to three outcomes: discharge to institutional care, unnecessary hospital stay (alternative level of care), and long hospital stay. Results: Twenty-nine percent of the sample was discharged to an institution, 32.7% was coded as alternate level of care, and 27.6% had a long length of stay. Independent predictors of potentially avoidable health care use were mental and behavioral issues, living alone, functional status, and preadmission concerns about the patient managing in the community. Discussion: High users of health care services were identifiable prior to hospital admission, supporting the use of community-based integrated care approaches.
Successful Treatment of a Persistent Oroantral Fistula via Transbuccal and Transnasal Endoscopic Debridement in a Horse
Authors: Nottrott Knut , Guio Cécile De , Schramme Michael
Published: February 2018

We report an unusual case of a young Quarter Horse with a large dental fracture fragment displaced into the maxillary sinus, leaving an oroantral communication that caused food impaction and metaplastic calcification in the sinus and facial deformation with cutaneous fistulation. Oral extraction of a remaining tooth fragment from its alveolus was succeeded by a maxillary sinusotomy for removal of the abnormal sinus contents. Since the oroantral fistula did not heal spontaneously following the placement of a silicone dental prosthesis, minimally invasive transbuccal and transnasal endoscopic approaches were used to encourage closure of the oroantral fistula by alveolar granulation. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of this case may be helpful to clinicians when dealing with similar cases.
Geometrically nonlinear buckling analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced cylindrical panels resting on Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation
Authors: Thang Pham Toan
Published: February 2018

This paper deals with geometrically nonlinear buckling analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced (FG-CNTR) cylindrical panels. The FG-CNTR cylindrical panel is assumed to be rested on the Winkler–Pasternak elastic foundation and subjected to uniform pressure. In the FG-CNTR cylindrical panel model, uniform and three distributions of carbon nanotubes, which are graded in the thickness direction of the panel, are considered. Effective properties of materials of the panels reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes are estimated through a micromechanical model based on the extended rule of mixtures. Governing equilibrium equations of the FG-CNTRC cylindrical panel are obtained based on the classical shell theory and considering the von Karman geometrically nonlinearity and initial geometric imperfection. A closed form of the resulting stability equations is established via the Galekin procedure to obtain the buckling load–deflection relations in case of simply supported boundary condition. In the numerical results section, the exactness of formulation is validated by comparing the obtained results with those reported in the open database. Then, a comprehensive investigation into the influence of carbon nanotube volume fraction, carbon nanotube distribution rule, imperfection parameter, elastic foundation as well as the geometry parameters on the nonlinear buckling behaviors of the FG-CNTRC cylindrical panels is discussed in detail.
Design and optimization of a novel rescue end-effector
Authors: Wang Chunrong , Zhao Jing , Xia Erdong
Published: February 2018

This paper describes the design of a novel multi-functional rescue end-effector with tonging, shearing and grasping capabilities to meet the demands of urban catastrophe rescue applications. The tonging and shearing form and the grasping form of the end-effector are analysed. The two forms are determined using the transformations of their grasping mechanisms. Four objectives (to maximize shearing space, minimize mass, minimize the equivalent stress and minimize deformation) are proposed for selection of the optimal grasping mechanism structure. Additional objectives also involve the end-effector’s structural strength and kinematic characteristics. A nested optimization structure that is composed of the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and finite element analysis is proposed to perform multi-domain and multi-objective optimization of the end-effector. To improve the optimization efficiency, a traditional synthesis technique and a sensitivity analysis are applied to reduce the outer and inner numbers of the design variables. Simulation results indicate that the values of the four target objectives are superior to those before optimization and two referenced objectives, and the end-effector mass in particular, can evidently be reduced.
Analysis of the influence of train load characteristics on the water damage of slab tracks
Authors: Cao Shihao , Yang Rongshan , Deng Shijie , Li Jiali , Xu Jiaduo , Wu Mengyao , Zhao Huawei , Liu Xueyi
Published: February 2018

High-speed train load is one of the main factors that causes the failure of a slab track and is also the direct cause for producing water pressure in the cracks. Hence, choosing the right loading method is the key to analyze the water damage of slab tracks. In order to identify the distribution characteristics of the vertical force acting on the slab track, the analytic expression of fastener load was derived, and the field test was conducted to verify the theoretical model. According to the distribution characteristics of fastener load and the area of crack filled with water, the loading method was presented to analyze the water damage of slab tracks, and the influence of loading characteristics on the hydrodynamic pressure and crack propagation was analyzed. The results show that the distribution of fastener load in the main affected zone approximately accords with the Gaussian distribution under the single wheel load. When under the action of double wheels, the superimposed effect makes the second derivative of the loading function to increase by 99.93%. The superimposed effect of three or more wheels is less than 1% and can be ignored. Considering that the hydrodynamic pressure is highly sensitive to the second derivative of loading function, the load applied on the track slab should be in the form of a bogie, and different loads should be applied step by step based on the time series. The distribution of hydrodynamic pressure along the crack is approximately equal to the cubic polynomial, and the pressure peak appears at the crack tip. Also, the pressure is proportional to the square of the running speed of the train. In the region with abundant rainwater and a poor drainage system, reducing the train speed and taking timely measures such as grouting can effectively reduce the water damage of slab tracks.
MethodCompare: An R package to assess bias and precision in method comparison studies
Authors: Taffé Patrick , Peng Mingkai , Stagg Victoria , Williamson Tyler
Published: February 2018

Bland and Altman’s limits of agreement have been used in many clinical research settings to assess agreement between two methods of measuring a quantitative trait. However, when the variances of the measurement errors of the two methods are different, limits of agreement can be misleading. MethodCompare is an R package that implements a new statistical methodology, developed by Taffé in 2016. MethodCompare produces three new plots, the “bias plot”, the “precision plot”, and the “comparison plot” to visually evaluate the performance of the new measurement method against the reference method. The method is illustrated on three simulated examples. Note that the Taffé method assumes that there are several measurements from reference standard and possibly as few as one measurement from the new method for each individual.
Sample size determination for semiparametric analysis of current status data
Authors: Wen Chi-Chung , Chen Yi-Hau
Published: February 2018

Semiparametric transformation models, which include the Cox proportional hazards and proportional odds models as special cases, are popular in current practice of survival analysis owing to that, in contrast to parametric models, no assumption on the baseline distribution is required. Although sample size calculations for semiparametric survival analysis with right-censored data are available, no such calculation exits in literature for semiparametric analysis with current status data, where only an examination time and whether the event occurs prior to the examination are observable. We develop sample size calculation for semiparametric two-group comparison or regression analysis with current status data. The proposed formula can be readily implemented with given effect size, power level, covariate group proportions, covariate-specific examination (censoring) time distributions, and proportions of events observed in the control group at a few knot points in the study period. Simulation results show that the proposed sample size calculation is adequate in the sense that it leads to studies with empirical power very close to the planned power level. We illustrate practical applications of the proposal through examples from an animal tumorigenicity study and a cross-sectional survey on osteoporosis status in the elderly.
Avoiding Social Risk in Adolescence
Authors: Blakemore Sarah-Jayne
Published: February 2018

Adolescence is a period of life often characterized by behaviors that, prima facie, are irrational, such as seemingly excessive risk taking and impulsivity. However, these behaviors can be interpreted as adaptive and rational if one considers that a key developmental goal of this period of life is to mature into an independent adult in the context of a social world that is unstable and changing. It is proposed that for adolescents, the social risk of being rejected by peers outweighs other potentially negative outcomes of decisions, such as threats to one’s health or the prospect of getting caught. Furthermore, peer influence in adolescence can lead to prosocial as well as antisocial behaviors. Neurocognitive mechanisms of peer influence include the social reward of being accepted by one’s peer group, arousal, and increased mentalizing, which is associated with development of the social brain network. The findings from cognitive neuroscience and developmental psychology studies fit with recent public health evidence that the opinions of peers are particularly important to adolescents in areas such as school antibullying and antismoking campaigns.