bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manage Your Money, Be Satisfied? Money Management Practices and Financial Satisfaction of Couples Through the Lens of Gender
Authors: Kulic Nevena , Minello Alessandra , Zella Sara
Published: December 2019

There is a difference between who brings in income, who spends and manages money, and who finally benefits. All these aspects are important in determining how satisfied spouses are with their individual financial situation. Relying on Swiss Household Panel (SHP) data from 2004 to 2013 (N = 1,810 couples), this assumption is tested by analyzing how women’s relative income and the management of economic resources within couples affect women’s and men’s financial satisfaction in the household. Results show that a change in the composition of total income in favor of women directly increases their financial satisfaction and net of household income, while men’s financial satisfaction increases up to the point at which women earn more than one third of the total income. Money management regimes serve as an important additional tool in creating and compensating for (dis) advantage between partners. The results are discussed in the context of traditional gender norms in the Swiss Society.
Expert consensus on the conservative management of patients with chronic venous disease in CEAP clinical classes C0s-C3 in Italy
Authors: Vitale Cristiana , Lucchi Massimo , Bissacco Daniele , Bilancini Salvino , D’Abate Fabrizio , Santoliquido Angelo
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To define a consensual approach for the conservative treatment of patients C0s-C3.

Method

The project was structured into two phases. The first one involved a group of Italian specialists in angiology and/or vascular surgery with the aim to compare their therapeutic choices in the management of patients in CEAP C0s-C3. The second phase used a Delphi consensus in order to elaborate practical statements on the conservative management of these patients.

Results

The first phase involved a group of 166 Italian specialists while the second phase involved a Steering Committee of 6 specialists and a panel of 20 specialists. At the end of the third round, a consensus >80% was reached on seven assertions.

Conclusion

Seven statements have been drafted by a group of Italian specialists to provide physicians with practical guidance for the conservative treatment of C0s-C3 patients. Outstanding issues on the management of these patients were identified, confirming the urgent need of further research.
Low-dose apatinib monotherapy in advanced chemotherapy-refractory small cell lung cancer: a case series and literature review
Authors: Liu Ying-ying , Chen Tao , Shen Dan , Zhang Wei-yun , Wang Chang-guo , Jiang Jun-hong , Zeng Da-xiong
Published: December 2019

The therapeutic regimen for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has changed little in the past several decades. Apatinib is a small molecule inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 tyrosine kinase. Apatinib has demonstrated efficacy against advanced gastric cancer and breast cancer, and recent studies have also reported its successful use in non-SCLC; however, its efficacy in SCLC remains unclear. In this study, we used apatinib as salvage therapy for chemotherapy-refractory SCLC. Five male patients with advanced SCLC were administered oral apatinib (250 mg/day) as 2nd- to 4th-line treatment. One patient showed a partial response to apatinib, one showed stable disease, and three patients showed progressive disease. The progression-free survival durations in the patients with stable disease and partial response were 1.5 and 3 months, respectively. Only three patients showed adverse effects, including mild hypertension, vomiting, and hand–foot syndrome, respectively, all of which were manageable. Apatinib might thus be a salvage option in patients with advanced SCLC after chemotherapy.
Investigation into imbalance of Th1/Th2 cells in cirrhotic, hypersplenic rats
Authors: Lv Yunfu , Li Yejuan , Liu Ning , Dong Yonghong , Deng Jie
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the Th1/Th2 cell profile in spleens of cirrhotic and hypersplenic rats by investigating the expression of Th1-associated chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR5 and Th2-associated chemokine receptor CCR3.

Methods

Experimental liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism were induced in rats by the intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 40% solution [0.3 ml/100g, twice/week for 8 weeks]) and confirmed by pathology and hemogram. Presence of the three chemokine receptors was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining, and western blot analysis.

Results

By comparison with control animals (n=10), RT-PCR demonstrated that CXCR3 and CCR5-mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the hypersplenic rats (n=26) and CCR3-mRNA levels were lower. Immunohistochemical staining showed that by comparison with controls, the mean density of the Th1-associated CXCR3 and CCR5 receptors was significantly increased but there was no difference between groups in Th2-associated CCR3 receptors. Western blot analysis showed that by comparison with controls, hypersplenic rats had higher levels of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein but lower levels of CCR3 protein.

Conclusions

The abnormal expression of Th1-associated chemokine receptors in spleens of rats with cirrhosis and hypersplenism induced by CCL4 suggests that a functional imbalance between Th1/Th2 cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypersplenism.
Femoral trochanteric fracture: PFNA spiral blade placement with the aid of an angler
Authors: Yu Ye , Pan Keliang , Wang Gangxiang
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the effect of angler-assisted proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) spiral blade fixation in treating femoral trochanteric fractures.

Methods

Patients who underwent angler-assisted PFNA screw blade fixation (angler-assisted group), or conventional internal fixation-intramedullary nailing (traditional surgery group) were included. Intraoperative indicators and treatment effects data were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between the angler-assisted group ( n = 27) and traditional surgery group ( n = 28) regarding surgery duration (71.24 ± 8.01 min versus 81.50 ± 11.56 min), number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images (7.28 ± 0.91 versus 12.83 ± 1.55), and surgical bleeding volume (88.80 ± 7.98 ml versus 121.11 ± 27.21 ml). Rates of one-time intramedullary pin puncture for internal fixation in the angler-assisted and traditional surgery groups were 92.59% (25/27) and 32.14% (9/28), respectively. At 1 year following surgery, fractures in both groups had healed without internal fixation failure or fracture displacement failure. Harris hip function scores were 90.68 ± 4.23 (angler-assisted group) versus 81.69 ± 5.85 (traditional surgery group).

Conclusions

Angler-assisted intramedullary nailing with PFNA spiral blade provides good spiral blade positioning, low internal fixation failure rate, low fluoroscopy, short surgery time, and low bleeding volume. Hip function was well restored.
Social distance mediates the association between fear of infection and better-off-dead beliefs about people living with HIV
Authors: Huang Jiasheng , Shum Yuen Yee , Zhang Jianxin , Yu Nancy Xiaonan
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The better-off-dead belief, the idea that death is preferable for people living with human immunodeficiency virus, is a highly devaluing attitude, but little is known about its determinants among the general population. Guided by the instrumental model of stigma, this study examined the contributive roles of fear of infection and social distance to this stigmatizing belief.

Methods

A total of 304 Chinese university students recruited in Guangzhou and Hong Kong responded to questionnaires assessing the better-off-dead belief, fear of infection and social distance. Structural equation modelling was used to test associations among the variables.

Results

Fear of infection and social distance were associated with higher levels of the better-off-dead belief. Social distance mediated the association between fear of infection and the better-off-dead belief.

Conclusions

Fear of infection and social distance are determinants of the better-off-dead belief, with social distance serving as a mediator. This study highlights the importance of addressing fear and avoidance in future public health efforts to reduce the prevalence of the better-off-dead belief.
Pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery caused by proximal femoral nail antirotation following intertrochanteric fracture: a case report
Authors: Ren Cheng , Wang Qian , Ma Teng , Li Zhong , Yuan Huijun , Huang Yan , Xue Hanzhong , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2019

Pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery is a very rare complication of intertrochanteric fracture. Here, the case of an 88-year-old female patient, who presented with intense pain following surgery for intertrochanteric fracture of the femur, is reported. Radiography revealed intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur fixed by proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). The PFNA was found to have disassembled, and the screw had penetrated through the acetabulum. As computed tomography (CT) revealed a haematoma behind the acetabulum, CT angiography was immediately performed. A pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery caused by PFNA was revealed. Percutaneous endovascular treatment of the pseudoaneurysm was undertaken on an urgent basis. Three days later, the PFNA was removed, and the fracture was reduced and fixed with locking proximal femoral plate. The patient’s pain was significantly reduced following this corrective surgery. This case illustrates that substandard PFNA surgery for intertrochanteric fracture may result in pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery.
Reproductive outcome of a complete septate uterus after hysteroscopic metroplasty
Authors: Wang Zhenhong , An Jian , Su Yanzhao , Liu Chaobin , Lin Shunhe , Zhang Jinna , Xie Xi
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive outcomes of patients who underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty for correction of a complete septate uterus.

Methods

The study population comprised 92 women with complete septate uteri. Hysteroscopic metroplasty and laparoscopy were performed simultaneously in these patients. The postoperative reproductive outcome of each patient was evaluated.

Results

In the primary infertility group, there were 32 (40%) pregnancies. In the abortion group, the number of miscarriages decreased from 68 (94.44%) to 5 (10.42%), while the number of live births increased from 1 (1.39%) to 42 (87.50%) after resection compared with before resection. The cumulative probability of pregnancy and that of live-birth pregnancy in the abortion group were significantly higher than those in the primary infertility group after surgery. Furthermore, resection of the cervical septum resulted in a significantly higher cumulative probability of live birth compared with preservation of the cervical septum.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopic uterine metroplasty may improve the reproductive performance of a septate uterus. Resection of the cervical septum may increase the probability of a live-birth pregnancy for patients with a cervical septum, and this procedure could be recommended for cases of a complete uterine septum.
Tsunamis and rapid coastal remodeling: Linking energy and fractal dimension
Authors: Donadio Carlo , Paliaga Guido , Radke John D
Published: December 2019

Tsunamis are one of several processes that contribute to coastal remodeling. This research interpreted geomorphic features over time to better understand if a relationship exists between the flash remodeling of coasts, expressed by bidimensional-fractal dimensions, and known tsunami energy. Fractal geometry analysis, through the box-counting and correlation integral methods, was applied to the physiography of four oceanic coastlands: three in Sumatra, Indonesia, and one in Japan, hit by tsunamis in the last 14 years. Their shoreline fractal dimensions before and after the events and the present-day ones were calculated and compared. Results highlighted any difference or convergence of calculated fractal dimensions. Significant numerical variations of fractal dimensions of the shores before and after each tsunami were registered, and those values gradually decreased post-tsunami. These shorelines, considered stable before tsunamis, increased in physiographic irregularity up to 5–11% immediately after the phenomena; this slowly diminished to 2–5% about 8 to 15 years later; and finally to 3–6% present-day, compared to the pre-event shorelines. Considering these changes of the fractal dimension and the hydrodynamic energy of the tsunami, responsible for the abrupt coastal remodeling, a simple empirical expression and evaluation of the residual resilience is proposed. As a first step, a real physical meaning, in terms of energy, is attributed to the (dimensionless) fractal dimension.
Different clinical phenotypes of persistent post-traumatic headache exhibit distinct sensory profiles
Authors: Levy Dan , Gruener Hila , Riabinin Miri , Feingold Yelena , Schreiber Shaul , Pick Chaim G , Defrin Ruth
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Persistent post-traumatic headache remains a poorly understood clinical entity. Although there are currently no accepted therapies for persistent post-traumatic headache, its clinical symptoms, which primarily resemble those of migraine or tension-type headache, often serve to guide treatment. However, evidence-based justification for this treatment approach remains lacking given the paucity of knowledge regarding the characteristics of these two major persistent post-traumatic headache phenotypes and their etiology.

Methods

We compared clinical features and quantitative sensory testing profiles between two distinct cohorts of persistent post-traumatic headache subjects that exhibited symptoms resembling either migraine (n = 15) or tension-type headache (n = 13), as well as to headache-free subjects that had suffered traumatic brain injury (n = 19), and to healthy controls (n = 10). We aimed to determine whether the two persistent post-traumatic headache subgroups could be discriminated based on additional clinical features, distinct quantitative sensory testing profiles, or the interaction of pain severity with the level of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Results

Persistent post-traumatic headache subjects with migraine-like symptoms reported that bright light and focused attention aggravated their pain, while stress and nervousness were reported to aggravate the headache in subjects with tension-type headache-like symptoms. Quietness was better in alleviating migraine-like persistent post-traumatic headache, while anti-inflammatory medications provided better relief in tension-type headache-like persistent post-traumatic headache. The two persistent post-traumatic headache subgroups exhibited distinct quantitative sensory testing profiles with subjects exhibiting tension-type headache-like persistent post-traumatic headache displaying a more pronounced cephalic and extracephalic thermal hypoalgesia that was accompanied by cephalic mechanical hyperalgesia. While both persistent post-traumatic headache subgroups had high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, there was a positive correlation with pain severity in subjects with tension-type headache-like symptoms, but a negative correlation in subjects with migraine-like symptoms.

Conclusions

Distinct persistent post-traumatic headache symptoms and quantitative sensory testing profiles may be linked to different etiologies, potentially involving various levels of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and if confirmed in a larger cohort, could be used to further characterize and differentiate between persistent post-traumatic headache subgroups in studies aimed to improve treatment.
Associations of Preoperative Patient Mental Health and Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics With Baseline Pain, Function, and Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Rotator Cuff Repairs
Authors: Sahoo Sambit , Ricchetti Eric T. , Zajichek Alexander ,   Cleveland Clinic Shoulder Group, Evans Peter J. , Farrow Lutul D. , McCoy Brett W. , Jones Morgan H. , Miniaci Anthony A. , Sabesan Vani J. , Schickendantz Mark S. , Seitz William H. , Spindler Kurt P. , Stearns Kim L. , Strnad Greg , Turan Alparslan , Entezari Vahid , Imrey Peter B. , Iannotti Joseph P. , Derwin Kathleen A.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Shoulder pain and dysfunction are common indications for rotator cuff repair surgery, yet the factors that are associated with these symptoms are not fully understood.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to investigate the associations of patient and disease-specific factors with baseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. We hypothesized that tear size and mental health status, as assessed by the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey mental component score (VR-12 MCS), would be associated with baseline total Penn Shoulder Score (PSS) and its pain, function, and satisfaction subscale scores.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We prospectively identified 12 patient factors and 12 disease-specific factors as possible statistical predictors for baseline PROMs in patients undergoing surgical repair of superior-posterior rotator cuff tears at a single institution over a 3-year period. Multivariable statistical modeling and Akaike information criterion comparisons were used to investigate the unique associations with, and relative importance of, these factors in accounting for variation in baseline PSS and its subscale scores.

Results:

A total of 1442 patients who had undergone surgery by 23 surgeons met inclusion criteria, with a baseline median total PSS of 38.5 (pain, 12; function, 24.2; satisfaction, 2). Adjusted R2 in multivariable models demonstrated that the 24 general patient and disease-specific factors accounted for 22% to 24% of the variability in total PSS and its pain and function subscale scores. Large/massive tear size was significantly associated with worse PSS total score and function score but not pain or satisfaction scores. Lower VR-12 MCS was significantly associated with worse total PSS and all 3 subscale scores. Among other factors significantly associated with baseline PROMs were sex, race, preoperative opioid use, years of education, employment status, acromion status, and adhesive capsulitis. Lower VR-12 MCS, preoperative opioid use, female sex, and black race were the factors most strongly associated with baseline PROMs.

Conclusion:

Large/massive tear size, lower VR-12 MCS, and several additional patient and disease-specific factors are associated with baseline PROMs in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. Further studies are needed to investigate whether these factors will also predict poor postoperative PROMs.
Switching to Self-Employed When Heading for Retirement
Authors: Axelrad Hila , Tur-Sinai Aviad
Published: December 2019

Self-employment allows individuals to extend their working lives instead of accepting forced retirement. This study examines transitions to self-employment after age 50 but before retirement age. The study is based on data from Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), in which 16,412 people from 18 countries contributed 24,583 observations. Multilevel analyses were used; the data were pooled into one dataset, in which individuals (first-level variables) were nested within countries (second-level variables). The results reveal that few employees choose to switch to self-employment between age 50 and retirement. Characteristics such as health limitations, marital status, and national unemployment rates affect these employees’ decisions to become self-employed. Given the wage gaps between salaried employees and self-employed and the few employment opportunities available to salaried employees after they reach the official retirement age, the transition to self-employment is a solution for those who need sources of income or wish to remain active after retirement age.
Frailty Is Associated With Early Hospital Readmission in Older Medical Patients
Authors: Stillman Gary R. , Stillman Andrew N. , Beecher Michael S.
Published: December 2019

Given the pervasiveness of frailty and its negative effects on health care–related outcomes, we evaluated patient frailty and comorbidity and determined the relationship between these measures and the probability of early readmission and length of hospital stay. Our retrospective analysis includes 435 patients evaluated using the Reported Edmonton Frailty Scale and the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index. We found that frailty as measured by the Reported Edmonton Frailty Scale was a significant predictor of hospital readmission and length of stay, and frailty outperformed the explanatory power of our comorbidity metric. One unit of increase in the Reported Edmonton Frailty Scale increased the odds of readmission by a factor of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.04, 1.20]), and an increase of 10 units tripled the odds of readmission (odds ratio = 3.02, 95% CI: [1.48, 6.24]). These findings underscore the importance of prompt identification and management of frailty by bedside clinicians.
Diverse Long-Term Effects of Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence: Development of Externalizing Behaviors in Males and Females
Authors: Weir Henriikka , Kaukinen Catherine , Cameron Alesha
Published: December 2019

Using data from all three waves of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) longitudinal cohort study, this article examined the long-term effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure during childhood and early adolescence on subsequent externalizing behaviors (i.e., delinquency, violence, and drug offenses). A propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to match a group of individuals reporting childhood/adolescence IPV exposure to those not exposed to IPV on key variables. Longitudinal latent class analyses (LLCA) were then utilized to estimate the longitudinal developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors separately for the IPV- and non-IPV-exposed males and females and compared with each other. PSM revealed that there were small but significant differences in mean levels of externalizing behaviors between IPV-exposed and non-IPV-exposed youth at Waves 2 and 3. Furthermore, LLCA indicated that there were three distinct developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors among the IPV-exposed males but four distinct developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors among the IPV-exposed females, non-IPV-exposed males, and non-IPV-exposed females. Overall, the IPV-exposed males had the largest number of life-course-persistent offenders as well as adolescents who started their offending at a very early age but rapidly declined by the end of the study period. However, the non-IPV-exposed males’, albeit smaller, life-course-persistent group displayed by far the highest levels of externalizing behaviors of the entire sample. Females in the present study were largely similar to each other in the development of externalizing behaviors, regardless of IPV exposure. Policy implications are discussed.
Food Purchasing Behaviors of WIC Participants: What Non-WIC Eligible Foods Items Are Being Purchased
Authors: Rex Samantha M. , Trabulsi Jillian , Baker Sandra , Bodt Barry , Robson Shannon M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

To describe items purchased during a shopping trip by families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Design:

Cross-sectional, quantitative, observational study.

Setting:

Grocery stores in the Newark, Delaware area.

Participants:

A convenience sample of mothers (n = 35) were recruited from a local WIC Clinic waiting room.

Measures:

The number of items categorized into 12 food groups, (baby food, beverages, dairy, fats/oils, fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, preprepared, seasonings, sweets, and other) extracted from grocery receipts.

Analysis:

Means and frequencies were used to analyze continuous and categorical data, respectively, for receipt data and demographics.

Results:

The most common foods purchased not included as part of the WIC food package included protein (1.0 [standard deviation, SD 3.0]), preprepared foods (0.9 [SD 2.0]), and other foods (1.0 [SD 1.9]). The most frequent foods purchased included as part of the WIC food package included fruit (2.3 [SD 1.5]), grains (1.7 [SD 1.6]), and dairy (1.5 [SD 0.8]).

Conclusions:

Further investigation of foods purchased that were not part of the WIC food package is warranted, as understanding food purchases particularly among low-income mothers may inform nutrition education practices.
New Data Sources in Social Science Research: Things to Know Before Working With Reddit Data
Authors: Amaya Ashley , Bach Ruben , Keusch Florian , Kreuter Frauke
Published: December 2019

Social media are becoming more popular as a source of data for social science researchers. These data are plentiful and offer the potential to answer new research questions at smaller geographies and for rarer subpopulations. When deciding whether to use data from social media, it is useful to learn as much as possible about the data and its source. Social media data have properties quite different from those with which many social scientists are used to working, so the assumptions often used to plan and manage a project may no longer hold. For example, social media data are so large that they may not be able to be processed on a single machine; they are in file formats with which many researchers are unfamiliar, and they require a level of data transformation and processing that has rarely been required when using more traditional data sources (e.g., survey data). Unfortunately, this type of information is often not obvious ahead of time as much of this knowledge is gained through word-of-mouth and experience. In this article, we attempt to document several challenges and opportunities encountered when working with Reddit, the self-proclaimed “front page of the Internet” and popular social media site. Specifically, we provide descriptive information about the Reddit site and its users, tips for using organic data from Reddit for social science research, some ideas for conducting a survey on Reddit, and lessons learned in merging survey responses with Reddit posts. While this article is specific to Reddit, researchers may also view it as a list of the type of information one may seek to acquire prior to conducting a project that uses any type of social media data.
Preparation of high-performance PEEK anti-wear blends with melt-processable PTFE
Authors: Qiu Xiaotao , Fu Congli , Gu Aiqun , Gao Yang , Wang Xiuli , Yu Zili
Published: December 2019

High-performance anti-wear polyetheretherketone/polytetrafluoroethylene (PEEK/PTFE) blends have drawn much attention over the past few years, owing to their wide range of potential applications. However, a convenient and effective method to prepare such blends with superior mechanical and tribological properties is still lacking. In this work, we propose a promising approach that uses melt-processable PTFE (MP PTFE), instead of conventional PTFE, to prepare anti-wear blends. MP PTFE, with melt flow abilities under appropriate conditions, can disperse homogeneously in PEEK, enhancing both the mechanical and tribological properties of the PEEK/PTFE blend. To prove this postulation, in this work, both MP PTFE and commercial PTFE were blended with PEEK, separately, and the effects of PTFE type and content on the tensile and tribological properties of the blends were studied. The results showed that, although the addition of commercial PTFE to PEEK could increase the wear resistance, it decreased the tensile strength of PEEK significantly. Compared to the blends with commercial PTFE, the blends with MP PTFE exhibited better tribological performance and higher tensile strength for PTFE content below 10 wt%. It was confirmed that the better dispersion of MP PTFE in PEEK endowed the blends with higher tensile strength. The surface analysis indicated that the MP PTFE could readily migrate to and enrich the surfaces of the blends. The relatively high PTFE content on the surface favored the formation of tribo-films, enhancing the tribological properties of the blends.
Modeling the development of rail corrugation to schedule a more economical rail grinding
Authors: Tanaka Hirofumi , Miwa Masashi
Published: December 2019

Rail corrugation should be managed appropriately, as it causes noise, vibration, and degradation of track components and materials. Generally, rail corrugation is managed with the removal of rail surface roughness by rail grinding. However, in many cases, rail corrugation will reoccur after the rail is ground, thereby making the management of the phenomenon difficult for railway operators. For the proper management of rail corrugation, it is necessary to understand the development of rail corrugation and model it mathematically. However, this effort has not been made in previous studies. This paper investigates an efficient method for scheduling a regular grinding maintenance to manage rail corrugation. Using regularly measured data about rail surface roughness on a commercial line, a mathematical model was developed to estimate the growth of rail corrugation. This model was utilized to estimate the effects of the remaining roughness after rail grinding on the maintenance cost and to optimize the maintenance schedule. First, it was confirmed that the development of rail surface roughness of rail corrugation can be expressed in three phases and can be modeled by fitting the functions of growth curves to measurements of rail surface roughness recorded over a long period. Next, the rail grinding strategy was examined by applying this model to realize both effective and economical strategies for the maintenance of rail corrugation. This study confirmed that maintenance costs can be reduced by rail grinding that removes almost all of rail corrugation. In the case of ballasted tracks, it has been found that the optimal grinding schedule can reduce the cost of rail grinding as well as the cost of tamping. These findings can be applied by railway operators tasked with managing maintenance schedules for railway lines at a minimum cost.
Quaternion-based position control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle using robust nonlinear third-order sliding mode control with disturbance cancellation
Authors: Sanwale Jitu , Trivedi Prasiddh , Kothari Mangal , Malagaudanavar Appasaheb
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose a robust nonlinear position and attitude control method for quadrotor using higher order sliding mode control concept. The control of quadrotor is realized in an inner- and outer-loop structure. Both inner- (attitude control) and outer (position control)-loop controllers are synthesized using third-order sliding mode control. The attitude control is designed in a quaternion framework to avoid gimbal lock and for better computational efficiency. A low-pass filter is used to reduce the effect of chattering in higher order sliding mode. A disturbance observer is designed for disturbance estimation. The robustness of proposed control method is ensured by providing the disturbance compensation term in the control law. Lyapunov stability analysis is provided for both inner- and outer-loop controls. Numerical results show that the proposed method provides effective control solution under continuous disturbance/uncertainties due to unmodeled dynamics, parameter variations, and external disturbance with high position accuracy.
Combustion efficiency and pressure loss balance for the supersonic combustor
Authors: Tahsini AM
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of intake’s compression process of the scramjet on its flight performance. The hydrogen injection to the supersonic cross-flow is considered as the problem configuration. The finite volume solver is developed to simulate the compressible reacting turbulent flow using the proper reaction mechanism as the finite rate chemistry. The combustion efficiency and the drag force are the most important parameters on the scramjet flight performance, and finding the design point to balance the higher combustion efficiency and the lower minimum drag, which depends on the total pressure loss, can be used to optimize the supersonic combustors. The performance of the supersonic intake is considered here using some oblique shock waves with equal flow-deflection angles to compute the combustor’s inlet condition. The variation of combustion efficiency and total pressure loss is presented for different combustor’s inlet conditions. The results are presented for the constant jet to inlet pressure ratios and also for the constant equivalence ratios, in which the last one is much appropriate and utilized to find the optimum design point of the intake and the combustor, for assumed flight condition.
Cultural Variability in the Association Between Age and Well-Being: The Role of Uncertainty Avoidance
Authors: Lawrie Smaranda Ioana , Eom Kimin , Moza Daniela , Gavreliuc Alin , Kim Heejung S.
Published: December 2019

Past research has found a mixed relationship between age and subjective well-being. The current research advances the understanding of these findings by incorporating a cultural perspective. We tested whether the relationship between age and well-being is moderated by uncertainty avoidance, a cultural dimension dealing with society’s tolerance for ambiguity. In Study 1 ( N = 64,228), using a multilevel approach with an international database, we found that older age was associated with lower well-being in countries higher in uncertainty avoidance but not in countries lower in uncertainty avoidance. Further, this cultural variation was mediated by a sense of control. In Study 2 ( N = 1,025), we compared a culture with low uncertainty avoidance (the United States) with a culture with high uncertainty avoidance (Romania) and found a consistent pattern: Age was negatively associated with well-being in Romania but not in the United States. This cultural difference was mediated by the use of contrasting coping strategies associated with different levels of a sense of control.
Stall inception mechanisms in a contra-rotating fan operating at different speed combinations
Authors: Manas MP , Pradeep AM
Published: December 2019

Contra-rotating fan is a concept that can possibly replace the present-day conventional fans due to its several aerodynamic advantages. It has the potential to improve the stability limit and can achieve a higher pressure ratio per stage. One of the advantages of a contra-rotating fan is its capability to operate both the rotors at different speeds. In the present study, experiments are carried out at different speed combinations of the rotors and the stall inception phenomenon is captured using high-response unsteady pressure sensors placed on the casing upstream of the leading edge of rotor-1. The unsteady pressure data are investigated using wavelet and Fourier analysis techniques. It is observed that the mechanism of stall inception is different for different speed combinations. The pre-stall disturbances fall in different frequency ranges for different speed combinations. For the range of speed combinations investigated, the frequency of appearance of stall cells of rotor-1 does not depend on the speed of rotor-2. A higher speed of rotation of rotor-1 leads to a higher frequency of appearance of stall cells and a lower speed of rotation of rotor-1 leads to a lower frequency of appearance of stall cells. For all the speed combinations, there is a range of frequency where no disturbance is observed and this range is termed as the ‘no-disturbance zone’. Disturbances are observed at lower frequencies and at frequencies close to the blade passing frequency. In order to understand the flow physics in detail, computational analysis is carried out for different speed combinations of the rotors. For a higher speed of rotor-2, it is observed that the suction effect of rotor-2 is significant enough to pull the tip-leakage flow towards the axial direction. Thus, the suction effect of rotor-2 plays a significant role in determining the stall of the stage.
Hemodynamic Effects of Propofol and Dexmedetomidine in Septic Patients Without Shock
Authors: Benken Scott , Madrzyk Elizabeth , Chen Dan , Lopez Jaron , Schmelzer Dana , Sessions Zack , Patel Gourang , Hammond Drayton
Published: December 2019

Background: Use of nonbenzodiazepine agents propofol and dexmedetomidine are first line for sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU). These agents have been implicated in the development of bradycardia and hypotension in critical illness. Objectives: To compare the development of clinically significant hypotension and/or bradycardia (ie, negative hemodynamic event) in adults with sepsis yet to require vasopressors receiving either propofol or dexmedetomidine for continuous sedation. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of adults with non–vasopressor-dependent sepsis admitted to an ICU at two academic medical centers between July 2013-September 2017. Results: Patients in the propofol (n = 64) and dexmedetomidine (n = 31) groups developed a clinically significant negative hemodynamic event at statistically similar frequencies (34.4% vs 16.1%, P = 0.065). Patients receiving propofol developed a larger degree of hypotension (47.3 vs 34.7 mm Hg reduction, P = 0.031). In multivariable logistic regression modeling, independent predictors of a negative hemodynamic event were a past medical history of chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR] = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.17-12.2; P = 0.027) and baseline heart rate (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00-1.10; P = 0.036). Conclusions and Relevance: A minority of patients with sepsis who received either propofol or dexmedetomidine experienced an event. Patients with sepsis without shock receiving continuous infusions of propofol and dexmedetomidine experienced a negative hemodynamic event at similar frequencies, though the degree of hypotension seen with propofol was greater. The clinical significance of these adverse effects requires cautious use in sepsis and further investigation.
A multimode perturbation method for frequency response analysis of nonlinearly vibrational beams with periodic parameters
Authors: Ying Zu-Guang , Ni Yi-Qing
Published: December 2019

A multimode perturbation method for frequency response analysis of nonlinearly vibrational beams with periodic distribution parameters is proposed. The partial differential equation with spatial varying parameters for nonlinear vibration of beams with periodic parameters under harmonic excitations is derived. The procedure of the multimode perturbation method includes three main steps: first, the nonlinear partial differential equation is transformed into linear partial differential equations with varying parameters by applying perturbation method; second, the linear partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations with multimode coupling by applying Galerkin method, where multiple vibration modes of the beams are used and the equations are suitable to nonlinear vibration of periodic structures with high parameter-varying wave in wide frequency band; third, the ordinary differential equations are solved by applying harmonic balance method to obtain vibration response of the nonlinear periodic beam, which is used for characteristics analysis of frequency response and spatial mode. Furthermore, the stability problem of nonlinear harmonic vibration as multidegree-of-freedom system with periodic time-varying parameters is solved by applying direct eigenvalue analysis approach. The proposed method can incorporate multiple vibration modes into response analysis of nonlinear periodic structures and consider mode-coupling effects due to structural nonlinearity and parametric periodicity. Finally, a nonlinear beam with periodic supports under harmonic excitations is studied. Numerical results on frequency response of the beam are given to illustrate an application of the proposed method, new frequency response characteristics, and influences of periodic parameters on structural response. The results have potential application to nonlinear structural vibration control and support damage detection of nonlinear structures with periodic supports.
Daughters Inside: Toward a Theory of Structural Sexual Violence Against Girls Through Male Mass Incarceration
Authors: Deckert Antje
Published: December 2019

Indigenous women constitute the fastest growing segment of the prison population. Women inside have disproportionately experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA). A key protective factor against CSA is living with both biological parents. Imprisonment removes fathers from daughters’ homes. Yet, the link between male incarceration and girls’ risk of CSA remains unexamined. A quantitative exploration of this risk in Aotearoa New Zealand, indicates that the disproportionate incarceration of Māori fathers in the 1980s exposed Māori daughters to a 5.5 times greater CSA risk. A theory of sexual structural violence through male mass incarceration may help explain high CSA victimization rates among Māori girls and incarcerated women, and the sudden increase of young Indigenous women behind bars. More qualitative research is required to verify this empirical exploration.
The porosity of the bone cement interface of 96 human femoral heads prepared for hip resurfacing
Authors: Baker Richard P , Amirfeyz Rouin , Whitehouse Michael R , Bannister Gordon C
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

The porosity of the femoral head prepared for hip resurfacing has not been previously described. This is important as greater pore size increases the penetration of bone cement and excessive cement penetration can cause osteonecrosis.

Methods:

96 osteoarthritic femoral heads were harvested at total hip arthroplasty and prepared for hip resurfacing. The porosity of the bone cement interface in hip resurfacing was calculated from digitised black and white photographs using MatLab software.

Results:

The mean porosity was 0.63. Increased porosity was associated with larger femoral heads in both the coronal and sagittal dimensions and cysts in the femoral head. It was not associated with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol or corticosteroid consumption.

Conclusion:

The porosity of the femoral head has been shown to be 0.63. Future studies of cementing techniques in hip resurfacing should include this porosity in their designs. The surgeon prior to hip resurfacing should consider altering his cementing technique when cysts are present on the preoperative radiographs.
Reliability and validity of teacher ratings on the Adapted Skillstreaming Checklist for children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lopata Christopher , Donnelly James P , Rodgers Jonathan D , Thomeer Marcus L , Booth Adam J
Published: December 2019

This study assessed the reliability and criterion-related validity of teacher ratings on the Adapted Skillstreaming Checklist for a sample of 133 children, aged 6–11 years, with autism spectrum disorder (without intellectual disability). Internal consistency for the total sample was 0.93. For a subsample, test–retest reliability was very good ( r = 0.74; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85) at a 9-month interval. Child age, intelligence quotient, language abilities, and sex were not associated with the Adapted Skillstreaming Checklist total score. The Adapted Skillstreaming Checklist total score was inversely and strongly related to teacher ratings of autism spectrum disorder symptom severity. Significant positive correlations (moderate-to-high) were found between the Adapted Skillstreaming Checklist and prosocial skills scales and significant negative correlations (low-to-moderate) with problem behavior scales on a broad measure of child functioning. Implications and suggestions for future study are discussed.
‘If your child’s vaccinated, why do you care about mine?’ Rhetoric, responsibility, power and vaccine rejection
Authors: Attwell Katie , Smith David T. , Ward Paul R.
Published: December 2019

The social responsibility logic underpinning vaccination is omnipresent in the rhetoric surrounding its acceptance and rejection. People who reject vaccination are constantly faced with arguments from the vaccinating mainstream to which they must respond. Understanding the conceptual world of vaccine rejection requires us to understand how vaccine sceptics construct answers to complaints that their choices endanger other people. This article analyses interviews with 29 vaccine-sceptical parents who are presented with claims that their choices are not just morally wrong, but dangerous to others. We argue that vaccine rejecters possess power because their decisions can result in the transmission of infectious diseases through their communities. However, they refuse to acknowledge this power because, through a variety of rationalisations, they do not accept the logic of community protection (herd immunity) and social responsibility. Strategies to prompt parents’ consideration of others can include breaking out of the ontologically individualistic framing of the disagreement.
Textual artefacts at the centre of sensemaking: The use of discursive-material resources in constructing joint understanding in organisational workshops
Authors: Nissi Riikka , Pälli Pekka
Published: December 2019

The article examines the role of discourse in organisational sensemaking. By building links between the theorising undertaken within organisational studies and the empirical analysis of multimodal social interaction, it argues for a relational view of sensemaking and investigates how sense is made in and through social interaction in real organisational situations where language use intertwines with embodied actions and the manipulation of artefacts. In particular, the article studies the use of discourse technologies of textual artefacts in sensemaking processes. The data come from training workshops of a Finnish workplace organisation, conducted in order for the employees to delineate the history and future of their organisation with the help of writable papers. The results show how the papers exert agency in the situation by facilitating three specific discursive practices and by enabling and restricting the actions employed in constructing a shared understanding of the organisational reality.
Let’s talk about pain and opioids: Low pitch and creak in medical consultations
Authors: Torres Peter Joseph , G. Henry Stephen , Ramanathan Vaidehi
Published: December 2019

In recent years, the opioid crisis in the United States has sparked significant discussion on doctor–patient interactions concerning chronic pain treatments, but little to no attention has been given to investigating the vocal aspects of patient talk. This exploratory sociolinguistic study intends to fill this knowledge gap by employing prosodic discourse analysis to examine context-specific linguistic features used by the interlocutors of two distinct medical interactions. We found that patients employed both low pitch and creak as linguistic resources when describing chronic pain, narrating symptoms and requesting opioids. The situational use of both features informs us about the linguistic ways in which patients frame fraught issues like chronic pain in light of the current opioid crisis. This study expands the breadth of phonetic analysis within the domain of discourse analysis, serving to illuminate discussions surrounding the illocutionary role of the lower vocal tract in expressing emotions.