bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust PID controller design based on H∞ theory and a novel constrained artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Bijani Vahid , Khosravi Alireza
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a new strategy for tuning the coefficients of a PID controller regarding H∞ robust performance and stability constraints based on the constrained artificial bee colony (CABC) algorithm. First, the issue of tuning the PID controller to follow H∞ specifications are introduced, and the objective function and constraints of the optimization problem are specified. Then, a simple and efficient method of transforming the constrained optimization problem to an unconstrained one is presented, and used within the CABC for optimization. The CABC is one of the most recently introduced optimization algorithms, and has the advantages of strong robustness, fast convergence and high flexibility, with fewer setting parameters. The algorithm is essentially a random and intelligent evolutionary method. This method is also utilized and simulated in several models. The simulation results have been compared with other techniques, which demonstrate the efficiency and superiority of the proposed scheme.
Examining cohort effects in developmental trajectories of substance use
Authors: Burns Alison Reimuller , Hussong Andrea M. , Solis Jessica M. , Curran Patrick J. , McGinley James S. , Bauer Daniel J. , Chassin Laurie , Zucker Robert A.
Published: June 2016

The current study demonstrates the application of an analytic approach for incorporating multiple time trends in order to examine the impact of cohort effects on individual trajectories of eight drugs of abuse. Parallel analysis of two independent, longitudinal studies of high-risk youth that span ages 10 to 40 across 23 birth cohorts between 1968 and 1991 was conducted. The two studies include the Michigan Longitudinal Study (current analytic sample of n = 579 over 12 cohorts between 1980 and 1991 and across ages 10–27) and the Adolescent/Adult and Family Development Project (current analytic sample of n = 849 over 11 cohorts between 1968 and 1978 and across ages 10–40). A series of nonlinear, multi-level growth models controlled simultaneously for cohort and age trends in substance use trajectories. Evidence was found for both age and cohort effects across most outcomes as well as several significant age-by-cohort interactions. Findings suggest cohort trends in developmental trajectories of substance use are sample and drug-specific in the adolescent and early to mid-adult years. Thus, studies that do not control for both trends may confound cohort and developmental trends in substance use. For this reason, demonstration of one analytic approach that can be used to examine both time trends simultaneously is informative for future multi-cohort longitudinal studies where change over time is of interest.
Responding from that Vantage Point: Field Position and Discursive Strategies of Legitimation in the U.S. Wireless Telegraphy Field
Authors: Kim Phillip H. , Croidieu Grégoire , Lippmann Stephen
Published: June 2016

Our study explores the discursive strategies of legitimation that organizations employ as they occupy different positions in an emergent institutional field. By examining both the frame-alignment strategies and the frame targets of two organizations in the U.S. wireless telegraphy field, we show how an organization’s position – and its positional changes over time – affects the discursive strategies it uses to promote or protect its goals in the face of pressure from other field actors. Our results indicate that three distinct field positions – peripheral, central, and niche – are associated with three different legitimation strategies – which we label “robust,” “co-optive,” and “focused” – around which the discursive strategies coalesced. Organizations at the periphery attempt to break in to a field by employing a diverse range of frame-alignment strategies targeted toward a variety of relevant field actors. Those in a central position target fewer actors, but pursue a similar variety of frame-alignment strategies. Those in a niche position use fewer alignment strategies and target a smaller number of field-level actors. Our study enriches the literature on discursive strategies of legitimation by focusing on the ways in which central and non-central actors employ them, and the ways in which these strategies evolve alongside the field itself. More broadly, our work contributes to our understanding of discursive skills required to confront complex institutional pressures. These efforts depend on the interactive nature of discursive strategies from the vantage point of different field positions.
We Have To Do This and That? You Must be Joking: Constructing and Responding to Paradox Through Humor
Authors: Jarzabkowski Paula A. , Lê Jane K.
Published: June 2016

This paper adopts a practice approach to paradox, examining the role of micro-practices in shaping constructions of and responses to paradox. Our approach is inductively motivated. During an ethnographic study of an organization implementing paradoxical goals we noticed a strong incidence of humor, joking, and laughter. Examining this practice closely, we realized that humor was used to surface, bring attention to, and make communicable experience of paradox in the moment by drawing out some specific contradiction in their work. Humor thus allowed actors to socially construct paradox, as well as—in interaction with others—construct potential responses to the multiple small incidences of paradox in their everyday work. In doing so, humor cast the interactional dynamics that were integral in constructing two response paths: (i) entrenching a response, whereby an existing response was affirmed, thereby continuing on a particular response path, and (ii) shifting a response, whereby actors moved from one response to paradox to another, thereby altering how the team collectively responded to paradoxical issues. Drawing on these findings, we reconceptualize paradox as a characteristic of everyday life, which is constructed and responded to in the moment.
The Italian political elites and Europe: Big move, small change?
Authors: Conti Nicolò
Published: June 2016

This article examines the attitudes of national political elites towards the EU and the recent politicisation of Europe in the Italian party system. Italian political elites have experienced some important transformations in the recent past as a consequence of the emergence of new parties, the re-alignment of other established parties and some structural transformations in their socio-demographic traits. This article shows that positive feelings towards the EU have survived the acute change to the composition of the political elites, and that support for Europe is still widespread. Variations are mainly differences in degree of support. Although opposition to the EU has emerged, this has not occurred in a linear way and remains dispersed, while a Eurosceptic camp able to challenge the mainstream pro-European conduct of the Italian elites is far from being in place.
Biofutures: Race and the governance of health
Authors: Krupar Shiloh , Ehlers Nadine
Published: June 2016

This article addresses biomedical forms of racial targeting under neoliberal biopolitics. We explore two racial targeting technologies: The development of race-based pharmaceuticals, specifically BiDil; and medical hot spotting, a practice that uses Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies and spatial profiling to identify populations that are medically vulnerable in order to facilitate preemptive care. These technologies are ostensibly deployed under neoliberal biopolitics and the governance of health to affirm life. We argue, however, that these efforts further subject racial minorities—and specifically black subjects—to the cost–benefit logics of neoliberalism in the U.S. health care system and enduring anti-blackness. What is called for is an abolitionist biomedicine that recognizes and seeks to challenge the multifarious ways that race is ontologized as a corporeal and/or spatial truth while attending to the very real embodied effects of structural racism.
Shaping subjects in everyday encounters: Intergenerational recognition in intersubjective socialisation
Authors: Kallio Kirsi Pauliina
Published: June 2016

This article considers the role of intergenerational recognition in processes of subject formation and political development. It leans on a broad conception of politics, following a phenomenologically oriented approach and drawing from theories of contextual recognition. Intergenerational recognition is introduced as a key dynamism and practice in intersubjective socialisation, unfolding in everyday environments among ‘significant others’. In these encounters, people take shape and are shaped as political subjects. Empirically, the article is based on research with 129 eleven- to fifteen-year-old girls and boys, including an analysis of their place-based biographies. By introducing different forms of intergenerational (mis)recognition, it shows how the formation of political subjects takes place in the most mundane environments where children and young people lead their lives. In conclusion, the article suggests that ‘political becoming’ deserves increasing attention in critical research and intergenerational recognition ought to be better identified as a social practice. Whether intentional or intuitive, the ways in which adults regard children and young people has both harmful and beneficial effects on the formation of their political subjectivities.
Should we change the cannulation site for right subclavian artery cannulation? An experimental study with a newly designed cannula
Authors: Cakir Habib , Kestelli Mert , Yurekli Ismail , Eygi Bortecin , Iscan Sahin , Isık Yasemin , Aşar Kamil , Ogut Hasan
Published: June 2016

Background:

In this experimental study, we primarily aimed to show the hemodynamic effects and superiority of this newly designed cannula for perfusion compared to standard subclavian cannulation. The new cannula (Figure 1) allows bidirectional axial flow and it directly fits in the brachiocephalic trunk (innominate artery).

Methods:

We used a cardiopulmonary bypass roller pump, reservoir, 3/8- 1/2- 1/4-inch Y-connectors and tubing set. Lines were set as seen in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. The anatomy of the aorta (ascending, arch, branches, descending) was mimicked, using tubing sets with different sizes and the connectors yielding similar angles and configurations. In this experimental vascular system, systemic vascular resistance was created with partial clamping of the common tubing set. The cannulation sites were created in the subclavian artery and the innominate artery. Perfusion was established with the same pump rate and the same occlusion pressures (systemic vascular resistance). The pressure readings were obtained in the right carotid artery, the left carotid artery and the left subclavian artery.

Results:

These experimental models of vasculature allowed us to measure pressures in the carotid system for different cannulation set-ups, using both our newly designed double-outflow cannula, which was introduced via the innominate artery, and the standard arterial cannula, which was introduced via the subclavian artery. Higher pressure recordings were obtained in the carotid system with the new cannula introduced through innominate artery.

Conclusion:

Higher cerebral perfusion readings were obtained with our newly designed bidirectional cannula introduced via the innominate artery compared to standard cannulation through the right subclavian artery.
A pilot randomised trial of community-based care following discharge from hospital with a recent spinal cord injury in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MS , Harvey LA , Rahman MA , Bowden JL , Islam MS , Taylor V , Muldoon S , Herbert RD
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

To explore the feasibility of conducting a full trial designed to determine the effectiveness of a model of community-based care for people with spinal cord injury in Bangladesh.

Study Design:

A pilot randomised trial.

Setting:

Community, Bangladesh.

Subjects:

Participants were 30 people with recent spinal cord injury who were wheelchair-dependent and soon to be discharged from hospital.

Intervention:

Participants randomised to the intervention group received a package of care involving regular telephone contact and three home visits over two years. Participants randomised to the control group received usual care consisting of a telephone call and an optional home visit.

Main measures:

Participants were assessed at baseline and two years after randomization. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcomes were measures of complications, depression, participation and quality of life.

Results:

A total of 24 participants had a complete spinal cord injury and six participants had an incomplete spinal cord injury. Median (interquartile) age and time since injury at baseline were 31 years (24 to 36) and 7 months (4 to 13), respectively. Two participants, one in each group, died. Five participants had pressure ulcers at two years. There were no notable impediments to the conduct of the trial and no significant protocol violations. The phone calls and home visits were delivered according to the protocol 87% and 100% of the time, respectively. Follow-up data were 99% complete.

Conclusion:

This pilot trial demonstrates the feasibility of a full clinical trial of 410 participants, which has recently commenced.

Sponsorship:

University of Sydney, Australia.
Impact and Feasibility of Personalized Decision Support for Older Patients with Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Huang Elbert S. , Nathan Aviva G. , Cooper Jennifer M. , Lee Sang Mee , Shin Na , John Priya M. , Dale William , Col Nananda F. , Meltzer David O. , Chin Marshall H.
Published: June 2016

Background. Diabetes guidelines recommend individualizing glycemic goals (A1C) for older patients. The aim of this study was to assess a personalized Web-based decision support tool. Methods. We randomized physicians and their patients with type 2 diabetes (≥65 years of age) to a support tool or educational pamphlet (75:25 patients). Prior to a visit, intervention patients interacted with the tool, which provided personalized risk predictions and elicited treatment preferences. Main outcomes included 1) patient-doctor communication, 2) decisional conflict, 3) changes in goals, and 4) intervention acceptability. Results. We did not find significant differences in proportions of patients who had an A1C discussion (91% intervention v. 76% control; P = 0.19). Intervention patients had larger declines in the informed subscale of decisional conflict (–20 v. 0, respectively; P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in proportions of patients with changes in goals (49% v. 28%, respectively; P = 0.08). Most intervention patients reported that the tool was easy to use (91%) and helped them to communicate (84%). A limitation was that this was a pilot trial at one academic institution. Conclusions. Web-based decision support tools may be a practical approach to facilitating the personalization of goals for chronic conditions. Trial registration: NCT02169999 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02169999 ).
Rhodococcus equi Infections in Dogs
Authors: Bryan L. K. , Clark S. D. , Díaz-Delgado J. , Lawhon S. D. , Edwards J. F.
Published: June 2016

Five cases of Rhodococcus equi infection in dogs were identified from 2003 to 2014. Three of the dogs had severe, internal lesions attributable to R. equi that have not been previously described: endophthalmitis, endocarditis, and suppurative pleuropneumonia. Isolates from 4 of the dogs were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for Rhodococcus virulence-associated plasmid (vap) genes. One isolate was vapA-positive, 2 lacked a virulence plasmid, and 1 carried the novel vapN-associated plasmid (pVAPN) recently characterized in bovine isolates. The pVAPN plasmid has not been described in isolates cultured from companion animals. Four of the dogs either were receiving immunosuppressive drugs or had endocrinopathies. R. equi has the potential to cause significant infections in dogs, and immunocompromised animals should be considered at risk for infection.
Pathogenesis of Vesicular Stomatitis New Jersey Virus Infection in Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) Transmitted by Black Flies (Simulium vittatum)
Authors: Mesquita L. P. , Diaz M. H. , Howerth E. W. , Stallknecht D. E. , Noblet R. , Gray E. W. , Mead D. G.
Published: June 2016

The natural transmission of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV), an arthropod-borne virus, is not completely understood. Rodents may have a role as reservoir or amplifying hosts. In this study, juvenile and nestling deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus) were exposed to VSNJV-infected black fly ( Simulium vittatum) bites followed by a second exposure to naive black flies on the nestling mice. Severe neurological signs were observed in some juvenile mice by 6 to 8 days postinoculation (DPI); viremia was not detected in 25 juvenile deer mice following exposure to VSNJV-infected fly bites. Both juvenile and nestling mice had lesions and viral antigen in the central nervous system (CNS); in juveniles, their distribution suggested that the sensory pathway was the most likely route to the CNS. In contrast, a hematogenous route was probably involved in nestling mice, since all of these mice developed viremia and had widespread antigen distribution in the CNS and other tissues on 2 DPI. VSNJV was recovered from naive flies that fed on viremic nestling mice. This is the first report of viremia in a potential natural host following infection with VSNJV via insect bite and conversely of an insect becoming infected with VSNJV by feeding on a viremic host. These results, along with histopathology and immunohistochemistry, show that nestling mice have widespread dissemination of VSNJV following VSNJV-infected black fly bite and are a potential reservoir or amplifying host for VSNJV.
West Nile Virus Infection in Sheep
Authors: Rimoldi G. , Mete A. , Adaska J. M. , Anderson M. L. , Symmes K. P. , Diab S.
Published: June 2016

West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been detected in many species of birds and mammals, but scant information is available about the disease in small ruminants. West Nile virus was diagnosed in 6 sheep with neurological signs and encephalitis, in California between 2002 and 2014. All sheep had severe lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis. Lymphoplasmacytic myelitis was also detected in 2 sheep where the spinal cord was examined. Brain tissue was positive for WNV detected by polymerase chain reaction in 6 of 6 sheep and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 5 of 6 sheep. Viral antigen was not detected by IHC in extraneural tissues in the 3 sheep examined. West Nile virus RNA was sequenced from 2 of 6 sheep, and each one clusters closely with WNV isolated from mosquito pools from nearby locations at similar times. West Nile virus was the most common cause of viral encephalitis in sheep diagnosed at this laboratory between 2002 and 2014, accounting for 6 of 9 sheep.
A systematic review of health economic evaluations in occupational therapy
Authors: Green Sally , Lambert Rod
Published: June 2016

Introduction

There is a growing need for health professions to demonstrate cost-effectiveness in an increasingly financially constrained climate. High quality health economic evaluations are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. This systematic review examines the quality of health economic evaluations of occupational therapy interventions.

Method

A systematic search was conducted, and 262 potential review papers were screened, with nine being selected for review. The consolidated health economic evaluation reporting standards statement alongside a devised scoring frame was used to appraise the quality of the review papers.

Results

The nine papers appraised varied considerably in quality. The main concerns were: quality of the original clinical study; statement of cost-perspective and time horizon, choice of outcome units; presentation of included costs; use and reporting of uncertainty analyses.

Conclusion

The current low number and variable quality of health economic evaluations are largely insufficient to inform resource allocation decisions. If occupational therapy as a profession is to flourish, as financial challenges continue to increase, it must engage more strongly with health economic evaluations and produce good quality research that incorporates health economic evaluations at a much higher quality and volume than currently. We are part of a fast evolving healthcare world, and we need to evolve with it.
The impact of handwriting difficulties on compositional quality in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Prunty Mellissa M , Barnett Anna L , Wilmut Kate , Plumb Mandy S
Published: June 2016

Introduction

There is substantial evidence to support the relationship between transcription skills (handwriting and spelling) and compositional quality. For children with developmental coordination disorder, handwriting can be particularly challenging. While recent research has aimed to investigate their handwriting difficulties in more detail, the impact of transcription on their compositional quality has not previously been examined. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine compositional quality in children with developmental coordination disorder and to ascertain whether their transcription skills influence writing quality.

Method

Twenty-eight children with developmental coordination disorder participated in the study, with 28 typically developing age and gender matched controls. The children completed the ‘free-writing’ task from the detailed assessment of speed of handwriting tool, which was evaluated for compositional quality using the Wechsler objective language dimensions.

Results

The children with developmental coordination disorder performed significantly below their typically developing peers on five of the six Wechsler objective language dimensions items. They also had a higher percentage of misspelled words. Regression analyses indicated that the number of words produced per minute and the percentage of misspelled words explained 55% of the variance for compositional quality.

Conclusion

The handwriting difficulties so commonly reported in children with developmental coordination disorder have wider repercussions for the quality of written composition.
Tablet devices: Supporting practitioners to conduct informed conversations
Authors: Wechter Emily , McDonell Kate , Verdonck Michèle
Published: June 2016

Statement of context

The ubiquitous nature of tablet devices and their related applications known as apps has led to their use as assistive technologies in a range of settings, including intellectual disability. Using tablet technology for this purpose requires collaboration to foster informed choices for users.

Critical reflection on practice

Two initiatives are described, aimed at building knowledge and confidence of practitioners to enable informed conversations with people who plan to use tablet devices. Outcomes of these training workshops and a fact sheet are presented.

Implications for practice

Findings from 99 attendees indicated that training and resources were beneficial to practitioners to increase knowledge and confidence. However, ongoing support is required to ensure confidence and collaboration.
Efficacy and safety of a single occipital nerve blockade in episodic and chronic cluster headache: A prospective observational study
Authors: Gaul Charly , Roguski Jana , Dresler Thomas , Abbas Hind , Totzeck Andreas , Görlinger Klaus , Diener Hans-Christoph , Weber Ralph
Published: June 2016

Background

Treatment options for cluster headache (CH) include acute, transitional and prophylactic strategies. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a single occipital nerve block (ONB) in patients with episodic (eCH) and chronic CH (cCH).

Methods

In this prospective, observational study 101 CH were treated with a single ONB using triamcinolone 10 mg and bupivacaine. Attack frequency, pain intensity and side effects were assessed at days 1 and 7 after ONB and thereafter weekly for 60 days until recurrence of attacks.

Results

Baseline mean daily attack frequency was 2.9 ± 2.5 (eCH) and 3.3 ± 2.9 (cCH), which was reduced to 0.7 ± 1.2 (eCH) and 1.1 ± 1.4 (cCH) after one day ( p = 0.08 for group difference) and to 1.1 ± 1.6 (eCH) and 1.9 ± 2.3 (cCH) after seven days ( p = 0.01 for group difference). In patients with eCH the pain-free period lasted longer compared to cCH ( p = 0.004). There was no association between the presence of local anesthesia and treatment response ( p = 0.88). No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

ONB is an easy, safe and effective transitional treatment option in case of insufficient response of CH to treatment both in patients with eCH and cCH. Patients with eCH have a better and more sustainable treatment response.
Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Complications After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Larson Christopher M. , Clohisy John C. , Beaulé Paul E. , Kelly Bryan T. , Giveans M. Russell , Stone Rebecca M. , Samuelson Kathryn M.
Published: June 2016

Background:

There is limited literature looking at comprehensive complication rates after arthroscopic hip procedures.

Purpose:

To prospectively report complication rates for a consecutive series of hips undergoing arthroscopic procedures.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Over a 29-month period, 1615 consecutive hips in patients with a mean age of 30.5 years underwent arthroscopic hip procedures at 4 institutions. The diagnosis, demographic information, and procedures were recorded, and a validated grading classification for complications of hip joint surgery was utilized prospectively. The cohort with complications was observed postoperatively for a mean of 36.7 months (range, 24-54 months).

Results:

There were 1487 primary hip arthroscopic procedures and 128 revision hip arthroscopic procedures. Arthroscopic femoroacetabular impingement correction was performed in 1505 hips (93.2%), and 1273 hips (78.8%) underwent a labral repair procedure. The most common event was postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous (LFC) nerve disturbance (16.5%), which persisted beyond 6 months in only 1.6%. The incidence of iatrogenic chondral injuries was 1.2%, iatrogenic labral punctures was 0.9%, superficial portal infections was 1.1%, sensory deficits about the foot was 0.8%, deep venous thrombosis was 0.1%, pulmonary embolism was 0.1%, perineal numbness (pudendal nerve) was 1.4%, heterotopic ossification was 0.8%, and femoral neck stress fractures was 0.1%. There was no iatrogenic instability, avascular necrosis, or extra-abdominal fluid extravasation identified in this cohort. The overall complication rate, not including temporary LFC periportal and thigh numbness (sequela), was 8.3% (134 hips). Overall, a grade 1 complication was seen in 7.2% (117 hips), grade 2 in 0.6% (10 hips), grade 3 in 0.4% (6 hips), and grade 4 in 0.1% (1 hip). There was a significantly higher rate of complications for longer surgical time and traction time ( P < .01) and for female patients as compared with male patients ( P = .017). Most notably, traction time longer than 60 minutes was associated with a significantly increased complication rate ( P < .001). Hips with pudendal nerve neurapraxia had longer traction times than those without (61.5 vs 43.8 minutes, respectively; P < .001). No differences were found between primary versus revision cases ( P = .123) or between labral repair versus debridement ( P = .209), and body mass index had no effect on the complication rate ( P = .103).

Conclusion:

The overall complication rate after hip arthroscopic surgery at tertiary hip centers was 8.3%, with higher rates reported for longer traction times (>60 minutes) and for female patients. Compared with surgical hip dislocation using the same classification system, the overall rate of complications was similar, but the rate of higher grade complications was lower for arthroscopic hip procedures.
The NFL Orthopaedic Surgery Outcomes Database (NO-SOD)
Authors: Mai Harry T. , Alvarez Andrew P. , Freshman Ryan D. , Chun Danielle S. , Minhas Shobhit V. , Patel Alpesh A. , Nuber Gordon W. , Hsu Wellington K.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Injuries are inherent to the sport of American football and often require operative management. Outcomes have been reported for certain surgical procedures in professional athletes in the National Football League (NFL), but there is little information comparing the career effect of these procedures.

Purpose:

To catalog the postoperative outcomes of orthopaedic procedures in NFL athletes and to compare respective prognoses and effects on careers.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Athletes in the NFL undergoing procedures for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, Achilles tendon tears, patellar tendon tears, cervical disc herniation, lumbar disc herniation, sports hernia, knee articular cartilage repair (microfracture technique), forearm fractures, tibial shaft fractures, and ankle fractures were identified through team injury reports or other public records. Game and performance statistics during the regular season were collected before and after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed with significance accepted as P < .05.

Results:

A total of 559 NFL athletes were included. Overall, 79.4% of NFL athletes returned to play after an orthopaedic procedure. Forearm open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), sports hernia repair, and tibia intramedullary nailing (IMN) led to significantly higher return-to-play (RTP) rates (90.2%-96.3%), while patellar tendon repair led to a significantly lower rate (50%) ( P < .001). Athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR), Achilles tendon repair, patellar tendon repair, and ankle fracture ORIF had significant declines in games played at 1 year and recovered to baseline at 2 to 3 years after surgery. Athletes undergoing ACLR, Achilles tendon repair, patellar tendon repair, and tibia IMN had decreased performance in postoperative season 1. Athletes in the Achilles tendon repair and tibia IMN cohorts recovered to baseline performance, while those in the ACLR and patellar tendon repair cohorts demonstrated sustained decreases in performance.

Conclusion:

ACLR, Achilles tendon repair, and patellar tendon repair have the greatest effect on NFL careers, with patellar tendon repair faring worst with respect to the RTP rate, career length after surgery, games played, and performance at 1 year and 2 to 3 years after surgery.
Toward Food Policy for the Dual Burden of Malnutrition
Authors: Thow Anne Marie , Kadiyala Suneetha , Khandelwal Shweta , Menon Purnima , Downs Shauna , Reddy K. Srinath
Published: June 2016

Background:

There is global consensus that a strong policy response is essential for addressing the dual burden of malnutrition. However, policy makers in low- and middle-income countries may perceive a conflict between food supply policies to combat persistent undernutrition and more recent recommendations for policies addressing rising rates of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Objective:

This article explores the potential to use policy space analysis to identify food supply policy opportunities for addressing both undernutrition and diet-related NCDs and to support improved policy coherence.

Methods:

We conducted an exploratory policy space analysis to identify opportunities and constraints for integrated nutrition policy with respect to the food supply in India, where a dual burden of malnutrition has been well documented. We conducted a review of food supply policies and 27 key informant interviews (16 with stakeholders active in India’s national nutrition policy space, and 11 with policy makers and experts in food supply policy).

Results:

The analysis suggests several opportunities for an integrated food supply policy agenda, including targeting common foods of concern (such as highly processed foods) and foods that present common benefits (such as fruits and vegetables), and scaling up existing small-scale policy initiatives that support the availability of nutrient-rich foods. Challenges include policy inertia and competing priorities within the economic sector.

Conclusion:

This scoping study indicates that the policy space analysis framework used here can help to identify specific, contextually appropriate policy options and strategies for strengthening public health nutrition policy within sectors responsible for food supply policy.
Public Sector Reform and Racial Occupational Mobility
Authors: Wilson George , Roscigno Vincent J.
Published: June 2016

Whether the public sector continues to offer African Americans an upwardly mobile “occupational niche” is unclear, especially in the face of contemporary reforms that run counter to workplace protections. In this article, and drawing on overtime data from Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we explore this question with a specific focus on the upward mobility of men into white-collar occupations. Findings suggest that the reform period of 2005–2010, characterized by increased employer discretion and an application of a “business model” to public sector work, undermined African American relative to White promotion prospects. What was once greater racial parity in the incidence, determinants, and timing of upward mobility during the pre-reform period (1985–1990) eroded during the reform period (2005–2010). Promotion-centered inequalities in the private sector, in contrast, while high, were more or less constant across the same time period. We conclude by discussing escalating public sector racial disadvantages, the processes undergirding them, and their implications for the likely contraction of the African American middle class.
The role and welfare rationale of secondary sanctions: A theory and a case study of the US sanctions targeting Iran
Authors: Han Baran
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the role and the welfare rationale of secondary sanctions using a game theoretic framework and a case study of the US sanctions targeting Iran. Existing literature on secondary sanctions focuses either on the sender–third party or the sender–target relations, and fails to address the interdependency of the three players’ strategies. An integrated approach allows us to examine the conditions under which the secondary sanction succeeds in coercing the third party to participate in a sanction campaign against a target. I argue that it acts as a commitment device for the third parties that value target compliance but find it too costly to voluntarily participate in the sanctions when the target complies at a suboptimal level. Despite the coercive nature, secondary sanction can be welfare improving for them. The framework provides an explanation of the successful outcome of the recent US secondary sanctions targeting Iran.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements in Critical Illness
Authors: Koekkoek W. A. C. (Kristine) , van Zanten Arthur R. H.
Published: June 2016

This comprehensive narrative review summarizes relevant antioxidant mechanisms, the antioxidant status, and effects of supplementation in critically ill patients for the most studied antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E and the enzyme cofactor trace elements selenium and zinc. Over the past 15 years, oxidative stress–mediated cell damage has been recognized to be fundamental to the pathophysiology of various critical illnesses such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, ischemia‐reperfusion injury, and multiorgan dysfunction in sepsis. Related to these conditions, low plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, and trace elements have been frequently reported, and thus supplementation seems logical. However, low antioxidant plasma levels per se may not indicate low total body stores as critical illness may induce redistribution of antioxidants. Furthermore, low antioxidant levels may even be beneficial as pro‐oxidants are essential in bacterial killing. The reviewed studies in critically ill patients show conflicting results. This may be due to different patient populations, study designs, timing, dosing regimens, and duration of the intervention and outcome measures evaluated. Therefore, at present, it remains unclear whether supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients has any clinical benefit in critically ill patients as some studies show clear benefits, whereas others demonstrate neutral outcomes and even harm. Combination therapy of antioxidants seems logical as they work in synergy and function as elements of the human antioxidant network. Further research should focus on defining the normal antioxidant status for critically ill patients and to study optimal supplement combinations either by nutrition enrichment or by enteral or parenteral pharmacological interventions.
Explorations of Design Factors for Developments of Protective Gardening Gloves
Authors: Koo Helen S. , Teel Karla P. , Han Siyuan
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify important design factors for protective gardening gloves and consider possible design features for these gloves. A mixed methods procedure was used involving market research, an online survey, and a focus group. Ten design factors of protective gardening gloves were identified: skin cut and puncture protection, dirt and insect protection, UV ray protection, water resistance/waterproofness, dexterity, comfort of movement, breathability, ease of donning and doffing, durability, and ease of care. Potential consumers’ preferred design features for each design factor were investigated through the online survey and focus group. Designers can apply the identified preferred design features in this study as guidelines to satisfy each design factor so that designs can be more easily accepted by consumers. The results of this research can be beneficial for designers in the development process of protective gardening gloves and ultimately benefit gardeners.
Graphene as a nanotemplating auxiliary on the polypyrrole pigment for anticorrosion coatings
Authors: Jiang Shu , Liu Zhixiong , Jiang Daoyi , Cheng Honghua , Han Jin , Han Sheng
Published: June 2016

In this article, we report on the exceptional application of polypyrrole/graphene composites (Ppy/G) for the corrosion protection of steel. Well-dispersed Ppy/G composites were successfully prepared using in situ solution polymerization. The prepared nanocomposites exhibited superior anticorrosion properties compared with the bare and epoxy, in which the corrosion protection efficiency increased 50–100 times with the Ppy(97)@G(3) pigment. The rheological and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites were superior to those of pure Ppy/epoxy. Ppy(97)@G(3) increased the thermal curing temperature from approximately 100°C to 110°C and considerably decreased the volume resistivity. The substantially improved properties of the nanocomposites were attributed to their high dispersions, which greatly enhanced the corrosion factors and barrier properties.
Preparation of a P(FcA-co-ANI)/graphene composite for application in supercapacitors
Authors: Li Yunlong , Zheng Yuying
Published: June 2016

A conducting copolymer of 1,1′-ferrocenediacyl anilide and aniline (P(FcA-co-ANI)) was synthesized, which had a conjugated structure and ferrocene moieties in the main chain. The monomer and copolymer were characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. A P(FcA-co-ANI)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite was synthesized by oxidation polymerization, using rGO as a substrate. The characteristic peaks of P(FcA-co-ANI) and rGO were observed in the FTIR spectrum of P(FcA-co-ANI)/rGO. The X-ray diffraction pattern of P(FcA-co-ANI)/rGO exhibited similar peaks to the pattern of P(FcA-co-ANI), except for the absence of the weak broad peak at 9.0° owing to rGO. The surface morphologies of the materials were characterized by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The interlayer distances of rGO and P(FcA-co-ANI)/rGO were 0.96 and 1.38 nm, respectively. The morphology of the copolymer was spherical, and it contained island structures covering the surface of the graphene layers. The electrochemical properties of the composite were measured by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The maximum specific capacitance of the composite was 722.5 F/g at 0.5 A/g. The diffusion resistance was very small, and the composites durability was sufficient for subjecting to prolonged oxidation and reduction.
Synthesis and properties of electroactive aromatic polyimides with methyl- or trifluoromethyl-protecting triphenylamine units
Authors: Hsiao Sheng-Huei , Lin Kai-Han
Published: June 2016

Two series of new redox-active aromatic polyimides with methyl- (–CH3) or trifluoromethyl (–CF3)-protecting triphenylamine moieties were prepared from 4,4′-diamino-4″-methyltriphenylamine and 4,4′-diamino-4″-(trifluoromethyl)triphenylamine with aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides via the conventional two-step polycondensation technique. Flexible and strong polyimide films could be obtained via the thermal curing of their precursor poly(amic acid) films or direct solution cast from some organosoluble polyimides. The polyimides showed high glass-transition temperatures between 269°C and 312°C, and they did not show significant decomposition before 500°C in air or under nitrogen atmosphere. Cyclic voltammograms of the polyimide films on the indium–tin oxide-coated glass substrate exhibited a pair of reversible redox waves with half-wave oxidation potentials of 1.08–1.10 V (for the –CH3 series) and 1.23–1.26 V (vs. silver/silver chloride; for the –CF3 series) in acetonitrile solution. The polyimide films showed anodic electrochromism from pale yellow neutral state to purplish blue (for the –CH3 series) and chrome yellow (for the –CF3 series) when oxidized.
The recontextualization of revolutionary symbolic capital in Chinese online grassroots discourse
Authors: Liu Qing , Ouyang Huhua
Published: June 2016

This article explores the mobilization power of online grassroots discourse often criticized by researchers as a threat to the Habermasian public sphere. The study takes a historical perspective and attempts to see elements of grassroots discourse as a recontextualization of Chinese revolutionary discourse. The high-profile Yao Jiaxin murder case is taken as the background, and an online open letter and its reply that have attracted wide attention to the event are selected as data for analysis. The theoretical approach utilizes Fairclough’s discourse analysis investigating discursive transformation in social and cultural change, and his synthesis of intertextuality analysis and Gramsci’s hegemony theory is found to be particularly helpful in the discussion. Two aspects of the text will be analyzed in detail – the emotional appeal and the strategy of inclusion/exclusion based on class division, as well as how such rhetoric is challenged and marginalized in new social contexts.
A chironomid-based reconstruction of late-Holocene climate and environmental change for southern Pacific Costa Rica
Authors: Wu Jiaying , Porinchu David F , Horn Sally P
Published: June 2016

A lake sediment profile spanning the last ~3200 years from Laguna Zoncho in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica was analyzed for sub-fossil chironomids. Notable shifts in chironomid assemblages occurred during the late-Holocene. A distinct chironomid community, dominated by Tanypodinae such as Procladius and Labrundinia, appeared after ~550 cal. yr BP (~1400 CE). Prior to this time, the chironomid assemblage was more diverse, with taxa such as Paratanytarsus, Tanytarsus type N, and Cladotanytarsus important constituents of the chironomid community. A chironomid-based inference model for mean annual air temperature (MAAT), developed using partial least squares (PLS 2-component), was applied to sub-fossil chironomid assemblages from Laguna Zoncho to reconstruct late-Holocene thermal variability for the region. The key findings from this study are as follows: (1) chironomid-inferred MAAT at ~2740–1220 cal. yr BP (790 BCE–730 CE) was 1.2°C higher than the late-Holocene (~3200 cal. yr BP to present in this study) average of 21.3°C; (2) MAAT at ~470–90 cal. yr BP (1480–1860 CE) was 1.3°C lower than the late-Holocene average, potentially reflecting ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA) cooling; and (3) evidence for an extended period of low lake levels between 1220 and 840 cal. yr BP (730–1110 CE) possibly indicated the influence of the Terminal Classic Drought (TCD) in southern Costa Rica. This study pioneers the use of sub-fossil chironomid remains to develop quantitative estimates of Holocene thermal variability and environmental change in Central America.
Holocene Mg/Ca, alkenones, and light stable isotope measurements on the outer North Iceland shelf (MD99-2269): A comparison with other multi-proxy data and sub-division of the Holocene
Authors: Kristjánsdóttir Greta B , Moros Matthias , Andrews John T , Jennings Anne E
Published: June 2016

To evaluate whether proxies that record surface, near-surface, and bottom water conditions from the North Iceland shelf have similar trends and periodicities, we examine Holocene century-scale paleoceanographic records from core MD99-2269. This core site lies close to the boundary between Atlantic and Arctic/Polar waters, and in an area frequently influenced by drift ice. The proxies are stable δ13C and δ18O values on planktonic and benthic foraminifera, alkenone-based sea-surface temperatures (SST°C), and foraminiferal Mg/Ca SST°C and bottom water temperature (BWT°C) estimates. These data were converted to equi-spaced 60-year time-series; significant trends were extracted using Singular Spectrum Analysis, which accounted for between 50% and 70% of the variance. In order to evaluate within-site ocean climate variability, a comparison between these data and previously published proxies from MD99-2269 was carried out on a standardized data set of 14 proxies covering the interval 400–9200 cal. yr BP. Principal component (PC) analysis indicated that the first two PC axes accounted for 57% of the variability with high loadings primarily defining ‘nutrient’ and ‘temperature’ proxies. Fuzzy k-mean clustering of the 14 climate proxies indicated major environmental changes at ~6350 and ~3450 cal. yr BP, which define local early-, middle-, and late-Holocene climatic shifts. Our results indicate that the major control on the combined proxy signal is the Holocene decrease in June insolation, but regional changes in such factors as sea-ice extent and salinity are required to explain the threefold division of the Holocene.