bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Consumers Face the Decision to Buy Fair Trade Products? A Marketing Approach
Authors: Pérez Andrea , García de los Salmones María del Mar
Published: May 2018

In this article, we propose and empirically test a causal model to understand how consumer social orientation, the credibility of nonprofit organizations, the perceptions of fair trade products, and the attitudes toward the fair trade brand interact and affect the buying intentions of fair trade products in a sample of 292 Spanish consumers. The findings show that consumer social orientation has the greatest effect on buying intentions, above consumers’ perceptions of fair trade products, the credibility of the trading nonprofit organizations and consumers’ attitudes toward the fair trade brand. Actually, consumers’ attitudes toward the fair trade brand have no significant effect on consumers’ buying intentions. The findings also demonstrate that the credibility of nonprofit organizations only influences consumers’ buying intentions indirectly through consumers’ perceptions of the functional utilities of fair trade products.
The role of track stiffness and its spatial variability on long-term track quality deterioration
Authors: Grossoni I , Andrade AR , Bezin Y , Neves S
Published: May 2018

With rapid advances in sensor and condition monitoring technologies, railway infrastructure managers are turning their attention towards the promise that digital information and big data will help them understand and manage their assets more efficiently. In addition to the existing track geometry records, it is evident that track stiffness is a key physical quantity to help assess track quality and its long-term deterioration. The present paper analyses the role of track stiffness and its spatial variability through a set of computational experiments, varying other vehicle and track physical quantities such as vehicle unsprung mass, speed and track vertical irregularities. The support stiffness conditions are obtained using a sample procedure from an autoregressive integrated moving average model to generate a representative larger set of data from previously on-site measured data. A set of computational experiments is carefully designed, varying different physical variables, and a vehicle–track interaction model is used to estimate the track geometry deterioration rates. A series of log-linear regression models are then used to analyse the impact of the tested physical variables on the track deterioration. The main findings suggest that the spatial variability of track stiffness significantly contributes to the track deterioration rates, and thus it should be used in the future to better target the design and maintenance of railway track. Finally, a comparative study of some settlement models available in literature shows that they are very dependent on the test conditions under which they have been derived.
A method for deriving a non-singular state-space formulation based on Rubin's model for Pogo analysis
Authors: Tan Shujun , Wang Qingwei , Wu Zhigang , Yang Yunfei , Yu Ziwen
Published: May 2018

A method for deriving a non-singular state-space formulation based on Rubin's model for Pogo analysis is presented in this study. Because of the non-singularity, the state-space model can be directly used in frequency-domain analyses and time-domain simulations. To describe the assembly method concisely, the dynamic equations of the nine types of independent elements are described in a standard manner. The nine types of elements are divided into two classes according to characteristics of the dynamic equations. The mapping relationship between the local and global numbers of elements and nodes is obtained by numbering all of the elements and nodes. By integrating the element stiffness matrixes to obtain the total stiffness matrix used in the finite element method, the coefficient matrixes of the improved Rubin's model are assembled from the coefficient matrixes of all of the elements according to the mapping relationship. Based on the non-singular model, the time-varying simulation with the nonlinear property of the accumulator can be done conveniently by revising the state-space model. The successful application of this method to a Pogo analysis of a certain type of CZ rocket used in China verifies the correctness and efficiency of the method of this study.
Language Skills, but Not Frequency Discrimination, Predict Reading Skills in Children at Risk of Dyslexia
Authors: Snowling Margaret J. , Gooch Debbie , McArthur Genevieve , Hulme Charles
Published: May 2018

This study evaluated the claim that auditory processing deficits are a cause of reading and language difficulties. We report a longitudinal study of 245 children at family risk of dyslexia, children with preschool language impairments, and control children. Children with language impairments had poorer frequency-discrimination thresholds than controls at 5.5 years, but children at family risk of dyslexia did not. A model assessing longitudinal relationships among frequency discrimination, reading, language, and executive function skills showed that frequency discrimination was predicted by executive skills but was not a longitudinal predictor of reading or language skills. Our findings contradict the hypothesis that frequency discrimination is causally related to dyslexia or language impairment and suggest that individuals at risk for dyslexia or who have language impairments may perform poorly on auditory processing tasks because of comorbid attentional difficulties.
Employment in Schools in India
Authors: Jain Chandan
Published: May 2018

In the present article, we highlight the role that schools play in the Indian labour market. Using data from two rounds of the National Sample Survey, we provide estimates for the number of individuals employed in schools and the share of schools in the overall labour force in the country. We find that the share of schools in the overall labour force has increased between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012. Further, we also analyse the differences in these estimates across regions and gender as well. We find that despite the decline in female labour force in rural areas, number of females employed in schools in rural areas has increased over time. Additionally, we find that schools constituted the largest share in the overall female labour force employed in the services sector in the country.

JEL: I20, J21
Opisthotonos and unilateral internal hydrocephalus associated with aberrant migration of Serratospiculum sp. or Serratospiculoides sp. in a prairie falcon
Authors: Van Wettere Arnaud J. , Kurz Jaqueline P. , Wilhelm Amanda , Ipsen Jay Dee
Published: May 2018

A juvenile, wild-caught prairie falcon ( Falco mexicanus) kept for falconry was presented to a veterinary hospital for intermittent opisthotonos and torticollis. Clinical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and fecal analysis were unremarkable. Clinical signs did not resolve, and the bird was euthanized 6 mo after the appearance of clinical signs. Autopsy revealed a mild, unilateral hydrocephalus and nematodes within the thoracic air sac. Histopathology demonstrated mild, unilateral hydrocephalus; scattered glial nodules; meningeal nematode sections; and meningeal and intraventricular embryonated eggs. Morphology and molecular characterization were consistent with the air sac nematode Serratospiculum or Serratospiculoides spp. Air sac nematode infection can be associated with air sacculitis or pneumonia in falcons. Aberrant migration of air sac filariid nematodes Serratospiculum or Serratospiculoides spp. into the nervous system resulting in clinical disease is rare, but should be included in the differential diagnosis of neurologic diseases in falcons.
Paper Spirits and Flower Sacrifices: Hmong Shamans in the 21st Century
Authors: Helsel Deborah
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Fresno, California, is home to more than 30,000 Hmong. The purpose of this research was to explore the utilization of Hmong shamans 40 years after the first Hmong immigrants arrived in the United States. Hmong shamanism is examined to identify and analyze changes to shamans’ practices or patients. Methods: Using grounded theory, semistructured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 20 shamans in their homes. Transcribed data were qualitatively analyzed. Results: Shamans continue to train and practice in this community; utilization by older patients persists while young adult patients have become the fastest-growing group of users. Healing rituals have changed in response to the legalities of animal sacrifice in urban areas and the time demands of work schedules. Discussion: Nurses’ awareness that the availability of biomedicine does not preclude the continuing or recurring utilization of traditional healers can facilitate understanding of culturally defined health care needs.
Design and evaluation of a small-scale multi-drum magnetorheological brake
Authors: Qin Huanhuan , Song Aiguo , Zeng Xin , Hu Suyun
Published: May 2018

Magnetorheological fluid, whose rheological properties can be continuously and reversely changed, is a new-type smart material. Based on magnetorheological fluid, magnetorheological brake is a potential actuation method in haptics due to its desirable features, such as inherent passiveness and high compactness. Most of the existing magnetorheological brakes are powerful enough, but they are too bulky and heavy. If they were smaller and lighter, they would be more favourable for haptics. In this article, a small-scale yet powerful magnetorheological brake was designed, modelled and evaluated. We adopted a novel multi-drum architecture to activate more shearing areas within a limited volume. To obtain an ideal sealing effect and reduce the off-state friction, the ferro-fluidic sealing technique was used. The ferro-fluidic sealing assemblies can be assembled from both sides of the shaft. The current–torque model of this brake was derived to predict the torque output based on the current input. The optimal design has the diameter of 28 mm and the width of 23.5 mm. It can provide the maximum and minimum torque of 403 and 4 N mm, respectively, giving the torque–volume ratio of 27.864 kN/m2 and the dynamic range of about 40 dB with the 54 ms time constant.
Innovative Surgical Treatment of Severe Cherubism
Authors: Son Ji H. , Marshall Danielle C. , Valiathan Manish , Otteson Todd , Ferretti Gerald , Grigorian Paula A. , Rosen Carol , Becker Devra , Rowe David , Soltanian Hooman , Lakin Gregory
Published: May 2018

Background:

Cherubism is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by excessive bilateral maxillomandibular bony degeneration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia. Conservative management is the preferred treatment as cherubism has a self-limiting course. Functional or emotional disturbances may, however, demand surgical intervention. We report a patient who underwent surgical intervention.

Method/Description:

He had significant enlargement of lower cheeks and bilateral lower lid scleral show. On computed tomography of the face, the patient had significant fibrous tissue involving bilateral maxilla and mandible. The mandibular tumor was excised. Given normal inferior border, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was performed to infracture and inset the outer cortex. During the procedure, patient required blood transfusion intraoperatively, so the maxillary portion of the procedure was delayed until 6 months later. For the maxilla, bilateral transconjunctival approach was used to resect parts of the orbital floors that were concave, resulting in 1 × 2 cm defects bilaterally which were reconstructed using resorbable plates. Then the anterior maxillary tumor was excised.

Results:

The patient and his parents were satisfied with his appearance after surgery. The patient was noted to have improvement in contour and decreased scleral show. He has most recently followed up 15 months after the initial surgery. There were no long-term complications.

Conclusions:

Severity of cherubism influences the type of surgical intervention. The present case is innovative because this is the first reported case of recontouring orbital floors with resorbable plates and infracturing of the mandible using sagittal split osteotomies for surgical treatment of cherubism.
Interaction between ductile damage and texture evolution in finite polycrystalline elastoplasticity
Authors: Hfaiedh N , Roos A , Badreddine H , Saanouni K
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a multiscale model of ductile damage and its effects on the inelastic behavior of face centered cubic polycrystalline metallic materials, such as the evolution of their crystallographic textures, are investigated. The constitutive equations are written in the framework of rate-dependent polycrystalline plasticity at the microscopic scale. Plasticity and damage are coupled through a ductile damage variable introduced at the scale of the crystallographic slip systems of each grain. When homogenized to the macro-scale, this becomes an approximate phenomenological measure of the macroscopic ductile damage which can describe the material degradation by initiation, growth, and coalescence of micro-defects. In this paper, thermally activated intergranular (or creep) damage is not taken into account. Both theoretical and numerical aspects of the model are presented. The model is implemented into a general-purpose finite element code in order to analyze the effects of texture evolution and ductile damage initiation in the grains with favorably oriented slip systems. The capability of the proposed model to predict the plastic strain localization and the induced textural evolution, as well as the effects of the ductile damage and its evolution up to the final macroscopic failure are studied for a classical tensile loading path, applied to a representative volume element and to a 3D tensile specimen on which a parametric study has been carried out.
Climate Impact Assessments With a Lens on Inequality
Authors: Sánchez Marco V.
Published: May 2018

Climate impact assessments inform climate change discussions. Integrated use of biophysical and economic models made it possible to move from assessments exclusively focused on the physical impacts, to assessments that incorporate the prospective effects on human welfare. Effects on poverty and livelihoods are better understood. However, even though structural inequalities exacerbate exposure and vulnerability to climate change, the nexus between climate change and inequality remains underresearched. We suggest ways to feature inequalities prominently in climate impact assessments hoping to encourage new research. We suggest how to use modeling capability to explore how existing inequalities may worsen in the face of climate hazards, through perturbation of natural resource systems, unemployment of production factors, a lack of access to human capital and basic services, and socioeconomic attributes that place people at a disadvantage. We also point to the policy analysis that one can develop and areas to improve it going forward.
Determining Success or Failure After Foot and Ankle Surgery Using Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and Patient Reported Outcome Information System (PROMIS)
Authors: Anderson Michael R. , Baumhauer Judith F. , DiGiovanni Benedict F. , Flemister Sam , Ketz John P. , Oh Irvin , Houck Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2018

Background:

As the role of generic patient-reported outcomes (PROs) expands, important questions remain about their interpretation. In particular, how the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Instrumentation System (PROMIS) t score values correlate with the patients’ perception of success or failure (S/F) of their surgery is unknown. The purposes of this study were to characterize the association of PROMIS t scores, the patients’ perception of their symptoms (patient acceptable symptom state [PASS]), and determination of S/F after surgery.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study contacted patients after the 4 most common foot and ankle surgeries at a tertiary academic medical center (n = 88). Patient outcome as determined by phone interviews included PASS and patients’ judgment of whether their surgery was a S/F. Assessment also included PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and depression (D) scales. The association between S/F and PASS outcomes was evaluated by chi-square analysis. A 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) evaluated the ability of PROMIS to discriminate PASS and/or S/F outcomes. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the ability of pre- (n = 63) and postoperative (n = 88) PROMIS scores to predict patient outcomes (S/F and PASS). Finally, the proportion of individuals classified by the identified thresholds were evaluated using chi-square analysis.

Results:

There was a strong association between PASS and S/F after surgery (chi-square <0.01). Two-way ANOVA demonstrated that PROMIS t scores discriminate whether patients experienced positive or negative outcome for PASS ( P < .001) and S/F ( P < .001). The ROC analysis showed significant accuracy (area under the curve > 0.7) for postoperative but not preoperative PROMIS t scores in determining patient outcome for both PASS and S/F. The proportion of patients classified by applying the ROC analysis thresholds using PROMIS varied from 43.0% to 58.8 % for PASS and S/F.

Conclusions:

Patients who found their symptoms and activity at a satisfactory level (ie, PASS yes) also considered their surgery a success. However, patients who did not consider their symptoms and activity at a satisfactory level did not consistently consider their surgery a failure. PROMIS t scores for physical function and pain demonstrated the ability to discriminate and accurately predict patient outcome after foot and ankle surgery for 43.0% to 58.8% of participants. These data improve the clinical utility of PROMIS scales by suggesting thresholds for positive and negative patient outcomes independent of other factors.

Level of Evidence:

II, prospective comparative series.
A novel route to produce structural polymer foams with a controlled solid skin-porous core structure based on gas diffusion mechanisms
Authors: Pinto J , Escudero J , Solórzano E , Rodriguez-Perez MA
Published: May 2018

A comprehensive study about a new production route of structural polymer foams is presented. This methodology is based on the one hand on a free foaming process induced by a chemical blowing agent inside a closed mold, and on the other hand on the use of a solid polymer able to absorb gas in close contact with the molten foamed polymer, establishing a competitive absorption of the blowing gas between both materials. This competitive absorption of the gas promotes the formation of a solid skin in all the areas in contact with the solid polymer. This phenomenon has been identified in-situ and evaluated in real time using a specific X-ray radioscopy set-up, being possible to relate unequivocally the apparition and thickness of the solid skin with the presence of the solid polymer and with the pressure achieved in the closed mould during the foaming process. The presented production route shows an accurate and independent control of the final foam relative density (even below 0.5) and the thickness of the solid skin, together with an excellent surface quality and a broad applicability, which allows the design and production of structural polymer foams with exceptional features.
Lenstar® LS 900 vs Pentacam®-AXL: Comparative study of ocular biometric measurements and intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Pereira Joana Maria Mendes , Neves Arminda , Alfaiate Pedro , Santos Mónica , Aragão Henrique , Sousa João C
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

Comparison of biometric measurements and calculation of intraocular lens with a new biometer (Pentacam®-AXL, Oculus, Germany) and a reference biometer (Lenstar LS 900®, Haag-Streit AG, Switzerland), in order to assess the agreement between these two devices.

Setting:

Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Portugal

Materials and methods:

Prospective, institutional study, in which measurements of axial length, anterior chamber depth from the corneal epithelium and endothelium to the anterior surface of the lens (anterior chamber depth ext and anterior chamber depth int), central corneal thickness and keratometry readings of the flattest and steepest meridians (K1 and K2) were obtained with the two systems. Intraocular lens calculation was also performed, using the Haigis, SRK/T and HofferQ formulas.

Results:

The study sample included 136 eyes of 79 patients. Of these, 42 were women and 37 were men. Statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05, paired T test) in K1, K2 and central corneal thickness between the 2 biometers. Intraocular lens calculation with the Lenstar® and the Pentacam® with Haigis, SRK/T and HofferQ formulas showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05 Paired T test).

Conclusion:

Axial length measurements obtained with the Pentacam® and Lenstar® appear to be interchangeable, while measurements of anterior chamber depth, K1 and K2, and central corneal thickness do not appear to be interchangeable between different devices. Statistically significant differences were found in the calculation of intraocular lenses in all formulas used.
Molecular Evolution and Functional Divergence of the IgLON Family
Authors: Kubick Norwin , Brösamle Desiree , Mickael Michel-Edwar
Published: May 2018

IgLON family is a subgroup of cell adhesion molecules which is known to have diverse roles in neuronal development. IgLONs are characterized by possessing 3 Ig-like C2 domains, which play a part in mediating various cellular interactions. Recently, IgLONs have been shown to be expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, our understanding of the genetic divergence patterns and evolutionary rates of these proteins in relation to their functions, in general, and at the BBB, in particular, remains inadequate. In this study, 12 species were explored to shed more light on the phylogenetic origins, structure, functional specificity, and divergence of this family. A total of 40 IgLON genes were identified from vertebrates and invertebrates. The absence of IgLON family genes in Hydra vulgaris and Nematostella vectensis but not in Drosophila melanogaster suggests that this family appeared during the time of divergence of Arthropoda 455 Mya. In general, IgLON genes have been subject to strong positive selection in vertebrates. Our study, based on IgLONs’ structural similarity, suggests that they may play a role in the evolutionary changes in the brain anatomy towards complexity including regulating neural growth and BBB permeability. IgLONs’ functions seem to be performed through complex interactions on the level of motifs as well as single residues. We identified several IgLON motifs that could be influencing cellular migration and proliferation as well as BBB integrity through interactions with SH3 or integrin. Our motif analysis also revealed that NEGR1 might be involved in MAPK pathway as a form of a signal transmitting receptor through its motif (KKVRVVVNF). We found several residues that were both positively selected and with highly functional specificity. We also located functional divergent residues that could act as drug targets to regulate BBB permeability. Furthermore, we identified several putative metalloproteinase cleavage sites that support the ectodomain shedding hypothesis of the IgLONs. In conclusion, our results present a bridge between IgLONs’ molecular evolution and their functions.
University life with ASD: Faculty knowledge and student needs
Authors: Zeedyk Sasha M , Bolourian Yasamine , Blacher Jan
Published: May 2018

Increasingly, young adults with autism spectrum disorder are attending 4-year universities. The transition to adulthood can be challenging for these students, and university life poses its own set of demands. The present article takes a mixed-methods approach by including two studies utilizing complementary methodologies. Through in-depth interviews with students with autism spectrum disorder ( n = 13) and college professors ( n = 18), the purpose of the first study was to evaluate the experiences and needs of college students with autism spectrum disorder and identify the knowledge that faculty members possessed about working with these students. Through survey methodology with a larger sample of faculty members ( n = 132), the purpose of the second study was to obtain more information about faculty knowledge of autism spectrum disorder, and to learn whether their pedagogical practices accommodated students with autism spectrum disorder. Findings revealed that autism is often an “invisible” disability on campuses, and there are many things that professors need to know with regard to working with these students in particular. Implications for practice are discussed.
Experimental and numerical analyses of the buckling of steel, pressurized, spherical shells
Authors: Kołodziej Sebastian , Marcinowski Jakub
Published: May 2018

Thin steel shells in the form of spherical segments, loaded by external pressure, have a tendency to sudden buckling under a lower pressure than their plastic resistance. The buckling phenomenon of spherical shells was the subject of research done by many authors and the previous results of theoretical and experimental research were used in the European Design Recommendations published in 2008 by European Convention for Constructional Steelwork. This article presents experimental research done on a specially designed and manufactured stand. Specimens were manufactured with a metal spinning technique from steel sheets usually used for deep drawing and stamping of metal objects. The actual shape of every specimen was determined with the three-dimensional scanning technique. Material research was also done on the steel sheets. Pressure was exerted with an air compressor and displacement was measured with the optical measurement system ARAMIS. The deformation modes of the whole specimen were registered precisely at every step of pressure exertion till the final postbuckling stage. All the data measured were registered automatically by two computers. The result of every experiment is presented in the form of an equilibrium path as the relationship of the pressure p as a function of a chosen displacement parameter. This article also presents a comparison between the critical pressures obtained during the experiments and the results obtained from the numerical simulations done with COSMOS/M. The experimental and the numerical results were also compared with the buckling resistances proposed by Rotter and Schmidt and Błażejewski and Marcinowski.
Ethnography of a parasite: A quantitative ethnographic observation of forest malaria in the Amazon basin
Authors: Feged-Rivadeneira Alejandro , Evans Sian
Published: May 2018

Aims: Malaria in the Amazon basin is persistently more prevalent among low density populations (1–4 people/[Formula: see text]). Describing malaria transmission in small populations, such as ethnic minorities in the Amazon basin, living in reserves in groups that amount to 110–450 individuals, is fundamental for the implementation of adequate interventions. Here, we examine malaria transmission in a context of high prevalence in a small population of Nükak ethnicity (ethnic group [Formula: see text] individuals, study group, [Formula: see text] individuals) living in the peri-urban area of a city with [Formula: see text] inhabitants in the Amazon basin. Methods: Using methods from behavioral ecology, we conducted a quantitative ethnography and collected data to inform of individual behavioral profiles. Individual malarial infection reports were available from the local public health offices, so each behavioral profile was associated with an epidemic profile for the past 5 years. Results: Our research shows that, in-line with current opinion, malaria among the Nükak is not associated with an occupational hazard risk and follows a holoendemic pattern, where children are most susceptible to the parasite. Parasite loads of malarial infection among the Nükak persist at much higher rates than in any other neighboring ethnicity, which indicates an association between high incidence rates and endemicity. Conclusions: We hypothesize that malarial infection in the forest follows a pattern where the parasite persists in pockets of holoendemicity, and occupational hazard risk for individuals outside those pockets is associated with behaviors that take place in the proximity of the pockets of endemicity.
The impact of intravascular ultrasound on outcomes of endovascular repair of blunt traumatic aortic injury
Authors: Etheridge James C , Ahanchi S Sadie , Dexter David J , Cain Brandon C , Collins Jay N , Panneton Jean M
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Endovascular repair has become first-line therapy for traumatic aortic injury. Proper endograft sizing is critical to outcomes following traumatic aortic injury repair; however, the adequacy of standard imaging modalities for this purpose remains uncertain. We assessed the impact of intravascular ultrasound on outcomes of endovascular traumatic aortic injury repair.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for all traumatic aortic injury patients from 2005 to 2015. Primary endpoints were 30-day aortic-related complications (aortic-related mortality, stroke, and spinal cord ischemia) and late device-related complications (collapse, migration, endoleak, and reintervention) over the duration of follow-up. Aortic measurements were calculated from three-dimensional-reconstructed computerized tomography studies and intravascular ultrasound images. Aortic remodeling was quantified by volume change between initial and first follow-up computerized tomography scans.

Results

Twenty-five patients were included (mean age 41, 72% male). Intravascular ultrasound was used in 14 patients. No differences in demographics or injury characteristics were observed between intravascular ultrasound and non-intravascular ultrasound patients. Proximal neck diameter was 1.2 mm greater on intraoperative intravascular ultrasound than initial computerized tomography imaging ( P = .048). Endograft oversizing in relation to initial computerized tomography was 25% in intravascular ultrasound patients versus 9% in non-intravascular ultrasound patients ( P = .001). No significant differences in aortic-related complications were noted. Device-related complications occurred more frequently in the non-intravascular ultrasound group at a mean follow-up of 252 days (36.4% vs. 0%, P = .026). Aortic remodeling rate was 4.41 cm3/day in the intravascular ultrasound group versus 2.34 cm3/day in the non-intravascular ultrasound group ( P = .256).

Conclusions

Intravascular ultrasound significantly impacts endograft sizing and was associated with decreased device-related complications following endovascular traumatic aortic injury repair.
Pǿlya–Aeppli regression model for overdispersed count data
Authors: Borges Patrick , Godoi Luciana G.
Published: May 2018

The log-linear Poisson model, characterized by linear variance function and a logarithmic relation between means and covariates, embedded in the exponential family regression framework provided by generalized linear models (GLM) is still the standard approach for analyzing count data responses with regression models. In practice, however, count data are often overdispersed and, thus, not conducive to Poisson regression. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to introduce a log-linear model based on the P[Formula: see text]lya–Aeppli (PA) distribution, which is an extension of the Poisson distribution by including a dispersion parameter ρ, to address the problem of overdispersion. Maximum likelihood (ML) estimation procedure is discussed as well as a test for determining the need for a PA regression over a standard Poisson regression. In addition, a simple EM-type algorithm for iteratively computing ML estimates is presented. In order to study departures from the error assumption as well as the presence of outliers, we perform residual analysis based on the standardized Pearson residuals. Furthermore, for different parameter settings and sample sizes, various simulations are performed. Finally, we also illustrated the new method on three real datasets, two of them are from biological researches and the other is from a violence study.
Does ethnic diversity increase violent crime? A global analysis of homicide rates, 1995–2013
Authors: de Soysa Indra , Noel Carmen
Published: May 2018

Many scholars argue that diverse preferences and coordination failure stemming from high ethnic diversity results in high social frictions, leading to socio-political failure. Criminological theories suggest that crime is driven by very similar processes. The specialized literature on civil war, however, reports a diversity dividend, arguing that when two large groups (polarization) make up a society, the risk of armed violence is increased. Using data on global homicide rates from the period 1995–2013 for over 140 countries, we find that ethnic heterogeneity is associated with homicide rates in an inverted U-shape relationship. Measures of ethnic polarization confirm these results directly. The results suggests that ethnic polarization and ethnic dominance rather than diversity are what matter for personal security measured as homicide rates. The conditional effect of high diversity and income inequality is associated with lower homicide rates, results that reject the view that societal heterogeneity and income inequality drive social dislocation. Several possible intervening variables, such as unemployment among males and youth, ethnic exclusion and discrimination, good governance and institutional quality, as well as several demographic and political variables, do not affect the basic results. It seems that the heavy emphasis placed on ethnic diversity for explaining social dislocation and violence, in so far as it relates to a country’s homicide rate, seems to be misplaced.
Results of a Voice-Related Survey of Physical Education Student Teachers
Authors: Grillo Elizabeth U. , Brosious Jenna N.
Published: May 2018

The current study investigated physical education (PE) student teachers’ understanding of the vocal demands of their future profession, interest in participating in a voice-training program, and the current impact of the voice on quality-of-life by the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Seventy-four PE student teachers completed a voice-related survey and the VHI. Forty-three percent of participants indicated that teaching will negatively affect the voice and 29% of participants reported that they may develop a voice problem because of teaching; however, only 17% of participants indicated that a voice-training program was needed to learn healthy and effective voice use for teaching. Based on the results, participants knew that teaching may negatively impact the voice, but they were not convinced that a voice-training program was necessary. In addition, the student teachers’ voices were not negatively impacting quality-of-life, as determined by the VHI.
Apposition and Positioning of the Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing System in the Infrarenal Aortic Neck
Authors: van Noort Kim , Overeem Simon P. , van Veen Ruben , Heyligers Jan M. M. , Reijnen Michel M. P. J. , Schuurmann Richte C. L. , Slump Cornelis H. , Kropman Rogier , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To investigate the initial proximal position and seal of the Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) system in the aortic neck using a novel methodology. Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAS for an abdominal aortic aneurysm were retrospectively selected and dichotomized into an early (n=23) and a late (n=23) group. The aortic neck morphology and aortic neck surface (ANS) were determined on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans; the endograft position and nonapposition surface (NAS) were determined on the 1-month CT scans. The position of the proximal endobag boundary was measured by 2 experienced observers to analyze the interobserver variability for the EVAS NAS measurements. The shortest distance from the lowest renal artery to the endobag (shortest fabric distance) and the shortest distance from the endobag to the end of the infrarenal neck (shortest sealing distance) were determined. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) are presented with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous data are presented as the median and interquartile range (IQR: Q3 – Q1). Results: There were no differences between the early and late EVAS groups regarding aortic neck morphology except for the neck calcification circumference [41° (IQR 33°) vs 87° (IQR 60°), respectively; p=0.043]. Perfect agreement was observed for the NAS (ICC 0.897, 95% CI 0.780 to 0.956). The NAS as a percentage of the preoperative ANS was 47% (IQR 43) vs 49% (IQR 49) for the early vs late groups, respectively (p=0.214). The shortest fabric distances were 5 mm (IQR 5) and 4 mm (IQR 7) for the early and late groups, respectively (p=0.604); the shortest sealing distances were 9 mm (IQR 13) and 16 mm (IQR 17), respectively (p=0.066). Conclusion: Accurate positioning of the Nellix EVAS system in the aortic neck may be challenging. Despite considerable experience with the system, still around half of the potential seal in the aortic neck was missed in the current series, without improvement over time. This should be considered during preoperative planning and may be a cause of a higher than expected complication rate. Detailed post-EVAS nonapposition surface can be determined with the described novel methodology that takes into account the sometimes irregularly shaped top of the sealing endobags.
Free Clinics and the Need for Nursing Action in Uncertain Political Times
Authors: Ghazal Marie , Rambur Betty
Published: May 2018

Free clinics have been a source of health care for uninsured and low-income Americans for half a century and serve some of the nation’s most vulnerable within their home community. Despite parallels to nursing’s significant involvement in the formation of free public clinics and commitment to care for all, there is paucity of nursing literature about free clinics. This article details the history of U.S. free clinics and the intersections among free clinics and value-based care, health reform, and tax reform, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Challenges impacting free clinics are detailed, as well as strategies nurses may employ to support survival of free clinics and enhance service to their target populations. Roles for nurses in free clinic governance, management, and practice are described as well as suggestions for research, education, and public policy.
An improved authentication protocol–based dynamic identity for multi-server environments
Authors: Cui Jianming , Zhang Xiaojun , Cao Ning , Zhang Dexue , Ding Jianrui , Li Guofu
Published: May 2018

The age of Internet of things gives rise to more challenges to various secure demands when designing the protocols, such as object identification and tracking, and privacy control. In many of the current protocols, a malicious server may cheat users as if it was a legal server, making it vital to verify the legality of both users and servers with the help of a trusted third-party, such as a registration center. Li et al. proposed an authentication protocol based on dynamic identity for multi-server environment, which is still susceptible to password-guessing attack, eavesdropping attack, masquerade attack, and insider attack etc. Besides, their protocol does not provide the anonymity of users, which is an essential request to protect users’ privacy. In this article, we present an improved authentication protocol, depending on the registration center in multi-server environments to remedy these security flaws. Different from the previous protocols, registration center in our proposed protocol is one of parties in authentication phase to verify the legality of the users and the servers, thus can effectively avoid the server spoofing attack. Our protocol only uses nonce, exclusive-OR operation, and one-way hash function in its implementation. Formal analysis has been performed using the Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic to show its security.
Dorsal Plating for Intra-articular Middle Phalangeal Base Fractures With Volar Instability
Authors: Doering Travis A. , Greenberg Andrew S. , Tuckman David V.
Published: May 2018

Background: Intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar instability are rare injuries with scant literature on optimal management. Our purpose is to describe our method of dorsal plating and report postoperative outcomes. Methods: This study is a retrospective case review of 5 patients with intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar proximal interphalangeal joint instability, measuring subjective, clinical, and radiographic outcomes. Results: Patient age averaged 38.2 years (range, 23-56 years), and 80% were male. Sporting injuries were the most common mechanism (80%). Time to surgery averaged 7 days, and postoperative follow-up duration averaged 19.6 months (median 8 months). All fractures were intra-articular at the proximal interphalangeal joint with volar instability. There were no complications and no patients required secondary surgery. Grip strength was maintained and range of motion was good, based on the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Total Active Motion score. Average Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was 0.5 (range, 0-2.3), 100% of patients were satisfied, and average visual analog pain score was 1.2. Patients returned to work at a median of 4 days. There was radiographic union at an average of 6.6 weeks (range, 6-7 weeks) in all fractures. Conclusions: Dorsal plating using a 1.5-mm modular hand plate is a viable option for rigid fixation of intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar instability. This fixation method allows for early range of motion without complications in this case series. All fractures united, and patients had minimal functional deficits and were able to maintain good range of motion.
A novel technique to visualize true lumen in endovascular treatment of the occlusive carotid dissection and the usefulness of external–internal carotid collateral channel
Authors: Murata Keiji , Yamauchi Shigeru , Kaneshiro Yuta , Urano Yumiko , Yamagata Keishi , Takami Toshihiro
Published: May 2018

Background

Dissection of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can cause occlusion or severe stenosis and is known to be one of the major causes of ischemic stroke in the young. Endovascular treatment is one of the useful options for carotid dissections, but passing the guidewire through the occlusion (lesion-cross) and confirmation of the true lumen are sometimes difficult.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old right-handed man complaining of dysarthria and gait disturbance consulted our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed right ICA dissection. Because of worsening symptoms with conservative treatment, we performed endovascular treatment. Prior to the lesion-cross, a microcatheter was navigated to the third segment of the internal maxillary artery and a balloon-guiding catheter was navigated to the proximal ICA. Under balloon occlusion of the ICA, superselective angiography via the ipsilateral maxillary artery and slow evacuation from the balloon-guiding catheter were performed. Thereafter, the course of the true lumen was clearly visualized, and we were able to navigate another microcatheter without difficulty. Subsequently, angioplasty and stent placement were successfully accomplished.

Conclusion

We presented a case of ICA dissection and demonstrated a novel technique for a safe lesion-cross for occlusive ICA dissection.
Model analysis for a continuum aircraft fuel tank inspection robot based on the Rzeppa universal joint
Authors: Niu Guochen , Wang Jinkun , Xu Kailu
Published: May 2018

A continuum robot was designed to assist aircraft crew in inspecting fuel tanks, thereby decreasing the workload of fuel tank inspection and improving the efficiency of maintenance. The Rzeppa universal joint and cylindrical helical spring were taken as the joint section of the main body, and the load capacity of continuum robot had been improved greatly. Based on the isokinetic feature of the Rzeppa universal joint, the single-section kinematic analysis of the continuum robot was conducted according to the unit load method of cylindrical helical spring. Next, the influence of variable curvature bending properties of the plant was reduced, and the mapping relationship among the end position, joint variables, and the length of driving cables was obtained. Finally, the simulation and prototype experiments were performed, and the results proved the strong loading capacity of the continuum robot and the effectiveness of the kinematic model.
Biosimilars and federal preemption in the USA
Authors: Bousquet Jeffrey R
Published: May 2018

Summary

This article reports on the recent decision by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“Federal Circuit”) in Amgen v. Sandoz on remand from the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court held that a biosimilar applicant cannot be compelled under federal law to provide a copy of its abbreviated biologics license application (“aBLA”) and manufacturing information to the reference product sponsor (“RPS”) as required by the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (“BPCIA”). The Supreme Court remanded the case to the Federal Circuit to determine whether there was any remedy under California state law available to Amgen, and if so, whether such remedy is preempted by the BPCIA. The Federal Circuit held that the BPCIA preempts state law remedies for a biosimilar applicant’s failure to comply with the BPCIA.

This article also briefly discusses three other recent cases involving situations where the biosimilar applicant initiates the BPCIA information exchange process but provides only partial or no manufacturing information to the RPS or fails to complete the process by opting out at some later stage of the process.
Nav1.7 is phosphorylated by Fyn tyrosine kinase which modulates channel expression and gating in a cell type-dependent manner
Authors: Li Yangyang , Zhu Tengteng , Yang Huan , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D , Waxman Stephen G , Yu Ye , Xu Tian-Le , Cheng Xiaoyang
Published: May 2018

Voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is a key molecule in nociception, and its dysfunction has been associated with various pain disorders. Here, we investigated the regulation of Nav1.7 biophysical properties by Fyn, an Src family tyrosine kinase. Nav1.7 was coexpressed with either constitutively active (FynCA) or dominant negative (FynDN) variants of Fyn kinase. FynCA elevated protein expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of Nav1.7 channels. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis identified two tyrosine residues (Y1470 and Y1471) located within the Nav1.7 DIII-DIV linker (L3) as phosphorylation sites of Fyn. Whole-cell recordings revealed that FynCA evoked larger changes in Nav1.7 biophysical properties when expressed in ND7/23 cells than in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells, suggesting a cell type-specific modulation of Nav1.7 by Fyn kinase. In HEK 293 cells, substitution of both tyrosine residues with phenylalanine dramatically reduced current amplitude of mutant channels, which was partially rescued by expressing mutant channels in ND7/23 cells. Phenylalanine substitution showed little effect on FynCA-induced changes in Nav1.7 activation and inactivation, suggesting additional modifications in the channel or modulation by interaction with extrinsic factor(s). Our study demonstrates that Nav1.7 is a substrate for Fyn kinase, and the effect of the channel phosphorylation depends on the cell background. Fyn-mediated modulation of Nav1.7 may regulate DRG neuron excitability and contribute to pain perception. Whether this interaction could serve as a target for developing new pain therapeutics requires future study.