bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive particle swarm optimization with population diversity control and its application in tandem blade optimization
Authors: Song Zhaoyun , Liu Bo , Cheng Hao
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a new variant of particle swarm optimization, namely adaptive particle swarm optimization with population diversity control (APSO-PDC), to improve the performance of particle swarm optimization. APSO-PDC is formulated based on adaptive selection of particle roles, population diversity control, and adaptive control of parameters. The adaptive selection of particle roles which combines the evolutionary state and dynamic particle state estimation method will sort the particles into three roles to let different particles execute different search tasks during optimization process. The adaptive control of parameters which is created based on the evolutionary state and particle roles encourages the exploitation ability and enhances the algorithm’s convergence speed. The population diversity control which combines comprehensive learning strategy of the comprehensive learning particle swarm optimizer with evolutionary state to update the individual best position strengthens exploration ability and thus increases the algorithm’s robustness toward the premature convergence issue. The performance of APSO-PDC is comprehensively evaluated by 21 unimodal and multimodal functions with or without rotation. The results indicate APSO-PDC has more preferable searching accuracy, searching reliability, and convergence speed than the other well-established particle swarm optimization variants. Finally, compared with other six particle swarm optimization variants, APSO-PDC shows satisfactory performance in optimizing tandem blade. This excellent performance proves that APSO-PDC has a better control of swarm exploration and exploitation abilities.
Processing and characterization of high strength dual-phase steel by two-step intercritical heat treatment process
Authors: Singh Praveen , Singh Satnam , Mewar Sanchit
Published: May 2018

A simple approach of two-step intercritical heat treatment has been employed to study the effect of heat treatment on the evolution of microstructures and their effect on the mechanical properties of alloy steel (AISI 1012). The selected steel samples were directly placed in the preheated furnace and were progressively heat treated in two steps, intercritically between the Ac1–Ac3 temperature range. Immediate water quenching (preheated at 30 ℃) was carried out after heat treatment cycles. The processed steels were characterized by examining the X-ray diffraction patterns, microstructures, Vickers microhardness, and tensile strength. The normalized X-ray diffraction results of heat-treated steels revealed the substantial growth in the martenistic phases. The microstructures of heat-treated steel revealed the formation of needle-shape-like structures, which corresponds to the martenistic phase. The increased formation of martenistic phase due to the intercritical heat treatment process improved the overall microhardness (from 188 ± 9 HV of the parent steel to 412 ± 32 HV for 800 ℃ heat-treated steel) up to 2.2 times. The presence of soft and ductile (ferritic and pearlite) phases simultaneously with tough and strong (martenistic) phase allowed the improvement in the ultimate tensile strength. In comparison to parent steel with tensile strength of 510 ± 15 MPa, the intercritical heat treatment steel at 800 ℃ revealed 169.6% higher tensile strength of 1375 ± 35 MPa. However, percentage elongation was reduced by 60%, i.e. from 13 ± 1% for parent steel to 5.2 ± 2% of intercritical heat treatment steel (processed at 800 ℃). An overall study revealed that by a proper intercritical heat treatment process, dual-phase steels with better structure–properties correlation can be obtained for industrial applications.
Video-based education versus nurse-led education for partner notification in Thai women with sexually transmitted infections: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chayachinda Chenchit , Kerdklinhom Chanakarn , Tachawatcharapunya Suphaphon , Saisaveoy Nattha
Published: May 2018

Health education on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condom use, and partner notification (PN) is required to increase partner evaluation/treatment (PET) rate. To examine this issue, a randomized controlled trial comparing video-based and nurse-led education in women diagnosed with their first STI at the Siriraj Female STI clinic was conducted from March 2015 to March 2017. PN was assessed at two weeks and PET was done at four weeks. Of 330 patients, 225 were included in the analysis (N = 113 and N = 112 for video-based and nurse-led groups, respectively). Each participant reported one partner who needed to be notified. The participants' median age was approximately 30 years old and they had been diagnosed with PID (N = 85), hepatitis B (N = 49), trichomoniasis (N = 45), syphilis (N = 30), and gonorrhea (N = 16). Characteristics were comparable between groups. There was no statistical difference in the PN rates (95.6% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.116), while the PET rate was significantly higher in the nurse-led group (49.6% vs. 67.9%; OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.81; p = 0.005). Having endured symptoms for <7 days, being pregnant and detection of STIs during antenatal/pre-operative blood tests were positive predictors of PET (OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.81–6.14; 18.70, 95% CI: 5.61–62.31; and 22.07, 95% CI: 6.46–75.41, respectively). In conclusion, video-based education is as effective as nurse-led education in terms of PN rate but results in lower PET.
Adaptive coordinated collision avoidance control of autonomous ground vehicles
Authors: Guo Jinghua , Luo Yugong , Li Keqiang
Published: May 2018

This article presents a novel coordinated nonlinear adaptive backstepping collision avoidance control strategy for autonomous ground vehicles with uncertain and unmodeled terms. A nonlinear vehicle collision avoidance vehicle model which describes the coupled lateral and longitudinal dynamic features of autonomous ground vehicles is constructed. Then, a modified artificial potential field approach which can ensure that the total potential field of the target is goal minimum, is proposed to produce a collision-free trajectory for autonomous ground vehicles in real-time. Furthermore, in order to handle with the features of coupled and parameter uncertainties of autonomous ground vehicles, an adaptive neural network–based backstepping trajectory tracking control approach is proposed for collision avoidance control system of autonomous ground vehicles, and the stability of this proposed control system is proven by the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the co-simulation and experimental tests are implemented and the results show that the proposed collision avoidance control strategy has excellent tracking performance.
Implementation of an Allergic Reaction Reporting Tool for School Health Personnel: A Pilot Study of Three Chicago Schools
Authors: Aktas Ozge N. , Kao Lauren M. , Hoyt Alice , Siracusa Mary , Maloney Rebekah , Gupta Ruchi S.
Published: May 2018

Food allergy (FA) impacts 8% of U.S. children, thus it is critical to document allergic reactions to assist schools in managing FAs. We implemented and evaluated an online tool to assist school health personnel in tracking the characteristics of allergic reactions occurring at schools. The Online School Allergic Reaction Registry (OScARR) was modified from the Epinephrine Administration Form developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, adapted for integration into existing school health records, and implemented in three Chicago schools during the 2016–2017 school year. All allergic reactions occurring at participating schools were recorded by school nurses. Twenty-five percent of the 20 allergic reactions reported were characterized as anaphylaxis by school nurses. School nurses reported that they would recommend OScARR for use in other schools. Detailed data obtained from three Chicago schools underscore the importance of proper documentation to improve the understanding of the causative allergen and location and management of allergic reactions in schools.
Clinical Quality and Patient Experience in the Adult Ambulatory Setting
Authors: Congiusta Susan , Solomon Philip , Conigliaro Joseph , O’Gara-Shubinsky Roseanne , Kohn Nina , Nash Ira S.
Published: May 2018

Quality and patient experience are important dimensions of care delivery. The extent to which they are related in the adult outpatient setting is unknown. This brief study utilized data from a large integrated health system over a 1-year period in 2015 and measured the degree of correlation between physicians’ patient experience scores and 8 standardized quality metrics. These quality measures were paired into similar groups to create 4 composite measures: outcome, screening, vaccination, and adherence. Measures of outcome ( r = 0.20, P = .06), vaccination ( r = 0.12, P = .26), and adherence ( r = −0.04, P = .75) were not significantly correlated with patient experience; screening ( r = 0.29, P = .006) was minimally correlated with patient experience. Overall, this study found minimal correlation between measures of patient experience and clinical quality in the outpatient setting. Measurement of both of these domains is essential to understanding patterns of care.
Owner-reported flea treatment measures and skin disease in cats
Authors: Tyler Sophie , Roberts Claire , Foster Aiden , Barnard Natalie , Murray Jane K
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to obtain information regarding the use of flea treatments and owner-reported flea infestation and skin disease.

Methods

Owners of 1150 cats were recruited into a long-term longitudinal study (‘Bristol Cats’ study) and asked to complete questionnaires at set time points. Questionnaires 1 and 5 were used and included data collection for kittens aged 2–4 months (T1) and at 2.5 years of age (T2). Owners were asked which brand of flea treatment, if any, was used at each time point. At T2 owners were asked if they had noted signs of skin disease or fleas on their cat within the previous 12 months and if they had sought veterinary attention for the skin disease or fleas. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Skin disease at T2 was reported by owners of 55/1150 (4.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7–6.2) cats. Many owners who reported skin disease (25/55 [45.5%]; 95% CI 32.3–58.7) had not sought veterinary attention. There were 81/1150 (7.0%; 95% CI 5.6–8.5) cats with reported head shaking and/or ear scratching within the past 12 months at T2. The majority of cats (204/286; 71.3%) received prescription flea treatments at both points. Use of non-prescription flea treatment at T2 was more likely to be associated with owner-reported skin disease/flea infestation than those who used prescription flea treatment ( P <0.001). There was a significant association between the reported presence of fleas and reported presence of skin disease at T2 ( P = 0.03).

Conclusions and relevance

Despite the potential for reverse causality, the association between owner-reported skin disease and/or flea infestation in their cats and the use of non-prescription flea treatment was as expected. Use of flea treatments and, in particular, the type of ectoparasite control used (prescription or non-prescription) should be carefully assessed when managing cats with skin disease.
Feline injection site sarcoma: immunohistochemical characteristics
Authors: Carneiro Carolina S , de Queiroz Genilson F , Pinto Ana CBCF , Dagli Maria LZ , Matera Julia M
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Feline injection site sarcoma (FISS) is a rapid growing locally aggressive tumor with a low metastatic rate. Its histologic features are clearly defined, but there are few studies regarding its immunohistochemical characteristics. The present study investigated the immunohistochemical characteristics of 21 cases of FISS.

Methods

FISSs from 12 male and nine female cats, 20 mixed-breed and one Siamese, were included in the study. After histopathological diagnosis, additional histologic sections were immunostained for vimentin, cytokeratin, desmin, S100 protein, viral feline leukemia virus (FeLV) particles, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and c-KIT. Positive and negative controls were adopted accordingly. Immunostainings were classified as positive or negative according to the number of positive cells from a total of 1000 cells per tumor section.

Results

Histopathologic diagnosis of the tumors revealed 18 (85.7%) fibrosarcomas and three (14.3%) other sarcomas; four fibrosarcomas (22.2%) were grade III, five (27.8%) were grade II and nine (50.0%) were grade I. Two sarcomas were grade III and one was grade II. Seventeen (81%) tumors were negative for desmin. All samples were positive for vimentin. Twenty tumors (95.2%) were positive for S-100 protein. Positivity for c-KIT was observed in four (19%) samples; COX-2 was positive in 13 (61.9%) and FeLV viral particles were positive in nine (42.9%) FISSs.

Conclusions and relevance

Immunohistochemical findings of FISSs revealed positive immunostainings for desmin, vimentin, S-100 protein, c-KIT, COX-2 and FeLV viral particles.
Effects of aluminum foam filling on the low-velocity impact response of sandwich panels with corrugated cores
Authors: Yan LL , Yu B , Han B , Zhang QC , Lu TJ , Lu BH
Published: May 2018

In this study, a closed-cell aluminum foam was filled into the interspaces of a sandwich panel with corrugated cores to form a composite structure. The novel structure is expected to have enhanced foam-filled cores with high specific strength and energy absorption capacity. An out-of-plane compressive load under low-velocity impact was experimentally and numerically carried out on both the empty and foam-filled sandwich panels as well as on the aluminum foam. It is found that the empty corrugated sandwich panel has poor energy absorption capacity due to the core member buckling compared to that of the aluminum foam. However, by the filling of the aluminum foam, the impact load resistance of the corrugated panel was increased dramatically. The loading-time response of the foam-filled panel performs a plateau region like the aluminum foam, which has been proved to be an excellent energy absorption material. Numerical results demonstrated that the aluminum foam filling can decrease the corrugated core member defects sensitivity and increase its stability dramatically. The plastic energy dissipation of the core member for the foam-filled panel is much higher than that of the empty one due to the reduced buckling wavelength caused by the aluminum foam filling.
Regression patterns of choroidal melanoma: After palladium-103 (103Pd) plaque brachytherapy
Authors: Maheshwari Abhilasha , Finger Paul T
Published: May 2018

Purpose:

To describe the patterns of regression of choroidal melanoma after treatment with plaque brachytherapy.

Methods:

Retrospective interventional case series including 170 consecutive patients treated with 103Pd eye plaque radiation for choroidal melanoma. Outcome measures were changes in tumor thickness, surface characteristics, tumor vascularity, ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and histopathology.

Results:

The mean initial tumor thickness was 3.9 mm (median 2.8 mm; range 2–11.3 mm) that decreased to 1.7 mm (median 1.2 mm; range 0–7.1 mm) after plaque brachytherapy. On imaging, tumors were pigmented in 51% ( n = 86/170), amelanotic in 10% ( n = 17/170), and variably pigmented in 39% ( n = 67/170). Tumor pigmentation increased in 64% ( n = 106/166), decreased in 18% ( n = 30/166), and was unchanged in 18% ( n = 30/166). Of the 120 that demonstrated intrinsic vascularity, 10% ( n = 12/120) had decreased tumor-related vascularity and 90% ( n = 108/120) showed complete resolution. Subretinal fluid was present in 34% ( n = 58/170) of eyes at presentation. Of them, 15% (9; n = 9/58) had persistent SRF at last follow-up. On ultrasound imaging, 88% ( n = 149/170) tumors presented with low to moderate internal reflectivity of which 61% ( n = 91/149) showed increased reflectivity on regression. We noted a crescendo–decrescendo fluctuation in the presence of orange pigment lipofuscin along with complete resolution of drusenoid retinal pigment epithelial detachments. In the entire series of 170 patients, there was 0.5% (1) failure of local control, 2% (4) secondary enucleations, and 6% (10) patients developing metastasis.

Conclusion:

Findings related to choroidal melanoma regression after 103Pd plaque brachytherapy included decreased intrinsic tumor vascularity, decreased tumor-related subretinal fluid, increased pigmentation, specific changes in orange pigment lipofuscin and resolution of drusenoid retinal pigment epithelial detachments, as well as decreased tumor thickness with an increase in internal reflectivity on ultrasound.
Sentencing disparities in the Czech Republic: Empirical evidence from post-communist Europe
Authors: Drápal Jakub
Published: May 2018

Although there is an extensive literature on sentencing disparities in common law countries, there have been only a few empirical studies in continental countries and virtually none in post-communist ones. This article presents findings from the Czech Republic, which show that there are important disparities in post-communist Europe, comparable to those in the USA before the introduction of sentencing guidelines. I employ a multi-level modelling approach to study the sentencing practices in Czech district courts for the three most common offences. The values of intra-cluster correlation are found to be between .066 and .178 for the various models, which is considered high. The specifics of civil law post-communist countries are further discussed in relation to choosing appropriate ways of reducing disparities.
EEG Differences in Two Clinically Similar Rapid Dementias: Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Complex–Associated Autoimmune Encephalitis and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Freund Brin , Probasco John C. , Cervenka Mackenzie C. , Sutter Raoul , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: May 2018

Distinguishing treatable causes for rapidly progressive dementia from those that are incurable is vital. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and voltage-gated potassium channel complex–associated autoimmune encephalitis (VGKC AE) are 2 such conditions with disparate outcomes and response to treatment. To determine the differences in electroencephalography between CJD and VGKC AE, we performed a retrospective review of medical records and examined clinical data, neuroimaging, and electroencephalographs performed in patients admitted for evaluation for rapidly progressive dementia diagnosed with CJD and VGKC AE at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2015. More patients in the VGKC AE group had seizures (12/17) than those with CJD (3/14; P = .008). Serum sodium levels were lower in those with VGKC AE ( P = .001). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell count was higher in VGKC AE ( P = .008). CSF protein 14-3-3 ( P = .018) was more commonly detected in CJD, and tau levels were higher in those with CJD ( P < .006). On neuroimaging, diffusion restriction in the cortex ( P = .001), caudate ( P < .001), and putamen ( P = .001) was more frequent in CJD. Periodic sharp wave complexes ( P = .001) and generalized suppressed activity ( P = .008) were more common on initial EEG in CJD. On serial EEGs, generalized periodic discharges ( P = .004), generalized suppressed activity (P=0.008), and periodic sharp wave complexes ( P < .001) were detected more in CJD. This study shows that there are a number of differentiating features between CJD and VGKC AE, and electroencephalography can aid in their diagnoses. Performing serial EEGs better delineates these conditions.
Perspectives on Electronic Informed Consent From Patients Underrepresented in Research in the United States: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Simon Christian M. , Schartz Helen A. , Rosenthal Gary E. , Eisenstein Eric L. , Klein David W.
Published: May 2018

Digital informed consent may better inform individuals about health research and increase participation. In the United States and elsewhere, minorities and rural populations are underrepresented in health research and may benefit from well-designed electronic informed consent (eIC). Seven focus groups were conducted with 50 Caucasian, African American, and rural patients in the United States. Participants were asked their preferences for a paper versus electronic informed consent document. Participants found the e-version easier to use, more interesting, and better for understanding. Minority participants emphasized limited access, computer literacy, and trust barriers to eIC. Rural participants were concerned about accessibility, connectivity, privacy, and confidentiality. People see value in electronic consenting. Researchers should consider barriers to eIC among underrepresented populations before recruitment.
Age Cohort and Health Service Utilization Among Gay Men
Authors: Green Daniel C. , Goldbach Jeremy T. , Raymond Henry F.
Published: May 2018

Gay men report unique health disparities and service utilization trends compared to their heterosexual peers including a lack of health-care participation which may lead to chronic health conditions. Limited research has been conducted analyzing group differences among gay men such as the influence of one’s age cohort on disparities. The aim of this study was to examine the association age cohort has on health service utilization among gay men. A sample of 383 self-identified gay men was collected by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Older men were less likely to have visited a medical provider in the past 12 months compared to middle-aged men (OR = 0.10; 95% CI [2.47, 39.8]) and younger men (OR = 0.35; 95% CI [1.28, 10.42]). However, older men were more likely to have a usual source of medical care compared to younger men (OR = 4.0; 95% CI [.05, .84]). Age cohort differences in health-care service utilization appear to exist among gay men. This study highlights additional areas for exploration including the impact HIV and socioeconomic status have on health-seeking behavior and health service utilization.
Mobile robot path planning based on social interaction space in social environment
Authors: Chen Weihua , Zhang Tie , Zou Yanbiao
Published: May 2018

A key skill for mobile robots is the ability to avoid obstacles and efficiently plan a path in their environment. Mobile robot path planning in social environment must not only consider task constraints, such as minimizing the distance traveled to a goal, but also social conventions, such as keeping a comfortable distance from humans. An efficient framework for mobile robots in social environment is proposed in this study. The framework takes into account task constraints and social conventions for path planning. Social conventions incorporate information on human states (position, orientation, and motion) and social interactions in modeling social interaction space. The two-dimensional asymmetric Gaussian function is used to compute the cost of points in social interaction space. The framework integrates the social interaction space into path planning based on A* algorithm, which allows mobile robots to bypass humans in a manner that makes humans feel safe and comfortable. The proposed method verified its effectiveness through simulation and experimental results.
Emergency room visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Illinois counties: An epidemiological study based on the Social Ecological Model
Authors: McDaniel Justin T
Published: May 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the predictive capability of the Social Ecological Model for emergency room visits for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods

County-level secondary data ( n = 102) on emergency room visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were retrieved from the Illinois Department of Public Health for 2016. Data for variables operationalized from the intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and public policy levels of the Social Ecological Model were retrieved from several sources. Geographic information system software was used to examine the spatial distribution of emergency room visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Illinois. Robust linear regression analysis was used to examine significant predictors of emergency room visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Results

A regression model with all five levels of the Social Ecological Model accounted for 50% of the variability in emergency room visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, F(24,77) = 4.62, p < 0.001. Statistically significant predictors of emergency room visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were observed within the interpersonal, institutional, and community levels of the Social Ecological Model.

Discussion

Community health practitioners working to develop programs aimed at controlling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in Illinois should consider multiple levels of influence.
Increased Nav1.7 expression in the dorsal root ganglion contributes to pain hypersensitivity after plantar incision in rats
Authors: Sun Jiaoli , Li Ningbo , Duan Guangyou , Liu Yi , Guo Shanna , Wang Cong , Zhu Changmao , Zhang Xianwei
Published: May 2018

Postoperative pain remains a complex problem that is difficult to manage in the clinical context, seriously affecting rehabilitation and the quality of life of patients after surgery. Nociceptors, of which the cell bodies are located in the dorsal root ganglion, are crucial for initiating and conducting the pain signal. The peripheral voltage-gated sodium channels, including Nav1.7, which is mainly expressed in the dorsal root ganglion, are key to understanding the mechanism underlying postoperative pain. Nav1.7, in particular, of which mutations in the encoding gene ( SCN9A) can determine whether pain occurs, has aroused most attention. Previous studies have shown that Nav1.7 in dorsal root ganglion is critical for the development of inflammatory pain and some neuropathic pain. However, the expression of Nav1.7 in the dorsal root ganglion after surgery and its role in postoperative pain hypersensitivity remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, in order to gain a better understanding of the role of dorsal root ganglion Nav1.7 in pain hypersensitivity following operation, we dynamically examined the pain-related behavior and expression of Nav1.7 in L4−L6 dorsal root ganglion before and after plantar incision in rats (an acute postoperative pain model). After plantar incision, the mechanical and thermal pain threshold decreased significantly, the cumulative pain score was increased significantly, meanwhile quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting results showed that expression of Nav1.7 in L4−L6 dorsal root ganglion was enhanced significantly. After pretreatment using SCN9A-RNAi-LV delivered via an intrathecal tube, immunohistochemistry showed that increased expression of Nav1.7 in L4−L6 dorsal root ganglion after plantar incision was inhibited, as also confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Moreover, pain hypersensitivity was alleviated. These results suggested that Nav1.7 of L4−L6 dorsal root ganglion plays an important role in the development of pain hypersensitivity after plantar incision.
Danger signals in stroke and their role on microglia activation after ischemia
Authors: Gülke Eileen , Gelderblom Mathias , Magnus Tim
Published: May 2018

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death. Besides the direct damage resulting from oxygen and glucose deprivation, sterile inflammation plays a pivotal role in increasing cellular death. Damaged-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are passively released from dying cells and activate the innate immune system. Thus, they take part in the direct and rapid activation of the inflammatory response after stroke onset. In this review the role of the most important DAMPs, high mobility group box 1, heat and cold shock proteins, purines, and peroxiredoxins, are addressed. Moreover, intracellular pathways activated by DAMPs in microglia are illuminated.
Being Hungry Affects Oral Size Perception
Authors: Crutchfield Parker , Pazdernik Vanessa , Hansen Gina , Malone Jacob , Wagenknecht Molly
Published: May 2018

Oral size perception is not veridical, and there is disagreement on whether this nonveridicality tends to underestimate or overestimate size. Further, being hungry has been shown to affect oral size perception. In this study, we investigated the effect of hunger on oral size perception. Overall, being hungry had a small but significant effect on oral size perception and seemed to support that oral size perception tends to underestimate the size of objects. Both hungry and sated participants tended to underestimate the size of intraoral objects, but hungry participants underestimated to a significantly lesser degree. Unlike previous research, this tendency was independent of the order and number of assessments of size. We, therefore, offer a novel explanation for these findings: Oral size perception is modulated by a hierarchy of Bayesian predictions, and being hungry changes the priors in these predictions.
Patient-Reported Disease-Modifying Therapy Adherence in the Clinic: A Reliable Metric?
Authors: Conway Devon S , Cecilia Vieira Maria , Thompson Nicolas R , Parker Kaila N , Meng Xiangyi , Fox Robert J
Published: May 2018

Background

Adherence to multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is commonly assessed through patient reporting, but patient-reported adherence is rarely studied.

Objective

To determine rates of DMT adherence reported from patient to clinician, reasons for nonadherence, and relationships between adherence and outcomes.

Methods

We identified relapsing–remitting MS patients on DMT for ≥3 months. DMT adherence was defined as taking ≥80% of doses. Linear and logistic regression models were created used to determine the association of baseline adherence with several patient reported outcomes and the timed 25-foot walk at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after the index visit.

Results

The analysis included 1148 patients, of whom 501 had data at 6 months, 544 at 1 year, 331 at 2 years, and 247 at 3 years. Baseline adherence was 94.9% and overall adherence was 93.1%. Forgetting was the most common reason for missed doses. In the adjusted models, adherence was not associated with the outcomes.

Conclusions

Higher than expected adherence and a lack of association between adherence and outcomes suggests patient reported adherence may not be reliable. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between patient-reported adherence and relapses or new lesion formation.
Cigarette Smoking Cessation Involving the 5-A Framework
Authors: Cadet Myriam Jean
Published: May 2018

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) need to have adequate knowledge and skills to manage and educate individuals about smoking cessation.
Social divisions, party support, and the changes in the Thai party system since 2001
Authors: Huang Kai-Ping , Thananithichot Stithorn
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the interactions of socioeconomic characteristics and electoral outcomes at the constituency level to demonstrate the change in the Thai party system since 2001. Probing the effects of the agricultural population and income inequality on electoral outcomes in the proportional representation (PR) tier, this article finds that the Thai Rak Thai Party (TRT) and the Democrat Party (DP) attracted voters with opposite social standings. While voters residing in the provinces with substantial agrarian populations tended to vote more for the TRT than the DP, constituencies with highly unequal income distribution were more likely to be DP supporters. The findings provide evidence against alternative explanations, including regionalism and support for a charismatic leader, for the TRT’s consecutive victories. Due to the convergence between social divisions and party support, the Thai party system has become stable and strong enough to resist short-term interventions, implying that the future electoral outcomes will likely be similar.
Work-life Balance: Perceptions of the Non-work Domain
Authors: Prakash Vineetha
Published: May 2018

Work-life balance research suffers from a lack of consistency in defining the scope of non-work (life outside work). Considering the evolving life preferences of modern workforce, work-life balance researchers should have a broader view of life which expands beyond work-family, and includes other non-work domains of life. This study is an attempt to establish that for today’s employees, work-life balance means balancing work not only with family life; but also with other non-work domains. Several non-work domains were identified from previous literature and a survey was conducted to identify the different non-work aspects important for respondents to have work-life balance. Based on results from 214 Indians working in various Indian cities and abroad, it was established that in the context of work-life balance, non-work includes not just family, but a combination of life domains, which varies from person-to-person. Although family remained the topmost priority, other non-work aspects were also chosen by varying proportions of respondents. Non-work preferences and related experiences of employees varied based on gender, marital status and child-care responsibilities. Satisfaction with organization’s work-life balance facilities differed when employees chose family, from when they chose other non-work domains. Findings indicate that various non-work preferences of employees should be considered during work-life balance research, and while designing work-life balance practices. This would help to address the non-work demands of different types of employees, and hence give more acceptance to such initiatives.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury—Who Succeeds Without Reconstructive Surgery? The Delaware-Oslo ACL Cohort Study
Authors: Grindem Hege , Wellsandt Elizabeth , Failla Mathew , Snyder-Mackler Lynn , Risberg May Arna
Published: May 2018

Background:

More than 50% of highly active patients with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury who choose nonsurgical treatment (active rehabilitation alone) have successful 2-year outcomes and comparable knee function to an uninjured population. Early predictive factors for a successful outcome may aid treatment decision making in this population.

Purpose:

To identify early predictors of a successful 2-year outcome in those who choose nonsurgical treatment of an ACL injury.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study consisted of ACL-injured athletes who were consecutively screened for inclusion. A total of 300 patients were included from 2 sites (Oslo, Norway, and Delaware, USA), and the 118 patients who initially chose not to undergo ACL reconstruction were included. All patients participated in pivoting sports before the injury, and none had significant concomitant injuries. A successful 2-year outcome was defined as having 2-year International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores ≥15th normative percentile and not undergoing ACL reconstruction. Multivariable logistic regression models were built using demographic and knee function data (quadriceps muscle strength, 4 single-leg hop tests, IKDC score, and Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale [KOS-ADLS] score) collected at baseline or after a 5-week neuromuscular and strength training (NMST) rehabilitation program.

Results:

After 2 years, 52 of 97 (53.6%) patients had a successful outcome. In the multivariable baseline model, older age, female sex, better performance on the single-leg hop test, and a higher KOS-ADLS score were significantly associated with successful 2-year outcomes. After the 5-week NMST rehabilitation program, older age, female sex, and a higher IKDC score increased the odds of a successful 2-year outcome. The 2 models had comparable predictive accuracy (post-NMST area under the curve [AUC], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.68-0.88]; baseline AUC, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]).

Conclusion:

Clinicians and patients can be more confident in a nonsurgical treatment choice (active rehabilitation alone) in athletes who are female, are older in age, and have good knee function, as measured by single-leg hop tests and patient-reported outcome measures, early after an ACL injury. Prediction models that include measures of knee function, assessed either before or after rehabilitation, can estimate 2-year prognoses for nonsurgical treatment and thereby assist shared treatment decision making.
Protecting older workers’ employability: A survey study of the role of transformational leadership
Authors: Böttcher Katrin , Albrecht Anne-Grit , Venz Laura , Felfe Jörg
Published: May 2018

Demographic and labour market changes increase the need to enhance the employability of employees across all ages. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of transformational leadership in employees’ employability. While we hypothesised that age is negatively related to perceived internal and external employability, we expected a positive relationship for transformational leadership, and that transformational leadership would moderate the relationship between age and employability. Hypotheses were tested using a sample of 1006 employees in the German automotive industry. Results show age to be negatively related to internal and external employability, with both relationships being comparably strong. Transformational leadership was positively related to internal and external employability, with the relationship with internal employability being stronger. Moreover, transformational leadership buffered the negative relationship between age and internal employability. These results suggest that transformational leadership is crucial in protecting lifetime employability and that it should be promoted.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the elliptical vibration-assisted machining of pure iron
Authors: Goel Saurav , Martinez Fabian Duarte , Chavoshi Saeed Zare , Khatri Neha , Giusca Claudiu
Published: May 2018

It is well known that diamond wears out rapidly (within several metres of cutting length) when machining low carbon ferrous alloys and pure iron. The past few years have seen a growing interest in the field of elliptical vibration-assisted machining (EVAM) due to it being successful in the micromachining of difficult-to-cut materials including steel. During EVAM, a cutting tool is prescribed an oscillatory motion perpendicular to the direction of cutting, thereby causing the tool to be relieved intermittently from chemical and physical contact with the workpiece. This phenomenon serves as a guideline to develop the simulation test bed for studying EVAM in this work to compare it with conventional cutting. The pilot implementation of the EVAM came as a quasi-3-dimensional (Q3D) elliptical cutting model of body-centred cubic (BCC) iron with a diamond cutting tool using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The developed MD model supplemented by the advanced visualization techniques was used to probe the material removal behaviour, the development of the peak stress in the workpiece and the way the cutting force evolves during the cutting process. One of the key observations was that the cutting chips of BCC iron during conventional cutting underwent crystal twinning and became polycrystalline, while EVAM resulted in cutting chips becoming highly disordered, leading to better viscous flow compared to conventional cutting.
Mathematical modeling of slip and magnetohydrodynamics effects in blade coating
Authors: Sajid M , Shahzad H , Mughees M , Ali N
Published: May 2018

A mathematical analysis for magnetohydrodynamics and slip effects is presented for blade coating onto a moving sheet of viscous fluid. An applied magnetic field is imposed normal to the flow and slip is considered at the web surface. The shooting method is applied to obtain the numerical solution of governing differential equations. Both numerical and exact solutions are utilized to describe the velocity profile, volumetric flow rate, pressure gradient, pressure and maximum pressure. How slip parameter and the Hartmann number influences properties is discussed through the graphical results. It is calculated that the presence of slip and applied magnetic field controls the sheet velocity in the blade coating process.
Azimuthal anisotropy analysis of multiazimuth P-wave seismic data — An example from the Rock Springs Uplift, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Sharma Hema S. , Mallick Subhashis , Verma Sumit , Campbell Erin
Published: May 2018

Our study area in Rock Sprigs Uplift, Wyoming, lies close to the carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text])-producing Jim Bridger power plant, and hence it is a good site for carbon sequestration. Two subsurface reservoirs within this area are being analyzed for their capability of long-term carbon storage. The presence and orientation of fractures within a reservoir and the associated seal govern the efficiency and long-term effectiveness of [Formula: see text] storage. The presence of natural fractures gives rise to seismic anisotropy that is related to the fracture orientation and density. This work analyzed P-wave multiazimuth seismic amplitude and well data from a potential carbon sequestration site for the anisotropy analysis. Using prestack waveform inversion, accurate azimuthal velocities were obtained for offset-to-angle transformation and to compute azimuthal angle gathers. These angle gathers were then stacked for each azimuth and analyzed for azimuthal anisotropy to estimate the fracture orientation and relative fracture density. Finally, by corroborating the results of the seismic azimuthal analysis with well data, it was confirmed that the results from the azimuthal analysis of the angle stacks are related to the fracture orientation and density.
Borehole image electrofacies with a comparative carbonate petrography analysis: An outcrop well study associated with reservoir application in the Ordovician Tarim Basin
Authors: Nian Tao , Jiang Zaixing , Song Hongyu
Published: May 2018

Electrical borehole image logs have the potential for direct interpretation of lithofacies characteristics. The challenge is to establish a set of reliable diagnostic criteria with which electrical images can be correlated to lithofacies features such as lithology, sedimentary structures, and bedding sequences. We used the “behind-outcrop” logging procedure that can link borehole images to actual rocks and also reduce errors that are associated with core-shift process. To better reveal the correlation between borehole images and carbonate lithofacies for subsurface reservoir applications, and also make a comparative petrographic analysis with the aim of establishing diagnostic criteria for borehole images, a 200 m well was drilled in the Tarim Ordovician outcrop. A full set of borehole image data and cores with approximately 100% coring recovery rate was acquired at the same depth interval, and more than 100 stained thin sections were prepared. Electrical borehole images in wells adjacent to the outcrop were further interpreted to validate the proposed criteria. Borehole image electrofacies were established according to the image elements, such as stacked mode, bed thickness, conglomerate diameter, rim characteristics, and internal structure of bed/conglomerate, to interpret depositional/diagenetic textures and platform-slope associations. Nine image electrofacies types, corresponding to mud/wacke/pack/grain/bindstone texture, were identified and interpreted in detail. Our method reveals a set of diagnostic criteria for borehole image interpretation in carbonate platform slope, and it finally provides a powerful tool for direct interpretation of electrical images in similar reservoir environment.
Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Surgery Performed by Thoracic Surgeons as Effective as Thoracotomy
Authors: Boffa Daniel J. , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Furnary Anthony P. , Kim Sunghee , Onaitis Mark W. , Tong Betty C. , Cowper Patricia A. , Hoag Jessica R. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Wright Cameron D. , Putnam Joe B. , Fernandez Felix G.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The prevalence of minimally invasive lung cancer surgery using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has increased dramatically over the past decade, yet recent studies have suggested that the lymph node evaluation during VATS lobectomy is inadequate. We hypothesized that the minimally invasive approach to lobectomy for stage I lung cancer resulted in a longitudinal outcome that was not inferior to thoracotomy.

Patients and Methods

Patients > 65 years of age who had undergone lobectomy for stage I lung cancer between 2002 and 2013 were analyzed within the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database, which had been linked to Medicare data, as part of a retrospective-cohort, noninferiority study.

Results

A total of 10,597 patients with clinical stage I lung cancer who underwent lobectomy were evaluated (4,448 patients underwent thoracotomy, and 6,149 underwent VATS). VATS patients had a more favorable distribution of all health-related variables, including pulmonary function (59% of VATS patients had intact spirometry v 51% of thoracotomy patients; P < .001). Cox proportional hazards models were performed over two eras to account for an evolving practice standard. The mortality risk associated with the VATS approach was not greater than thoracotomy in either the earlier era (2002 to 2008; hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.09; P = .62) or the more recent era (2009 to 2013; hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.93; P < .001). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of 2,901 propensity-matched VATS-thoracotomy pairs demonstrated that the 4-year survival associated with VATS (68.6%) was modestly superior to thoracotomy (64.8%; P = .003). The analyses detailed above were replicated in a separate cohort of pathologic stage I patients with similar findings.

Conclusion

The long-term efficacy of lobectomy for stage I lung cancer performed using the VATS approach by board-certified thoracic surgeons does not seem to be inferior to that of thoracotomy.