bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond coverage: the politics of occupational pensions and the role of trade unions. Introduction to special issue
Authors: Grødem Anne Skevik , Hagelund Anniken , Hippe Jon M , Trampusch Christine
Published: February 2018

As public pensions are being retrenched across Europe there is an ongoing shift towards occupational pensions. But the trend is not uniform, and this special issue demonstrates the huge variations in occupational pension systems. This introductory article introduces the politics of this shift. We first outline how occupational pensions deviate from textbook social policy. Industrial relations and the challenges trade unions face feature more strongly than in public social policies. Also, the schemes themselves may take the shape of individual savings schemes, as opposed to the more redistributive arrangements of public social policies. We suggest that theoretical approaches such as the literature on embedded markets (inspired by Polyani), and on the shifting nature of industrial relations as well as on ‘issue networks’ (inspired by Heclo) will be helpful. The article provides an overview of the state of knowledge, building on recent European comparative studies. We argue that it is time to move beyond comparisons of coverage rates and turn attention towards the many dimensions along which occupational pensions vary between countries and within countries.
The corrosion of occupational pensions solidarity in the Netherlands
Authors: De Deken Johan
Published: February 2018

By embedding pre-funded occupational pensions into the status order of a neo-corporatist system of industrial relations, the Netherlands has developed a second pillar that is second to none in terms of size, inclusiveness and solidarity. But this has also led to a universal financialisation of retirement provision, making the income of the elderly population contingent on the vagaries of financial markets. Two financial crises within less than a decade ended the illusion that such generosity can come at a low price, and thus be reconciled with competitive labour costs. The Dutch government initiated a series of reforms that gave employers a partial exit from shouldering the risks of retirement, reduced generosity and recently also started to undermine the extent of solidaristic redistribution. Hence, occupational pensions are gradually being disembedded from the status order crucial for their comparative good performance in the past with regard to reconciling social and financial sustainability.
Beliefs, parental investments, and intergenerational persistence: A formal model
Authors: Hjorth-Trolle Anders
Published: February 2018

Empirical research documents persistent socioeconomic and race gaps in parental investments in children. This article presents a formal model that describes the process through which parents’ beliefs about the returns on investments in children evolve over time in light of new information that they receive regarding the outcomes of past investments. The model, which is based on Bayesian learning, accounts for how parents of low socioeconomic status may come to underinvest in their children because they have false low beliefs about the returns on investments. Moreover, the model describes how beliefs are transmitted across generations, thus creating dynasties of underinvesting parents who reproduce inequalities in children’s socioeconomic outcomes. Finally, this article uses National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data to provide illustrative empirical evidence on key aspects of the proposed model. The main contribution of this article is to integrate parents’ beliefs about returns on investments into existing models of intergenerational transmissions.
The role of rationality in motivating participation in social movements: The case of anti-Japanese demonstrations in China
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Hanning
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a theoretical model that integrates the rational approach with the structural and cultural approaches to explain motivations for participation in social movements. In this integrative model, rational perceptions about the benefits and costs of participation have both mediation and interaction relations with structural and cultural motivators. First, rational perceptions mediate the motivating effects of interpersonal ties to prior participants and collective identity. Interpersonal ties and collective identity construct individuals’ perceived benefits and costs, which in turn affect their participation motivations. Second, perceived benefits and costs also interact with interpersonal ties and collective identity in affecting participation motivations. Interpersonal ties and collective identity may affect how sensitive the individual is to the formed rational perceptions. Especially, interpersonal ties weaken the motivating effect of perceived benefits. We apply this model to the case of China’s recent nationwide anti-Japanese demonstrations. Using original data from a large-scale survey on 1458 university students in Beijing, we find this integrative model effective in explaining university students’ motivations to participate in future anti-Japanese demonstrations.
Influence of Diagnosis and Other Factors on Patients’ Expectations of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Cody Elizabeth A. , Do Huong T. , Koltsov Jayme C. B. , Mancuso Carol A. , Ellis Scott J.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Many patient factors have been associated with higher or lower expectations of orthopedic surgery. In foot and ankle surgery, the diverse diagnoses seen may also influence expectations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diagnosis and patients’ preoperative expectations of elective foot and ankle surgery.

Methods:

Two hundred seventy-eight patients undergoing elective foot or ankle surgery for 1 of 7 common diagnoses were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Preoperative expectations were assessed with the Hospital for Special Surgery Foot & Ankle Surgery Expectations Survey. Patients also completed the Foot & Ankle Outcome Score, Short Form 12, pain visual analog scale, and questionnaires for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Patient factors and diagnosis were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis to identify independent predictors of higher expectations and determine the effect of diagnosis relative to other patient factors on expectations.

Results:

The multivariate regression analysis adjusting for demographics and other clinical characteristics showed that diagnosis contributed the most to the model, accounting for 10.5% of the variation in expectations survey scores. Patients with mid- or hindfoot arthritis ( P < .001), hallux valgus ( P = .001), or hallux rigidus ( P = .005) had lower scores (lower expectations) than those with ankle instability or osteochondral lesion. In the model, female sex ( P = .001), non-Caucasian race ( P = .031), and lower scores on the Foot & Ankle Outcome Score daily activities subscale ( P = .024) were associated with higher scores.

Conclusions:

Diagnosis of ankle instability or osteochondral lesion, female sex, non-Caucasian race, and lower Foot & Ankle Outcome Score daily activities subscale score were all associated with higher expectations. These findings may help inform and guide surgeons as they counsel patients preoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, cross-sectional study.
Outcomes After Primary Repair of Insertional Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon
Authors: Schipper Oliver N. , Anderson Robert B. , Cohen Bruce E.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Achilles tendon insertional sleeve avulsions occur when the Achilles distal tendon sleeve ruptures off of its insertion into the calcaneal tuberosity, sometimes with a small bony fragment from calcific tendinosis. Little evidence exists describing the outcomes and rerupture rate after operative management of Achilles tendon sleeve avulsions.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who sustained an Achilles sleeve avulsion injury treated with operative repair between October 2005 and July 2014. A cohort of 16 patients from the general population and 12 professional athletes were included in the study. The primary outcome variable was rerupture of the Achilles tendon or need for revision surgery. Secondary outcome variables included the Coughlin Satisfaction Scale, visual VR-12, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).

Results:

In the general population cohort, median follow-up was 8.1 years (range, 3.2-11.1 years). The median FAAM Activities of Daily Living score was 100 (range, 42.9-106), and the median FAAM Sports score was 100 (range, 7.1-103.6). The median VR-12 Mental Component Score was 66.9 (range, 45.6-71.8), and the median VR-12 Physical Component Score was 53 (range, 30.8-57.5). In the cohort of professional athletes, preceding insertional Achilles symptoms were present in 91.7% (11/12) of athletes for more than 9 months prior to rupture. All athletes returned to play with an average time of 13.4 months. No patients sustained a rerupture in the follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Operative repair of Achilles tendon sleeve avulsions was safe and effective with high patient satisfaction and good clinical outcomes in patients from the general population.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
MIMOMH feed-forward adaptive vibration control of helicopter fuselage by using piezoelectric stack actuators
Authors: Meng De , Xia Pinqi , Song Laishou
Published: February 2018

The vibration of a helicopter fuselage is mainly produced by the rotor exciting loads which are three forces and three moments containing harmonics in three directions at rotor hub center, and has the characteristic of large, steady and harmonic vibration. The active control of helicopter fuselage vibration by using inertia actuator needs to pay a heavy weight cost for achieving a good control effect. In this paper, a method for multi-input multi-output multi-harmonic (MIMOMH) feed-forward adaptive control of helicopter fuselage vibration by using piezoelectric stack actuators is presented. The method is composed of the harmonic coefficients identification and the MIMOMH feed-forward adaptive filtering algorithm, and has excellent characteristics such as light weight, fast response, wide working frequency range, adaptive ability and high effect. The numerical simulations for a frame structure scaled by the Z11 helicopter fuselage floor with four actuating inputs, four vibration outputs, three rotor exciting loads and the first three harmonic frequencies contained in each exciting load were performed, indicating that the vibration levels at objective points are reduced by 99% by using the method and are much lower than the results by only controlling the first harmonic frequency. When the phases, amplitudes and frequencies of exciting loads are changed, the method demonstrates an excellent adaptability to control vibration.
Integration of clinical pharmacists into an ambulatory, pediatric hematology/oncology/transplant clinic
Authors: Defoe Kimberly D , Jupp Jennifer , Leslie Tara
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To describe key activities performed by a newly deployed clinical pharmacist in an outpatient pediatric hematology, oncology, transplant clinic. To demonstrate how utilization of the pharmacist evolved, as indicated by changes in frequency of key activities, during the first four months of integration.

Design

Clinical pharmacists were made consistently available in an outpatient clinic serving hematology, oncology, transplant patients and their families. A list of key activities, based on provincial clinical pharmacist standards, was created to provide a framework for the role. Over a four-month period, the pharmacists recorded the number of times activities were performed.

Results

Over the data collection period, obtaining best possible medication histories (203), providing medication counseling (150), and creating adherence aids (144) were the most commonly performed activities. In comparison to the first month, key activities increased by 73% in the fourth month. Notably, providing recommendations for drug therapy (156%), assessments of adherence (122%), and best possible medication history collection (88%) increased considerably.

Conclusions

The integration of a pharmacist into an outpatient pediatric hematology, oncology, transplant clinic resulted in the provision of several key clinical pharmacy services. As the role developed, activities were performed more frequently, demonstrating growth in utilization of the pharmacist.
Generalized error-minimizing, rational inverse Langevin approximations
Authors: Marchi Benjamin C , Arruda Ellen M
Published: February 2018

The Langevin function is a non-invertible function, whose inverse commonly appears in statistical mechanics problems, particularly network models of rubber elasticity. This non-invertibility often results in the use of approximations. Owing to the prevalence of the inverse Langevin function, numerous forms of approximate have been proposed. Rational approximates are often employed because of their ability to admit asymptotic behavior in finite domains, similar to the exact inverse Langevin function. Despite the desired asymptotics of rational approximates, there is unavoidable error associated with the approximate within its domain. In this work, an error-minimizing approach for determining specific forms of rational approximates is generalized to approximates of arbitrary numerator and denominator orders. By expanding to general orders of rational approximates, the best approximate can be selected for an application based on either maximum relative error or function form considerations.
Healing stories: An expressive-narrative intervention for strengthening resilience and survival skills in school-aged child victims of war and political violence in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Veronese Guido , Barola Gianpiero
Published: February 2018

Within a preventive framework, we outline a school-based intervention aimed at strengthening skills of survival and psychological functioning in children who have experienced war and political violence in the Gaza Strip. In accordance with a socio-ecological perspective on wellbeing and resilience, the pilot study aimed at evaluating the outcomes of a psychosocial narrative school-based intervention with a group of school-aged children in the aftermath of war. The intervention was oriented at empowering positive emotions, life satisfaction, and optimism in children as protective factors in preventing posttraumatic reactions after war. Findings showed the efficacy of the intervention in favoring life satisfaction in different ecological domains. Children in the intervention group showed greater appreciation for friends, school, family, themselves, and their living environment. At the end of the activity, children were increased the level of positive emotions, but negative feelings were stronger than before the narrative intervention. Clinical implications and future direction or community work are, then, discussed.
The effect of pain management in reducing limb and spine radiography in stable traumatic patients admitted to the emergency department
Authors: Torabi Mehdi , Mehri Ali , Mirzaei Moghaddameh
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Musculoskeletal pain caused by trauma is one of the common complaints of patients referred to the emergency department. Due to the lack of a proper pain control protocol, doctors and nurses do not pay attention to pain, and physicians may tend to request too many radiographs, many of which will be unnecessary. We aimed to study the effect of pain management by fentanyl in reducing the number of radiographs, reducing hospital costs and increasing satisfaction in the patients on patients with isolated trauma in limbs and spine causing musculoskeletal pain.

Patients and methods

A cohort of patients who were referred to the fast-track emergency department with isolated trauma of the upper and lower limbs or spine and triage levels 3, 4 and 5, were visited twice by an emergency medicine resident – before and after application of a pain management protocol using intravenous fentanyl as the principle analgesic. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in the number of radiographs requested; secondary outcomes included alterations in pain levels and patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 158 patients were included in the study. The median age was 27.5 years, three quarters were male and 20.88% had a positive history of opium addiction. The number and costs of diagnostic radiography significantly decreased after the administration of fentanyl (P < 0.0001), as did pain levels measured on visual analogue scale with a consequent increase in patient satisfaction. There were only six complications resulting from fentanyl administration which were mild and transient. Follow-up after 24–72 h, revealed no missed fractures.

Conclusions

The administration of fentanyl as a strong analgesic as part of an emergency department pain management protocol for trauma patients can be performed with limited minor complications; it can reduce the number of unnecessary X-rays performed, exposure to ionizing radiation and hospital costs as well as improving patient satisfaction without missing fractures.
Managing in-hospital quality improvement: An importance-performance analysis to set priorities for ST-elevation myocardial infarction care
Authors: Aeyels Daan , Seys Deborah , Sinnaeve Peter R , Claeys Marc J , Gevaert Sofie , Schoors Danny , Sermeus Walter , Panella Massimiliano , Bruyneel Luk , Vanhaecht Kris
Published: February 2018

Background:

A focus on specific priorities increases the success rate of quality improvement efforts for broad and complex-care processes. Importance-performance analysis presents a possible approach to set priorities around which to design and implement effective quality improvement initiatives. Persistent variation in hospital performance makes ST-elevation myocardial infarction care relevant to consider for importance-performance analysis.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to identify quality improvement priorities in ST-elevation myocardial infarction care.

Methods:

Importance and performance levels of ST-elevation myocardial infarction key interventions were combined in an importance-performance analysis. Content validity indexes on 23 ST-elevation myocardial infarction key interventions of a multidisciplinary RAND Delphi Survey defined importance levels. Structured review of 300 patient records in 15 acute hospitals determined performance levels. The significance of between-hospital variation was determined by a Kruskal–Wallis test. A performance heat-map allowed for hospital-specific priority setting.

Results:

Seven key interventions were each rated as an overall improvement priority. Priority key interventions related to risk assessment, timely reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention and secondary prevention. Between-hospital performance varied significantly for the majority of key interventions. The type and number of priorities varied strongly across hospitals.

Conclusions:

Guideline adherence in ST-elevation myocardial infarction care is low and improvement priorities vary between hospitals. Importance-performance analysis helps clinicians and management in demarcation of the nature, number and order of improvement priorities. By offering a tailored improvement focus, this methodology makes improvement efforts more specific and achievable.
The Outcome of Anticoagulation on Endovenous Laser Therapy for Superficial Venous Incompetence
Authors: Vatish Jamie , Iqbal Nusrat , Rajalingam Viswa Retnasingam , Tiwari Alok
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether anticoagulation (warfarin or direct oral inhibitors) affected the success of endovenous treatment.

Methods:

Patients taking anticoagulation (warfarin or direct oral inhibitors) undergoing endovenous treatment in the form of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) were matched against controls for sex, age, leg, and vein. Data were collected prospectively between January 2012 and March 2017. The primary endpoint was failure of treatment at 6-week postoperative duplex scan. The rates of major bleeding, hematoma, endothermal heat-induced thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, or pulmonary embolism were also compared between groups.

Results:

Two hundred eighty-four limbs underwent EVLA during the study period. Of this, 23/284 (8.1%) procedures were done in patients on anticoagulation. 21/23 (91.3%) limbs had venous occlusion at follow-up compared with 23/23 (100%) of controls ( P = .49). The patient who failed treatment in the anticoagulation group had undergone small saphenous vein (SSV) ablation. There was no difference in the complication rates between groups.

Discussion:

This study demonstrates that anticoagulation does not affect success rates of EVLA though there was higher recanalization rate in patients undergoing SSV ablation. Anticoagulation can be continued safely in patients undergoing this procedure.
Social Support for Exercise as a Predictor of Weight and Physical Activity Status Among Puerto Rican and Mexican Men: Results From the Latino Men’s Health Initiative
Authors: Craven Meredith R. , Keefer Laurie , Rademaker Alfred , Dykema-Engblade Amanda , Sanchez-Johnsen Lisa
Published: February 2018

Social support is an important factor in increasing positive health outcomes and positive health behaviors across a variety of disease states including obesity. However, research examining the relationship between social support for exercise and weight and physical activity status, particularly among Latino men, is lacking. This paper examined whether social support for exercise predicted weight and physical activity status and whether the direction of these relationships differ as a function of Hispanic/Latino background (Puerto Rican/Mexican). Participants were 203 men who participated in a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study addressing culture- and obesity-related variables. Both family participation social support and f amily rewards and punishment social support predicted higher weight status ( p < .005 and p < .05, respectively). Friend participation social support did not predict weight status. The direction of the relationship between weight status and family participation social support, family rewards and punishment social support, and friend participation social support did not significantly differ as a function of Hispanic/Latino background. The direction of the relationship between physical activity status and family participation social support, family rewards and punishment social support, and friend participation social support did not significantly differ as a function of Hispanic/Latino background. Findings suggest that increased social support for exercise from family members may be focused on those who need it most—overweight and obese participants. Additional research is needed to explore sociocultural factors that may promote social support, physical activity, and weight loss and maintenance in Puerto Rican and Mexican men.
Fit to race: Identifying the balance, type and sources of knowledge in fitness for Motorsport
Authors: Hoyes Kevin , Collins Dave
Published: February 2018

In Motorsport, due perhaps to a lack of empirical evidence, it is not always clear what fitness training is required and what roles specific fitness components play, particularly outside the elite levels. Consequently, drivers and their trainers are often left to their own devices, placing reliance on anecdotal information. Accordingly, using a large sample of racing drivers, coaches and fitness trainers, the aim of this investigation was to identify the perceived importance and contribution of fitness components, the sources of information used to reach these conclusions and levels of confidence in the views reported. Survey data from 166 drivers (151 males, 15 females) showed that, in general, cardiovascular fitness, upper body strength, coordination and reactions were perceived as being the most important. Data on sources of information used supported the conjecture that training can often be based on ‘word of mouth’. Despite a fairly high level of confidence in the views expressed, there is clearly a significant opportunity for practitioners working within Motorsport to provide clearer, proven information so that drivers can feel confident that they are training optimally.
Evaluating the legitimacy of platform governance: A review of research and a shared research agenda
Authors: Suzor Nicolas , Van Geelen Tess , Myers West Sarah
Published: February 2018

This article provides an overview of the key values that we argue should underpin an index of the legitimacy of the governance of online intermediaries. The aim is ultimately to allow scholars to rank the policies and practices of intermediaries against core human rights values and principles of legitimate governance in a way that enables comparison across different intermediaries and over time. This work builds on the efforts of a broad range of researchers already working to systematically investigate the governance of social media platforms and telecommunications intermediaries. In this article, we present our review and analysis of the work that has been carried out to date, using the digital constitutionalism literature to identify opportunities for further research and collaboration.
A randomized controlled trial comparing ketorolac and triamcinolone injections in adults with trigger digits
Authors: Leow Mabel Qi He , Hay Aik Siew Robyn , Ng Shu Li , Choudhury Muntasir Mannan , Li Huihua , McGrouther Duncan Angus , Tay Shian Chao
Published: February 2018

We assessed the efficacy of ketorolac trometamol injections compared with triamcinolone acetonide injections in trigger digits. Patients with trigger digits were randomized to receive either ketorolac or triamcinolone. They were followed up at 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks, and monitored for resolution of triggering, pain and total active motion. One hundred and twenty-one patients with single trigger digits were recruited (59 ketorolac, 62 triamcinolone). At 6 weeks, 54% of patients in the triamcinolone group had complete resolution of trigger, whereas no patients in the ketorolac group had resolution. At 12 weeks, 58% of patients in the triamcinolone group had complete resolution of trigger compared with 6.7% in the ketorolac group. At 24 weeks, both groups had comparable rates of resolution at 26% and 25%, respectively. Patients in the triamcinolone group had significantly better resolution of pain at 3, 6 and 12 weeks. But at 24 weeks, there was no significant difference in pain between both groups. Significantly less flexion deformity was reported at 3 weeks and 6 weeks in the triamcinolone group. In the short term, ketorolac was less effective in relieving symptoms of trigger digit than triamcinolone.

Level of evidence: I
A systematic review and meta-analysis of arthroscopic assisted techniques for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Wilkens Suzanne C. , Bargon Claudia A. , Mohamadi Amin , Chen Neal C. , Coert J. Henk
Published: February 2018

Arthroscopic management of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthrosis (OA) is an approach that has unclear results. We performed a systematic review encompassing three electronic databases up to May 2016 for studies describing arthroscopic-assisted techniques for thumb CMC OA. Meta-analyses of visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, grip strength and pinch strength before and after arthroscopy were performed for ten included non-randomized cohort studies comprising 294 patients. Based on Hedges’ g measure, we found a large effect on VAS and DASH scores, a small effect on grip strength and no effect on pinch strength. On average, VAS improved by 4.1 cm, DASH by 22 points and grip strength by 2.8 kg. Complications were reported in 4% of patients. The use of arthroscopic-assisted techniques for thumb CMC OA is still limited; however, it may be a reasonable option for patients with thumb CMC OA who do not respond to non-operative treatment.
The UVA/Padova Type 1 Diabetes Simulator Goes From Single Meal to Single Day
Authors: Visentin Roberto , Campos-Náñez Enrique , Schiavon Michele , Lv Dayu , Vettoretti Martina , Breton Marc , Kovatchev Boris P. , Dalla Man Chiara , Cobelli Claudio
Published: February 2018

Background:

A new version of the UVA/Padova Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Simulator is presented which provides a more realistic testing scenario. The upgrades to the previous simulator, which was accepted by the Food and Drug Administration in 2013, are described.

Method:

Intraday variability of insulin sensitivity (SI) has been modeled, based on clinical T1D data, accounting for both intra- and intersubject variability of daily SI. Thus, time-varying distributions of both subject’s basal insulin infusion and insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio were calculated and made available to the user. A model of “dawn” phenomenon based on clinical T1D data has been also included. Moreover, the model of subcutaneous insulin delivery has been updated with a recently developed model of commercially available fast-acting insulin analogs. Models of both intradermal and inhaled insulin pharmacokinetics have been included. Finally, new models of error affecting continuous glucose monitoring and self-monitoring of blood glucose devices have been added.

Results:

One hundred in silico adults, adolescent, and children have been generated according to the above modifications. The new simulator reproduces the intraday glucose variability observed in clinical data, also describing the nocturnal glucose increase, and the simulated insulin profiles reflect real life data.

Conclusions:

The new modifications introduced in the T1D simulator allow to extend its domain of validity from “single-meal” to “single-day” scenarios, thus enabling a more realistic framework for in silico testing of advanced diabetes technologies including glucose sensors, new insulin molecules and artificial pancreas.
Different Indexes of Glycemic Variability as Identifiers of Patients with Risk of Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gómez Ana M. , Muñoz Oscar M. , Marin Alejandro , Fonseca Maria Camila , Rondon Martin , Robledo Gómez María Alejandra , Sanko Andrei , Lujan Dilcia , García-Jaramillo Maira , León Vargas Fabian Mauricio
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Recent publications frequently introduce new indexes to measure glycemic variability (GV), quality of glycemic control, or glycemic risk; however, there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of one particular parameter, especially in clinical practice.

Methods:

A cohort of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in ambulatory care were followed using continuous glucose monitoring sensors (CGM). Mean glucose (MG), standard deviation, coefficient of variation (CV), interquartile range, CONGA1, 2, and 4, MAGE, M value, J index, high blood glucose index, and low blood glucose index (LBGI) were estimated. Hypoglycemia incidence (<54 mg/dl) was calculated. Area under the curve (AUC) was determined for different indexes as identifiers of patients with risk of hypoglycemia (IRH). Optimal cutoff thresholds were determined from analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

CGM data for 657 days from 140 T2DM patients (4.69 average days per patient) were analyzed. Hypoglycemia was present in 50 patients with 144 hypoglycemic events in total (incidence rate of 0.22 events per patient/day). In the multivariate analysis, both CV (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, P < .001) and LBGI (OR 4.83, 95% CI 2.41-9.71, P < .001) were shown to have a statistically significant association with hypoglycemia. The highest AUC were for CV (0.84; 95% CI 0.77-0.91) and LBGI (0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.98). The optimal cutoff threshold for CV as IRH was 34%, and 3.4 for LBGI.

Conclusion:

This analysis shows that CV can be recommended as the preferred parameter of GV to be used in clinical practice for T2DM patients. LBGI is the preferred IRH between glycemic risk indexes.
The Racial and Economic Context of Trump Support
Authors: Knowles Eric D. , Tropp Linda R.
Published: February 2018

Donald Trump’s ascent to the Presidency of the United States defied the expectations of many social scientists, pundits, and laypeople. To date, most efforts to understand Trump’s rise have focused on personality and demographic characteristics of White Americans. In contrast, the present work leverages a nationally representative sample of Whites to examine how contextual factors may have shaped support for Trump during the 2016 presidential primaries. Results reveal that neighborhood-level exposure to racial and ethnic minorities predicts greater group threat and racial identification among Whites as well as greater intentions to vote for Trump in the general election. At the same time, however, neighborhood diversity afforded Whites with opportunities for intergroup contact, which predicted lower levels of threat, White identification, and Trump support. Further analyses suggest that a healthy local economy mutes threat effects in diverse contexts, allowing contact processes to come to the fore.
An exhaled carbon monoxide self-monitoring device linked to social media to support smoking cessation: A proof of concept pilot study
Authors: Tan Ngiap Chuan , Mohd Mohtar Zulidiah bte , Koh Eileen Yi Ling , Sankari Usha , Tay David Hong Chuan , Yu Shaun , Tan William Boon Wee
Published: February 2018

Background:

A recent systematic review alludes to the effectiveness of social media in facilitating smoking cessation. However, most interventions center on mobile applications in engaging smokers. A novel portable exhaled-carbon-monoxide self-monitoring device, the Smoke-analyzer to Track and Expedite Actions and Decisions to Eliminate Smoking (STEADES) linked to a specially-designed mobile phone application has been developed, which relays exhaled carbon monoxide-related data from the smokers to their selected quit supporters via social media.

Aim:

The study aimed to determine the precision and feasibility of using the STEADES device among smokers in primary care.

Method:

This pilot study recruited 15 Asian adult smokers from a primary care polyclinic in Singapore. Their exhaled carbon monoxide measurements were measured serially using STEADES, compared to a commercial smokerlyzer as reference. The subjects could use the device to transmit their exhaled carbon monoxide measurements via mobile application and social media to their acquaintances in the next two weeks. Data on the subjects’ demographic and clinical characteristics, their views on STEADES (from a questionnaire), and its utility (from the application) were collated on enrolment and at the end of study.

Results:

Measurements using STEADES were significantly correlated with those from a commercial smokerlyzer (Pearson correlation=0.882, p<0.01). The majority of the subjects perceived that the exhaled carbon monoxide data would allow them to track progress of their quit attempts, perceived recipients of these data would support their smoking cessation (92.3%), and reported willingness to use it with improved accuracy.

Conclusion:

The STEADES prototype had shown feasibility in this proof of concept study. Most subjects were in favor of using it to support their smoking cessation but its accuracy required enhancement.
Intrauterine contraceptive device insertion simulation training in primary care
Authors: Ng Lai Peng , Koh Eileen Yi Ling
Published: February 2018

Background and objectives:

Insertion of a intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is one of the services provided at our public primary care polyclinics. We evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation workshop using low-fidelity mannequins to train primary care doctors.

Methods:

Questionnaire feedback was collected before and after the workshop. Participants rated their confidence level in performing the insertion of IUCDs using a 10-point scale.

Results:

A total of 37 out of 44 (84%) participants completed the survey. The median score for confidence level in performing the procedure increased from 2 out of 10 (interquartile range (IQR) 1 to 5) before the workshop to 8 out of 10 (IQR 7 to 9) after the workshop ( p < 0.01). The increase in confidence level was most pronounced among the participants with no previous experience with the procedure and those who had inserted only one or two IUCDs before the workshop. Participants rated a median score of 9 out of 10 (IQR 8 to 10) in their interest level to perform the procedure after the workshop. The overall experience of the workshop recorded a median score of 5 out of 5 using a five-point Likert scale.

Conclusions:

Bedside procedural training has been challenging. The teaching of the procedure via a structured workshop format including a simulation of the procedure using a low-fidelity mannequin increases the confidence level of participants to perform the procedure. A similar format can be employed for training of other primary care procedural skills.
Halal Money: Financial inclusion and demand for Islamic banking in Norway
Authors: Brekke Torkel
Published: February 2018

Financial inclusion is high on the agenda for governments as well as for organizations such as the World Bank. Research has pointed out that Muslims worldwide are less included in the formal financial system than non-Muslims, but there is no knowledge about the extent to which religious norms (most importantly the ban on interest on money) lead to financial exclusion among Muslims in the West. In this article I approach the issue of financial exclusion and inclusion through three interrelated questions that will be answered with data collected in Norway 2015 and 2016. The questions are: (a) To what extent do Muslims see conventional banking as a problem in their own lives? (b) Do level of education, age, national background or level of religiosity predict demand for Islamic banking? (c) Is demand for Islamic banking changing? This article is a first step in what should be a broader research program to find out whether and how religious norms cause financial exclusion of Muslims in the West.
Inverted items and validity: A psychobiological evaluation of two measures of psychological resources and one depression scale
Authors: Lundgren Oskar , Garvin Peter , Andersson Gerhard , Jonasson Lena , Kristenson Margareta
Published: February 2018

Psychological resources and risk factors influence risk of coronary heart disease. We evaluated whether inverted items in the Self-esteem, Mastery, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scales compromise validity in the context of coronary heart disease. In a population-based sample, validity was investigated by calculating correlations with other scales ( n = 1004) and interleukin-6 ( n = 374), and by analyzing the relationship with 8-year coronary heart disease risk ( n = 1000). Negative items did not affect the validity of the resource scales. In contrast, positive items from Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression showed no significant relationships with biological variables. However, they had no major impact on the validity of the original scale.
Multiple Imputation for Dichotomous MNAR Items Using Recursive Structural Equation Modeling With Rasch Measures as Predictors
Authors: Combrinck Celeste , Scherman Vanessa , Maree David , Howie Sarah
Published: February 2018

Missing Not at Random (MNAR) data present challenges for the social sciences, especially when combined with Missing Completely at Random (MCAR) data for dichotomous test items. Missing data on a Grade 8 Science test for one school out of seven could not be excluded as the MNAR data were required for tracking learning progression onto the next grade. Multiple imputation (MI) was identified as a solution, and the missingness patterns were modeled with IBM Amos applying recursive structural equation modeling (SEM) for 358 cases. Rasch person measures were utilized as predictors. The final imputations were done in SPSS with logistic regression MI. Diagnostic checks of the imputations showed that the structure of the data had been maintained, and that differences between MNAR and non-MNAR missing data had been accounted for in the imputation process.
Chronicity of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Part 2: Radiographic Predictors of Early Graft Failure
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinari , Kita Keisuke , Takao Rikio , Amano Hiroshi , Uchida Ryohei , Shiozaki Yoshiki , Yonetani Yasukazu , Kinugasa Kazutaka , Mae Tatsuo , Horibe Shuji
Published: February 2018

Background:

Accumulating evidence suggests that long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency can give rise to an abnormal tibiofemoral relationship and subsequent intra-articular lesions. However, the effects of chronic ACL deficiency (ACLD) on early graft failure after anatomic reconstruction remain unclear.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that patients with long-term ACLD lasting more than 5 years would have a greater rate of early graft failure due to insufficient intraoperative reduction of the tibia and that the preoperative and immediately postoperative abnormal tibiofemoral relationship in the sagittal plane, such as anterior tibial subluxation (ATS), would correlate with the graft status on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 358 patients who had undergone anatomic ACL reconstruction with hamstring grafts were divided into 5 groups based on chronicity of ACLD: (1) 0 to 6 months, (2) 6 months to 1 year, (3) 1 to 2 years, (4) 2 to 5 years, and (5) longer than 5 years. Preoperatively and immediately postoperatively, lateral radiographs in full extension were taken in all patients to evaluate the tibiofemoral relationship, specifically with regard to ATS, space for the ACL (sACL), and extension angle. All patients underwent MRI at 6 months to reveal graft status. Groups with a high rate of graft failure were further analyzed to compare demographic and radiographic factors between the intact and failure subgroups, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify predisposing factors.

Results:

Graft failure without trauma was observed in 4 (1.8%), 0 (0%), 1 (3.7%), 3 (9.7%), and 8 patients (17.7%) in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Of the 76 patients in groups 4 and 5, significant differences were noted between the failure and intact subgroups in preoperative ATS (4.9 vs 2.4 mm, respectively; P < .01), side-to-side differences in sACL (sACL-SSD) (4.7 vs 1.9 mm, respectively; P < .01), extension deficit (4.4° vs 1.3°, respectively; P < .01), and chondral lesions ( P = .02), while postoperative ATS and sACL-SSD showed no differences. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that of these factors, preoperative sACL-SSD could be a risk factor for early graft failure (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.37-7.46).

Conclusion

Early graft failure at 6 months increased in patients with ACLD longer than 2 years. In this population, preoperative sACL-SSD was the most significant risk factor for early graft failure on MRI. However, immediately postoperative radiographic measurements had no effect on graft failure rates.
Transcriptional regulation of ependymal cell maturation within the postnatal brain
Authors: Vidovic Diana , Davila Raul Ayala , Gronostajski Richard M. , Harvey Tracey J. , Piper Michael
Published: February 2018

Background

Radial glial stem cells within the developing nervous system generate a variety of post-mitotic cells, including neurons and glial cells, as well as the specialised multi-ciliated cells that line the walls of the ventricular system, the ependymal cells. Ependymal cells separate the brain parenchyma from the cerebrospinal fluid and mediate osmotic regulation, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and the subsequent dispersion of signalling molecules via the co-ordinated beating of their cilia. Deficits to ependymal cell development and function have been implicated in the formation of hydrocephalus, but the transcriptional mechanisms underpinning ependymal development remain poorly characterised.

Findings

Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor nuclear factor IX (NFIX) plays a central role in the development of the ependymal cell layer of the lateral ventricles. Expression of ependymal cell-specific markers is delayed in the absence of Nfix. Moreover, Nfix-deficient mice exhibit aberrant ependymal cell morphology at postnatal day 15, culminating in abnormal thickening and intermittent loss of this cell layer. Finally, we reveal Foxj1, a key factor promoting ependymal cell maturation, as a target for NFIX-mediated transcriptional activation.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that ependymal cell development is reliant, at least in part, on NFIX expression, further implicating this transcription factor as a mediator of multiple aspects of radial glial biology during corticogenesis.
Correction to: Neisseria lactamica Y92–1009 complete genome sequence
Authors: Pandey Anish K. , Cleary David W. , Laver Jay R. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Didelot Xavier , Gorringe Andrew , Read Robert C.
Published: February 2018

Correction

After publication of the original article [1] it was identified that an incorrect version of the manuscript has been published. This was caused by a technical error which led to a discrepancy between the editorially-accepted version of the manuscript, and the published version.
American Association for Cancer Research Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange: From Inception to First Data Release and Beyond—Lessons Learned and Member Institutions’ Perspectives
Authors: Micheel Christine M. , Sweeney Shawn M. , LeNoue-Newton Michele L. , André Fabrice , Bedard Philippe L. , Guinney Justin , Meijer Gerrit A. , Rollins Barrett J. , Sawyers Charles L. , Schultz Nikolaus , Shaw Kenna R. Mills , Velculescu Victor E. , Levy Mia A. ,   on behalf of the AACR Project GENIE Consortium
Published: February 2018

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) is an international data-sharing consortium focused on enabling advances in precision oncology through the gathering and sharing of tumor genetic sequencing data linked with clinical data. The project’s history, operational structure, lessons learned, and institutional perspectives on participation in the data-sharing consortium are reviewed. Individuals involved with the inception and execution of AACR Project GENIE from each member institution described their experiences and lessons learned. The consortium was conceived in January 2014 and publicly released its first data set in January 2017, which consisted of 18,804 samples from 18,324 patients contributed by the eight founding institutions. Commitment and contributions from many individuals at AACR and the member institutions were crucial to the consortium’s success. These individuals filled leadership, project management, informatics, data curation, contracts, ethics, and security roles. Many lessons were learned during the first 3 years of the consortium, including on how to gather, harmonize, and share data; how to make decisions and foster collaboration; and how to set the stage for continued participation and expansion of the consortium. We hope that the lessons shared here will assist new GENIE members as well as others who embark on the journey of forming a genomic data–sharing consortium.