bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theorizing Affordances: From Request to Refuse
Authors: Davis Jenny L. , Chouinard James B.
Published: June 2017

As a concept, affordance is integral to scholarly analysis across multiple fields—including media studies, science and technology studies, communication studies, ecological psychology, and design studies among others. Critics, however, rightly point to the following shortcomings: definitional confusion, a false binary in which artifacts either afford or do not, and failure to account for diverse subject-artifact relations. Addressing these critiques, this article demarcates the mechanisms of affordance—as artifacts request, demand, allow, encourage, discourage, and refuse—which take shape through interrelated conditions: perception, dexterity, and cultural and institutional legitimacy. Together, the mechanisms and conditions constitute a dynamic and structurally situated model that addresses how artifacts afford, for whom and under what circumstances.
The Importance of Considering Differences in Study Design in Network Meta-analysis: An Application Using Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Cameron Chris , Ewara Emmanuel , Wilson Florence R. , Varu Abhishek , Dyrda Peter , Hutton Brian , Ingham Michael
Published: June 2017

Background and Aims. Adaptive trial designs present a methodological challenge when performing network meta-analysis (NMA), as data from such adaptive trial designs differ from conventional parallel design randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aim to illustrate the importance of considering study design when conducting an NMA. Methods. Three NMAs comparing anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs for ulcerative colitis were compared and the analyses replicated using Bayesian NMA. The NMA comprised 3 RCTs comparing 4 treatments (adalimumab 40 mg, golimumab 50 mg, golimumab 100 mg, infliximab 5 mg/kg) and placebo. We investigated the impact of incorporating differences in the study design among the 3 RCTs and presented 3 alternative methods on how to convert outcome data derived from one form of adaptive design to more conventional parallel RCTs. Results. Combining RCT results without considering variations in study design resulted in effect estimates that were biased against golimumab. In contrast, using the 3 alternative methods to convert outcome data from one form of adaptive design to a format more consistent with conventional parallel RCTs facilitated more transparent consideration of differences in study design. This approach is more likely to yield appropriate estimates of comparative efficacy when conducting an NMA, which includes treatments that use an alternative study design. Conclusions. RCTs based on adaptive study designs should not be combined with traditional parallel RCT designs in NMA. We have presented potential approaches to convert data from one form of adaptive design to more conventional parallel RCTs to facilitate transparent and less-biased comparisons.
Does Guiding Toward Task-Relevant Information Help Improve Graph Processing and Graph Comprehension of Individuals with Low or High Numeracy? An Eye-Tracker Experiment
Authors: Keller Carmen , Junghans Alex
Published: June 2017

Background. Individuals with low numeracy have difficulties with understanding complex graphs. Combining the information-processing approach to numeracy with graph comprehension and information-reduction theories, we examined whether high numerates’ better comprehension might be explained by their closer attention to task-relevant graphical elements, from which they would expect numerical information to understand the graph. Furthermore, we investigated whether participants could be trained in improving their attention to task-relevant information and graph comprehension. Design. In an eye-tracker experiment ( N = 110) involving a sample from the general population, we presented participants with 2 hypothetical scenarios (stomach cancer, leukemia) showing survival curves for 2 treatments. In the training condition, participants received written instructions on how to read the graph. In the control condition, participants received another text. We tracked participants’ eye movements while they answered 9 knowledge questions. The sum constituted graph comprehension. We analyzed visual attention to task-relevant graphical elements by using relative fixation durations and relative fixation counts. Results. The mediation analysis revealed a significant ( P < 0.05) indirect effect of numeracy on graph comprehension through visual attention to task-relevant information, which did not differ between the 2 conditions. Training had a significant main effect on visual attention ( P < 0.05) but not on graph comprehension ( P < 0.07). Conclusions. Individuals with high numeracy have better graph comprehension due to their greater attention to task-relevant graphical elements than individuals with low numeracy. With appropriate instructions, both groups can be trained to improve their graph-processing efficiency. Future research should examine (e.g., motivational) mediators between visual attention and graph comprehension to develop appropriate instructions that also result in higher graph comprehension.
Cross-Cultural Selling: Examining the Importance of Cultural Intelligence in Sales Education
Authors: Delpechitre Duleep , Baker David S.
Published: June 2017

Cross-cultural selling has become an important factor in sales education. In the current competitive business graduate market, students who enter the workforce in frontline customer service positions are expected to perform sales at a higher level. Students that have acquired an education in sales during their undergraduate program have been found to have a more realistic perception of sales as a profession, to require minimum training, to have lower turnover, and to require less time to be more productive. This has been attributed to the success of sales education curricula and sales education techniques at the collegiate level. This study examines the importance of sales students’ cultural intelligence and how it influences their adaptive selling behaviors and sales role-play performance in a cross-cultural selling situation. The sample for the study consists of 143 sales students who were registered in an advanced personal selling course over a six-semester period. All sales role-plays are oriented toward a cross-cultural selling situation where the buyer is a first-generation immigrant. The results of the study show that sales students with cultural intelligence are able to adjust their selling behaviors well and to perform at a higher level in their role-play presentations.
Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results in the Arthroscopic Repair of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears With and Without the Anterior Attachment of the Rotator Cable
Authors: Cho Nam Su , Moon Seong Cheol , Hong Se Jung , Bae Seong Hae , Rhee Yong Girl
Published: June 2017

Background:

The anterior rotator cable is critical in force transmission of the rotator cuff. However, few clinical studies have examined the correlation between the integrity of the anterior supraspinatus tendon and surgical outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tears.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical and structural outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears with and without anterior disruption of the supraspinatus tendon.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

One hundred eighty-one shoulders available for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at least 6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with a minimum 1-year follow-up, were enrolled. The anterior attachment of the rotator cable was disrupted in 113 shoulders (group A) and intact in 68 shoulders (group B). The mean age at the time of surgery in groups A and B was 59.6 and 59.2 years, respectively, and the mean follow-up period was 24.2 and 25.1 months, respectively.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences in the preoperative tear size and pattern and muscle fatty degeneration between the 2 groups ( P = .004, P = .008, and P < .001, respectively). At final follow-up, the mean visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score during motion was 1.31 ± 0.98 and 1.24 ± 0.90 in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .587). The mean Constant score was 77.5 ± 11.2 and 78.0 ± 11.9 points in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .875). The mean University of California, Los Angeles score was 30.5 ± 4.1 and 31.0 ± 3.0 points in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .652). In assessing the repair integrity on postoperative MRI, the retear rate was 23.9% and 14.7% in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .029).

Conclusion:

Irrespective of involvement in the anterior attachment of the rotator cable, the mean 24-month follow-up demonstrated excellent pain relief and improvement in the ability to perform activities of daily living after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, tears with anterior disruption of the rotator cable showed a significantly larger and more complex tear pattern and more advanced fatty degeneration. Additionally, the retear rate was significantly higher in patients with a tear involving the anterior attachment of the rotator cable.
Technical Adequacy of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire With Brazilian Educators
Authors: de Biagi Natália B. , Celeri Eloisa H. R. V. , Renshaw Tyler L.
Published: June 2017

The present study reports on the technical adequacy of a cultural adaptation of the Teacher Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (TSWQ) with a sample of Brazilian educators ( n = 268). Responses to a Brazilian Portuguese version of the TSWQ (TSWQ-BP) indicated a sound two-factor measurement model as well as convergent validity with teachers’ responses to domain-general measures of wellbeing. Measurement invariance analyses comparing the Brazilian sample with a U.S. sample ( n = 185) indicated support for configural invariance but not for metric invariance. Taken together, findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the technical adequacy of scores derived from the TSWQ-BP for measuring Brazilian teacher wellbeing. Yet, results also suggest that it is currently inadvisable to use scores from the measure to directly compare the wellbeing of Brazilian and U.S. educators.
Homework Expectancy Value Scale: Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences Across Gender
Authors: Yang Fuyi , Xu Jianzhong
Published: June 2017

This study validated the Homework Expectancy Value Scale (HEVS) based on 918 middle school students from China. The factor analytic results showed that the HEVS consisted of two distinct yet related subscales: Expectancy and Value. Results further revealed that latent factor means for the HEVS were invariant across gender. Finally, consistent with theoretical expectations, Expectancy and Value were negatively correlated with homework distraction, and positively correlated with homework effort, emotion regulation, completion, and academic achievement.
A congruence analysis of the inequality–conflict nexus: Evidence from 16 cases
Authors: Bartusevičius Henrikas
Published: June 2017

The relationship between inequality and civil conflict has attracted considerable interest in conflict research. Recent large -N studies have shown that inequalities significantly contribute to the outbreak of civil conflict and have proposed a number of causal pathways to account for this. These pathways, however, have rarely been assessed in systematic case-based research. This study implements a “middle -N” qualitative congruence analysis of 16 conflicts, focusing on the observable implications of the pathways through which inequalities are typically theorized to influence conflict. The study finds evidence to support some of the main pathways proposed in the quantitative literature. Furthermore, the analysis finds that different types of inequalities relate to different conflict categories. Specifically, vertical inequalities relate to non-ethnic governmental conflicts (via an “individual deprivation pathway”), regional inequalities to non-ethnic territorial conflicts (via a “separatist pathway”), and horizontal inequalities to ethnic conflicts (via a “group deprivation pathway”).
Rotomolded antistatic and flame-retarded graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Mhike Washington , Focke Walter W , Asante Joseph KO
Published: June 2017

Graphite nanoplatelets with an average particle size of 13 μm and an estimated flake thickness of about 76 nm were prepared by microwave exfoliation, followed by ultrasonication-assisted liquid-phase delamination, of an expandable graphite. This nanoadditive was used to fabricate linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)-based nanocomposite sheets using rotational molding. The dry blending approach yielded surface resistivities within the static dissipation range at filler loadings as low as 0.25 wt.% (0.1 vol.%). However, even at this low graphite content, impact properties were significantly reduced compared to the neat polymers. Bilayer moldings via the double dumping method proved to be a feasible approach to achieve both acceptable mechanical properties and antistatic properties. This was achieved by rotomolding nanocomposite sheets with a 1-mm outer layer containing the filler and a 2-mm inner layer of neat LLDPE. Excellent fire resistance, in terms of cone calorimeter testing, was achieved when the outer layer also contained 10 wt.% expandable graphite.
Residual stress prediction for turning of Ti-6Al-4V considering the microstructure evolution
Authors: Pan Zhipeng , Shih Donald S , Garmestani Hamid , Liang Steven Y
Published: June 2017

An analytical model for residual stress prediction considering the effects of material dynamic recrystallization under process-induced mechanical and thermal stresses is proposed. The effect of microstructure evolution on residual stress generation during the turning process is considered. The Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov model is used to calculate grain size evolution due to thermal mechanical effects in the machining process. A modified Johnson–Cook flow stress model is developed by introducing a material grain growth–induced softening term. The classic Oxley’s cutting mechanics theories are implemented for machining forces calculation. A hybrid algorithm accounting for thermal, mechanical, and microstructure evolution effects is used to predict the residual stress profile on a machined workpiece surface. The proposed method is implemented for the orthogonal turning of Ti-6Al-4V material. Comparison is conducted between the model prediction and the literature measurement residual stress data. The general trend of the machining-induced residual stress on the machining surface is accurately captured by the proposed model. Also, the parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of rake angle and depth of cut on the residual stress profile.
Effect of articulated frame steering on the transient yaw responses of the vehicle
Authors: Yin Yuming , Rakheja Subhash , Yang Jue , Boileau Paul-Emile
Published: June 2017

The directional performance characteristics of articulated frame steering vehicles are known to be strongly coupled with the kinematic characteristics and the dynamic characteristics of the steering system. The reported studies on articulated frame steering generally focus on the yaw divergence behaviour or the snaking tendency of the vehicle based on its free-yaw-oscillation response, while neglecting important contributions due to the kinematics and the dynamics of the steering system. This study characterizes both the free-yaw-oscillation response and the transient steering response of an articulated frame steering mining vehicle, considering the kinematics of the steering struts together with the dynamics of the flow volume-regulated steering valve and the actuating system. The validity of the analytical vehicle and steering system model is demonstrated using the measured data acquired for the vehicle. The free-oscillation behaviour of the articulated frame steering is characterized in terms of the yaw-mode natural frequency and the yaw damping ratio. The transient responses of the articulated frame steering are assessed in terms of the steering gain, the rate of articulation and the articulation overshoot. The effects of the variations in the various articulated frame steering parameters on the free response and the transient response are subsequently investigated and discussed so as to seek guidance for the design of the articulated frame steering system. It is shown that a higher bulk modulus of the hydraulic fluid and longer steering-arm lengths yield a higher yaw stiffness of the articulated frame steering system and thereby a higher frequency of the yaw oscillations. Higher leakage flows and higher viscous seal friction cause a higher yaw damping coefficient but decrease the steering gain and the articulation rate of the vehicle.
Effects of Lucilia sericata on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and analysis of its secretome at the proteome level
Authors: Tombulturk FK , Kasap M , Tuncdemir M , Polat E , Sirekbasan S , Kanli A , Kanigur-Sultuybek G
Published: June 2017

The use of Lucilia sericata larvae on the healing of wounds in diabetics has been reported. However, the role of the excretion/secretion (ES) products of the larvae in treatment of diabetic wounds remains unknown. This study investigated whether application of the ES products of L. sericata on the wound surface could improve the impaired wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additional analysis was performed to understand proteome content of L. sericata secretome to understand ES contribution at the molecular level. For this purpose, full-thickness skin wounds were created on the backs of diabetic and control rats. A study was conducted to assess the levels of the ES-induced collagen I/III expression and to assay nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (p65) activity in wound biopsies and ES-treated wounds of diabetic rat skin in comparison to the controls. The expression levels of collagen I/III and NF-κB (p65) activity were determined at days 3, 7, and 14 after wounding using immunohistological analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results indicated that treatment with the ES extract increased collagen I expressions of the wound control and diabetic tissue. But the increase in collagen I expression in the controls was higher than the one in the diabetics. NF-κB (p65) activity was also increased in diabetic wounds compared to the controls, whereas it was decreased in third and seventh days upon ES treatment. The results indicated that ES products of L. sericata may enhance the process of wound healing by influencing phases such as inflammation, NF-κB (p65) activity, collagen synthesis, and wound contraction. These findings may provide new insights into understanding of therapeutic potential of ES in wound healing in diabetics.
Musculoskeletal manifestations as determinants of quality of life impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Piga M , Congia M , Gabba A , Figus F , Floris A , Mathieu A , Cauli A
Published: June 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Overall, 101 SLE patients were recruited; 37 healthy subjects and 35 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients served as controls. HRQoL was evaluated using three patient reported outcomes (PROs): the Short Form-36 version 2 (SF-36v2) health survey, the fatigue scale version 4 (FACITv4) and the Heath Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). A large set of demographic and clinical variables, including SLE arthritis subtypes, was evaluated searching for factors independently associated with worse QoL. Multivariate models were applied to identify factors independently associated with outcomes. Bonferroni’s corrected p values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

SLE patients showed worse results than healthy controls ( p < 0.01) in all SF-36v2 domains and, with reference to the mental QoL, also than RA patients ( p < 0.01). Jaccoud’s deformities, active arthritis, and fibromyalgia were the only factors independently associated with worse results in both physical and mental components summary of the SF-36v2 ( p < 0.01) and FACITv4 fatigue scale ( p < 0.01). Fragility fractures, deformities, and active arthritis negatively affected disability perception measured by the HAQ ( p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in perceived HRQoL were highlighted between patients with deforming and erosive arthritis. However, they had significantly worse results than patients with non-deforming non-erosive arthritis across all investigated PROs ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In order to limit musculoskeletal manifestations as a source of impaired QoL in SLE patients, therapeutic strategies targeted to successfully manage active arthritis and fibromyalgia and to prevent deforming damage are needed.
A free lunch with robots – can a basic income stabilise the digital economy?
Authors: Pulkka Ville-Veikko
Published: June 2017

The discussion on the possible implications of the digital economy for labour continues unabated. An essential dimension of the discussion is the widely shared view that a basic income could guarantee sufficient purchasing power for unemployed, underemployed and precarious workers should technological unemployment and labour market insecurity increase. A budget-neutral basic income has serious limitations as an economic stabilisation grant, but if financing proposals are revised, these limitations can be tackled. Even though guaranteeing sufficient purchasing power for unemployed, underemployed and precarious workers does not necessarily require an unconditional universal benefit, it seems clear that traditional activation based on strict means-testing and obligations will not be a strategy flexible enough to guarantee sufficient consumer demand in fluctuating labour markets. An economically sustainable solution might be to reduce means-testing gradually and to study carefully the effects.
Functional Thinking for Managing Challenging Behavior
Authors: Allday R. Allan
Published: June 2017

Challenging student behavior remains one of the biggest trials for classroom teachers. Understanding why a student performs a specific behavior is important in determining how to develop an intervention that targets the function of the behavior. This column focuses on how thinking functionally about behavior can help teachers understand why students engage in challenging behaviors. Specifically, three levels of functional thinking are discussed: (a) maintaining function, (b) deficits determination, and (c) intervention selection. Functional thinking is not meant to be a replacement for formal assessments; however, thinking about behavior in this way may help teachers to determine behavior function and develop a function-based intervention to alleviate the challenging behavior.
Caregiving Burden and Life Satisfaction Among Caregivers of Cancer Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department
Authors: Danacı Esra , Koç Zeliha
Published: June 2017

This descriptive and cross-sectional study aimed to determine caregiving burden and life satisfaction among caregivers of cancer patients admitted to the emergency department. The study included 272 caregivers. Data were collected using an information form, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Among the patients, 19.1% were diagnosed with lung cancer; 44.1% were in the fourth stage of their disease; and 52% had metastasis. The mean ZBI total score was 41.2 ± 9.7, while the mean SWLS total score of caregivers was 17.6 ± 4.0. It was concluded that the mean ZBI and SWLS scores of patients’ caregivers were moderately and negatively correlated ( p < .001, r = −.485). There was a negative and significant relationship between caregiving burden and quality of life.
Mental Health Service Use Among Adolescents Experiencing Emotional/Behavioral Problems and School Impairment
Authors: George Melissa W. , Zaheer Imad , Kern Lee , Evans Steven W.
Published: June 2017

Mental health service utilization research is needed for students who are likely to receive school mental health services, yet little research exists for adolescents experiencing emotional/behavioral problems and school impairment. This study addressed this gap using secondary data analyses conducted on baseline data from a large trial testing school-based interventions for high school students ( n = 647) experiencing emotional/behavioral problems and school impairment. Analyses examined the number and type (community-based or school-based psychosocial, inpatient, pharmacological treatment) of services used, and sociodemographics associated with services. Sixty-nine percent had received at least one service for their emotional/behavioral problems prior to the study, with nearly half of those having only received a single service. Community-based psychosocial and pharmacological treatments were most common. White adolescents and those in special education were more likely to have received services, particularly community-based and pharmacological treatment. On average, adolescents had not received any services until early adolescence. Findings add to increasing literature on the current status of service use among adolescents with emotional/behavioral problems and the potential for schools to increase access for those in need.
Equivalence of Laptop and Tablet Administrations of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Restructured Form
Authors: Menton William H. , Crighton Adam H. , Tarescavage Anthony M. , Marek Ryan J. , Hicks Adam D. , Ben-Porath Yossef S.
Published: June 2017

The present study investigated the comparability of laptop computer- and tablet-based administration modes for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). Employing a counterbalanced within-subjects design, the MMPI-2-RF was administered via both modes to a sample of college undergraduates ( N = 133). Administration modes were compared in terms of mean scale scores, internal consistency, test–retest consistency, external validity, and administration time. Mean scores were generally similar, and scores produced via both methods appeared approximately equal in terms of internal consistency and test–retest consistency. Scores from the two modalities also evidenced highly similar patterns of associations with external criteria. Notably, tablet administration of the MMPI-2-RF was substantially longer than laptop administration in the present study (mean difference 7.2 minutes, Cohen’s d = .95). Overall, results suggest that varying administration mode between laptop and tablet has a negligible influence on MMPI-2-RF scores, providing evidence that these modes of administration can be considered psychometrically equivalent.
Evaluating the Hierarchical Structure of ADHD Symptoms and Invariance Across Age and Gender
Authors: Sturm Alexandra , McCracken James T. , Cai Li
Published: June 2017

The bifactor model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been extensively explored, yet the tendency of the bifactor model to overfit data necessitates investigation of alternative, more parsimonious models, such as a modified bifactor structure. The present study used item response theory to compare unidimensional, correlated factors, bifactor, and modified bifactor models of ADHD symptoms in a clinical sample of youth ( N = 1,612) and examined differential item functioning (DIF) by age (<11 and ≥11 years) and gender. Results suggested that two restricted bifactor models showed superior fit compared with alternative models, and support strong general and inattention dimensions, with unreliable hyperactivity and impulsivity dimensions. No DIF was found across gender or age. The present study confirms that the general dimension (i.e., inhibition) and one specific dimension (i.e., sustained attention) represent distinct variability in ADHD symptoms that may improve prediction of symptom persistence, treatment response, or functional outcomes.
Conservation of Repeats at the Mammalian KCNQ1OT1-CDKN1C Region Suggests a Role in Genomic Imprinting
Authors: De Donato Marcos , Hussain Tanveer , Rodulfo Hectorina , Peters Sunday O , Imumorin Ikhide G , Thomas Bolaji N
Published: June 2017

KCNQ1OT1 is located in the region with the highest number of genes showing genomic imprinting, but the mechanisms controlling the genes under its influence have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis of the KCNQ1/KCNQ1OT1-CDKN1C region to study its conservation across the best assembled eutherian mammalian genomes sequenced to date and analyzed potential elements that may be implicated in the control of genomic imprinting in this region. The genomic features in these regions from human, mouse, cattle, and dog show a higher number of genes and CpG islands (detected using cpgplot from EMBOSS), but lower number of repetitive elements (including short interspersed nuclear elements and long interspersed nuclear elements), compared with their whole chromosomes (detected by RepeatMasker). The KCNQ1OT1-CDKN1C region contains the highest number of conserved noncoding sequences (CNS) among mammals, where we found 16 regions containing about 38 different highly conserved repetitive elements (using mVista), such as LINE1 elements: L1M4, L1MB7, HAL1, L1M4a, L1Med, and an LTR element: MLT1H. From these elements, we found 74 CNS showing high sequence identity (>70%) between human, cattle, and mouse, from which we identified 13 motifs (using Multiple Em for Motif Elicitation/Motif Alignment and Search Tool) with a significant probability of occurrence, 3 of which were the most frequent and were used to find transcription factor–binding sites. We detected several transcription factors (using JASPAR suite) from the families SOX, FOX, and GATA. A phylogenetic analysis of these CNS from human, marmoset, mouse, rat, cattle, dog, horse, and elephant shows branches with high levels of support and very similar phylogenetic relationships among these groups, confirming previous reports. Our results suggest that functional DNA elements identified by comparative genomics in a region densely populated with imprinted mammalian genes may be related to the regulation of imprinted gene expression.
Loss of abdominal domain: Is it the abdominal wall or contents?
Authors: Johnston Luke R , Hafiz Shabnam , Raizon Arnold , Sava Jack A
Published: June 2017

Background

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are significant sources of morbidity and mortality in the post-surgical and trauma patient. Several anatomic variables may contribute to the inability to close the abdomen such as retraction of the abdominal wall and intra-abdominal volume changes. This study seeks to quantify these changes and determined which predominates.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of computed tomography scans of patients whose abdomens could not be closed secondary to intra-abdominal hypertension. Patients were included who had computed tomography scans available with both an open abdomen and after primary abdominal wall closure. Abdominal wall lengths along with total abdominal, intra-peritoneal, and retroperitoneal cross-sectional areas were measured at two anatomic levels.

Results

Seven patients’ computed tomography scans were evaluated. The closed abdominal wall lengths averaged 2.3 cm and 2.1 cm longer after closure at each point of measurement (p = 0.002 and p = 0.03). Total abdominal cross-sectional area decreased post-closure by 14% for both measurements (p = 0.009 and p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Measurable increases in intra-abdominal cross-sectional area and decreases in abdominal wall length both contribute to the inability to safely close the abdomen in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension. These findings support the use of multimodal techniques in the management of the open abdomen.
Searching for lost femininity: Russian middle-aged women’s participation in the post-Soviet consumer culture
Authors: Davidenko Maria
Published: June 2017

In the existing literature, the relatively stable period of the 1970s, in Russia, is characterised by the rise of ‘socialist consumer modernity’, while the affluent 2000s were the time when a new phenomenon, ‘the culture of glamour’, emerged. Both periods parallel some cultural developments in the western world: the 1970s–1980s supposedly saw the rise of late modernity whereby individuals, freed from constraints of social structures, engage in ongoing process of self-reflexivity and self-fashioning, through consumption. In this article, drawing on the interviews with 20 middle-aged women from Moscow, I examine the limitations on self-fashioning as a means of achieving and maintaining a position of privilege. I particularly focus on the women’s concerns about failing to engage in normative practices of self-care, including anti-ageing cosmetic procedures, and hence failing to embody feminine dispositions that had value in their middle-class milieu. The analysis of such concerns helps discern the ways different markers of identity (gender, class and age) interplay and act as enablers or constraints in the mundane struggle for power at the interpersonal level.
Using pre-lecture activities to enhance learner engagement in a large group setting
Authors: Kinsella Gemma K , Mahon Catherine , Lillis Seamus
Published: June 2017

The disadvantage to students of beginning a module with no prior knowledge or inaccurate knowledge is well documented. For learners, the development of the necessary prior knowledge to facilitate their learning is essential. The use of screencasts, whether prior to or during class, is becoming more widespread. There is a need, however, to better understand how these are used and whether or not there is any impact on overall learner engagement and academic achievement when a component with instantaneous feedback (such as a multiple choice quiz) is embedded into the pre-lecture screencast activity. In this study, pre-learning activities consisting of screencasts and multiple choice quizzes were introduced to improve student engagement with the topic, gauge common misconceptions and give timely feedback to the students. An examination of screencast usage indicated that students did not predominantly nor exclusively employ the resources as originally intended, that is, in advance of lectures. Rather, students continued to access the activities across the module and often after the associated lecture. Implications are discussed with an acknowledgement of the importance of taking into account how learners prefer to use resources when designing and introducing new activities to modules.
Dynamic child growth prediction: A comparative methods approach
Authors: Ivanescu Andrada E , Crainiceanu Ciprian M , Checkley William
Published: June 2017

Abstract:

We introduce a class of dynamic regression models designed to predict the future of growth curves based on their historical dynamics. This class of models incorporates both baseline and time-dependent covariates, start with simple regression models and build up to dynamic function-on-function regressions. We compare the performance of the dynamic prediction models in a variety of signal-to-noise scenarios and provide practical solutions for model selection. We conclude that (a) prediction performance increases substantially when using the entire growth history relative to using only the last and first observation; (b) smoothing incorporated using functional regression approaches increases prediction performance; and (c) the interpretation of model parameters is substantially improved using functional regression approaches. Because many growth curve datasets exhibit missing and noisy data, we propose a bootstrap of subjects approach to account for the variability associated with the missing data imputation and smoothing. Methods are motivated by and applied to the CONTENT dataset, a study that collected monthly child growth data on 197 children from birth until month 15. R code describing the fitting approaches is provided in a supplementary file.
Implementation of guideline-based therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Differences between men and women veterans
Authors: Rinne Seppo T , Elwy A Rani , Liu Chuan-Fen , Wiener Renda Soylemez , Thayer Lisa , Gerity Alexandra , Bastian Lori A
Published: June 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common among both men and women, and guidelines recommend the same therapy for both sexes. While previous studies have identified gender differences in other chronic disease management, few studies have examined how implementation of COPD guidelines differs between men and women. We performed a cross-sectional study of veterans admitted to Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals for COPD during October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2011. We collected information on baseline COPD medications during the 6 months prior to hospitalization and categorized therapies as “appropriate” or “inappropriate” based on current guidelines. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the differences in COPD medications between men and women, after controlling for baseline patient characteristics. We also examined the differences in hospital outcomes, including length of stay and hospital readmission. We identified 33,558 veterans, including 1149 women and 32,409 men who were admitted to 130 VA hospitals. Women were significantly less likely to have received inhaler therapies prior to admission, with lower rates of short-acting beta agonists, short-acting muscarinic antagonists, long-acting beta agonists, and long-acting muscarinic antagonists compared to men. Women also received fewer appropriate inhaler combinations (odds ratio [OR] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.93) and more inappropriate combinations (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.17–1.51). Women and men were prescribed similar rates of inhaled steroid and oral steroids. Hospital outcomes were also similar between the two groups. These findings highlight a potential gender disparity in appropriate outpatient COPD therapy. Improving the quality of care for patients with COPD should include equitable implementation of guideline-based COPD management.
Marketing Manhood in a “Post-Feminist” Age
Authors: Barber Kristen , Bridges Tristan
Published: June 2017

In “manvertising,” satirical masculinity is used to sell men on products they presumably avoid for fear of what it might say about their gender and sexual identities. The satire obscures the consequences of hybrid masculinities though they’re on full display.
New Americans and Civic Engagement in the U.S.
Authors: Witte James C. , Davis Shannon N.
Published: June 2017

James C. Witte and Shannon N. Davis on immigrant volunteerism in the United States.
The [Un]Surprising Alt-Right
Authors: Futrell Robert , Simi Pete
Published: June 2017

Robert Futrell and Pete Simi on the simmering sentiments and political fortunes of White supremacists.
Dissent in Immigration
Authors: Morales Daniel I.
Published: June 2017

This commentary argues that prescriptive immigration scholarship has something to learn from the rise of Donald Trump. The Republican party’s relatively close ideological engagement with the aspirations of its immigration dissenters (white nationalists) has paid political dividends in the long run by allowing the party to capture a passion for immigration issues and marry that atavistic energy to legal know-how. But mainstream Democrats, along with scholars whose immigration reform prescriptions align with that group, reject as fantasy the open-borders demands of its dissenters. Yet fantasy can be made real, or at least spark real political enthusiasm, as Trump illustrates. A deeper engagement with the dreams of open-borders advocates, like the group #Not1More Deportation, could in time prove similarly fruitful and galvanizing for the mainstream immigration left.
Evaluation and management approaches for scleroderma lung disease
Authors: Schoenfeld Sara R. , Castelino Flavia V.
Published: June 2017

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). As symptoms are often under-reported in SSc, early screening of ILD and PAH is of paramount importance, and early treatment may be associated with better clinical outcomes. Serologies are particularly helpful in identifying patients at risk for pulmonary involvement. Pulmonary function testing, high-resolution computed tomography of the chest and echocardiography are important tools in the initial screening of these patients. Extensive research has also led to an improved understanding of the mediators involved in the pathogenesis of ILD and PAH. As a result, there have been significant advances in the development of novel targeted therapeutics and an increase in the number of early-phase clinical trials in SSc.
Does a coding sticker for percutaneous nephrolithotomy improve clinical coding accuracy and increase financial remuneration?
Authors: Donati-Bourne JF , Bodalia R , Muthuveloe D , Inglis JA , Rukin NJ
Published: June 2017

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate whether a coding sticker for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), completed by the surgeon after the operation note, improved the accuracy of clinical coding and the financial remuneration for PCNL.

Patients and methods:

A retrospective study was undertaken including all PCNLs performed in a single centre between October 2014 and June 2016. PCNL clinical coding was obtained and applied to yield a Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) code, which was in turn used to calculate the tariff the Trust received for the case. Remuneration and clinical coding accuracy were compared pre- and post-coding sticker introduction.

Results:

Thirty-three cases were included in the study. Eleven patients were reviewed before the introduction of the sticker and 22 after the introduction of the PCNL sticker. Overall mean clinical coding accuracy improved from 65% to 94% after the stickers’ introduction. This resulted in an overall mean increase in remuneration of £501 per case (from £2946 to £3447).

Conclusion:

The implementation of a simple coding sticker for completion after a PCNL improves clinical coding accuracy and increases the financial remuneration.
Visualization of the Capitellum During Elbow Arthroscopy: A Comparison of 3 Portal Techniques
Authors: Trofa David P. , Gancarczyk Stephanie M. , Lombardi Joseph M. , Makhni Eric C. , Popkin Charles A. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology for which various arthroscopic treatments are available. Prior data suggest that greater than 75% of the capitellum can be visualized arthroscopically through a dual lateral portal approach. However, there is no literature assessing arthroscopic visualization of the capitellum via alternative portals.

Purpose:

To determine the percentage of capitellum visualized using the dual lateral, distal ulnar and soft spot, and posterolateral and soft spot portal configurations in a cadaver model.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Arthroscopy was performed on 12 fresh-frozen cadaver elbows, 4 for each of the following approaches: dual lateral, distal ulna, and posterolateral. Electrocautery was used to mark the most anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral points seen on the capitellum. The radiocapitellar joint was subsequently exposed through an extensile posterior dissection, and the surface anatomy was reconstructed using the Microscribe 3D digitizing system. Using Rhinoceros software, the percentage of capitellum surface area visualized by each approach was determined.

Results:

The mean percentage of capitellum visualized for the dual lateral, distal ulna, and posterolateral approaches was approximately 68.8%, 66.3%, and 63.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the percentage of capitellum seen among approaches ( P = .68). On average, 66.5% of the capitellum was visible through these 3 arthroscopic approaches to the elbow.

Conclusion:

Approximately 66.5% of the capitellum is visualized through the popularized posterior arthroscopic portals, with no significant differences found between the 3 investigated approaches.

Clinical Relevance:

As determined in this cadaveric model investigation, each portal technique provides equivalent visualization for capitellar OCD pathology.
Live, Learn, Pass It on
Authors: Dy Sydney M , Janssen Ellen M , Ferris Andrea , Bridges John FP
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

The objective of this project was to engage survivor–advocates by describing their experiences living with lung cancer in an era of increasing treatment options.

Methods:

This was a qualitative engagement project with participants from a lung cancer advocacy organization’s survivor advisory board. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed for stages and associated experiences using interpretive phenomenological analysis and elements of narrative analysis, in partnership with the patient advocacy organization.

Results:

Of 27 engaged members, interviews were conducted with 19, mostly long-term survivors with stage 3 or 4 lung cancer. Within the quest for patient-centeredness, we identified 3 stages of the patient experience. The stage Live describes the journey of the lived experience; Learn describes the quest for knowledge, empowerment, and skills; and Pass it on describes making a difference through guiding others, building awareness, and community.

Conclusions:

Lung cancer survivor–advocates have an intertwined experience of their personal journey, the quest for knowledge, and developing advocacy. Future patient engagement can incorporate these findings into increasing the survivor-centeredness of partnerships and research, particularly for quality of life and shared decision-making.
Relationship Between Patient Satisfaction And Physician Characteristics
Authors: Chen J Gene , Zou Baiming , Shuster Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Background:

Physician care influences patient satisfaction. Inherent physician attributes may also affect scores.

Objective:

To determine the relationship between physician characteristics and patient satisfaction regarding physician care and communication.

Method:

Observational retrospective study. We examined patient satisfaction surveys from inpatient adults across 9 questions (HCAHPS: Courtesy, Listen, and Explain; Press Ganey: Time, Concern, Informed, Friendliness, Skill, Rating) in relation to physician gender, age, ethnicity, race, and specialty.

Results:

We analyzed 51 896 surveys on 914 physicians. In univariate analysis, males were rated significantly more often in the highest category (top box) compared to females on Informed and Skill, and whites were rated in the top box more often than nonwhites on all questions. In multivariate analysis, there were no significant associations between ratings and physician gender, ethnicity, and race. On all questions, the odds of being rated in the top box were highest for obstetricians, second highest for surgeons, and lowest for medicine providers. On the question of Skill, the odds of being rated in the top box were higher with increasing age.

Conclusion:

Patient satisfaction regarding physicians is associated with physician specialty and age.