bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Cancer and Elevated D-Dimer Are Risk Factors for In-Hospital Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yamaguchi Izumi , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Shimada Kenji , Korai Masaaki , Miyamoto Takeshi , Shikata Eiji , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Yamamoto Nobuaki , Yamamoto Yuki , Kitazato Keiko T. , Okayama Yoshihiro , Takagi Yasushi
Published: November 2019

Background and Purpose: Little attention has been paid to the pathogenesis of in-hospital stroke, despite poor outcomes and a longer time from stroke onset to treatment. We studied the pathophysiology and biomarkers for detecting patients who progress to in-hospital ischemic stroke (IHS). Methods: Seventy-nine patients with IHS were sequentially recruited in the period 2011–2017. Their characteristics, care, and outcomes were compared with 933 patients who had an out-of-hospital ischemic stroke (OHS) using a prospectively collected database of the Tokushima University Stroke Registry. Results: Active cancer and coronary artery disease were more prevalent in patients with IHS than in those with OHS (53.2 and 27.8% vs. 2.0 and 10.9%, respectively; p < 0.001), the median onset-to-evaluation time was longer (300 vs. 240 min; p = 0.015), and the undetermined etiology was significantly higher (36.7 vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in stroke severity at onset between the groups, patients with IHS had higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (3–6) at discharge (67.1 vs. 50.3%; p = 0.004) and rates of death during hospitalization (16.5 vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001). D-dimer (5.8 vs. 0.8 µg/mL; p < 0.001) and fibrinogen (532 vs. 430 mg/dL; p = 0.014) plasma levels at the time of onset were significantly higher in patients with IHS after propensity score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that active cancer (odds ratio [OR] 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–4.20), prestroke mRS scores 3–5 (OR 6.78; 95% CI 3.96–11.61), female sex (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.19–2.08), and age ≥75 years (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.80–3.08) were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions: Patients with IHS had poorer outcomes than those with OHS because of a higher prevalence of active cancer and functional dependence before stroke onset. Elevated plasma levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen, especially with active cancer, can help identify patients who are at a higher risk of progression to IHS.
Levothyroxine Absorption Test to Differentiate Pseudomalabsorption from True Malabsorption
Authors: Ghosh Sujoy , Pramanik Subhodip , Biswas Kaushik , Bhattacharjee Kingshuk , Sarkar Rajib , Chowdhury Subhankar , Mukhopadhyay Pradip
Published: November 2019

Background: The levothyroxine absorption test for evaluation of pseudomalabsorption in patients with primary hypothyroid is not standardised. An individual in whom a workup for malabsorption is warranted remains undefined. Methods: Twenty-five euthyroid, 25 newly diagnosed hypothyroid, 25 treated hypothyroid with normalised TSH, and 25 hypothyroid subjects with elevated TSH despite adequate dose of levothyroxine for more than 6 months, and 10 euthyroid subjects with true malabsorption were administered levothyroxine (10 μg/kg or maximum 600 μg) to study its absorption profile by measuring free T4 level at hourly intervals for 5 h. Results: Free T4 peaked at 3 h with marginal insignificant decline at 4 h in all groups. The increments of free T4 (between baseline and 3 h) of the four groups (except malabsorption) were not statistically different. The mean increment of free T4 in true malabsorption was 0.39 ng/dL (95% CI: 0.29–0.52) and it was 0.78 ng/dL (95% CI: 0.73–0.85) (10.4 pmol/L) for other groups combined together. The cut off of free T4 increment at 3 h from baseline above 0.40 ng/dL had a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 80% (AUC 0.904, p < 0.001) to exclude true malabsorption. Conclusion: Subjects with elevated TSH on adequate dose of LT4 can be reliably diagnosed to be non-adherent to treatment with levothyroxine absorption test. The incremental value above 0.40 ng/dL (5.14 pmol/L) at 3 h may be useful to identify individuals where workup of malabsorption is unwarranted.
Um Shakespeare popular no Brasil do século XXI – anotações em torno da apropriação de Ricardo III pelo grupo Clowns de Shakespeare
Authors: Tomiello Angélica , Flory Alexandre Villibor
Published: November 2019

O modo como um texto estrangeiro pode ser ressignificado em diferentes culturas ganha contornos diversos a partir da perspectiva de trabalho de grupos teatrais que os encenem. É nesse sentido que representações de grupos de teatro brasileiro com viés popular ganham relevância ao refletir sobre o texto estrangeiro, levando em conta tanto a cultura-fonte do texto adaptado, quanto a cultura-alvo de recepção desses trabalhos. Nesse trabalho, muitas vezes, o viés popular questiona o caráter clássico do texto. Essa proposta de trabalho pode ser reconhecida como apropriação intercultural (PAVIS, 2015), uma perspectiva profícua de trabalho com atualizações necessárias para a compreensão de textos clássicos, principalmente quando provenientes de outras culturas. No caso deste artigo, o recorte, para exemplificação de como o trabalho com a literatura estrangeira no Brasil tem sido feito na contemporaneidade, recai sobre a encenação de Sua Incelença Ricardo III, pelo grupo potiguar Clowns de Shakespeare.
Outcomes With Deferred Versus Performed Revascularization of Coronary Lesions With Gray-Zone Fractional Flow Reserve Values
Authors: Megaly Michael , Khalil Charl , Saad Marwan , Xenogiannis Iosif , Omer Mohamed , Anantha Narayanan Mahesh , Pershad Ashish , Garcia Santiago , Seto Arnold H. , Burke M. Nicholas , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Management of coronary lesions with fractional flow reserve values in the gray zone (0.75–0.80) remains controversial due to conflicting data on the performance versus deferral of revascularization.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 observational studies including 2683 patients that compared the outcomes of deferred versus performed revascularization of coronary lesions with gray-zone fractional flow reserve values.

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 31±9 months, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (12.54 % versus 11.25%; odds ratio [OR], 1.64 [95% CI, 0.78–3.44];
P
=0.19, I2=84%), cardiac mortality (1.25% versus 0.72%; OR, 1.78 [95% CI, 0.58–5.46];
P
=0.31, I2=18%), and myocardial infarction (1.28% versus 2.66%; OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.22–2.79];
P
=0.71, I2=65%) was similar with deferral versus performance of revascularization in coronary lesions with gray-zone fractional flow reserve. Deferral of revascularization was associated with a higher incidence of target vessel revascularization (9.12% versus 5.78%; OR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.03–3.33];
P
=0.04, I2=62%). When the analysis was limited only to studies that used percutaneous coronary intervention for revascularization, deferred revascularization remained associated with a higher risk of target vessel revascularization (18% versus 7.3%; OR, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.53–6.02];
P
<0.001) and was associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (23.2% versus 13.4%; OR, 3.38 [95% CI, 1.92–5.95];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In lesions with gray-zone fractional flow reserve, revascularization was associated with a similar incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event but a lower incidence of target vessel revascularization over a mean follow-up of approximately 2.5 years.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
. Unique identifier: CRD42019128076.
Identification of Adipsin as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ohtsuki Tomohiro , Satoh Kimio , Shimizu Toru , Ikeda Shohei , Kikuchi Nobuhiro , Satoh Taijyu , Kurosawa Ryo , Nogi Masamichi , Sunamura Shinichiro , Yaoita Nobuhiro , Omura Junichi , Aoki Tatsuo , Tatebe Shunsuke , Sugimura Koichiro , Takahashi Jun , Miyata Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: November 2019

Background

Circulating proteins are exposed to vascular endothelial layer and influence their functions. Among them, adipsin is a member of the trypsin family of peptidases and is mainly secreted from adipocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, catalyzing the rate‐limiting step of the alternative complement pathway. However, its pathophysiological role in cardiovascular disease remains to be elucidated. Here, we examined whether serum adipsin levels have a prognostic impact in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results

In 370 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography, we performed a cytokine array analysis for screening serum levels of 50 cytokines/chemokines and growth factors. Among them, classification and regression analysis identified adipsin as the best biomarker for prediction of their long‐term prognosis (median 71 months; interquartile range, 55–81 months). Kaplan–Meier curve showed that higher adipsin levels (≥400 ng/
mL
) were significantly associated with all‐cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 4.2; 95% CI, 1.7–10.6 [
P
<0.001]) and rehospitalization (
HR
, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.7–3.5 [
P
<0.001]). Interestingly, higher high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels (≥1 mg/L) were significantly correlated with all‐cause death (
HR,
3.2; 95% CI, 1.7–5.9 [
P
<0.001]) and rehospitalization (
HR,
1.5, 95%
CI,
1.1–1.9 [
P
<0.01]). Importantly, the combination of adipsin (≥400 ng/
mL
) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (≥1 mg/L) was more significantly associated with all‐cause death (
HR,
21.0; 95%
CI,
2.9–154.1 [
P
<0.001]). Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that serum adipsin levels predict the death caused by acute myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease (C‐statistic, 0.847).

Conclusions

These results indicate that adipsin is a novel biomarker that predicts all‐cause death and rehospitalization in patients with coronary artery disease, demonstrating the novel aspects of the alternative complementary system in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.
Judicial Control over Prosecutorial Discretion at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Mariniello Triestino
Published: November 2019

This article places into question the scope of judicial control over the Prosecutor’s decision whether or not to investigate a situation. It addresses the on-going tensions between the Pre-Trial Chambers and the Prosecutor for the control of the procedure which will determine the stage of the initiation of an investigation. It commences with an examination of the Chambers’ approach to the authorisation of the Prosecutor’s request to commence a proprio motu investigation. Then, it critically analyses the lack of judicial mechanisms of control over the Prosecutor’s decision not to commence an investigation under Article 15. The second part investigates the judicial oversight of the Prosecutor’s decision not investigate referred situation. It analyses whether the Pre-Trial Chamber may reassess the factual allegations used by the Prosecutor not to start the investigation, and whether the Prosecutor has to comply with (strict) instructions provided by the judicial review.
The Expressive Limits of International Criminal Justice: Victim Trauma and Local Culture in the Iron Cage of the Law
Authors: Sander Barrie
Published: November 2019

Scholarship within the field of international criminal justice has increasingly turned towards expressivist strands of thought, characterised by a concern for the didactic qualities of international criminal courts. Taking expressivism as its point of departure, this paper critically examines the expressive limits of international criminal justice. Specifically, the paper examines the extent to which international criminal courts have been expressively constrained both in their ability to alleviate the traumas of victims and in their receptivity to the local cultural values of conflict-affected communities. The paper argues that a critical reflection on the expressive limits of international criminal courts, paying particular attention to their retributive core and cultural assumptions, can help such institutions better navigate the complex terrain in which they operate, reducing aspirations concerning what they should be expected to achieve in practice and improving their legitimacy amongst local communities.
Genes, Gender Inequality, and Educational Attainment
Authors: Herd Pamela , Freese Jeremy , Sicinski Kamil , Domingue Benjamin W. , Mullan Harris Kathleen , Wei Caiping , Hauser Robert M.
Published: November 2019

Women’s opportunities have been profoundly altered over the past century by reductions in the social and structural constraints that limit women’s educational attainment. Do social constraints manifest as a suppressing influence on genetic indicators of potential, and if so, did equalizing opportunity mean equalizing the role of genetics? We address this with three cohort studies: the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS; birth years 1939 to 1940), the Health and Retirement Study, and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; birth years 1975 to 1982). These studies include a “polygenic score” for educational attainment, providing a novel opportunity to explore this question. We find that within the WLS cohort, the relationship between genetics and educational outcomes is weaker for women than for men. However, as opportunities changed in the 1970s and 1980s, and many middle-aged women went back to school, the relationship between genetic factors and education strengthened for women as they aged. Furthermore, utilizing the HRS and Add Health, we find that as constraints limiting women’s educational attainment declined, gender differences in the relationship between genetics and educational outcomes weakened. We demonstrate that genetic influence must be understood through the lens of historical change, the life course, and social structures like gender.
Underemployment in the United States and Europe
Authors: Bell David N. F. , Blanchflower David G.
Published: November 2019

The authors produce estimates for a new and better rate of underemployment for 25 countries using the European Labor Force Survey that is based on workers’ reports of their preferred hours at the going wage. Both voluntary and involuntary part-time workers report they want more hours. Full-time workers who say they want to change their hours, mostly say they want to reduce them. When the Great Recession hit, the number of hours of those who said they wanted more hours increased, and the number of hours of those who said they wanted fewer hours decreased. The percentage of workers in both categories remains elevated. The authors provide evidence for the United Kingdom and the United States as well as from an international sample that underemployment lowers pay in the years after the Great Recession, but the unemployment rate does not. They also find evidence for the United States that decreases in the home ownership rate have helped to keep wage pressure in check. Underemployment replaces unemployment as the main influence on wages in the years since the Great Recession.
Employment Effects of the New German Minimum Wage: Evidence from Establishment-Level Microdata
Authors: Bossler Mario , Gerner Hans-Dieter
Published: November 2019

The authors present the first evidence on the consequences of the new statutory minimum wage in Germany, which was implemented on January 1, 2015. Using the IAB Establishment Panel, they identify employment effects from variation in the extent that establishments are affected by the minimum wage. A difference-in-differences estimation reveals an increase in average wages between 3.8% and 6.3% and an employment loss by approximately 1.7% in establishments affected by the minimum wage. These estimates imply a labor demand elasticity with respect to wages ranging between −0.2 and −0.4. The authors also observe a transitory reduction of the working hours in the first year after the introduction and that the employment effect seems mostly driven by a reduction in hires rather than by an increase in layoffs.
Field data–driven online prediction model for icing load on power transmission lines
Authors: Chen Yong , Li Peng , Ren Wenping , Shen Xin , Cao Min
Published: November 2019

Methods for the accurate prediction of icing loads in overhead transmission lines have become an important research topic for electrical power systems as they are necessary for ensuring the safety and stability of power-grid operations. Current machine learning models for the prediction of icing loads on transmission lines are afflicted by the following issues: insufficient prediction accuracy, high randomity in the selection of kernel functions and model parameters, and a lack of generalizability. To address these issues, we propose a field data–driven online prediction model for icing loads on transmission lines. First, the effects of the type of kernel function used in the support vector regression algorithm on the prediction accuracy of the model were analyzed using micrometeorological data and icing data collected by on-site monitoring systems. The particle swarm optimization algorithm was then used to optimize and determine the model parameters such as penalty coefficients. An offline support vector regression prediction model was thus constructed. Using the accurate online support vector regression algorithm, the weighting coefficients of the samples were dynamically adjusted to satisfy the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions, which allowed online updates to be made to the regression function and prediction model. Finally, a simulation analysis was performed using actual icing incidents that occurred in a transmission line of the Yunnan Power Grid, which demonstrated that our model can make online predictions for the icing load on transmission lines in actual applications. Our model proved to be superior to conventional icing-load prediction models with regard to the single-step and multi-step prediction accuracies and generalizability. Hence, our prediction model will improve the decision-making processes regarding the deicing and maintenance of power transmission and transformation systems.
The Security Consequences of Bearing Witness
Authors: Meernik James , King Kimi
Published: November 2019

It is a central assumption of our research that threats to a fragile security and violence can continue during postconflict peacebuilding and that these threats are driven by many of the same sociopolitical dynamics that initially led to war. We examine a critical but much less queried area of postwar societal instability—violence directed at segments of the population who may still be targets for those seeking dominance. Using a survey of 300 individuals who testified before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), we seek to explain violence, threats of violence, and other forms of intimidation directed at those who witnessed human rights violations during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. Our theory of postwar violence emphasizes the vulnerability of the (potential) victims of postwar violence. We argue that victims are selectively chosen because of their vulnerability. We develop and test an alternative explanation for this selective targeting that emphasizes the level of exposure an individual may have because of testifying at the ICTY. The results demonstrate quite convincingly, however, that it is vulnerability rather than exposure risk that predicts who is most likely to be targeted with human security threats.
Political Orientation and Belief in Science in a U.S. College Sample
Authors: Medlin Mary M. , Sacco Donald F. , Brown Mitch
Published: November 2019

Lay skepticism toward empirically supported scientific research has increased significantly in recent years. Given that part of the social contract of science is the betterment of society, it is critical for the scientific community to identify factors underlying public dismissal versus support of scientific evidence. The current study explores how individual differences in political ideology influence acceptance of factual and nonfactual information, with differences in truth-seeking values as a potential mediating variable. Participants rated their agreement with true and untrue (i.e., nonempirically supported) statements and completed self-report assessments of political ideology and personal endorsement of values associated with promoting truth. More politically, liberal individuals reported greater agreement with both scientific facts and untrue statements. Furthermore, endorsement of truth-seeking values mediated the relation between liberal ideology and agreement with facts (but not nonfactual statements). Results suggest that interventions to increase individuals’ acceptance of facts may benefit from stimulating greater support for truth-seeking values and behavior.
Interaction between two essential, conserved bacterial proteins YeaZ and glycoprotease as a potential antibacterial target in multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Britton Timmie A , Guo Haiyong , Ji Yinduo
Published: November 2019

Protein–protein interactions among highly conserved and essential proteins can serve as new targets for antibacterial therapies. One protein–protein interaction between two widely conserved and essential bacterial proteins, YeaZ and its paralog, a putative glycoprotease, is being looked into for its antimicrobial drug potential. These two proteins possess tandem functions, including repression of the branched-chain amino acids biosynthesis and induction of a tRNA modification important in enhancing translation fidelity through anticodon–codon base pairing. Heterodimer formation between these two proteins is essential for Staphylococcus aureus, and other bacterial species including Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Such YeaZ–glycoprotease interaction could thus be a target for antimicrobial drugs designed for multi-drug-resistant S. aureus. In this review, we discuss the function, structure, and interaction between these two proteins and their orthologs in other bacteria.
Effect of underwear on microclimate heat transfer in clothing based on computational fluid dynamics simulation
Authors: Cheng Pengpeng , Chen Daoling , Wang Jianping
Published: November 2019

In order to study the influence of underwear on microclimate heat transfer among different age groups, this study measured the temperature of the microclimate layer corresponding to the main parts of the human body or the key parts that affect average skin temperature. A computational fluid dynamics numerical model was then used to simulate the influence of underwear on heat transfer between the human body and the microenvironment and to explore the physical phenomenon. The results obtained show that underwear has a great influence on the average temperature of the microclimatic air layer, especially the air layer at the upper arm, forearm, and thigh. The findings of this study provide fundamental knowledge to improve the thermal comfort of underwear.
Alternative mechanical heart valves for the developing world
Authors: Wium Elsmari , Jordaan Christiaan Johannes , Botes Lezelle , Smit Francis Edwin
Published: November 2019

Due to the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in the developing world, mechanical heart valves in the younger patient population remain the prostheses of choice if repair is not feasible. Despite their durability, mechanical valves are burdened by coagulation and thromboembolism. Modern design tools can be utilized during the design process of mechanical valves, which allow a more systematic design approach and more detailed analysis of the blood flow through and around valves. These tools include computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering, such as computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis, modern manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing, and sophisticated in-vitro and in-vivo tests. Following this systematic approach, a poppet valve was redesigned and the results demonstrate the benefits of the method. More organized flow patterns and fewer complex fluid structures were observed. The alternative trileaflet valve design has also been identified as a potential solution and, if a similar design approach is adopted, it could lead to the development of an improved mechanical heart valve in the future. It is imperative that researchers in developing countries continue their search for a mechanical heart valve with a reduced thromboembolic risk, requiring less or no anticoagulation.
Accelerated carbonation technology granulation of industrial waste: Effects of mixture composition on product properties
Authors: Berber Hakan , Tamm Kadriann , Leinus Mari-Liis , Kuusik Rein , Tõnsuaadu Kaia , Paaver Peeter , Uibu Mai
Published: November 2019

The use of accelerated carbonation technology in combination with a granulation process was employed to produce aggregates from a variety of industrial wastes, which included municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and air pollution control residue, oil shale ash, cement kiln dust, and quarry fines that have been produced in Estonia. Focusing mainly on the effects produced by the content of municipal solid waste incineration ash in the admixtures, the granule compositions were varied in order to tailor granule properties on the basis of CO2 uptake, strength development, leaching behaviour, microstructure, and morphology. All the steps involved in the accelerated carbonation technology granulation process, from mixing with additives to granulation and carbonation treatment, were carried out in the same apparatus – an Eirich EL1 intensive mixer/granulator. The amount of CO2 that was bound ranged from 23 to 108 kg per tonne of waste. The granules that included the optimised mixture of municipal solid waste incineration air pollution control residue, oil shale ash, cement kiln dust, and ordinary Portland cement were characterised by the highest compressive strength (4.03 MPa) and water durability for the size range of 4–10 mm. In addition, the process was found to be effective in reducing alkalinity (pH < 11.5) and immobilising heavy metals (especially zinc) and chloride. The composition and properties of the respective waste materials and mechanisms associated with the characteristics of the resulting granules were also addressed.
Improving the Use of Voice Recording in a Smartphone Survey
Authors: Revilla Melanie , Couper Mick P.
Published: November 2019

More and more respondents are answering web surveys using mobile devices. Mobile respondents tend to provide shorter responses to open questions than PC respondents. Using voice recording to answer open-ended questions could increase data quality and help engage groups usually underrepresented in web surveys. Revilla, Couper, Bosch, and Asensio showed that in particular the use of voice recording still presents many challenges, even if it could be a promising tool. This article reports results from a follow-up experiment in which the main goals were to (1) test whether different instructions on how to use the voice recording tool reduce technical and understanding problems, and thereby reduce item nonresponse while preserving data quality and the evaluation of the tool; (2) test whether nonresponse due to context can be reduced by using a filter question, and how this affects data quality and the tool evaluation; and (3) understand which factors affect nonresponse to open-ended questions using voice recording, and if these factors also affect data quality and the evaluation of the tool. The experiment was implemented within a smartphone web survey in Spain focused on Android devices. The results suggest that different instructions did not affect nonresponse to the open questions and had little effect on data quality for those who did answer. Introducing a filter to ensure that people were in a setting that permits voice recording seems useful. Despite efforts to reduce problems, a substantial proportion of respondents are still unwilling or unable to answer open questions using voice recording.
Musculoskeletal modeling of total ankle arthroplasty using force-dependent kinematics for predicting in vivo joint mechanics
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Chen Zhenxian , Zhao Hongmou , Liang Xiaojun , Sun Cheng , Jin Zhongmin
Published: November 2019

In vivo load and motion in the ankle joint play a key role in the understanding of the failure mechanism and function outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty. However, a thorough understanding of the biomechanics of the ankle joint in daily activities is lacking. The objective of this study was to develop a novel lower extremity musculoskeletal multibody dynamics model with total ankle arthroplasty considering the 6 degrees of freedom of the ankle joint motions and the deformable contact mechanics of the implant, based on force-dependent kinematics method. A patient who underwent total ankle arthroplasty surgery was considered. The walking gait data of the patient was measured in a gait laboratory and used as the input for the patient-specific musculoskeletal modeling. The predictions from the musculoskeletal model of total ankle arthroplasty included dorsiflexion–plantar flexion, inversion–eversion, internal–external rotation, anterior–posterior translation, inferior–superior translation, and medial–lateral translation of the tibiotalar joint, the ankle contact forces, the muscle activations, and the ligament forces. The magnitudes and tendencies of the predicted results were all within reasonable ranges, as compared with the data available in the literature. The predicted peak total ankle contact force was 6.55 body weight. In addition, the peak contact forces of the lateral and medial compartments were 4.22 body weight and 2.59 body weight, respectively. This study provides a potential new platform for the design of a better ankle prosthesis, the improvement of the operation techniques of the clinicians, and the accelerated postoperative recovery of the patients.
Vinegar and weight loss in women of eighteenth-century France: a lesson from the past
Authors: Almenara Carlos A , Aimé Annie , Maïano Christophe
Published: November 2019

This short note reports the eighteenth-century account of Mademoiselle Lapaneterie, a French woman who started drinking vinegar to lose weight and died one month later. The case, which was first published by Pierre Desault in 1733, has not yet been reported by present-day behavioural scholars. Similar reports about cases in 1776 are also presented, confirming that some women were using vinegar for weight loss. Those cases can be conceived as a lesson from the past for contemporary policies against the deceptive marketing of potentially hazardous weight-loss products.
Lifting and yellow tip characteristics of small-scale partially premixed combustor burning pipeline natural gas and liquefied natural gas
Authors: Chen Zhiguang , Zhang Yangjun , Duan Pengfei , Qin Chaokui
Published: November 2019

In this article, a small-scale partially premixed combustor was designed with 1.5 kW heat input rate. Through altering premixing ratio of gas and air, the lifting and yellow tip characteristics were experimentally tested with the burner head material of cast-iron and copper–aluminum respectively. Combined with burner head temperature influences, the lifting and yellow tip characteristics of small-scale partially premixed combustor are discussed when natural gas is substituted. It is found that when lifting and yellow tip occur, the cast-iron burner shows a slow tendency of temperature change, but the temperature of copper–aluminum burner fluctuates sharply. Yellow tip is related to gas properties and burner structure, and is more likely to appear with the increase of the Wobbe index and heavy hydrocarbon fraction, while lifting is very likely to appear when temperature fluctuates. Yellow tip characteristic can be predicted by Wobbe index, but this method is unsuitable for lifting prediction.
Optimal control of a broadband vortex-induced vibration energy harvester
Authors: Azadi Yazdi E
Published: November 2019

A vortex-induced vibration energy harvester consists of a relatively long cylinder mounted on a flexible structure. In a flow field, the periodically shedding vortices induce transverse vibrations in the cylinder that is converted to electricity by means of piezoelectric generators. In most vortex-induced vibration harvesters, the output power is considerable only in a narrow band around the wind speed where the vortex shedding frequency matches the natural frequency of the structure. To overcome this limitation, a tuned mass mechanism is employed in the proposed vortex-induced vibration energy harvester that can change the natural frequency of the turbine to match the vortex shedding frequency in a broad band of wind speeds. The tuned mass mechanism should work in close cooperation with the piezoelectric generators to maximize the electric power of the turbine. To this end, a nonlinear piezoaeroelastic model of the system is derived, and a model predictive control technique is formulated to find the optimal control inputs for the tuned mass actuator and the piezoelectric generators. Results of numeric simulations confirmed that the tuned mass mechanism not only increases the velocity band over which the turbine is effective but also increases the peak power output of the turbine by 294%.
Patient Satisfaction With Extended International Normalized Ratio Follow-up Intervals in a Veteran Population
Authors: Schoen Rebecca R. , Nagy Michael W. , Porter Andrea L. , Margolis Amanda R.
Published: November 2019

Background: For highly stable warfarin patients, limited data exists regarding patient satisfaction on extended international normalized ratio (INR) follow-up intervals and how this population compares with patients on a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Objective: To assess the impact on patient satisfaction of extending INR follow-up intervals. Methods: Veterans on stable warfarin doses had extended INR follow-up intervals up to 12 weeks in a single-arm prospective cohort study for 2 years. This analysis included participants who completed at least 2 Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scales (DASS). The primary outcome was the change in the DASS. A focus group described participant experiences. Participant satisfaction was compared to patients on a DOAC. Results: Of the 51 participants, 48 were included in the warfarin extended INR follow-up group. Compared with baseline, the mean DASS score (42.9 ± 12.08) was worse at 24 months (46.82 ± 15.2, P = 0.0266), with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.29). The 8 participants in the focus group were satisfied with the extended INR follow-up interval but would be uncomfortable extending follow-up past 2 to 3 months. The extended INR follow-up interval study had similar DASS scores as the 33 participants included on DOAC therapy (46.8 ± 15.1, P = 0.9970) but may be limited by differing populations using DOACs. Conclusion and Relevance: For patients currently stable on warfarin therapy, extending the INR follow-up interval up to 12 weeks or changing to a DOAC does not appear to improve patient satisfaction.
The Politics of Renewable Energy Production in a Federal Context: The Deployment of Small Hydropower in the Swiss Cantons
Authors: Stadelmann-Steffen Isabelle , Rieder Stefan , Strotz Chantal
Published: November 2019

This article explores the factors that hinder and promote the deployment of renewable energy generating infrastructure in/across the Swiss cantons (i.e., the country’s federal units). Using the example of small-scale hydropower, we shed light on how political regulations at the cantonal level interact with national policies and the local political process to affect the deployment of renewable energy production. The analysis demonstrates that political regulations can both foster and hinder the deployment of renewable energy production. While the national feed-in tariff scheme is revealed to be a beneficial framework condition, cantonal regulations hamper, rather than facilitate, the deployment of small-scale hydropower. Moreover, inclusive local processes and the existence of local entrepreneurs seem to act as a trigger for the local acceptance of renewable energy generation infrastructure. More generally, we conclude that, quite independently of whether state structures are decentralized or centralized, subnational and local leeway in the definition and organization of projects can help to prevent or deal with local opposition.
Postoperative Pullthrough Obstruction in Hirschsprung Disease: Etiologies and Diagnosis
Authors: Kapur Raj P , Smith Caitlin , Ambartsumyan Lusine
Published: November 2019

Some patients continue to have obstructive symptoms and/or incontinence after pullthrough surgery for Hirschsprung disease. Incontinence can be due to injury to the anal sphincter and/or dentate line, abnormal colonic motility (nonretentive), or a chronic large stool burden (retentive). A diagnostic algorithm based on clinical and pathological evaluations can be applied to distinguish potential etiologies for obstructive symptoms, which segregate into anatomic (mechanical or histopathological) or physiologic subgroups. Valuable clinical information may be obtained by anorectal examination under anesthesia, radiographic studies, and anorectal or colonic manometry. In addition, histopathological review of a patient’s original resection specimen(s) as well as postoperative biopsies of the neorectum usually are an important component of the diagnostic workup. Goals for the surgical pathologist are to exclude incomplete resection of the aganglionic segment or transition zone and to identify other neuromuscular pathology that might explain the patient’s dysmotility. Diagnoses established from a combination of clinical and pathological data dramatically alter management strategies. In rare instances, reoperative pullthrough surgery is required, in which case the pathologist must be aware of histopathological features specific to redo pullthrough resection specimens.
Factors Associated With Opiate Use Among Psychiatric Inpatients: A Population-Based Study of Hospital Admissions in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Aderibigbe Oluwakemi , Renda Anthony , Perlman Christopher M
Published: November 2019

Background:

Use of opiates, including synthetic opioids, is associated with a number of negative consequences, including increased risk of opioid use disorders and other mental health conditions. However, studies are limited in examining patterns of opiate use among persons in inpatient psychiatry, particularly those that consider the relationship between pain and opiate use.

Objective:

This study examined the prevalence in the prior 12 months to admission and patterns of opiate use and pain in a population-based study of persons admitted to inpatient psychiatry in Ontario, Canada.

Methods:

We conducted retrospective cross-sectional study of 165 434 persons admitted to inpatient psychiatry between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017. Using data from the Resident Assessment Instrument for Mental Health, we examined prevalence and factors associated with opiate use in the prior 12 months by a number of patient characteristics, including demographics, mental and physical health status, concurrent substance use, pain severity and frequency, and health region of residence.

Results:

The prevalence of opiate use within 12 months of admission was 7.5%, between 17% and 22% among those experiencing daily pain, and 27% among persons with a primary substance use disorder. Multivariable analyses revealed strong associations among demographic and clinical variables with opiate use ( c = 0.91), including being of younger age, use of other substances, greater frequency and severity of pain, and health region of residence.

Conclusion:

The strong relationship between pain and opiate use in this population, and the regional variation in this pattern, supports the need for integrated care for mental illness and substance use, and therapeutic approaches to pain management that reduce risks of problems associated with substance use for persons with mental health conditions.
Generalising from a regional case study: A dialogue with a hill
Authors: Zittoun Tania
Published: November 2019

In this article, I propose a sociocultural psychological and dialogical approach of a Czech hill. I first briefly present how I came to study and built it into a dialogical case study. I then explore sociogenetic dynamics at stake – the historical and mythical existence of the hill, and how it reflects in its appearances and its uses – microgenetic dynamics – everyday encounters around the hill – and ontogenetic dynamics – the lives of people under the hill. Drawing on a series of sociocultural theoretical tools and on dialogical authors, I try to show how phenomena at each level of analysis are deeply affected by, or affecting, phenomena at other levels, and I highlight specific dialogical dynamics and patterns. I then discuss the more fundamental dialogical encounter that takes place between a researcher and such complex dialogical case study in terms of dialogical ethics. I finally reflect on issues of generalisation that may follow from as such case study, and on the dialogue it engages with current scientific debates.
Between knowing and doing person-centredness: A qualitative examination of health professionals’ perceptions of roles in self-management support
Authors: Franklin Marika , Willis Karen , Lewis Sophie , Rogers Anne , Smith Lorraine
Published: November 2019

Self-management is a contemporary model of chronic condition care that places expectations on, and roles for, both patients and health professionals. Health professionals are expected to form partnerships with their patients, and patients are expected to be active participants in their own care. In these new roles, control and responsibility for self-management are shared between people with chronic conditions and their health professionals. We still have limited knowledge about how these new roles are enacted in self-management support. In this article, we examine how health professionals perceive the roles of patients and professionals in chronic condition self-management, drawing on Bourdieu’s concepts of field, doxa and capital. In this qualitative study, 32 in-depth interviews were conducted with 11 health professionals in Sydney, Australia. Data were analysed thematically. Three themes were derived. First, there was incongruence between how participants characterised and enacted their roles. Second, participants compartmentalised clinical and non-clinical aspects of self-management support. Finally, the roles of health professionals entwined with emotions and judgements of patienthood revealed that the provision of self-management support was linked to a fit between individuals’ cultural health capital and the expectations governing the field. We argue that ‘taken for granted’ assumptions about self-management and self-management support must be challenged to mitigate negative social representations and unrealistic expectations placed on patients and health professionals, particularly those patients with less capital, who are more marginalised within clinical interactions.
The agentic Self and uncontrollable body: Young people’s management of chronic illness at university
Authors: Spencer Grace , Lewis Sophie , Reid Megan
Published: November 2019

Young people’s experiences of living with a long-term health condition have been largely investigated from the perspective of developing autonomy and optimal self-management of treatment regimens. Little existing research explores how young people adjust to the experience of chronic illness within everyday social contexts. Drawing on sociocultural theories of healthism, in this article, we examine the everyday strategies students employed to manage their health condition at university. Data were drawn from a qualitative study with 16 undergraduate students in Australia. Findings from interviews highlight how participants took up discourses of the (hard-working, diligent) Self to discursively position themselves as ‘health conscious’ and ‘in control’. This positioning was maintained through separating the controlled Self from the (uncontrollable) body. The unpredictability of the body posed a threat to young people’s abilities to maintain control and denied them opportunities to exercise personal agency. Yet, participants also described a number of subversive strategies in order to take back control and resist the experience of ill health. These potential agentic practices often held unintended consequences, including loss of optimal medical control or (self) exclusion from university life – offering new insights into the differing ways young people concomitantly take-up, rework and resist the pursuit of healthism to ‘successfully’ manage their health conditions.
“Macron demission!”: Loss of significance generates violent extremism for the Yellow Vests through feelings of anomia
Authors: Mahfud Yara , Adam-Troian Jaïs
Published: November 2019

After over 2 months of demonstration, 12 casualties, 3,142 people injured, and more than 5,000 people in custody, the question of why the Yellow Vest (YV) protests turned so violent remains. In line with a significance quest perspective on violent extremism (Kruglanski & Orehek, 2011), the present contribution assessed whether the motivation to restore a sense of control and purpose could explain why French citizens engage in violent YV extremism. We hypothesized that personal loss of significance should predict intentions to display YV violence through increased feelings of anomia. Cross-sectional (Study 1, N = 776, general population) and experimental (Study 2, N = 511, undergraduate students) mediation analyses corroborated this hypothesis, in addition to other known predictors of violent extremism. These results provide a first existential-motivational explanation of YV violence in France and highlight the key role of anomia as a predictor of violent extremism under loss of significance.
Role of passive design and alternative energy in building energy optimization
Authors: Gondal Irfan Ahmad , Syed Athar Masood , Khurram Muhammad
Published: November 2019

Energy consumption in buildings can be reduced by employing passive design strategies and with the use of alternative energy resources mainly solar photovoltaic and solar thermal. These measures not only help in reducing the energy bills but also help in mitigating climate change efforts. An optimal solution was obtained by the employment of these measures along with the use of building optimization techniques. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications are the conventional means for provision of thermal comfort and are also the highest consumers in building energy. The study establishes that certain passive measures in the design features of the building envelope, either during planning and construction or in retrofitting, can help reduce the overall energy consumption of the building without compromising the occupants’ comfort level. This study demonstrated that solar energies as well as the building parameters such as roof/wall thickness, window/wall ratio and optimum sizing of windows can reduce the energy consumption by as much as 33%. The results reflect that the selection of appropriate building parameters is very important in achieving building energy efficiency. MATLAB has been employed along with TOPSIS for optimization to approach a near zero energy building.