bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus Immunohistochemistry and Flow Cytometric DNA Analysis in Two Cases
Authors: Cabrera Ernesto , Fernández Fidel , Gómez-Román Javier , Val-Bernal J. Fernado
Published: July 2017

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a well-established anatomopathologic entity of the upper aerodigestive tract and is more aggressive than the conventional squamous cell carcinoma. Only seven cases of this variant have been reported in the esophagus. Two cases of basaloid squamous carcinoma in the middle and lower third of the esophagus in two men aged 59 and 60 years are presented. Tumor stages were IIA and IV at the time of total esophagectomy, and survival times were 34 and 4 months, respectively. Histologically, the two tumors were composed of nests of cells with a basaloid appearance, the first with a predominantly cribriform pattern and the second with a solid lobular pattern and intense comedonecrosis; in the adjacent squamous epithelium of both tumors, carcinoma in situ was observed focally. Immunoreactivity was poor for high-molecular-weight cytokeratins and absent for those of low molecular weight. Staining for epithelial membrane antigen was weakly positive, enolase was moderately positive, and no reactivity for carcinoembryonic antigen, S100 protein, and chromogranin was observed. The flow cytometric analysis showed both tumors to be hyperdiploid with an index of cell proliferation of over 50%.
Cross-National Variation in Attitudes to Premarital Sex: Economic Development, Disease Risk, and Marriage Strength
Authors: Barber Nigel
Published: July 2017

Sexual behavior responds adaptively to local costs and benefits. It was thus predicted that acceptance of premarital sex would increase with economic development (gross domestic product [GDP]), female labor participation, and births outside wedlock but would decline with marriage strength (marriage rate minus divorce rate), HIV/AIDS incidence, infectious disease risk, and religiosity. Pew Research data on attitudes to premarital sex in 40 countries supported these predictions in correlational analysis (exception HIV/AIDS). Regression analyses found significant effects of GDP, marriage strength, religiosity, and births outside wedlock while women at work was marginally significant (with 82 % of the variance explained). Acceptance of premarital sex increases adaptively with economic development, and declining marriage strength and religiosity, but is not consistently affected by disease risks. Differences in cross-national predictors of premarital sex and casual sex are discussed.
Influence of Geometry and Depth of Resections on Bone Support for Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Bischoff Jeffrey E. , Schon Lew , Saltzman Charles
Published: July 2017

Background:

Aseptic component loosening is a leading cause of revision for total ankle replacement. Different operative approaches for resecting the tibia and talus impact the bony support for the prostheses due to variations in both bone density and resection area, and may therefore impact loosening performance.

Methods:

Computed tomography data from 116 subjects were obtained, and solid models of the talus and tibia were generated. Bone density, resection area, and bony support were measured on a series of flat resections for each subject, at multiple resection depths. Similar measurements were performed using a series of subject-specific, anatomic radius–based resections (“round resections”) at multiple depths. Results were compared to assess the impact of both resection type (flat vs round) and resection depth (6-16 mm for the tibia, 2-6 mm for the talus) on bony support.

Results:

Statistically significant decreases in bony support for both the talus and the tibia were obtained for flat resections as compared to round resections. A decrease of 8% to 19% for the tibia was seen for all resection depths; a decrease of 8% to 46% for the talus was seen, with greater decreases seen for shallower flat-cut resections.

Conclusion:

Bony support in total ankle arthroplasty may be decreased using flat resections compared to round resections at comparable resection depths. Estimated differences are resection-level dependent and different for the distal tibia vs the proximal talus.

Clinical Relevance:

Biomechanical characteristics of total ankle replacement impacted by bony support of the prostheses, including implant stability and resistance to subsidence, may be improved with round resections as compared to flat-cut resections.
Major and Minor Classifications for Surgery in People With Hemophilia: A Literature Review
Authors: Solimeno Luigi Piero , Escobar Miguel A. , Krassova Snejana , Seremetis Stephanie
Published: July 2017

Agents that control bleeding and the usage of bypassing agents have made surgery an option to consider in people with hemophilia. However, the lack of consistent definitions for major or minor surgery may lead to inconsistencies in patient management. This literature review has evaluated how surgical procedures in people with hemophilia were categorized as major or minor surgery and assessed the consistency across publications. After screening 926 potentially relevant articles, 547 were excluded and 379 full-text articles were reviewed. Ninety-five articles categorized major or minor surgical procedures; of these, 35 publications categorized three or more major or minor surgical procedures and were included for analysis. Seven (20%) publications provided varying criteria for defining major or minor surgery, five of which defined surgery according to the level of surgical invasiveness. Across all 35 publications, there was considerable variance in the categorization of major and minor surgical procedures and some overlap in surgical nomenclature (eg, type of synovectomy, arthroscopy, and central venous access device insertion/removals). The lack of consistent guidance when referring to major or minor surgery in people with hemophilia needs to be addressed. Clear and consistent definitions, achieved by consensus and promoted by relevant international hemophilia committees, are desirable, to provide guidance on appropriate treatment, to increase the accuracy of trial data and may confound the interpretation of surgical outcomes.
Force localization and reconstruction using a two-step iterative approach
Authors: Li Qiaofeng , Lu Qiuhai
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we propose a two-step iterative approach to both localize and reconstruct a single point force acting on a structure. Since force reconstruction problems are typically ill-posed, regularization techniques are generally called for. However, for the considered localization-and-reconstruction problem, traditional parameter selection criteria become time-consuming and easily fail. So we propose the stabilization diagram of identified locations to determine the appropriate regularization range and the true force location. The consistency of identified locations under different regularization levels indicates the rationality of corresponding parameters. After the construction of the stabilization diagram, the problem can be transformed to a reconstruction-only one and solved by classic methods. We also adopted a two-phase version of complex method to accelerate the localization process on complex-shaped structures. The approach is validated by simulations of a cantilever beam, an impacted table, and an experiment of an impacted beam. The results show that the force can be well localized and reconstructed from only the responses of structures by the proposed approach.
Performance improvement of DVR using a new numerical LPF based on VFF-RLS and fuzzy logic controller
Authors: Fallah M , Kazemzadeh R , Madadi Kojabadi H
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with improving the technique of a dynamic voltage restore (DVR). The DVR is a dynamic solution to protect sensitive loads against voltage sags and swells. The DVR can be implemented to protect a group of medium- or low-voltage consumers. Various control methods are proposed to the DVR control, such as pre-sag, in-phase, and minimum energy compensation algorithms, etc. This study presents a modification of the pre-sag method of DVR control in which the steady state and transient response of the pre-sag method are improved. For this purpose, a numerical low pass filter (NLPF) based on a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) and recursive least squares with variable forgetting factor is proposed. The suggested NLPF is replaced instead of the conventional LPF in the pre-sag method structure of the DVR control. With this substitution the steady state and transient response of the DVR are improved. Simulation and experimental results verify the validity and good performance of the proposed method.
Consumer Health Insurance Shopping Behavior and Challenges: Lessons From Two State-Based Marketplaces
Authors: Sinaiko Anna D. , Kingsdale Jon , Galbraith Alison A.
Published: July 2017

Selecting a health plan in a health insurance exchange is a critical decision, yet consumers are known to face challenges with health plan choice. We surveyed new enrollees in two state-based exchanges in 2015 to investigate how a nonelderly, primarily low-income population chose their health plans and the implications of shopping behavior for early experiences in their plans. Financial considerations were most important to enrollees. Prior Medicaid enrollees and the uninsured were more likely to have multiple shopping challenges (e.g., difficulty identifying the best or most affordable plan, fair/poor experience, unmet need for help) than enrollees with prior employer coverage (42.9% vs. 32.5% vs. 16.4%, respectively, p < .01). Shopping challenges were associated with difficulty finding a doctor, understanding coverage, and getting questions answered. Assistance targeting enrollees who previously had Medicaid or lacked insurance could improve both shopping experiences and downstream outcomes in plans.
Permitted to Build? Moral Foundations in Newspaper Framing of Mosque-Construction Controversies
Authors: Bowe Brian J.
Published: July 2017

Recent proposals by American Muslims to build mosques have been met with technical and ideological opposition during the permitting process. This article examines the framing of these debates in newspaper stories between 2010 and 2013 to better understand the socially constructed position Muslims hold in American media and public spheres. Connecting framing and Moral Foundations Theory, this analysis identifies five frames: Local Regulation, Political Debate, Muslim Neighbors, Islamic Threat, and Legal Authority. These frames emphasized binding moral foundations related to in-group protection and deference to authority. A binary logistic regression found that moral evaluations were associated with mosque support, but not mosque opposition.
Stages of Corporate Sustainability: Integrating the Strong Sustainability Worldview
Authors: Landrum Nancy E.
Published: July 2017

Businesses are increasingly adopting sustainability, yet the environment continues to decline. This research responds to Dyllick and Muff’s assertion that this paradox is caused by a constricted understanding of the meaning of corporate sustainability, lack of inclusion of constructs from related streams of literature, and failure to integrate micro and macro perspectives of sustainability. The current research addresses these concerns through an integration of 22 micro- and macro-level models of stages of development from literature in corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility, environmental management, and sustainable development. This integration results in a new unified model of stages of corporate sustainability that broadens the current narrowly constricted understanding of corporate sustainability, extends the paradigm of corporate sustainability beyond the business case and into the realm of ecological science and strong sustainability, and sheds light on the paradox.
Multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method of hydrodynamic lubrication in lemon-bore bearing
Authors: Solghar Alireza Arab
Published: July 2017

The lattice Boltzmann method has superiority over conventional computational fluid dynamics methods, particularly for the flow simulations in complex geometries. In the present work, the performance of hydrodynamic lemon-bore (elliptical) journal bearings was investigated with the implementation of the lattice Boltzmann method. The steady-state laminar flow of a homogeneous oil was considered in the computations. A linear interpolation method was exploited to obtain the surface curvatures. The comparison of the results obtained from the proposed methodology with available literature data showed a satisfactory agreement. The effect of geometrical parameters on the hydrodynamic lubrication in an elliptical journal bearing was analyzed. It was found that the ellipticity ratio has profound effects on the bearing load capacity, oil flow rate and bearing power loss.
A systematic review of short versus long intramedullary fixation in the management of pertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Sohatee MA , Bennet J
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The aim was to determine whether there is a significant difference in clinical outcomes when using short vs. long nails for pertrochanteric femur fractures.

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken of Pubmed and Embase in April 2016. All papers published in English reporting studies comparing long vs. short nails for pertrochanteric femur fractures were studied. Data were pooled for blood loss and transfusion requirement, operative time, length of stay, incidence of delayed or non-union, incidence of avascular necrosis or infection, fracture or metalware failure and was analysed to examine the differences between long and short nails.

Results

From 90 potential studies, nine were considered to be eligible for inclusion. The short nail resulted in a statistically significant benefit when looking at transfusion requirement (p = 0.02); however, blood loss was not statistically different (p = 0.33) Operative time was also quicker with the short nail (p = 0.004), but the length of stay was no different (p = 0.41). When examining complications and fixation outcomes, there was no difference in delayed union rates (p = 0.29) and non-union rates (p = 0.19) nor when looking at metalware failure (p = 0.41) and fracture (p = 0.14).

Discussion

The use of short intramedullary nails for pertrochanteric femur fractures appeared to be beneficial when looking at transfusion requirements and operative time. When looking at complications such as fracture and metalware failure, despite there being a slightly higher incidence of these in the short nail group, it is not statistically significant. This study advocates that both devices are safe to use, however, the short nail may have some perceived benefits in reducing transfusion requirements and have cost benefits with a shorter operative time.
Transforming early childhood educators’ conceptions of “dark play” and popular culture
Authors: Bjartveit Carolyn , Panayotidis E Lisa
Published: July 2017

In an online graduate-level early childhood education course, the authors sought to playfully disrupt and transform educators’ conceptions of children’s “dark play,” as provoked by contemporary popular culture. Embracing the imaginative potential of darkness and liminality, the course participants problematized and expanded their thinking concerning what constitutes children’s play scripts focused on themes of fear, power, and violence. Cognizant that some educators are reluctant and even refuse to allow children opportunities to engage in play centered on troubling social issues, the educators co-authored a fantastical tale, inspired by the Disney animation film Frozen, and included course topics, classroom observations, and their own childhood memories of “dark play.” Vivian Paley’s ideas about the connections between storytelling and play provided a creative impetus to the fictional narrative-imagining exercise, as did Hans-Georg Gadamer’s notion of Spiel. Eliciting the literature of children’s play experiences through fictional story-writing, and “play” as a contemporary aspect of creative thinking, the educators entered imaginary worlds of their own making. Unlike a traditional online graduate course format that often incorporates textual readings, posts, and responses, the authors strived to foster a virtual space in which the educators buttressed theories about play and imagination in a deeply felt, experiential, and playful manner. In creating an imaginary story based on the film, the participants gained a different understanding of the nature of play, and came to recognize how popular-culture play themes can provoke and strengthen children’s imaginative and abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional development. Likewise, this narrative experience showed the potential and role of “dark play” in initiating new ways of thinking and talking with children about the complex issues of the modern world.
‘We’re just gonna scribble it’: The affective and social work of destruction in children’s art-making with different semiotic resources
Authors: Sakr Mona
Published: July 2017

In this article, the author explores children’s destruction of their artwork as it occurs on paper or digitally via an interactive whiteboard. Sociocultural accounts of children’s art-making and social semiotic approaches to meaning-making offer a theoretical lens for understanding children’s acts of destruction as meaningful and the way in which different semiotic resources shape the meaning-making involved in destruction differently. In order to explore this further, the author considers two episodes of art-making: firstly, an episode of child–parent art-making that ended in a five-year-old child scribbling over a drawing on paper with a black crayon, and, secondly, an episode of a five-year-old child using touch to cover over the drawing she had made on the classroom interactive whiteboard during free-flow activity time. A comparison between these two episodes is used to explore how digital and paper-based semiotic resources may impact differently on the experience of destruction and the affective and relational work that it can achieve. In this article, the author argues that a social semiotic exploration of destruction can help to move discussions of children’s art-making beyond developmental preoccupations with individual intentions and towards a post-developmental account that engages with the richness of children’s experiences and actions.
The fiscal impact of EU immigration on the tax-financed welfare state: Testing the ‘welfare burden’ thesis
Authors: Martinsen Dorte Sindbjerg , Pons Rotger Gabriel
Published: July 2017

The European Union’s rules on free movement of people and the right to cross-border welfare are increasingly contested and have evoked one of the most salient debates in EU politics. The assumption that EU immigrants pose a net ‘welfare burden’ on the host member state has sounded loud and wide in recent years. This calls for an empirical test. In this article, we examine the fiscal impact of EU immigration on the universalistic, tax-financed welfare state of Denmark. We analyse EU citizens’ contribution to and consumption of welfare benefits between 2002 and 2013 on the basis of a unique dataset of administrative data, consisting of repeated cross sections of 100% of the EU population residing in Denmark. We find that EU immigrants made a significant positive net contribution to the Danish welfare state over the long time span examined and thus reject the ‘welfare burden’ thesis for the crucial case of Denmark.
Aetiological factors contributing to road traffic accidents in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nofal Fatin H. , Saeed Abdalla A. W. , Anokute Charles C.
Published: July 2017

The study analysed 13,390 police records of road traffic accidents (RTAs) covering a three and a half year period according to different suspected aetiological factors. The majority of the accidents were recorded for vehicles in good condition on well-paved straight roads with well-operating traffic light systems. Adverse weather conditions such as precipitation, fog and dust were of minimal importance, with most of the accidents being reported during sunny days during the rush period of 12 noon to 3 pm.

Driver's error was identified as the main contributing factor in about two thirds of all RTAs mainly as reckless driving and excess speeding. About 27% of the drivers were professional drivers and 41% were in the age group 25-35 years in good health with no alcohol or drug intake. Hence, human errors may be attributed to carelessness, experience, lack of knowledge or attention, over-exhaustion or fatigue. The effects of physical stressors on performance of drivers need to be further explored and clarified but this need not under estimate the importance of vehicle and environment since most accidents are multifactoral and a slight change in them may effectively enhance perception and minimise personal error. Recommendations for remedial measures adopting an interdisciplinary approach are presented.
Model-based control of gasoline-controlled auto-ignition
Authors: Ritter Dennis , Andert Jakob , Abel Dirk , Albin Thivaharan
Published: July 2017

Innovative low-temperature combustion modes for internal combustion engines, such as gasoline-controlled auto-ignition, impose very high requirements on the process control. On one hand, fast reference tracking for the engine load and the combustion phasing is needed, while at the same time, numerous disturbances acting on the highly sensitive process have to be rejected in order to guarantee stable operation at a wide operating range. Model-based predictive control concepts have a great potential to fulfill these requirements. In this contribution, a model-based predictive control consisting of a stationary and dynamic optimization stage is introduced. It is able to account for the characteristic cycle-to-cycle dynamics which occur in gasoline-controlled auto-ignition and also handle constraints imposed on the manipulated and controlled variables of the process.
Successful interviews with people with intellectual disability
Authors: Hollomotz Andrea
Published: July 2017

People with intellectual disability who possess expressive language are able to participate successfully in qualitative interviews, providing the facilitator pays close attention to their communication preferences. This article considers the successes and flaws in interviewing techniques utilised in a study that invited twelve men and 17 women to talk about sex, risk, social and leisure life. Questions were posed in plain language and accompanied by concrete reference tools, namely picture cards and photo-story vignettes. Adjusting the depth of questioning in line with what a respondent wants to or can offer enhanced the quality of data obtained. The discussion highlights that interviewer’s actions may contribute to errors, which have previously been described in individualising terms as acquiescence, recency and unresponsiveness. The overall message of this article is that a responsive approach to each participant’s particular communication style, combined with avoidance of inaccessible question formats, are key ingredients of a successful interview.
A hierarchical Bayesian model for space-time variation of disease risk
Authors: Lagazio Corrado , Dreassi Emanuela , Biggeri Annibale
Published: July 2017

In this paper we propose a hierarchical Bayesian model to study the variation in space and time of disease risk. We represent spatial effects following the usual Bayesian specification of a Gaussian convolution of unstructured and structured components, while we adopt the birth cohort (instead of the commonly used period of death) as the main time scale. The model also includes space-time interaction terms to take into account structured inseparable space-time variability. The model is applied to lung cancer death certificate data in Tuscany, for males during the period 1971-94. While a calendar period analysis points out a general increase of mortality levelling off in the last period (1990-94), the cohort model shows a general and substantial decrease of the relative risk for the youngest cohorts born after 1930. Moreover, the pattern of the epidemic by birth cohort presents a maximum which varies by municipalities, with a strong north-west/south-east gradient.
Bayesian model selection for logistic regression with misclassified outcomes
Authors: Gerlach Richard , Stamey James
Published: July 2017

We consider the problem of variable selection for logistic regression when the dependent variable is measured imperfectly, under both differential and non-differential misclassification. An MCMC sampling scheme is designed, incorporating uncertainty about which explanatory variables affect the dependent variable and which affect the probability of misclassification. We assume that a small gold standard perfectly measured sample is available to augment the imperfectly measured sample, under the differential misclassification framework. A simulation study illustrates favourable results both in terms of variable selection and parameter estimation. Examples analysing the risk of violence against young women by their partner and the risk of injury in highway motor accidents are considered.
Pyridoxine Deficiency After Solid Organ Transplant
Authors: Van Arsdale Summer , Yost Sarah E. , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Meer Mary , Schoentag Shari , Habib Shahid
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Pyridoxine is 1 of 8 B vitamins that assist in a variety of essential functions including immune functions. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with low pyridoxine levels in solid organ transplantation recipients.

Design:

The study cohort was divided into 2 groups: (a) patients with normal pyridoxine levels or (b) patients with low pyridoxine levels. Dietary evaluation and clinical characteristics of all patients, rejection episodes, and immunosuppression were collected. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze the overall cohort.

Results:

Of the 48 patients, 29 (60%) in the study cohort were identified to have low pyridoxine levels. The mean interval between transplantation and pyridoxine level check was 910 days (standard deviation [SD] 456). The mean weight at the time of dietary consultation was 80 kg (SD 20.7). More patients in the deficient group received thymoglobulin for rejection treatment (56% vs 0%; P = .01) and were thymoglobulin recipients (78% vs 10%; odds ratio [OR] = 31.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35-422.30; P < .01). A strong correlation was identified between thymoglobulin treatment for induction and a low level of pyridoxine (correlation coefficient R = 0.6, P = .004) and between thymoglobulin treatment for rejection and a low pyridoxine level (correlation coefficient R = 0.5, P = .05). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, only thymoglobulin treatment (induction or rejection treatment) was significantly associated with low pyridoxine levels (OR = 19.5, 95% CI, 1.01-375.24; P < .05).

Conclusions:

Low levels of pyridoxine appear to be relatively common, and thymoglobulin treatments are associated with low pyridoxine levels. Prospective studies are needed to confirm and valuate the significance of these findings.
Delayed Sigmoid Ischemic Rupture Following Open Repair Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Kotsis Thomas , Christoforou Panagitsa , Asaloumidis Nikolaos , Papaconstantinou Ioannis
Published: July 2017

Colon ischemia following aortic reconstruction is a severe complication with an incidence of 1% to 2% of the operated patients; this infrequent complication will be lethal for nearly half of these patients. Commonly, colon ischemia may be an intraoperative observation or an early postoperative finding. However, in the case presented here, sigmoid rupture and small and large intestine communication was revealed 3 months following repair of the abdominal aorta. A 71-year-old man, following open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, went home on the fifth postoperative day. Four months later, he was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital, because of fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain for about 5 days. After conservative treatment and improvement in symptoms, the patient was released only to return to hospital with the same symptoms after a month. On this second admission, the symptoms were initially mild and the patient seemed to improve, but suddenly he deteriorated and an exploratory laparotomy was conducted, which revealed a left colon ischemia and a communication between the sigmoid and the small intestine. A left hemicolectomy was performed, along with a temporary colostomy (Hartmann diversion). The patient, 2 years after the initial aortic repair and 10 months following the complete restoration of the large intestine continuity, is well with no further manifestations.
A Prospective, Observational Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Abdominal Compression in Reducing Laparoscopic-Induced Shoulder Pain
Authors: Rettenmaier Mark A. , Micha John P. , Lopez Katrina L. , Wilcox Amber M. , Goldstein Bram H.
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Postoperative shoulder pain is a condition associated with laparoscopic surgery and presumably attributed to residual carbon dioxide (CO2) in the abdomen. The intent of the current prospective, observational study was to assess the efficacy of abdominal compression in mitigating this painful complication. Methods: We recruited 30 patients who were treated with laparoscopic surgery for the management of gynecologic disease. All study participants underwent abdominal compression to evacuate the CO2 associated with their pneumoperitoneum. Postoperatively, the subjects’ pain intensity was measured via the visual analogue scale at 12, 24, and 48 hours. Results: The patients’ mean postoperative visual analogue scale pain scores were the highest during the initial 12 hours (1.93), and thereafter, steadily declined at 24 hours (0.73) and 48 hours (0.70) ( P = .045). Furthermore, toxicity was reasonable, with only 20% of subjects who reported grade ≤2 nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: Abdominal compression is a relatively safe procedure that appears to sufficently evacuate residual CO2, thereby reducing the severity of laparoscopic surgery induced shoulder pain.
Percutaneous laser disc decompression versus microdiscectomy for sciatica: Cost utility analysis alongside a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van den Akker-van Marle M Elske , Brouwer Patrick A , Brand Ronald , Koes Bart , van den Hout Wilbert B , van Buchem Mark A , Peul Wilco C
Published: July 2017

Background

Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) for patients with lumbar disc herniation is believed to be cheaper than surgery. However, cost-effectiveness has never been studied.

Materials and Methods

A cost utility analysis was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial comparing PLDD and conventional surgery. Patients reported their quality of life using the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D), 36-item short form health survey (SF-36 and derived SF-6D) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Using cost diaries patients reported health care use, non-health care use and hours of absenteeism from work. The 1-year societal costs were compared with 1-year quality adjusted life years (QALYs) based on the United States (US) EQ-5D. Sensitivity analyses were carried out on the use of different utility measures (Netherland (NL) EQ-5D, SF-6D, or VAS) and on the perspective (societal or healthcare).

Results

On the US EQ-5D, conventional surgery provided a non-significant gain in QALYs of 0.033 (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.026 to 0.093) in the first year. PLDD resulted in significantly lower healthcare costs (difference €1771, 95% CI €303 to €3238) and non-significantly lower societal costs (difference €2379, 95% CI −€2860 to €7618). For low values of the willingness to pay for a QALY, the probability of being cost-effective is in favor of PLDD. For higher values of the willingness to pay, between €30,000 and €70,000, conventional microdiscectomy becomes favorable.

Conclusions

From a healthcare perspective PLDD, followed by surgery when needed, results in significantly lower 1-year costs than conventional surgery. From a societal perspective PLDD appears to be an economically neutral innovation.
A master–slave control method with gravity compensation for a hydraulic teleoperation construction robot
Authors: Huang Lingtao , Yamada Hironao , Ni Tao , Li Yanan
Published: July 2017

This research develops a gravity compensation method that determines the mass of a task object easily and compensates for the external force caused by the task object when it is conveyed by a hydraulic teleoperation construction robot. Moreover, this study establishes a master–slave system for this robot; two joysticks act as the master, and an excavator with four links (fork glove, swing, boom, and arm) represents the slave. To compensate for the influence of gravity, a previous gravity compensation method is proposed and applied to the boom and arm. However, it is ineffective during the conveyance process especially when the task object is heavy because the driving force is influenced by gravity of the task object. Therefore, this research presents a gravity compensation method that can effectively determine the mass of a grasped object and compensate for the external force induced by its gravity, as verified through pressing, grasping, and conveying experiments.
Stick–slip vibration of a friction damper for energy dissipation
Authors: He Bingbing , Ouyang Huajiang , He Shangwen , Ren Xingmin
Published: July 2017

This article studies energy dissipation of a friction damper (due to stick–slip vibration) in the context of harmonic excitation. There are numerous applications of such friction dampers in engineering. One particular example is a new kind of under-platform dry friction dampers for aero engines. The model consists of a clamped cross-like beam structure and two masses (friction dampers) in contact with the short beam of the cross. The two masses are allowed to slide along two extra short vertical clamped beams. They can exhibit three distinct dynamic regimes: pure slip, pure stick and a mixture of stick–slip relative to the short horizontal beam. The finite element method is used to obtain the numerical modes of the structure. The friction at the contact interface between the short horizontal beam and the friction dampers is assumed to follow the classical discontinuous Coulomb friction law in which the static coefficient of friction is greater than the kinetic coefficient. Modal superposition method is applied to solve the dynamic response of the structure with numerical modes. One major finding of this investigation is that there is an intermediate range of the normal contact forces (in stick–slip regime) that provides the best energy dissipation performance.
Analysis of helical abrasive brush filament force characteristics for surface treatment processes
Authors: Wang Chong , Sun Qun , Xu Limin
Published: July 2017

This study investigates the characteristics of helical abrasive brush filaments and aims at developing a mobile robot system to perform rust removal and polishing tasks. A finite element model that can analyze the filament deformation and force characteristics is presented. From the model, the relationships between the brushing force and other operating parameters can be predicted, which are essential for developing an autonomous brushing control system. The modeled results are compared with experimental results carried out on a specifically designed test rig, leading to considerably well converged comparisons. Many later studies can be carried out to develop optimal brush control strategies for autonomous rust removal or polishing tasks.
Effective strategies at the ruck in men’s and women’s World Rugby Sevens Series
Authors: Barkell James F , O’Connor Donna , Cotton Wayne G
Published: July 2017

Despite the growth of research on rugby sevens since its inclusion into the 2016 Olympic Games, some performance aspects of the game remain in their infancy. The ruck is one such area that has had little examination. The aim of this research was to examine the relationships between ruck actions and ruck success. A series of men’s (N = 2521) and women’s (N = 1474) rucks were coded from a sample of men’s (N = 117) and women’s games (N = 65) played within the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2014. Both attacking and defensive ruck actions were analysed. Variables included player numbers in the ruck, the actions of the first players to the ruck, ball placement from the tackled player, the body height, weight distribution and position of the attacking player in the ruck. Chi squared analysis identified that one versus one rucks were most commonly formed. If an attacking player arrived first, then there was a greater chance of maintaining possession compared with the first arrival being from the defensive side (p < 0.001). Findings suggest that the squeeze ball placement technique is risky due to its association with turnovers and penalties against the attacking team in men’s rugby sevens (p < 0.001). The body position of the first arriving attacking player requires the attacking player to lower their shoulders below the opposition shoulders (p < 0.001), use the tackled player to support their weight (p < 0.001) and aim to ruck to a position past the ball rather than stopping with their bodies over the ball (p < 0.001). Analysis of opposition actions identified that an early jackal was most successful at producing turnovers (p < 0.001). Results illustrate successful ruck strategies in rugby sevens from both an attacking and a defensive viewpoint. Successful ruck actions are similar in both men’s and women’s rugby sevens.
A convex model approach for structure non-probabilistic reliability analysis
Authors: Yang Zhengmao , Zhang Yanjuan , Meng Wenjun , Cai Jianghui
Published: July 2017

In this article, a novel approach, that is, convex model method of set theory, is proposed to investigate the non-probabilistic reliability of bridge crane. Considering the metal structure system of the bridge crane, the finite element method is applied to obtain the stress response of the structure dangerous point. Then, the sample of stress response of the structure danger point and uncertain parameters are obtained. Finally, based on support vector machines, the structure implicit regression function of the system is replaced by explicit expression that calculates the non-probabilistic reliability of the structure. Results show that this approach is useful and efficient to solve the problem of non-probabilistic reliability in the metal structure.
Factors associated with success in the oral part of the European Diploma in Intensive Care
Authors: Waldauf Petr , Rubulotta Francesca , Sitzwohl Christian , Elbers Paul , Girbes Armand , Saha Rajnish , Marsh Brian , Kumar Ravindra , Maggiorini Marco , Duška František
Published: July 2017

Introduction

The oral part of European Diploma in Intensive Care diploma examinations changed in 2013 into an objective structured clinical examination-type exam. This step was undertaken to provide a fair and reproducible clinical exam. All candidates face identical questions with predefined correct answers simultaneously in seven high throughput exam centres on the same day. We describe the factors that are associated with success in part 2 European Diploma in Intensive Care exam.

Methods

We prospectively collected self-reported data from all candidates sitting European Diploma in Intensive Care part 2 in 2015, namely demographics, professional background and attendance to a European Diploma in Intensive Care part 2 or generic objective structured clinical examination preparatory courses. After testing association with success (with cutoff at p < 0.10) and co-linearity of these factors as independent variables, we performed a multivariate logistical analysis, with binary exam outcome (pass/fail) as the dependent variable. Structural equation modelling was used to gain further insight into relations among determinants of success in the oral part of the European Diploma in Intensive Care.

Results

Out of 427 candidates sitting the exam, completed data from 341 (80%) were available for analysis. The following candidates' factors were associated with increased chance of success: English as native language (odds ratio 4.3 (95% CI 1.7–10.7)), use of Patient-centred Acute Care Training e-learning programme module (odds ratios 2.0 (1.2–3.3)), working in an EU country (odds ratios 2.5 (1.5–4.3)), and better results in the written part of the European Diploma in Intensive Care (for each additional SD of 6.1 points odds ratios 1.9 (1.4–2.4)). Chance of success in the European Diploma in Intensive Care 2 decreased with increased candidates ‘age (for each additional SD of 5.5 years odds ratios 0.67 (0.51–0.87)). Exam centres (7 in total) could be clustered into 3 groups with similar success rates. There were significant differences in exam outcomes among these 3 groups of exam centres even after adjustment to known candidates' factors (G1 vs G2 odds ratios 2.4 (1.4–4.1); G1 vs G3 odds ratios 9.7 (4.0–23.1) and G2 vs G3 odds ratios 3.9 (1.7–9.2)). A short data collection period (only one year) and 20% of missing candidates' data are the main limitations of this study.

Conclusions

Younger age, English as native language, better results in written part of the exam, working at a European country and the use of PACT for preparation, were factors associated with success in the oral part of the European Diploma in Intensive Care exam. Despite the limitations of this study, the differences in outcome among the exam centres will need further investigation.
Four-dimensional rotational radiographic scanning of the wrist in patients after proximal row carpectomy
Authors: Peymani A. , Foumani M. , Dobbe J. G. G. , Strackee S. D. , Streekstra G. J.
Published: July 2017

We measured cartilage thickness, contact surface area, volume of the capitate and shape of the capitate during motion in the operated and unaffected wrists of 11 patients with a mean follow-up of 7.3 years after proximal row carpectomy. Radiocapitate cartilage thickness in the operated wrists did not differ significantly from radiolunate cartilage thickness in the unaffected wrists. The radiolunate surface area was significantly less than the radiocapitate surface area. The volume of the capitate was significantly increased in the operated wrists. The shape of the capitate changed significantly in two of three orthogonal directions. The combination of remodelling of the capitate, increase in its surface area and intact cartilage thickness could help to explain the clinical success of proximal row carpectomy.
Contemporary best practice in the evaluation and management of stuttering priapism
Authors: Kousournas Georgios , Muneer Asif , Ralph David , Zacharakis Evangelos
Published: July 2017

Stuttering priapism is rare and under-investigated clinical entity. Although it shares similarities with ischaemic priapism, by definition, stuttering priapism has distinct characteristics that advocate for a different management in the clinical setting. Therefore, the management of stuttering priapism aims primarily to prevent recurrence rather than the resolution of spontaneous attacks. A multimodal approach and the individualization of each case are essential because of the diversity of the condition and the plethora of proposed therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and familiarity with contemporary, past and emerging future agents and therapeutic options are required in order to provide an optimal solution for each patient. In addition, patient counselling and the option to combine therapeutic strategies and challenge second-line therapies are essential weapons in the armament of the urologist. Although further clinical trials and studies are mandatory in order to obtain solid data and provide recommendations, all therapeutic options are analysed, with specific interest in the potential advantages and disadvantages. A structured evaluation procedure is also described.
A template/electrochemical deposition method for fabricating silver nanorod arrays based on porous anodic alumina
Authors: Li Yafang , Xu Jie , Liu Hao , Song Jinzhong , Li Yashuang , Cheng Bowen , Li Jin , Li Xiaojiu
Published: July 2017

A template/electrochemical deposition method for fabricating silver nanorod arrays based on porous anodic alumina was presented. The barrier layer of porous anodic alumina templates was thinned by step-by-step voltage decrement method. Subsequently, silver ions were reduced into the channels of porous anodic alumina templates by electrochemical deposition method. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was utilized for analyzing the thickness of barrier layer of porous anodic alumina templates; the elementary composition and the size of silver nanorod arrays were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscope, respectively. Experimental results showed that the thickness of barrier layer of porous anodic alumina was suitable for alternating current electrochemical deposition, when anodizing potential was decreased to 70 V and widening time of porous anodic alumina in H3PO4 solution is 80 min. And the silver particles could be deposited into the channels of porous anodic alumina templates at 11 V, 13 V, and 15 V. Different sizes of silver nanorod arrays were obtained by controlling the deposition time. The average diameter of silver nanorod is in the range from 346 nm to 351 nm which is almost consistent with the pore diameter of porous anodic alumina templates (367 nm). The uniform silver nanorod arrays have a considerable potential in the flexible and wearable electronic devices, optics, solar cell, the catalytical electrode, and so on.
Gottfried Wilhelm Osann (1833, 1836) on Simultaneous Color Contrast: Translation and Commentary
Authors: O’Shea Robert P. , Roeber Urte , Wade Nicholas J.
Published: July 2017

Gottfried Wilhelm Osann (1796–1866) was a German scientist most renowned for his work in chemistry and physics. However, inspired by Goethe’s work on color, he published a paper on simultaneous color contrast in 1833 using a method that is similar to that of later authors: reflection of an achromatic spot from an angled piece of glass. He wrote at least four more papers on color contrasts, in 1836 using essentially the same method as credited to others. We provide a description and translation of Osann’s 1833 paper and the relevant part of his 1836 paper, say why these papers are interesting and important, give some biographical information about Osann, comment on the fate of Osann’s papers, and describe Osann’s other papers on color.