bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Incomplete Bladder Emptying in Older Women with Overactive Bladder Symptoms
Authors: Park Jeongok , Palmer Mary H.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To identify factors associated with incomplete bladder emptying in older women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Design

Retrospective medical records review.

Setting

Urodynamic laboratory at a large academic health care system in the southeast United States.

Participants

Medical records from women aged 65 and older who presented to clinic with OAB symptoms and who had completed outpatient urodynamic testing (N = 203).

Measurements

Three cutoff values of postvoid residual (PVR) volume (100, 150, 200 mL) were created a priori to classify incomplete bladder emptying. Age; vaginal parity; diabetes mellitus (DM); and a history of cerebrovascular accident, back surgery or injury, pelvic surgery, anti‐urinary incontinence surgery, and pelvic organ prolapse were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to determine factors associated with incomplete bladder emptying.

Results

When PVR volume of 200 mL or greater was used to define incomplete bladder emptying, history of back surgery or injury (odds ratio (OR) = 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–15.91) and pelvic surgery (OR = 4.42, 95% CI = 1.51–12.95) were significantly associated with incomplete bladder emptying in multivariate analysis. No factors were significantly associated with PVR volumes of 100 mL or greater or 150 mL or greater.

Conclusion

PVR volumes should be assessed in older women with OAB symptoms and a history of back surgery or injury or pelvic surgery, especially before the administration of antimuscarinic medications. Caution in interpreting these findings is needed because PVR volumes obtained from pressure‐flow studies may differ from those obtained from natural voiding. Lack of data on medications that can contribute to incomplete bladder emptying and the small number of women with cerebrovascular accident, back surgery or injury, and DM may have influenced the results.
Measurement equivalence of a safety climate scale across multiple trucking companies
Authors: Lee Jin , Huang Yueng‐hsiang , Murphy Lauren A. , Robertson Michelle M. , Garabet Angela
Published: July 2015

To promote and establish a safe environment in an organization, it is critical to get an accurate measurement and understanding of employees’ safety climate perceptions. The goals of the current study were (1) to assess the measurement equivalence (ME) of the safety climate scale for mobile lone workers developed by Huang et al. (2013, Transp. Res. Part F Traffic Psychol. Behav., 17, 5) across different trucking companies with different managerial and safety practices and (2) to adopt confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)‐based and item response theory (IRT)‐based ME testing techniques that allow for more reliable measurement of important psychological safety constructs and accurate use of the measure. ME refers to the extent to which scales or items have the same measurement implications, such as factor structure of the scale, amount of explained variance with the scale constructs, and item functioning parameters from IRT framework, and are interchangeable across measurement situations. Based on the shared mental model theory, social learning theory, and social exchange theory, ME of safety climate was examined across the eight trucking companies recruited in the Huang et al.'s study. A CFA‐based linear approach and an IRT‐based nonlinear approach were used. Results supported that the safety climate scale items and measurement constructs have consistent meaning across different trucking companies, and the safety climate scores based on the scales can be used for the comparison of safety climate levels across multiple trucking companies as well as safety climate interventions.

Practitioner points

Generalizability of psychological measurement tools, such as safety climate scales, can be examined with ME analysis based on CFA and IRT frameworks.

Measurement equivalence of the trucking industry‐specific safety climate scale (Huang et al., 2013) was supported across multiple trucking companies, indicating that there may be common features of safety climate dimensions that are particularly relevant to the trucking industry.

The trucking industry‐specific safety climate scale can be used to gauge the level of safety climate within a given trucking company and to make cross‐company comparisons.
Opal‐A in the Nakhla meteorite: A tracer of ephemeral liquid water in the Amazonian crust of Mars
Authors: Lee M. R. , MacLaren I. , Andersson S. M. L. , Kovács A. , Tomkinson T. , Mark D. F. , Smith C. L.
Published: July 2015

The nakhlite meteorites are clinopyroxenites that are derived from a ~1300 million year old sill or lava flow on Mars. Most members of the group contain veins of iddingsite whose main component is a fine‐grained and hydrous Fe‐ and Mg‐rich silicate. Siderite is present in the majority of veins, where it straddles or cross‐cuts the Fe‐Mg silicate. This carbonate also contains patches of ferric (oxy)hydroxide. Despite 40 years of investigation, the mineralogy and origins of the Fe‐Mg silicate is poorly understood, as is the paragenesis of the iddingsite veins. Nanometer‐scale analysis of Fe‐Mg silicate in the Nakhla meteorite by electron and X‐ray imaging and spectroscopy reveals that its principal constituents are nanoparticles of opal‐A. This hydrous and amorphous phase precipitated from acidic solutions that had become supersaturated with respect to silica by dissolution of olivine. Each opal‐A nanoparticle is enclosed within a ferrihydrite shell that formed by oxidation of iron that had also been liberated from the olivine. Siderite crystallized subsequently and from solutions that were alkaline and reducing, and replaced both the nanoparticles and olivine. The fluids that formed both the opal‐A/ferrihydrite and the siderite were sourced from one or more reservoirs in contact with the Martian atmosphere. The last event recorded by the veins was alteration of the carbonate to a ferric (oxy)hydroxide that probably took place on Mars, although a terrestrial origin remains possible. These results support findings from orbiter‐ and rover‐based spectroscopy that opaline silica was a common product of aqueous alteration of the Martian crust.
STORY AND HISTORY IN FETAL BEHAVIOR RESEARCH
Authors: Brakke Karen
Published: July 2015

In their monograph, DiPietro, Costigan, and Voegtline present an important and thoughtful portrait of low‐risk fetal development during the last trimester of gestation, and they also pay tribute to the Fels Longitudinal Study investigators' early work in this area. In this commentary, the history and legacy of the Fels Institute is further explored within the broader context of fetal research, and DiPietro et al.'s findings are placed in alignment with contemporary dynamic systems’ theoretical approaches that emphasize longitudinal analysis of emergent behavior and process during early development. The commentary puts forth the assertion that the work reported by DiPietro and her colleagues tells a story that sets the stage for a new generation of technology‐enhanced and culturally expanded investigations of fetal behavior.
Husserl and the Problem of Abstract Objects
Authors: Duke George , Woelert Peter
Published: July 2015

One major difficulty confronting attempts to clarify the epistemological and ontological status of abstract objects is determining the sense, if any, in which such entities may be characterised as mind and language independent. Our contention is that the tolerant reductionist position of Michael Dummett can be strengthened by drawing on Husserl's mature account of the constitution of ideal objects and mathematical objectivity. According to the Husserlian position we advocate, abstract singular terms pick out weakly mind‐independent sedimented meaning‐contents. These meaning‐contents serve as the ‘thin’ referents of abstract singular terms, but are ultimately founded in prior acts of meaning‐constitution.
The Composite Nature of Epistemic Justification
Authors: Silva Paul
Published: July 2015

According to many, to have epistemic justification to believe P is just for it to be epistemicallypermissibleto believe P. Others think it is for believing P to be epistemicallygood. Yet others think it has to do with being epistemicallyblamelessin believing P. All such views of justification encounter problems. Here, a new view of justification is proposed according to which justification is a kind of composite normative status. The result is a view of justification that offers hope of solving some longstanding epistemological problems.
Effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy for somatoform pain disorder patients in Japan: A preliminary non‐case‐control study
Authors: Yoshino Atsuo , Okamoto Yasumasa , Doi Mitsuru , Horikoshi Masaru , Oshita Kyoko , Nakamura Ryuji , Otsuru Naofumi , Yoshimura Shinpei , Tanaka Keisuke , Takagaki Koki , Jinnin Ran , Yamashita Hidehisa , Kawamoto Masashi , Yamawaki Shigeto
Published: July 2015

Aims

Somatoform pain disorder is associated with psychosocial dysfunction, and psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are thought to provide useful interventions to address such dysfunction as well as the pain itself. However, little is known about whether CBT for somatoform pain disorder is effective, including the long‐term course of the illness, in non‐Western populations. We therefore tailored such a program based on an existing CBT protocol and examined its effectiveness in Japan.

Methods

Thirty‐four Japanese participants (22 women; mean age = 52.5 years) enrolled in a weekly 12‐session group treatment, with 32 completing both wait‐list and treatment conditions. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity. Secondary outcome measures included pain characteristics, as measured by pain catastrophizing and psychometric evaluations, including depression, anxiety, and quality of life. The patients were followed up for 12 months after treatment.

Results

We found that pain intensity, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and social functioning all significantly improved after treatment compared with the wait‐list period, and the improvements in pain intensity, depressive symptoms, and social functioning were sustained at 12 months following the completion of CBT. There were strong positive correlations (P < 0.01) among pre‐ and post‐treatment changes in the affective dimension of pain, depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing.

Conclusions

These results show that the present CBT program was effective for Japanese patients with somatoform pain disorder and that gains were maintained over the long term. More work is needed to further clarify the effects of CBT interventions on somatoform symptoms, particularly in Japan.
Clinical manifestations of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: Clinical utility of the Chinese‐version Obstructive Sleep Apnea Questionaire‐18
Authors: Huang Yu‐Shu , Hwang Fang‐Ming , Lin Cheng‐Hui , Lee Li‐Ang , Huang Po‐Yu , Chiu Szu‐Tzu
Published: July 2015

Aims

Childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) affects not only the children's physical health, but also their mental development, behavioral problems and learning difficulties. Therefore, an early diagnosis is important. However, the assessment tools of polysomnography are demanding. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Questionnaire‐18 (OSA‐18) is designed to screen OSA and has good reliability and validity. The goal of this study was to validate the Chinese version of the OSA‐18, to analyze the frequency of symptoms and find the most common symptoms of OSA in Taiwanese children.

Methods

We validated the OSA‐18 in an ethnic Chinese group and compared the treatment outcomes to show the sensitivity of the questionnaire. The caregivers completed the questionnaire twice at an interval of 4 weeks to test reliability. In the validation study, we included 88 OSA children. The OSA‐18 and follow‐up polysomnography were performed before and 6 months after adenotonsillectomy.

Results

Results showed the excellent test–retest reliability (r = 0.84**) of the OSA‐18. There was a statistically significant correlation between the OSA‐18 and, respectively, the Apnea–Hypopnea Index (r = 0.29*), and the Hypopnea Index (r = 0.29*). Quality of life showed a significant correlation with the Apnea Index (r = 0.43**), central apnea count (r = 0.50***), and mixed apnea count (r = 0.36*). The cut‐off point of the OSA‐18 total scores for detecting pediatric OSA in children aged 6–12 years was 66. The common symptoms of pediatric OSA were poor attention span, loud snoring, caregiver worried about child's health, difficulty awakening, and mouth breathing.

Conclusions

Our results show that the Chinese version of the OSA‐18 is a reliable and valid instrument. The questionnaire also showed improvement in the quality of life of OSA children post‐adenotonsillectomy.
Molecular cloning, developmental expression and tissue distribution of diapause hormone and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide in the bamboo borer Omphisa fuscidentalis
Authors: Suang Suphawan , Manaboon Manaporn , Chantawannakul Panuwan , Singtripop Tippawan , Hiruma Kiyoshi , Kaneko Yu
Published: July 2015

Diapause, an arrested period of post‐embryonic development in insects, is under the control of hormonal interactions. In the bamboo borer Omphisa fuscidentalis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), larvae remain in diapause for as long as 9 months during the dry season, from September to the following June, although the factors that regulate larval diapause are poorly understood. The present study describes the cloning and expression analysis of the diapause hormone and pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (DH‐PBAN) precursor of O. fuscidentalis (Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN cDNA), aiming to reveal how it may be involved regulating larval diapause in this species in combination with environmental factors. The open reading frame (ORF) of the cDNA encodes a 199‐amino acid precursor protein that contains DH, PBAN and three other neuropeptides, all of which share a conservative C‐terminal pentapeptide motif FXPR/KL (X = G, T or S). The Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN is highly similar (74%) to the DH‐PBAN of the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata). A quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction reveals that Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN mRNA is expressed only in neural tissues and that expression is highest in the suboesophageal ganglion. In addition, the expression level of Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN mRNA in the suboesophageal ganglion is consistently high during the fifth larval instar, increasing moderately in early diapause before reaching a peak during late diapause. After pupation, expression of the Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN precursor decreases to a low level. In addition to endocrine factors, the results demonstrate that photoperiod increases the expression level of Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN mRNA in larval diapause. These results also suggest that the expression of the Ompfu‐DH‐PBAN gene correlates with larval diapause development and may be activated by photoperiod in O. fuscidentalis.
L‐type amino acid transporter‐1 and CD98 expression in bone and soft tissue tumors
Authors: Koshi Hiromi , Sano Takaaki , Handa Tadashi , Yanagawa Takashi , Saitou Kenichi , Nagamori Shushi , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Takagishi Kenji , Oyama Tetsunari
Published: July 2015

L‐type amino acid transporter‐1 (LAT1) is expressed in many cancers. We examined LAT1 and CD98 expression immunohistochemically in surgically resected specimens of various bone and soft tissue tumors. Out of 226 cases, 79 (35%) were LAT1+ and 95 (42%) were CD98+. In bone tumors, LAT1 was highly expressed in osteoblastoma (89%), chondrosarcoma (50%), and osteosarcoma (60%); in soft tissue tumors, LAT1 was highly expressed in rhabdomyosarcoma (80%), synovial sarcoma (63%), Ewing's sarcoma (60%), epithelioid sarcoma (100%) and angiosarcoma (100%). In malignant soft tissue tumors, LAT1 expression was associated with higher histological grade. High CD98 expression was seen in many bone tumors of intermediate and high malignancy. Among soft tissue tumors, CD98 was expressed in tendon sheath giant cell tumor and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (57%), Ewing's sarcoma (50%) and undifferentiated sarcoma (64%). Some of the malignant soft tissue tumors expressed both LAT1 and CD98. This study showed that LAT1 and CD98 was expressed in many malignant and intermediate bone tumors, and some malignant soft tissue tumors.
Bayesian Source Attribution of Salmonellosis in South Australia
Authors: Glass K. , Fearnley E. , Hocking H. , Raupach J. , Veitch M. , Ford L. , Kirk M. D.
Published: July 2015

Salmonellosis is a significant cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in Australia, and rates of illness have increased over recent years. We adopt a Bayesian source attribution model to estimate the contribution of different animal reservoirs to illness due to Salmonella spp. in South Australia between 2000 and 2010, together with 95% credible intervals (CrI). We excluded known travel associated cases and those of rare subtypes (fewer than 20 human cases or fewer than 10 isolates from included sources over the 11‐year period), and the remaining 76% of cases were classified as sporadic or outbreak associated. Source‐related parameters were included to allow for different handling and consumption practices. We attributed 35% (95% CrI: 20–49) of sporadic cases to chicken meat and 37% (95% CrI: 23–53) of sporadic cases to eggs. Of outbreak‐related cases, 33% (95% CrI: 20–62) were attributed to chicken meat and 59% (95% CrI: 29–75) to eggs. A comparison of alternative model assumptions indicated that biases due to possible clustering of samples from sources had relatively minor effects on these estimates. Analysis of source‐related parameters showed higher risk of illness from contaminated eggs than from contaminated chicken meat, suggesting that consumption and handling practices potentially play a bigger role in illness due to eggs, considering low Salmonella prevalence on eggs. Our results strengthen the evidence that eggs and chicken meat are important vehicles for salmonellosis in South Australia.
Intra‐Regional Differentiation of Population Development in Southern‐Limburg, the Netherlands
Authors: Hoekveld Josje J. , Bontje Marco
Published: July 2015

Although we are steadily getting a better understanding of why regional population decline occurs, little is known about the causes of differentiated levels of decline between municipalities in the same region. In this paper we address the causes of intra‐regional differentiation in decline in the Dutch region Southern‐Limburg. The quantitative and qualitative analyses reveal that in the 1900‐1945 period, differentiation in population development was the result of economic boom and bust in the mining areas. After 1945 (except for 1985‐1989) however, the economic argument lost much of its relevance: intra‐regional differentiation has primarily been the result of intra‐regional and international migration and these flows are steered predominantly by life course motives, the uneven spatial distribution of housing opportunities and access to these opportunities within the region.
COMPARISON OF TWO COARSE FRACTIONATED RADIATION PROTOCOLS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CANINE PITUITARY MACROTUMOR: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF 24 DOGS
Authors: Marcinowska Aleksandra , Warland James , Brearley Malcolm , Dobson Jane
Published: July 2015

Radiotherapy is a commonly used treatment for pituitary macrotumors in dogs, but the optimum protocol has not been established. Twenty four dogs with MRI confirmed pituitary macrotumors were treated with one of two radiotherapy protocols. Twelve dogs were treated with 10 fractions of 3.8 Gy/fraction on a “Monday–Wednesday–Friday” schedule, the remaining 12 with five “once‐a‐week” protocols (1 × 5 Gy, followed by 4 × 8.25 Gy) to a total dose of 38 Gy. The overall median survival time for all dogs was 235 days (range 28–1,328), dogs treated with 10 fractions had a median survival time of 961 days (range 28–1,328) compared to 182 days (range 42–507) in the five‐fraction group (P= 0.006). Clinical improvement was found in both groups, and no significant side effects were noted in either group. These results suggest that a “Monday–Wednesday–Friday” schedule may improve survival times, as compared to a “once‐a‐week” protocol. As this study was of an observational nonrandomized nature, future work is necessary to establish whether more highly fractionated protocols or different total doses will further improve outcome.
Use of an Electron Beam Melting Manufactured Titanium Collared Cementless Femoral Stem to Resist Subsidence After Canine Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Liska William D. , Doyle Nancy D.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a collared electron beam melting (EBM)‐manufactured titanium cementless femoral stem on implant subsidence after total hip replacement (THR).

Study Design

Prospective study

Animals

Dogs (n = 26); 33 THR.

Methods

Records were maintained on the first 110 consecutive THR using an EBM collared femoral stem. Radiographs on the first 33 THR that had 6‐months follow‐up were evaluated for implant subsidence. These results were compared to 27 dogs with subsidence after THR with a Co Cr collarless stem.

Results

Dogs that had EBM collared stem THR had a mean body weight of 35.4 kg, body condition score (BCS) of 6.21, and mean canal flare index (CFI) of 1.56. EBM stem sizes used (number implanted) were #7 (13), #8 (10), #9 (8), and #10 (2). Subsidence of collared stems did not occur if the collar was in contact with cortical bone during surgery. Subsidence of 1–3 mm occurred closing a gap between the collar and bone if contact was not made during surgery, but subsidence stopped once contact was made. No major complications directly related to the EBM collared stem were encountered.

Conclusions

A collar on a cementless femoral stem in contact with cortical bone resists subsidence.
The maximal subgroups of
Authors: Ballantyne John , Bates Chris , Rowley Peter
Published: July 2015

Here we determine up to conjugacy all the maximal subgroups of the finite exceptional group of Lie-type$E_{7}(2)$.

Supplementary materials are available with this article.
Champ: a Cherednik algebraMagmapackage
Authors: Thiel U.
Published: July 2015

We present a computer algebra package based onMagmafor performing computations in rational Cherednik algebras with arbitrary parameters and in Verma modules for restricted rational Cherednik algebras. Part of this package is a new general Las Vegas algorithm for computing the head and the constituents of a module with simple head in characteristic zero, which we develop here theoretically. This algorithm is very successful when applied to Verma modules for restricted rational Cherednik algebras and it allows us to answer several questions posed by Gordon in some specific cases. We can determine the decomposition matrices of the Verma modules, the graded$G$-module structure of the simple modules, and the Calogero–Moser families of the generic restricted rational Cherednik algebra for around half of the exceptional complex reflection groups. In this way we can also confirm Martino’s conjecture for several exceptional complex reflection groups.

Supplementary materials are available with this article.
Size-Compatible, Polymer-Based Air-Gap Formation Processes, and Polymer Residue Analysis for Wafer-Level MEMS Packaging Applications
Authors: Uzunlar Erdal , Kohl Paul A.
Published: July 2015

This study aims at investigating a polymer-based air-gap creation method for the packaging of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and exploring the chemical composition of the polymer residue on the final package. Polymer-based air-gap formation utilizes thermal decomposition of a sacrificial polymer, poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), encapsulated within an overcoat polymer. BCB (Cyclotene 4026-46) was used as the overcoat material because decomposition products of sacrificial polymer are able to permeate through it, leaving an embedded air-gap structure around the MEMS device. Size-compatibility and cleanliness of MEMS devices are important attributes of the polymer-based air-gap MEMS packaging approach. This study provides a framework for size-compatible and clean air-gap formation by selecting the type of PPC, optimizing thermal treatment steps, identifying air-gap formation options, assessing air-gap formation performance, and analyzing the chemical composition of the residue. The air-gap formation processes using photosensitive PPC films had at least twice the residue compared to processes using nonphotosensitive PPC films. The major contribution to the residue in photosensitive PPC films was from the photoacid generator (PAG), which was used to catalyze the thermal decomposition of the PPC. BCB is compatible with PPC, and provides mechanical stability during creation of the air-gaps. The polymer-based air-gaps provide a monolithic, low-cost, integrated circuit compatible MEMS packaging option.
Joint State and Input Estimation for One-Dimensional Heat Conduction
Authors: Nundy Sangeeta , Mukhopadhyay Siddhartha , Kanti Deb Alok
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a joint state and input estimation algorithm for the one-dimensional heat-conduction problem. A computationally efficient method is proposed in this work to solve the inverse heat-conduction problem (IHCP) using orthogonal collocation method (OCM). A Kalman filter (KF) algorithm is used in conjunction with a recursive-weighted least-square (RWLS)-based method to simultaneously estimate the input boundary condition and the temperature field over the heat-conducting element. A comparison study of the algorithm is shown with explicit finite-difference method (FDM) of approximation and analytical solution of the forward problem, which clearly reveals the high accuracy with lower-dimensional modeling. The estimation results show that the performance of the estimator is robust to noise sensitivity up to a certain level, which is practically acceptable.
Acoustic intensity near a high-powered military jet aircraft
Authors: Stout Trevor A. , Gee Kent L. , Neilsen Tracianne B. , Wall Alan T. , James Michael M.
Published: July 2015

The spatial variation in vector acoustic intensity has been calculated between 100 and 3000 Hz near a high-performance military aircraft. With one engine of a tethered F-22A Raptor operating at military power, a tetrahedral intensity probe was moved to 27 locations in the geometric near and mid-fields to obtain the frequency-dependent intensity vector field. The angles of the maximum intensity region rotate from aft to sideline with increasing frequency, becoming less directional above 800 Hz. Between 100 and 400 Hz, which are principal radiation frequencies, the ray-traced dominant source region rapidly contracts and moves upstream, approaching nearly constant behavior by 1000 Hz.
Perceptual evaluation of voice source models
Authors: Kreiman Jody , Garellek Marc , Chen Gang , Alwan Abeer , Gerratt Bruce R.
Published: July 2015

Models of the voice source differ in their fits to natural voices, but it is unclear which differences in fit are perceptually salient. This study examined the relationship between the fit of five voice source models to 40 natural voices, and the degree of perceptual match among stimuli synthesized with each of the modeled sources. Listeners completed a visual sort-and-rate task to compare versions of each voice created with the different source models, and the results were analyzed using multidimensional scaling. Neither fits to pulse shapes nor fits to landmark points on the pulses predicted observed differences in quality. Further, the source models fit the opening phase of the glottal pulses better than they fit the closing phase, but at the same time similarity in quality was better predicted by the timing and amplitude of the negative peak of the flow derivative (part of the closing phase) than by the timing and/or amplitude of peak glottal opening. Results indicate that simply knowing how (or how well) a particular source model fits or does not fit a target source pulse in the time domain provides little insight into what aspects of the voice source are important to listeners.
Structural sensing of interior sound for active control of noise in structural-acoustic cavities
Authors: Bagha Ashok K. , Modak S. V.
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a method for structural sensing of acoustic potential energy for active control of noise in a structural-acoustic cavity. The sensing strategy aims at global control and works with a fewer number of sensors. It is based on the established concept of radiation modes and hence does not add too many states to the order of the system. Acoustic potential energy is sensed using a combination of a Kalman filter and a frequency weighting filter with the structural response measurements as the inputs. The use of Kalman filter also makes the system robust against measurement noise. The formulation of the strategy is presented using finite element models of the system including that of sensors and actuators so that it can be easily applied to practical systems. The sensing strategy is numerically evaluated in the framework of Linear Quadratic Gaussian based feedback control of interior noise in a rectangular box cavity with a flexible plate with single and multiple pairs of piezoelectric sensor-actuator patches when broadband disturbances act on the plate. The performance is compared with an “acoustic filter” that models the complete transfer function from the structure to the acoustic domain. The sensing performance is also compared with a direct estimation strategy.
The Effect of Three Knee Brace Styles on Balance Ability
Authors: Bottoni Giuliamarta , Kofler Philipp , Herten Anne Theresa , Hasler Michael , Giger Anton , Nachbauer Werner
Published: July 2015

Knee braces might enhance balance ability by improving joint stabilization or proprioception. We tested the effects of three different knee braces on single-limb balance. There was a significant decrease in the anteroposterior balance ability when participants wore the brace that was described as the most cumbersome or uncomfortable (p = .04). For the other two braces, there was no difference in single-limb balance ability compared with the no brace condition. Comfort and weight of the knee brace might alter somatosensory inputs, which play an important role in balance ability.
The Chronister Protocol: Early Experience With Immediate Immobilization in Flexion and Rapid Return to Play After Acute Lateral Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Chronister Raymond , Balazs George C. , Pickett Adam , Rue John-Paul H. , Keblish David J.
Published: July 2015

Context:

Acute lateral patellar dislocation is a common injury sustained by athletes, and often requires several months to recover and return to play.

Objective:

To describe a novel protocol for the treatment of acute lateral patellar dislocation that returns patients to play far sooner than traditional treatment protocols.

Design:

Case series and review of the literature.

Setting:

Division I NCAA institution.

Patients:

Two collegiate athletes who sustained first-time acute lateral patellar dislocations.

Interventions:

Traditional standard of care for acute lateral patellar dislocation after reduction involves 1–7 weeks of immobilization in full extension. Knee stiffness commonly results from this method, and return to full activity typically takes 2–4 months. We used a protocol involving immobilization in maximal flexion for 24 hr, with early aggressive range of motion and quadriceps strengthening in the first week after injury.

Main Outcome Measures:

Time to return to play.

Results:

Immediate on-site reduction of the patella followed by 24 hr of immobilization in maximal knee flexion was performed. Following an accelerated rehabilitation regimen, patients were able to return to sport an average of 3 days postinjury. Neither patient has experienced a recurrent dislocation.

Conclusions:

Our protocol is based on anatomic studies demonstrating reduced tension on the medial patellofemoral ligament, reduced hemarthrosis, and reduced soft tissue swelling in maximal knee flexion. This method apparently bypasses the knee stiffness and deconditioning commonly seen with traditional nonoperative regimens, allowing return to sport weeks or months sooner.
The Role of Practice on Lacrosse Helmet Facemask Removal Time
Authors: Martinez Daniel C. , Bowman Thomas G. , Boergers Richard J.
Published: July 2015

Facemask removal (FMR) is crucial for immediate treatment of helmeted athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of practice on the time required for lacrosse helmet FMR. Participants removed the facemasks of two helmet models (Cascade CPXR and Warrior Trojan) four times over four weeks with either a cordless screwdriver or pruner. We found a significant interaction for removal tool and time (p < .001). Participants became faster at FMR across the 4 weeks of data collection. We recommend three consecutive weeks of practice to improve FMR speed, though depending on FMR tool, an individual could benefit from additional sessions.
Reliability of a Modified Active Knee Extension Test for Assessment of Hamstring Flexibility
Authors: Connor Siobhán O , McCaffrey Noel , Whyte Enda , Moran Kieran
Published: July 2015

Context:

Hamstring injuries are prevalent among team and field sport athletes, and poor flexibility has been theorized as a risk factor. The active knee extension test has been proposed as the gold standard for assessment of hamstring flexibility. Many variations of this test are employed, each of which utilizes a complex apparatus that is difficult to transport, time-consuming to set up, and often unavailable to most clinicians. Thus, a method that utilizes inexpensive and readily available equipment is needed for screening.

Objective:

To establish the intertester and intratester reliability of a modified active knee extension test that requires minimal equipment.

Design:

Reliability study.

Setting:

Athletic therapy facilities.

Patients or Other Participants:

Fifteen male athletes (19.5 ± 0.6 years) free from any orthopedic or neurological disorders were recruited from a convenience sample of collegiate students.

Intervention(s):

Three testers participated in three training sessions before data collection. Participants completed three trials of the modified active knee extension test and returned the following week at the same time and day to repeat the process.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 95% confidence interval, and the standard error of measurement were calculated to assess inter- and intratester reliability.

Results:

High ICC values were found for intertester reliability (right leg = .98; left leg = .99) and intratester reliability (right leg = .78−.89; left leg = .79−.94).

Conclusions:

The modified active knee extension test utilizes readily available equipment and offers a quick, reliable, and low-cost alternative for measurement of hamstring flexibility.
Feasibility of a Low-Cost, Interactive Gaming System to Assess Balance in Older Women
Authors: Hall Courtney D. , Clevenger Carolyn K. , Wolf Rachel A. , Lin James S. , Johnson Theodore M. , Wolf Steven L.
Published: July 2015

The use of low-cost interactive game technology for balance rehabilitation has become more popular recently, with generally good outcomes. Very little research has been undertaken to determine whether this technology is appropriate for balance assessment. The Wii balance board has good reliability and is comparable to a research-grade force plate; however, recent studies examining the relationship between Wii Fit games and measures of balance and mobility demonstrate conflicting findings. This study found that the Wii Fit was feasible for community-dwelling older women to safely use the balance board and quickly learn the Wii Fit games. The Ski Slalom game scores were strongly correlated with several balance and mobility measures, whereas Table Tilt game scores were not. Based on these findings, the Ski Slalom game may have utility in the evaluation of balance problems in community-dwelling older adults.
Know Thy Cells: Improving Biomedical Research Reproducibility
Authors: Freedman Leonard P.
Published: July 2015

Targeted training and education are critical to change the culture of cell authentication and to accelerate the translation of preclinical research into effective therapies.
Focusing downstream for safer immunotherapy
Authors: Beswick Ellen J.
Published: July 2015

CCL3/CCR1 inhibition shows promise for preventing breast cancer metastasis.
Exercise adaptations: A red herring?
Authors: Lanza Ian R.
Published: July 2015

Patients with type 2 diabetes reap benefits from exercise even if they do not exhibit improved cardiorespiratory fitness.
EPR or no EPR? The billion-dollar question
Authors: Wang Andrew Z.
Published: July 2015

The enhanced permeability effect is shown to be dependent on tumor histology in canine spontaneous tumors.
Wall Teichoic Acid Glycosylation Governs Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization
Authors: Winstel Volker , Kühner Petra , Salomon Ferdinand , Larsen Jesper , Skov Robert , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Peschel Andreas , Weidenmaier Christopher
Published: July 2015

Nasal colonization by the human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
is a major risk factor for hospital- and community-acquired infections. A key factor required for nasal colonization is a cell surface-exposed zwitterionic glycopolymer, termed wall teichoic acid (WTA). However, the precise mechanisms that govern WTA-mediated nasal colonization have remained elusive. Here, we report that WTA GlcNAcylation is a pivotal requirement for WTA-dependent attachment of community-acquired methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) and emerging livestock-associated MRSA to human nasal epithelial cells, even under conditions simulating the nutrient composition and dynamic flow of nasal secretions. Depending on the
S. aureus
strain, WTA O-GlcNAcylation occurs in either α or β configuration, which have similar capacities to mediate attachment to human nasal epithelial cells, suggesting that many
S. aureus
strains maintain redundant pathways to ensure appropriate WTA glycosylation. Strikingly, a lack of WTA glycosylation significantly abrogated the ability of MRSA to colonize cotton rat nares
in vivo
. These results indicate that WTA glycosylation modulates
S. aureus
nasal colonization and may help to develop new strategies for eradicating
S. aureus
nasal colonization in the future.

IMPORTANCE
Nasal colonization by the major human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
is a risk factor for severe endogenous infections and contributes to the spread of this microbe in hospitals and the community. Here, we show that wall teichoic acid (WTA) O-GlcNAcylation is a key factor required for
S. aureus
nasal colonization. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the capacity of WTA to modulate
S. aureus
nasal colonization and may stimulate research activities to establish valuable strategies to eradicate
S. aureus
nasal colonization in high-risk hospitalized patients and in the general community.
Abusive head trauma and accidental head injury: a 20-year comparative study of referrals to a hospital child protection team
Authors: Kelly Patrick , John Simon , Vincent Andrea L , Reed Peter
Published: July 2015

Aim

To describe children referred for suspected abusive head trauma (AHT) to a hospital child protection team in Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods

Comparative review of demographics, histories, injuries, investigations and diagnostic outcomes for referrals under 15 years old from 1991 to 2010.

Results

Records were available for 345 children. Referrals increased markedly (88 in the first decade, 257 in the second), but the diagnostic ratio was stable: AHT 60%, accidental or natural 29% and uncertain cause 11%. The probability of AHT was similar regardless of socio-economic status or ethnicity. In children under 2 years old with accidental head injuries (75/255, 29%) or AHT (180/255, 71%), characteristics of particular interest for AHT included no history of trauma (88/98, 90%), no evidence of impact to the head (84/93, 90%), complex skull fractures with intracranial injury (22/28, 79%), subdural haemorrhage (160/179, 89%) and hypoxic ischaemic injury (38/39, 97%). In children over 2 years old, these characteristics did not differ significantly between children with accidental head injuries (21/47, 45%) and AHT (26/47, 55%). The mortality of AHT was higher in children over 2 years old (10/26, 38%) than under 2 years (19/180, 11%).

Conclusions

The striking increase in referrals for AHT probably represents increasing incidence. The decision to refer a hospitalised child with a head injury for assessment for possible AHT should not be influenced by socio-economic status or ethnicity. Children over 2 years old hospitalised for AHT are usually injured by mechanisms involving impact and should be considered at high risk of death.
Catastrophic chest pain: blinded by cardiopulmonary disease
Authors: Barreiro Timothy John , Asiimwe Denis D , Gemmel David , Brine Patrick
Published: July 2015

A 53-year-old man with a history of diabetic foot ulcer, osteomyelitis, coronary artery disease, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, presented with chest pain of 3 weeks duration. Eleven days earlier, the patient had had a drug-eluting stent (DES) placed in a branch of the right coronary artery (RCA) after similar chest pain, leading to the findings of a positive nuclear stress test. Since discharge, he was not compliant with taking clopidegrel (Plavix), a concern for in-stent thrombosis with recurrent myocardial ischaemia; but work up was negative and medications were restarted. Within 24 h of admission, he developed bilateral flaccid leg weakness, urine retention and loss of sensation from the umbilicus level down. MRI revealed a T4–T6 epidural abscess. Emergent decompression laminectomy and abscess drainage was completed. Neurological symptoms improved hours after surgery with complete resolution of sensory deficits. Cultures grewStreptococcussp., treated with intravenous nafcillin for 8 weeks. He regained leg strength with continued improvement seen in rehabilitation.
Platelet-rich plasma does not enhance return to play in hamstring injuries: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hamilton Bruce , Tol Johannes L , Almusa Emad , Boukarroum Sirine , Eirale Cristiano , Farooq Abdulaziz , Whiteley Rodney , Chalabi Hakim
Published: July 2015

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of a single platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in reducing the return to sport duration in male athletes, following an acute hamstring injury.

Methods

A randomised, three-arm (double-blind for the injection arms), parallel-group trial, in which 90 professional athletes with MRI positive hamstring injuries were randomised to injection with PRP-intervention, platelet-poor plasma (PPP-control) or no injection. All received an intensive standardised rehabilitation programme. The primary outcome measure was time to return to play, with secondary measures including reinjury rate after 2 and 6 months.

Results

The adjusted HR for the PRP group compared with the PPP group was 2.29 (95% CI 1.30 to 4.04) p=0.004; for the PRP group compared with the no injection group 1.48 (95% CI 0.869 to 2.520) p=0.15, and for the PPP group compared with the no injection group 1.57 (95% CI 0.88 to −2.80) p=0.13. The adjusted difference for time to return to sports between the PRP and PPP groups was −5.7 days (95% CI −10.1 to −1.4) p=0.01; between the PRP and no injection groups −2.9 days (95% CI −7.2 to 1.4) p=0.189 and between the PPP and no injection groups 2.8 days (95% CI −1.6 to 7.2) p=0.210. There was no significant difference for the secondary outcome measures. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that there is no benefit of a single PRP injection over intensive rehabilitation in athletes who have sustained acute, MRI positive hamstring injuries. Intensive physiotherapy led rehabilitation remains the primary means of ensuring an optimal return to sport following muscle injury.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01812564.
Exploring the potential impact of rotavirus vaccination on work absenteeism among female administrative personnel of the City of Antwerp through a retrospective database analysis
Authors: Standaert Baudouin , Van de Mieroop Els , Nelen Vera
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Rotavirus vaccination has been reimbursed in Belgium since November 2006 with a high uptake (>85%). Economic analyses of the vaccine have been reported, including estimates of indirect cost gain related to the reduction in work absenteeism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the latter parameter using real-life data.

Design and setting

A simple model estimated the reduction in absent workdays per working mother with a firstborn baby after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. Next, data on work absences were retrospectively analysed (from 2003 to 2012) using a database of administrative employees (n=11 600 working women per year) in the City of Antwerp. Observed reductions in absenteeism after the introduction of the vaccine were compared with the results from the model. These reductions would most likely be observed during the epidemic periods of rotavirus (from January to the end of May) for short-duration absences of ≤5 days. We compared data from outside epidemic periods (from June to December), expecting no changes over time prevaccine and postvaccine introduction, as well as with a control group of women aged 30–35 years with no first child.

Results

Model estimates were 0.73 working days gained per working mother. In the database of the City of Antwerp, we identified a gain of 0.88 working days during the epidemic period, and an accumulated gain of 2.24 days over a 3-year follow-up period. In the control group, no decrease in absenteeism was measured. Giving vaccine access to working mothers resulted in an estimated accumulated net cost gain of €187 per mother.

Conclusions

Reduction in absenteeism among working mothers was observed during periods of the epidemic after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in Belgium. This reduction is in line with estimates of indirect cost gains used in economic evaluations of the rotavirus vaccine.

Trial registration number

HO-12-12768.