bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Control Versus Social Learning: Self-Efficacy for Future Academic Success and Peer Delinquency as Mediators of the Parental Support–Delinquency Relationship
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine whether low self-efficacy for future academic success and peer delinquency mediated the relationship between weak parental support and delinquency, and if so, establish the order of mediation. Members of the Flint (Michigan) Adolescent Study ( N = 850) served as participants in this study, which compared a pathway based on social control principles (weak parental support → low self-efficacy → peer delinquency → participant delinquency) with a pathway based on social learning principles (weak parental support → peer delinquency → low self-efficacy → delinquency). Path analysis was conducted and revealed that the social control pathway was significant, the social learning pathway was nonsignificant, and the difference between the two pathways was significant. These results suggest that low parental support facilitates delinquency, in part, by lowering self-efficacy for future academic success, a component of the larger construct of self-efficacy for conventional behavior, which, in turn, promotes delinquent peer associations. From a theoretical perspective, these results are more consistent with a social control interpretation of the parental support–delinquency relationship than with a social learning interpretation, although aspects of social learning theory were also supported by the results of this study.
Clinical Findings and Neurologic Outcome in Neonatal Encephalopathy With White Matter Injury Accompanied by Rotavirus
Authors: Ku Jae Kyun , Heo Young Jin , Lee Keun Soo , Lee Bo Lyun
Published: February 2018

Our objective was to elucidate the clinical characteristics and neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonatal encephalopathy with characteristic white matter injury as compared with other injury patterns on magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging. We conducted a retrospective study comparing clinical and laboratory findings, and neurologic outcomes between 17 newborns with diffuse lesions in the periventricular white matter and white matter tract (group I) and 22 newborns with other patterns (group II). Stool samples indicated that 16 neonates (94.1%) in group I were rotavirus-positive, whereas none in group II had rotavirus infection. Significantly lower calcium levels were found in group I than in group II ( P < .001). Moreover, a more favorable neurodevelopmental outcome was observed in group I than in group II. This study suggests that characteristic white matter injury in neonatal encephalopathy may be related to decreased calcium levels induced by rotavirus, and may have a better neurodevelopmental prognosis than other causes.
Evaluation of the Utility of a Dietary Therapy Second Opinion Clinic
Authors: Lackey Angelica R. , Turner Zahava , Haney Courtney A. , Stanfield Anthony C. , Kossoff Eric H.
Published: February 2018

Fine-tuning ketogenic diets to achieve better seizure control may influence families to seek second opinions. Since 2009, Johns Hopkins Hospital has provided second opinions for children followed at other ketogenic diet centers. We retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive children seen in this clinic; parents were also sent a 2-page survey. The mean age was 6.6 years and dietary therapy had been used a median 9 months. Seizure reduction >50% was achieved in 65%, including 35% with >90% reduction. Parent questions included how to improve seizure control (65%), ideal diet duration (18%), and confirmation of the plan (11%). The most common recommendations were anticonvulsant reduction (43%), adding oral citrates/calcium/vitamins (38%), and carnitine supplementation (31%). Diet discontinuation was more frequently suggested in those children with <50% seizure reduction (60% vs 20%, P = .001). Recommendations were successful in 78%, and the visit was reported as useful by 88%.
Becoming Homecare Workers: Chinese Immigrant Women and the Changing Worlds of Work, Care and Unionism
Authors: Chun Jennifer Jihye , Cranford Cynthia
Published: February 2018

This article examines how the intersectional dynamics of gender, migration, and labor shape the trajectories of immigrant women into home-based elder care and how unions and community organizations mediate its conditions. Our analysis, which uses interviews with In-Home Supportive Services workers in California’s Oakland Chinatown, shows that the growth of publicly-subsidized homecare jobs has created an occupational opportunity for workers who face restrictive labor markets due to declining factory jobs and discriminatory hiring. Workers acknowledge the daily stress of working in low-paid, precarious jobs characterized by high levels of informality and coercive gender and racial-ethnic dynamics but the quasi-public nature of these jobs complicates a facile depiction of it as domestic servitude. Ethnic community organizations and labor unions open up institutional pathways to empowering forms of collective voice. Our findings contribute to the growing effort to understand how the social organization of care work both draws upon and exacerbates existing inequalities.
Precarity’s Prospect: Contingent Control and Union Renewal in the Retail Sector
Authors: Ikeler Peter
Published: February 2018

Precarity and deunionization have grown up (or down) together. Yet the focus of union renewal scholars on the forms and constituencies of organizing has neglected a holistic appraisal of their connection and the role of work itself. This article uses a focused examination of frontline retail to understand the links between deteriorating job quality, new modes of control and their effects on worker consciousness. Based on qualitative interviews with 75 workers at Macy’s and Target stores, I identify a paradigm of contingent control embodied in precarious employment, routinized tasks, “soft” management and a largely “secondary” workforce. This regime diminishes job identity and opposition but heightens workers’ solidarity, pointing toward a model of community-based industrial unionism that could serve as an organizational vehicle to reverse the growth of precarity.
Freedom Above Things: Nietzsche and the Artistic Critique of Capitalism
Authors: Yeritsian Gary
Published: February 2018

This article has two analytical objectives: to read Nietzsche’s thought as an instance of the ‘artistic critique of capitalism,’ as theorized by Boltanski and Chiapello; and to connect that reading to illustrative historical examples of left-wing movements on which Nietzsche’s artistic critique exerted an influence. It thus brings into question the orthodox Marxist interpretation (associated primarily with Lukács and Mehring) of Nietzsche as a reactionary apologist for imperialism and capitalism. Certainly, Nietzsche’s political philosophy is explicitly elitist and antidemocratic, and thus in no way mounts a ‘social critique’ of the inegalitarianism and exploitation characteristic of modern class society. However, Nietzsche’s opposition to industrial discipline and standardization and his championing of the struggle against generic alienations align him in a profound way with the liberatory impulse of the artistic critique.
Novel copolyimides containing 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-d-mannitol unit Preparation, characterization, thermal, mechanical, soluble, and optical properties
Authors: Mi Zhiming , Liu Zhixiao , Wang Chunbo , Wang Tao , Zhang Zhao , Wang Daming , Zhao Xiaogang , Zhou Hongwei , Zhang Yumin , Chen Chunhai
Published: February 2018

In order to obtain colorless and soluble polyimide films, a dianhydride containing 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-d-mannitol unit, 2,5-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)-1,4:3,6-dianhydromannitol dianhydride (IMDA) was synthesized. And a series of copolyimides were prepared from IMDA, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic anhydride (PMDA), and 4,4′-oxydianiline by adjusting the mole fraction (between IMDA and PMDA) of IMDA from 0% to 100%. It was found that the solubility as well as the transmittance of the copolyimide films enhanced with the increased content of IMDA. Especially, when the content of IMDA was 60% or more, the copolyimides were readily soluble in common polar solvents and could afford flexible, tough, and colorless films with transparency up to 84% at 450 nm, which may be ascribed to the incorporation of the relatively twisted and flexible 1,4:3,6-dianhydro-d-mannitol units into the backbone of copolyimides. Additionally, the influence of IMDA on the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of copolyimides was investigated.
Design principle and modeling method of asymmetric involute internal helical gears
Authors: Shuai Mo , Shuai Ma , Guoguang Jin , Jiabei Gong , Ting Zhang , Shengping Zhu
Published: February 2018

In the field of mechanical engineering, involute helical gears are widely used. Compared with the involute spur gear, helical gears have a high bearing strength, more smooth transmission, less impact and less noise. The internal gear pairs have the features of large transmission ratio, low vibration, low noise and low wear and hence are widely used in planetary gear transmission systems. In order to meet the requirements of high strength, high speed of the modern gear transmission systems, a new type of asymmetric involute internal helical gears is designed based on conventional involute gears. This paper discusses the gear shaper cutter modeling for machining this new gear, analyzes the formation principle of asymmetric tooth profile and establishes a three-dimensional modeling by SolidWorks. Through MATLAB simulation, pressure angle, tooth number, coefficient of displacement and contact ratio of conventional and asymmetric gear are compared and analyzed. Using ANSYS, two types of gears are compared on strength in order to demonstrate superiority of asymmetric tooth and further study about the asymmetric internal helical gears.
Sensitivity analysis-based process stability evaluation for one-of-a-kind production
Authors: Li Pulin , Jiang Pingyu
Published: February 2018

Quality controlling and process stability evaluating for one-of-a-kind production are the key aspects in improving the major technical equipment production capability. However, it is difficult to find the relationships between upstream machining errors and the machining process conditions and the machining quality due to the samples’ insufficiency. A novel sensitivity analysis-based process stability evaluation for one-of-a-kind production is proposed to solve this problem. First, a variation evaluation model for one-of-a-kind production is established. Second, this model will be analyzed, and the safety and real feasible spaces are described with performance distribution analyses. Finally, the process stability index for one-of-a-kind production is calculated by comparing the relationship between the two spaces. Also, a case validates the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is expected that this paper would contribute to the research of innovative QC methods and process stability evaluation of one-of-a-kind production.
Decentralized vibration control of a voice coil motor-based Stewart parallel mechanism: Simulation and experiments
Authors: Tang Jie , Cao Dengqing , Yu Tianhu
Published: February 2018

In pursuit of a better working performance of the precise instruments equipped in spacecraft, vibration control systems are essential for preventing them from being disturbed. This paper studies the decentralized vibration control problems of a voice coil motor-based Stewart parallel mechanism. The Newton–Euler Method is used to formulate the dynamical equations of the Stewart platform in joint space. The decentralized control theory is employed to design the controller for the linearized system. A prototype of the voice coil motor-based Stewart platform was designed and tested to validate the vibration attenuation performance of the decentralized system. The effectiveness of active vibration isolation system is revealed by both the simulation and real-time experiments.
Nonlinear transient analysis of hole-entry journal bearing with constant flow of micropolar fluids
Authors: Budheeja Kamal , Verma Suresh
Published: February 2018

The present work deals with study and analysis of a symmetric hybrid journal bearing compensated with constant flow valve restrictor operating with micropolar fluid from stability point of view. The effect of micropolar parameters on the stability of this journal bearing system is presented on the basis of nonlinear transient model. Finite element method has been used to solve modified Reynolds’ equation for the flow of micropolar fluid through the bearing. Computations are done for the static and dynamic characteristics of hole-entry hybrid journal bearing system. The stability characteristics in terms of critical mass of journal, threshold speed, and frequency of whirl are obtained for journal bearing system operating with Newtonian and micropolar fluids and are compared together. Paths of the journal center in the form of trajectories have also been plotted using the journal center coordinates obtained after solving nonlinear equation of motion by fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to find the stability margin of the considered bearing configuration more precisely and easily. Results indicate that micropolar effect causes significant increase in stability margin of the hybrid journal bearing system especially at higher loads. The results also indicate that lubricant flow through the bearing and type of lubricant should be decided in an appropriate manner for the stability of the constant flow valve compensated hybrid journal bearing system.
A 2D mesh-free simulation of the particle adhesion in a plastic cyclone
Authors: Zhou Yuanye , See Tianlong , Zhong Shan , Liu Zhu , Li Lin
Published: February 2018

Although the particle adhesion is a classic problem in cyclones, it is not clearly understood in previous studies. This study was set out to determine factors affecting the micro-particle adhesion in an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene cyclone by developing a mesh-free simulation method to predict the dynamic motion of a single particle in a 2D horizontal section of the cyclone with the presence of the wall boundary layer. Simulation results showed that the centrifugal force played a minor role on the particle adhesion but it was important on the transportation of the particle. In contrast, the electrostatic force was important on the particle adhesion but it was not important on the transportation of the particle. Moreover, simulation results suggested that the particle adhesion can be reduced by increasing the inlet velocity of the cyclone or by increasing the coefficient of restitution of the particle–wall collision. In contrast, the particle adhesion can be increased by increasing the radius of the cyclone, the particle charge and the coefficient of friction. Furthermore, simulation results on the effect of the inlet velocity and particle charge were validated by experimental results.
Observer-based nonlinear precise control of pneumatic servo systems
Authors: Ramezani Sepehr , Baghestan Keivan
Published: February 2018

Pneumatic systems are used in a wide range of industrial robotic and automation systems due to their interesting properties. However, air compressibility, friction, and the other nonlinear characteristics of a servo pneumatic system are difficulties, which contribute to use modern controllers. Conventional linear controllers face steady-state error and uncertainty. Nonlinear modeling with model-based control is a good choice to deal with this problem. In this paper, behavior equation of flow and pressure, friction, and other nonlinear factors are studied. Afterward to reach precise position tracking and low steady error, sliding mode control is proposed. In this way, measurement of pressures and other states of system is required. To reduce the cost of using pressure sensor, observation of pressure with nonlinear high gain observer is suggested. It was seen that the new proposed approach solved the observability problem of servo pneumatic systems. Pressure signal of each sides of cylinder are observed simultaneously by measurement of piston position. Finally, stability of designed controller is studied in the presence of observed states. Experimental results validate the advantage of using designed controller-observer instead of conventional proportional–integral–derivative controller with different input signals in the presence of high friction actuator.
Experimental and numerical study of the effect of main stage stratifier length on lean blow-out performance for a stratified partially premixed injector
Authors: Yang Jinhu , Liu Cunxi , Liu Fuqiang , Mu Yong , Xu Gang
Published: February 2018

The lean blow-out performance of the pilot flame in a stratified partially premixed injector is studied in this work considering the influence of the main stage stratifier length. Particle image velocimetry and kerosene planar laser-induced fluorescence experiments at nonreacting conditions were carried out to give an explanation of the combustion performance. The evolutions of spray and velocity in space are discussed in detail to find out the inherent correlations of combustion stability, spray distribution, and flow structures. Moreover, special attentions are paid to the variation of primary recirculation zone with the increase of the stratifier length and its driving factors. Specifically, by lengthening the stratifier of the main stage, the primary recirculation zone is enlarged both axially and radially, and this creates an advantageous flow topology for the anchoring of the pilot flame. Finally, the dominating mechanisms for the primary recirculation zone that are responsible for the alteration of the primary recirculation zone size are pointed out with the assistance of computational fluid dynamics.
Mediterranean Textile Company: Negotiating for the Release of Hostages
Authors: Ahmad M. Ghufran , Rasheed Danish
Published: February 2018

Mediterranean Textile Company: Negotiating for the Release of Hostages is a unique case study that touches upon multiple dimensions of the operations of a multinational corporation in foreign countries. The case is structured around a specific issue of negotiating for the release of hostages in the wake of political and economic turmoil during Tahrir Square Revolution 2011 in Egypt. The CEO of Mediterranean Textile Company (MTC), Mr Usman Khan, finds himself perplexed and confused about how to resolve the conflict in his company that had been divided into two factions due to the political crisis. Some managers, mostly Pakistani expatriates, were being kept as hostages by the Egyptian workers who were asking for more lucrative salaries and working terms. How Usman would handle this situation and negotiate with the union representatives will be consequential for MTC.
Posterior tibialis tendon rupture associated with closed medial malleolus fracture and avulsion of anterior talofibular ligament: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Vosoughi Amir Reza , Ravanbod Hamid , Gilheany Mark , Erfani Mohammad Ali , Mozaffarian Kamran
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Traumatic rupture of posterior tibialis tendon in association with medial malleolus fracture is extremely rare.

Case Presentation:

We demonstrate our experience in the management of a complete posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) rupture and anterior talofibular ligament avulsion fracture from the talus in association with medial malleolus fracture in a 30-year-old male motorcyclist without any open wounds.

Discussion:

We believe this to be the first reported injury of this type in the literature. Closed ankle fractures may obscure surrounding tendon rupture and the clinician may be tempted to focus on the osseous injuries rather than the significance of associated soft tissue injures.

Conclusion:

This particular case demonstrates the importance of assessing for PTT injury in situations where high velocity impact to the ankle results in malleolar fracture.
Smart sealing for magnetorheological fluid actuators
Authors: Hegger Christian , Maas Jürgen
Published: February 2018

In automotive and industrial environments, magnetorheological fluid–based applications such as clutches and brakes are gaining continuously more attention. However, one of the serious challenges for their application are drag losses at high shear rates. While viscous losses of the magnetorheological fluid can be eliminated by a magnetorheological fluid movement control based on partially filled shear gaps, commonly utilized sealings also cause drag losses based on dry friction. To overcome these challenges, in this contribution, a novel design of sealings for magnetorheological fluid–based actuators is introduced eliminating the adverse drag losses. The intended sealing is based on the magnetorheological fluid itself, positioned in a sealing gap and exposed to a well-defined magnetic stray field of a permanent magnet to prevent any leakage. To eliminate drag torques, a superimposed functional principle with the magnetorheological fluid movement control is utilized. An analytical and a simulation-based modeling approach is proposed describing the torque behavior of the magnetorheological fluid sealing. In experimental investigations, the drag torque-free operation is proven by showing a lossless operation above a defined rotational speed.
Evaluation of Community Perspectives on National Health Insurance Policy to Health Service Delivery in Ghana
Authors: Aboagye Da Costa , South Jane , Khan Hafiz T. A.
Published: February 2018

This article aims to examine the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) policy from the perspective of local communities. Qualitative data from 9 key informant interviews and 72 community respondents in 9 focus group discussions were analyzed using a thematic network approach. The focus-group discussions took place in seven different communities in seven regions of Ghana. The findings noted a disconnection between NHIS policy and community life. More so, the findings showed an explicit link between equity and access with its impacts on health outcomes. The qualitative results indicated lack of voice and understanding as the features limiting people from accessing the NHIS facilities. Understanding of equity as a key theme revealed, first, lack of stakeholder engagement and consultation or participation in the NHIS decision-making process. Second, it was established that while the policy indicated a will to include all the core poor for an equitable NHIS, there is lack of willingness to implement this aim fully. Finally, despite being a pro-poor intervention by name, practical management of the NHIS is transmitted down vertical silos from the national level, with the lack of joined-up government at the center undermining local partnerships. Thus, not only are national expectations being dashed locally, local expectations are dashed nationally. This article proposes that community viewpoints should be given higher priority given that NHIS has since its inception been associated with medical treatments and biomedical paradigm. Promoting community participation, understanding, and voices should be recognized to shape the future NHIS policy and practice.
Cleft Skeletal Asymmetry
Authors: Patel Delnaz S. , Jacobson Rachel , Duan Yao , Zhao Linping , Morris David , Cohen Mimis N.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To quantitatively measure the extent of 3D asymmetry of the facial skeleton in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using an asymmetry index (AI) approach, and to illustrate the applicability of the index in guiding and measuring treatment outcome.

Method:

Two groups of subjects between the ages of 15 and 20 who had archived CBCT scan were included in this study. Twenty-five patients with complete UCLP were compared with 50 age-matched noncleft subjects. The CBCT scans were segmented and landmarked for 3D anthropometric analysis. An AI was calculated as a quantitative measure of the extent of facial skeletal asymmetry.

Results:

For the control group, the AI ranged from 0.72 ± 0.47 at A point to 4.77 ± 1.59 at Gonion. The degree of asymmetry increased with the increasing laterality of the landmark from the midsagittal plane. In the UCLP group, the values of AI significantly increased compared to the control group at nearly all measured landmarks. The extent of the asymmetry to involve the upper, middle, and lower facial skeleton varied widely with the individual patient with UCLP.

Conclusion:

The asymmetry index is capable of capturing the 3D facial asymmetry of subjects with UCLP and as a basis for classification of the extent of the asymmetry. We found the index to be applicable in surgical planning and in measuring the outcome in improving the symmetry in patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery.
Use of the Sphenoid Flap in Repair of the Wide Cleft Palate
Authors: Khan Khurram , Hardwicke Joseph , Seselgyte Rimante , Morris Paul , Thorburn Guy , Kangesu Loshan , Swan Marc C. , Richard Bruce
Published: February 2018

Objective:

In wide palatal defects, closure of the nasal layer can prove a considerable challenge. Mobilizing nasal flaps posteriorly usually facilitates soft palate closure. However, the defect is often too wide within the hard palate; hence, bilateral vomerine flaps are frequently required. Despite this, there is often a small defect in the nasal layer at the posterior septum (typically equating to the hard-soft palate junction), which has to be left to heal by secondary intention with the resulting increased risk of fistula formation and the potential deleterious long-term effect on speech due to cicatricial migration of the reconstructed levator sling anteriorly. We describe our experience in the use of the sphenoid flap to obtain tension-free primary closure of the nasal layer.

Methods:

A retrospective multi-center study assessing all sphenoid flap procedures undertaken at both Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Key demographic and medical data was collected pre-, peri-, and postoperatively across the 2 sites.

Results:

A total of 66 patients underwent the use of a sphenoid flap to aid closure of the nasal layer. The average age at time of repair was 9.7 months. More than half (55%, n = 36) were isolated cleft palates, and 35% (n = 23) were BCLPs. Forty-two percent of all patients had Robin sequence. The average cleft width was 14.4 mm. The overall fistula rate was 25.8% (n = 17).

Conclusions:

We describe the operative technique, indications, and our experience in the use of the sphenoid flap in wide cleft palate repair.
Association of WNT Pathway Genes With Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip With or Without Cleft Palate
Authors: Vijayan V. , Ummer R. , Weber R. , Silva R. , Letra A.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P) is a common craniofacial anomaly with multifactorial etiology. Evidence suggests that variations in WNT pathway genes contribute to an increased susceptibility to NSCL±P. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of AXIN1, APC, CTNNB1, DVL2, and GSK3β gene variants with NSCL±P in a case-control data set from Brazil.

Patients:

471 individuals with NSCL±P and 504 unrelated control individuals of Caucasian ethnicity.

Design:

Twenty single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in/nearby AXIN1, APC, CTNNB1, DVL2, and GSK3B genes were genotyped using Taqman chemistry in a Viia7 sequence detection instrument. Genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies were compared among NSCL±P patients and controls using Fisher exact test, implemented in PLINK software. The level of significance was established at P ≤.002 under Bonferroni correction. In silico analysis of SNP function was assessed using MirSNP database.

Results:

Significant association was found between GSK3B rs13314595 genotypes and NSCL±P ( P = .0006). Additionally, nominal associations were found between DVL2 (rs35594616) and APC (rs448475) with NSCL±P ( P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). SNP haplotypes for GSK3B and APC genes showed nominal associations with NSCL±P ( P < .05). In silico analysis predicted that APC rs448475 harbors a binding site for the microRNA miR-617 and that the switch from a G allele to C allele enhances binding, whereas DVL2 rs35594616 did not appear to harbor microRNA-binding sites.

Conclusion:

This study shows for the first time the association between GSK3B and NSCL±P and confirms the role of additional WNT pathway genes as candidates for NSCL±P.
A Novel Treatment of Nasal Stenosis Using Steel Gauging Earrings
Authors: Le Julie , Adams Nicholas S. , Girotto John A. , Polley John W. , Mann Robert J.
Published: February 2018

Nasal stenosis is an uncommon and challenging deformity. Most common etiologies for nasal stenosis include congenital, iatrogenic, trauma, and infection. Repair techniques typically include tissue replacement with grafts or flaps with subsequent stent placement. These procedures often require general anesthesia and carry high rates of restenosis. We describe a case of a 10-year-old girl with Teebi syndrome and iatrogenic nasal stenosis who underwent successful nasal dilation with inexpensive, minimally invasive steel gauge earrings.
Primer on State Statutory Mandates of Third-Party Orthodontic Coverage for Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Care in the United States
Authors: Pfeifauf Kristin D. , Snyder-Warwick Alison , Skolnick Gary B. , Naidoo Sybill D. , Nissen Richard J. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: February 2018

Provision and timing of orthodontic treatment is a crucial part of comprehensive cleft palate and craniofacial care. Some states statutorily mandate orthodontic coverage for the medically necessary care of cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies. However, application of the medically necessary standard varies broadly. Disputes over medical necessity lead to orthodontic coverage denials and surgical intervention delays. Provider-friendly statutory definitions of medical necessity enable patients and providers to avoid such hurdles. The objective of this study is to evaluate state mandates and highlight language favorable to patients and providers.
The Significance of Uvula After Palatoplasty
Authors: Elsherbiny Ahmed , Mazeed Ahmed S. , Saied Samia , Grant John H.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

This study aims to examine the importance of the uvula as a part of palatoplasty outcome and to assess the aesthetic results of the conventional versus a new technique for uvuloplasty.

Design/Participants:

The study included 2 groups of patients undergoing palatoplasty. Group I consisted of 20 cleft palate patients repaired with the conventional uvula repair, combining the 2 hemi-uvulae. Group II consisted of 20 patients repaired with our new technique, sacrificing one hemi-uvula and centralizing the remaining one. The aesthetic outcome was assessed in both groups. A questionnaire was distributed to the families of both groups to assess their concern about the uvula after palate repair.

Setting:

Cleft unit at a tertiary care center.

Results:

Sixty-five percent of parents considered the uvula as important functionally and aesthetically after palate repair whereas 35% either did not care or were not sure about its importance. Results of the aesthetic outcome of the 2 techniques for uvula reconstruction showed that uvula was absent in 4 cases in group I versus 1 in group II ( P > .05), small in 8 cases of group I versus 4 in group II ( P > .05), bifid in 5 cases of group I versus none in group II ( P < .05), became deviated in no case of group I versus 4 in group II ( P > .05), and was satisfactory in 3 cases of group I versus 11 in group II ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Among the respondents, the uvula was a significant concern to the parents of cleft patients and should be given more attention during repair. The described technique had better aesthetic outcome over the conventional one of combining the 2 hemi-uvulae.
The Temporal Region in Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Masserano Benjamin , Woo Albert S. , Skolnick Gary B. , Naidoo Sybill D. , Proctor Mark R. , Smyth Matthew D. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To compare postoperative temporal expansion in patients treated with fronto-orbital advancement or endoscopy-assisted craniectomy with cranial orthotic therapy.

Design:

This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients with unilateral coronal craniosynostosis (UCS).

Setting:

Computed tomographic (CT) scans were drawn from UCS patients treated at Boston Children’s Hospital or St Louis Children’s Hospital.

Patients:

The study included 56 patients with UCS after fronto-orbital advancement (n = 32) or endoscopic repair (n = 24) and 10 age-matched controls.

Intervention:

Fronto-orbital advancement entails a craniotomy of the frontal bone and superior orbital rim followed by reshaping and forward advancement. Endoscopic repair is the release of the synostotic suture and guidance of further growth of the cranium using a molding orthotic.

Main Outcome Measures:

Measures included posterior temporal width, anterior temporal width, orbital width, and anterior cranial fossa area taken preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Linear regression was performed to assess 1 year postoperative improvement in symmetry; covariates included preoperative symmetry and type of surgery.

Results:

Both treatments showed improvement in orbital width and anterior cranial fossa area symmetry 1 year postoperatively ( P < .001), but no significant improvement in posterior or anterior temporal width symmetry. Linear regression revealed no difference between the 2 procedures in any of the 4 measurements (.096 ≤ P ≤ .898).

Conclusions:

Fronto-orbital advancement and endoscopic repair show equivalent outcomes 1 year postoperatively in all 3 width measurements and anterior cranial fossa area. Neither procedure produced significant improvement in temporal width.
Safety and Efficacy Concerns of Autologous Fat Grafting for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Phua Yun S. , Edmondson Mark J. , Kerr Rachel J. , Macgill Kirstie A. , Teixeira Rodrigo P. , Burge Jonathan A.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Autologous fat grafting of the velopharynx has been well described for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), with most studies purporting it as a technique with low morbidity useful in the treatment of mild VPI. Prompted by 3 cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) following fat grafting of the velopharynx, we undertook a review of the outcomes of this procedure at our unit.

Design:

Retrospective case series.

Participants:

All patients who underwent autologous fat grafting for VPI at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.

Main Outcome Measures:

Preoperative nasendoscopy findings, perceptual speech assessment results, and rates of revisional surgery and complications.

Results:

Twenty-eight patients were included in the study. Three patients (11%) developed severe OSA requiring removal of the grafted fat. In a subanalysis of cleft patients, there was a reported improvement in hypernasality in 63% though only 25% had complete resolution of their hypernasality. Patients who had an improvement in speech were more likely to have a velopharyngeal gap of less than 0.5 cm2 on preoperative nasendoscopy. All 3 patients who developed OSA had syndromes associated with hypotonia.

Conclusions:

This study raises serious concerns over the safety and efficacy of fat grafting for VPI. Overall, there was a relatively high complication rate with generally poor speech results in our series of patients. Stringent criteria should be used to select candidates for fat grafting, namely, a velopharyngeal gap less than 0.5 cm2 and the absence of a syndrome associated with hypotonia.
Space Hardware Advanced Manufacturing Engineering: SHAME to miss out on a potential game changer?
Authors: Pambaguian Laurent , van Schreven Eleonie , Roma Ilaria
Published: February 2018

Advanced Manufacturing is widely used with features and applications playing a game changing role in our daily life. The European Space Agency has initiated in April 2016 a multi-disciplinary approach exploring the impact of infusing Advanced Manufacturing into space practices. A Concurrent Design Facility study was performed investigating potential design methodology amendments produced by introducing Advanced Manufacturing techniques into the design space. Innovative materials and processes were added to the conventional design parameters usually populating the systems design trade-spaces. This enabled multifunctional solutions, previously inconceivable, with a redefinition of interfaces and related requirements, shifted from ‘discipline’ boundaries to ‘units’ or ‘assembly’ boundaries. The Concurrent Design Facility Study identified the core domains of expertise required in a ‘Design for Advanced Manufacturing’ frame, governed by a flexible, open-minded systems engineering coordination. Early involvement of material and process engineers in the design proved to be an essential ingredient of the ‘Design for Advanced Manufacturing’ recipe. The design freedom brought by Advanced Manufacturing calls for unconventional design solutions, creativity becomes a need and infusion from non-space is invaluable. Biomimicry and architecture principles enriched the concurrent design environment, which proved to be very well suited with the needs and objectives of the new design methodology. This article reports the Concurrent Design Facility study conduct, as first attempt to understand Advanced Manufacturing impact on design methodology, the study cases selected for analysis, the observations on the methodology and on the interactions among the specialists in the team. The study outcome is reported, including an overview of benefits, disadvantages and points for further investigation in relation to the study cases assessed. In addition, the paper proposes recommendations for injecting Advanced Manufacturing into the project life cycle, from early design up to procurement phases and ultimately to the assembly, integration and verification phases, indicating required modelling tools, technologies and redefined engineering roles and expertise.
Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis vs Corticosteroid Infiltration for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciosis
Authors: Iborra-Marcos Álvaro , Ramos-Álvarez Juan José , Rodriguez-Fabián Guillermo , Del Castillo-González Federico , López-Román Antonio , Polo-Portes Carlos , Villanueva-Martínez Manuel
Published: February 2018

Background:

Corticosteroid infiltration (CI) is commonly used for treatment of plantar fasciosis. In recent years, however, interest has grown in the use of intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI) for the treatment of tendinopathies. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of the above techniques in the treatment of plantar fasciosis.

Methods:

The results achieved over a period of 1 year following the use of these techniques to treat plantar fasciosis were examined. There were 64 patients; 32 of whom were treated with ultrasound-guided EPI and 32 with ultrasound-guided CI. A clinical examination was performed and ultrasound taken before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Clinical assessments were made using a visual analog scale (VAS) to record pain and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) to evaluate function. Ultrasound was used to determine the thickness of the plantar fascia.

Results:

Both the ultrasound-guided EPI and CI techniques were associated with significant clinical and echographic improvements at 12 months post-treatment ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Both techniques were effective in the treatment of PF, providing excellent VAS pain and FADI results at 12 months. However, CI required fewer patient visits and appeared to provide somewhat better VAS and FADI results.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
A thermoelastoplastic theory for special Cosserat rods
Authors: Smriti  , Kumar Ajeet , Großmann Alexander , Steinmann Paul
Published: February 2018

A general framework is presented to model coupled thermoelastoplastic deformations in the theory of special Cosserat rods. The use of the one-dimensional form of the energy balance in conjunction with the one-dimensional entropy balance allows us to obtain an additional equation for the evolution of a temperature-like one-dimensional field variable, together with constitutive relations for this theory. Reduction to the case of thermoelasticity leads us to the well-known nonlinear theory of thermoelasticity for special Cosserat rods. Later on, additive decomposition is used to separate the thermoelastic part of the strain measures of the rod from their plastic counterparts. We then present the most general quadratic form of the Helmholtz energy per unit undeformed length for both hemitropic and transversely isotropic rods. We also propose a prototype yield criterion in terms of forces, moments, and hardening stress resultants, as well as associative flow rules for the evolution of plastic strain measures and hardening variables.
Differential quasivariational inequalities in contact mechanics
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Sofonea Mircea
Published: February 2018

We consider a new class of differential quasivariational inequalities, i.e. a nonlinear system that couples a differential equation with a time-dependent quasivariational inequality, both defined on abstract Banach spaces. We state and prove a general fixed principle that provides the existence and the uniqueness of the solution of the system. Then we consider a relevant particular setting for which our abstract result holds. We proceed with two examples that arise in Contact Mechanics. For each example, we describe the physical setting, the mathematical model and the assumption on the data. Then we state the variational formulation of each model, which is in the form of a differential quasivariational inequality. Finally, we apply our abstract results to provide the unique weak solvability of the corresponding contact problems.
Effect of thyme and oregano essential oils on the shelf life of salmon and seaweed burgers
Authors: Dolea D , Rizo A , Fuentes A , Barat JM , Fernández-Segovia I
Published: February 2018

The effect of different essential oils on the quality and shelf life of fish and seaweed burgers during storage was evaluated. For this purpose, thyme and oregano essential oils were selected at a concentration of 0.05% (v/w). Three types of salmon and seaweed burgers were prepared: without essential oil, burgers with red thyme essential oil (0.05% (v/w)) and burgers with oregano essential oil (0.05% (v/w)), which were vacuum packaged and stored at 4 ℃ for 17 days. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out periodically throughout storage. The addition of both essential oils did not have any effect on the evolution of the pH, the moisture content or texture parameters. Only the thyme essential oil managed to slightly slow down the increase of total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine nitrogen. The samples with oregano essential oil and especially those with thyme essential oil showed minor oxidation. The salmon and seaweed burgers without essential oils and those which contained oregano essential oil showed a faster increase of mesophilic counts than those which had thyme essential oil, but no noticeable improvement was observed in the shelf life of the burgers with thyme essential oil. To improve the shelf life of the fish and seaweed burgers, it would be necessary to increase the concentration of both essential oils.
Fuel for Life: A Literature Review of Nutrition Education and Assessment Among Older Adults Living at Home
Authors: Astrup Carolyn , O’Connor Melissa
Published: February 2018

Nutrition is often considered the foundation of health and an important indicator of well-being. Older adults living in the community are particularly at high risk of poor nutrition due to social isolation, frailty, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, reduced functional status, and financial instability. Older adults receiving skilled home health may also be at risk for poor nutrition as the Outcomes Assessment Information Set (OASIS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services–mandated home health assessment, does not contain items specifically related to nutrition assessment, leaving this important aspect of health potentially neglected. In the popular and empirical literature, there is a plethora of knowledge on what older adults should be eating. However, it is unclear how nutritional recommendations are provided to home health recipients and whether nutritional status is routinely included in the home health comprehensive assessment. To address this gap, we conducted a review of the literature related to nutritional education and assessment for older adults living at home. Databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched using the search terms nutrition, education, assessment, and older adults with eight studies eligible for inclusion. Results indicate several strategies to assess and improve nutritional status among older adults living in the community such as individualized nutrition counseling and the identification of malnutrition indicators. Furthermore, barriers to adequate nutrition education and assessment exist including home health care personnel, particularly nurses and home health aides, who feel ill-prepared to meet the educational needs identified. Additional research and wide dissemination of results are needed to assure the nutritional needs of older adults living in the community are met.
Pavement Condition and Residential Property Values: A Spatial Hedonic Price Model for Solano County, California
Authors: Seo Kihwan , Salon Deborah , Shilling Fraser , Kuby Michael
Published: February 2018

Transportation agencies invest billions of dollars every year in resurfacing roadways, ostensibly to improve the travel experience. When locally funded, one justification for increased expenditure on the pavement surface is that it could increase property values. We evaluated this approach directly, using hedonic regression to estimate the relationship between pavement condition and residential property value in Solano County, California. We hypothesized that improving pavement condition would positively affect property values in two ways: directly as an indicator of neighborhood blight and indirectly through its effect on traffic conditions and noise. We estimated this relationship for the County as a whole and for each city within the County, controlling for spatial autocorrelation. The estimated relationship is small in magnitude and often not statistically significant. Although there are certainly reasons to improve pavement condition, our results suggest that increasing property value may not be one of them.
Using the Virtual–Representational–Abstract Approach to Support Students With Intellectual Disability in Mathematics
Authors: Bouck Emily C. , Park Jiyoon , Shurr Jordan , Bassette Laura , Whorley Abbie
Published: February 2018

Mathematics education is an important but underexplored area of research for secondary students with mild intellectual disability. In this multiple probe across behaviors replicated across two participants study, the researchers explored the effectiveness of the virtual–representational–abstract (VRA) instructional sequence to support two students’ acquisition of three mathematical behaviors. Each student was able to acquire his or her three mathematical behaviors (i.e., place value, single-digit addition with regrouping, subtraction with regrouping, and single-digit multiplication) following instruction with the VRA sequence. However, each student struggled with maintenance with at least one behavior. Implications for practice relative to the VRA instructional sequence are discussed.