bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Simulated Game on Upper Extremity Pitching Mechanics and Muscle Activations Among Various Pitch Types in Youth Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Oliver Gretchen D. , Plummer Hillary , Henning Lisa , Saper Michael , Glimer Gabrielle , Brambeck Allison , Andrews James R. 
Published: March 2017

Background:
Throwing requires proper stability and orientation of the pelvis and scapula for efficient energy transfer during pitching. Fatigue of the pelvis and scapular musculature throughout the course of a game can impair pitching performance, and place excessive demands on the throwing arm leading to injury. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in pelvis, torso, and upper extremity pitching mechanics and muscle activations between the fastball, change-up, and curveball pitches in youth baseball pitchers following a simulated game.

Methods:
Fourteen youth baseball pitchers with no history of injury participated. Pitching mechanics were collected using an electromagnetic tracking system. Surface electromyography data were collected on the bilateral gluteus medius and maximus; and throwing arm side latissimus dorsi, lower trapezius, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. Participants were instructed to throw maximum effort pitches during a simulated game that provided random game situations similar to those that occur in competition. Participants were limited to 85 pitches based on age-restricted pitch counts. Data from 3 fastballs, curveballs, and change-ups thrown in the first and last innings were selected for analysis.

Results:
Repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance revealed that neither pitch type nor the effect of a simulated game resulted in statistically significant changes in pitching mechanics (F
(10,600)=0.55, P=0.85), or muscle activations (pelvic: F
(4,195)=0.07, P=0.85; scapular: F
(4,118)=0.09, P=0.52).

Conclusions:
The principle findings of this study revealed that pitching to the age-restricted pitch count limit did not result in altered pitching mechanics or muscle activations, and no differences occurred between the 3 pitches. These results support previous research that indicate the curveball pitch is no more dangerous for youth than the other pitches commonly thrown. This is supported by the pitcher’s ability to maintain a proper arm slot during all 3 pitches and indicates that they are obtaining the spin on the ball from their grip and not by altering upper extremity mechanics.

Level of Evidence:
Level 5.
The Septic Shock 3.0 Definition and Trials: A Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial Experience*
Authors: Russell James A. , Lee Terry , Singer Joel , Boyd John H. , Walley Keith R. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives:
The Septic Shock 3.0 definition could alter treatment comparisons in randomized controlled trials in septic shock. Our first hypothesis was that the vasopressin versus norepinephrine comparison and 28-day mortality of patients with Septic Shock 3.0 definition (lactate > 2 mmol/L) differ from vasopressin versus norepinephrine and mortality in Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial. Our second hypothesis was that there are differences in plasma cytokine levels in Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial for lactate less than or equal to 2 versus greater than 2 mmol/L.

Design:
Retrospective analysis of randomized controlled trial.

Setting:
Multicenter ICUs.

Methods:
We compared vasopressin-to-norepinephrine group 28- and 90-day mortality in Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial in lactate subgroups. We measured 39 cytokines to compare patients with lactate less than or equal to 2 versus greater than 2 mmol/L.

Patients:
Patients with septic shock with lactate greater than 2 mmol/L or less than or equal to 2 mmol/L, randomized to vasopressin or norepinephrine.

Interventions:
Concealed vasopressin (0.03 U/min.) or norepinephrine infusions.

Measurements and Main Results:
The Septic Shock 3.0 definition would have decreased sample size by about half. The 28- and 90-day mortality rates were 10–12 % higher than the original Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial mortality. There was a significantly (p = 0.028) lower mortality with vasopressin versus norepinephrine in lactate less than or equal to 2 mmol/L but no difference between treatment groups in lactate greater than 2 mmol/L. Nearly all cytokine levels were significantly higher in patients with lactate greater than 2 versus less than or equal to 2 mmol/L.

Conclusions:
The Septic Shock 3.0 definition decreased sample size by half and increased 28-day mortality rates by about 10%. Vasopressin lowered mortality versus norepinephrine if lactate was less than or equal to 2 mmol/L. Patients had higher plasma cytokines in lactate greater than 2 versus less than or equal to 2 mmol/L, a brisker cytokine response to infection. The Septic Shock 3.0 definition and our findings have important implications for trial design in septic shock.
Intrapatient Variability in the Pharmacokinetics of Etanercept Maintenance Treatment
Authors: van Bezooijen Ji S. , Schreurs Marco W. J. , Koch Birgit C. P. , Velthuis Henk te , van Doorn Martijn B. A. , Prens Errol P. , van Gelder Teun 
Published: March 2017

Aim:
Etanercept has shown to mediate a favorable effect on immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), including plaque psoriasis. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of etanercept could improve clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness. A high intrapatient variability (IPV) of etanercept trough concentrations at standard dosing would reduce the feasibility of therapeutic drug monitoring. Studies have focused on the interpatient differences associated with the exposure to biologics. The aim of this study was to determine IPV of etanercept and correlate etanercept trough concentrations and IPV with treatment response.

Methods:
Repetitive serum samples of 29 psoriasis patients on standard etanercept maintenance treatment were collected. In these samples, etanercept trough concentrations were determined and IPV was assessed in relation to response to treatment.

Results:
The median IPV of etanercept trough concentrations was 33.7% (Q1 = 21.3% and Q3 = 51.7%) ranging from 8% to 155%. All 6 nonresponders showed an IPV at or above the median value of 33.7%. The 6 nonresponders showed a higher IPV as compared to the 23 responders (53.9% versus 24.2%; P = 0.031). The mean etanercept trough concentration for each patient ranged from 0.7 to 6.8 mcg/mL, with a median trough concentration of 2.7 mcg/mL. Patients with an IPV above the median had lower mean etanercept trough concentrations compared to patients with an IPV below the median (1.96 mcg/mL, 95% CI, 1.7–2.4 versus 3.2 mcg/mL, 95% CI, 2.7–4.0; P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
The median IPV of etanercept trough concentrations in this study population was 33.7%. A higher IPV was correlated with lower etanercept trough concentrations and with nonresponsiveness. Prospective trials are required to demonstrate the value of adjusting the etanercept dose based on drug trough concentrations. The relatively high IPV observed in this study may complicate therapeutic drug monitoring.
PREDICTING VISUAL OUTCOMES OF SECOND EYE VITRECTOMY FOR PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Sulak Marko , Urbancic Mojca , Petrovic Mojca Globocnik 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To investigate predictive factors for visual outcome in the second operated eye of patients undergoing bilateral vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Methods:
Clinical records of 55 patients undergoing bilateral vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy at the University Eye Hospital Ljubljana between January 2009 and December 2014 were examined retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed to identify variables associated with good visual outcomes.

Results:
Mean preoperative visual acuity was 6/181 Snellen (1.48 ± 0.47 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR]). The follow-up period after vitrectomy was at least 1 year and mean postoperative visual acuity improved to 6/31 Snellen (0.71 ± 0.62 logMAR). On univariate analysis, variables predicting good postoperative vision (6/12 Snellen or better) were the following: absence of macular detachment (P = 0.009), previously performed full panretinal laser (P = 0.03), and good vision in the previously vitrectomized fellow eye (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the absence of macular detachment (P = 0.001) and good vision in the previously vitrectomized fellow eye (P < 0.001) were both independently associated with good visual outcome.

Conclusion:
In patients undergoing second eye vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the visual acuity of previously operated fellow eye and the presence of macular detachment in the eye due for vitrectomy may be strong independent predicting factors for visual outcome.
OUTER RETINAL LAYER THICKNESS AS GOOD VISUAL PREDICTOR IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA
Authors: Eliwa Tamer F. , Hussein Mahdi A. , Zaki Mohamed A. , Raslan Osama A. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the relationship between outer retinal layer (ORL) thickness in diabetic macular edema to visual acuity (VA).

Methods:
Ninety-five eyes were included in this prospective nonrandomized case–control study. They divided into 30 cases of healthy normal subjects and 65 cases of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with diabetic macular edema. Complete ophthalmic examination and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography were done for all cases and analyzed to measure central foveal point thickness (CFT), ORL thickness at fovea, and subfoveal choroidal thickness.

Results:
The ORL thickness was significantly thinner in diabetic macular edema group (85.3 μm) than controls (99.9 μm) (P = 0.002). There was higher significant correlation between ORL thickness and logMAR VA (r = −0.87, P < 0.001) than correlation between CFT and VA (r = 0.18, P = 0.16). The cutoff point of the relationship between ORL thickness and VA was 88 μm with moderate sensitivity (81%) and high specificity (88%), below which vision is affected. Outer retinal layer thickness is significantly related to subfoveal choroidal thickness but not CFT.

Conclusion:
This study revealed reduction in ORL thickness in diabetic macular edema. There is a higher and stronger correlation between ORL thickness and vision than that between CFT and vision.
Region-Specific Changes in Postlens Fluid Reservoir Depth Beneath Small-Diameter Scleral Lenses Over 2 Hours
Authors: Nau Cherie B. , Schornack Muriel M. 
Published: March 2017

Objectives:
Scleral lenses settle on the eye with time, and the depth of the postlens fluid reservoir decreases. We measured changes in central, superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal clearance beneath a small-diameter scleral lens after 2 hr of lens wear in healthy eyes.

Methods:
Thirty-one participants (age, mean±SD, 29±7 years) with no history of eye disease or scleral lens wear were fitted with a 15-mm scleral lens in 1 eye. Scheimpflug images were acquired by a camera system within 5 min of lens placement and again after 2 hr of continuous lens wear. The central cornea was located in both horizontal and vertical meridians, and lens clearance was measured at that point. Lens clearance was also measured 2 mm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the center of the cornea.

Results:
After 2 hr of lens wear, central clearance was reduced 46% (mean [SD], from 227 [77] to 122 [61] μm; P<0.001). Superior clearance was reduced 48% (from 168 [62] to 87 [61] μm); inferior clearance, 54% (from 241 [82] to 111 [55] μm); temporal clearance, 45% (from 224 [79] to 124 [74] μm); and nasal clearance, 52% (from 166 [73] to 80 [49] μm) (P<0.001 for all). Statistically significant decreases in clearance were noted at all points assessed after 2 hr of lens wear.

Conclusions:
Fluid reservoir depth beneath small-diameter scleral lenses decreased nearly 50% after 2 hr of lens wear in normal eyes.
Management of integrated workplace concepts at multiple locations
Authors: Ekstrand Mari , Damman Sigrid 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This study aims to provide insight into how the implementation and management of an integrated workplace concept (IWC) in multiple office locations are affected by local management practices and other contextual and cultural aspects.

Design/methodology/approach
A triangulated case study design was applied to evaluate an on-going process to roll out a new branch office concept. The core method was semi-structured interviewing.

Findings
The findings indicate that when an IWC meets different local cultures and realities, the concept and its different aspects may transform in different directions – ultimately affecting concept interconnectedness and strategic value. The findings further suggest that the concept’s socio-material implications vary between locations and actors at different levels. For IWCs to serve strategic aims, they must be continuously aligned and re-aligned with changing organisational strategies.

Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in one organisation. Additional empirical research, investigating implementation and management of different concepts in different organisational contexts, is needed to provide more definite conclusions and to develop guidelines for design, implementation and decision-making.

Practical implications
The findings highlight the importance of applying an iterative process approach in implementation and management of IWCs. Such an approach is essential for striking the right balance between standardisation and local adaptation, and for aligning the concept with organisational strategies.

Originality/value
Although much has been written on IWCs, the role of culture and social negotiations in the implementation and operations phase is often neglected.
Small family grocers’ inherent advantages over chain stores: a review
Authors: Srichookiat Sanit , Jindabot Teerasak 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
As a result of the growth of the modernization of retailing, small family grocers have suffered because of the disadvantages of their limited operating resources in comparison to those of corporate chain retailers. The purpose of this paper is to use the biological analogy of natural selection to illustrate how the idea of retail coexistence rather than mutually exclusive competition can work to the benefit of small family grocers. The inherent differences between chain retailers and small family grocers are examined and their inherent advantages identified. The appropriate strategies for small family grocers toward the particular market are then proposed.

Design/methodology/approach
The review of literature is implemented through the lens of biological analogy to identify the inherent advantages of small family grocers over chain retailers. Resource-advantage (R-A) theory is then incorporated to explain the synthesized framework.

Findings
Size and operational orientation are identified as the inherent differences that small family grocers can utilize to gain some inherent advantages over chain retailers in relation to the proposed segments. The establishment of a personal relationship with the customer is the key inherent advantage that is naturally facilitated by the individual orientation of the small family grocer. Within R-A theory, inherent advantage is seen as a special case of a comparative advantage in resources.

Originality/value
The different viewpoint inspired by the biological analogy that permits small family grocers to shift their mindset from retail competition to retail coexistence and to re-examine their own inherent advantages to serve the heterogeneous demand of consumers.
Understanding the metrosexual and spornosexual as a segment for retailers
Authors: Mitchell Vincent Wayne , Lodhia Amar 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
With retailers selling products to and even opening stores for metrosexuals, they are now well recognised in many western countries; however, market sizing, measurement and understanding their psychology remain understudied. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and operationalise the metrosexual lifestyle and examine a number of its psychological correlates.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey with two samples, a scale is developed to measure metrosexuality and validated using structural equation modelling.

Findings
Metrosexuality was found to have three dimensions: trendiness, concern with appearance, and use of grooming practices, while its antecedents of gender-identity confusion and narcissism are mediated by masculinity and vanity. Metrosexuality is associated with lower levels of masculinity, but not with increased femininity and is slightly associated with homosexual orientation.

Research limitations/implications
One of the theoretical implications of the new metrosexuality scale is that it may be incorporated in the general theories of lifestyle and consumption, extended self-concept as well as aesthetic motivations of consumption.

Practical implications
On a practical level, a scale to measure their metrosexuality can be used to help retailers to measure and track the size for forecasting and targeting purposes as well as allowing retailers to better design environments and products for this market.

Originality/value
No study has previously attempted to devise a scale to measure metrosexuality nor seek to establish if there is any psychological substance behind the media hype by looking quantitatively at its psychological antecedents. This study is the first to define, measure and validate a scale for metrosexuality and contributes to an understanding of individuals who are an increasing part of society.
Tribological performance of low blend decanter cake biodiesel
Authors: Lee Shing Chuan , Tamaldin Noreffendy , Abdollah Mohd Fadzli Bin 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the tribological performance of the decanter cake feedstock biodiesel which was blended in 5 and 10 per cent volume with petroleum diesel.

Design/methodology/approach
The tribological performance of the decanter cake biodiesel was tested using the modified ASTM D4172 standard with temperature range from 300°C to 750°C and load range from 392 to 981 N while spindle speed is at 1,200 rpm.

Findings
At 5 per cent volume of biodiesel, friction reduced ranging from 10 to 45 per cent at all temperature and load ranges, whereas specific wear rate reduced ranging from 22 to 29 per cent at low load and 4 per cent to 15 per cent at high load for all temperature ranges. Addition up to 10 per cent volume of biodiesel reduced friction ranging from 10 to 35 per cent at all temperature and load ranges, whereas specific wear rate reduced ranging from 15 to 29 per cent only at low load for all temperature ranges.

Practical implications
The standardised test may not represent the actual condition of a real running diesel engine.

Originality/value
Because the lubricity of biodiesel was difficult to determine in a real running engine, this paper provided a standardised test for simplification.
Corrosion investigation of Co–Ni–Fe-coated mild steel electrodeposited at different current densities and deposition times
Authors: Koay Mei Hyie , Tukiran Mohd Adham Akmal , Mohd Halidi Siti Nur Amalina , Che Murad Mardziah , Salleh Zuraidah , Yusoff Hamid 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of current density on the surface roughness and corrosion performance of electrodeposited Co–Ni–Fe-coated mild steel. Process variables are the key factor in controlling the electrodeposition process. It is important to study the processing parameter to optimize the mechanical and corrosion resistance performance of the coating substrate.Design/methodology/approachA low-cost electrodeposition method was used to the synthesize Co–Ni–Fe coating on the mild steel substrate. In the electrodeposition, electrochemistry concept was applied. The temperature of the process was controlled at 50 ± 5°C in an acidic environment. The influence of current density (11, 22 and 33 mA/cm2) and deposition time (15, 20 and 30 min) toward the surface roughness, hardness and corrosion rate was investigated.FindingsThe increases of time deposition and current density have improved the microhardness and corrosion resistance of Co–Ni–Fe-coated mild steel. The Co–Ni–Fe nanoparticles deposited at 30 min and current density of 33 mA/cm2experienced the smallest surface roughness value (Ra). The same sample also obtained the highest Vickers microhardness of 122.6 HV and the lowest corrosion rate. This may be due to the homogenous and complete protection coating performed on the mild steel.Practical implicationsThe findings from the study are important for future application of Co–Ni–Fe on the mild steel parts such as fasteners, car body panels, metal chains, wire ropes, engine parts, bicycle rims, nails and screws and various outdoor uses. The improvement of corrosion resistance using optimum electrodeposition parameters is essential for these applications to prolong the life span of the parts.Originality/valueA new process which pertains to fabrication of Co–Ni–Fe as a protective coating on mild steel was proposed. The Co–Ni–Fe coating can enhance the corrosion protection and thus prolong the lifespan of the mild steel parts.
Do country sizes matter? What motivates China’s trade decision in Southern Africa?
Authors: Igbinoba Emmanuel 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to test the political-economy hypothesis that country sizes are related with constraints associated with Chinese trade.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a generalized linear mixed approach on panel data of Southern African (henceforth SADC) economies from 2001 to 2014 to observe common Chinese trade patterns among SADC countries.FindingsEmpirical results support the hypothesis that structural differences exist and smaller SADC countries are disadvantaged in their trade relations with China.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is exploratory by nature. Its scope and the depth of analysis is constrained by data availability.Originality/valueThe manuscript has been approved by the author and has never been published, or has been considered for publication elsewhere.