bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Geometry on Rotordynamic Coefficients of Brush Seal
Authors: Wei Yuan , Dowell Earl H. , Chen Zhaobo , Jiao Yinghou , Zhang Zhouqiang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIt has been observed that the geometry of a brush seal has a significant effect on the sealing performance. However, the relationship between rotordynamic coefficients and geometry factors of the brush seal itself are rarely considered. In this article, the rotordynamic coefficients of a typical single-stage brush seal for different geometries and operating conditions were numerically analyzed using CFD RANS solutions coupled with a non-Darcian porous medium model. The reaction force which plays an essential role in rotordynamic coefficients was obtained by integrating the dynamic pressure distribution. The influence of the bristle pack thickness, fence height, clearance size and other working condition parameters on aerodynamic force, stiffness coefficients, and damping coefficients of brush seal were presented and compared. In addition, the effects of various geometric configurations on pressure and flow features were also discussed.
Very low frequency of germline GPR101 genetic variation and no biallelic defects with AIP in a large cohort of patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas
Authors: Lecoq Anne-Lise , Bouligand Jérôme , Hage Mirella , Cazabat Laure , Salenave Sylvie , Linglart Agnès , Young Jacques , Guiochon-Mantel Anne , Chanson Philippe , Kamenický Peter 
Published: January 2016

ContextRecently, germline and somaticGPR101p.(E308D) mutation was found in patients with isolated acromegaly. It is not known whetherGPR101point mutations are associated with other histological types of pituitary adenoma.ObjectiveWe sought germlineGPR101mutations in patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas, and compared the phenotypes ofGPR101mutation carriers andAIPmutation carriers.DesignAn observational cohort study performed between 2007 and 2014 in a single referral center.ParticipantsThis prospective study involved 766 unselected patients (413 women) with sporadic pituitary adenomas of all histotypes.MethodsEntireGPR101andAIPcoding sequence were screened for germline mutations.ResultsTwelve patients (1.6%) were found to carry theGPR101p.(E308D) mutation or rareGPR101variants. The minor allele frequency of theGPR101mutation and variants was higher in patients with pituitary adenomas than in unaffected individuals included in the Exome Aggregation Consortium database. Three of the six patients with theGPR101p.(E308D) mutation had adult-onset acromegaly, two had adrenocorticotropin-secreting adenomas, and one had a nonfunctioning macroadenoma. Six patients carried rareGPR101variants. GermlineAIPmutations or rareAIPvariants were identified in 32 patients (4.2%).AIPmutation carriers were younger at diagnosis thanGPR101mutation carriers and non carriers. None of the patients harbored mutations in both theGPR101andAIPgenes.ConclusionGermlineGPR101mutations are very rare in patients with sporadic pituitary adenomas of various histotypes. No digenism withAIPwas identified. Further studies are required to establish whether and how genetic variation inGPR101gene contributes to pituitary tumorigenesis.
Six months of daily treatment with vardenafil improves parameters of endothelial inflammation and of hypogonadism in male patients with type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, prospective trial
Authors: Santi Daniele , Granata Antonio R M , Guidi Alessandro , Pignatti Elisa , Trenti Tommaso , Roli Laura , Bozic Roberto , Zaza Stefano , Pacchioni Chiara , Romano Stefania , Nofer Jerzy Roch , Rochira Vincenzo , Carani Cesare , Simoni Manuela 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with endothelial dysfunction, characterized by a reduction of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) improve NO levels. The aim of the study was to investigate whether long-term, chronic treatment with the PDE5i vardenafil improves systemic endothelial function in diabetic men.DesignA prospective, investigator-initiated, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted.MethodsIn total, 54 male patients affected by T2DM, diagnosed within the last 5 years, and erectile dysfunction were enrolled, regardless of testosterone levels. In all, 26 and 28 patients were assigned to verum and placebo groups respectively. The study consisted of an enrollment phase, a treatment phase (24 weeks) (vardenafil/placebo 10 mg twice in a day) and a follow-up phase (24 weeks). Parameters evaluated were as follows: International Index of Erectile Function 15 (IIEF-15), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), serum interleukin 6 (IL6), endothelin 1 (ET-1), gonadotropins and testosterone (measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry).ResultsIIEF-15 erectile function improved during the treatment (P<0.001). At the end of the treatment both FMD (P=0.040) and IL6 (P=0.019) significantly improved. FMD correlated with serum testosterone levels (R2=0.299;P<0.001). Testosterone increased significantly under vardenafil treatment and returned in the eugonadal range only in hypogonadal men (n=13), without changes in gonadotropins. Chronic vardenafil treatment did not result in relevant side effects.ConclusionThis is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of chronic treatment of vardenafil on endothelial health-related parameters and sexual hormones in patients affected by a chronic disease. Chronically administered vardenafil is effective and improves endothelial parameters in T2DM patient. Moreover, chronic vardenafil therapy improves hypogonadism in diabetic, hypogonadal men.
Primary Care Access, Emergency Department Visits, and Unplanned Short Hospitalizations in the UK
Authors: Cecil Elizabeth , Bottle Alex , Cowling Thomas E. , Majeed Azeem , Wolfe Ingrid , Saxena Sonia 
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Demand for unplanned hospital services is rising, and children are frequent users, especially where access to primary care is poor. In England, universal health care coverage entitles parents to see a general practitioner (GP) for first-contact care. However, access to GP appointments is variable, and few patients can see their own regular GP out of hours (OOH). The goal of this study explored the association between access to GPs , emergency department (ED) visits and short hospitalizations (&lt;2 days) in children in England.

METHODS:
ED visit and short hospitalization rates were investigated in 9.5 million children aged &lt;15 years registered with English family practices between April 2011 and March 2012 by using administrative hospital data. Six access categories ranked all practices according to patients’ reported ability to schedule GP appointments; from national GP Patient Survey data. GP consulting hours were 8:00 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays.

RESULTS:
There were 3 074 616 ED visits (56% OOH) and 470 752 short hospitalizations over the 12 months studied. Children registered with practices in the highest access group compared with the lowest were 9% less likely to visit an ED (adjusted rate ratio: 0.91 [95% confidence interval: 0.89–93]), particularly OOH compared with consulting hours (10% vs 7%). Children in the highest access groups were equally likely to be admitted for a short stay.

CONCLUSIONS:
Increasing GP accessibility might alleviate the burden of ED visits from children, particularly during peak times OOH. Short hospitalizations may be more sensitive to other aspects of health systems.
Trans-disciplinary Research: An Academic-Practitioner Partnership Effort on Investigating the Relationship between the Cooperative Model and Sustainability
Authors: Newell Robert , Dale Ann , Herbert Yuill , Duguid Fiona , Foon Rebecca , Hough Peter 
Published: January 2016

<p>This article details novel research methodology developed through a researcher-practitioner partnership and employed in a three-phase research effort that explored relationships between the co-operative model and sustainable development. Firstly, a basic understanding of the characteristics of the co-operative model was established using the co-operative principles as a framework, and their complementarity to sustainable development was examined by comparing them with sustainability theory, principles and best practices (defined through seminal journal articles on the topic). Secondly, relationships between sustainability theory and the ideas and operations of currently functioning co-operatives were investigated, namely, whether co-operatives had integrated sustainability into their organizations. Thirdly, an integrated analysis that examined the relationship between co-operatives, the co-operative principles and sustainability concepts was conducted, and output from this work was used to build a visualization (referred to as the ‘Co-operative Star’), specifically designed to communicate a synthesis of research findings to diverse audiences. This study specifically focused on co-operatives and sustainability; however, the analytical techniques developed and employed have applications for other research involving comparisons between concepts and large bodies of literature, and it is particularly useful for comparing theoretical works (such as academic literature) with texts that discuss operations and practices (such as website and reports).</p>
The Effects of Job Instability and Financial Strain on C-Reactive Protein in a Sample of Mexican Immigrants
Authors: Steffen Patrick R. , Walker Jill , Meredith Richard , Anderson Chris 
Published: January 2016

<p><strong>Objective:</strong> Mexican immigrants have lower cardiovascular disease risk than US citizens, but risk increases with level of acculturation. Our study investigated whether job stress and financial strain would be related to inflammation (C-reactive protein), lipids, and blood pressure, and if they would play a role in the acculturation process in Mexican immigrants. </p><p><strong>Method:</strong> A sample of 310 Mexican immigrants living in the United States were studied on measures of job stress, financial strain, acculturation, and cardiovascular disease risk factors (C-reactive protein, lipids, and blood pressure). </p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Job instability, financial strain, and acculturation, were related to inflammation, but psychological demands and decision latitude were not related. Lipids and clinic blood pressure were not related to the variables of interest. Body mass index was related to both increased acculturation and inflammation, and when controlling for BMI, acculturation was no longer a significant predictor of inflammation. Job instability and financial strain remained significant predictors of inflammation after controlling for BMI, gender, and age. Job instability and financial strain were not related to acculturation, suggesting that these factors are significant stressors for both newly arrived and more established immigrants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Job instability and financial strain predict increased inflammation in Mexican immigrants but they do not play a role in the relationship between acculturation and C-reactive protein. The effects of acculturation on inflammation in this study were mediated by BMI. <em>Ethn Dis.</em> 2016;26(1):37-44; doi: 10.18865/ed.26.1.37</p>
Racial and Economic Disparities in Diabetes in a Large Primary Care Patient Population
Authors: Heidemann Danielle L. , Joseph Nicholas A. , Kuchipudi Aishwarya , Perkins Denise White , Drake Sean 
Published: January 2016

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>We sought to determine if, after adjusting for economic status, race is an independent risk factor for glycemic control among diabetic patients in a large primary care patient population.</p><p><strong>Design, Setting, Participants: </strong>We performed a retrospective chart review of 264,000 primary care patients at our large, urban academic medical center to identify patients with a diagnosis of diabetes (n=25,123). Zip code was used to derive median income levels using United States Census Bureau demographic information. Self-reported race was extracted from registration data.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Main Outcome Measures: </strong>The prevalence of diabetes, average glycated hemoglobin (A1c), and prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes of White and Black patients at all income levels were determined.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>White patients had a lower average A1c level and a lower prevalence of diabetes than Black patients in all income quartiles (P&lt;.001). Among White patients, the prevalence of diabetes (P&lt;.001), uncontrolled diabetes (<em>P</em>&lt;.001), and A1c level (P=.014) were inversely proportional to income level. No significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes (P=.214), A1c level (P=.282), or uncontrolled diabetes related to income was seen in black patients (P=.094).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Race had an independent association with diabetes prevalence and glycemic control. Our study does not support two prominent theories that economic and insurance status are the main factors in diabetes disparities, as we attempted to control for economic status and nearly every patient had insurance. It will be important for future analysis to explore how healthcare system factors impact these observed gaps in quality. <em>Ethn Dis. </em>2016;26(1):85-90; doi: 10.18865/ed.26.1.85</p>
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Related Risk Factors in the City of Oran, Algeria: the ISOR Study
Authors: Houti Leila , Hamani-Medjaoui Imane , Lardjam-Hetraf Sarah A. , Ouhaibi-Djellouli Hadjira , Chougrani Saada , Goumidi Louisa , Mediene-Benchekor Sounnia 
Published: January 2016

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Aging and lifestyle changes had led to an epidemiological transition, with a significant impact on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in North Africa. <br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Objective</strong>: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors, which were unknown, among an urban population in Algeria.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> During 2007-2009, 787 individuals aged 30-64 years, randomly selected from the list of insured persons residing in the city of Oran, participated in a clinical, anthropometric and biological survey. Participants were classified according to the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III definition of metabolic syndrome.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 20%, higher in women than men (25.9 vs 13.7%; P&lt;.0001). Among the<br />components of the syndrome, the most common risk factors observed in women were a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration (60.4% vs 44.2% in men) and abdominal obesity (46.8% vs 30.1% in men) whereas men displayed more high blood pressure (42.5% vs 34.8% in women). In men, metabolic syndrome was more frequent in married and highly educated participants. In contrast, women with a high level of education and who had an intermediate level of physical activity seemed to be protected.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Metabolic syndrome, prevalent in the urban population of North Algeria, is associated with a high proportion of low HDL-cholesterol and abdominal obesity, especially among women. There is a need for prevention strategies involving promotion of physical activity for the whole population and screening for hypertension among men. <em>Ethn Dis</em>. 2016;26(1):99-106; doi:10.18865/ed.26.1.99</p>
The Evolution of Legal Education in the United States and the United Kingdom: How one system became more faculty-oriented while the other became more consumer-oriented
Authors: Stuckey Roy 
Published: January 2016

<p>This paper explores how our approaches to preparing lawyers for practice became so different. It traces the evolution of the systems for preparing lawyers for practice in the United Kingdom and the United States, and it examines the relative merits of our current situations. Part I describes the key differences in our systems. Part II recounts major events in the histories of legal education in the United States and the United Kingdom. Part III describes new initiatives in the United Kingdom and the United States that may improve legal education.</p>
The Effects of Cumulative Victimization on Mental Health Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Mustanski Brian , Andrews Rebecca , Puckett Jae A. 
Published: January 2016

Objectives. To examine the effects of the cumulative victimization experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths on mental disorders. Methods. We recruited 248 participants from the Chicago, Illinois, area in 7 waves of data collected over 4 years, beginning in 2007 (83.1% retention rate). Mean age at enrollment was 18.7 years, and 54.7% were Black. We measured depression and posttraumatic stress disorder using structured psychiatric interviews. Results. Latent class analyses of victimization over time identified a 4-class solution. Class 1 (65.4%) had low, decreasing victimization. Class 2 (10.3%) had moderate, increasing victimization. Class 3 (5.1%) had high, steady victimization. Class 4 (19.2%) had high, decreasing victimization. Controlling for baseline diagnoses and birth sex, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths in classes 2 and 3 were at higher risk for depression than were those in class 1; youths in classes 2, 3, and 4 were at elevated risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. Conclusions. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths with steadily high or increasing levels of victimization from adolescence to early adulthood are at higher risk for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Mental Health of Transgender Veterans in US States With and Without Discrimination and Hate Crime Legal Protection
Authors: Blosnich John R. , Marsiglio Mary C. , Gao Shasha , Gordon Adam J. , Shipherd Jillian C. , Kauth Michael , Brown George R. , Fine Michael J. 
Published: January 2016

Objectives. To examine whether indicators of community- and state-level lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality are associated with transgender veterans’ mental health.Methods. We extracted Veterans Administration data for patients who were diagnosed with gender identity disorder, had at least 1 visit in 2013, and lived in a zip code with a Municipality Equality Index score (n = 1640). We examined the associations of whether a state included transgender status in employment nondiscrimination laws and in hate crimes laws with mood disorders; alcohol, illicit drug, and tobacco use disorders; posttraumatic stress disorder; and suicidal ideation or attempt.Results. Nearly half (47.3%) of the sample lived in states with employment discrimination protection, and 44.8% lived in states with hate crimes protection. Employment nondiscrimination protection was associated with 26% decreased odds of mood disorders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59, 0.93) and 43% decreased odds of self-directed violence (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.34, 0.95).Conclusions. Understanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender social stressors can inform treatment and care coordination for transgender populations.
Public Funding for Contraception, Provider Training, and Use of Highly Effective Contraceptives: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Thompson Kirsten M. J. , Rocca Corinne H. , Kohn Julia E. , Goodman Suzan , Stern Lisa , Blum Maya , Speidel J. Joseph , Darney Philip D. , Harper Cynthia C. 
Published: January 2016

Objectives. We determined whether public funding for contraception was associated with long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use when providers received training on these methods. Methods. We evaluated the impact of a clinic training intervention and public funding on LARC use in a cluster randomized trial at 40 randomly assigned clinics across the United States (2011–2013). Twenty intervention clinics received a 4-hour training. Women aged 18 to 25 were enrolled and followed for 1 year (n = 1500: 802 intervention, 698 control). We estimated the effects of the intervention and funding sources on LARC initiation with Cox proportional hazards models with shared frailty. Results. Women at intervention sites had higher LARC initiation than those at control (22 vs 18 per 100 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04, 1.98). Participants receiving care at clinics with Medicaid family planning expansion programs had almost twice the initiation rate as those at clinics without (25 vs 13 per 100 person-years; AHR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.59, 3.19). LARC initiation also increased among participants with public (AHR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.09, 2.22) but not private health insurance. Conclusions. Public funding and provider training substantially improve LARC access.
Heterogeneous Effects of Housing Vouchers on the Mental Health of US Adolescents
Authors: Nguyen Quynh C. , Rehkopf David H. , Schmidt Nicole M. , Osypuk Theresa L. 
Published: January 2016

Objectives. To assess the mental health effects on adolescents of low-income families residing in high-poverty public housing who received housing vouchers to assist relocation. Methods. We defined treatment effects to compare 2829 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in families offered housing vouchers versus those living in public housing in the Moving to Opportunity experiment (1994–1997; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY). We employed model-based recursive partitioning to identify subgroups with heterogeneous treatment effects on psychological distress and behavior problems measured in 2002. We tested 35 potential baseline treatment modifiers. Results. For psychological distress, Chicago participants experienced null treatment effects. Outside Chicago, boys experienced detrimental effects, whereas girls experienced beneficial effects. Behavior problems effects were null for adolescents who were aged 10 years or younger at baseline. For adolescents who were older than 10 years at baseline, violent crime victimization, unmarried parents, and unsafe neighborhoods increased adverse treatment effects. Adolescents who were older than 10 years at baseline without learning problems or violent crime victimization, and whose parents moved for better schools, experienced beneficial effects. Conclusions. Health effects of housing vouchers varied across subgroups. Supplemental services may be necessary for vulnerable subgroups for whom housing vouchers alone may not be beneficial.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Low Birth Weight in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia
Authors: Martinson Melissa L. , Reichman Nancy E. 
Published: January 2016

Objectives. To compare associations between socioeconomic status and low birth weight across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, countries that share cultural features but differ in terms of public support and health care systems. Methods. Using nationally representative data from the United States (n = 8400), the United Kingdom (n = 12 018), Canada (n = 5350), and Australia (n = 3452) from the early 2000s, we calculated weighted prevalence rates and adjusted odds of low birth weight by income quintile and maternal education. Results. Socioeconomic gradients in low birth weight were apparent in all 4 countries, but the magnitudes and patterns differed across countries. A clear graded association between income quintile and low birth weight was apparent in the United States. The relevant distinction in the United Kingdom appeared to be between low, middle, and high incomes, and the distinction in Canada and Australia appeared to be between mothers in the lowest income quintile and higher-income mothers. Conclusions. Socioeconomic inequalities in low birth weight were larger in the United States than the other countries, suggesting that the more generous social safety nets and health care systems in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia played buffering roles.